tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35421920137702871342024-03-18T04:47:38.481-05:00The Teaching ThiefAmanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-79006661544761179332017-06-12T21:45:00.003-05:002017-06-12T21:45:56.868-05:00Official Change of Address...Blog Address That Is<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello wonderful followers,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have news!! I'm moving!! Well... my blog is moving.</span></div>
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<a href="http://classroomhoopla.blogspot.com/"><img alt="http://classroomhoopla.blogspot.com/" border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="756" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeSErCgBKDu-shreViQnDsc29HcuWDybLiaAKimk1q2W3gIvHQ5lJe4cFYx4lt9yrS3pci4toT-J16uG1Cxb6oTKO9o9qMC7FIIoYXQhJUqVSNWlfJYOrHne8-L2CTFWW7EiU1XP1cl1Z/s400/Pic+Button.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am now at <a href="http://classroomhoopla.blogspot.com/2017/06/welcome-to-classroom-hoopla.html">Classroom Hoopla</a>! </span> <b> </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click the picture above to go check out my new blog and find out more about one of my <b>favorite classroom management techniques</b> and my newest <b><i>forever </i>freebie</b> in my store!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://classroomhoopla.blogspot.com/2017/06/classroom-bingo-for-win.html"><img alt="http://classroomhoopla.blogspot.com/2017/06/classroom-bingo-for-win.html" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="635" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uJgA8KOE3XzWe7MfIUkKwnCyvaWiUNUs-6-yk69Ge_bmMAPXwvG3JtDQ5I-LBGmU5i2-ihJ9M1DEAOti6pr-v6z3-uHjrHjHvRcJsQOfH8W5o0c9s7_FZb72aiumZ-IYNPYo96ecHcID/s320/ClassroomBingo7.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for being such wonderful readers, collaborators, and friends. I have enjoyed every minute of being The Teaching Thief. <b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I hope you will join me at the <a href="http://classroomhoopla.blogspot.com/2017/06/welcome-to-classroom-hoopla.html">HOOPLA</a>!</b></span></div>
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<br />Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com615tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-75606830239109269192016-08-04T00:27:00.000-05:002016-08-04T00:27:06.371-05:00Teach Like A Pirate Book Study {part 2}<div style="text-align: left;">
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Yo ho! Yo ho! It's a pirate's life for me. </h3>
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<b>What qualifies as treasure to teachers?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Student engagement? Student learning?
Student’s remembering what we’ve taught?</div>
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<b><br /></b></h3>
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<b>If student engagement and learning is the ultimate teacher
treasure, then Part 2 of Teach Like a Pirate is the official treasure map. </b></h3>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>Part 2 of Teach Like A Pirate is chalk full of engagement
strategies.</b> Burgess provides you with 63 pages of ideas to help teachers build
presentation into their lessons and increase student engagement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The long and short of it is… presentation matters. <b>It
matters how we present our material.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
As Burgess says, “There is no
award given to the teacher who fills every class period with bell-to-bell
instruction. It doesn’t matter how much material you teach, it only matters how
much is received.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
How true is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but
I’ve taught this</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Um… clearly, it
was not received. <b>You can teach and teach and teach, but if the material isn’t
being received, then you will always find yourself back at square one. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Hmmm???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it wasn’t the content that I lacked in my lesson,
perhaps it was my presentation. Perhaps I just didn’t teach it in a memorable
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Never fear though, Dave has got you
covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From huge ideas like creating a
room transformation to small ideas like leaving a message on the board, Burgess
provides you with <b>32</b> (assuming I've counted correctly) possible hooks for your lessons.<br />
</div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Below are a few of my favorite hooks. </h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
For a complete list compiled by Stephanie at Third Grade Thoughts, <a href="http://www.3rdgradethoughts.com/2013/07/what-im-reading-wednesday-teach-like.html">click here</a>. For a complete list and a thorough description of each with inspirations
stories and more, buy the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Pirate-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Kinesthetic Hook</h4>
<h4 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The kinesthetic hook is all about incorporating movement
into your lessons. This could include gestures of some kind, acting something
out, or throwing and catching something. <b>Movement gets kids involved.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
About five years ago I started teaching all my geometry
vocabulary through movement and gestures. Each vocabulary word from “line” to
“symmetry” had a gesture that reminded students of the meaning of each word. We
reviewed and practiced our vocabulary everyday throughout the unit, and <b>I
couldn’t believe how successful my students were at retaining the vocabulary.</b>
Units later, they could still tell me the difference between a “line segment”
and “ray.” They used their gestures constantly. I even saw a few doing the
movements quietly during the test.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Safari Hook</h4>
<h4 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The safari hook is simply going somewhere outside of your
classroom for a particular lesson. <b>Just by changing the scenery and mixing
things up, students are more alert and attentive.</b> This takes no planning at
all, just a little thinking ahead about where would be the best place to
deliver your lesson. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
My hope this year is to make it outside more often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My school has a wonderful outdoor
classroom/gazebo that I would like to take advantage of. I was also thinking
the playground would be a very fun place for a geometry scavenger hunt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The Mozart Hook</h4>
<h4 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The Mozart hook is about bringing music into your lessons. I
use music in my classroom, but not always in a thoughtfully crafted way. It’s
more… let’s listen to the Beatles while we work sort of way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
My goal this year is to start matching some music with some
of our content, especially to help set the stage in reading. Wouldn’t that be a
cool way to introduce a historical text?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With music from that time period?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b>Music is such a powerful representation of an era. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
For example, we always read a few articles about the Dust
Bowl and the Great Depression during our reading unit. My students are always
fascinated by these topics and this historical era. They became even more
engaged and excited about their learning when we watched a video that included images and <i>The Dustbowl Blues</i> by Woody Guthrie. </div>
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Between the pictures and the music, students had a
profoundly better understanding of the time period and read with enthusiasm,
asked incredible questions, and demonstrated some powerful thinking. <b>The lesson
quickly went from good to great with just a little extra in the presentation.</b></div>
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4. The Interior Design Hook</h4>
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The interior design hook is about transforming your space!
This hook encourages teachers to change the look or layout of their room for a
specific lesson.</div>
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We do this for Writing Camp every year. For the week before
the Texas Writing STAAR test, all our 4<sup>th</sup> graders head off to Camp
Write-A-Lotta. We transform our classroom into cabins by decorating our doors
and bringing in tents and camping chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The students love walking in Monday morning and seeing the
transformation. It’s magical. </div>
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<b>Changing the classroom for the day makes the day and the
learning for the day feel special.</b> Gotta love that! </div>
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This year I want to find ways to do this more. Maybe just a
quick one day transformation here or there. <b>Have you transformed your
classroom?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love to hear any
tips, advice, or stories you have about this idea.<i> Please please share!!</i></div>
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5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Props Hook</h4>
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The props hook is exactly what it sounds like – bringing in
props and/or pictures for students to see, study, and hold. Easy enough and
something that takes just a little bit of planning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9uB05UZ8VhhcV1lpXGGYX4VxhC5bqM4E1zROctu7JrD2JKN7c1x8tp78HwgUHxOBVeYb4Puv7OS1Z48ey0YkxhL1M9Yt0fKA0ueprVZUnZ5mGJLfYgfljpEUVj-UL6crvuJD2cgtjTKA/s1600/molasses5455news.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9uB05UZ8VhhcV1lpXGGYX4VxhC5bqM4E1zROctu7JrD2JKN7c1x8tp78HwgUHxOBVeYb4Puv7OS1Z48ey0YkxhL1M9Yt0fKA0ueprVZUnZ5mGJLfYgfljpEUVj-UL6crvuJD2cgtjTKA/s400/molasses5455news.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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My favorite prop is my jar of molasses. You see, every year
we read this incredible article about the Great Molasses Flood in Boston,
Massachusetts in 1919. Many of my students have heard of molasses, but few have
cooked with molasses or fully understand the viscosity of the substance. So, I
bring in a jar. We open it up and smell it. We pour a little out and watch it
ooze down the side of a cup. <b>This drastically increases the engagement and the
understanding of our reading and it’s really fun!! </b></div>
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*****<br />
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With so many strategies, it was hard to pick just five to
share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could go on and on, but instead
I’m just going to highly recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Pirate-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600">Teach Like A Pirate</a>. It is one that you will
want to pull off your shelf again and again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sooo many good ideas and sooo many ways to energize the teacher, engage
the students, and make teaching and learning more exciting, memorable, and fun!</div>
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If you missed my first post on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Pirate-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600">Teach Like A Pirate</a>, check it out <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/07/teach-like-pirate-book-study-part-1.html">here</a>. Also, check out <a href="http://daveburgess.com/">Dave Burgess' blog</a> for further inspiration and general awesomeness. :)<br />
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Part One and Part Two Complete.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm-uebk1OcfWtiV0OgTfSV5p2IrQAJkfGvFOoCzi-lv_LRPl8BykoInNULNl6WafrH_GSu0K0qFKmVK_t1vjlXldw302VXWDdREaiKC-bfsoA6jNQ3debPuv38oY4jc-XX9OsjL5205Wu/s1600/TTSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm-uebk1OcfWtiV0OgTfSV5p2IrQAJkfGvFOoCzi-lv_LRPl8BykoInNULNl6WafrH_GSu0K0qFKmVK_t1vjlXldw302VXWDdREaiKC-bfsoA6jNQ3debPuv38oY4jc-XX9OsjL5205Wu/s1600/TTSignature.png" /></a></div>
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-44965764810512811962016-07-31T19:16:00.001-05:002016-07-31T19:49:44.555-05:00Best Year Ever Sale & GiveawayHello all!<br />
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As I'm sure you've heard, the Back-To-School <b>SALE</b> is about to start on TPT. <br />
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<b>Mark your calendars and set your alarms, this site-wide sale runs from August 1-2.</b><br />
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I don't know about you, but I've been prepping for this all summer. I've been saving up my TPT credits and loading up my wishlist. And.. that wishlist is long. Really long. Almost as long as my Amazon book wishlist.<br />
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And I'm sure yours is too!<br />
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To celebrate, I'm having a <b>super quick giveaway</b>! Almost a flash giveaway really, because this one is going quick!<br />
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<b>It's just a little somethin' somethin' to help with some back to school shopping.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyatIlDQS5jD0A5QF4bVlMrFbRwLdW8RdNgXUH7LWKTjM86izqOr7gskzxJBPBXpkGaUAYRnn3qThxnOHhFhDS-6ttOLf9CI1V7jxVsSOPJqU2rpDPEjPALM0NWzYnpMCbDthYtZi3_x6W/s1600/TPTGiveawayBanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyatIlDQS5jD0A5QF4bVlMrFbRwLdW8RdNgXUH7LWKTjM86izqOr7gskzxJBPBXpkGaUAYRnn3qThxnOHhFhDS-6ttOLf9CI1V7jxVsSOPJqU2rpDPEjPALM0NWzYnpMCbDthYtZi3_x6W/s400/TPTGiveawayBanner.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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One winner will receive $10 to TPT, $10 to Amazon, and $10 to my TPT store.</h3>
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Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Giveaway ends August 2nd (super early so that you still have time to shop!)</div>
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Good luck & happy back to school!!</div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="538664102" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/538664102/" id="rcwidget_ylsz43oq" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<br />Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-29696141745306595322016-07-29T10:47:00.000-05:002016-07-29T10:47:01.444-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 8<div style="text-align: center;">
It's Fri-yay! And time for another installment of Fiction <strike>Friday</strike> Fri-yay!</div>
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<a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html"><img alt="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLOHxJ5F7VRFuzXBqLp3xzOz0qaBhNex32khNirs7yK-70KRPnJWx9b_vw126QWuBEhXjyXJHmYfLd01CWZPW_8AAQzzpSDHMXxjtAgN1MMuInf-tccgJ8DibzwLF7lCl-VsA9hF-Ti2z/s400/2016+Fiction+Friday.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the things I love about reading is that reading can take you so many places. This week, let's go to space and let's go to camp!</h4>
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</h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Space Case</u></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
by Stuart Gibbs</h3>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Space-Case-Moon-Base-Alpha/dp/1442494867"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Space-Case-Moon-Base-Alpha/dp/1442494867" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3PH8hZc0NvMOA6cZQQ1NHDYsvu_cvDpSICsi2cCRTLHDJ4eOtt-QYxzS4-TnSG3fUO2zmxgy3MOD91bSjC0by4HYaGLYyTCfAil3oWeDXxtJNR5npfDYg1dV9LjMCh-g5GTnPp03q3CP/s640/spacecase.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Space-Case-Moon-Base-Alpha/dp/1442494867">Space Case</a> is another <a href="http://www.txla.org/new-tba-list-released">2016-2017 Bluebonnet Nominee</a>. Of course, I immediately recognized the author because <a href="http://stuartgibbs.com/">Stuart Gibbs</a> has been pumping out all kind of great spy books the last couple of years. <b>For my advanced 4th grade readers, he is one of their favorite authors.</b> However, I am embarrassed to say that this is the first book of his I've read, but it won't be my last!<br />
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<b>Because y'all...it was great!</b> <b>I can see why it is picking up awards left and right.</b><br />
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<b>Space Camp takes place on Moon Base Alpha in Earth Year 2041.</b> Twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is one of the first people to live on the moon with his family and 30 or so other scientists. <b>At first, living on the moon was an exciting adventure, but it's not long before the cramped quarters, rules, and routines become just as boring as the dehydrated food that is being served.</b> But all that changes, when a scientist dies unexpectedly. Dash knows it couldn't have been an accident. <b>He is convinced that Dr. Holtz was murdered to cover up his newest secret discovery.</b> Now he has to prove it and not get himself killed in the process. <br />
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<b>This was a great mystery for upper elementary and middle grades.</b> It kept me guessing all the way until the end. The mystery unfolded at the perfect pace, logically allowing the reader to connect the dots along with Dash and yet offered twists and turns along the way.<br />
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Dash is incredibly likeable character. He is intelligent, kind, and determined. <b>He's definitely a character you can get on board with for the whole Moon Base Alpha series.</b> Check out the sequel: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spaced-Out-Moon-Base-Alpha/dp/1481423363">Spaced Out </a>(released April 2016). I mean...who would have thought the Moon was the perfect setting for a mystery series? Loved it!<br />
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<u><b>Book Information:</b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Mystery</li>
<li> 337 pages</li>
<li>Grades 4-7 </li>
<li>Guided Reading Level W</li>
</ul>
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*****</div>
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Nerd Camp</h2>
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by Elissa Brent Weissman</h4>
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I'm cheating a little bit here, because I actually read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nerd-Camp-Elissa-Brent-Weissman/dp/1442417048">Nerd Camp</a> last summer. But, it was so good and I never had a chance to share it on my blog, so... today is the day.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nerd-Camp-Elissa-Brent-Weissman/dp/1442417048"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Nerd-Camp-Elissa-Brent-Weissman/dp/1442417048" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiZAzrgBtFyeLqhC5RSfpcep0PVPYMuEPLrmLvFO6ZeJvcJuKAsge6o9ud_27XIeb5V9ZIjfkJZSilDwnaiwvXuxoG3fAAQUIfbF9isJuEOCWc3gHvqfOF_FVn7PNQ8f9NK2MKLXxAVMF/s640/nerdcamp.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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<b>Nerd Camp is all about Gabe, one of the most lovable characters <i>ever</i>.</b> Gabe is not your typical 5th grade student. He's brilliant. He enjoys poetry, solving mathematical proofs, and memorizing digits in pi. He might even remind you of a few students you've had in the past. And, he has been accepted to the Summer Center for Gifted Enrichment, i.e. Nerd Camp. </div>
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He can't wait to go, but when his father announces he is getting remarried, Gabe begins to worry he may be too much of a nerd for his new step-brother, Zack. After all, he is going to Nerd Camp. <b>But, when Nerd Camp turns out to be the adventure of a lifetime (even with the "nerdy" twists), Gabe learns he can be himself (nerd or not) and find a true friend in Zack. </b></div>
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<b>This is a hilarious and fun story that celebrates all things nerdy and the beauty of being yourself.</b> The minor characters in the story are so great. You will love all the kids at Nerd Camp. I read a review online that said they will remind you of the characters on The Big Bang Theory and in many ways I find that to be true. <b>They are a group of incredibly likable kids who are gifted beyond belief. And they are forging invaluable friendships, going on wild adventures, and learning all sorts of cool things about science and themselves along the way.</b> </div>
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I want to go to Nerd Camp!</h4>
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This was a huge hit with many of my students last year, but especially my gifted students. The characters really resonated with those students, who I think often ask themselves if they too are a nerd? <b>Gabe gives them a voice and through his journey, they gain acceptance and pride in themselves too.</b> I'm so thankful for this book and looking forward to reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Space-Case-Moon-Base-Alpha/dp/1442494867">Nerd Camp 2.0</a>.</div>
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<b><u>Book Information:</u></b></div>
<ul>
<li>Realistic Fiction</li>
<li>272 pages</li>
<li>Grades 3-7</li>
<li>Lexile Measure 810L</li>
</ul>
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And, there you have Week 8 of Fiction Fri-yay!</h3>
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<br />Both of these books take you to wonderful places. Just one of the many perks of reading. </h3>
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Where are some of your favorite literary places?</h3>
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Link up to share your favorite books that take you to great places, real or imaginary. And, don't forget to click through all the links below for more great reads.</div>
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Thank you so much for joining us for another Fiction Friday. </div>
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<a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html"><img alt="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSwtZSlVpEdfcFVIy4s9uc4CLHEZi8XXo-scQNHvoYBDWtxSg_exUvXgzU4YBr0h0o4Bi5wMO_NibL-anpqUWkYkmJPcdabF8ljP40J4cTog-UxjtetrmdWwF9vNQi6EaBPSO53bFNAzX/s400/2016+Fiction+Friday.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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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. </div>
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Thank You & Happy Reading!</div>
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-27410022902508114682016-07-22T11:24:00.002-05:002016-07-22T11:25:54.042-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 7<div style="text-align: center;">
It's already time for another installment of Fiction Friday, which means another week of summer has come and gone. I'm convinced time actually moves faster after July 4th and summer just sails away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDMMm2srUOwVzwBdfihwZVNkKh531T8OEHcLekOzGa2RbXFTliviL4Oiei0neFnRQ0iLZ1_FTiTDeE3ajodSsrLA7NhAit2Ai4c-vhPBHgbJYEAsjFfF5eccvFfdWAIqkWObGVXJYZLWR/s1600/2016+Fiction+Friday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDMMm2srUOwVzwBdfihwZVNkKh531T8OEHcLekOzGa2RbXFTliviL4Oiei0neFnRQ0iLZ1_FTiTDeE3ajodSsrLA7NhAit2Ai4c-vhPBHgbJYEAsjFfF5eccvFfdWAIqkWObGVXJYZLWR/s400/2016+Fiction+Friday.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today, I'm excited to share two more books from the <a href="http://www.txla.org/new-tba-list-released">2016-2017 Texas Bluebonnet Nominee List</a>.<br />
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<b>Both books have beautiful inviting covers, but more importantly both books have incredibly unique, creative, enjoyable story lines. </b><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Fog Diver</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Joel Ross</div>
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<b>The Fog Diver is a futuristic novel set hundreds of years in the future, a deadly white mist has covered the Earth and all of humanity is living on the highest peaks and sky ships. </b>The unequal distribution of wealth has become even more magnified. Most people are poor, living in the rumbling junkyards which is basically the slums, desperate to survive. All the wealth is tied up with five families ruling over the masses and one evil Lord Kodoc who rules it all.<br />
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<b>The story follows one particular salvage crew who fly the skies and send their tether boy, Chess, through the fog to scavenge anything of value left over from another time.</b> This salvage crew has a unique set of skills, but Chess is more special than anyone knows. He was born in the fog. <b>He thrives in the fog. He is the ultimate fog diver. And Lord Kodoc wants him!</b> As the crew sets out to outrun and outsmart Lord Kodoc they find themselves involved in the adventure of a lifetime involving <b>pirates</b>, <b>diamonds</b>, and <b>secrets</b>.<br />
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<b>This was a great adventure novel! </b>One chapter ended and you immediately wanted to dive into the next one. <b>This well-written story unfolded at a proper pace that kept the reader engaged but still curious. </b>Beautifully crafted imagery helps the story come alive and the constant misuse of current of "old" words makes the lead characters all the more endearing.<br />
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<b>This novel is totally purple and 100% unique!</b> I can't wait to share this gem with my 4th graders this upcoming year.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<b><u>Book Information:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Science-Fiction</li>
<li>328 pages</li>
<li>Grades 3-7 </li>
</ul>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Nightmares!</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Jason Segel & Kristin Miller</div>
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Yes, Forgetting Sarah Marshall wrote a book. A children's book. And ya'll, it's really good. <b>I'm not sure what I was expecting when I read Nightmares! but it certainly wasn't too enjoy it as much as a did. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nVNziFuEfpx2ZdIAQr2GF1ygdB9FvcPKGg_StHOLnk_mML3yWFd50b-zMOthNfIuRmhv1t55voIHqfhXOyU5yv2uHbdjC-Hbv-v2g_yYt0zE9uwmczF42OGCLa1NLnUkGrPlh1ytN2Tm/s1600/jason-segel-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nVNziFuEfpx2ZdIAQr2GF1ygdB9FvcPKGg_StHOLnk_mML3yWFd50b-zMOthNfIuRmhv1t55voIHqfhXOyU5yv2uHbdjC-Hbv-v2g_yYt0zE9uwmczF42OGCLa1NLnUkGrPlh1ytN2Tm/s320/jason-segel-book.jpg" width="213" /></a>Charlie Laird has just a few big problems: His mother died. He father has remarried. He is convinced his step-mother is a witch. He's living in a super creepy purple mansion. And, he is having nightmares! Terrible terrible nightmares! From the moment he moved into the mansion, Charlie's nightmares have been getting worse.<b> As Charlie's fear grows, so do his nightmares. </b>Each night they become more and more real, until finally they cross over into his world and become a reality only to lure him back into the dreamworld for good. <b>He's no longer sleeping his nightmare. Charlie Laird is living it.</b> <b>He must find the courage to face his fears to save himself, his friends, and ultimately his town.</b><br />
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<b>This book is so much more than a spooky mystery.</b> It is about what motivates us to overcome our fears and power of love, friendship, and family. It's true. We are all scared of something. But one can not move past that fear, without facing it. <b>It is about
having the courage to conquer your fears and the strength you gain from those you love.</b><br />
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Very well done. Very unique. Very fun. Another great start to a new series. <br />
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This quote is the PERFECT way to describe this book -<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"<b><i>Coraline</i> meets <i>Monsters, Inc.</i> in this delightfully entertaining offering</b> from actor [Jason] Segel and co-author [Kirsten] Miller."—<i>Publishers Weekly</i> </div>
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<u>Book Information:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Fantasy</li>
<li>355 pages</li>
<li>Grades 3-7</li>
<li>Lexile Level 670L</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level U </li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
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<h3>
<b>And that's it for Fiction Friday: Chapter 7. </b></h3>
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<h3>
<b>Just another wonderful week in the world of Children's Literature. </b></h3>
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Have you read any of the books above? I would love to know your take . Please share your thoughts, comments, and
recommendations below.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Link up to share your own Children's Lit discoveries this summer and don't forget to click through all the links below for more great recommendations.<br />
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And as always, thank you for joining us for Fiction Friday!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
When linking up, <i>please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog</i>. Also, please choose an image of a book you blogged about for the link.</div>
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Thank You & Happy Reading!<br />
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-72065524613361844802016-07-21T10:33:00.000-05:002016-07-21T10:33:17.888-05:00The Reading Strategies Book: Goal 5 {Book Study}<b>One of the greatest gifts of summer is time</b>. Time to dive into whatever inspires you, rejuvenates you, and relaxes you. One of my favorite ways to spend my time is reading. This summer I have been reading about <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/07/teach-like-pirate-book-study-part-1.html">pirates</a>, catching up on some <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html">children's literature</a> and diving into <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Strategies-Book-Everything-Developing/dp/032507433X">The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_1o9-B148mSqyigeKeJ9GoIGMO-Sp_bFplnQIfmT2y137JV6iXZxegeBX8A4KrozqeQz0XzVeQ-gW8M-_AVsfZrRpaDRMoQ5mkD0rDOfYp68r8vFYPmx5psgPXeeBgowT24veaMOQWpA/s1600/The+Reading+Strategies+Book+Study+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_1o9-B148mSqyigeKeJ9GoIGMO-Sp_bFplnQIfmT2y137JV6iXZxegeBX8A4KrozqeQz0XzVeQ-gW8M-_AVsfZrRpaDRMoQ5mkD0rDOfYp68r8vFYPmx5psgPXeeBgowT24veaMOQWpA/s400/The+Reading+Strategies+Book+Study+Header.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week I am teaming up with some amazing bloggers to host a quick reflection of<b> Goal 5 -Supporting Comprehension in Fiction: Understanding Plot and Setting. </b><br />
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Truthfully, this book had been on Amazon wishlist for awhile, but I never pulled the trigger on the purchase. I don't know why! Now, I can't believe I didn't have this book in my hands the minute it was published. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Strategies-Book-Everything-Developing/dp/032507433X">The Reading Strategies Book</a> is truly an incredible resource for teachers. It is practical, easy to use, and filled with great ideas that are easily implemented and great for students</b>. I can't wait to make this book part of my daily practice in the classroom.<br />
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To catch up on our book study and all things <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Strategies-Book-Everything-Developing/dp/032507433X">Reading Strategies Book</a> related click below:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://applefortheteach.blogspot.com/2016/06/reading-strategies-book-study-kickoff.html">Intro & Book Set-Up</a></li>
<li><a href="http://applefortheteach.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-reading-strategies-book-study-goal.html">Goal 1: Supporting Pre-Emergent and Emergent Readers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://applefortheteach.blogspot.com/2016/06/reading-strategies-goal-2-reading.html">Goal 2: Teaching Reading Engagement</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thechocolateteacher.blogspot.com/2016/07/reading-strategies-goal-3-supporting.html">Goal 3: Supporting Print Work: </a></li>
<li><a href="http://thechocolateteacher.blogspot.com/2016/07/reading-strategies-goal-4-teaching.html">Goal 4: Teaching Fluency: </a> </li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Now, let's take a closer look at Goal 5</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Supporting Comprehension in Fiction:</span></b></u></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Understanding Plot and Setting</i></span></h2>
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<a href="http://wallpaper-s.org/11__Lost_in_a_Good_Book.htm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://wallpaper-s.org/11__Lost_in_a_Good_Book.htm" border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf3WUJxUej_eU2_rituTcqU3E7tdccGeqPhbp6dySPysVEZLDeLivY545_GnP2W3KL6qzAUeVd8SjweXZ0-PWqsVvwRsIhH1P4AR_6IOQ_ELqm879HFnzUOg6VA4xDVDWuQaM62MrKIxC/s400/lost_in_a_good_book-t2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Why is Goal 5 important? </b> Well, it is basically the heart of what makes reading enjoyable. <b>The best reading happens when one is completely immersed in the text, lost in another world, and apart of a story that feels all too real. </b>Naturally, we want all our students to experience this true magic of reading. But in order for this to happen, readers must know what is happening. They need to know the who, the where, and the what to fully understand what they read. <b>Plot and setting are a pretty big deal.</b><br />
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<b>Who needs Goal 5?</b> Students who may need additional practice with this skill are your kiddos that retell with WAAAY too much detail, or not enough detail, or jumble up the order of events during a retell. They are the kids that miss the connections between events and don't see how one event leads to another event in the story. <b>Sequential understanding is a key component of understanding plot.</b> I can think of many students who fall into one or more of these categories and I'm sure you can too.<br />
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Serravallo breaks down plot and setting into 4 parts and offers
twenty-eight (TWENTY-EIGHT!) different strategies to support readers
working on this goal. <br />
<ul>
<li>problem/conflict and solution/resolution</li>
<li>retelling/summarizing (must be sequential)</li>
<li>visualizing setting</li>
<li>cause and effect (connecting events in the story)</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Today, I want to focus on three strategies that I can't wait to use with my students this year in both independent conferences, guided reading, and general reading instruction.</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JN2jdgobGXyOXACj1xqiIG0keOu5rFYoyVXSyDzvDVrqkYoNZkH5GE1i-YEuGHshciEj3MdqWDZBfbAF6FnqOYkuLEfh-b137uhQQ30xIuRxyXnXzCFoe3ZkVMZYOkGvjmLZJCj4h7hM/s1600/Focus+Strategy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JN2jdgobGXyOXACj1xqiIG0keOu5rFYoyVXSyDzvDVrqkYoNZkH5GE1i-YEuGHshciEj3MdqWDZBfbAF6FnqOYkuLEfh-b137uhQQ30xIuRxyXnXzCFoe3ZkVMZYOkGvjmLZJCj4h7hM/s1600/Focus+Strategy+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
5.3 Summarizing What's Most Essential</h2>
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<b>What is it?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This strategy focuses on summarizing what is most important in the story <i>in order</i> in a way that makes sense. It is ideal for levels E-K and fictional texts.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This is basically an introduction to a good fictional summary. I love the language Serravallo uses to explain a summary. She says, "Your summary should include enough information to make sense to someone who hasn't read the story before. That means you need to make it clear in your summary how one event led to another." <b>This idea forces students to think about the most important events that are connected to each other, not simply part of the story. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-t2LguVJWA82nL8Ip_cgzWz5EItu3ud6OAZZ6Br-G4aBDdrNPr0SQkTBwFiIgkYxRqrLkozitdB9mtvPzwm07O4_SA-jXSvxT1eOdnmcWFkRJTZZyvn67fsQyNMCdzr9_yf8i5eosUdn/s1600/IMG_6761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-t2LguVJWA82nL8Ip_cgzWz5EItu3ud6OAZZ6Br-G4aBDdrNPr0SQkTBwFiIgkYxRqrLkozitdB9mtvPzwm07O4_SA-jXSvxT1eOdnmcWFkRJTZZyvn67fsQyNMCdzr9_yf8i5eosUdn/s400/IMG_6761.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Best Part:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My favorite part of this strategy was the foldable idea presented in the book (shown above, The Reading Strategies book, pg. 136). <b>It is a wonderful visual for students and serves as a practical guide for summarizing.</b> I could see making these foldables with my small group as we talk about the important elements of a good summary. Then using this tool each time we finish a book or a chapter to help us practice. I can't wait!<br />
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Now, I know you could easily recreate this with markers and colored paper, but I was so excited about this idea, that I created a template for my students to use to create their own.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Essential-Summary-Foldable-2659143"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Essential-Summary-Foldable-2659143" border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoTr2kh_qfgxy0KOKywe5DV3HymChTGU0fprwO4ozrtO9aOC5u-rgVnhmojFMyhqZ1w6PkonT7bVD-vki6y8cCb_w7F4svUxzq43Sdfop3B-Gclp1kMKQM41fwYN6QFtTZ6M05owCZePa/s400/SummaryCover.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Essential-Summary-Foldable-2659143"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Essential-Summary-Foldable-2659143" border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1fsAmQCULWGVt2x2HojonQT-Am4W3yhkx-GXSIVvaRN7hcZQXPu3b27-3rGvifseWJbVf2klpLGHoDFSX6EukHwRYrf4C-NVpw93JWKGtvZVIKwwZ1Pfx6Y9peq2prYIDCcn8YLSmvgx/s400/EssentialSummaryExample.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>If you think you may use this strategy and would like to use my<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Essential-Summary-Foldable-2659143"> template</a>, go for it!</b> Click the pictures above to download it for <i>free</i>! <br />
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5.14 Chapter-End Stop Signs</h2>
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<b>What is it?</b></div>
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This strategy gives students additional practice finding the most important events in each chapter. <b>At the end of a chapter, students simply stop and jot the most important event.</b> Students can then reread their notes to remind themselves of where they are in the story. This strategy is great for kids reading level L and up.</div>
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It is also incredibly <b>versatile</b>. You could easily use post-it notes, bookmark, or notes page to keep track of big ideas in each chapter.<br />
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<b>I've used them all, but I like the notes page best for independent reading/conferences and guided reading.</b> I like to have everything all in one place and easily accessible. Kids simply fold the page in half, stick it in their books, and use their notes as their bookmark.<br />
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Click the image below to grab my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Chapter-STOP-and-Jot-Summary-Notes-Sheet-2659117">End-of-Chapter Summary Stop & Jot Notes Shee</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">t</a>. It includes a two-sided fill in the chapter form and pages for chapters 1-47.</div>
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<b>Best Part:</b></div>
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I love to use this strategy during read alouds. After each chapter, we pause and think about the most important event in that chapter. We write 1-2 sentences on a strip of colored paper and add it to our "Story Chain." I just tape the new sheet on to the old and we keep building on, always switching colors for each chapter. By the end of the novel, our "Story Chain" is almost touching the floor! <br />
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<b>This is a great way to help students keep track of the "important stuff" as we read and serves as a jumping off point the next day when we return to our book.</b> Plus, it create a pretty fun display in the classroom. I really wish I had a picture to show y'all, but (of course) I can't find a a single one. Follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/teachingthief/">Instagram</a> and I will be sure to post a picture this upcoming year when we start again. :)</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
5.24 FQR (Facts/Questions/Response) </h2>
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Sheets for Filling in Gaps</h2>
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<b>What is it?</b></div>
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This strategy is helpful when you are reading a book that is a bit confusing. A FQR Sheet is any simple three column chart with a column for facts, questions, and responses. I have known about FQR charts for what feels like forever, but I always associated them with non-fiction text. <b>Turns out, they are great for fiction too! </b>FQR charts are a great way to help readers on levels Q and up develop a better understanding of complicated plots.</div>
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<b>Best Part: </b></div>
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<b>I love that it is a new way to use this old idea.</b> Recommended for when you are reading a more challenging text that is set in imaginary places or historical times, this strategy helps the reader take stock of what they DO know and what the NEED to know to better understand the text. I can think of so many books this would be great for: The Westing Game, City of Ember, The Fog Diver, <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2015/06/fiction-friday-2015-chapter-2.html">Sky Jumpers</a>, <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2015/08/fiction-friday-chapter-8.html">The Lost Planet</a>, etc. </div>
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These are three of my favorite strategies from this chapter, but I flagged many more in my book. I hope you find these ideas as helpful and inspiring as I did. I'm just itching to get started. </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for joining my for a quick look at </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Goal 5: Understanding Plot and Setting. </h4>
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Have you read The Reading Strategies Book? <br />
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Do you already use it in your classroom? Tell us more!<br />
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We would love for you to share your knowledge, ideas, and expertise with us. </div>
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-67375430799772753572016-07-15T06:00:00.000-05:002016-07-15T06:00:06.157-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 6 {Picture Book Edition}<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome back to another lovely installment of Fiction Friday. </div>
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<a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html"><img alt="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXakJ3hCOQ0T-VjV0o_lm29td0USyJoOvAbqf81QiCdbFTwT9PoSsBE6RuefDot7KI7OpH5DBvn3XBHso8LhdmSunBXVacyjocAV4H4l-qE8_k8yMTSg94jfvN7s7a2f3_1bslP2GPVcF/s400/2016+Fiction+Friday.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week I'm featuring some of the picture books off the <a href="http://www.txla.org/new-tba-list-released">2016-2017 Bluebonnet Nominees List</a>.<br />
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All the books are either biography or literary non-fiction, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed them all. I found this year's selections to be well written, beautifully illustrated, and filled with captivating stories. <br />
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<h2>
Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved A Mystery</h2>
<h2>
that Baffled All of France </h2>
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Written by Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno</div>
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<b>In this book, readers learn the steps in the scientific
method, gain an understanding of the placebo effect, discover where the
word mesmerized comes from, and hear an exciting story about Ben
Franklin.</b> Seriously, this book has it all!</div>
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<u>Mesmerized</u> follows the story of Dr. Mesmer, a doctor from Vienna and his quick rise to fame. Back in the 1770s, Dr. Mesmer
was astonishing Europe with his new medical treatments. <b>He claimed the discovery of a new invisible force - a new type of magnetism that was
healing people instantly.</b> He would wave his iron wand and make people feel
better. It was strange. It was uncanny. And it sounded too good to be true
to King Louis. So, he called in Ben Franklin. <b>Using the scientific
method, Ben set out to learn more about this strange and remarkable new
discovery and uncover the secrets of Dr. Mesmer and his magic wand.</b><br />
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<b>This
was a lively and fun read!</b> The story grabs the reader from the
beginning and the illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the
text. It would be a great book to read as an introduction to the
scientific method or you could use it for just about any reading strategy. <b>Recommended for grades 2-5, this is
must-have for your teacher shelf.</b><br />
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<h2>
The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch </h2>
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Written by Chris Barton, Illustrated by Don Tate</div>
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<u>The
Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch</u> is a biography of a truly <i>remarkable
</i>man whom I bet you have never heard of. I certainly hadn't. <b>John Roy Lynch began his life as a slave and ended up a elected to
the U.S. Congress! </b></div>
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After living his first sixteen years as a slave in Mississippi, John Roy set out to create a new life for himself after the Emancipation Proclamation. He was a skilled reader, writer, and orator who held many odd jobs along the way including working as waiter, photographer, and Justice of the Peace. <b>Ten years after leaving slavery and at the ripe old age of 24, he was elected to the Mississippi State House of Representatives.</b> He even became the Speaker of the House. Like I said, he was a truly remarkable man. <br />
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Having never heard about John Roy Lynch, I was engrossed in the history surrounding his story. His political success and accomplishments in the years following the Civil War were absolutely incredible for anyone, let alone a former slave. <b>Barton does an incredible job of keeping it real with the history and directly addresses the anger the South felt after the war and the violence that followed.</b> The comic-like illustrations help soften the text while keeping true to the story and the history.<b> </b><br />
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<b>I have to admit, this book left me with tons of questions about this time period and an thirst for more knowledge about this era in our country's history.</b> I felt like I missed a huge chunk of American history, but this expertly crafted book has opened my eyes.<br />
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<b>If you teach U.S. History, then you need this book!</b> Although ideal for grades 2-5, the story is inspiring and <u>worthy of all ages</u>. I can't wait to blow my students away with this powerful story.<br />
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<h2>
A Fine Dessert</h2>
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by Emily Jenkins & Sophie Blackall<br />
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<b>Did
you know that blackberry fool is one of the oldest desserts in Western
culture, dating back to the 16th century?</b> Me either. In fact, I didn't
even know that blackberry fool was a classic dessert made from
blackberries (duh!), sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream. It sounds
absolutely divine!</div>
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In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Jenkins take us on the history of this "fine dessert."<b> </b>Although the ingredients have stayed the same, the methods of creating and the historical context of the creations have changed from 1710 to 1810 to 1910 to 2010.<br />
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<b>The concept behind this book is very cool. </b><br />
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Unfortunately, this picture book has caused quite a stir for being racially insensitive. <br />
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When I read what others had to say and looked back at the book, I understood. I found myself viewing the book in a whole new light. In fact, the author, Emily Jenkins, has publicly apologized saying, "I have come to understand that my book, while intended to be inclusive
and truthful and hopeful, is racially insensitive. I own that and am
very sorry." (<a href="http://www.slj.com/2015/11/industry-news/emily-jenkins-apologizes-for-a-fine-dessert/#_">School Library Journal, Nov. 2015</a>) <br />
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That being said, the book is out there. And, if you are like me and teach in Texas, it is one of our Bluebonnet nominees this year, so it can't be ignored. <b>Luckily, as teachers we have an opportunity to facilitate great conversations in our classrooms around this book.</b><b> </b><br />
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<b>Teachers could use this as an opening to model critical thinking and looking at historical biases within a text.</b> The pages set in 1810 offer a great opportunity to take a closer look at the time period and ask ourselves as readers some poignant questions:<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>Would that have really happened? Why or why not? </i></li>
<li><i>Is this a honest portrayal of the life of slave during that time? </i></li>
<li><i>If not, why does the book portray the story in that light? </i></li>
<li><i>What other messages might the author be trying to show?</i> <i> </i></li>
<li><i>Do you agree or disagree with this author's choices? </i></li>
<li><i>What does this make you think about when reading future texts about slavery?</i></li>
<li><i>How has this changed you as a reader? </i> </li>
</ul>
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<b>By asking these tough questions we have the chance to broaden our student's thinking, awaken the critical reader inside, and encourage them to look at the same piece of text through a variety of perspectives.</b> We have an opportunity change the way they approach reading a historical text.<br />
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This book is generally recommended for younger children, aged 4-8, however, <b>I think it is more suitable in upper elementary or even middle school classrooms as simple text that would yield deep thinking and ignite classroom discussions.</b><br />
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I just love discovering new picture books! Especially ones that can be used in the classroom as mentor texts, comprehension lessons, pure enjoyment etc, etc, etc. <b>Great literature can be used and incorporated so many different ways.</b><br />
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Have you read any of the books above? Do any of these titles fit your classroom reading needs? I would love to know how you plan on using these books in the classroom. Please share your thoughts, comments, and recommendations below.<br />
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Now, it's your turn to link up with some new discoveries or old. </div>
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Don't forget to click through all the links below for more great children's literature recommendations.</div>
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When linking up, <i>please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog</i>. Also, please choose an image of a book you blogged about for the link.<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-8303975798748022682016-07-13T06:14:00.000-05:002016-07-13T06:14:07.159-05:00Easy iPad Apps for Everyone: Shadow Puppet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9pNgoevGoMCdJty-WPcRFpPg4P6btoty074uo9z3Yg-JZBJlZOhPAj-AItE_RpJUzdo7QYplRQ5ojz666s4MFaKQU0pM3pXU1oLyRL7gg2BgvoVXWaDsfa6IHf3-1EG3uhnp22zmWDCJ/s1600/iPad+Apps+Series.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9pNgoevGoMCdJty-WPcRFpPg4P6btoty074uo9z3Yg-JZBJlZOhPAj-AItE_RpJUzdo7QYplRQ5ojz666s4MFaKQU0pM3pXU1oLyRL7gg2BgvoVXWaDsfa6IHf3-1EG3uhnp22zmWDCJ/s320/iPad+Apps+Series.png" width="320" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
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Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
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Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
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</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->I think effective technology integration comes down to two
things:<br />
<ul>
<li>using technology frequently </li>
<li>planning ahead </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
That's
why I'm taking some time this summer to really get to know some great apps that
I plan on using in the classroom this year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>If you are like me and only have a
few iPads available to you on a daily basis, you need apps that meet
certain qualifications.</b></div>
<br />
<b>NUMBER 1:</b> It absolutely has to be easy to use. I want my students to be able to figure things out quickly, get started right away, and use it often.<br />
<br />
<b>NUMBER 2:</b> It has to produce a product within a reasonable amount of time. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>NUMBER 3:</b> It has to allow groups to easily work on one project together. <br />
<br />
Previously, I shared an app with you called <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/06/easy-ipad-apps-for-everyone-adobe-voice.html">Adobe Voice</a> that allows students to quickly create a video with background music, images, and voice over to tell a story, share about themselves, or create a class book. Very cool. <br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Today, let's take a look at Shadow Puppet.</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsdwrTd1bkWIo331Wvoyeilht3v_L1zWC3enryo8a-p9741lEJurr1N_Hn0qDXCjv085IYJiNZmoErDVnYvn99ENwFnTstl6Wf8_07XC8Uvdhp9bmzg27qB-6qOzex8NVD6pueJ5VB3gf/s1600/shadwo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsdwrTd1bkWIo331Wvoyeilht3v_L1zWC3enryo8a-p9741lEJurr1N_Hn0qDXCjv085IYJiNZmoErDVnYvn99ENwFnTstl6Wf8_07XC8Uvdhp9bmzg27qB-6qOzex8NVD6pueJ5VB3gf/s1600/shadwo.png" /></a>Shadow Puppet is similar to <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/06/easy-ipad-apps-for-everyone-adobe-voice.html">Adobe Voice</a> in the product it creates, but the platform and look of the final products are a bit different.<br />
<br />
The two biggest differences I found are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Shadow Puppet is one recording for all slides, unlike Adobe Voice where you can record per slide. This makes it a bit more difficult for group projects and group recordings. </li>
<li>Pictures on Shadow Puppet fill up the whole screen instead of fitting into a themed background on Adobe Voice. I like that feature because it keeps the focus on the image. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Another small differences is that Shadow Puppet is part of SeeSaw Learning Inc. If you are already using or plan to use SeeSaw in your classroom, they work together seamlessly and makes it easy to share student work within your classroom community and with parents.<br />
<br />
<b>For classroom teachers, I recommend downloading the EDU version. </b>There is a regular version as well that allows for in-app purchases, however the edu version free includes features specific for classroom use.<br />
<br />
Once the app is downloaded, it is easy to get started. <b>Just click "create new" and you are ready to rock and roll.</b> It's very user-friendly and easy to use. <b>Simply select the images you want in your slideshow, add your extras to each slide, record your voice-over and you've got a movie.</b><br />
<br />
<h3>
Why do I love Shadow Puppet?</h3>
<ul>
<li>The bank of images readily available to include in your movie is <i>unbelievable</i>! You have direct access to online images from the Library of Congress, Met Musuem of Art, and NASA. You can also search Flickr, Wikipedia, maps, and your camera roll for images.</li>
<li>The app automatically adds photo credits to the end of the slideshow
reinforcing the importance of <i>digital citizenship</i> and <i>copyright</i>. </li>
<li>You can add music. There are 8 prerecorded background songs to choose from or you can pull from your iTunes library on the device.</li>
<li>It's simple to change the style, size, and location of text on each slide. </li>
<li>There is a variety of transitions for slide text. </li>
<li>When recording, you can use a magic wand to draw on your slide. Each drawing image fades, allowing the user to highlight important aspects of the image for just a moment. </li>
<li>You can share your product easily by directly uploading it to SeeSaw, emailing it, or even uploading to Instagram! There are tons of ways to share your video once it has been created. You can even embed it on a webpage (see below).</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe9-49D-ghhK8GLJKhN3XmFBXGFnzw6ZcsXC6MBjdEg6usw-4GHVbKteSt591p-xsqlEZyW5CLLCXtVaEGj8fhuIsWC75wydi2kcjzpxnEvlRB1oj6pxkllDFQfnszYgBCx64w3SwYmtJ/s1600/tumblr_inline_n9t0jczHCV1s6k7nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe9-49D-ghhK8GLJKhN3XmFBXGFnzw6ZcsXC6MBjdEg6usw-4GHVbKteSt591p-xsqlEZyW5CLLCXtVaEGj8fhuIsWC75wydi2kcjzpxnEvlRB1oj6pxkllDFQfnszYgBCx64w3SwYmtJ/s320/tumblr_inline_n9t0jczHCV1s6k7nd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Shadow Puppet Blog: Puppet Feed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
</ul>
<b>Shadow Puppet is VERY educator friendly.</b> There are 30 different student project ideas right there in the app. Plus, you can check out <a href="https://twitter.com/puppet">Shadow Puppet on Twitter</a>. They have some great real-world teacher examples of Shadow Puppet in action. The ideas are endless! Here are just a few...<br />
<br />
<h2>
Student Project Ideas:</h2>
<ul>
<li><b>Biography Project </b>- Read a biography or participate in a research project on a famous person. Celebrate and present their life and accomplishments through a slideshow. </li>
<li><b>Phases of the Moon</b> - Have students search the NASA archives for examples of the moon phases, label them, and put them in order. </li>
</ul>
<h2>
Shadow Puppet Project Ideas I Loved:</h2>
<ul>
<li><b>Guess Who? </b>- Interview a classmate and create a video of a few of their favorite things. Have the class who is being described in the video.</li>
<li><b>Art Portfolio</b> - Create a slideshow of examples from all the art projects during the year. This could be a single student's artwork, or it could be a collaborative project by the whole class. </li>
<li><b>Digital Story Telling</b> - Take a picture of a favorite book, then voice-over a summary using other images to support the story from the beginning, middle, and end. </li>
<li><b>If I Were President</b> - Share 4-5 things you would do if you were president. Great activity during an election year.</li>
<li><b>Read Aloud</b> - Practice reading aloud from a book by taking a picture of each page and recording your voice as you read aloud.</li>
<li><b>Math Scavenger Hunt</b> - Take pictures of real-world fractions (for
example) around the school, then use the drawing tool to show your
fractions in the pictures. </li>
</ul>
</div>
The list goes on and on. <b>There really are so many wonderful ideas it can be a bit overwhelming.</b> I think the good news is that this app can easily be integrated into whatever you are working on in the classroom. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I plan on using Shadow Puppet during the first week of school for the GUESS WHO?? activity.</b> Students will work in groups to interview a group member and create a "Guess Who?" movie for the class.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a quick example I did to give my students the general idea. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="embedded-puppet" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="//get-puppet.com/v/3DsSrrIDjj8/e" width="400"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Don't you think this will be fun? <b>It will be a great way to incorporate community building and learning how to use Shadow Puppet at the beginning of the year. Two birds...one stone.</b><br />
<br />
I'm still working out the details on how to make this work, management wise with 24 children, 48 little hands, and 4 ipads. But, I figure - if there's a will, there's a way. I've got a few more weeks to work out all the details. <br />
<br />
If a strike of genius hits, I will surely fill you in. And if you have any words of wisdom and have made this work in your room, please share. Ideas welcome.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*******</div>
<br />
Have you used Shadow Puppet in your classroom? <b> </b><br />
<br />
Have you found the app to be successful with your students?<br />
<br />
What projects have you loved that you can't wait to do again?<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear how you incorporate this app into your daily classroom routine. I invite you to share your thoughts, comments, and questions below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaP3Sx_ZReog3v6u1008ObNd5BU0C7_QM5cHztVDbvH5N4wGPBdn1ahNi5TUTLDdvA3T1SzCGtVjPpD6-EQcNQFaU8qBbR7NcHjw-wnn73RTJdBI_zw7l62IF_bG6rb4SxibPGYr9qBWc/s1600/iPad+Apps+Series.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaP3Sx_ZReog3v6u1008ObNd5BU0C7_QM5cHztVDbvH5N4wGPBdn1ahNi5TUTLDdvA3T1SzCGtVjPpD6-EQcNQFaU8qBbR7NcHjw-wnn73RTJdBI_zw7l62IF_bG6rb4SxibPGYr9qBWc/s320/iPad+Apps+Series.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This summer has been a great time for me to build my technology repertoire: <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/06/easy-ipad-apps-for-everyone-adobe-voice.html">Adobe Voice</a>, <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/06/building-community-of-readers-with.html">Thinglink</a>, and Shadow Puppet have all proven to be excellent resources for my classroom.<br />
<br />
<b>My goal is to start my year off with 4 solid iPad apps that I can really use</b>. I don't need 50. I need a few really good apps that my students and myself can become <i>proficient </i>and <i>successful </i>with on a more regular basis. I hope you'll follow my journey.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for two more installments of iPad Apps for EASY Integration of Technology in Elementary Classrooms that <i>everyone </i>can use!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0W-OAWaCbTzXCMGwJ91rUOFjG5wfKhFeoCOGTjRNC1zHK2ICM4bxc6E9jOMVJmKrEqwg2OV7vxrKW_8SanwJTgzlDF2MQFPORQODD41bWQo1mhlXGOLH2CTXneJzlKRawK9SlGZtwn3s/s1600/TTSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0W-OAWaCbTzXCMGwJ91rUOFjG5wfKhFeoCOGTjRNC1zHK2ICM4bxc6E9jOMVJmKrEqwg2OV7vxrKW_8SanwJTgzlDF2MQFPORQODD41bWQo1mhlXGOLH2CTXneJzlKRawK9SlGZtwn3s/s320/TTSignature.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-37616566244207330252016-07-11T14:34:00.002-05:002016-07-12T17:18:22.645-05:00Teach Like A Pirate Book Study {part 1}<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Ahoy Mateys! Let's talk pirates and professional development!</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
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<b>Sometimes in life you get really lucky and the book your
principal gives you for a school-wide summer book study is a book that has been on your
list for ages!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>Suddenly, there it is!
Sitting on the table of the last staff meeting of the year just begging to be
read. <br />
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And I thought, FINALLY I will know what everyone has been
talking about!</div>
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I remember when <u>Teach like a Pirate</u> by Dave Burgess swept the
blogging community last summer. The book was everywhere, except in my hands
getting read. Apparently, last summer the pirate's life was not for me, but this summer I'm all in!<br />
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So, in case you are a bit like me and a little late to the pirate
party, let me catch you up a bit. Below are some thoughts, musings, and big ideas for Part 1: Teach Like A Pirate.</div>
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<b>First of all, Dave Burgess is inspiring and maybe a little intimidating, but truly remarkable.</b> In one word,
his book is <i>entertaining</i>. Filled with witty quips, memorable stories, and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">an honesty you can't ignore, </span><b>his book is a stunning example of his passion for teaching</b>. I would LOVE to be a student in this man's class. <br />
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His voice fills the pages as if he is beside you. <b>He's talking to you, guiding you, and to some extent holding you accountable.</b> I like that. You can't help but nod along in agreement.<br />
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Dave is all about <i>engagement </i>for kids and
bringing out the <i>fun </i>and <i>joy </i>in teaching. He is unapologetic about it being <b>our</b> job
to inspire students, create lifelong learners and engage kids each and every day in the learning process. You know? Like a pirate! </div>
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So, how do you teach like a pirate? Well, you certainty don’t
have your students walk the plank. </div>
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PART 1 defines what it means to be a teaching pirate. <b>The Teach Like A Pirate philosophy can be broken down
into 6 categories. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_nUVWmRscpj4-3XRSTfGCpqpfYmQIao5onrd4H0SFir6B7aOpQDsF2vWdSCGv3yj6N7SAUKgF47Y_bYrKmsbkIEer4LrKSv5k-oH9AJYVXk0HmjADWLpHS2M8ZKi-h8nGY8iEyMhQhpw/s1600/PIRATE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_nUVWmRscpj4-3XRSTfGCpqpfYmQIao5onrd4H0SFir6B7aOpQDsF2vWdSCGv3yj6N7SAUKgF47Y_bYrKmsbkIEer4LrKSv5k-oH9AJYVXk0HmjADWLpHS2M8ZKi-h8nGY8iEyMhQhpw/s640/PIRATE.png" width="474" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Passion:</b></u></h2>
Teachers need passion every day in the classroom. Burgress breaks down passion into three distinct categories:
Content, Professional, and Personal. <br />
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<li><b>Content Passion:</b> The love and excitement you have for specific topics and standards you teach</li>
<li><b>Professional Passion:</b> The reasons you became a teacher</li>
<li><b>Personal Passion:</b> The things you love and enjoy outside of the classroom that have nothing to do with teaching</li>
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This section really resonated with me. <b>I like the idea of looking at passions through different lens and finding ways to include each passion every day.</b><br />
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It's true. I am not always passionate about the subject I am teaching. The 4 regions and sub regions of Texas is not what I would call the most exciting topic in 4th grade. But, now I know to shift lens and use this opportunity to bring in my professional passions.<br />
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In the book, Burgess suggests writing down your professional passions to realign yourself as a teacher. <b>I mean, seriously, when was the last time your wrote down what you were passionate about as an educator? </b><br />
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Take just a few minutes and write some thoughts down. Here are mine:<br />
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<i>I am passionate about creating lifelong readers, writers, and communicators. I am passionate about getting kids to think deeply, ask questions, and think creatively. I am passionate about helping my students become problem solvers and community leaders. I want them to understand the power of kindness, empathy, and understanding. I want to create a room full of kind, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals who see strengths in themselves and strengths in others.</i><br />
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Once I got started, I almost couldn't stop. It turns out I have a lot of professional passion. :)<br />
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<b>Passion is not a singular entity. It comes in many forms. By including a mixture of all these passions in your teaching, your classroom becomes a place where engagement, joy, and excitement thrives for both the students and the teacher.</b><br />
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<u><b>Immersion:</b></u> </h2>
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Be a part of your class! <b>Join in the lessons - the discovery - the learning!</b> As Burgess says, "It is far more powerful to "swim" with your students."<br />
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I love being immersed in my classroom. In fact, most adults come into the room and can't find me. Why? I'm on the floor. Under a desk. Hunched in a corner. You get the idea. I tend to be knee deep in whatever we are doing and I love that! </div>
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<b><u>Rapport:</u></b></h2>
Connect with your students. Learn and know their interests. Make connections between the content and what already interests them. This creates buy-in and engagement. <b>Creating rapport with students not only creates a classroom climate that encourages risk, but it also alleviates a lot of misbehavior. </b>Win-Win.<br />
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Hearing that rapport and positive relationships are important was nothing new. But, it did make me think about how well I know my students <i>throughout </i>the year. <br />
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There are tons of fun ways to learn about your students during back to school. <b>But, don't forget to keep learning about them throughout the year.</b> As teachers, we all know how much they change and grow in one year with us. Interests change and grow throughout the year too. Consider giving those "get to know me" surveys throughout the year as well - maybe once every nine weeks. It will be fun for the kids to see what's changed too. Or add a "Get to Know More" component to your morning routine.<br />
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This year I'm excited to try Anytime Morning Messages from Emily at <a href="http://www.ilovemyclassroom.com/">I Love My Classroom</a>.
I was the lucky winner of her giveaway, but I already think I need the
other sets. These quick little prompts are the perfect way to squeeze
in a little extra get to know you time all year long. Each set includes a
daily question and a quarter page response sheet for students. To read
more about Emily's awesome community building creations, <a href="http://www.ilovemyclassroom.com/2016/06/morning-whiteboard-messages-why-i-love.html">click here</a>. She has sets for back to school, autumn, winter, and a special holiday edition.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Anytime-Morning-Messages-Community-Building-Prompts-2585737" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Anytime-Morning-Messages-Community-Building-Prompts-2585737" border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCED6l0yIojTAzatXiLfiuHh8vvidhTJM0QSytA2RiSdAiXykKFFM1LIUu0_SO4fmG0dB4JfhjvNSa32Ac2wTEHuxjlfLiycuz5UoSlbfpTv9quCJ_70PbvwcfLl5jbN5zsijLISKenbd/s320/anytime+morning+messages.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b>Ask & Analyze:</b></u></h2>
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<b>To help you become a effective teacher, you need to get creative! </b>Burgess describes the creative process and the questions he uses to help spur creativity. He believes it's all about asking the right questions so that your brain begins to generate possibilities.<br />
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One of the things I especially liked about this chapter was that he didn't say it was easy. <b>He describes the creative process as one of hard work, perseverance, and constant reflection.</b> His lessons are outstanding because he worked to make them outstanding.<br />
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Burgess writes, "Creativity is rarely about natural brilliance or innate genius. Much more often creativity results from properly directed attention, laser-like focus, relentless effort, and hard work."<br />
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<b>In other words, it takes <i>grit </i>people. </b>It takes the same thing we expect from our students. It takes stumbling over an idea, picking yourself up, trying again, and seeking improvement. I'm a fan.<br />
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"It's not supposed to be easy - it's supposed to be worth it."</h4>
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- Dave Burgess, <u>Teach Like A Pirate</u></h4>
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<u>Transformation:</u></h2>
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Transformation of a classroom begins with changing our expectations of what can be accomplished in the classroom. <b>Instead of looking at limitations, imagine the possibilities.</b> Go out of your way to make the content you teach interesting. Position lessons so that students can make connections to their daily lives. Reframe the "boring" content as something amazing.<br />
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Burgess asks, "Do you have any lessons you could sell tickets for??"<br />
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Hmmm.... do I? I'm not sure, but by golly, I want to get some. I'm sure there are lessons I could ramp up to be ticket worthy. Imagine what my students would say when they got home from school if I did.<br />
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<b>I loved this section because it got me fired up!</b> I want to have lessons worthy of ticket sales, and suddenly the wheels in my brain started turning. Creativity at work.</div>
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<u>Enthusiasm:</u></h2>
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Be enthusiastic! Be excited! Be willing to fake it if needed (until the enthusiasm becomes real) even if that means a couple of extra shots of espresso in the morning. :)<br />
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You know those days when you are excited to go to school, because you get to teach something really cool. I think the idea here is that we all (students and teachers) need more of those days. And it doesn't happen by accident. It happens through putting all these elements together. <b>It happens when you make a conscious choice to make each day exciting.</b> <b>It happens when you teach like a pirate!</b></div>
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*******</div>
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Having read PART 1 and then revisiting the ideas to write this post, I think I am even more inspired than ever! I loved PART 1 of Teach Like A Pirate and I love Dave Burgess!<br />
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These are not new ideas, but I believe they are the important foundational ideas of any good teaching philosophy. They are ideas that I strongly believe as an educator and it felt good to hear them again. <b>I think anytime we can have our beliefs affirmed and valued, especially in print, it makes us feel like we are not alone, we are on the right path, and we are making a difference. Pirates unite!</b><br />
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My thoughts and notes could never do <u>Teach Like A Pirate</u> justice. You simply have to read Dave's words yourself. Click the image below to go directly to Amazon to get your own copy to join the pirate ranks.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Pirate-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467930674&sr=8-1&keywords=teach+like+a+pirate"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-Pirate-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467930674&sr=8-1&keywords=teach+like+a+pirate" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEips-x1OfGsyd2WLSU2syPApsAIxkgxf7Ud8WPTYFKzCBr5p42Ud0CE-dFi_o8kiP1hwRNDFn5G8KJCraZMc9dnNm4L8xzJrgF2ZnTeHDQtdiYwrY5r4lCWJ0gyi3ag55NwhigbVDDsmgzY/s320/51c7vKRzfFL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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THANK YOU Dave Burgess for an inspiring, entertaining, and reflective summer read! I'm feeling rejuvenated and excited to teach like a PIRATE!</h3>
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Part One Complete. <br />
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-20096137870224592782016-07-08T16:32:00.002-05:002016-07-12T17:16:47.005-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 5<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy Fiction Friday folks!</h2>
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This summer, I've been making my way through the 2016-2017 Texas Bluebonnet Nominee list and I'm excited to report that I only have 2 books left! <b>This year's list is chock-full of great reads I can't wait to tell you more about.</b> I honestly recommend them all. For a complete list of the this years nominees, <a href="http://www.txla.org/new-tba-list-released">click here</a>. <br />
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<b>Today, I am going to focus on two books with dogs, because who doesn't love a good dog story?!</b> And, I'm happy to divulge that neither of the dogs in these books die. There are no Stone Fox, Where the Red Fern Grows, or Marley & Me endings here. All happy which makes me happy. :)<br />
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Woof: A Bowser and Birdie Novel</h2>
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by Spencer Quinn<br />
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<b>Woof is a mystery told from the perspective of a good ol' dog Bowser.</b> Unlike most canine narrators that speak fluent human, this narrator feels <b>100% like a dog</b>.
He is food driven, distracted by any sound or smell, and completely
obsessed with his owner. I loved it! It took me a bit to get used to the
story coming in through the lens of a pup, but pretty soon it was the
most defining and lovable characteristic of the story.<br />
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Bowser lived a rough city life with all sorts of street hooligans, until the fateful day when the dog catcher picks up him and hauls him off to the pound. <b>Set
in the Louisiana bayou, Bowser hits the lottery when Birdie picks him
as her belated birthday present from her Grandmother and brings him home.</b> He and Birdie soon find themselves mixed up in a
mystery of a stolen Marlin and a hidden treasure from long ago. Bowser, with his incredible since of smell, is an excellent detective. He
and Birdie set out to find answers and make sure "there are no loose
ends." <b>In an adventure that includes breaking and entering, a near
kidnapping, bayou alligators, and a mystery that goes back generations,
you will be rooting for Birdie and Bowser all the way! </b><br />
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<b>This was an entertaining, funny, and engaging read the whole way through!</b>
The chapters left off with great cliffhangers. I devoured the first
hundred pages in one day and couldn't wait to read more. I think kids
are going to LOVE Bowser and Birdie. They are the kind of characters who
become your literary friends. <b>It's a great read for animal lovers, mystery lovers, and those ready for a fast-paced fun adventure.</b> Looking forward to the sequel: Arf!<br />
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<b><u>Book Information:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Mystery</li>
<li>Grades 4-6</li>
<li>306 pages </li>
<li>Lexile Level 650L</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level U </li>
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A Handful of Stars</h2>
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by Cynthia Lord</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-NgFkHxjpCUp0gAIS8zcV8EHgcyIx3pyt6TQHM51Y-ux90XqCZ9oNGMRcdi5_3S5D0FPXPb0t3j5uS9tfIHfwMxHKoGrLMQbyqejbDrpV0saZYWFbE7F0ieHgKoGD7uV5JaG2M8Wdur0/s1600/handful+of+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-NgFkHxjpCUp0gAIS8zcV8EHgcyIx3pyt6TQHM51Y-ux90XqCZ9oNGMRcdi5_3S5D0FPXPb0t3j5uS9tfIHfwMxHKoGrLMQbyqejbDrpV0saZYWFbE7F0ieHgKoGD7uV5JaG2M8Wdur0/s320/handful+of+stars.jpg" width="221" /></a>The story opens with Lily's blind dog, Lucky, making a break for it across the wide open blueberry fields of eastern Maine. He is caught by none other than Salma Santiago, the daughter of a migrant worker in town for the blueberry harvest. <b> As fate would have it, Salma is just the friend Lily needs and vice versa. </b></div>
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Soon, they are making blueberry enchiladas and painting bee houses together to raise enough money for Lucky's expensive cataract surgery. <b>Lily is a reserved color-in-the-lines kind of girl, while Salma is a scribble-all-over- the page kind of girl. They are completely different but alike in all the ways that matter. </b>When Salma decides to run for Blueberry Queen at the upcoming Blueberry Festival, Lily is not sure how the town will handle things. After all, Salma is the first migrant worker to participate in the small town contest. However, with Salma's whimsical artistic talents, heartwarming honesty, and Lily's help she may just win the Blueberry Queen Pageant and show this small town exactly what it looks like to be brave. <b>Together, these girls go on a summer adventure that will teach them what's important to hold on to and what's important enough to let go. </b></div>
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<i><b>I loved this book!</b></i> It honestly took me forever to write a quick blurb because there was so much depth and complexity between these pages. <u>A Handful of Stars</u> is more than a book about a dog and a friendship. <b>It is a novel about overcoming cultural biases and personal obstacles, finding your inner strength, accepting change, celebrating differences and finding the courage to stand out from the crowd.</b> Filled with quotes that resonate with readers of all ages, I couldn't put this book down. And the ending was <i>perfect</i>. </div>
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One of the marks of a truly incredible novel is that you will never look at the something the same way again. <b>The story has connected with you and changed you. That is the true power of fiction.</b> Blueberries will never be the same after reading this book. From the amazing blueberry facts woven throughout the text, to the symbolism of blueberries, stars, and friendship...blueberries are different now. They are more important. Great read!</div>
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I'm looking forward to recommending this book it to my 4th graders, especially students who enjoyed <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2013/06/fiction-friday-chapter-1.html">How to Steal A Dog</a> or <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2012/10/fiction-friday-celebrating-childrens.html">A Crooked Kind of Perfect</a>. It's not nearly as heavy as <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2012/07/fiction-friday-chapter-5.html">Rules</a> (another fabulous Cynthia Lord novel) but still sooo good. </div>
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<b><u>Book Information:</u></b></div>
<ul>
<li>Realistic Fiction</li>
<li>Grades 3-7</li>
<li>192 pages</li>
<li>Lexile Measure 690L</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level S</li>
</ul>
These two books were so very different and so wonderful and special in their own way. I'm so glad they made the Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee list this year. Well done, Bluebonnet Committee, well done.<br />
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<b>As always, thank you for joining me for Fiction Friday. </b><br />
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<b>Please share your thoughts on these books and recommendations below. </b></div>
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<b>Have a blog? Link up and share a few of your favorites. </b><br />
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When linking up, <i>please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog</i>. Also, please choose an image of a book you blogged about for the link. </div>
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For more great books, please visit the <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday-archive.html">Fiction Friday Archive</a> or click through this summer's Fiction Friday Link Up below.<br />
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Happy Reading! </h3>
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-39910477883922210902016-07-06T08:00:00.000-05:002016-07-06T08:00:15.840-05:0015 Ways for Teachers to Utilize Parent Volunteers {freebie}<b>I believe classroom volunteers can be an incredible asset to teachers.</b> However, a few years ago I would have told you that I hated having classroom help. Seriously.<br />
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<b>In the past, having classroom volunteers always ended up being a lot more work for me.</b> I had to plan ahead when I was mostly living day by day. I had to prepare activities (with directions) for parents to do with students. Organizing small groups for parent volunteers was my nightmare. <b>Without the content knowledge and
background of what and <u>how</u> I was teaching, it was difficult for
parents to support students without a lot of instruction and explicit
direction from me.</b> I even went to the extent of writing a mini-lesson plan. Whaaat?? That's outrageous! Ain't nobody got time for that.<br />
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<b>Then I realized I was going about it all wrong.</b> There are millions of ways for volunteers to support a classroom, big
and small. I wasn't thinking about involving parents in our classroom the right way.<br />
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When I think of classroom volunteers I no longer limit my
thinking to in-class support. In fact, it was all the in-class support
that was stressing me out. <b>Now, I think about what can I honestly commit to and what would make my life easier, benefit my students, and make learning more meaningful and fun.</b><br />
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Here is a list of easy ways I've found to utilize parent volunteers in any classroom, but especially upper elementary and beyond. </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUt3hb2n2vLdnHzVkGSFjdL4IEIhkgMzUZozahUvQFlilOnNIQmMi_nVEmE0ct2-FglwwJpm9Ea0yGtG1v-_RbhjIfpiU4C9g8yU8Mxwicb_GQdH6SuWFriWh5Qh7poMxGQ_feGScpod2/s1600/15EasyWaysParentVolunteers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUt3hb2n2vLdnHzVkGSFjdL4IEIhkgMzUZozahUvQFlilOnNIQmMi_nVEmE0ct2-FglwwJpm9Ea0yGtG1v-_RbhjIfpiU4C9g8yU8Mxwicb_GQdH6SuWFriWh5Qh7poMxGQ_feGScpod2/s400/15EasyWaysParentVolunteers.png" width="386" /></a></div>
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1. Mystery Readers</h3>
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Invite a parent to come in once a week or once a month to read a picture book to your class, but don't tell your class who is coming in. It is the most fun when it is a surprise. I suggest collecting names at the beginning of the year of those interested and emailing out a Google Doc sign-up sheet in the first few weeks with all the dates for the school year. </div>
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2. Art in the Classroom</h3>
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Have a crafty or artistic parent? Invite them into the classroom to do an art project with the kids every couple of months. </div>
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3. Copy Heroes</h3>
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Have a parent make copies for you. I recommend a 1/4 sheet with directions that you can paper clip to the top of each page you need copied. One sided or two? Staples? Holes? This minimizes questions and allows you to keep on teaching when your amazing copy hero shows up to help. You can easily make your own or click the image below to download my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Copy-Volunteer-Form-2620104">Superhero Copy Volunteer Form</a> for <b><i>free</i></b>. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Copy-Volunteer-Form-2620104"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-Copy-Volunteer-Form-2620104" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7F7c9NNhLM_cYvCUgmqASVEvbCQLLIuur_hWnxFVp1P72jKkz2zINncYGOIPYoY3n2INvQgGXW-iCmHXIkYG0qoQBbRj8k-SfkBCaibk7LcK5ReJ-1nA3uxHtELYYRCXalwtJ9k_1O8yp/s400/SuperheroVolunteerForm.png" width="297" /></a></div>
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4. Sending in Supplies & Requested Materials</h3>
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This is a great option for working parents and we ALWAYS need glue, like <u>always</u>. Our classroom couldn't run without the help of these generous parents, so they get an A+ as a parent volunteer in my book.</div>
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5. Sharpening Pencils</h3>
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Send home a bag of new or dull pencils to be sharpened at home with a student. You will never have to sharpen a pencil again!</div>
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6. Cutting, Folding, & Creating</h3>
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Another great at-home help is sending home lamination to be cut, centers or games to be created, or foldables that need folding. I always send home all necessary materials (baggies, craft sticks,etc.) and an example what I would like done. </div>
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7. Bulletin Board Help</h3>
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Invite a parent with a great design eye to put up and take down your exterior bulletin boards.</div>
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8. Parent Show & Tell</h3>
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Show and tell is not just for kids. Invite a parent to show & tell something from their job, their hobbies, or their lives. I had a parent bring in a piece of a meteor and the kids were fascinated. They all immediately made a beeline for the space books after that presentation. It is a bonus if it connects with something you are studying, but either way real world connections will be made, classroom community will be built, and parent-student-teacher relationships will grow.</div>
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9. Classroom Party Help/ Room Parent/ Field Trip Chaperone</h3>
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I just grouped all the usual suspects together. :)</div>
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10. Science Lab Set-Up</h3>
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Give a parent the directions for an upcoming lab and have them get the science lab all set up. </div>
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11. Technology Support</h3>
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This is a great role for the beginning of the year in particular. Invite some tech savvy parents to join you in the computer lab to help get students logged in and troubleshoot any unforeseen tech glitches. </div>
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12. Door Decorating</h3>
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Invite a parent to decorate your door for the season, a unit of study, or a special event. For example, I have parents design and decorate my door for Writing Camp. You could also do something for Dr. Seuss week, the 100th Day of School, Global Read Aloud, etc. </div>
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13. Book Clubs</h3>
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Parents who love to read? Invite them to lead a weekly book club with a group of students.</div>
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14. STEM Challenge Help </h3>
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This is a great way to get more dads in the classroom. Invite parents in for a monthly STEM challenge. They can organize materials, help groups get started, and assist with the excitement of discovery during the activity. </div>
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15. Scholastic Book Club Manager</h3>
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Invite a parent to put together your monthly book order flyers from Scholastic. They can write in your classroom code and due date, staple multiple flyers together, and/or attach a top sheet with recommendations and order info.</div>
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<b>You'll notice that most of my suggestions are ways for parents to help outside the classroom, help with special projects, join in our classroom community, and/or participate in a whole class activity at one time.</b> This allows me to plan accordingly and maintain my class scheduled as much as possible. It also allows me to have all those "extras" in my classroom without taking my precious planning time. This means I can put all my energy into lesson planning, but my bulletin boards still look good. :) </div>
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<b>Over the years, I have learned to utilize classroom help.</b> It is
still a work in progress, but I have found that classroom volunteers
really do make life easier. <b>I simply had to figure out what worked for me and I hope some of my ideas work for you too!</b> </div>
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Happy teacher, happy parents, happy students, happy classroom!</h3>
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<b>I highly recommend creating your own Volunteer Sign-Up sheet at the beginning of the year.</b> This
way you can list the help that you <i>really want</i> and <i>will really
use</i>. <u>Be specific with the help you need. </u> Parents will appreciate direct requests and clear expectations knowing their time is valued and appreciated.</div>
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<b>Once you know how your parents will be volunteering, it is time to get organized.</b> I use my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Volunteer-Tracking-Forms-2620122">Classroom Volunteer Forms</a> to keep track of volunteer contact information, preferred volunteer activities, and classroom help provided. I put all of these pages (and my original sign-up sheets) in my teacher binder for quick reference throughout the year. <u>The Volunteer Log is especially helpful towards the end of the year when it is time to write thank you notes and give appreciation gifts.</u> <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/06/volunteer-appreciation-gifts-freebie.html">Click here</a> to read about how I thanked my awesome volunteers this year.</div>
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Classroom Volunteer Forms also includes at Volunteers at Home directions sheet which has been an absolute life saver for me in my classroom. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Volunteer-Tracking-Forms-2620122"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Volunteer-Tracking-Forms-2620122" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wATPMmwzOKdfCnalHyV-H9MB9Jz3RggT5SPHRbvxqRORrS-qB_gObNEqXT3CKUw7z-pAuI6BLjMvQXyc2trRrpGjNx143tyHeAXj9mDa4KyFNUrnhf3b8NVA_rUeL_J222xM-vxJaGr0/s400/Volunteer+Forms.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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Click the image above to visit my TPT store. </div>
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You can grab these forms 50% off today ONLY. </div>
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Enjoy!!</div>
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-34315748894178369182016-07-05T09:00:00.000-05:002016-07-05T09:00:29.171-05:00Summer Blogger, Year Round Instagrammer - Let's Connect!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5UhTspqdxp59T9TsG68e7G0Qqr898Kn8w34RNgCwMJwan34QYTVYHke0Qau14mH-0p7uxryAHNZQHt_hIO_rRBZ1AxBUgoC6_jzjIZl4jRFHVdTiIFyu7is1HohwEOGBMYQn_IIm7xow/s1600/instabutton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5UhTspqdxp59T9TsG68e7G0Qqr898Kn8w34RNgCwMJwan34QYTVYHke0Qau14mH-0p7uxryAHNZQHt_hIO_rRBZ1AxBUgoC6_jzjIZl4jRFHVdTiIFyu7is1HohwEOGBMYQn_IIm7xow/s200/instabutton.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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I love reading a good blog, but nothing makes my heart happier than scrolling through my Instagram teacher feed.<br />
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It's the best<b>. There is this amazing community of teachers out there from all over the world sharing their teacher life through pictures.</b><br />
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And they are sharing everything from classroom activities and organization tips to good deals on classroom supplies at all your favorite stores. There are book recommendations, technology recommendations, freebies, classroom resources, professional development suggestions, art projects, math ideas, reading ideas, giveaways... and countless more great ideas all presented to you in a visual and practical way in real time. <b>Hands down, I think it's better than Pinterest.</b><br />
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The best part about Insta is that it is so fast and easy to use. Blogging can be time consuming, but with Insta you can snap a picture and share with the world. I only get to blog during the summer months, but I use Instagram all year. It has been a wonderful way for me to share, but more than that it has been an incredible resource for my classroom, my teaching, and my professional growth.<br />
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I invite you to come join the </h3>
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<u><i>Instagram Teacher Community</i></u> if you haven't already. </h3>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/teachingthief/?hl=en"><img alt="https://www.instagram.com/teachingthief/?hl=en" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYIB3Vmp2arfk_phDi0pkh5D-x2XIlq4k2qIpTKvpLbVEd03QCGOaTXoHOvvxpoHhZa4MXIW5Gy5OFu-t-3DJzHLTeR_Cld4IpV_UhWI3bcXClv4wLcmu1ioJmXt8nPk9ZwbL1FW5QLm6/s320/InstagramPost.png" width="281" /></a></div>
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Here are a few of my favorite Instagram posts from this year:
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDRcLr2ObMK/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Completely obsessed with my #writingcamp door/wall! I am lucky to have such #awesomeparentvolunteers ! ##texasteachers #iteach4th #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers</a></div>
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A photo posted by Amanda (@teachingthief) on <time datetime="2016-03-22T22:43:47+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 22, 2016 at 3:43pm PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBBhkwXubOh/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">My favorite of all our MLK day activities - our own "I Have a Dream" speeches #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #iteachfourth #texasteacher #mlkdayactivities</a></div>
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A photo posted by Amanda (@teachingthief) on <time datetime="2016-01-27T01:20:15+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 26, 2016 at 5:20pm PST</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/9w7hSTObCX/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Our class turkey!! Students decorated a feather at home with their families then brought it in to create this classroom masterpiece. #familyfeathers #cutestclassroomturkeyever #classroommasterpiece #novemberprojects #iteach4th #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #texasteacher</a></div>
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A photo posted by Amanda (@teachingthief) on <time datetime="2015-11-07T01:05:42+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 6, 2015 at 5:05pm PST</time></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Insta-Tip:</u></h2>
<br />
If you are like me and want to keep your teacher account separate from your personal account, you can easily link up your two accounts. <br />
<br />
To link up accounts go to your personal settings on any account, scroll down to <b>add account, </b>and log in to your second (or third) account. Once you've done that you will be logged in to all your accounts at once. To switch between accounts on your phone, just use the pull down menu at the top of your account page to select the account you would like to use. It's super easy!<br />
<br />
Looking forward to connecting with you on Instagram!<br />
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-24182700775385162912016-07-04T06:30:00.000-05:002016-07-04T06:30:19.424-05:00Fireworks go KABOOM! Happy 4th of July!<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
Happy 4th of July Y'all!!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTm_N4998dgiKP5RyoA2CeTB5knnhkcfL9jcYuzQ50LBzWW53_uop_AjOIPnEO07TH5CM9vhuhBjZW4tyVyIoUi5-mz4D-eDZSZdgEji63vWxtn1UMU08veheFwGQDACrJzuhFGfj4DUG/s1600/Happy4th.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTm_N4998dgiKP5RyoA2CeTB5knnhkcfL9jcYuzQ50LBzWW53_uop_AjOIPnEO07TH5CM9vhuhBjZW4tyVyIoUi5-mz4D-eDZSZdgEji63vWxtn1UMU08veheFwGQDACrJzuhFGfj4DUG/s320/Happy4th.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm hope your day is filled with friends, family, grilling, and relaxation! </div>
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I'm just stopping in today to share a little project I've been working on to celebrate the 4th. One of my favorite products, Multiplication Kaboom got a total over haul and I've in love. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKYKjpsow3E6lKDs2rYR_WwheaxjI6jnDrJoD8TDHj8c8Xe6cEfM7zoD-4i9aUIFWNfri1qtCeHA6FOe10rkStc-3SvmXeLN8EEsy9lj94Crqi4f85GgNuC4TiqLnBKG7ROGrBW1GoelN/s320/cover.png" width="250" /></a></div>
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There are new fonts, new backgrounds, and new frames!</div>
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Have you ever played Kaboom?!? It's super fun!! The best part about this game is it can be played practicing all different skills. Once your kids know how to play, the sky is the limit<b>. </b>This Multiplication Kaboom game focuses on multiplying large numbers and is mostly geared toward 4th and 5th grade. The fireworks patriotic theme makes it perfect for Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or...basically anytime. Fireworks are fun all year!<br />
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<b><u>Game Cards Included:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>KABOOM! cards</li>
<li>2 digit x 1 digit </li>
<li>3 digit x 1 digit</li>
<li>2 digit x 2 digit</li>
</ul>
There are 16 multiplication game cards for each skill. Skills
can be played individually or all together. There are also 2 different
styles of cards included in the set because choice is a good thing for
teachers too. There is a basic rectangular game card for easy storage in
baggies and long skinny game cards that fit nicely in refurbished chip
cans.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAqoXZXckf4cG41u5kdvgUzTGb_6dicYrpGZcfRiqHV9yqrWB_H7-VuF-rNzBOL6AkhLnUipv8B1WP53HnfTPDodXTGB5_C-YOz_d4mXP9P6P8zmU42raZdveKPtFKJf2pJ65tQQ646dd/s320/kaboompic4.png" width="242" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgjkhj2mwSs8yh4ixBsI2JeNxEsMjAfQNKUmcqnIBUCy2UMAe98FCX1FL_JO_6VEE2_DdvmYArzrw6TT83pl-EQI38h6ST1bfl4W9oUUIM_7jmlTUZEkso4DvdLSW5l6f5_PDIRd9YFw2/s320/kaboompic2.png" width="230" /></a></div>
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<b>Game play is simple.</b> Each player draws a card from the
deck or from the Kaboom container. (I prefer the cards that can be
stored in baggies because they take up less space and I just don't have
space to spare in my classroom.) If the player draws a multiplication
card they must solve the problem. Other players solve as well to check
their work. <br />
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If the players solves correctly, they get to keep the card. If not, it goes back in the deck. <u>However...and
this is where the fun comes in, if a player draws a Kaboom card, they
loose all cards previously earned and must return all cards to the deck
and start collecting again. </u> <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1tUoTfVYtrYEO7zbBis84jfvtwbYHAZBd3YjLnnMc_Z_iUAdw0Ng3V5WptNZnf0OTyxCiJG8GdYm8CcUku98an7yPuTBPxOkeWHcUp7SpwsCiH_Jxs7IAbHUtmFE_ujxw051hPqCrrZ9/s320/kaboompic.png" width="225" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dXE9R5G19iJAt9_xwcG_xTHPpUvEmS6bZbn5Z1oK2cO5jTbEh-pNQ03xYwo8l28sfyEBgTgz5fc5jbbdf-WQxyv-ZSR1GqmG87YS2GOgXLz_leB6Beb6TDBxTjLVzhhN-pCgp06hTLVk/s320/kaboompic3.png" width="241" /></a></div>
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And... that's it! It's a great game and has been a huge success in my
classroom! Once your kids know how to play, you can adapt it to
practice any skill you want. I included some blank card pages for you
and/or students to come up with their own problems to add to the game. <br />
<br />
<b>I don't know about you, but I need low maintenance, easy to set up, easy
to explain math games in my classroom</b>. <u>Kaboom fits all my
needs and my students love LOVE it!</u><br />
<br />
The best part about this game is the
game grows with them as their skills grow. I start with 2x1 digit
multiplication for review and add game cards as we build our skills. <b>It
is also an easy game to differentiate for my students and a great tutoring
activity! </b><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
To celebrate the 4th and the revisions,<br /> Patriotic Kaboom will be 50% off July 4th & 5th! </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Hello dollar deal!! :)</h3>
<br />
Click any of the images of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Patriotic-Kaboom-A-Multiplication-Game-1940955">Multiplication Kaboom</a> above to download this game for $1 and add it to your collection for the summer or the upcoming school year. If you already own this product, please be sure to download the revised version for a more explosive and colorfully fun game!<br />
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Enjoy!!<br />
<br />
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-19137754004951325922016-07-01T09:35:00.001-05:002016-07-12T17:15:40.102-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 4<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Hello fellow book lovers! </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Welcome back to the 4th installment of Fiction Friday 2016!</h3>
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Fiction Friday: Chapter 4 means this is the 4th week of summer. Eek! That means one month of summer has come and gone. I don't feel ready for summer to be half-way over, do you? I'm having way too much fun reading good books, laying out by the pool, and relaxing with a glass of wine and Netflix. :)<br />
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I still have lots of great books to share with you. Last week, Fiction Friday was all about <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/06/fiction-friday-chapter-3.html">chicken literature</a>. <b>This week I'm excited to share a handful of powerful reads for upper and middle grades.</b><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Crossover</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Kwame Alexander</div>
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<u>The Crossover</u> arrived in my birthday box from my best friend back in February. There was a note on top demanding that I put down the trashy YA series I was reading to read this. She was right, as was the Newbery Committee and the Corretta Scott King Committee. :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crossover-Kwame-Alexander/dp/0544107713" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Crossover-Kwame-Alexander/dp/0544107713" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_rz310JmuBVwE41mzYQQD49YsSyKthSH_q3OygxNOFyzB5f-0uhJ7M0mV4_oADqv722q5D121iw2bUJZJZvm7Ag5g7AoBx3GSFt-Sc3McfWqPZllsUQ2gNwMTNsAwjfwfpEmZ2TIWm-6/s320/crossover.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Written entirely in prose, this book will win you over in an instant. <b>I couldn't put it down.</b> It's a story of basketball, family, and ultimately growing up. I'm not sure I could ever fully describe the feeling I had while reading this book. <b>The poetry was powerful.</b> I could feel the beat and the strength of the words reverberate through me as I devoured each page, each poem.</div>
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This book begs to be read aloud, even if you are the only one in the room. It would be an incredible addition to any poetry unit in upper elementary and middle school. <b>Geared toward 5th grade and up, this book will make everyone, but especially boys, fall in love with poetry.</b> As a 4th grade teacher, I may not read the whole book aloud to my class, but I will certainly pull excerpts to share during our poetry study.</div>
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Check out Kwame Alexander's <a href="http://kwamealexander.com/">website</a> to learn more about him, his books, and his teacher resources. This guy is amazing!</div>
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<u>Book Information:</u></div>
<ul>
<li>Poetry/Realistic Fiction</li>
<li>Grades 5-7 </li>
<li>240 pages</li>
<li>Lexile Level 750L</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level Z</li>
</ul>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Wonder</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by R.J. Palacio </div>
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</div>
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I finally read it! In fact, my 4th graders and I took this journey together as one of our read alouds this year. </div>
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As I'm sure you've heard, <u>Wonder</u> is the story of Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old with a facial deformity that prevented him from attending mainstream school most of his life. Wonder follows his story as he bravely ventures into Beecher Prep, where he must face new situations, students, and parents. <b>Told from different perspectives throughout the novel and filled with characters that will leave a lasting impression on you, Wonder gives the reader a rare opportunity to see characters in their entirety.</b> They are dynamic, complex, filled with internal struggle, and a raw honesty that brings understanding, compassion, empathy, and acceptance. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Powerful. Memorable. Important. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Wonder</u> is an incredible platform for classroom discussions about acceptance, kindness, courage, understanding, and love. This is a must-read for everyone!<br />
<br />
Exciting News! <u>Wonder</u> is being turned into a movie starring
Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson - due to come out April 2017. Stephen
Chbosky, the author and director of <u>The Perks of Being a Wallflower</u> is directing. No trailer yet, but keep your eyes peeled. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Book Information:</u></div>
<ul>
<li>Realistic Fiction</li>
<li>Grades 5-7 </li>
<li>310 pages</li>
<li>Lexile Level 790L</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level U</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Peg Keret</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Small Steps is the autobiography of another favorite author of mine, Peg Kehret. Truth be told, I have probably read this book at least five times. <b>It is one of my go-to read alouds for 4th and 5th grade because it is so different from the typical read aloud and it is always a hit with the kids!</b></div>
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In this captivating memoir, the reader is transported back to 1949, where 12-year-old Peg is suddenly struck ill and finds herself diagnosed with not one, but three different kinds of polio. She is paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe well on her own. As the story progresses, the reader learns about the symptoms, treatments, and effects of polio. Kehret paints a vivid picture of the struggles and successes she faced while recovering with humor and honesty.<b> A true story of survival, grit, and perseverance, you will be rooting for Peg and her friends for the beginning. </b></div>
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<b>Students will beg you to keep reading and then rush to the library to check out all of her books.</b> Please be warned though, some kids get very worried about Polio while reading this book. You may want to quickly address the history of polio and the vaccine to reassure kids that they will not get sick. Either way, when you read the chapter where she finds herself paralyzed they <i>will </i>all start moving their legs just to double check.<br />
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Check out Peg Kehret's <a href="http://www.pegkehret.com/kids-books/">website</a> for more information on her books for middle grades and <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2013/06/fiction-friday-chapter-3.html">click here</a> to read my Fiction Friday post of <u>Escaping the Giant Wave</u>.</div>
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<u>Book Information:</u></div>
<ul>
<li>Autobiography/Memoir</li>
<li>Grades 3-8</li>
<li>179 pages</li>
<li>Lexile Level 890L
</li>
</ul>
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As always, thank you for joining me for another installment of Fiction Friday.</div>
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Please share your thoughts on these books and recommendations below.</div>
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When linking up, <i>please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog</i>. Also, please choose an image of a book you blogged about for the link.</div>
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For more great books, please visit the <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday-archive.html">Fiction Friday Archive</a> or click through this year's Fiction Friday Link-Up below!</div>
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Happy Reading!</h3>
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<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=640314" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-65061293484693192552016-06-27T09:42:00.000-05:002016-06-29T12:34:54.279-05:00Building A Community of Readers with ThingLink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thinglink.com/edu"><img alt="https://www.thinglink.com/edu" border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4MTrjnHJijA8WGq3zIueOhH1QEexi2CauUmI1ym2NwbiVXAY5niibB5itCMhKEIin7W21_Osub4Qj81LLp5Q3Axs_p7v8G-EwTjM3oa-7H6SbiTIRdKt9kPaPY9dcSb_nRn1-yOIwR3H/s320/ThingLinkforTeachers.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Have you used ThingLink? </b> 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. <b>I'm still learning, but I wanted to share one project that I can't wait to use in my classroom.</b><br />
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What is ThingLink?</h3>
<ul>
<li>ThingLink is an interactive media platform that allows YOU to make an image interactive by adding video, links, comments, images, and more!</li>
<li>ThingLink works on the computer, iPads, iPhones, and Androids.</li>
<li>ThingLink offers free education accounts for teachers and students! </li>
</ul>
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Why do I love ThingLink?</h3>
<ul>
<li>It is super easy to use and fast! </li>
<li>You can create your own image in PowerPoint, upload, and add media anyway you want.</li>
<li>Teachers can quickly create an image embedded with all kinds of links and media clips. </li>
<li>It's perfect for activities in Google Classroom. Just add your ThingLink and let kids click away.</li>
<li>Kids can explore a topic online in a safe (already approved by you) and fun way.</li>
<li>Easily embeds on webpages and blogs. :)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://www.thinglink.com/edu" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.thinglink.com/edu" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3eaAy6E2sJfzOxNd_R02tpo4LH-Ixmtedft9kotWyfqzJ5Tu5E4brEH_95rv8aeLXN3o9FWdqhb1-kOSCe9eGoQoFsBFgLKB7apfFOSb7zvIYor6zq8JBLgRFGldkzswM8i2QjcQcsvT/s200/thinglink3.jpeg" width="200" /></a><b>When you log in to your account, there are a ton of tutorial videos right at your fingertips.</b> Literally, they are scrolling across the bottom of the screen. There are, of course, endless possibilities for using this in the classroom, however, <b><i>I want to focus on building my classroom reading community!</i></b><br />
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<b>Building a community of readers is a top priority for me each year.</b> 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.<br />
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The librarian at my school does an incredible job promoting the <b>Texas Bluebonnet Books</b> 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. <b>Because the list includes picture books, graphic novels, and chapter books on a range of levels, there really is a good for everyone.</b><br />
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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.</h4>
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<img class="alwaysThinglink" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/api/image/796423841374011392/1024/10/scaletowidth#tl-796423841374011392;1043138249'" style="max-width: 100%;" /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></script>
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<b>I plan on making this one of my first assignments in Google Classroom.</b> 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. <br />
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<b>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.</b> 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. <b>Endless possibilities.</b> <b>All of which will spark conversation and sharing of books in your classroom. </b><br />
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Now that I am familiar with ThingLink, I can't wait to incorporate it in my classroom. <br />
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I've also used it to streamline my <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday-archive.html">Fiction Friday Archive.</a> <br />
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<img class="alwaysThinglink" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/api/image/800386976699121666/1024/10/scaletowidth#tl-800386976699121666;1043138249'" style="max-width: 100%;" /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></script>
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<b>Do already use ThingLink in your classroom? I would love to compare notes. It not, How might you use ThingLink in the classroom?</b><br />
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Teacher only creations or student creations too? I'm sticking with teacher creations right now. Baby steps.<br />
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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. :)<br />
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Check out the <a href="http://thinglinkblog.com/">ThingLink blog</a> to learn more.<br />
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Oh...the possibilities...<br />
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-22285905887644865372016-06-24T07:00:00.000-05:002016-07-12T17:14:29.207-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 3 {Chicken Edition}<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Welcome back to the third installment of Fiction Friday 2016 </h4>
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The Chicken Edition</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkQOfvao5YTjovDOveYqAXDKakidnGRyQp0WytY8_-7faEGg3tiUgc5ljfyFBiLeFt2eq44XaAWa7qoKbPXTAQwA5iN8i53g_sfCj6VwAbXcrvZrf1Alutcf0YAdfbWlX0hKw_U5wbICS/s1600/Chicken+Literature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkQOfvao5YTjovDOveYqAXDKakidnGRyQp0WytY8_-7faEGg3tiUgc5ljfyFBiLeFt2eq44XaAWa7qoKbPXTAQwA5iN8i53g_sfCj6VwAbXcrvZrf1Alutcf0YAdfbWlX0hKw_U5wbICS/s400/Chicken+Literature.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Normally, I share Children's Literature with you, but today<b> I'm going to focus on <u>Chicken Literature</u>.</b> 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.<br />
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<u>Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer</u></h3>
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by Kelly Jones<br />
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Isn't that a terrific title? Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer -I love it. <b>Between the bright colors and intriguing title, this book is begging you to judge it by it's cover. You won't be disappointed. </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unusual-Chickens-Exceptional-Poultry-Farmer/dp/038575552X" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Unusual-Chickens-Exceptional-Poultry-Farmer/dp/0385755554/ref=pd_sim_14_8?ie=UTF8&dpID=61gjlfEXo5L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR108%2C160_&refRID=ZEZEKB6E1PVJSR356KNB" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUKnqadxvC7xvnxzS8Ewm2xdTkiFDqwGh9vJnh2Kn3aM8kmGrhYaSOQkmqYAoJHI7JYIYINFtTJ2B_RvGUP4JL9Jud2AR0F2EIVVVjx-UlLVH_DHHIrO9ae2CwkjVLJSjJZKj4XyMG1hh/s400/Unusual+Chickens.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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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,<b> Sophie discovers a rather unique chicken, who she names Henrietta. Henrietta appears to have talents well beyond that of a normal chicken.</b> 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. <b>What she didn't expect was for someone to try and steal them!</b> In her effort to protect her flock, Sophie finds her voice, makes new friends, and discovers she is part of the chicken community. <br />
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<b>Written entirely through letters, quizzes, to-do lists, and a chicken
care correspondence course this novel is an engaging and quick read. </b>You will love Sophie from the beginning. She is refreshingly honest, smart, witty, and always true to herself. <b>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. </b>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.<br />
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<u>Book Information:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Realistic Fiction (mostly)</li>
<li>Grades 3-6</li>
<li>224 pages </li>
</ul>
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<u>The Chicken Squad</u></h3>
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by Doreen Cornin</div>
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I was thrilled to see that another Doreen Cronin novel made the Texas Bluebonnet list this year. <b>She is GREAT and these crazy chickens are a hoot and a half.</b> I love that it has developed into a whole series.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Squad-First-Misadventure/dp/14424967622" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Squad-First-Misadventure/dp/1442496770/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466718519&sr=1-1&keywords=the+chicken+squad+the+first+misadventure" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36EoEJ7eDCfTsRTMm7oxGxiWmkvMq2-c0V_N1R3tQaHzyIDYPRtt3rHkWOBWpPGPFzjh_aHsAlmj4g2GXDjl87MSwr3fHDk_yc6CrQYnRLGDZfD1sfnJT-U2w1GOQVCCS4HHlecFi5aJM/s320/chicken+squad.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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<u>The Chicken Squad</u> 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?? <b>Told through hilarious dialogue and illustrations, this lightning fast read will leave you with a huge smile on your face. </b><br />
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Meant as an emerging chapter book for young readers, <i>everyone</i> will enjoy it and older readers will get all the well-timed humor. <b>It would make a great read aloud and with only 92 pages you will be done in no time at all.</b> You can read about another great chicken adventure, the book that started it all, <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2014/07/fiction-friday-chapter-4.html">The Trouble with Chickens here</a>. Also, look out for more books in this series. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Into-Wild-Another-Misadventure-Chicken/dp/1481450468">Into the Wild</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Case-Weird-Blue-Chicken-Misadventure-ebook/dp/B00BSAOETE">The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken</a> both came out in paperback in May 2016.<br />
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<u>Book Information:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Mystery</li>
<li>Grades K-5</li>
<li>92 pages</li>
<li>Lexile Measure 410L</li>
</ul>
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<u>Love, Ruby Lavender</u></h3>
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by Deborah Wiles</div>
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<u>Love, Ruby Lavender</u> 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.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Ruby-Lavender-Deborah-Wiles/dp/0152054782" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Ruby-Lavender-Deborah-Wiles/dp/0152054782/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466719217&sr=1-1&keywords=love+ruby+lavender+by+deborah+wiles" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wVLhFBQ9GobGhRl_d3oUyws4I1VVAWLjehXUXUSZm-nits_kOBuv85tAad1wRFwmMM1FrvnhuqYe0vBEeFemtDNvGVj7tG3-TYWTWiTFul_mIpdcwrTgzWvYcAHvLlTJUWN9_3XB4MVR/s320/love%252C+ruby+lavendar.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<b>Ruby Lavender and Miss Eula are a dynamic grandmother and granddaughter team who also happen to be chicken thieves. </b>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. <b> </b><br />
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<b>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. </b>A great independent read or book club selection for grades 4-6.<br />
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<u>Book Information:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Realistic Fiction</li>
<li>Grades 4-7</li>
<li>228 pages</li>
<li>Lexile Level 570L</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level U</li>
</ul>
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<u>Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken</u></h3>
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by Kate DiCamillo & Harry Bliss</div>
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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 <u>Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken</u> did not disappoint. Beautifully crafted and illustrated, I love this book!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Louise-Adventures-Chicken-Kate-DiCamillo/dp/0060755547" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Louise-Adventures-Chicken-Kate-DiCamillo/dp/0060755547" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3GP2Ww-O7cq-9YdO8L3jAHjP5eMEkTWavBRyiurMihqQkEWxdJMzJcs_2doICJdXW05Iuj5_no8kV6Wl_7H_dGbslQT8_w8QWkqb4B_GpvshMxpcy017iY9pomLvrI2L-v07tBBIW81v/s320/Louise+Adventures+of+Chicken.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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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. <br />
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<u>Book Information:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Picture Book</li>
<li>Grades K and up</li>
<li>56 pages</li>
<li>Lexile Level AD620L</li>
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</h4>
<h4>
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.</h4>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Interrupting-Chicken-David-Ezra-Stein/dp/0763641685"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Interrupting-Chicken-David-Ezra-Stein/dp/0763641685" border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_vde3mmTDu-77mGWutLZsbEmHfuJI72wFniniS8AJK1YpDP1mm_qaCRPVl8fI7GNL9liA54iLzlAky_U8CUiY1t0aQDMsBiOxd7_tyHZcsNnxtvdELsYgYYiuQZ39Mw0m8pxDPnR-o7J/s320/interrupting+chicken.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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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!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Big-Keith-Graves/dp/1452131465"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Big-Keith-Graves/dp/1452131465" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Hq3lfVQkh8LpHavopKDYEG5_68LRZmRcllNkpmQVbeEUMgtgIQ7x07ylCHDnevosnznOWptD_UgLb9HvmWJ4yn3RYXGp7ps0QSjq0H1rwwK0kXmUp_aWzT2gHbBrfqCvK6VPdbSocF3F/s320/chicken+big.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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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!</div>
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<b>I guess I had never thought about the sheer number of incredible books written about chickens. </b>What are some of your favorites? Have you read any of the ones above? Please share your thoughts and recommendations!<br />
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<b>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. :)</b><br />
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<a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html"><img alt="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html" border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt1MnmEOiaERwykZfMRt-u2bcnkDrnUcuDC8ThMcK0y0MkBiB8LlYlNdZJNrwlEt27iRd1B38jd2TO6CGEn4A4ZFek4zPPqblt7bhg2Qedr-vhgRoHDYKDVV4kScUxt2PGPCzhFfMcYtA/s320/2016+Fiction+Friday.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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When linking up, <i>please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog</i>. Also, please choose an image of a book you blogged about for the link.<br />
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Thank you and happy reading!<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-44867712705444167262016-06-20T19:02:00.001-05:002016-07-12T14:31:52.254-05:00Easy iPad Apps for Everyone: Adobe VoiceTechnology integration is a funny thing.<b> </b>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?<br />
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It is important to ask yourself, <u><i><b>who is using the technology in your classroom?</b></i></u> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Question:</b></h3>
<h4>
<b>How do I get my students using technology in an effective and purposeful way more frequently</b><b>, even if I only have four iPads and access to a computer lab once a week? </b></h4>
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</h3>
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Answer: </h3>
<h4>
I need apps that are easy for students to use and easy to integrate into my classroom on a regular basis across content areas. </h4>
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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. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA0OMG-FK7KQvTFNIwCieF1z2H8osBWPDAUKhfBq-zMvQ0yu6sCKgd7J_0tve2umHuGZQ0nTWbgAhtSp-UtU_6eGnAWPwlfsDEJVlP-G5G6J-o5ephzILDkyY-Jupr50iWX0C16rz3ihv/s1600/iPad+Apps+Series.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyA0OMG-FK7KQvTFNIwCieF1z2H8osBWPDAUKhfBq-zMvQ0yu6sCKgd7J_0tve2umHuGZQ0nTWbgAhtSp-UtU_6eGnAWPwlfsDEJVlP-G5G6J-o5ephzILDkyY-Jupr50iWX0C16rz3ihv/s400/iPad+Apps+Series.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBymigTYg8HwMVMUoC6wnqQs0xMy1OHsZIaFW4JzjBOMmycAPRPoksFU8Ifs3kn83MUy1Bm_rbLcgHgzgzEwZeVAh1yDXCVIrTOgdSq1IglLop1N1G0P-iLHqFQBvQcWfYyHGBQZ6ZrlG3/s1600/iPad+Apps+Series.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Today, let's take a look at Adobe Voice.</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbtw6m9zenqQjDFuOwxWs6lJSPBZUhg4_y5Lw3ypsDJa9zmR8m4-e0u7fqt2Jha_7sSkXbWd-3aGRVW_lYU4Y6h9VlZL5ik9VBN3xwScqbGDj1ct8uoxKUbsT_xtc0pIN2K-5pGVI90nN/s1600/adobevoice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbtw6m9zenqQjDFuOwxWs6lJSPBZUhg4_y5Lw3ypsDJa9zmR8m4-e0u7fqt2Jha_7sSkXbWd-3aGRVW_lYU4Y6h9VlZL5ik9VBN3xwScqbGDj1ct8uoxKUbsT_xtc0pIN2K-5pGVI90nN/s1600/adobevoice.jpg" /></a>When you go to download the app, it is called <u>Adobe Spark Video</u>. 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.<br />
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After opening the app, it is super easy to get started. Just click the red plus sign at the bottom and follow the prompts. <b>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. :)</b><br />
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Below is a great video explaining how to get started and how to use the app. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dazDJXDf6cI" width="560"></iframe>
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So, why did I love, love, love this app?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Its so easy to use. There are enough options to make it "cool" without being overwhelming. </li>
<li>You can add voice-over, background music, themed backgrounds, pictures, & text. </li>
<li>Students can include images from the iPad, Dropbox, or search for Creative Commons-licensed photos <u><i>within</i></u> the app.</li>
<li>The app automatically credits the photos and music at the end of the slideshow. </li>
<li>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. :)</li>
<li>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. </li>
<li>You can easily share the final product by adding it to Dropbox, posting to Padlet, or uploading it to Seesaw. </li>
</ul>
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<h3>
Student Project Ideas:</h3>
<ul>
<li><b>Personal Narrative Writing</b> - 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. </li>
<li><b>Creative Writing</b> - 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 <u>retelling a story</u> and <u>summarizing fiction.</u></li>
<li><b>Class Books</b> - Do a shared reading of a class book. Books on homophones, idioms, or poetry would be a great place to start.</li>
<li><b>Book Recommendations</b> - Students could snap a quick picture of a favorite book and talk for 10-12 seconds about why they enjoyed the book.</li>
<li><b>Class Rules</b> - This would be a great group project for the beginning of the year. Students could share the classroom rules and why they are important. </li>
<li><b>Show What You Know Presentation</b>- Individuals or groups of students could do any type of show what you know activity: types of reading genres, animals adaptations, proper nouns, etc.</li>
<li><b>Tips for Next Year</b> - This would be a great end of the year activity. Students could share tips on how to be successful in your class. </li>
</ul>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Adobe Voice is also a fun teacher tool and a great way to introduce new concepts or assignments.</b><br />
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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.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="385" src="https://spark.adobe.com/video/rJ5EnigB/embed" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
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Have you used Adobe Voice with your students? What have you found to be successful projects in your classroom?<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe6bK27LySQOq2oPnH3OGTESzNcBrhTRJvrDKkoswkamPbWgi5E3n1zJjGLwqSzWizmzuhtA8Mx27alEEk1Md3BQZCHsSowFMzqEfn9ynv4rYCzzdHILSllrUxcjIu-hxh4PSzgH6GW-E/s1600/TTSignature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe6bK27LySQOq2oPnH3OGTESzNcBrhTRJvrDKkoswkamPbWgi5E3n1zJjGLwqSzWizmzuhtA8Mx27alEEk1Md3BQZCHsSowFMzqEfn9ynv4rYCzzdHILSllrUxcjIu-hxh4PSzgH6GW-E/s320/TTSignature.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-71018378683696300192016-06-17T07:00:00.000-05:002016-06-17T09:44:23.177-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 2<b>Hello book lovers. Happy Fiction Friday!</b><br />
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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, <a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/2016/06/fiction-friday-chapter-1.html">click here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html"><img alt="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/p/fiction-friday_6.html" border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNpzWW6dwewpg7r7i8Ljj7274g0maq9jTY1EWDe4jMuhRUv3W5EnaFBO-GAFpD-y6i-1qfXWD1ayBEkeS3gx0vR7bClkBW7iPgIHqurDL67OgggaHS8_ZgS_7dnByoVIIfovEW0WUJJCE/s320/2016+Fiction+Friday.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>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.</b> As readers, it is important that we have balance in our reading diet, right?<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Ratscalibur</b></u></h2>
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by Josh Lieb</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ratscalibur-Chronicles-Realm-Josh-Lieb/dp/1595148299/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466083788&sr=8-1&keywords=ratscalibur+by+josh+lieb"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Ratscalibur-Chronicles-Realm-Josh-Lieb/dp/1595148299/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466083788&sr=8-1&keywords=ratscalibur+by+josh+lieb" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxh_nbqkGgeKVP7zWeBkD9UJFB6I4Co9t35Ij6k1oE4jeboUuL7spmZXEXLzLBH0nSN-EhpG3U_6r7h0ff3ywWbp_BpRc_PJsXLL2u5050svQX3jrBbKQ-2YRZDXp7Dx0EHDIwpJ2Mm0M/s320/Ratscalibur.jpg" width="212" /></a> </div>
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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?<b> 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.</b></div>
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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. </div>
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<b>Filled with word play and fantastic illustrations, Ratscalibur stole my heart.</b> 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. </div>
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<b>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.</b> 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.</div>
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Book Information:</div>
<ul>
<li>Fantasy</li>
<li>Grades 3-6</li>
<li>192 pages </li>
<li>Lexile Measure 700L </li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Harriet the Invincible</b></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Ursula Vernon</div>
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In another great spoof of a classic tale, Harriet the Invincible is the story of Sleeping Beauty. Sort of.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamster-Princess-Invincible-Ursula-Vernon/dp/0803739834/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466083410&sr=8-1&keywords=hamster+princess"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Hamster-Princess-Invincible-Ursula-Vernon/dp/0803739834/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466083410&sr=8-1&keywords=hamster+princess" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vnQ6wBwyqeqrVa9uRhvHa1rXKl1H4orvmJkfO7DacAXBvRD_g0siRjsZWBLIbMOhT-dZDmjHyUWN5N2f-qqg2hn6jA68DPaRBTYEDRi0WSPqeJMfTk1fTsPuzLAmYxa3khRHuXkB6TgY/s320/HarrietInvincible.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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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. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWOkYBkHPSe7OVXPY57F06l6V-srsPS5hmF_z8a2k3QmQE_tOB_tdKdFWY18QZDROs0x3iyoyjJpuO3fTPLoL2MiEGChUv2g007EO5AL9X2phMpubxjbeGquttG8UwsUbK782_zOpbTA_/s1600/HarrietInvincible2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWOkYBkHPSe7OVXPY57F06l6V-srsPS5hmF_z8a2k3QmQE_tOB_tdKdFWY18QZDROs0x3iyoyjJpuO3fTPLoL2MiEGChUv2g007EO5AL9X2phMpubxjbeGquttG8UwsUbK782_zOpbTA_/s320/HarrietInvincible2.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Realizing the curse cannot be outsmarted, Harriet concludes that she is invincible!</b> 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! <b>So, having never been a typical princess, she leaves the kingdom to fight monsters and go on grand adventures.</b> 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.</div>
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Harriet the Invisible is told through a mixture of illustrations, comics, and words. <b>Kids will devour this book. The characters are snarky and lovable at the same time.</b> The parents alone cracked me up. <u><i>Harriet is her own form of bad-ass princess!</i> </u></div>
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Check out all the Hamster Princess Books: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamster-Princess-Magic-Ursula-Vernon/dp/0803739842/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466083410&sr=8-2&keywords=hamster+princess">Of Mice and Magic</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamster-Princess-Ratpunzel-Ursula-Vernon/dp/0803739850/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1466083410&sr=8-3&keywords=hamster+princess">Ratpunzel</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hamster-Princess-Invincible-Ursula-Vernon/dp/0803739834/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466083410&sr=8-1&keywords=hamster+princess">Harriet the Invincible</a>. </div>
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<u>Book Information:</u></div>
<ul>
<li>Fantasy</li>
<li>Grades 3-5</li>
<li>256 pages</li>
<li>Lexile Measure 810L</li>
<li>Series Book</li>
</ul>
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<b>Have you read either of these books? Do you think your students and/or children might enjoy them?</b><br />
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Truthfully, I am thankful Harriet the Invincible is in hardback. It is going to need to withstand a lot of hands next year. :)<br />
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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.<br />
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When linking up, <i>please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog</i>. Also, please choose an image of a book you blogged about for the link.<br />
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Thank you and happy reading!<br />
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-46241234660447214922016-06-11T17:33:00.000-05:002016-06-11T17:34:49.762-05:00Volunteer Appreciation Gifts {freebie}<b>I had great parent volunteers this year. Seriously, spectacular parents. :)</b><br />
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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.<br />
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With so many awesome volunteers,<b> I wanted a thoughtful thank you gift at the end of the year that I could do on a budget. </b> I found three packs of citronella candles at HomeGoods for a great price and bought 4 packages. <b>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.</b><br />
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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. <b>I mixed and matched the ribbon, candle color, and border color to create a fun summertime happy feel.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFHZzumO48VXCfY4wtaE2Vb8bzHypAqdWhe8UsPE_ao7hzcY-rlbSqwWukUF0AZ-F-erOm76DFyQ8yRt8Nuk350VK_7iCuC7oDPktNKoVg3C7ETIr_GmyQTELW_ZoIeg6_j7U4TXvQ0TO/s1600/EOYgifts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFHZzumO48VXCfY4wtaE2Vb8bzHypAqdWhe8UsPE_ao7hzcY-rlbSqwWukUF0AZ-F-erOm76DFyQ8yRt8Nuk350VK_7iCuC7oDPktNKoVg3C7ETIr_GmyQTELW_ZoIeg6_j7U4TXvQ0TO/s400/EOYgifts1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Each candle was sent home with a personalized thank you note to show my appreciation for all the support throughout the year. </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Youve-Brightened-Our-School-Year-Volunteer-Thank-You-Tags-2589295"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Youve-Brightened-Our-School-Year-Volunteer-Thank-You-Tags-2589295" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL3rQOGfsJ1Ct7C8OiO7tZdCHjQoTtFeCNqqG7VKJB09c2U_beQiMDlWGHtDxC5MrhGp_4ZpX6Z4j-72XMk1tKNFvkTOCis2ZCIjqG7kbTPYdeNoScYWQ8GKyKlw2SzYAaXeqb6m21UJ8/s400/Picture1.png" width="306" /></a></div>
You can grab the tag I used in my TPT store. <b>Just click the image above to snag it for FREE.</b> If you use and enjoy, please don't forget to leave feedback. :)<br />
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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.<br />
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Enjoy,<br />
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<br />Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-59086118987388774832016-06-10T11:14:00.001-05:002016-06-10T11:14:38.833-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 1Happy Fiction Friday everyone!<br />
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<b>Today marks the beginning of the 2016 summertime Fiction Friday link up.</b> 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.<br />
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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. <b>Thank you all for joining in the conversation and sharing the books you love.</b> 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.<br />
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<u><b>Circus Mirandus</b></u></div>
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by Cassie Beasley</div>
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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?</div>
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<b>Circus Mirandus is a beautifully written novel that tells the stories Micah Tuttle, his Grandfather Ephraim, and a magical place I want to visit.</b> <br />
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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.<br />
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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. <b>There is a wonderful mix of magic, adventure, friendship, hope, and love. Circus Mirandus will make you believe in magic all over again.</b><br />
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<u>Book Information:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Fantasy </li>
<li>Grades 4-7</li>
<li>304 pages</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level V</li>
<li>Lexile Measure 710L</li>
<li>Paperback available August 2016 </li>
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<b><u>Crenshaw</u></b></div>
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by Katherine Applegate</div>
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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.</div>
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<b><u>Crenshaw</u> did not disappoint.</b></div>
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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. </div>
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Jackson is a believable and relateable character. Crenshaw is outrageous and not the cuddly imaginary friend you would expect. <b>Together they captured my heart. Crenshaw tackled some tough topics through humor, friendship, honesty, and love. Another great read! </b></div>
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<u>Book Information: </u></div>
<ul>
<li>Realistic Fiction</li>
<li>Grades 4-7</li>
<li>256 pages</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level Q</li>
<li>Lexile Measure 540L </li>
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<u><b>Raymie Nightingale</b></u></div>
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by Kate DiCamillo </div>
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<b>I should probably start by telling you that Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite authors EVER!</b> 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. <b>Raymie Nightingale was no exception. </b></div>
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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.</div>
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<b>I loved this novel.</b> 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. <b>Beautifully written and expertly executed. </b>It's just another book by Kate DiCamillo. GOLD. If you love her, you'll love Raymie too. </div>
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Book Information:</div>
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<li>Grades 4-7</li>
<li>272 pages </li>
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That's it for this week! <b>More great books coming soon.</b> I've read some truly fantastic chicken books lately AND some creative new twists on old favorites. I can't wait to share.</div>
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<b>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. </b></div>
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Also, don't forget to link up and share some of your favorite books in children's literature. <b>Picture books, graphic novels, chapter books...whatever!</b> We love it all. </div>
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When linking up, <i>please remember to grab the Fiction Friday button and link back to my blog</i>. Also, please choose an image of the books you blogged about for the link. </div>
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Thanks so much and happy reading!</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-83509223643203114772016-06-08T10:01:00.002-05:002016-06-08T10:01:42.240-05:00Hot 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.<br />
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I think summer for teachers is a bit like that too. So...<br />
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Today is my fifth Saturday of the week and I'm loving it. <b>Summer is a much needed time of rejuvenation.</b> I don't know what I would do without.<br />
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And this summer, I have big plans for my lil' ol' blog. <b>First up... A NEW DESIGN!</b><br />
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<b>I almost fell out of my chair when I realized I started this blog in July 2011!</b> 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. :)<br />
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<b>Next Up, my favorite book linky, Fiction Friday, will be returning!</b> 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.<br />
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I also want to share:<br />
1) Thoughts & Ideas from Professional Development<br />
2) Technology Project Ideas<br />
3) Classroom Management Tips<br />
4) Reflections of the Year<br />
5) Freebies along the way<br />
6) And whatever else my brain comes up with <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teaching-Thief" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teaching-Thief" border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vQrgeV6smGAm-wO1VRUjKl2ifNy2gWn_evwX1zK22i8TbWLW0_fRYTxb1Mfj3II3fas4rEOXqj2U2Y_F3Vi66D4dIGiOGKHAfGfzOu3JNwjDzIq6G6kS84sejSRUeC_v65knBstbyThv/s200/TPT+Store.png" width="200" /></a>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. <b>Everything has been tried, tested, and approved by my classroom throughout the year.</b> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Looking forward to the journey,<br />
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Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-50918282981260273762015-09-20T18:45:00.000-05:002015-09-20T18:45:03.106-05:00Shhhh! NOISE Letters in ActionIt's hard to believe, but this year marks my 9th year of teaching. <br />
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<b>It's crazy how fast the years
have flown by and even crazier to think about ALL the different
classroom management techniques I have tried over the years.</b> Some have stood the test of time and some have worked for a moment in time, but they are all part of my toolbox when I get a new crop of kiddos. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">One of my favorite and simplest classroom management strategies involves 5 little letters... NOISE.</span></div>
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<b>It all started with this clever pin a few years ago. </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/clever-diy-ways-to-decorate-your-classroom?sub=2478949_1642259#.xsqNyxEqM"><img alt="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/clever-diy-ways-to-decorate-your-classroom?sub=2478949_1642259#.xsqNyxEqM" border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTSBmRnMRhkaIhzMJ6yrTH_bDlRE8wuKQaZhYkID0ow-uqFXKkFSPN5gcwc2dTdnXUgl4Q947CGJcpGfz6ujbgzYGAGMVP_RiCF0ovOxrBdKplg6t6Y236G9iCec4czRiad00R3KDrIDo/s320/NOISe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The caption read, <b>"Take away a letter each time the noise level gets too
high and when there are no letters left, there is NO talking."</b> Um.... BRILLIANT! And, oh so simple! I pinned it and then... I promptly forgot about it. </div>
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Last year one of the amazingly brilliant woman that I work with used this strategy in her classroom, but I still didn't implement it. Silly, silly me. <b>I didn't realize how much I was missing out until one fateful day.</b></div>
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<b>That day my students came back from a math rotation raving about this super cool thing Mrs. Nash did called NOISE.</b> They wanted to know why we didn't use NOISE and could we start using NOISE and kept saying how awesome Mrs. Nash was for using it. They were hilarious and absolutely right. She is awesome!</div>
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<b>So, we started by just writing NOISE out on the white board.</b> You know... just to see how things would go. I had students erase a letter whenever it got too loud. <b>They LOVED it.</b> <b>I think they felt in control of the situation.</b> While playing games they would remind each other to keep it at a reasonable volume so that the class wouldn't loose a letter. </div>
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<b>It held us all accountable.</b> If I had to ask them to lower their voices, they lost a letter. Clear, plain, and simple. If we lost three letters, no more noise. Depending on the activity no more noise could mean no more activity, no more partner, or just no more talking. <b>It worked like a charm. </b></div>
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<b>This year, I decided to get fancy, well...fancier.</b> I made my own letters for back to school - Happy Apple Style!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_ESZNbXUuggzs02rvNGT-51IQ_MRJUG3iDzZRa-mNiuF2zR6me-ALMWHRI9lGVa3aPqlJy1vscxKSxobl1PuNxrp45BWNi9HbtNChtME0p-IdHTZ_nCRCztzJL9BUS7t68pJh_W_Dete/s1600/FullSizeRender%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_ESZNbXUuggzs02rvNGT-51IQ_MRJUG3iDzZRa-mNiuF2zR6me-ALMWHRI9lGVa3aPqlJy1vscxKSxobl1PuNxrp45BWNi9HbtNChtME0p-IdHTZ_nCRCztzJL9BUS7t68pJh_W_Dete/s640/FullSizeRender%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>My new crop of kiddos love this technique too. They have set a goal to never get down to NO</b>. LOL, I hope they make it. So far...so good. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Making the NOISE letters was so much fun, I just kept creating. I now have several different sets which are available in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teaching-Thief">store</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Better-Than-Candy-Bright-Fun-NOISE-Letters-2102087"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Better-Than-Candy-Bright-Fun-NOISE-Letters-2102087" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPM6HIja0F4XrHtgVKsqYjrlwYrcCU26GYnF6KmCTiLgefpd_n6xp3kcxIoZvfbi-Su9WBQJImJ8C2HPlCsQkBu1eQykZNzBbrLZByYoc2aKsVDdWDTU8gFoORt5s4Cex9yDr7czeiqBv/s320/IMG_4574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-NOISE-Letters-2102099" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Superhero-NOISE-Letters-2102099" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4yjXFGeDsrv6L7X4BDnMGnxxXeDdGC99mG9w6IuZ8w2OmLmM8ldiQY5tIdd93tYPiEBK6e2jC10tJ7U9l0pkywWCAdgBCCGCNfyeSKMqcUx7tIsdfBwEZ5Sny7dw_K-wv5l05MORQFPo/s320/IMG_4576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/No-More-Monkeying-Around-NOISE-Letters-2102096"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/No-More-Monkeying-Around-NOISE-Letters-2102096" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5VGVYqNaT3SUtInejH8rsoxhtVIwWxjhyzsbcvy8Q-3UIHjVQEWxjF_34uubgFuWy2aMCJi5e-gbX2pS-3gsmVxjHIzkQbC2zCapEqhroas_PDrGJSYp9FODtwgrDLVY6VfD63yydSz-/s320/IMG_4580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Happy-Apple-NOISE-Letters-2102066"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Happy-Apple-NOISE-Letters-2102066" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuMHkIyC4cZJ5KRVj3Vxp3G9XSTbH0-aM7GavxgVbs8BmvksbIFl26VxVLG9KAU6MWAYrT1kYcqnL68rMgHROG1dqZJbhKjm5KgvOo1w3B0gYHuXX6sORMoM4NrPEMAOxeU4bd_j0Ip-5/s320/IMG_4582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>I firmly believe that sometimes the simplest strategies are the very best.</b> NOISE has been a great addition to my <b>classroom management repertoire</b> and I hope yours too. Feel free to start trying it out tomorrow and then come back and tell me how it goes!</div>
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Happy Teaching,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiWSoPrj7j68EGX3QdwTGA4-5MgxzUwJOiiqdaMc7ZUYa_tpWEM6uPLIxhdn_t-8v44N3PACgbQEo04TRWOyOONZusX5TavbmNiebzXQLQ560XOFZHSqUuOJn5SravI2C2XKPufwkCbLY-RoQkeAvEgjnXZ8GNARuJQVdfsXl3WMZtKC4zWQVjTy2BIW85lokufwEI=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/amandathief/amanda-sig.png" /></a></div>
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<i>Note: </i>I have tried to find the original owner of the NOISE letters photo, but the pin links to a BuzzFeed article that just sites Pinterest. Boo! So, if you this is your great idea, please tell me who you are so I can personally thank you for this terrific technique and give credit where credit is due.</div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi1064.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu378%2Fdesignbychristi%2Famandathief%2Famanda-sig.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiWSoPrj7j68EGX3QdwTGA4-5MgxzUwJOiiqdaMc7ZUYa_tpWEM6uPLIxhdn_t-8v44N3PACgbQEo04TRWOyOONZusX5TavbmNiebzXQLQ560XOFZHSqUuOJn5SravI2C2XKPufwkCbLY-RoQkeAvEgjnXZ8GNARuJQVdfsXl3WMZtKC4zWQVjTy2BIW85lokufwEI=" -->Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-90875066978706751542015-09-12T09:29:00.000-05:002015-09-12T09:29:51.025-05:00Loving My Classroom This Year {15-16 Reveal}Hello bloggy world!<br />
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It's hard to believe that I just finished up my third week with my new crop of kiddos. They are a great group and yet completely different from my class last year. Nothing like a teaching to keep you on your toes, right? :)<br />
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Anyway, three weeks in and I am loving the way my classroom was set up this year. Second year in the room was so much easier. Thank goodness!! I think I used my wall space so much better and found ways to create the learning spaces I wanted. Yes!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's take a tour.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgdZ52NlUrMMP4LL2r2TKwqWqA-Ao4tzF3qdR0UtHXgIlEbxbjJsDe9v7IHhezMbyhnPUVsmi9e-HFKI9XziB8XSg5IiXZS5khfv0wxlBM7EM5pBdV4LVWIhpAJoJYqpv8odHTUMHm2jO/s1600/class1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgdZ52NlUrMMP4LL2r2TKwqWqA-Ao4tzF3qdR0UtHXgIlEbxbjJsDe9v7IHhezMbyhnPUVsmi9e-HFKI9XziB8XSg5IiXZS5khfv0wxlBM7EM5pBdV4LVWIhpAJoJYqpv8odHTUMHm2jO/s640/class1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our room from the door. </div>
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I love only have 4 table groups this year. </div>
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We end up with so much more space to work around the room. </div>
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You gotta use every little bit of space possible, right?</div>
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The back of our door has our Bingo Rewards, Class Goal, Transportation info, </div>
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and Leadership Chart Rewards.</div>
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I love having my chart paper hanging all the time. Why did I wait so long to do this? LOVE.</div>
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I use the giant red pocket chart for student unfinished work, that way we all know what needs to be completed and hopefully papers don't get lost in desks.</div>
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Just a little inspiration at the water fountain...</div>
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I'm most proud of my teal and black drawers that I spray painted this summer. Those old drawers look almost brand new this year. And the color hides everything that has been stuffed inside, lol. </div>
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Scrabble Rewards is new to me this year, but so far it has been a hit! We draw a letter whenever our class earns a compliment. It's neat to see what they try to cover up first.</div>
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Always have to have my favorite quote. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqgbs9dS_zMSDPPspepRQqBuMSiUInHZKSATmNTkb4b7K8X5Z-0dJCnzq0_5p10at8yym1cFr0vgtePHtleLKa_jRJgZB3vxQvQD5cbqpU1LQQ3gezfw8H0wfwA5c4X-AgvYW5CsZD-0k/s1600/class8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqgbs9dS_zMSDPPspepRQqBuMSiUInHZKSATmNTkb4b7K8X5Z-0dJCnzq0_5p10at8yym1cFr0vgtePHtleLKa_jRJgZB3vxQvQD5cbqpU1LQQ3gezfw8H0wfwA5c4X-AgvYW5CsZD-0k/s640/class8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Writing Wall is waiting to be covered with writing tips and tools. </div>
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My tree is ready for vocabulary...fingers crossed I get this rolled out soon. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5DvvQfppyEvctczTNPclFb8Byn18brHk6JtCn0-pUk2iAma1HXs_WV3tePIe7vsYny1uCVpTYaoXhAmkgKZjqccvfFXjziAcJES1KND5XZd5jKDtGICFU6vGbOnwlEn6AP-nVRYBzPk0/s1600/class9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5DvvQfppyEvctczTNPclFb8Byn18brHk6JtCn0-pUk2iAma1HXs_WV3tePIe7vsYny1uCVpTYaoXhAmkgKZjqccvfFXjziAcJES1KND5XZd5jKDtGICFU6vGbOnwlEn6AP-nVRYBzPk0/s640/class9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My library makes me happy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDyM-AwcQJm-t_VNVQKXCu4Je_XIongp0el3cOnwav3vOyOTiThnc96NMY3_KKeE6ZGaRudxSAvF1pIZB1rVt8yJMuOmLUD_k_KomMOVA9ii8nBuYoe7hhnZ73FIigjz_UmODBazAy3oR/s1600/class10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDyM-AwcQJm-t_VNVQKXCu4Je_XIongp0el3cOnwav3vOyOTiThnc96NMY3_KKeE6ZGaRudxSAvF1pIZB1rVt8yJMuOmLUD_k_KomMOVA9ii8nBuYoe7hhnZ73FIigjz_UmODBazAy3oR/s640/class10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Mastery Club has proven to be a huge hit! My kids love it and I love that it gives them a purpose for using technology daily in the classroom and there is ALWAYS something to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDbH9jGgPiOYpUMvfpi1GKKLjk09ilYOSwF-mRi0Jh3oefmmrqjUKAZbeRcLof-MM6q27JqrHRFUEMvmR0i1FFEf6RE7CfsAQTxVRu5Su_Bhq2rUPocUupHRMEEUasaSLa7pq_yC5FVEA/s1600/class11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDbH9jGgPiOYpUMvfpi1GKKLjk09ilYOSwF-mRi0Jh3oefmmrqjUKAZbeRcLof-MM6q27JqrHRFUEMvmR0i1FFEf6RE7CfsAQTxVRu5Su_Bhq2rUPocUupHRMEEUasaSLa7pq_yC5FVEA/s640/class11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally found a bookshelf that fits perfectly under my Smart Board. It stores books and give me a place to lay out all my paperwork for the next day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwl0fAGuIpaAwLdLAKhmEKq4Zv7V7v7KwFSyCUuZFYU9RHS7Fyzn1UvcmL_TttNfcuJDadQetijazM2DrsZZaKv5_7Y-ygP6rt8buYHHcN2ZyET-B0gcOlHpO8KKI_gkbU9cwosWWG1rkY/s1600/class12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwl0fAGuIpaAwLdLAKhmEKq4Zv7V7v7KwFSyCUuZFYU9RHS7Fyzn1UvcmL_TttNfcuJDadQetijazM2DrsZZaKv5_7Y-ygP6rt8buYHHcN2ZyET-B0gcOlHpO8KKI_gkbU9cwosWWG1rkY/s640/class12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Class jobs are easy to change since everything is magnetic this year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDv2ylHOAWGhy1ymnntA1wrX7efrx4jauqtCa0btCKKZ0CSk0M5b03OxXclC5pyFWPs36kHfJ4jQytYC5tpDGrGh6T8Lp0lZJL3AWbn5LAKz8IJn-lLynJEd_YYgKw5B6yN5kmzpxiaaN/s1600/class13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDv2ylHOAWGhy1ymnntA1wrX7efrx4jauqtCa0btCKKZ0CSk0M5b03OxXclC5pyFWPs36kHfJ4jQytYC5tpDGrGh6T8Lp0lZJL3AWbn5LAKz8IJn-lLynJEd_YYgKw5B6yN5kmzpxiaaN/s640/class13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is my little teacher nook. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhqjWY7SFpszU-9X7udijy7ScE4E3nauuwYxp55-s7DwkNXPUYdV3-OhPNTCrtHFncoUmq5Hc0os81KEsgkuVZj1rZoM3SaMzR3SYspa_YMvhDUwAR0ZypnaaP5MpQ0nA-YK5xG3DrKhJ/s1600/class14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhqjWY7SFpszU-9X7udijy7ScE4E3nauuwYxp55-s7DwkNXPUYdV3-OhPNTCrtHFncoUmq5Hc0os81KEsgkuVZj1rZoM3SaMzR3SYspa_YMvhDUwAR0ZypnaaP5MpQ0nA-YK5xG3DrKhJ/s640/class14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Does anyone else feel like they could always use another giant white board? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEErLV0A0-hP0nwY6Tk98WM_we-Fgf074jEr8d46_j5xuQg0kPB8zOdIRde0rXgW0RCI5chD6eLM-4djggb8XgQggEqFWk4-wtDYwTrTO5uZ9kBZWEox5rv2TuLLKsX-siMkpUfnayRdY/s1600/class15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEErLV0A0-hP0nwY6Tk98WM_we-Fgf074jEr8d46_j5xuQg0kPB8zOdIRde0rXgW0RCI5chD6eLM-4djggb8XgQggEqFWk4-wtDYwTrTO5uZ9kBZWEox5rv2TuLLKsX-siMkpUfnayRdY/s640/class15.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This year I sectioned my white board off for schedule and objectives. </div>
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I love they way it turned out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJb3QA4FRN37zOdkP7XZbYHxXLtZUdQfth94odwVLD5flz4NbB1fhMUCf9DMs229C5JDuqTafZCePeo6FsXdWM9Q7gcVgKCKzqzzyzNehaiSp5f8zKdDXfszSo5lmr7C_oIUKnJTVAwFf2/s1600/class16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJb3QA4FRN37zOdkP7XZbYHxXLtZUdQfth94odwVLD5flz4NbB1fhMUCf9DMs229C5JDuqTafZCePeo6FsXdWM9Q7gcVgKCKzqzzyzNehaiSp5f8zKdDXfszSo5lmr7C_oIUKnJTVAwFf2/s640/class16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made my own NOISE letters this year. My class last year loved this management technique, even when I just wrote the letters on the board. We have upgraded to cute apples and magnets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGojjIo9tQSHr_Tm1I6wfcMW1-P9tjc8CLfjKjqaYU9xs6QjZPZAYs95TMqHkiiAs74DCFwI8Lohi3vBrV93k7nrGm1hAyyCiHBSThTpgoYXNNk79vkadFJMm4dec6o34CNk5QyRAs598/s1600/class18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGojjIo9tQSHr_Tm1I6wfcMW1-P9tjc8CLfjKjqaYU9xs6QjZPZAYs95TMqHkiiAs74DCFwI8Lohi3vBrV93k7nrGm1hAyyCiHBSThTpgoYXNNk79vkadFJMm4dec6o34CNk5QyRAs598/s640/class18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The IKEA book boxes are a staple in my room every year. </div>
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They never fail me and the kids love being able to take them home at the end of the year.</div>
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There we have it... my 2015-2016 classroom. I love the way everything came together this year.</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by and checking things out. </div>
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Now it's time to have a great school year!! Hope you do too!</div>
Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-51732904707279486012015-08-30T17:42:00.000-05:002015-08-30T17:42:03.472-05:00Keeping Meet the Teacher Night Fun, Simple, & Successful<br />
Happy Sunday y'all! I wanted to pop in today to share a bit about <b>Meet the Teacher</b> night. <br />
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<b>Meet the Teacher is always an exciting night.</b> The kids are so excited to see their friends and visit their new classrooms. And although we teachers spend the whole day running around the school like chickens with our head's cut off pulling every last minute thing together, it is sooo worth it to see the excitement on the faces of your new students! Not to mention all the hugs you get from former students (which may actually be my favorite part).<br />
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Our Meet the Teacher is <u>only an hour</u> so things go by quick! I have to be super organized to get everything done in the small amount of time I have and I MUST prioritize.<br />
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<b>First, I make sure my room is <i>clean</i>, <i>organized</i>, and <i>inviting</i>. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzcXnwBPlwCYGIKqj4eM0BWg5O0YDG0sue83GafcnIwtqhkW1yZPQNM6sEGFSSYdjmK0e5QGdyQlKbvBrWZt8uitna8Q-aoq2DwqcxRXp8Rnr_2v8fSh8JGHTvQnDo-291WaEEi-Asm3i/s1600/MeettheTeacher1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzcXnwBPlwCYGIKqj4eM0BWg5O0YDG0sue83GafcnIwtqhkW1yZPQNM6sEGFSSYdjmK0e5QGdyQlKbvBrWZt8uitna8Q-aoq2DwqcxRXp8Rnr_2v8fSh8JGHTvQnDo-291WaEEi-Asm3i/s640/MeettheTeacher1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been working very hard this year to make sure I don't have stacks of anything anywhere. Nothing on top of my book shelves or storage cabinets. No extra stuff out or stored on top/out of the way. My goal is to make sure everything has a place. #organizationaldream</div>
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<b>I always set up desks with the most important information and a post-it with the student's name</b>. One of the first things I ask my parents to do, is check that name post-it and make any name/spelling changes on the post-it <i>before </i>I start labeling things all over the room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtFdPAIOsAAXmHPPz_0ShCr0bzCUbwABvrBxpNhV2E3MVRflVLH0gzS_IPH1TaAylmjIGKyWtSRiGwte7ZKG5t0LlHkyKsZTDhL_MOduDeFibJTIzVowj9_tVLE9mrmZzvoyIeDWxMzsr/s1600/MeettheTeacher5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtFdPAIOsAAXmHPPz_0ShCr0bzCUbwABvrBxpNhV2E3MVRflVLH0gzS_IPH1TaAylmjIGKyWtSRiGwte7ZKG5t0LlHkyKsZTDhL_MOduDeFibJTIzVowj9_tVLE9mrmZzvoyIeDWxMzsr/s640/MeettheTeacher5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Another goal this year was to downsize all the paperwork I burdened parents with on this night.</b> I kept the absolute essentials. Everything on the left is what I asked parents to complete before leaving and I got it down to <b>5 papers</b>! Yes! </div>
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My essentials include a transportation form, Parent 3-2-1 (student info), correspondence report, Edmodo permission slip, and *new this year* a class Instagram account information page. <b>I'm absolutely LOVING the class Instagram account</b>. You can get the same great resources for setting up your own classroom Instagram <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Create-a-Class-Instagram-1785067">here</a>! </div>
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The folder on the right had all the goods and forms from the office. And on top of that was... the <b>ultimate 4th grade Handbook Flipbook</b> filled with great information and most frequently asked questions in 4th grade. <i>I'm totally obsessed with it!</i> </div>
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It was super easy to modify and put together. <b>I put a magnet on the back and asked my parents to keep it on the fridge so it would be handy all year.</b> I addressed everything from homework expectations to our 4th grade grading policy on those pages. I'm hoping it is a great resource for my parents. You can find the one I used <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Flipbook-for-Parent-Night-Editable-Flip-Book-1379898">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWzdtLn61UhhBqIvxrxks_vJqYkjKyoxsYLXau7AI5O0Y2TWvorTf-NWKkZgOYlqYEq3VfXYB0fRCfH5VZaAG5L4lzpsTg55EIw1MR76vTEavXxlbIMN51bXc1VRz8RhAvA8y_YBFO7DO/s1600/MeettheTeacher3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWzdtLn61UhhBqIvxrxks_vJqYkjKyoxsYLXau7AI5O0Y2TWvorTf-NWKkZgOYlqYEq3VfXYB0fRCfH5VZaAG5L4lzpsTg55EIw1MR76vTEavXxlbIMN51bXc1VRz8RhAvA8y_YBFO7DO/s640/MeettheTeacher3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I do talk for a few minutes but mostly to introduce myself, explain the paperwork and give quick instructions. <b>Then I mingle with parents and students and let my rotating PowerPoint do the rest.</b> Easy peasy!<br />
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I try to keep everything easy for parents from the beginning. I always have my contact information posted and I always make sure there are enough pens on the desk for everyone <i>and </i>their younger sibling to use one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1LiZMvsFlVgprHHmXhTBBGI5Fn1-1SxHypwqxVS3b-ghpqfuDNpWbc8KcSmd7Onf49o5AWrVwerdMh0GCTcKXqL3yuZGiPNvNW1m9nnwdbYnh-Jm-Zmqa1ZI0-xTzFhUcH0TReswKRJ-/s1600/MeettheTeacher4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1LiZMvsFlVgprHHmXhTBBGI5Fn1-1SxHypwqxVS3b-ghpqfuDNpWbc8KcSmd7Onf49o5AWrVwerdMh0GCTcKXqL3yuZGiPNvNW1m9nnwdbYnh-Jm-Zmqa1ZI0-xTzFhUcH0TReswKRJ-/s640/MeettheTeacher4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Meet the Teacher is also a great night to get volunteers! </b>Our amazing PTA puts together sign-up forms for us and delivers them to our room before the big event. Aren't they awesome? I also put out a Fall Conference Sign-Up sheet. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkYxzO-CUq1ke3vkThr_gOPAs3tM1cCmuCVFC2mmmk1d5npZ6wtsSGUHxxmzx4MjSpXOlSDV1hrFf_OBv3ebzegj4SAMjhrkK1cHsjx18xQHmO8pedxn3-Mm9K2IAsgeSILBgn5K-NYwr/s1600/MeettheTeacher2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkYxzO-CUq1ke3vkThr_gOPAs3tM1cCmuCVFC2mmmk1d5npZ6wtsSGUHxxmzx4MjSpXOlSDV1hrFf_OBv3ebzegj4SAMjhrkK1cHsjx18xQHmO8pedxn3-Mm9K2IAsgeSILBgn5K-NYwr/s640/MeettheTeacher2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Finally, I always include The Giving Tree. I got smart this year and printed my apples on red paper. <b>For things that are really specific, I just print pictures off and put those directly on the board. So easy!</b> I include things like baby wipes, colored pencils, index cards, ziplocs (all sizes), books, expo markers, glitter, and lunch bags. I'm always amazed and grateful to how much gets donated to our classroom.<br />
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<b>Meet the Teacher night is always a whirlwind of excitement and fun for students and teachers!</b> I enjoy spending my time meeting my new parents, getting to know my new students, and reconnecting with families from the past.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What do you do to keep Meet the Teacher night fun, simple, and successful? </span></div>
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/amandathief/amanda-sig.png" />Amanda Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07584912126047807038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542192013770287134.post-72206878682117723562015-08-15T18:21:00.000-05:002015-08-15T18:21:40.845-05:00Fiction Friday: Chapter 10<b>It must be August, because here I am getting my Fiction Friday post up on a Saturday </b>AND it follows my last Fiction Friday post. Yup, no other posts in between. It's back to school time for sure!!<br />
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It's funny how when August hits and back to school goes into full swing how hard it is to check everything off that To Do List.<b> I didn't get everything I dreamed done this week but I did get my classroom set up, worked with my team to finalize some grade level procedures and policies, AND I got to spend one whole day at a workshop with Tanny McGregor.</b> More on all of this to follow later this week.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For now, let's talk books books. Don't you just <span style="color: #990000;">LOVE </span>books?!?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS2waeJgYK4Dk9UeOMIvyolD7bU2f3OZ6ocs77QD9m8LdHT4UprvR_lHBVLjT7NLUde0GEcSGHQcsnc90pR-1EgEb_ypX8hD3KjwQZ2A5FXTl09COE6viGFcFMmhqL2DLprMVn1Epbl9j/s1600/FictionFridayButton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS2waeJgYK4Dk9UeOMIvyolD7bU2f3OZ6ocs77QD9m8LdHT4UprvR_lHBVLjT7NLUde0GEcSGHQcsnc90pR-1EgEb_ypX8hD3KjwQZ2A5FXTl09COE6viGFcFMmhqL2DLprMVn1Epbl9j/s320/FictionFridayButton.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week I read...</span></i></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Terrible Two</b></span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1YNVlRYDuJKgcJaF9KrTXchNHgi_hg4qtjqW7pmMt_m6-gLyGNXm0ordznayzNHALhU8z3q8Mm5CaVDP8wv-DNRr4BYgqRggsn-WTlEsO0OGCJXiM0BNa2_cOQDuZo_njgcabQqKi70c/s1600/terribletwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1YNVlRYDuJKgcJaF9KrTXchNHgi_hg4qtjqW7pmMt_m6-gLyGNXm0ordznayzNHALhU8z3q8Mm5CaVDP8wv-DNRr4BYgqRggsn-WTlEsO0OGCJXiM0BNa2_cOQDuZo_njgcabQqKi70c/s1600/terribletwo.jpg" /></a>Written by Jory John and Mac Barnett</div>
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Illustrated by Kevin Cornell</div>
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This was the perfect book to follow <u>Pickle</u> from last week. <b><u>The Terrible Two</u> is the story of Miles Murphy, a prankster by nature, who moves to a new town and has to reestablish his pranking reputation.</b> The only problem is there is already a prankster at his new school in his new town and this prankster is good.... REALLY good. The best part about this notorious new prankster is he is the person nobody would suspect. He keeps it all secret and wants to <b>team up with Miles to create the ultimate school prank</b>.</div>
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The back of the book sums it up perfectly, <i>"From friends and bestselling authors Mac Barnett & Jory John comes this deviously funny new series about fitting in, making your mark, and finding a friend where you least expect one. Oh, and cows."</i></div>
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<b>The Terrible Two is simple a good time in 224 pages.</b> The chapters are quick and filled with illustrations that help the story come alive. Miles and Niles (aren't the names great?) are hilarious characters. <b>At first trying to out do each other, Miles finally gives in and they join forces for the prank of the century that made me laugh out loud. This was a big hit in my classroom last year and I can see why.</b> Students that enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Stick Dog will love this book! <b>I'm so pleased it is a battle book this year for my 4th graders because they are going to eat this up!</b><br />
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Check out these fantastic illustrations...<b> </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFFD4QXf0IRh46mneWBxruHEbPoq1aFAYYJFJeEhmhSw65EkNRpzY-9HLqYp8waOi4VTDWk6oIoAWUrGSGFIgpkXbHZ5X6DbBbXhQuFdQJtT-Rb1RSxf3Z9ACMta_uc47Y9iMufAcN_4T/s1600/terribletwo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFFD4QXf0IRh46mneWBxruHEbPoq1aFAYYJFJeEhmhSw65EkNRpzY-9HLqYp8waOi4VTDWk6oIoAWUrGSGFIgpkXbHZ5X6DbBbXhQuFdQJtT-Rb1RSxf3Z9ACMta_uc47Y9iMufAcN_4T/s320/terribletwo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I would recommend this book for grades 3-5. You could absolutely read this book aloud, but I think it's a fun independent read so you can really study the great illustrations. This is one kids will gravitate to on their own. I am probably going to need a second copy for my classroom. </div>
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<u>Book Information:</u></div>
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<li>224 Pages</li>
<li>Realistic/Humorous Fiction</li>
<li>620 Lexile Level</li>
<li>Grade Level Equivalent - 4.5 </li>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The House on Hackman's Hill</span></b></u></div>
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by Joan Lowery Nixon</div>
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<b>This is an oldie but a goodie.</b> Have you read it? <b>The house on Hackman's Hill was once the home of an eccentric Egyptian art collector and is said to be cursed by the Egyptian god, Anubis.</b> Years ago Dr. Hackman suddenly disappeared and so did his famous mummy. Years later, there is a $10,000 reward to recover the lost mummy and Jeff and Debbie just know they can find it. However, when a blizzard traps them inside the spooky mansion, they find they may have underestimated the truth behind the stories they were told. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9eP45NnNPDNs8PubQ9UHPwH8b8BsSTMaI9LIp8tjaQ7SVn0vfXT8iLQkEu-jwk21MbcRNVwv0Fu1VrbRmmvFe1j8p-zSIS9c5YbwI7kQdKW9wAQo2E7tu_eEu7PUWFW0z2YjCTb1XNiD/s1600/houseonhackmanshill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9eP45NnNPDNs8PubQ9UHPwH8b8BsSTMaI9LIp8tjaQ7SVn0vfXT8iLQkEu-jwk21MbcRNVwv0Fu1VrbRmmvFe1j8p-zSIS9c5YbwI7kQdKW9wAQo2E7tu_eEu7PUWFW0z2YjCTb1XNiD/s320/houseonhackmanshill.jpg" width="213" /></a>Does it sound spooky? It is a little spooky and very suspenseful. <b>I wouldn't call it a <u>really</u> scary book, but I probably wouldn't hand it over to all my 4th graders.</b> That being said, I know kids who would devour this book. One of the things I liked most about the novel was how the original story of the house gets told to the children almost as a completely separate story in itself. <b>By the time the children explore the house, you can already see parallels and connections as the story starts to almost relive itself with them.</b> There is also a great opportunity to learn about Egyptian history and culture throughout the novel in a kid-friendly way. <b>The story is very well done (especially in 126 pages) and ends just perfectly.</b></div>
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I would recommend this book for fourth graders and up. It's a great book for kids who like to read those Scary Stories books or loved <u>Coraline</u> and <u>The Graveyard Book</u> by Neil Gaiman. It would also make a very spooky October read aloud if you are feeling brave. The kids would be on the edge of their seats for sure. </div>
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<u>Book Information:</u></div>
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<li>126 pages</li>
<li>Scary Stories/Supernatural</li>
<li>780 Lexile Level</li>
<li>Guided Reading Level - T</li>
<li>Grade Level Equivalent - 6.4</li>
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Have you read either of these novels before? What did you think? <br />
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What wonderful books have you discovered this summer? Link up or comment below to join the conversation and have some fun!! Every day is a good day for Fiction Friday. :)<br />
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