tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53412008344374236392024-02-07T00:21:24.725-05:00First Grade Hugs and High FivesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-33240616618541979172015-11-29T21:47:00.000-05:002015-11-29T21:47:21.208-05:00I'm giving this another try!!Hey there,<br />
It's been almost two years since I last posted. I guess I just hit a creative rut. I didn't think I had anything important to say so I abandoned my blog. But something happened in the last couple of months that got my creative juices flowing...<br />
I've had the pleasure of working with an awesome student teacher this semester. I've worked with a few student teachers in my career and a couple have shown promise and I felt confident that they would turn out to be good teachers as they moved forward. But my current student teacher demonstrates more than just promise. She's just got "it." You know what "it" is. It's that natural ability... that born-into-you teacher sense. It can't be taught. It can only be spotted and nurtured until it blossoms. That's what I see in Jackie. <br />
My proudest moment for her was the first time, she did "the stare." You know what I'm talking about... I don't think she believed me when I said, "You can quiet them down by just looking at them a certain way." It took her a week or so before she gathered up the courage to give it a try. But then, voila... One minute the class got a little rowdy after a silly moment, the next I look up ready to intervene when I see her giving "the stare" a try. I gave a little silent "yes!" as I sat at my desk. There may or may not have been a little tear in my eye.<br />
As a cooperating teacher, I'm no softie. I told her in the first week, that I'd be tougher on her than her college supervisor. But just like I do with my firsties, I set high expectations. In most ways, she has surpassed them. She's done a great job and I'm sad to see her wrapping things up, but I do miss doing my job and I'm ready to get back to doing the day to day stuff. Give me a week of grading and lesson planning though and I may regret typing that... (just kidding). <br />
It's been nice to get a little break from the planning and prepping. I've used my spare time to start blog-hopping again. I've got such a mixed bag of kiddies this year. In September, they ranged from Guided Reading levels A to R. Yes, R!!! My highest reading group are M-R and really need to be challenged. Coincidentally (or not) these four are always the first to be done their math classwork. What to do to differentiate? I've been prepping to start a Math Workshop style format to my math lessons. We are going to wrap up the unit we are in this week and then I will start to establish the routines and expectations of the new format. I'm hoping this will be a fairly easy transition since I have such a small class and routines for Reading Centers have already been up and running for months. Fingers crossed!!<br />
I have my announced observation tomorrow! Wish me luck on my first day back to teaching again!<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-23608604571075520262013-11-02T13:21:00.000-04:002013-11-02T13:21:44.378-04:00Teacher Friendly Supplies Pencil Sharpener- REVIEW<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I know I've been a very bad blogger, but I wanted to take the time to tell you all about my new pencil sharpener from <a href="http://www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com/" target="_blank">Classroom Friendly Supplies</a>. First off, Troy the owner of Classroom Friendly supplies is super nice. My sharpener was delivered while I was on vacation and despite my neighbors checking the porch for delivery daily, it "walked" away. (I hope whoever stole it off my porch has very sharp pencils... bet they were hoping for an iPhone or something, haha gotcha!) Without hesitation, Troy sent out another, this time to my school. When it was delivered, I opened the packaging to find my classic black sharpener, but no directions. "That shouldn't be a problem," I thought, "I am an educated person. I can figure this out." The sharpener itself was easy enough to figure out, but the clamp that attaches it to the table was a bit more of a challenge. After trying several different ways, I finally figured out how to get it to clamp onto the table. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05Mw9EEoeA8uM41RxQBXwX3Pc0pTltYP29W6t32X8CLlvOcpl_fDq2_kknlV1aM7ztoBzv6rBspF8i1Q3jccJAaYa9-qurBU80nHfm_GyCtbwapTdTNG2xKSEPm2rVHbpVafgcuLQqAM/s1600/2013-10-30+16.44.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05Mw9EEoeA8uM41RxQBXwX3Pc0pTltYP29W6t32X8CLlvOcpl_fDq2_kknlV1aM7ztoBzv6rBspF8i1Q3jccJAaYa9-qurBU80nHfm_GyCtbwapTdTNG2xKSEPm2rVHbpVafgcuLQqAM/s320/2013-10-30+16.44.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now I was set... time to sharpen some pencils! In order to put your pencil in, you have to squeeze and pull out the piece that holds the pencil in place. Then you insert the pencil into the holder and the hole to the sharpener. It's time to crank it. At first it's a bit tough, but as the pencil gets sharper, it's easier to crank. You know your pencil is sharp when the crank is very easy. (Instead of the old fashioned crank sharpeners I remember from my schooling, this nifty sharpener doesn't continue to chew up your pencil if you leave it in longer. It's also significantly quieter than other crank or electric pencil sharpeners that I've used.) Then, you squeeze the holder again to pull the pencil out. And voila... you have a SUPER sharp pencil. When I say sharp... I mean sharp! The pencils are borderline daggers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_kRzGEmWUsy5hlLj9SFcWfsumreC94huhBiOjU0GjW3cuS-yc6E8Vge_0r2QirEbYTC_mmRQacUpH_ctfA36BugkQxJVoz3ZiWb-Sjo04v3n4AIxCheMhAyhCSCumy5a4w64CJUy6ec/s1600/2013-10-30+16.44.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_kRzGEmWUsy5hlLj9SFcWfsumreC94huhBiOjU0GjW3cuS-yc6E8Vge_0r2QirEbYTC_mmRQacUpH_ctfA36BugkQxJVoz3ZiWb-Sjo04v3n4AIxCheMhAyhCSCumy5a4w64CJUy6ec/s320/2013-10-30+16.44.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm going to be honest... one of the reasons I wanted to try this pencil sharpener out was because I've begun not allowing my firsties to use my precious electric pencil sharpener since some have abused the privilege and I'm trying to extend the life of it. I wanted to find a sharpener that was durable and easy for first graders to operate. The Classroom Friendly Supplies pencil sharpener appears to be very durably made, but it has taken quite a bit of modeling and practice for first graders to be able to operate independently. They are getting there though. I was also not exaggerating on the sharpness of the point. Despite my warning not to, one angel couldn't resist trying out the sharpness on his neighbor's arm. But since that incident, we are doing much better. We also abandoned the use of the clamp. Neither the kids or I could figure out how to keep it from not coming loose after a few uses. It's fine though because without the clamp it can be moved for righty or lefty usage. Overall, I've been satisfied with my pencil sharpener from <a href="http://www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com/" target="_blank">Classroom Friendly Supplies</a>. Visit Troy to see the selection of colors that you can pick up for your classroom. Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-74073705691853639332013-10-15T21:55:00.000-04:002013-10-15T21:55:50.386-04:00Math Bags... I'm lovin them!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I know I've been MIA. Things have been crazy at school and at home. And honestly... I confess, I've been a little down on myself as a blogger. On my drive home from work, I think about what I should tell you all and lately, I wondered if anyone would care about what I have to say. So I've held back. But then, I opened my email on Sunday to find the sweetest email from a reader named Ashley. She wrote to me and told me that she found my ideas to be inspirational and asked me questions about some of the things I have shared on this blog. It's as if she knew what I needed... So Ashley... if you're reading this, thanks for taking the time to send me that message!</div>
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So, I was listening to my favorite radio station on the way to school and they were talking about celebrity girl crushes. I don't have to even think about it, mine is Scarlet Johansson. But it got me thinking (and I hope this doesn't sound stalkerish- but I realize it does, LOL)... do you have a teacher blogger crush? I have a few. But lately, I'm loving the work of Tamra and Sarah of <a href="http://firstgradebuddies2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grade Buddies</a>. </div>
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This year, our district added 20 minutes of instructional time to our day this year and it is mandated that the first 20 minutes of the day is devoted to math instruction. We are calling this "Morning Math." (I know you are loving the very original name!) Anyway, I had a vision of wanting to implement a time for intervention and math centers for this time. I tried gathering various math centers and making tubs, but like my previous struggles with literacy centers, I couldn't make the pacing work. Plus I was spending hours cutting and laminating, and I was spending a lot of moolah. I needed a better system!!! </div>
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And then I found Math Bags from First Grade Buddies. (Can you hear the angels singing, I could!) Click on the picture below to check them out in their TPT store.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Bags-for-1st-Grade-THE-COMPLETE-SET-30-Common-Core-Aligned-Math-Centers-749488" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLqwKxbtitecePf80FmpR1GtDHQcq8D4fKVsg0Ea58DTkZm-Dntl2HtfPbn2XOYdd2ueYf5D8H7EfDaU_Y132pGJOnQ711xMdijHxiOfmsR_z0g22M4sRbz6e07RAsmuW5kFDp8hV-tA/s320/original-749488-1.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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You can read the post that sold me on this product by clicking <a href="http://firstgradebuddies2.blogspot.com/2013/06/small-group-instruction-linky-math.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I love the simplicity of the directions and the kids are able to be SO independent after just a few days of using them. Even my non-readers are able to look at the direction cards and figure out what to do and I'm free to work with individual students or small groups and provide intervention. </div>
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Here is a look at one of the math bags. I ran the direction sheet on blue so it would always be easy to find (as the Buddies suggested). I put everything the kids would need in a gallon zipper bag with the direction sheet. The activity in this particular bag has students practicing counting ten frames. But the activities range all different skills. Most are simple enough for students working in partners to be able to figure out independently. I LOVE that! Plus I didn't need to buy anything extra to have the students be able to complete the activities... bonus!</div>
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Each bag is labeled and is kept in a file box. Students are able to find their bag and take it to another place in the room to work with their partner to complete the activity. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIWQWpsUGK1FEw7tmDYhZGi8DBqmGVX7jJAgueAcxPmGEZI4reH3cJ9EucotL9oxOlo1LLNW_x5_mHi00cCHgMUFFu7gVYCMxFbxFgTfUIeZ5k19lCuX6sNJOkD57pdqYTo5gyz4dtp4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIWQWpsUGK1FEw7tmDYhZGi8DBqmGVX7jJAgueAcxPmGEZI4reH3cJ9EucotL9oxOlo1LLNW_x5_mHi00cCHgMUFFu7gVYCMxFbxFgTfUIeZ5k19lCuX6sNJOkD57pdqYTo5gyz4dtp4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" /></a></div>
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I created this rotation board to match our jungle theme. I'm using ten of the twelve bags. The labels on the right say "Bag 1" "Bag 2," etc. I rotate the cards on the right (with student names) daily so that they get a new bag every day. I am planning on having students rotate through the bags 2-3 times before I switch to the next set. It's going amazingly well. So thanks a million to Tamra and Sarah for their hard work. They have saved me time, money and a few (more) gray hairs. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-82952346893284240972013-09-28T21:52:00.001-04:002013-09-28T21:52:53.080-04:00Five For Friday- My First in a LONG Time!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I haven't linked up with Kacie from <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2013/09/five-for-friday-linky-party-september-27.html" target="_blank">Doodlebugs Teaching</a> for her famous Five for Friday Linky Party in months. (I know... it's Saturday, call it fashionably late.) What's not to love about a Linky where you can post 5 random things about your week. So let's let the randomness begin!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZFWCdUt4-lggsU0u9zR5ZCIr5sjar-O_nyFmQ3qNuwwOvCnPPv02cpswoEd2KVuYZp8fsRE-M_NcSEHfXHgqkXUA3_oYnGunUTcHuomHnHM6a6LMN-V16klAmcqbhFcBq7RWs5vb_8k/s1600/fiveforfriday2_thumb3_thumb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZFWCdUt4-lggsU0u9zR5ZCIr5sjar-O_nyFmQ3qNuwwOvCnPPv02cpswoEd2KVuYZp8fsRE-M_NcSEHfXHgqkXUA3_oYnGunUTcHuomHnHM6a6LMN-V16klAmcqbhFcBq7RWs5vb_8k/s320/fiveforfriday2_thumb3_thumb3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. I had had my eye of this fantastic product on Teachers Pay Teachers for months. It sat on my wish list because it was a rather big ticket item. But, I was on a search for some fabulous Morning Work for my firsties. I looked at many products that were available out there and I was sold on Kelly from <a href="http://teacherideafactory.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teacher Idea Factory'</a>s year long <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Good-Morning-Work-Reading-School-Year-Bundle-1st-Grade-579101" target="_blank">Good Morning Work</a> pack. I love that she alligned all of her product to the Common Core Standards. However, she convinced me in sharing that her product encouraged independence. There are 5 days of work that have the same directions. So on the first day of a set, you need to go over the directions closely, but then for the next 5 days the directions are the same so I have had to help less and less as the week goes on. If you are like me, you have eighty million things to do in the morning between attendance, lunch ordering, returning library books, checking in homework, etc. etc. So, students being independent is a really good thing!! </div>
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Back to this summer... This product sat on my wish list waiting for the right time... and the right time was the Back to School sale this summer. Always a deal seeker, I jumped on the opportunity and picked up <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Good-Morning-Work-Reading-School-Year-Bundle-1st-Grade-579101" target="_blank">Good Morning Work for Reading</a> AND <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Good-Morning-Work-Math-School-Year-Bundle-1st-Grade-580507" target="_blank">Math</a>. So how's it going?? I love these awesome packets and my kiddies do too. The have helped me keep my sanity and the kids are getting great review! You really should check them out!<br />
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2. Check out my newest fashion accessory... I know, you're jealous. An intervention we are trying to help one of my cuties is to be mic'ed up. I've had to wear an FM system before but, it was so annoying. I couldn't figure out how to wear the headset properly and truth be told no one else seemed to know either. But then, something clicked and I realize I had it on upside down... DOH! Now I feel like 90s Madonna (minus the cones and the blond pony tail). Whatever it takes to help my kiddies! Now, I just have to remember to turn it off when I run to the ladies room, LOL!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVfbmbJv6fFVhYWU005SsURo3NURfQauhO7OK8ZVFSmuTWFWb_XujiUL3AwcwozXQQm758sv8-0XYraPis5cS-y96oJ58u_u3mUW07DA2fakfLSJZ77EW6BaNHV5GypEkahS12BiBk78/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVfbmbJv6fFVhYWU005SsURo3NURfQauhO7OK8ZVFSmuTWFWb_XujiUL3AwcwozXQQm758sv8-0XYraPis5cS-y96oJ58u_u3mUW07DA2fakfLSJZ77EW6BaNHV5GypEkahS12BiBk78/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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3. I made these <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Name-Plates-Jungle-Theme-846033" target="_blank">editable tent style name plates</a> to coordinate with my jungle theme classroom and they turned out so awesome, I put them and some other patterns up for sale on TPT. Each set (bright colors, primary colors, lime and turquoise, and animal print) comes with 5 different prints to mix and match. All you have to do is add your students' names, print, and laminate. I did not miss writing each child's name in my neatest, most precise, first grade teacher handwriting. You probably already have name plates for your students from back to school, but if your kids are like mine, they are already half destroyed. I like to have an extra set on hand for substitutes and special guests. I am making them free in my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/First-Grade-Hugs-And-High-Fives" target="_blank">TPT shop</a> until Monday night. Please, just leave feedback in return! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21f5PoiH8OqJlXMo98u7DEjRrxL1x7y6mraets68-KWxNrf-vIxMwRDqJU7kM8CztWXFW1GIoyZ8oxBdDS_U4kMiooDFyMVPLneFpUMtNlWVt59shTG-q65cYZskNNAtwZWx5YQjuBMM/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21f5PoiH8OqJlXMo98u7DEjRrxL1x7y6mraets68-KWxNrf-vIxMwRDqJU7kM8CztWXFW1GIoyZ8oxBdDS_U4kMiooDFyMVPLneFpUMtNlWVt59shTG-q65cYZskNNAtwZWx5YQjuBMM/s200/Slide3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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4. This year, we are returning to a traditional math program after what seemed like forever with a very "interesting" math program that lacked in many of the basics. We were always supplementing and it was EXHAUSTING! Anyway, our new program is My Math by McMillan McGraw Hill. And so far, I love it and so do the kids and parents. We were also returning to drilling addition and subtraction facts, which took a backseat for many years. Now I'm not a huge fan of the stress of timed tests, but I do think they have a purpose to encourage fact fluency. But I wanted to use something that would be motivating to my students. Enter <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Math-Addition-and-Subtraction-Fact-Fluency-A-Fact-Flash-Card-System-536263" target="_blank">Rainbow Math</a> by Tamra and Sarah at <a href="http://firstgradebuddies2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grade Buddies</a>. I picked up both the addition and subtraction program. And we are ready to try it out next week. I'll post more about how it's going, but I'm really excited to try out their system. <br />
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5. I got to visit my son's first grade classroom for Back to School this week. I can't believe how fast he's growing up! He just joined cub scouts and we had a blast at his first pack meeting at a local farm. We elected not to camp out as this was his introduction to scouts and my husband and I had another commitment. But, here he is posing with one of the many scarecrows on display. <br />
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It's been a good week. My students are settling into their routines. My own kids are settling into our school and home routines. Here's hoping for another good one next week. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-26264471478197928932013-09-23T21:33:00.000-04:002013-09-23T21:33:03.150-04:00Small Victories!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! Well, I will count day one of literacy centers a success. All of the students were engaged, and learning. I saw some smiles, too! I've written other blog posts about how I do centers. But I'll give a quick summary again in case you don't know. I've been teaching first grade for 11 years and it took till year 9 to finally figure out how to make centers work for me and my classroom. It always bothered me to have a rotation of 15 minutes at each center because I'd have some centers that took less time and other that took more. I felt like I was always tracking kids down to finish things. Sometimes I needed less time with a reading group, sometimes I needed more. I needed more flexibility. </div>
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A few years ago, I tried The Daily Five. I LOVED the theory behind it but, I found that I with our basal program, the students needed a little more practice and formal activities. I still use the Sisters' steps for establishing independence for Read to Self, Read to Someone, and Listening to Reading. I do feel that the key to a classroom that runs like a well-oiled machine is really taking the time to set up routines and procedures. So for the past two and a half weeks we have worked hard to become independent at those three areas. This week, I decided to take the plunge and introduce our checklist. </div>
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Each week, my students have a checklist of activities that they work though. I highlight activities that are a "must do" and then other non-highlighted activities are "may do." As the year progresses, I will differentiate the activities on the checklist for students. Students enjoy having the choice over which order they complete tasks and I enjoy having the flexibility that it affords. It just works for us!</div>
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I wanted to share some pictures of the kiddies hard at work. I did not do any reading groups today so that I was available to assist students and trouble shoot. I'm so glad I did that because I would have been interrupted a million times. We'll see how things go tomorrow. I might try for one reading group. </div>
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Students working on rhyming word matches (short i words).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5cxGBvJVgPCC_yFDZc1vIzEPiIKf8mTpsJOX3DpoKryy7_Jvc9nolWiUKJGM1h8hllfn_umEZUKcSOEKI01NlWV28iySkTv-25-i_i2wM-c_xuBX8mfXXgZWPLqv3Dx0FaXDBd5fgAY/s1600/P9230092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5cxGBvJVgPCC_yFDZc1vIzEPiIKf8mTpsJOX3DpoKryy7_Jvc9nolWiUKJGM1h8hllfn_umEZUKcSOEKI01NlWV28iySkTv-25-i_i2wM-c_xuBX8mfXXgZWPLqv3Dx0FaXDBd5fgAY/s320/P9230092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Self-selecting books for Read to Self and doing Read to Self.</div>
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Word Family Sorts (ig and ip words)</div>
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Write the Room</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpohoPt2WqOHLkKIO1iCW5hFfXHQFNuo4v80MNe4OMcOOD9edJMf0ZouZcCqcXqnlX2PzfWheZPgA8bo58U2edzjFAJFtjL2QatiRr1DG-OlngLb3tiRYNNO0ZmBG_PVdbeYTXPT99xw/s1600/P9230095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpohoPt2WqOHLkKIO1iCW5hFfXHQFNuo4v80MNe4OMcOOD9edJMf0ZouZcCqcXqnlX2PzfWheZPgA8bo58U2edzjFAJFtjL2QatiRr1DG-OlngLb3tiRYNNO0ZmBG_PVdbeYTXPT99xw/s320/P9230095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Labeling Pete the Cat</div>
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More Write the Room</div>
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Students select various centers from baskets on the windowsill. Any materials and/or record sheets are available in each basket.</div>
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Here is a close up of word cards and record sheets for rhyming word centers.</div>
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I use several different sources for my center activities. We use the Houghton Mifflin Journeys series and I was happy to discover the wonderful work of Dawn at <a href="http://firstgradeshenanigans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grade Shenanigans</a>. I use her activities to supplement my creations because they match the Journeys program perfectly and make my life a million times easier. I also added a couple activities from these packs, too. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Blast-291296" target="_blank">Back to School Blast by Amanda Rich </a> <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Groovy-Cat-Math-Literacy-Unit-298432" target="_blank">The Groovy Cat Math and Literacy Unit</a> by Christine at First Grade Fever.</div>
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Here's hoping my kiddos keep up the great work and continue to build their independence so I can do more. Have a great week!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-65066709558524548002013-09-21T21:56:00.000-04:002013-09-21T21:56:58.871-04:00Swinging New Year Goals, Bucket Fillers, and more!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there everyone! We just finished our second full week of school and I. am. tired. Why is it I always forget how tough the first month of so is? I've been teaching first grade for 11 years and yet, I'm always shocked at how long it takes to do anything. I guess I take for granted how far each group comes by June. I just have to remind myself... it will get easier, they will get faster, and they will get more independent. </div>
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We've busy building up independence for my version of literacy centers. If you want to read more about how we do our independent reading checklist, <a href="http://mrsgrosse1stgrade.blogspot.com/search/label/literacy%20centers" target="_blank">click here</a>. We have established Read to Self, Read to Someone, and introduced the listening center. They are doing really well and it has allowed me to chug though and finally finish all of my beginning of the year running record benchmarks. Next week, my plan is to attempt our first checklist. I'm only planning to do one reading group a day so that I can be available to troubleshoot and help out. We'll see how it goes... the past two years, I tried to do too much myself on the first week and it ended up being a longer process to get the kids established. This year, I'm hoping a more relaxed approach where I am more accessible will help the process along and allow students to develop their independence more quickly. I'll let you know how it goes. </div>
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We had Back to School Night on Tuesday night and it went very well. We were busy doing special projects to share with parents and these were just a few of the cute things we did! </div>
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Students write about their goals for the new year. We also used this adorable <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Swinging-Into-A-New-Year-A-Craftivity-For-Back-To-School-279598" target="_blank">craftivity</a> from Valerie at <a href="http://allstudentscanshine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">All Students Can Shine</a>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo18GkmyTCR9IPwLddpvC2iMjoHVPmkkUIhZLu43Rd2cLpY9hFug4KXdTJe858etyK9sJ7-c4Sv_U_UTCoqgm39mRle89VmT3UfPC2HQDnINZ5ZQOQS8j5GTPRh_hbNEeUpV1vv1-0-E/s1600/Goals1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo18GkmyTCR9IPwLddpvC2iMjoHVPmkkUIhZLu43Rd2cLpY9hFug4KXdTJe858etyK9sJ7-c4Sv_U_UTCoqgm39mRle89VmT3UfPC2HQDnINZ5ZQOQS8j5GTPRh_hbNEeUpV1vv1-0-E/s320/Goals1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goals for a "Swinging" New Year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpx7lWptdiIm7koi_e79n0K_Cu_izb9XX94xL7tLyvYykN8eA2xPLvR2xd1-jd9C365z2tu-bK8EGtWLCwxcj4f6TIBSHwc0BjcpI815CV8MbvZZztyNoM5ClOY0H3ehZQlZ1IgyLCx1c/s1600/goals2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpx7lWptdiIm7koi_e79n0K_Cu_izb9XX94xL7tLyvYykN8eA2xPLvR2xd1-jd9C365z2tu-bK8EGtWLCwxcj4f6TIBSHwc0BjcpI815CV8MbvZZztyNoM5ClOY0H3ehZQlZ1IgyLCx1c/s320/goals2.png" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In first grade I want to do hard homework. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScLFOBYIcXdxDn5e2X28J9EsBqg7e4hGJYroRT6dmfFwIfjn1erlmA3qHFgaJSxFLVLLKlI4JZFLxp8g74obiFmhJnLBoLI9cN8gLYPh6AGbyGaV-nQeaFsZJc3-1tOd3Ja3Fd6xPTXg/s1600/Goals.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScLFOBYIcXdxDn5e2X28J9EsBqg7e4hGJYroRT6dmfFwIfjn1erlmA3qHFgaJSxFLVLLKlI4JZFLxp8g74obiFmhJnLBoLI9cN8gLYPh6AGbyGaV-nQeaFsZJc3-1tOd3Ja3Fd6xPTXg/s320/Goals.png" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In first grade I want to learn hard math and read long books.</td></tr>
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They looked so adorable and colorful in the hallway and I got lots of compliments on the display.</div>
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Another great project we worked on were Our Bucket Fillers. Of course, we read How Full is Your Bucket. This lead to great discussions and lots of brainstorming of what we can do and already do that fill others' buckets. If you are not familiar with the concept of bucket filling you need to check out the variety of books for children and adults that demonstrate the simple concept. Students wrote about what they would do to be a bucket filler. We used a wonderful <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-Heart-Bucket-Fillers-660662" target="_blank">freebie</a> provided by Bucket Filler guru, Tiffany at <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a>. I just modified her lines with white out to make them larger and with dotted midlines. And I photocopied her beautiful colored clip art because I needed to save color ink. Students used a gray square as their bucket, added a handle and face. And then... the best part... glitter heart and star stickers to show their bucket full. When I pulled out the glitter stickers, you might have thought I had shown them diamond jewelry. It was hilarious! I also used another <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-Posters-Freebie-313518" target="_blank">freebie</a> from Christie at <a href="http://first-grade-fever.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grade Fever</a> to add to the display.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRBIrEYhGYnxL0oSHmGU8YrwoxOFdfR7slX2ALlSwMR1lZqY0LgIjep2Ou7YqLqHCgJRgxrjzETRpmmHoL7_vyiWJ8kKNmB9MSk_Wd0pf43y8NcEzgQw7vHehUWzrxR9K8ICc91MBhtI/s1600/bucket1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRBIrEYhGYnxL0oSHmGU8YrwoxOFdfR7slX2ALlSwMR1lZqY0LgIjep2Ou7YqLqHCgJRgxrjzETRpmmHoL7_vyiWJ8kKNmB9MSk_Wd0pf43y8NcEzgQw7vHehUWzrxR9K8ICc91MBhtI/s320/bucket1.png" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a bucket filler because I raise my hand.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4LhQWk-fl47DjTmpLKZ9rKIZ9QxzguEJ7wIX4PNii_k6E6AXS3E8b128YFIrPPA2rrlUh851lb8GnFS_4_sZ9SWqBB3ekvm53ZOiRUbVJXjHkZFXBxPG1r2FBqR143P2v_dP09zoQcE/s1600/bucket2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4LhQWk-fl47DjTmpLKZ9rKIZ9QxzguEJ7wIX4PNii_k6E6AXS3E8b128YFIrPPA2rrlUh851lb8GnFS_4_sZ9SWqBB3ekvm53ZOiRUbVJXjHkZFXBxPG1r2FBqR143P2v_dP09zoQcE/s320/bucket2.png" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a bucket filler because I take care of my brother.</td></tr>
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I'm setting a goal for myself to blog at least once a week. I'm putting it out there for you all to see so that I feel accountable to follow though. I'm also trying to remember to take more action shots. I think I'm just so busy managing at this point, taking pictures is the last thing on my mind. Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-36630523001802580712013-09-16T21:59:00.000-04:002013-09-16T22:03:17.113-04:00My New Adventures in Clip Charts<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey everyone! I know it's been a while... Back to school has been kicking my butt! I'm sitting here half watching Dancing with the Stars and thinking about what to blog about. </div>
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I have 19 cuties this year and they are really coming along. My class is an inclusion class where two of my students leave to go to resource room for a large chunk of the day. Because of this, I wanted to start the year in a very consistent way in regards to behavior management. (I'll admit consistency in this area has always been a weakness of mine. For the most part, it's never been a huge problem, though.) But since students were coming and going frequently, I wanted to use a clip chart to stay consistent with my co-teacher. </div>
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So far it's going well! I love that there are opportunities to move up the clip chart and that it is not just negative reinforcement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-Yh7XU4fViXm05nyBYLWaI-8ssF5GYuG2azT-w6BdHNCt7-d6Ito2Ocb6TFIJX_gHiDvkxlEVl_tqWtVVyXgiOumYuvAKudDTRCmxV4ZRSn-d7lph-7wbxFGZ-7_QZ2XplQHe_TUjq8/s1600/Clip+chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-Yh7XU4fViXm05nyBYLWaI-8ssF5GYuG2azT-w6BdHNCt7-d6Ito2Ocb6TFIJX_gHiDvkxlEVl_tqWtVVyXgiOumYuvAKudDTRCmxV4ZRSn-d7lph-7wbxFGZ-7_QZ2XplQHe_TUjq8/s320/Clip+chart.png" width="243" /></a></div>
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This is the clip chart I purchased to complement my jungle theme. You can find it here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jungle-Clip-Chart-Behavior-System-286683">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jungle-Clip-Chart-Behavior-System-286683</a></div>
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I wanted to create a simple reward for students who make it to the top of the chart. I'm not sure whos blog I read but they were saying that they would glue a jewel to the clip. I ran out to the Dollar Tree to see if I could find little rhinestones. I didn't find them but I found a "decorate a slap bracelet kit" full of sequins. I ditched the bracelet but kept the two packs of sequins. When students reach the top (and stay there) till the end of the day, I glue a sequin on their clip. When they get 5 sequins we will retire their clip to the Clip Chart Hall of Fame. Here's a picture of a few outstanding clips. They are so motivated and it's been going so well. No one has ended the day lower than yellow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpJX1dNJ5iUjv3ovvUR8Y1yv7PGvUOv8SJrQdgPXdt1vf6jCzfMCGc7f32UNi0kUDvtqgYvkJeSdzDK1mV94kk-4nxoeNA3EOlkNoBlCJwDWD1OpG7XSpEnptEjzPAESfmyX1vLmliY8/s1600/Close+clip+chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpJX1dNJ5iUjv3ovvUR8Y1yv7PGvUOv8SJrQdgPXdt1vf6jCzfMCGc7f32UNi0kUDvtqgYvkJeSdzDK1mV94kk-4nxoeNA3EOlkNoBlCJwDWD1OpG7XSpEnptEjzPAESfmyX1vLmliY8/s320/Close+clip+chart.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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In order to better communicate behavior to parents, I am using these behavior calendars from Lori at Teaching with Love and Laughter</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Clip-Chart-Take-Home-Calendars-for-2013-2014-643962" target="_blank">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Clip-Chart-Take-Home-Calendars-for-2013-2014-643962 </a> Students color in the calendar with the color where their clip ended. Parents initial the chart daily. So far it's going very well! </div>
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Tomorrow night is Back to School Night and I'm looking forward to meeting my kiddos' parents and hope all goes well! </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-30610432379365659742013-09-07T10:19:00.001-04:002013-09-07T10:22:37.756-04:00First Days of School and Classroom Pics!<div style="text-align: center;">
Whew! I. Am. Exhausted! What a week! I got home from our vacation last Sunday, set up my classroom in record time and started school with a new bunch of firsties. Tired doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. I know, I know... preaching to the choir!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXvPki2YYQZ0d_r6kaNsPGoTC2QxqmybYMg-nm3FasbVNXfNkGI52sJghMUMZOFJUP8gjsr9LOuEo6IXuEhNoD22vwEkj8ZxMye8ReMys9btirkqyQ9R-rAGLqEDUt-ux33BgT-2DWiM/s1600/704c13560fe5f5455ec6554401f29a59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXvPki2YYQZ0d_r6kaNsPGoTC2QxqmybYMg-nm3FasbVNXfNkGI52sJghMUMZOFJUP8gjsr9LOuEo6IXuEhNoD22vwEkj8ZxMye8ReMys9btirkqyQ9R-rAGLqEDUt-ux33BgT-2DWiM/s320/704c13560fe5f5455ec6554401f29a59.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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Anyway... I went in on Tuesday after Labor Day for our first in-service day. All of my colleagues had already been in while I was on vacation. (We are only allowed in during the last two weeks of August and coincidentally, that's when my family takes our vacation. So I'm left with no choice but to bust my butt two days before the kids come to get it done.) So I unlock my classroom door expecting to find everything similar to where I left it in June. (You may remember I came in to set up my new classroom a bit in June. I put up some bulletin boards and covered them and arranged the furniture. I actually asked the custodians if I should take pictures of how I wanted it so that they could arrange it, but they told me not to worry they would.) To my surprise... it wasn't. I screamed a little in my head, set my boxes down and headed to our upper elementary school for a day of stimulating in-service, wink! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I arrived to see, Ahhhhhh!<br />
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So I arrived back to my school a bit after 3:30 to begin to tackle my room. I worked until 8pm that night and again until 7pm the next day and these are pictures of the finished project. I'm so happy with how it turned out! I want to also give a thank you shout out to my mom! I couldn't have done it without her! (Please excuse the quality of the photos. I'm not a great iPhone photographer.)</div>
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View from the door of the front of my classroom featuring my SmartBoard and my main teaching area. My desk is on the far side. ( We are required to have our teacher's desks directly across from our door at the front of our classroom for technology reasons.)</div>
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A view from the door of the rest of my classroom. </div>
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A closer view of the front window side of my classroom. I love my animal print alphabet and number cards. The alphabet cards are from my TPT store. The number cards are from Peterson's Pad.</div>
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The front door side of the classroom with calendar, rules and schedule cards. My How We Go Home clip chart is on the side of the cabinet, next to the door.</div>
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The back inside corner with lots of storage. I need to put some curtains or something up to hide it, though because looking at the boxes is driving me nuts. My behavior clip chart is on the closet door, too. I'm loving my horseshoe shaped table-- never had one before!</div>
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Another shot of the back corner. </div>
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The computer center- 2 laptops and 4 Chromebooks (I had one with me at training.) The black wall above is our future word wall.</div>
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My classroom library... loving my great built in bookcases, too.</div>
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My desk area.</div>
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My desk- those that know me, note the lack of desk clutter! Four days in and it still looks like this! Woo hoo! The pocket chart has daily objective on it. </div>
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A closer view of the rules posters and schedule cards.</div>
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A view of my door from the hall. New rules per our wonderful fire inspector... nothing can be hung on the inside or outside of the door. So my welcome pennant and student names are behind it when it is open.</div>
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So that's the quickie tour of 1G. I'll post more about our first two days tomorrow... hopefully! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-15553875042105167442013-08-17T08:07:00.000-04:002013-08-17T08:07:37.254-04:00We Have a Winner!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Tiffany (<a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a>) and I would like to thank all of our wonderful followers, both new and old. We would also like to thank all of our sponsors, <a href="http://mrswheelerfirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Wheeler's First Grade Teaching Tidbits, </a><a href="http://www.teacheratthewheel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teacher at the Wheel, </a><a href="http://thelamppostin1stgrademath.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Lamppost in Firs</a>t, <a href="http://ericabohrer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erica Bohrer's First Grade</a> (now Erica's Ed-ventures), <a href="http://allthingsapplein2nd.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">All Things Apple in 2nd</a>, <a href="http://primarily-speaking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Primarily Speaking</a>, <a href="http://firstgradecrittercafe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grade Critter Cafe</a>, <a href="http://firstgraderatlast.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grader at Last</a>, and <a href="http://justaprimarygirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Just a Primary Girl</a>. We couldn't have pulled this off without you! I would also like to thank my partner in crime, Tiffany. Thanks for agreeing to do this together. I couldn't have asked for a better bloggy buddy! <br />
There was a great response to our 100 Follower Giveaway and we are ready to announce the winner of the awesome prize pack! Drumroll please....</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2f64fb1/" id="rc-2f64fb1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Angela, check you email because some great goodies are headed your way! Congratulations!</div>
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I'm off to enjoy the last two weeks of summer with my family. I may or may not take a hiatus from blogging for a few weeks. But don't forget about the HUGE Back to School Sale on TPT. My store will be on sale for 20% off, plus if you enter the code below TPT will take another 8% off. Woo hoo! Happy shopping!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-63042813256333531562013-08-16T00:11:00.000-04:002013-08-16T08:40:37.917-04:00Back to School Sale and a Freebie<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I've neglected this little blog this week but it takes a lot of work to get a family of four ready for vacation for 2 weeks. Whew! </div>
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Anyway, I'm coming to you now to remind you about the big TPT Back to School Sale happening this <strike>Saturday and</strike> Sunday and Monday (Sorry... I don't even know what date it is!). It's time to check off that wish list and pick up goodies you have had your eye on. Don't forget to leave feedback for sellers. Not only is it sweet and sellers love the compliments, but it earns you bonus points you can use to get products for FREE! <br />
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So this is like the Black Friday of Teacher Back to School Shopping. (I LIVE for Black Friday sales, hehe!) So ya gotta have a plan. Here's my plan... I'll pick up some new goodies in one transaction and then give feedback to the sellers. That will earn me bonus points that I can turn around and buy more goodies with. SCORE!! Can you tell I am excited? </div>
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So, I have a little Freebie that you can only get here! My best selling items in my TPT store have been my Journeys (reading series) Word Wall cards. As of right now, I have four styles to choose from. I created these adorable welcome buntings that you can use in your classroom. They coordinate with my other products, but the beauty is that they could be used on their own, too. So you can download these even if you don't use Journeys. <br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_bzJADQFYVkeWdSbXlzSmhFOGs/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEMQAkYqpmBkoF8m00o1BoAHurE5Xhn3nCBIUUFakJmm1EVcQDTAy5FiyiHUH-Dwo9rwA-en-O1nWyCGLimD7xEPMPy43BQWRSNa1tL0vSh0qMehcXjFjTEUXvZ8oM-X94SmYO1j5NZ4/s320/bunting+cover.png" width="237" /></a></div>
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Click on the image above to download your bunting for FREE!</div>
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I'm going to be using the Zebra and Turquoise on my classroom door. Here's what it looks like at home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSLyWJwrVJ0vUprlmhfRoOs1Nty2EitpwQ0YF61Phe2rUP54y_rAvqXx-D4DH1dl129sTBOheCYlgsXa94KHfewFqmRIbH0QRTw_fVn59OPnCal7KbyelhJSUvGVxHCzBxag89Z-zTFw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSLyWJwrVJ0vUprlmhfRoOs1Nty2EitpwQ0YF61Phe2rUP54y_rAvqXx-D4DH1dl129sTBOheCYlgsXa94KHfewFqmRIbH0QRTw_fVn59OPnCal7KbyelhJSUvGVxHCzBxag89Z-zTFw/s1600/photo.JPG" /></a></div>
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Just print it out. Punch holes in the two ends of the top and add some ribbon to connect the triangles. Instant cuteness!</div>
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If you pick up this adorable freebie, please leave me a comment letting me know which print you are going to be using. That way I'll know if anyone is downloading it. </div>
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And don't forget to enter my giveaway. Only one more day left!</div>
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Click the button to enter! </div>
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<a href="http://mrsgrosse1stgrade.blogspot.com/2013/08/its-time-to-celebrate.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8z0rKvAAi4bxhcpURpeAKJwdcUoiFBbQpXsXB6Kd2jGc7DPPd-33CUuIBZUaJMHHLC0WwVhGpubiK-fTm4CxozwRsKJezu4mwEuzetyUTlaOHqe7nTDDqhn-NVwZ3UaG6ONk4JUqYxU/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-57130654823459586152013-08-12T10:06:00.000-04:002013-08-12T13:03:35.844-04:00Teacher Week '13- Meet the Teacher<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! Since I haven't been blogging for too long, this is my first Teacher Week. This is a great linky party where you can meet more great bloggers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUiancpa_cR0Y-Gf9omlR92F_nDfcM1ke_R6KEWk8NjEBg28PruKbiljZUQRr-jAwIPjHH8AplyAYp5mNUf2748Wj5aIQpve8AVZbRrGdW9WVmSNizRQHUC0CuT_06mVohyphenhyphenWzzcfU3Kc/s1600/teacherweek2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUiancpa_cR0Y-Gf9omlR92F_nDfcM1ke_R6KEWk8NjEBg28PruKbiljZUQRr-jAwIPjHH8AplyAYp5mNUf2748Wj5aIQpve8AVZbRrGdW9WVmSNizRQHUC0CuT_06mVohyphenhyphenWzzcfU3Kc/s200/teacherweek2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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There is a great schedule of linkys. I'm going to be perfectly honest... I will not be linking up every day. Many of you are going back this week or have been back to school for a bit, but my school year doesn't start until September 3rd for teachers and September 5th for students. I'm actually getting ready to go on vacay with my family next week for two weeks. You may have done the math... There are only three more weeks until September... "When does she set up her classroom?" you ask. I don't know how I do it, but I work like a maniac between in-services and meetings those first two days. I stay until dark, but I get it done. Going away those last two weeks are not my choice. My husband's family has been going to the OBX (Outer Banks, NC) for many years for the last two weeks of August and the traditional has continued. Since I am only one person who it inconviences, I can't expect everything to change to make my life easier. So... I find ways to make it work. That's a topic for another day...</div>
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So here's the schedule of great linkys, go to <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2013/08/teacher-week-13-lets-talk-about-me.html" target="_blank">Bloghoppin</a>' to link up or check out other great blogs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1iuEsbbqh_6T4AFNiQ1Lx8fwR9eyVDFyEoaD1Vgt-MuncMulLNQAssOSVyq4bm2JkeV1hxGcE-TO9ivD6HYtaivIfnwB5S4Sv5YfvciVC8kHolU7SqVLovqTlXDaed8OsTGDioNYZF4/s1600/teacherweek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1iuEsbbqh_6T4AFNiQ1Lx8fwR9eyVDFyEoaD1Vgt-MuncMulLNQAssOSVyq4bm2JkeV1hxGcE-TO9ivD6HYtaivIfnwB5S4Sv5YfvciVC8kHolU7SqVLovqTlXDaed8OsTGDioNYZF4/s320/teacherweek.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Since, I have recently added many new followers, this is probably a great time to participate in this linky, so you all can get to know me better... So without further adieu...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDV6-0S8iCOeZb4tZQFGTYrMHt6kmnZv6XTTRd2Akf3hnNzZ0zyLlNmG-bX1Z1UTEUWNC06MXtz4xqtlSYVY2idwA6I4c8ymFOgrplPy0tPeoul40ttKXnwoM7Ll8powY47tod_TCJsA/s1600/BHmonday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDV6-0S8iCOeZb4tZQFGTYrMHt6kmnZv6XTTRd2Akf3hnNzZ0zyLlNmG-bX1Z1UTEUWNC06MXtz4xqtlSYVY2idwA6I4c8ymFOgrplPy0tPeoul40ttKXnwoM7Ll8powY47tod_TCJsA/s320/BHmonday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. I am getting ready to start my 12th year teaching. When I started my career, I spent a year in third grade. But, I've been in first grade ever since. </div>
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2. My mom was always my best inspiration to become a teacher. She retired a few years ago after teaching for 37 years. Actually in my family, there's no other career path. Everyone becomes a teacher. My father taught for a few years at a catholic school. My grandmother also taught for years. My older sister teaches high school math and her husband teaching high school science. My younger sister tried to buck the family tradition. As a teenager she actually said, "I'm not going to be a teacher! I'm going to do something where I use my brain!" GASP!!! I was in my first or second year of teaching and I wanted to slap her. I got over it and she caved after two years in nursing school and changed her major to Health and PE. Haha, couldn't resist it.... we are a family of teachers! </div>
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3. I married my best friend 9 years ago. We met when I was in college and it was love by third date. He's a great husband and even more incredible dad!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg543K4uBN9ZHiOpvIwFI2xNlm4Z_Dr1kBtkue-oJjXnZrBNpapUESVQN5xndwJ2RdhaRLZrrG0aN1hjvQrHSzEB9sUCrg6dD-ixYECJriAGdlX3_x3gqWxvOku0OcmKpRiditGKokmDRM/s1600/wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg543K4uBN9ZHiOpvIwFI2xNlm4Z_Dr1kBtkue-oJjXnZrBNpapUESVQN5xndwJ2RdhaRLZrrG0aN1hjvQrHSzEB9sUCrg6dD-ixYECJriAGdlX3_x3gqWxvOku0OcmKpRiditGKokmDRM/s1600/wedding.JPG" /></a></div>
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I wish I had a digital version of our wedding pictures, but my scanner is on the fritz and our wedding was before digital became the only way. I'm not really that tall and he's not really that short, LOL! I am taller but I think it's a combo of small heels and the camera angle that make me look like the Jolly Green Giant and him like a Oompa Loompa.</div>
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4. We have two wonderful and crazy little boys. K is starting 1st grade this year (I'm so nervous about being in the same grade.) L is going to nursery school two mornings a week. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEsumvYlUTBKSuVJekXII9AyVTLKyL68RGQ5zymiUI6T8qVbktg6tI9vjU8JWFkiRj4pbcc61cZvVnteA4Jh6FMIIw2FxMvxIY0TRLDspPvfq2tst_cb9Zt1lCNHQrvNK4xFpfs5eca4/s1600/My+Boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEsumvYlUTBKSuVJekXII9AyVTLKyL68RGQ5zymiUI6T8qVbktg6tI9vjU8JWFkiRj4pbcc61cZvVnteA4Jh6FMIIw2FxMvxIY0TRLDspPvfq2tst_cb9Zt1lCNHQrvNK4xFpfs5eca4/s320/My+Boys.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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5. My first son is my fur baby Otto. He's an english bulldog who is such a lover. He just turned ten. We got him right before we got married. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58u73oV2kc5NwUfLkaYixahV_rArNWaDhYBtJvvkjg6bQrj0n5D6DZ2ESbluXdtSSb4J7n3qrCagEJmupF7vBScw4OhAHIwinqe1TE92LllnoWJmlFemnps3nz_QFvNPYCrxGzInOEQA/s1600/Otto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58u73oV2kc5NwUfLkaYixahV_rArNWaDhYBtJvvkjg6bQrj0n5D6DZ2ESbluXdtSSb4J7n3qrCagEJmupF7vBScw4OhAHIwinqe1TE92LllnoWJmlFemnps3nz_QFvNPYCrxGzInOEQA/s320/Otto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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6. I love bad TV and juicy dramas. I always say, "Separate TVs make for a happy marriage." My hubby and I disagree on what great entertainment is. How does he not see the intellectual value of The Bachelor, Dancing with The Stars, Glee, and Scandal? </div>
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7. I may have a mild addiction to Diet Pepsi. I saw this and had to pin it. I just wish I knew how to cross out Coke and replace it with Pepsi.</div>
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8. I love, love, love Target. Who doesn't? Where else can you grocery shop, buy cute clothes, and shop in the dollar spot for cute, cheap stuff for school. I have to resist the urge to go more than once a week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP5OmLozyXv8xJ7e7DUA-sP4D5PcmoPY2QbMYip0ULbB0m6TsvLayjOaumXvYlFv-f32V-S9JLe6_DcV49uVc3O4peSs51HEWcUgHdq6VSxU61siyon2p-iKTGrj7sKEK7ALDiFWIuqs/s1600/Target-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP5OmLozyXv8xJ7e7DUA-sP4D5PcmoPY2QbMYip0ULbB0m6TsvLayjOaumXvYlFv-f32V-S9JLe6_DcV49uVc3O4peSs51HEWcUgHdq6VSxU61siyon2p-iKTGrj7sKEK7ALDiFWIuqs/s320/Target-logo.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. I love doing Zumba. It is the first workout I have stuck with for over a year continuously. It is so much fun and the time just flies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_LACyxjwed5dckXfpgI4kShordL9kgCsEy49GUpCIylrhPaFgIGzvVrgOieLtoOaXe8LxP-2zNkpAEaG4Xf31MOxkvNH8iX85Rk54kmZRa_pB1AUdcNQQ5yVts6sYAfhHLOG1ECAyZc/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_LACyxjwed5dckXfpgI4kShordL9kgCsEy49GUpCIylrhPaFgIGzvVrgOieLtoOaXe8LxP-2zNkpAEaG4Xf31MOxkvNH8iX85Rk54kmZRa_pB1AUdcNQQ5yVts6sYAfhHLOG1ECAyZc/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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10. If you have not participated in the giveaway that I'm hosting right now with Tiffany of <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a>, you have to <a href="http://mrsgrosse1stgrade.blogspot.com/2013/08/its-time-to-celebrate.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to check it out. You could win a great prize pack!</div>
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<a href="http://mrsgrosse1stgrade.blogspot.com/2013/08/its-time-to-celebrate.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8z0rKvAAi4bxhcpURpeAKJwdcUoiFBbQpXsXB6Kd2jGc7DPPd-33CUuIBZUaJMHHLC0WwVhGpubiK-fTm4CxozwRsKJezu4mwEuzetyUTlaOHqe7nTDDqhn-NVwZ3UaG6ONk4JUqYxU/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-83499982191827364682013-08-09T13:16:00.005-04:002013-08-09T13:19:29.040-04:00Five For Friday! Giveaway and a Sale!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! It's Friday! (Haha, I didn't even realize it was until I saw all of the Five For Friday posts going up- gotta love summertime!) Anyway... I'm linking up with Kacie from <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Doodlebugs Teaching</a> to share five random things from my week. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;">1. </span></span>Do you have a great group of co-workers who help you stay motivated and make it fun to come to work? Besides a wonderful group of current co-workers, I need to acknowledge my first teaching family. When I started my career 12 years ago. I worked as a classroom aide in our district's third grade team. Within just a few days, I realized that this group of women would become my friends for life. I got hired as a third grade teacher the following year and was officially "in." No one in our little group actually works together anymore. We've all gone separate ways... some have retired, some have stayed home to raise children, and the rest of us have moved around grade levels. But even though our work experiences may have changed, our friendships have remained strong.</div>
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So every summer we get together at Mrs. T's home on the Barnegat Bay with all of our kids. I don't know about you but whenever teachers plan a party... it's organized, packed with fun, and has a dash of learning! One of our fun activities was to create an obstacle course. We made our course down the street at her neighborhood beach club. Each family brought one or two items to add to the course. The kids had a ball!</div>
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Then we headed back to the house to enjoy the pool. We had a grilled cheese bar. My favorite was grilled ham and cheddar cheese with apple slices... mmmm good! Never would have thought of that combo myself!</div>
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Our annual get together is one of the highlights of our summer. I hope you all have had the opportunity to work with amazing and inspiration teachers, like I have. It makes going to work even more fun!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">2. </span>We are counting down to the end of summer. Our last hurrah is a vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina so, the boys and I are spending the last two weeks before vacation doing "one lasts". We went to Sesame Place and Six Flags Great Adventure. I'm hoping to get in a trip to the Philadephia Zoo and the NJ State Planetarium next week before we go away. This week, the boys and I took a quick camping trip. My parents have a travel trailer and we met them for a few days of camping fun. We visited Crystal Cave in Kutztown, Pa. My oldest is very into rocks and crystals so this was a perfect trip for him. They loved seeing all of the cool formations. My little guy was just looking for Batman the whole time, since he heard there were bats that lived in the cave. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">3. </span>I don't know why I didn't do this sooner... I uploaded all of my learning CDs onto my iTunes account and now I have MP3s of them that I can play through my computer and SmartBoard. I'm working on making some pages for my SmartBoard that I can use as a Jukebox. When I get that done, I'll share how I did it, in case anyone else is making the transition away away from CDs. (Confession... I just gave away the last of my cassette tapes at the end of this year.) Not sure why I was hanging on to them, but I did part with them... you can put off the call to "Hoarders"... for now! </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">4. </span>My district adopted Houghton Mifflin's Journeys Program two years ago and I hand wrote all of my word wall cards... until this year. I created word cards specifically to match this program. Since, I posted my first few, I've gotten a few requests for specific backgrounds. This is my newest creation... it's basic and goes with any classroom decor. Each card is on a plain black chalkboard background. The frames are without fussy borders and the font is traditional penmanship. I also included several editable pages, so the user can add any other words they wish. You can check it out in my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/First-Grade-Hugs-And-High-Fives" target="_blank">TPT store.</a> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">5. </span>Finally... the big day has arrived. Tiffany of <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a> and I are hosting our ver first giveaway to celebrate 100 followers. We are so excited to giveaway tons of great prizes from us and many of our well-known bloggy buddies. <a href="http://mrsgrosse1stgrade.blogspot.com/2013/08/its-time-to-celebrate.html" target="_blank">Click here to see my original post</a> and enter the rafflecopter.</div>
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Also to celebrate this big milestone, everything in my TPT store is on sale for this weekend. Stop by and check it out! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-449514750491534642013-08-09T07:58:00.000-04:002013-08-09T17:32:54.868-04:00It's Time to Celebrate!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Wahoooooo!! It's finally time to start the party and this is one you just don't want to miss! The fabulous Miss Tiffany of <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a> and I are hosting our first awesome giveaway. We want to thank all of our amazing followers with a prize pack from us and all of our best bloggy friends. Check it out to see what you could win!</div>
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Frames from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Msfultzscorner" target="_blank">Mrs. Fultz's Corner</a>, beach ball from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Glitter-Meets-Glue-Designs" target="_blank">Glitter Meets Glue Designs</a>, and Fonts from </div>
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<a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/" target="_blank">Kevin and Amanda</a></div>
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The winner could be you! But, only if you enter below!! Good Luck!</div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2f64fb1/" id="rc-2f64fb1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-57647576436041360592013-08-05T23:29:00.000-04:002013-08-05T23:29:12.573-04:00I Feel Like Dancing!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Woo hoo! I just opened up my email to find that this little blog has reached a really exciting milestone! One hundred FABULOUS followers on Bloglovin'. I promised a great giveaway and it is coming. If you haven't visited Tiffany at <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a>, she needs one more follower to hit 100, too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8z0rKvAAi4bxhcpURpeAKJwdcUoiFBbQpXsXB6Kd2jGc7DPPd-33CUuIBZUaJMHHLC0WwVhGpubiK-fTm4CxozwRsKJezu4mwEuzetyUTlaOHqe7nTDDqhn-NVwZ3UaG6ONk4JUqYxU/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8z0rKvAAi4bxhcpURpeAKJwdcUoiFBbQpXsXB6Kd2jGc7DPPd-33CUuIBZUaJMHHLC0WwVhGpubiK-fTm4CxozwRsKJezu4mwEuzetyUTlaOHqe7nTDDqhn-NVwZ3UaG6ONk4JUqYxU/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look for our giveaway to go live in the next few days. I'm going to be away camping with my sons for a few days and it will depend on the WiFi access in the campground on whether I can get to blog and post about the celebration. But, I'm going to enjoy the mini-vacation, too. </div>
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Thanks to all of FGH&HF amazing followers!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-80484690305186723662013-08-01T21:29:00.000-04:002013-08-01T21:29:25.223-04:00August Currently<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! Can you believe it's August?</div>
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I know many of you are back to school or going back soon. I still have one more month. I'm really feeling better about my jealousy when everyone was posting in May about being on summer break when I was sweating it out for a month and a half longer. Anyway, I'm linking up with Farley at <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2013/08/currently-august.html" target="_blank">Oh Boy, Fourth Grade</a> for her famous linky party- Currently. </div>
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Listening: I LOVE the kids Jeopardy tournament. I try to forget that I am "competing" against ten year olds... and I am kicking their butts. Regular Jeopardy just isn't as much fun (probably because it makes me feel a little dumb, LOL). Plus, my boys were actually playing nicely. No one was throwing or destroying lego creations... no one was wrestling... no one was making fart noises... and no one was tattling. Sometimes I wonder how I can control 20 first graders, yet my own two monsters drive me bananas! </div>
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Loving: I love that I still have one more month left of summer and we have time to have more adventures... still up, two weeks in the Outer Banks of NC, more day trips to the Philadelphia Zoo and Sesame Place, and a camping trip in the Pocono Mountains. Yay!</div>
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Thinking: I really need to stop staying up so late. My little guy (3) still tends to get up early. He just doesn't get sleeping in on summer break and the lack of sleep is starting to take its toll. </div>
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Wanting: I'm only a few followers short of the first big bloggy milestone- 100 followers! Tiffany from <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a> and I are planning a joint giveaway celebration. If you aren't following my blog or Tiffany's, join up now with Bloglovin and help us celebrate. I'm going to be going away in a few weeks and she's going back to work and we'd love to hit this milestone before everything gets crazy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuougL-FhPUnuAUks0UzS6iCDkG2XsviVgwniXjjnwpM9_a5oqVmLt2lGRhhghqFb4BGGvilAA2qK-lWxKZ3PpwWXUJ3-iMId-6ztTEojRnVyZRY263ogiGJCfQMD9l8XTEM3cIUtbME/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuougL-FhPUnuAUks0UzS6iCDkG2XsviVgwniXjjnwpM9_a5oqVmLt2lGRhhghqFb4BGGvilAA2qK-lWxKZ3PpwWXUJ3-iMId-6ztTEojRnVyZRY263ogiGJCfQMD9l8XTEM3cIUtbME/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Needing: I need to continue to purge old toys and help organize my kids new playroom. We converted our attic into a great playroom. I am reclaiming my living room and getting the toys in their own room. Yay! No more stepping on Legos or Hot Wheels cars in the middle of the night.</div>
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Back to School Must Haves: 1) I love Flair pens. They come in great colors and they write so smoothly! 2) You can never have enough Post-Its. I'm sure you all agree. 3) Command hooks are my favorite decorating helper. The hold up and come off cleanly. I just wish I didn't have to take them all down every June. It's hard to find just the adhesives. But I did (at Target this year), Yay!</div>
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This week I was contacted by a potential customer at TPT asking about my word wall cards for the Journeys reading program. She asked if I would customize a set for her theme of lime green and turquoise polka dots. So this is what I came up with...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoq0Q42rp9tyRgax5QWuY2BkTBqe8ekIkQRetl-m2-poqFIk8op7lICaQG_H8VxwyKwXkdpHfMpkFlFe952wJIZoY-V1JXdVaxIbkQk8JrCn9CRTLKT5HbNZP3ZqP-Pp1UwWFOj89ceIU/s1600/Recently+Updated2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoq0Q42rp9tyRgax5QWuY2BkTBqe8ekIkQRetl-m2-poqFIk8op7lICaQG_H8VxwyKwXkdpHfMpkFlFe952wJIZoY-V1JXdVaxIbkQk8JrCn9CRTLKT5HbNZP3ZqP-Pp1UwWFOj89ceIU/s400/Recently+Updated2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love how they turned out. If anyone else uses Journeys and would like a set, let me know. I'd be happy to personalize something for the theme of your room. Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-40177603222353509402013-07-31T22:27:00.000-04:002013-07-31T22:27:46.103-04:00Back to School Goals! (A month early)<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.iheartrecess.blogspot.com/2013/07/monthly-goals-back-to-school-edition.html" target="_blank">I {Heart} Recess</a> to share my goals for Back to School. I still have a month before I really need to think about this but, that's okay! So here it is! I'm hoping if I put them out there, I'll be more apt to follow through with them. Fingers crossed...</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Personal:</span> Running is cheap therapy. It helps me de-stress and I come home a happier, more peaceful wife and mommy. Plus, fall is perfect running weather. But, it has been very difficult to fit it in lately. I need to start putting myself first sometimes. I need to sign up for my next race so I'll be more accountable. Do I go for the 10K that I've done before and I'm comfortable or take the plunge and go for the half marathon? Thirteen miles just seems SO long!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Organization:</span> Since I discovered Teachers Pay Teachers over a year ago, I've accumulated so many great resources. Now, I just need to find a way to organize them better. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Planning:</span> I WILL get back to having my lesson plans done before Friday morning for the next week. Planning is not my forte... I admit it. But this year, I will be co-teaching part-time with an inclusion teacher so I need to be prepared in advance so modifications and accommodations can be made for our diverse learners. I want to be able to leave on Friday knowing that I am ready to rock on Monday morning. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Professional: </span> I'm probably not alone in this one... If there is a committee to work on at school, I'm usually volunteering to get on it. I am our school's rep to our local union. I also served on our contract negotiations team. I've written curriculum, served on text book selection teams, joined book clubs, and helped out various special events committees. I need to find balance between home and work and say "no" (at least some of the time). </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Students:</span> I want to find more ways for my students to use technology on a daily basis. We don't have iPads at my school, but we are going to have 4 Chromebooks in each classroom. I'm still working on coming up with ways to utilize these besides just going to websites. The apps are not as great for elementary school kids as the ones on iPads. I'm hoping that I will get some great ideas, though. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">My Motto: </span> Start each day with a smile and make every day a great learning experience. This is kind of a "duh" but I do think a great attitude is half the battle. We all know when we're in a bad mood, we are less patient and our lessons are more inclined to not be as effective. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-81090938110211527472013-07-30T21:53:00.000-04:002013-07-30T21:53:56.759-04:00First Day Picture Book (FREEBIE)<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I posted a few weeks ago about how excited I was to use the Pete the Cat books for this year's back to school theme. If you want to read my previous post, <a href="http://mrsgrosse1stgrade.blogspot.com/2013/07/first-days-activities-pete-cat-and.html" target="_blank">click here.</a> (It had a bunch of cool freebies!)</div>
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So I'm linking up with <a href="http://theteacherschair.blogspot.com/2013/07/hey-teachers-show-us-yourfavorite-read.html" target="_blank">The Teacher's Chair </a>to share my idea for Back to School read alouds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUzaFHcSeiNbLkKdaE3YA05vBQHLIDe9V2UjFDiW5eWAsFHlidNpz78PFIbBZaobUDewN7PeY7XHeEEnEQ6eERwttHWdMcoXNy3n0z9iCue8aXjkGVfSMkUK0hJ86Zm_5waS0aMiHahg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-30+at+6.13.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUzaFHcSeiNbLkKdaE3YA05vBQHLIDe9V2UjFDiW5eWAsFHlidNpz78PFIbBZaobUDewN7PeY7XHeEEnEQ6eERwttHWdMcoXNy3n0z9iCue8aXjkGVfSMkUK0hJ86Zm_5waS0aMiHahg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-30+at+6.13.28+AM.png" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I'm excited to share this little baby. I have used a much less cute version for years as a first day of school writing activity. </div>
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_bzJADQFYVkS1pyWVZDdlUtQzA/edit" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8h-ml1X-YORdbOaKrtEIwlnb-hIRYihplYfXgxn6gczpRfXO8eWikDINXFwGbZZtdOpHsNQ4cEakvK_lVCsmOle-juE_MDjwzoUGckCe5QIWcECnemXJuCeM95m0cSQYeTwXJfgiqrY/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, what I have done in the past is make an anchor chart of how students (and teachers) feel on the first day of school. Then, I model filling in the blanks with the student's name, he or she, and his/her feelings about the first day. Next, the students complete it (mostly) independently. </div>
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When I used it after reading The Kissing Hand, I left the frame part empty and put each child's hand print in it. Then, I took each child's picture and cut it into a heart shape. Then I glued the picture onto the hand print. I wish I had a picture, but it's not an original idea. (I got it back in the day, pre-pinterest, pre-blogger explosion, from some one's website.) I laminated the pages and bound them as our first class book. It's always a hit on Back to School Night!</div>
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For this year though, I'm going to take each child's picture holding my little stuffed Pete the Cat (bought it at Barnes and Noble). I made the frame a little larger than 4x6 so our first day picture should fit nicely. If you could use this for the first day, <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_bzJADQFYVkS1pyWVZDdlUtQzA/edit" target="_blank">click here</a> to download it for free. There is a version for kindergarten and second grade, too. It really could go with so many beginning of the year favorites. </div>
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Don't forget that Tiffany (from <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a>) and I are planning an awesome celebration (some well-known and AWESOME bloggers are participating) for reaching our first big milestone. Help us reach 100 followers by following both of us with Bloglovin'. If you already have, thanks! This has been an incredible ride! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-85303401852658630922013-07-23T19:27:00.000-04:002013-07-23T19:27:07.886-04:00New Reader Motivation (FREEBIE) and Something Really Exciting!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I just want to start off this post by saying when I started this adventure a few months ago I never imagined that I'd be able to reach so many teachers out there. So, if you stick with this post until the end... I'll let you know about something special coming up. <br />
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First grade is the most rewarding grade, in my opinion (no offense to anyone who disagrees) because there is such a range of readers and the kids make such dramatic progress every year. One of the most motivating things I have done in my class is put chapter books "off limits" unless... students earn a Chapter Book License. <br />
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There's something about the allure of a book with lots of pages, few pictures, and the exciting break down of a story into chapters that makes students very motivated to become stronger and stronger readers. Most of the beginner chapter books in my classroom library are Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, Cam Jansen, etc. type books. They tend to be at about L-N in guided reading levels (which is what my school uses to assess reading levels). So, when students are independent on level J they earn their coveted Chapter Book License... meaning they can choose a chapter book to put in their independent book bag for Read to Self. <br />
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In the past years (before I discovered fancy fonts and cute clip arts), I simply cut a piece of construction paper and wrote Chapter Book License on the front and their name on the back. The kids didn't have a problem with it but... it was BORING!! So this summer I created a new and improved Chapter Book License. Just print, write the child's name, and laminate. You have an adorable reading incentive! Check it out. Just click on the image below to get it. I've made several different prints so there's one for everyone.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_bzJADQFYVkVDEwV0RPQ19XZm8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqq_oIHMenxJ3X4vu-SvsakC9UVJeSmsLkbFXlMEP2GfGwVGBUy0yC0s9hEe6tKuXMguhQpZsE3rZdfBOI8T75RG2x047k0uFxY-OXZujbZfDQi_oQBSdNGDa_R2HRIzg1gJcT-5vuL4/s320/License.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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So onto the exciting stuff! This little blog has begun to really take off and I am SO appreciative of all of my followers. Only one or two of you, I actually know in the real world, so it's quite an honor that I feel like so many of you are friends. </div>
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So it's a tradition in Bloggyland that when your blog hits milestones, you throw a celebration (which tend to include giveaways and prizes). Who doesn't love getting gifts as a part of someone else's celebration?? I'm nearing the milestone of 100 followers and so is my good friend Tiffany at <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a>. Look for something exciting coming soon as that number approaches!!! The sooner we get there, the sooner the celebration happens so don't forget to follow this little blog on Bloglovin' and check out <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">One Fab Teacher</a> and follow Tiffany if you haven't already. If any other blogger is interested in donating to our celebration, please let us know! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ38HGdQxB2mE61OG35E1gC3_hQ1SttPWypxvnMg9nRD5JGV29NclvFMImknqUdUJovE9UneGeOf3GG1uT6LCOFdtv-rOLc2O0HEOlFP1g808Bnbnf1pobzhBMokDiNV67c_CRojH4bI/s1600/My+blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ38HGdQxB2mE61OG35E1gC3_hQ1SttPWypxvnMg9nRD5JGV29NclvFMImknqUdUJovE9UneGeOf3GG1uT6LCOFdtv-rOLc2O0HEOlFP1g808Bnbnf1pobzhBMokDiNV67c_CRojH4bI/s1600/My+blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-23400180294633021332013-07-19T15:05:00.001-04:002013-07-19T15:06:18.712-04:00I Need a Pintervention!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I'm going to make this short and sweet! I think I am in need of a Pintervention (that is... a Pinterest intervention)! I've been on Pinterest for over a year but, it's only recently become a problem. But the first step is admitting you have a problem, right? </div>
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Anyway, if you haven't checked out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/firstgradehugs/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest boards</a>, please do. And, if you have Pinterest boards that you'd like to share with me, put a link in the comments and I'll check yours out, too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9eqBLhvV2qLW8OU_4ahDDIxDpjaImXtPrHhoBwfJAHQdWB4VhECVsgV8KGTcR-TJEmaF0UdAcmrWKAjOB0udi5O5qxkc7Cxp_AlT6RaXuev7ZsgeOE-RLC1vxxXXLy0YFLDJQcVX0bw/s1600/368047e097be0b49d2de243394abfc9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9eqBLhvV2qLW8OU_4ahDDIxDpjaImXtPrHhoBwfJAHQdWB4VhECVsgV8KGTcR-TJEmaF0UdAcmrWKAjOB0udi5O5qxkc7Cxp_AlT6RaXuev7ZsgeOE-RLC1vxxXXLy0YFLDJQcVX0bw/s320/368047e097be0b49d2de243394abfc9a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also... I'm throwing my first sale on <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/First-Grade-Hugs-And-High-Fives" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a>. From now until Sunday, everything in my store is 10% off. Now's the time to get those items on your wish list! And don't forget to follow me on TPT so you'll never miss a sale. Thanks for stopping by and stay cool!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTqn7QhOCDuvtox7TSReeJO1nzY5g2892agfIZ2Xcrl0mPX9qBgF-BpGpQjz4snzfIjbya8OKui46PE7eIV2Aa5P4OSNii6ZUvogWfHK0-Q0dZ_6FcQKZJrgk8JMXujXxpCfECPFdPbM/s1600/My+blog+sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTqn7QhOCDuvtox7TSReeJO1nzY5g2892agfIZ2Xcrl0mPX9qBgF-BpGpQjz4snzfIjbya8OKui46PE7eIV2Aa5P4OSNii6ZUvogWfHK0-Q0dZ_6FcQKZJrgk8JMXujXxpCfECPFdPbM/s1600/My+blog+sig.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-40933736618130218602013-07-18T14:57:00.002-04:002013-07-18T15:52:38.964-04:00Throwback Thursday (Journeys) and a sale!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey everyone! I'm getting used to the new header, not sure if it's going to stay or not. I do LOVE the graphics from Melonheadz, The 3AM Teacher, and Ms. Fultz, though! At least I was able to fix my mess up fairly quickly, whew! Anyway, we've had a busy week trying to stay cool in our latest heat wave. So, I'm linking up with Cara Carroll at <a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/2013/07/throwback-thursday_18.html" target="_blank">The First Grade Parade</a> for Throwback Thursday. I'm going to repost my most viewed post about Houghton Mifflin Journeys. It seems like this is one of the most popular basal programs being adopted across the country and it took a lot of getting used to for this teacher/ reading specialist who didn't want to give up the Reading and Writing Workshop format. But two years later, here we are and I've found some ways to make it work. <br />
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********** Originally posted May 7, 2013 ***************</div>
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I've been asked a lot lately about the <i>Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journeys</i> program. It seems to be one of the most popular basal reading programs on the market right now. I'm not going to go back into how I felt two years ago when we began to transition to it from Reading and Writing Workshop. <a href="http://mrsgrosse1stgrade.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-version-of-literacy-centers.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">(click here to read my previous post)</a> But after fumbling through it for a year, I discovered the wonderful work of Ms. Amy Schwab on Teachers Pay Teachers. Amy has taken each week's lesson and made a huge SmartBoard file of interactive activities, including videos, sorts, and other learning activities. If you teach in a district that uses Journeys or is going to, you need to check out her work. She has completed activities for grades K, 1, & 2. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Journeys-First-Grade-smartboard-lesson-1-What-is-a-Pal" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> to download the Lesson 1 activities for FREE. You can also get the first lesson of grades K and 2 for FREE. </div>
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I hope this can help anyone else who is feeling like I was...overwhelmed and drowning in Journeys. I'm throwing you a life preserver!</div>
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Another resource I LOVE and have purchased (They are worth every penny) are Dawn Hilburn's resource packets for each lesson in Journeys. Click here to visit <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dawn-Hilburn" target="_blank">Dawn of First Grade Shenanigan's TPT store</a>. Her materials are a great resource for centers, classwork, writing projects, and homework. My kids LOVE them!!</div>
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(Did you know that TPT now accepts purchase orders from your school? I convinced my principal to approve orders for Amy's Smart Board files. Using the purchase order was really quick and easy, too)</div>
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When we adopted the Journeys Program, I really wished I had cute word wall cards. So I finally made them myself. There are so many cute word wall sets out there using dolch lists, but Journeys has words that are specific to their program. So if you are going to be using Journeys, check out these packs. Just print and laminate and you are ready to go! Coordinating headers are also available as a separate purchase. Just click on the caption to check them out in my TPT store.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-39392691309715129142013-07-15T23:14:00.002-04:002013-07-15T23:14:30.129-04:00Ugh!! Construction Mess<div style="text-align: center;">
UGH!!! What did I do? Please don't judge this blog by it's header. I tried adding a little flair to my blog by changing my header but, I failed horribly!! I think this my project for tomorrow! In the meantime, if this is your first visit to this blog of mine, please don't let it's appearance turn you off. </div>
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I guess this is what I get for trying to teach myself the ins and outs of blog design. I could just pay someone to design it for me (and sometime I might) but let's face it most of you are probably in the same boat as me... no work in the summer = penny pinching teacher. Hopefully, by the next time you stop back, my blog will be new and improved!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-54655019042354481412013-07-15T15:43:00.000-04:002013-07-15T17:09:06.591-04:00Still Finding Dirt Everywhere and Monday Made It!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! Well, I got down and I got dirty and boy, am I glad it's over. If you missed my previous post, I ran the Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run in Philadelphia on Saturday. I did this run last summer with my hubby and oldest son and decided to go for it again. Last year, it was my first race ever and boy, did I find it challenging!! But, I had been "running" for the past year so I knew I was in better shape for this year. And this year, I got to run with one of my good friends and former colleagues. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYF6fZTG5VcanFk2eQ4DGndElVccDygsdCpX3Ye6jmtuggyCiRbF0rKVz2szANn4pQYaphJW8qt558OSUiHXG9FxJChPG_9Gc5ZluaFvave9NsmyhiA3Rc4H0zxzwXPPzodIw-iiTXhM/s1600/Photo+Jul+13%252C+7+04+09+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYF6fZTG5VcanFk2eQ4DGndElVccDygsdCpX3Ye6jmtuggyCiRbF0rKVz2szANn4pQYaphJW8qt558OSUiHXG9FxJChPG_9Gc5ZluaFvave9NsmyhiA3Rc4H0zxzwXPPzodIw-iiTXhM/s200/Photo+Jul+13%252C+7+04+09+AM.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hubby and son before the 10K</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stacey and I before the 5K</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLTkaf9ARiuVzyIW4YgaQs2SgtWUnPVu_o38eP_ifciTaIII8EeG2fpKUIgTjRiMMWyXdaq0wPc5CalKMZAZQqxKI-6bxuPK29R1-ltSoPCZXHc8z-JkPGWrX9uyBpyP7BNqvxH0xQik/s1600/970267_10201016209921703_769830019_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLTkaf9ARiuVzyIW4YgaQs2SgtWUnPVu_o38eP_ifciTaIII8EeG2fpKUIgTjRiMMWyXdaq0wPc5CalKMZAZQqxKI-6bxuPK29R1-ltSoPCZXHc8z-JkPGWrX9uyBpyP7BNqvxH0xQik/s320/970267_10201016209921703_769830019_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the cargo nets over a tractor trailer... scary as you know what!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That slippery wall will not get me down!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done... we are dirty teachers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnZZSHqRqnXQfuisWkzn9WohasPLDNCA-oQJCpu1yVeWndV8yBWwSg_yRV1X8er10PJhyNvwQYNRHP6eqH43Hb4YCNo4JDJt_BsO_RnHcGwq1fWwtd2cxqI_RNzFx4hv2u4ueUr72PrM/s1600/Photo+Jul+13,+11+37+40+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnZZSHqRqnXQfuisWkzn9WohasPLDNCA-oQJCpu1yVeWndV8yBWwSg_yRV1X8er10PJhyNvwQYNRHP6eqH43Hb4YCNo4JDJt_BsO_RnHcGwq1fWwtd2cxqI_RNzFx4hv2u4ueUr72PrM/s200/Photo+Jul+13,+11+37+40+AM.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it's little man's turn! The little kiddies do a 100 yard dash with obstacles and a mud pit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G0d6GrIboCFo_t1RJrqQ3quFU_Hqud6MzmdRjjQ77gQpv7mpp8wTqj08HL3_SaqGNJQMgK7EfjidZeY9AU1QG0eNmuUotThobePnGCpHIvyjJO1J__9bWjmaN4LFvX4Di6CfoEpdjbs/s1600/Photo+Jul+13,+11+39+17+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G0d6GrIboCFo_t1RJrqQ3quFU_Hqud6MzmdRjjQ77gQpv7mpp8wTqj08HL3_SaqGNJQMgK7EfjidZeY9AU1QG0eNmuUotThobePnGCpHIvyjJO1J__9bWjmaN4LFvX4Di6CfoEpdjbs/s200/Photo+Jul+13,+11+39+17+AM.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing the finish with daddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOi5InMHJA_ESCyJ9eL6yzotgKoZwvtuyUV91Z1QJWvCOkg1_yPnSyKDeDhsu9kXDgsRFdKepiaxjl7jyvWUSfes-pu5v_EO9W3R7big8iKOa3jWfIMVIDn5o8AXmunOD4fYQvK2Iw8A/s1600/Photo+Jul+13,+11+41+08+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOi5InMHJA_ESCyJ9eL6yzotgKoZwvtuyUV91Z1QJWvCOkg1_yPnSyKDeDhsu9kXDgsRFdKepiaxjl7jyvWUSfes-pu5v_EO9W3R7big8iKOa3jWfIMVIDn5o8AXmunOD4fYQvK2Iw8A/s200/Photo+Jul+13,+11+41+08+AM.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission accomplished! He beat dad to the finish line!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Every time I find myself lining up in the corrals to do another race... I think, "What am I doing? I'm not a runner!" But since this is my third race, I think I need to rethink that. I don't look like a runner but I guess I am one after all! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Now off to shower for the upteenth time. (I'm still finding dirt... ewww... just kidding!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Now onto my Monday Made it! I'm linking up with Tara at <a href="http://gradefrolics.blogspot.com/2013/07/monday-made-it-71513.html" target="_blank">Fourth Grade Frolics</a> again for her famous linky party! Today I took my kids to my mom's house to swim (we're having another heat wave)! And she offered to keep them for the afternoon... ummm peace and quiet for a whole afternoon.... yes, please! So I used this peace and quiet to do some crafting. I made a "How do we go home Clip Chart." I've seen these floating around for a while and have been wanting to make one. At my school, ALL students are assigned a bus, even if they live a block away... I know... weird, but that's how it is. So we have 6 different buses, plus the after school program, and parent pick up. I couldn't find labels that fit my needs to I made them myself. I'm really hoping this helps up all keep track of who's going where... when. Lots of my kids do different things on different days of the week. (Monday- bus, Tuesday- Parent Pick UP, Wednesday- MVP after school program, etc) so when the kids come in, they will move their clip to how they are going home. I love the visual reminder and I think it will help out with subs and other adults that come into the room. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to post a picture of my lazy assistant- Otto laying on my work</td></tr>
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Ta-da! A part of the finished product. It goes with the jungle theme of my new classroom. The actual chart has three more labels for more busses but you get the idea. Each student will have a clothes pin with their name on it to clip to the chart. Now to check out the tons of other link ups on <a href="http://gradefrolics.blogspot.com/2013/07/monday-made-it-71513.html" target="_blank">Monday Made It </a>for more inspiration for next Monday! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-36118567585012948742013-07-12T19:08:00.002-04:002013-07-12T19:31:38.835-04:00First Days Activities- Pete the Cat and a FREEBIE on Facebook!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there, everyone! I have a confession. I have been doing the same first day of school activities for the past ten years... I know... with all of the great ideas out there, it's time to switch it up a bit! I've done The Kissing Hand read aloud and themed activites for years. I know it's more of a kindergarten thing... but I LOVE the story and when I started teaching first grade in my school, no one else in the school used it. Then new kindergarten teachers joined the staff and suddenly my materials and ideas were not so original. Since only one of my K colleagues used The Kissing Hand, I continued to use my stuff and tried to add some different things to make it different from what they may have done in K. In reality, it's scary for me to try something new on the first day. I had my Kissing Hand stuff down to a science. I knew how long each activity would take and that the kids would have a great first day. It was one less thing to worry about on a stress-filled day anyway.<br />
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But that all changes this year!! Am I gonna worry? Goodness, no. Because the main character of our first day book and activities would just keep reading and working and singing a song. Do you know what we'll be reading yet? <br />
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You guessed it... Pete the Cat. <br />
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Here are the purchases I made today to get the year off to a great start.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA0vEffXw6sq6VQE001pqYBEmGVaWWkt_R60e_-mNPZQo45f-zKdagRT9WDwve-zWQRMH3pmYQrM_yT5op9mE1u5fo4wcIRI_AtTDeVH-1DIOUbDI-ehgt34u7jgXlle_jY8HBTgQ8as/s1600/Photo+Jul+12,+5+50+53+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA0vEffXw6sq6VQE001pqYBEmGVaWWkt_R60e_-mNPZQo45f-zKdagRT9WDwve-zWQRMH3pmYQrM_yT5op9mE1u5fo4wcIRI_AtTDeVH-1DIOUbDI-ehgt34u7jgXlle_jY8HBTgQ8as/s320/Photo+Jul+12,+5+50+53+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't you love the stuffed Pete- adorable! I had to splurge and get him!</div>
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixulx35uqoSwg2FswyD2YVc-ylVq13EScpB6ZObrQ0vu4dpc_SUkczLkbH9drxX3cDLgirDOPzLEtIc_rpY682NuG9yhL2T_JEbPTXrayYlEYdCC2rf7aXvLWMNOT4ytyumDun_maLS3E/s200/51NvJ8mleBL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Cat-Four-Groovy-Buttons/dp/0062110586/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373663279&sr=8-2&keywords=pete+the+cat" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9dNPhJnLHLS9jmIx4fQsuWLOQyAvI3YWh0lXpCksAcjsJW2Gr-7nvqI340uxEPmM1lpNAHSDpK_ZrePIzuZzOyyrJEpQzq5rypXhBQvHrcTdrf-z39KhiNAxqMnvHGX_SQOiFkULOzw/s200/51RERinyB0L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pete-Cat-Love-White-Shoes/dp/0061906220/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373663279&sr=8-1&keywords=pete+the+cat" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiv_Nw_srHwef1pF055yacxJJW0BNi_EE3nbTEuBJdRN4zcTLa24nrxivgKv-rR4cT2P8ES2KrZ5XrHAPmcCYRWLJprKZpeijwMn9vJ128e4wAhZArPMGsudO6WtErXvOLmS3bs7xDrg/s200/51QIFxlQVcL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
(Click on any of the pictures about to link to Amazon to order them.)<br />
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I've found so many great FREE activities to go along with the Pete books. Please check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/firstgradehugs/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>board for tons of great ideas.</div>
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Here is just one of the ideas I'm definitely going to be using compliments of <a href="http://heathersfirstgradeheart.blogspot.com/2012/08/can-i-drive-you-crazy-conscious.html" target="_blank">Heather's Heart</a>. Click on the image to visit her blog and download this fantastic freebie.</div>
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<a href="http://heathersfirstgradeheart.blogspot.com/2012/08/can-i-drive-you-crazy-conscious.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRGCfA0P0XJd421IWAqaLvPpOl5Ha4gKGi5mMuzp5hurYHmnoPqnwSeLskIbumITWUy-nbtVQ0Z7z5whrdtmoui07Z-o6YLD8N3sL3_17xSW5qd_rV5AmIFryjYazBKp-K8lRrIpZxoQ/s1600/Pete+letter,+word,+or+sentence+sort.jpg" /></a></div>
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And I can't wait to use this little treasure! Hop on by <a href="http://thegroovyteacher.blogspot.jp/2012/09/freebie-friday-pete-cat.html" target="_blank">Inspired By Kindergarten</a> to download school tour cards. I love using a character hunt to give the students a tour of the school... makes it so much more fun! Click the cat to get your copy!</div>
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<a href="http://thegroovyteacher.blogspot.jp/2012/09/freebie-friday-pete-cat.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcsT2U5DVD6uMdFUJEGOinlSREnHCKZqFf8R4l_UJl78PS6p8qo2M9WPmdvC_DbQO6IOi1I6R5Twk2n7w05WZNLQZVMb9GHJ91dQRIfWQTcFR5VMFPdnjQ3D-ZZF1741q0TwKtafUAqQ/s200/standing+cat+colored.png" width="111" /></a></div>
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Here's another great freebie for I Love My White Shoes compliments of <a href="http://thegroovyteacher.blogspot.jp/2012/09/freebie-friday-pete-cat.html" target="_blank">The Groovy Teacher</a>. Click the image below to visit Leslie's page to pick up this sequencing activity. </div>
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I just know my new firsties are going to love starting the year with such a cool cat! </div>
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And now for a FREEBIE from me! I recently started up my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FirstGradeHugsAndHighFives" target="_blank">facebook</a> page and would love it if you would swing by. You can also pick up an awesome soccer themed freebie perfect for the beginning of the year. Just click on the Fans Only tab to get your freebie! I will also throw in a copy of my Superhero Pal Math Centers for my first three new facebook fans. Just like the FB page and come back here and leave your email address in the comments.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-85540597196443261772013-07-11T14:58:00.000-04:002013-07-11T14:58:41.941-04:00Throwback Thursday!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey there! I've gotten so many new followers in the past week or so and I just wanted to say "Welcome!" I'm so excited to see this little hobby I started begin to take off! It's been ridiculously humid here in the northeast and I have been getting ready to do the "Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run" this Saturday in Philly. But I just can't seem to find the motivation to log one more run before the big day. You just can't catch your breath outside here until after 7pm. And my hubby's business venture has kept me home with the kids in the evenings, sigh! Oh well, thank goodness I'm running with a great friend and teaching buddy. She promised not to get mad if I needed to take a walk break! Stacey, "It's in writing, so I'm holding you to your word!" I'll post some muddy fun pictures later on! </div>
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<a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/2013/07/throwback-thursday_11.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqR4OpYxs9C_rd-iaEPNF6zxB73_449BRPmqmoXBrbmoSfFE3dsf8aY5HTFqSF_yMnz01PWQkngICXULw6KwIm1DMZ36KeMHg_2nSbG8bg2vPdhOs6V2a4DbLCa_TZ_N265kaiiImmUY/s200/throwbackthursdaybutton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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So, I'm linking up with the fabulous Cara Carroll from <a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/2013/07/throwback-thursday_11.html" target="_blank">The First Grade Parade </a>for her summer linky series, Throwback Thursday. I'm going to be reposting about how I work my version of literacy centers. This post has gotten a ton of views and I thought it might provide another alternative for teachers who have a tough time making traditional literacy centers work for them.<br />
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******************* Originally posted on April 15, 2013 ***************<br />
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My Version of Literacy Centers</div>
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After teaching first grade for 10 years, I've FINALLY found a compromise to make centers/ Daily Five work for me (and our reading series). </div>
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A little background for you... I began my career using a basal anthology. I hated it! Then I went back to grad school to get my masters in Reading and Language Arts. I always loved teaching ELA but, when I spent 4 years studying how to be a great reading teacher, I truly discovered my passion. It was also at this time when my district began to shift to the Reading and Writing Workshop Models. I went to training at Columbia and became a loose follower of Lucy Caukins. I worked on our district's ELA curriculum team for SO many years as we created a curriculum from scratch. Fast forward a few more years, and the pendulum shifted again back to a basal anthology. I resisted this change with everything inside me, but then eventually gave up knowing it was a battle I wouldn't win. If we were going back to a basal, I was at least going to have a say in which one we picked. Our district settled on <i>Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Journeys</i>. At first I hated it... but then I found ways to still add my style and make it work for me. </div>
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I've always used a kind of hybrid approach to centers. I've never been able to work with a strict rotation. Some students always finish first and some just never do! Sometimes I needed more than 15 minutes with a group, sometimes a group needed less. I just hated being stuck with a schedule. I used The Daily Five approach for a few years, but then when we got our basal, I felt like I needed more structure to have students practice the skills they were responsible for during that week. So my checklist was born. </div>
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Basically, I have two independent checklists (one for my top two reading groups, one for my lower reading groups). Students choose from the activities on this checklist for their week's independent review. Any highlighted activities are top priorities. Each list is differentiated and students' highlighted priorities are differentiated based on their needs. I've had an excellent response to this format. The students feel like they have choice and they are working with hands on review activities. They think they are playing and the time just flies by. While students work on their independent activities, I pull reading groups for small group instruction. Many of the activities on this checklist an be found through Dawn at <a href="http://firstgradeshenanigans.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">First Grade Shenanigans</a>. Her work has been a major inspiration in me finding my groove again and beginning to create my own activities and blog while finding myself with <i>Journeys</i>. </div>
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Here are some pictures so you can see some of what goes on during "Checklist Time." </div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; color: black; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gqzjd8IsfVvisidbtlRs3qC7fe4NFxLi6VJFaJSxlUEiHNzBFf6LHiHATqvCUG1Sh1xc3IoKdIcuvhza2aokKmrlBU2_zfxYqRlKSoUyZrvRTPyUvF7o6_qquEcbRVPWt-uh5xViD8s/s1600/4f6fc4da-f7e5-44db-98d6-75b17f84922f_zps3661ab46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gqzjd8IsfVvisidbtlRs3qC7fe4NFxLi6VJFaJSxlUEiHNzBFf6LHiHATqvCUG1Sh1xc3IoKdIcuvhza2aokKmrlBU2_zfxYqRlKSoUyZrvRTPyUvF7o6_qquEcbRVPWt-uh5xViD8s/s320/4f6fc4da-f7e5-44db-98d6-75b17f84922f_zps3661ab46.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px;">Students work on a variety of activities including Read to Self, "ar" sorts, and sight word review.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6wEJFdV0cHJ_RXrqjB-9m35pMjHp0bLrIKzmsm-ZDfGJk-bBE51yveEOv4qXnQW6o8cnO3u_vNUB3t7kBevaJ_8eIF0wg-Ck_PDhrXxxa_PK9e2hqUM0Xu0cD38Cu-G5Oavu-zW1GDw/s1600/62ef9b8d-dccb-465e-8ab2-250f4c46739b_zpsc1ef2686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6wEJFdV0cHJ_RXrqjB-9m35pMjHp0bLrIKzmsm-ZDfGJk-bBE51yveEOv4qXnQW6o8cnO3u_vNUB3t7kBevaJ_8eIF0wg-Ck_PDhrXxxa_PK9e2hqUM0Xu0cD38Cu-G5Oavu-zW1GDw/s320/62ef9b8d-dccb-465e-8ab2-250f4c46739b_zpsc1ef2686.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; color: black; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqNslXEPH5m8Y1v2_7oBdK0LDb65bRNAdgb6yoilusP0Tprio2zWHnOF6TTCH9NhPMxLZO_FnY4Up6jOi_me8RKcO75ddY1J_mopmrlKddREsLw5jAMgxdxHvID4jI-V5pj0TwA7Rm-s/s1600/a69eba1d-62ec-425e-b6c8-b793bb58567f_zps56db0df2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqNslXEPH5m8Y1v2_7oBdK0LDb65bRNAdgb6yoilusP0Tprio2zWHnOF6TTCH9NhPMxLZO_FnY4Up6jOi_me8RKcO75ddY1J_mopmrlKddREsLw5jAMgxdxHvID4jI-V5pj0TwA7Rm-s/s320/a69eba1d-62ec-425e-b6c8-b793bb58567f_zps56db0df2.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px;">My student teacher works with a guided reading group while students work on their checklists.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; color: black; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9mMgVozCe6eBg2DFqmDQlQDb2OFKsuc-rokHI_wjXnBPjgJkk0cnIerKdestawRBGsl15PEboqVLo0TDH1o_g5pFht9dylEIF3MQ162B_glsRSZue4C1jOvMoYy9iH_dswzcXgOp0PY/s1600/d4ee6afe-d6b2-4940-893d-23afffc49cce_zps30095520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9mMgVozCe6eBg2DFqmDQlQDb2OFKsuc-rokHI_wjXnBPjgJkk0cnIerKdestawRBGsl15PEboqVLo0TDH1o_g5pFht9dylEIF3MQ162B_glsRSZue4C1jOvMoYy9iH_dswzcXgOp0PY/s320/d4ee6afe-d6b2-4940-893d-23afffc49cce_zps30095520.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px;">A close up of the differentiated sorts. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDGWFYIvgd46zHIZSFlj-V8XVgnG6VPhnnOo12M7TyAs3MhaR-xdzA1umJW-dsYpIFsk_EoI5GBahQEiPbUbNGhZqp6pPj0gmG7WxQiPjhZC0-3cCEDscy0bfe8SOC2PcLJ4rjOeeZYo/s1600/e40db441-9bb0-4151-bdee-8c8439d05339_zpsa523405e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDGWFYIvgd46zHIZSFlj-V8XVgnG6VPhnnOo12M7TyAs3MhaR-xdzA1umJW-dsYpIFsk_EoI5GBahQEiPbUbNGhZqp6pPj0gmG7WxQiPjhZC0-3cCEDscy0bfe8SOC2PcLJ4rjOeeZYo/s320/e40db441-9bb0-4151-bdee-8c8439d05339_zpsa523405e.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Students work on their checklists on Monday- Thursday. On Thursday, I collect students folders and mark their completed work. Any corrections are made Friday morning before our weekly test and I am able to pull RTI groups based on observations and how students did on their checklist activities. I don't think this is necessarily the best way to do centers but, it's been the best fit for me and my class. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01595977304892320341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341200834437423639.post-79080007154900359672013-07-09T16:43:00.000-04:002013-07-09T16:43:05.560-04:00Way to make a girl feel loved!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Hey there! I woke up this
morning in an okay mood, but brightened up when I saw a wonderful comment from
Amanda at <a href="http://www.teacheratthewheel.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0028e5;">Teacher at the Wheel</span></a>. She had nominated
me for the Liebster Award!!! Amanda and I were both featured on <a href="http://www.commontothecore.com/"><span style="color: #0028e5;">Common to
the Core</span></a>'s New Teacher Blog Tuesday post together. If you
don't know what that is, it's an award for budding bloggers. I've only
been blogging for a few months but, it has been such an awesome experience and
I've gotten to "meet" so many wonderful, helpful, and funny teachers
from across the country. But that's not where the coolness ends... I was
also nominated by Tiffany at <a href="http://onefabteacher.blogspot.com/2013/07/omg-what-honor.html?showComment=1373393462926#c3024656192820201610"><span style="color: #0028e5;">One Fab Teacher</span></a>. Tiffany was one of my
very first blogging buddies. I love her enthusiasm and great ideas!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZDI2yV9gbJe7fZZytTNk914TUidYFtd5uMwP3QZYprMROO4X7YvbSUrrPqigJweyXbmDAJEQXz67hbeFbRL2US8QN1hT_hgalkuRG8rVrvqYx1SpvjrwqteVsJJ9DyECaK5xbnEcq_4/s1600/award'-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZDI2yV9gbJe7fZZytTNk914TUidYFtd5uMwP3QZYprMROO4X7YvbSUrrPqigJweyXbmDAJEQXz67hbeFbRL2US8QN1hT_hgalkuRG8rVrvqYx1SpvjrwqteVsJJ9DyECaK5xbnEcq_4/s1600/award'-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;">So according to
Amanda and Tiffany, here are my "rules" for accepting this
nomination: </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">1. Link back to the blog that
nominated me </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">3. Answer the
questions posted for you by your nominator </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">4. Share 11 random facts about
yourself</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> 5. Create 11 questions for your nominees </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">6. Contact your nominees and
let them know you nominated them</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;">Here are my
questions from Amanda</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> <b>1. What's your
favorite subject to teach and why?</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I love to teach all of the areas
of English/ Language Arts, but I have a special passion for teaching writing.
I know we've all heard it before... a kids comes to you and says, "I
hate to write!" It just breaks my heart, because as a first grader, they
are just too young to be so jaded. And so it becomes my personal mission
to change that child's perception and make them LOVE writing... and I'm proud
to say I have a really good track record in this area.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b>2. Tell me about your pets (or if you don't have any, what
kind of pet would you get if you could have anything?).</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I have an almost ten year old
english bulldog named, Otto. He's the best dog! You know how they
say dogs look like their owners... well now you can picture my hubby, LOL!
I'm glad he doesn't read this... but seriously, it's true! Otto is
getting up there in age (the vet says that bulldogs who make it to double
digits are "noteworthy") but we're not telling Otto that. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b> 3. What's something college did NOT teach you about
teaching that you wish it had?</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Gosh, it's been 12 years since I
graduated, but I really feel like I had a great foundation for being a good
teacher even before college. I come from a family of teachers. My
mother was probably the person who taught me the most about what a good teacher
is. She retired from teaching elementary school 3 years ago after 28
years. I ALWAYS knew I was going to be a teacher and read every teacher
type book she read after she did from when I was in high school on. So,
honestly I'm not sure if I could pick something that college didn't teach,
because if they didn't, my mom covered it for me. But if I HAD to pick
something, I think management is what you have to figure out on your own,
because every teacher has slightly different expectations and tolerances.
</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b>4. If you could make any unhealthy food super super
healthy so it's no longer bad for you to eat, what food would it be?</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">OMG! I could write a novel.
I love junk food! If I could eat it all the time and stay healthy,
I would! But I guess, I'd pick ice cream. I know you can get in
low-fat but who are we kidding... it totally doesn't taste as good!</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b>5. If you were bitten by a radioactive spider, what super
hero power do you hope it would give you?</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Octopus arms and super
multi-tasking abilities... I have two young boys who keep me on my toes.
They are ALWAYS getting into some kind of mischief. Plus, as a
working mom, I know many of you know how hard it can be juggle home life and
school life so if I was able to do it all and be Super Mom and Super Teacher at
the same time, that would be awesome!</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b>6. Tell me
about a memorable student that you've taught.</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Over the past 12 years, there are
so many memorable students (for so many different reasons). I'm just
going to go with the first one that pops into my mind for a positive reason.
I student taught in the district I still teach in. One of my fourth
grade students that I student taught is now back working as a substitute
teacher, as she works her way through college to become a teacher herself.
It is so rewarding to have her stop by my room every time she's in the
building to ask me questions or observe. It's a great feeling to give
back to a student who you just know is going to be an awesome teacher.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> <b>7. What are your favorite movies? (notice this is
plural...feel free to pick more than one!)</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">My all-time favorite movie is The
American President. It comes on TBS fairly often and I always have to
watch it whenever I see it. I also love Fools Rush In, and Pitch Perfect
is becoming a great go-to fun movie. I love chick flicks but I usually
have to wait until HBO to see them, as the hubs is not a fan of the genre.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b>8. To where would you like an all-expense paid vacation?</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Hawaii, never been and would love
to go.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b>9. What's the last thing you said out loud?</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">"Landon, go to sleep!"
This is my blogging time and my three year old must take a nap so mommy
can retain my sanity.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b>10. What's something you would
like to change about education in our country?</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The collection of data that never
seems to change anything. Now don't go thinking I am bashing data
collection because there is definitely a place for it. To show growth, to
document interventions that may or may not be working, etc. But sometimes
it just feels like I spend more time collecting data than even teaching.
I realize though that it's not going to change... this is just me
venting!</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;"><b>11. What are some of your favorite blogs to read?</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 15pt;">That is SO tough!
I think my favorite blog to read is <a href="http://www.ateenytinyteacher.com/"><span style="color: #0028e5;">A Teeny
Tiny Teacher</span></a>. Kristin is Hil-ar-i-ous!! I also love to
read <a href="http://ericabohrer.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0028e5;">Erica
</span><u><span style="color: #0028e5; text-decoration: none; text-underline: #0028E5; text-underline: none;">Boher's</span></u><span style="color: #0028e5;"> First </span><u><span style="color: #0028e5; text-decoration: none; text-underline: #0028E5; text-underline: none;">Grade</span></u></a> and <a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0028e5;">The
First Grade </span><u><span style="color: #0028e5; text-decoration: none; text-underline: #0028E5; text-underline: none;">Parade</span></u></a>.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Here are
Tiffany's questions for me.</span></b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">1. What's your
favorite color?</span></b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Red<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">2. Why do you
teach?</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">It's what I
love to do! And if you read above about my mom and the rest of my family,
it's what is in my blood!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">3. What's one
of the best lessons you've taught?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I used to have
a lot more freedom in what I taught but, my district has adopted some programs
and texts that I have to stick pretty close with but, I still magage to throw
some of my style in. I think the Bucket Filler lessons many of us do at
the beginning of the year have a great impact on our students. I also
enjoy teaching about history (Thanksgiving, Columbus Day, Civil Rights).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">4. Instagram,
Pinterest, or Facebook?</span></b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I don't do
instagram... yet... we'll see. One thing at a time. I LOVE
pinterest for new ideas but Facebook is great for quick communication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">5. Iphone or
Android?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">iPhone.
I've had one for many years and it's like an extra appendage... one that
I'm not sure I could live without.. J/k... no, not really, hehe!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">6. If you could
take your students on an all expenses paid field trip where would you take
them?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Hawaii... oh
wait... I have to take the students!? Can one of the all expenses paid be
for tour guides for the kids so I can hang on the beach? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Oh okay... how
about Disney World, but I'm giving myself the best group of kids. I'll
spread the trouble makers out to the other chaperones. Stop... I know
what you are thinking...I'm a teacher, I can totally make Disney World
educational. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">6. Flats or
Heels?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Flats.
I'm pretty tall already (taller that the hubby) plus, I think I'm
becoming an old fuddy duddy. My feet hurt!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">7. Who is your
favorite blogger?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Sorry, Tiff!
I'm copying from above...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16pt;">That is SO tough!
I think my favorite blog to read is <a href="http://www.ateenytinyteacher.com/"><span style="color: #0028e5;">A Teeny
Tiny Teacher</span></a>. Kristin is Hil-ar-i-ous!! I also love
to read <a href="http://ericabohrer.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0028e5;">Erica </span><u><span style="color: #0028e5; text-decoration: none; text-underline: #0028E5; text-underline: none;">Boher's</span></u><span style="color: #0028e5;"> First </span><u><span style="color: #0028e5; text-decoration: none; text-underline: #0028E5; text-underline: none;">Grade</span></u></a> and <a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0028e5;">The
First Grade </span><u><span style="color: #0028e5; text-decoration: none; text-underline: #0028E5; text-underline: none;">Parade</span></u></a>.</span><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">8. If you could
live anywhere but where you live currently where would that be?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We vacation in
the Outer Banks of NC every summer and I love the slow pace of the south.
But I also do like where I live (between Philly and NYC) because
everything you could ever want is close by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">9. Favorite
hobby?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I love to do
Zumba... actually I should probably save this post to get ready for my class
tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">10. Soda,
Water, or Tea?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I am a Diet
Pepsi addict. Yes, I said it. The first step is acceptance, right?
But I do love my hot tea in the winter time! I'll drink that
instead in the morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span><b><span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">11. What's the
most frustrating thing about blogging?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Putting a lot
of time into a post you think is awesome and getting no comments. I'm
trying to comment more on others because I know how good it feels. I'm
also having trouble getting by FB page off the ground but, I'm trying to be
patient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #474545; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Here are my 11 random facts!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<br /></div>
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1. I like to sing and used to be pretty good. Now I only sing in front of my kiddies or in the car by myself. </div>
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2. I have two sisters (I'm the middle one) who are teachers, too.</div>
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3. I love to watch all of the Bachelor shows.</div>
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4. I've read all of Nicholas Sparks' books but, am still waiting for one that doesn't make me cry like a baby.</div>
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5. I'm deathly afraid of balloons. Why? I have no idea!</div>
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6. I'm one of three daughters but, we have all had sons (6 boys in all).</div>
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7. I like to drink craft beer (the hubs is even opening up a brewery in a few months with some friends).</div>
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8. I <strike>enjoy </strike>hate running. It depends on the day you ask me.</div>
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9. I don't like seafood.</div>
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10. I love a good thunderstorm!</div>
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11. I love to go places, but I hate to drive.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And here are my nominees for the Liebster Award! It felt great to be nominated so hopefully, those that I chose feel the same way! I can't wait to read the answers to my questions for you!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Bridget @ <a href="http://circusinfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grade Circus</a></div>
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Kalie @ <a href="http://fabulouslyinspiredinfirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fabulously Inspired in First</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #595757; font-family: Calibri, Verdana, 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
Andrea @ <a href="http://cheerstoschool.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheers to School</a></div>
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Natalie @ <a href="http://recessandbeyond.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Recess and Beyond</a></div>
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Cindy @<a href="http://firstgradeatoz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> First Grade A-Z</a></div>
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Dawn@ <a href="http://firstgradeshenanigans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">First Grade Shenanigans</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here are my questions.</div>
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1. Why did you become a teacher?</div>
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2. What is your favorite children's book?</div>
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3. Who designed your blog?</div>
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4. Where is the coolest place you've ever visited?</div>
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5. What is your favorite TV show(s)?</div>
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6. Did you have a favorite toy or stuffed animal as a kid?</div>
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7. Do you have a favorite exercise you do regularly (or not so regularly)?</div>
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8. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?</div>
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9. What is your favorite way to incorporate technology into your teaching?<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5341200834437423639" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>10. Are you a Mac or PC person?<br />
11. What is your favorite sport to play or watch?<br />
<br />
Thanks again to Amanda and Tiffany! You sure know how to make a girl feel loved! I can't wait to see if I've been able to pay it forward to some other new bloggers!<br />
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