tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47281504030096568542024-02-18T22:04:19.685-08:00Mrs. Ruck's RodeoMrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-73703236516934124422014-08-23T13:06:00.000-07:002014-08-23T13:06:06.246-07:00Kagan Mix-Pair-Share<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVudiPUDj834NkoSMUuPviE6s4ZWE3YwMQGrA7qAkm2QUMcYcupZg4nfx7skyJ0quB6NiJuVb2Fqdb2gIF7X1GoKporqRm9VLEOTjj6QGdn-X6pl-MpIGtB-9RgXKbUMiQXLOs4iTQpi3/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVudiPUDj834NkoSMUuPviE6s4ZWE3YwMQGrA7qAkm2QUMcYcupZg4nfx7skyJ0quB6NiJuVb2Fqdb2gIF7X1GoKporqRm9VLEOTjj6QGdn-X6pl-MpIGtB-9RgXKbUMiQXLOs4iTQpi3/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a>Hi friends! Up next is another goodie that I found on Pinterest to practice our weekly reading skill, problem and solution. Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Problem-and-Solution-Boxes-380797"><span style="color: #ea9999;">here</span></a> to get your FREE copy from Ashley's store on TPT.<br />
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Since I'm quite obsessed with Kagan strategies I thought that this would be so perfect as a Mix-Pair-Share. The beauty of Kagan is that you teach the strategy once and can use it for any lesson/subject after that. I'm a huge fan and have included the <a href="http://mrsriosteachessecondgrade.blogspot.com/2013/05/calming-chaos.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;">steps</span></a> from Mrs. Rio's blog.<br />
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I've used Mix-Pair-Share for years and the children LOVE it because they get the opportunity to get out of their seat to learn. It also entails music and communication, which seems to always put everyone in the best of moods (especially those Chatty Kathys!) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the lost shoe! I guess he was having too much fun to notice!</td></tr>
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In this specific lesson, I had already introduced how to identify a problem/solution in a story on the previous day. So we took it to the next level by applying this skill to our own lives. If you notice in the handout, the students might be given a problem such as: the music is too loud during assembly. They would then mix around the room to the music (or dance) and find a partner when the music stops. The next step is to talk to their partner about the different solutions for that particular problem and record it in the blank box. A particular response may have been: cover my ears with my hands. <br />
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<br />Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-39969066132707565112014-08-20T16:57:00.001-07:002014-08-21T19:05:34.198-07:00Scoot!Let's face it. We all need to get up and <i>move</i> around to stay focused. My kids need it and I certainly do too. This simple activity was one of my absolute favorites this year. Hence the title, it was called Scoot. The best thing about Scoot is that you <u>teach the steps one time</u> and for the remainder of the year you can use Scoot to <i>review</i> or <i>practice</i> <b>ANY subject</b>. That's right...<b>supa dupa EASY</b>. I originally found this gem on Pinterest and used it in this specific lesson to review subtraction. Here are the simple rules of Scoot:<br />
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Teacher:</div>
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1. Cut out cards and place one on each desk in numerical order</div>
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2. Model, Model, Model how the students will move from desk to desk</div>
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3. Call out "SCOOT!" after a few minutes (sufficient time for students to complete problem and find a solution)</div>
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Students:</div>
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1. Grab a clipboard, blank scoot board, and pencil (with an eraser of course!)</div>
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2. Stand behind a desk with a card</div>
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3. Solve the problem on the card</div>
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4. Find the corresponding number on their scoot board and record answer</div>
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5. Move to the next numbered desk when teacher calls out "SCOOT!"</div>
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*Sidenote: You'll see my students using dry erase boards to solve their subtraction in the picture below. However, in the past I have allowed them to simply write their problem directly on the desk with a dry erase marker. We like to change things up in our classroom.*</div>
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The possibilities are endless my friends! I have used Scoot to review place value, comparing numbers, rhyming words, finding the missing digraph, vocabulary, and parts of speech. Surprisingly, the hardest part was figuring out how to scoot to the next numbered desk. My silly kiddos had to practice just the movement several times before we actually started. They loved every second though. I even heard some cuties pies say, "This is the best day everrrr!" Hey I'll take that any day!</div>
Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-75692523286754352452012-07-19T06:14:00.000-07:002012-07-19T06:14:08.529-07:00Changes for Ms. PattersonI am thrilled to announce that over the past few months I have had many positive changes!<br />
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In the month of May I married the love of my life and we had a beautiful Marine Corps Wedding on a ranch in Alachua, Florida. Ms. Patterson is now Mrs. Ruck!<br />
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Then, I moved to PENSACOLA into our cute little home.<br />
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Shortly after moving in, we rescued a pup from the Humane Society and he has become our little baby. We named him Gunny (inspired by the many Gunnery Sergeants that influenced my hubby's career).<br />
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And lastly, becoming an East Milton Elementary Roadrunner! I'm teaching Second Grade again so stay tuned for a blog makeover! Saying goodbye to my Terwilliger family was extremely sad but I am so excited about this new chapter. Goodbye Patterson's Partners and hello Ruck's Rodeo!<br />
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<br />Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-47095975883968325112012-07-10T19:39:00.000-07:002012-07-10T20:07:32.603-07:00I Heart Workstations!Oh, workstations...where do I even begin?! My love for workstations began throughout my student teaching. There was something purely magical about meeting with differentiated small groups in peace while the rest of the class remained fully engaged without constant interruptions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSH3AHapnOu9QgyTxKg2_32TL8ef1ML9aocMszWLqoU1XhLe_V3_PAUmwLLJ1Fi6gbieZ7dJh90HBbVr4x3Q-yh1GaCD1V0WyKbhVtQ1nsOYpkDNiT4KOcAGKPefo3e_FA0aUWj_YPNzv/s1600/Diller.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSH3AHapnOu9QgyTxKg2_32TL8ef1ML9aocMszWLqoU1XhLe_V3_PAUmwLLJ1Fi6gbieZ7dJh90HBbVr4x3Q-yh1GaCD1V0WyKbhVtQ1nsOYpkDNiT4KOcAGKPefo3e_FA0aUWj_YPNzv/s1600/Diller.jpeg" /></a>As a student teacher I developed 'centers.' This was a giant headache as it required digging for new ideas every week and staying after hours on Friday (crazy! I know!). Looking back I realize that the concept of 'centers' was great but the overall product was silly.<br />
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Thank my lucky stars for Debbie Diller, the author of <u>Literacy Workstations</u> and <u>Making the Most of Small Group Instruction.</u> Every single last page of my copies have highlighted lines and notes in the margin. Once you read her books, you will realize the simple distinction between the age old 'centers' and the newly evolved 'literacy workstations.'<br />
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Here are some of my students in action!<br />
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At the <i style="font-weight: bold;">ABC/Word Study Station </i>these students are completing an activity related to the reading curriculum story about space. The activity involves reading long/short o sounds, sorting them on the correct word mat and recording the answers. Even science is integrated into reading with the activity relating to space! LOVE IT!<br />
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This <b>P</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">ocket Chart Station</i> reviews fact and opinion. The students read each moon phrase and place them in pockets under the correct category while recording answers. Notice how I have students paired. This is so they can help each other stay on task or figure things out if they are confused.<br />
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The W<i style="font-weight: bold;">riting Station</i> can involve so many activities. Here, one student is creating a simile book about the moon while the other is practicing his spelling words with rainbow colors. So simple...yet so effective.<br />
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The <b><i>Bi</i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;">g Book Station</i> is a class favorite. Students take turns using funky pointers (this is a fly swatter from the Dollar Tree) to read each line or page of the story. Throughout the year we practiced reading stories with funny voices, asking partners questions at the end, and even sharing a favorite part to the class.<br />
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<b><i>Read the Room Station</i> </b>is so easy because it is portable and can be placed ANYWHERE with some clipboards and a basket. This student is finding words with soft/hard g and c sounds. <br />
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Not pictured are my Library Station, Buddy Reading Station, Computer Station, Smartboard Station, iPad Station, Listening Station, and Nonfiction Station. The options are truly endless.</div>
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I found these particular activities on Teachers Pay Teacher, which is a GOLD MINE if you are looking for inexpensive pre-made activities and lessons.</div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-32546367915284765902012-07-09T13:18:00.002-07:002012-07-09T13:27:49.916-07:00Pumpkin Day (EEEKK!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkhCP8wPAjCk1xncgC7BZM9lMs-Jwxkbpm_v5yX5nXzEIQpg-Dcc0r2y07C9cpLfPk5TsEziAQZWXco98zO04oXVqzee40rAz8uREzsvJATh3YXBLXDbqymGnnctUrrWbcBg-mklCm8pJ/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkhCP8wPAjCk1xncgC7BZM9lMs-Jwxkbpm_v5yX5nXzEIQpg-Dcc0r2y07C9cpLfPk5TsEziAQZWXco98zO04oXVqzee40rAz8uREzsvJATh3YXBLXDbqymGnnctUrrWbcBg-mklCm8pJ/s400/IMG_0542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressed up among my characters as Junie B. Jones! </td></tr>
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I seriously count down the days until fall festivities can take place in my classroom! Without a doubt, October is one of my favorite months. As soon as the first of the month rolls around, I dig up every pumpkin book and fill the room with candy corn and various colors of fall. I try to integrate the season wherever I can (teams, decor, calendar, literacy workstations, library, etc). <br />
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So let me now introduce you to <a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/search?q=pumpkin">PUMPKIN DAY</a>! This was a unit developed by one of my favorite teachers, Cara Carroll at<a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/"> The First Grade Parade</a>.<br />
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I began the day with a pumpkin investigation that involved various workstations. Students worked in teams (of course!) to practice estimation, making predictions, measuring, and counting.<br />
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The most challenging part of our day was getting our hands dirty. I was so baffled by the looks of pure disgust and shock as I told each team to reach in and grab the seeds with their hands. Needless to say, we got over that really quick!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSr2ByggzSzAQTv1a5RLAgGXaOByIxXzXZVZxjcJXdP6Ae0S9mCk2APemhA9Y8ciD1WNgiuc28BnMsJt3OGQRRNAFXj4qoyHhv1i-YZrAOP3D8jZ9Rl2uUfXtr7zA4xo2PSN49mYp5bdBF/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSr2ByggzSzAQTv1a5RLAgGXaOByIxXzXZVZxjcJXdP6Ae0S9mCk2APemhA9Y8ciD1WNgiuc28BnMsJt3OGQRRNAFXj4qoyHhv1i-YZrAOP3D8jZ9Rl2uUfXtr7zA4xo2PSN49mYp5bdBF/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were simply shocked at how many seeds a<br />
pumpkin could hold.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHpCzsow16f9NUWhMbL58XCIy40u6Hr6o5KKHM3WOFP5fWn1lsEZVQ2p6JOk56eEyMZQAbzCsHXjMNpvHhq25Q6y_sfPif-jJ668jLEy7wVV7hrMrQOpueDol6OR3eeFnHhvfJAl-3x1W/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHpCzsow16f9NUWhMbL58XCIy40u6Hr6o5KKHM3WOFP5fWn1lsEZVQ2p6JOk56eEyMZQAbzCsHXjMNpvHhq25Q6y_sfPif-jJ668jLEy7wVV7hrMrQOpueDol6OR3eeFnHhvfJAl-3x1W/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out that independence!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teamwork at its best...everyone is lending a helping (slimy) hand.</td></tr>
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The next activity involved writing similes (one of their favs!). This is a great book by Loreen Leedy...<br />
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We wrote down our scientific observations while focusing on using our five senses. As a whole group the class provided various adjectives to describe their pumpkin.<br />
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Here are a few examples of pumpkin similes that were created. Their creativity just tickled me to death!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqVYT-jMQVi-qA5anmcIhyJ9yN_9exmkm8zE2naeZ8i6-6BLjnk482DhTnrfXC5rf3ABEaOlPiAufVWBn7gFfyvren9bKvfPGtqr2a80h4DeF3DxisxiIlDkh7w-5lS6vkoFzdg8k2qYV/s1600/IMG_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqVYT-jMQVi-qA5anmcIhyJ9yN_9exmkm8zE2naeZ8i6-6BLjnk482DhTnrfXC5rf3ABEaOlPiAufVWBn7gFfyvren9bKvfPGtqr2a80h4DeF3DxisxiIlDkh7w-5lS6vkoFzdg8k2qYV/s320/IMG_0547.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry...he assured me that he was<br />
referring<span style="background-color: white;">to the character from the movie :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRcZPOsQsLp_nhQTKSZ_Se1OnwgpZ_Z_PSsE5I1z8R0JjLs5lStvXtn9kXAj1GoBm2qaPxNz7qS-EH3mPXLaTzx6vYnj6ws36Zg-l1SwzUrOCQW_8xkVMYvgzujnBCroypLZRQ3mDZ3Cp/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRcZPOsQsLp_nhQTKSZ_Se1OnwgpZ_Z_PSsE5I1z8R0JjLs5lStvXtn9kXAj1GoBm2qaPxNz7qS-EH3mPXLaTzx6vYnj6ws36Zg-l1SwzUrOCQW_8xkVMYvgzujnBCroypLZRQ3mDZ3Cp/s320/IMG_0546.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yarn looks like the stringy insides!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To end our fun filled day we used the help of several classroom volunteers to carve our team pumpkins. Don't worry parents, we did this with EXTREME adult supervision and used those tiny tools that you can buy in a home kit. But first, we had to talk about the purpose of voting because it definitely wouldn't have been fair for Ms. Patterson to choose how they carved their pumpkin! The BrainpopJr. Video called </span><i style="background-color: white;">Rights and Responsibilities </i><span style="background-color: white;">was a great introduction to the concept of voting.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGe4g_ygiOE8mNMrH6ifHDj6hbK4NT0w_HGCncteSA8XuT689ytOP2erdfnJ7x0K0DL51eeeYgI0VN8Mi84sGSU53KSeJoS_mYDfpkxLsLYTPjmZbvxLqkWcxj-PQnRvfIAmO338JudCu/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGe4g_ygiOE8mNMrH6ifHDj6hbK4NT0w_HGCncteSA8XuT689ytOP2erdfnJ7x0K0DL51eeeYgI0VN8Mi84sGSU53KSeJoS_mYDfpkxLsLYTPjmZbvxLqkWcxj-PQnRvfIAmO338JudCu/s320/IMG_0535.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voting Ballot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW01vqHiPLnlJlHJe56npxC8zUFVRDIOXNWHLCmJmkU1qXUNHwJwa1AMwQeOTusU1Y1CFajRyNwRbVPLamaRNkO743fv6uR1DRTA6DRCUpxfRwP0Tkbvqg8VUMVD993indTDsIbfdrx0n/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW01vqHiPLnlJlHJe56npxC8zUFVRDIOXNWHLCmJmkU1qXUNHwJwa1AMwQeOTusU1Y1CFajRyNwRbVPLamaRNkO743fv6uR1DRTA6DRCUpxfRwP0Tkbvqg8VUMVD993indTDsIbfdrx0n/s320/IMG_0544.JPG" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voting Options</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-14394632809993732232012-07-08T15:34:00.000-07:002012-07-08T15:38:16.071-07:00Guess My Habitat<i>'I hear, I forget...I see, I remember...I do, I understand'</i> (Old Chinese Proverb)<br />
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Now isn't that the truth? Keeping this simple, yet powerful teaching motto in mind, I try to find many opportunities for my kiddos to get up, move around, and get their brain juices flowing. At the end of our science unit on Habitats I decided to check their understanding by having them show <i>me </i>what they had learned.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5upnFh7568cwf0x5OEzmvEGAf9QMRqU3Zw6LB_owuCaQL3L2FKTvGiqdEi5Sym2845OOvB8Lz9P0uYG-m6T0Sz3rT_d01R0mPe4KR1fVax4haHkag7w0sb4acFoTytpi-ykXbmMlSPx-5/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5upnFh7568cwf0x5OEzmvEGAf9QMRqU3Zw6LB_owuCaQL3L2FKTvGiqdEi5Sym2845OOvB8Lz9P0uYG-m6T0Sz3rT_d01R0mPe4KR1fVax4haHkag7w0sb4acFoTytpi-ykXbmMlSPx-5/s320/IMG_0461.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping a secret can be so much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a very simple lesson that involved drawing a picture. Now, when I say that they drew a picture, I'm not referring to a pencil and paper sketch with stick figures and scribbles. I'm talking about a vivid illustration that is full of details. <br />
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Before we began the assignment we discussed how to draw an illustration. This may seem silly but I <i>really </i>wanted to assess their learning and could only do so by taking a peek into their minds through their depictions on paper.<br />
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Each team was assigned a different habitat (desert, ocean, pond/lake, forest). Once the objections and expectations of the lesson had been discussed, I turned on some classical music jams and set the timer to fifteen minutes.<br />
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As the students finished, I secretly taped each masterpiece onto their backs, which seemed to trigger a room full of giggles. Once the timer buzzed each team was directed to stand up-hand up-pair up (a snazzy Kagan strategy that we had been practicing). The remainder of the lesson continued with students providing clues to their partners, in order for the other to guess their habitat. <br />
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I, on the other hand, received the pleasure of floating around the room and feeling overjoyed as I heard so many phenomenal examples of higher order thinking questions.<br />
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Who would have thought that learning could be so fun?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDawOCelZ158EbdKlox85g3tIBotK_eArwqiaXloXRGAlHlUfS1o1QVusbkOWW5y_Y0LrqRE_M93XNbxRdNw8h8dEs8-DZ9vditHkb4BrU7DVhtX64HTKoWAc4tCyiL-fllBOnzEmTUGBP/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDawOCelZ158EbdKlox85g3tIBotK_eArwqiaXloXRGAlHlUfS1o1QVusbkOWW5y_Y0LrqRE_M93XNbxRdNw8h8dEs8-DZ9vditHkb4BrU7DVhtX64HTKoWAc4tCyiL-fllBOnzEmTUGBP/s400/IMG_0457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Illustration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A2skdsTrSDotecE4vtrFbvzlQvoAfa4D3hcp9J1pJFOu2MTrrJeJEYujG5sC1PBF9CR56odu6wfC_mndT22kuoQwfahUt4HlJgjHNQYikhIpr7ybI_UYhT57AuXFfDT7SXoevsI3e_zN/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A2skdsTrSDotecE4vtrFbvzlQvoAfa4D3hcp9J1pJFOu2MTrrJeJEYujG5sC1PBF9CR56odu6wfC_mndT22kuoQwfahUt4HlJgjHNQYikhIpr7ybI_UYhT57AuXFfDT7SXoevsI3e_zN/s400/IMG_0458.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest Illustration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFkW6SqcGbOduav2CM7WmrkuwKft8-YCruKaFEea2GQx_LBfdz_jdOpkixyB1IFHR2kRRUYz8nJuZgH3eA2s6QSDHG6j3sqC_LteBzXzo3lSJPmI_mUie2iL45bfi3lMN6OQYIV9rEXaM/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFkW6SqcGbOduav2CM7WmrkuwKft8-YCruKaFEea2GQx_LBfdz_jdOpkixyB1IFHR2kRRUYz8nJuZgH3eA2s6QSDHG6j3sqC_LteBzXzo3lSJPmI_mUie2iL45bfi3lMN6OQYIV9rEXaM/s400/IMG_0459.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Illustration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkAgB-x-asNFJ_6uu_HvGCV0pXCjfAtVTUI2Zmk7d15kBQv2zzKpTlJGXZP8miR3RGTdx967EDEC9lsnLvvn4fUF28uxHP3PrZsCRKv51uNSRZNO-XKUeuwcarc_v7FQaDIBfko92ggkw/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkAgB-x-asNFJ_6uu_HvGCV0pXCjfAtVTUI2Zmk7d15kBQv2zzKpTlJGXZP8miR3RGTdx967EDEC9lsnLvvn4fUF28uxHP3PrZsCRKv51uNSRZNO-XKUeuwcarc_v7FQaDIBfko92ggkw/s400/IMG_0460.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once students guessed the correct habitat, they gave their partner a high<br />five and put their hand up to find another available partner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-76165111287167356882012-07-08T14:50:00.001-07:002012-07-08T15:39:55.951-07:00Me in a Bag<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUbv0-i5yfaf5614tCFZAoLJUeOnkXKVcnKRXbISfbW6Al3CQjHpamfW4NRtyqOb11EA0AwI6l4SvrA-uvDKBogEJzZKfhP1VIhaDWa-fppoPFbtiDwITLkksIIPEh2I8kxDwCmJ-1NvI/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUbv0-i5yfaf5614tCFZAoLJUeOnkXKVcnKRXbISfbW6Al3CQjHpamfW4NRtyqOb11EA0AwI6l4SvrA-uvDKBogEJzZKfhP1VIhaDWa-fppoPFbtiDwITLkksIIPEh2I8kxDwCmJ-1NvI/s400/IMG_0396.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every teammate was fully engaged with this little guy. <br />
He spoke loudly with expression as he shared his items.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Character building is a pretty big deal in my classroom. Every year my students desks are formed into groups of three to four teammates. After being trained in <a href="http://www.kaganonline.com/index.php">Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies</a>, I guess you could say that I was never quite the same. Integrating group strategies and teambuilding into every aspect of our day was a lot of work but paid off in the end. <br />
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My little partners LOVED 'Me in a Bag.' It was their first official homework assignment, which was taken home within the first few days of school. Each child was instructed to bring a few items from home that would tell their team a little bit about themselves. The only rule...it had to fit in the brown paper bag.<br />
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This activity also provided a fabulous opportunity to teach taking turns, listening, sharing, being polite, and when its appropriate to ask questions.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii00753cXnmSxX_v75HcxF_-uxe706OQox542PmH4499fJFFQ_-UWMFNEwYQkp-wmIU1qcZ5PiscvOBabg0fsLFSJ8EgtMGl_Qh53H6KMcPl30WBTLKybrTplgjgy598PGeEFsO_KXWNqS/s1600/IMG_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii00753cXnmSxX_v75HcxF_-uxe706OQox542PmH4499fJFFQ_-UWMFNEwYQkp-wmIU1qcZ5PiscvOBabg0fsLFSJ8EgtMGl_Qh53H6KMcPl30WBTLKybrTplgjgy598PGeEFsO_KXWNqS/s400/IMG_0390.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the Kagan Mat in the center...each student had a number and would<br />
keep track of taking turns with this simple resource.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh924IHnKvL2Yxr1L_M1cSdJgHj0qD9a-wWaw4RypV9TwXqlXrt5VK5oQXU2qt75F6jgSh8r8uMKtnS4fr7S7YmRoBwhgtMTZ8PAh9aCf0FQZ6aBZoXHWahkr6kdifnr_mXfPAN2tsJxXfH/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh924IHnKvL2Yxr1L_M1cSdJgHj0qD9a-wWaw4RypV9TwXqlXrt5VK5oQXU2qt75F6jgSh8r8uMKtnS4fr7S7YmRoBwhgtMTZ8PAh9aCf0FQZ6aBZoXHWahkr6kdifnr_mXfPAN2tsJxXfH/s400/IMG_0391.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We discussed always making eye contact with someone when<br />
they are speaking to you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91bBh_-xdOmChO0E7f2szOSMY5G34Xtq0-5Cj5bPR3nX2XtbPIfgOtkx0cS6RRB2eXBhoCV1HDA1OeGaDikW3T9xXF7vUM3b_f4xX7_ied6cKRt8e64l1HgmYcPHL652g_KxevLwQ1XG-/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91bBh_-xdOmChO0E7f2szOSMY5G34Xtq0-5Cj5bPR3nX2XtbPIfgOtkx0cS6RRB2eXBhoCV1HDA1OeGaDikW3T9xXF7vUM3b_f4xX7_ied6cKRt8e64l1HgmYcPHL652g_KxevLwQ1XG-/s400/IMG_0394.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This young man was asking a question pertaining to his partner's<br />
item (practicing active listening!).</td></tr>
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<br />Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-3141630760451026252012-07-08T14:22:00.003-07:002012-07-08T14:22:39.986-07:00Meet the TeacherNothing gets me more excited than "Meet the Teacher Day!" The thrill of finally finishing the initial set up of the classroom to meet each eager student that walks into the door is something that I look forward to each year. Last year, I tried to bump it up a notch since I had two years of experience under my belt. <div>
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As parents and little cowboys and cowgirls entered the room I directed them towards a desk loaded with goodies. Among my favorites were the <a href="http://www.mswinston.com/Confetti%20Generic.pdf">Back to School Magic Confetti</a> and the nifty little <a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/2011/07/meet-teacher-ideas-downloads.html">welcome packet</a> that I modified for parents to take home. The parent envelope contained a classroom brochure (which listed every ounce of class info), second grade expectations, our schedule, a letter from yours truly, and a breakdown of what their child would be learning throughout the year. </div>
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Any additional papers that needed to be completed and returned were also included. I have to say thanks to Cara Carroll for sharing this idea because it was definitely a huge hit. Instead of sending parents out the door with tons of different colored papers falling out of their hands, I was able to take more time with introductions rather than "fill this out...and put this here...and don't forget this too!"</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckgbyNtFhgLYZfegFX5ON82OEu9hh_crzC-o7-v8TCgraUSspNGmeAILIsqqUbMT39t1TqteXI8fc4hxVGZranc5JFvpu8ZlD6CZ4c9dQQ48F15GYxl5J46K0EoJwMygE9XFVgYKzect9/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckgbyNtFhgLYZfegFX5ON82OEu9hh_crzC-o7-v8TCgraUSspNGmeAILIsqqUbMT39t1TqteXI8fc4hxVGZranc5JFvpu8ZlD6CZ4c9dQQ48F15GYxl5J46K0EoJwMygE9XFVgYKzect9/s400/IMG_0369.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Second Grade!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64QikPo6GIhQYeF8178dpfT9RMQOowJcdvwT3omorvJ5zQEODMouTscSG2htFjEBRUHJ2i6Q9_IxB2mJf8H8Jo7k6EQxz9I0_0ADytrm0YFojkaM37UTgaXFwXKoSBy-0Krm5hyphenhyphenjtsZOv/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64QikPo6GIhQYeF8178dpfT9RMQOowJcdvwT3omorvJ5zQEODMouTscSG2htFjEBRUHJ2i6Q9_IxB2mJf8H8Jo7k6EQxz9I0_0ADytrm0YFojkaM37UTgaXFwXKoSBy-0Krm5hyphenhyphenjtsZOv/s400/IMG_0370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Information table </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem_R5V5ti4D9-0MbompQU6b8pqT9Dnh0RTl5J2-7f6A3vCE7wuMTHg-krOLPu1xueaB4GXrH_DhSF5K2n-BuiU_XAWmmJx-UMI7TBqUudZpP-Ea2adkqoS_QJs8Ftkd-dWP-c8RB_gSJm/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem_R5V5ti4D9-0MbompQU6b8pqT9Dnh0RTl5J2-7f6A3vCE7wuMTHg-krOLPu1xueaB4GXrH_DhSF5K2n-BuiU_XAWmmJx-UMI7TBqUudZpP-Ea2adkqoS_QJs8Ftkd-dWP-c8RB_gSJm/s400/IMG_0371.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so excited to show off our classroom Blog as parents took a seat and browsed<br />through the previous class' pictures!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJFnQqB3TuPNr8R7GKa2AQeZbr2D2iEi8eRgQ-EslB_6AiKgS5wL4_cEezXDiIrCH9F5MSAyxAnnGWJa5wqMB7O3odlMHweiy83tH8W_9ITrNYDxDlgG4u6LRxCMf9-MmPBFEx3umrcQc/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJFnQqB3TuPNr8R7GKa2AQeZbr2D2iEi8eRgQ-EslB_6AiKgS5wL4_cEezXDiIrCH9F5MSAyxAnnGWJa5wqMB7O3odlMHweiy83tH8W_9ITrNYDxDlgG4u6LRxCMf9-MmPBFEx3umrcQc/s400/IMG_0372.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smartboard Greeting...Howdy Partners!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-65144165847684349562011-09-18T14:36:00.000-07:002011-09-18T14:37:07.189-07:00Open HouseThese are a few things that I had on display for Open House! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgXUiKIjvbqAtnnqOeGqZQUlH92XWk_N_hpbrgx6dJerMpL8Dgkr8hyphenhyphenFkByRR0UXbD2-cwZU61paF7h8j2OGJftYk_dCTlWnXprX1CI2pwnYLPdNw35KktewZ5fmuQeiGYxOCBPMVMTHc/s1600/photo-49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgXUiKIjvbqAtnnqOeGqZQUlH92XWk_N_hpbrgx6dJerMpL8Dgkr8hyphenhyphenFkByRR0UXbD2-cwZU61paF7h8j2OGJftYk_dCTlWnXprX1CI2pwnYLPdNw35KktewZ5fmuQeiGYxOCBPMVMTHc/s320/photo-49.JPG" width="238" /></a>The backpacks were a lesson that we started on the first day of school about what a second grader needs to be successful (created by Babbling Abby at <a href="http://www.theinspiredapple.blogspot.com/">The Inspired Apple</a>). I had a backpack full of items such as an apple, money, pencil, books, etc. which led to a discussion about being prepared, eating a healthy breakfast, and reading everyday. It was a great activity to teach them what kind of expectations I had for them as Second Graders.<br />
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I also displayed Acrostic Poems that were taught during our writing block. The children loved looking at their western pictures and reading facts about each other!<br />
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"Our Promise" was developed over a few days as we added various promises that were important to keep throughout the year. I introduced this topic by reading "The Monster that Came to School" (found on <a href="http://www.bainbridgeclass.com/">Christina Bainbridge's</a> website). It is a silly story about a monster that comes to school and creates chaos as it breaks all of the rules. To make the story even sillier I used my troll puppet to act out the events. There were tons of giggles, screams, and silly sound effects as I made a complete fool out of myself to tell this story...but hey...that's what teachers do! Afterwards, each student added a rule to the anchor chart and we talked about how our monster could remain in the classroom if they taught him the rules that we all need to follow. <br />
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In the hallway, I made a bulletin board to correlate with our western classroom theme (found also at <a href="http://www.bainbridgeclass.com/">www.bainbridgeclass.com</a>). Each student had a "Wanted" poster with their picture on display. But watch out because they may be armed with knowledge!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE9Ns8zzZ2PigfgBD8jyhSPc8e7pkpCMu6UpFXj9Cwf5Ym7nizhZprgxg21dAhuTX-9hLum9apppA9V6uDR8ndyUpnwum77eTEzayk8W6wGy_d3P8h4hMYBDRO0xY5KxSxSKpjVU0WdBs/s1600/photo-52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE9Ns8zzZ2PigfgBD8jyhSPc8e7pkpCMu6UpFXj9Cwf5Ym7nizhZprgxg21dAhuTX-9hLum9apppA9V6uDR8ndyUpnwum77eTEzayk8W6wGy_d3P8h4hMYBDRO0xY5KxSxSKpjVU0WdBs/s320/photo-52.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-Vqmi-a7SYL1AVFxmU7Fet5kADfPWcpCwaQFpA_YmrLr4mmqhYUqXNZnWRsvWyuw1x97a6HNX98VNRkHpdu5zO-AM2EWQdo6Yo8QuzEi8FCl0iNnM_R-OAXHmUdPmCTK3u4_txl1-9R0/s1600/photo-48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-Vqmi-a7SYL1AVFxmU7Fet5kADfPWcpCwaQFpA_YmrLr4mmqhYUqXNZnWRsvWyuw1x97a6HNX98VNRkHpdu5zO-AM2EWQdo6Yo8QuzEi8FCl0iNnM_R-OAXHmUdPmCTK3u4_txl1-9R0/s320/photo-48.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-56817845703606457872011-09-18T13:59:00.000-07:002011-09-18T13:59:26.700-07:00Place Value Marshmallow MathI downloaded this wonderful idea from <a href="http://www.babblingabby.blogspot.com/">Babbling Abby</a> (she is Ah-Mazing). After a quick review of ones and tens, I introduced hundreds by showing my students how to do this Marshmallow Math. Be sure to explicitly show them how to set up the marshmallows and use the tooth picks appropriately beforehand. In addition to practicing place value this lesson also provided a yummy snack in the end!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13E4LEuwc3DYtCOfWmV2q1x_440UX6mcZWQe6yvAyRJK-j1XDtquE9DgJ6aAR4_7ZJdCjIm9tPERWfJX3Z2WGIP9a5Lqj0AK8adMs6W2BX14HHR1nf0M03EsH11AJADwsVObQNg5SJ076/s1600/photo-45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13E4LEuwc3DYtCOfWmV2q1x_440UX6mcZWQe6yvAyRJK-j1XDtquE9DgJ6aAR4_7ZJdCjIm9tPERWfJX3Z2WGIP9a5Lqj0AK8adMs6W2BX14HHR1nf0M03EsH11AJADwsVObQNg5SJ076/s320/photo-45.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GFjzvsfY_yL7icoaVYHWVlOjrD_9dpQgWP-RLJ_7EserEubLV9KC2pfq_u0YWlUuohwlLl5ESSIo_Ll2RM8OdRIjb3_nv6F40Lzgt2CwTBnr0tH7fZLcpFL6P757BzVK8jESh5CRHpI-/s1600/photo-46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GFjzvsfY_yL7icoaVYHWVlOjrD_9dpQgWP-RLJ_7EserEubLV9KC2pfq_u0YWlUuohwlLl5ESSIo_Ll2RM8OdRIjb3_nv6F40Lzgt2CwTBnr0tH7fZLcpFL6P757BzVK8jESh5CRHpI-/s320/photo-46.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-38913868343301134142011-09-18T13:36:00.000-07:002011-09-18T13:37:47.874-07:00Bucket FillerCalling all teachers and parents! Attention please! If you haven't heard of a Bucket Filler...look it up now. It is absolutely genius and teaches children about kindness and respect. During the first week of school, I read <u>Have You Filled a Bucket Today?</u> by Carol McCloud. It is a super cute book that explains how everybody has an invisible bucket. By saying/doing<i> kind</i> things you are considered a Bucket Filler and by saying/doing <i>mean</i> things you are a Bucket Dipper.<br />
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After reading the story, we made an Anchor Chart that listed all the ways we could fill someones bucket at home and at school. Then we practiced writing special notes to our peers to fill their buckets (pairing each student with their shoulder partner ensured that nobody was left out). I plan on referring back to being a Bucket Filler throughout the school year to promote a positive classroom environment. Each child also has a bucket and in their spare time I encourage all of my students to practice this feel good program.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbXAQpdZV3a13Nvbjp73CiPs3Yz9aeVhu0XZxpGXHkPiFPUAQhEU0TjPx1q7N-AVawHSK6ENLHWwTXHqb5i822G3ND7j3TwP3Zu_F4JZBtyiN9Bk0tY-ytD4pz-6XTObbEFV8s2B4PR9i/s1600/photo-43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbXAQpdZV3a13Nvbjp73CiPs3Yz9aeVhu0XZxpGXHkPiFPUAQhEU0TjPx1q7N-AVawHSK6ENLHWwTXHqb5i822G3ND7j3TwP3Zu_F4JZBtyiN9Bk0tY-ytD4pz-6XTObbEFV8s2B4PR9i/s200/photo-43.JPG" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPFG-8pWJXKoTrkvz3oXdriDBAoarhwWaLxvma1FVA8veHgyQfteMxO5zj_xkZbFgxVAxaLrOA0iLKWKbzoxGR_g0lBhm3TilUn5t3yttCU0tctu8UgIaqikRaaNCb5dYLr9cl9PbWXWG/s1600/photo-42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPFG-8pWJXKoTrkvz3oXdriDBAoarhwWaLxvma1FVA8veHgyQfteMxO5zj_xkZbFgxVAxaLrOA0iLKWKbzoxGR_g0lBhm3TilUn5t3yttCU0tctu8UgIaqikRaaNCb5dYLr9cl9PbWXWG/s200/photo-42.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGZqatzrbtQUki-tg5niBP0xk83d86JPr0k2Rb2sxWJF-q_jdLesDuvokkOC4qUTrffI20sojDZKAlv239slWCmysvfB03HdieqZ7Fd2v2TDN__wOFoP2glRfzaZqojnwah6ocGvZ93Pm/s1600/photo-44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGZqatzrbtQUki-tg5niBP0xk83d86JPr0k2Rb2sxWJF-q_jdLesDuvokkOC4qUTrffI20sojDZKAlv239slWCmysvfB03HdieqZ7Fd2v2TDN__wOFoP2glRfzaZqojnwah6ocGvZ93Pm/s200/photo-44.JPG" width="148" /></a></div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-60364629349220360342011-09-18T12:48:00.000-07:002011-09-18T13:38:40.469-07:00Meet the Scientist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjBejnkvhhm3TwPYcJSKU952iOSxKyfdFHmBz5TF9hCTgiLVRRcFpi5n04Of23i-B4ESwhNxCiIS5z6IHdrXk2bufDpxFKCjYRBzwZt7gAsrRl-RrcVa6p5ibrIWlE2WbsEK4aUJ8J-9H/s1600/photo-38.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjBejnkvhhm3TwPYcJSKU952iOSxKyfdFHmBz5TF9hCTgiLVRRcFpi5n04Of23i-B4ESwhNxCiIS5z6IHdrXk2bufDpxFKCjYRBzwZt7gAsrRl-RrcVa6p5ibrIWlE2WbsEK4aUJ8J-9H/s200/photo-38.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="148" /></a>During the first week of school, I gave each student a science notebook to record their observations, experiments, and take notes throughout the first nine weeks. We began by doing this cute activity called, "Meet the Scientist." I never realized how much they would love it...it was the cutest thing ever! <br />
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</div><div>First, I began a discussion with the kiddos about scientists. They responded by telling me what kind of experiments they did, their appearance, and how smart they had to be. Next, I got really excited and explained that they were about to meet a scientist in our classroom. However, this scientist was in a box and had to be kept a secret until everyone was done meeting him/her. Their faces immediately lit up and I heard lots of giggles as they wondered how a real scientist could be in a small box. I was pleasantly surprised that the children did such a great job waiting patiently for their turn and keeping it a secret until everyone had a peek into the mystery of the red box.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div>As I called their names one by one, they each stepped up to the box, lifted the lid and looked inside to discover that their face was inside. They were the scientist (thanks to my handy dandy mirror that was placed at the bottom). </div><div><br />
</div><div>The whole point of the activity was to teach them that anyone could be a scientist and that they in fact, would be a scientist all year as they asked questions, made predictions, and conducted various experiments. So often, children have a misconception that only adults can be scientists, mathematicians, authors, illustrators etc. In the end, this introduction clearly expressed otherwise. </div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zbey-MPDa6xApbMWHqxCCoCUnafPVLyrxF_pm3Q3x_S8sxgl6rhc-srx4lyyGTSCFVGVKM9wsKyO8koc5aeFhWYozP4DwmdvT8dOSsof2csZHpcWKPbeoXHXEmJ-ltK9WRwRK0AGNrFX/s1600/photo-41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zbey-MPDa6xApbMWHqxCCoCUnafPVLyrxF_pm3Q3x_S8sxgl6rhc-srx4lyyGTSCFVGVKM9wsKyO8koc5aeFhWYozP4DwmdvT8dOSsof2csZHpcWKPbeoXHXEmJ-ltK9WRwRK0AGNrFX/s320/photo-41.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0psMsvH8HAaUmH1E-iJTyBubu1tqFzB4AvOd8kFn3nOzkZbYtH8ZYEzwSEG3S04lyuJsyzNmYpHNcGn35HZ5uC8m_kbUM_hRiSTe0N5KaxZJrNQt9jQcmFwe3MLvQH1b33__PZmJlLNtP/s1600/photo-39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0psMsvH8HAaUmH1E-iJTyBubu1tqFzB4AvOd8kFn3nOzkZbYtH8ZYEzwSEG3S04lyuJsyzNmYpHNcGn35HZ5uC8m_kbUM_hRiSTe0N5KaxZJrNQt9jQcmFwe3MLvQH1b33__PZmJlLNtP/s320/photo-39.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a peek!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0cii1K1rjKhs6iBsS1wzdA7kFaRcAbjvkJOyVR4b2yk3YgLBiRUOk25jI2eDWn8TEJnvzs0Qdfqj1awuZcRnBRUFlcgrbmTUz2YUwofWGzG0AclpqFrYWWb6XTAq49YcCO9sXjS7YZr0/s1600/photo-40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0cii1K1rjKhs6iBsS1wzdA7kFaRcAbjvkJOyVR4b2yk3YgLBiRUOk25jI2eDWn8TEJnvzs0Qdfqj1awuZcRnBRUFlcgrbmTUz2YUwofWGzG0AclpqFrYWWb6XTAq49YcCO9sXjS7YZr0/s320/photo-40.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing the Scientist in their notebooks.</td></tr>
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</div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-26103299314467767432011-08-31T20:09:00.000-07:002011-08-31T20:10:11.294-07:00Two weeks, late nights, and weekends later...Ta Da!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I first walked in after summer I couldn't help but get an instant headache! Setting up and decorating is always one of my favorite parts about teaching. However, after moving furniture, attacking roaches (I'll save that story for another time), digging through boxes, and emptying your wallet within 24 hours...sigh... you seem to wish that Samantha from <i>Bewitched</i> would come along and wiggle her nose so that everything could instantly be back to the way it was before, in a flash!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrZCZ-Q9zfKKZUgBCxv_Mp1d2OTkl-mydnMeRdRFTvs3Tz2sm8Bgx3s_VnBQh30V1i9ytGpO0IgAe5gtUNNALfnSfGmcMvK45Dndc8QyVO1u93uRFbNLMQn_CA1LnpIHCHk_bRYVZuDI2/s1600/Before1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrZCZ-Q9zfKKZUgBCxv_Mp1d2OTkl-mydnMeRdRFTvs3Tz2sm8Bgx3s_VnBQh30V1i9ytGpO0IgAe5gtUNNALfnSfGmcMvK45Dndc8QyVO1u93uRFbNLMQn_CA1LnpIHCHk_bRYVZuDI2/s320/Before1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my sad, sad classroom two weeks before school started (yes, it took a full 80+ hours to get this place back to normal). Yikes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-rjA8gKejFPKMdyanM_9JKSIiRz5SQTKYdz4lAjD-zp67N1loze22HDLzSsgNBiwW-eysPfN2cIKnIqtAOvhSJnD3wJDQEpiBc88LwB9XYPegAEb-Jn9aMkXTXWqp5S2t-YRgomftw2g/s1600/Before3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-rjA8gKejFPKMdyanM_9JKSIiRz5SQTKYdz4lAjD-zp67N1loze22HDLzSsgNBiwW-eysPfN2cIKnIqtAOvhSJnD3wJDQEpiBc88LwB9XYPegAEb-Jn9aMkXTXWqp5S2t-YRgomftw2g/s320/Before3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is our classroom today! B-E-A-UTIFUL!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3MCM-s8kDuWib1t1YfshIsKzQajZN_wKg0FC1q6Yny8VXeqCZL36PxiMXdSk0sJvkidyykPuHDbqSMiEemtfFXG0M1xFvL9uhpUpV0V_yt9KdKH2ixfnsH1UZnP2cF94YLu3IMp35oCH/s1600/After1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3MCM-s8kDuWib1t1YfshIsKzQajZN_wKg0FC1q6Yny8VXeqCZL36PxiMXdSk0sJvkidyykPuHDbqSMiEemtfFXG0M1xFvL9uhpUpV0V_yt9KdKH2ixfnsH1UZnP2cF94YLu3IMp35oCH/s320/After1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYSt1LlNPT8gVvoxyJzAHNMAr9OevVjynQ71rN75pgSyBUg0hZVcFABVRTmeiDvF0iwxy7muiX-UfLmAIRf_qvMzmCXPxeW0fb-PK5tumH12Y_OX-yHaYdiUqNhw3UlrbsocOb4zqZBoF/s1600/After4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYSt1LlNPT8gVvoxyJzAHNMAr9OevVjynQ71rN75pgSyBUg0hZVcFABVRTmeiDvF0iwxy7muiX-UfLmAIRf_qvMzmCXPxeW0fb-PK5tumH12Y_OX-yHaYdiUqNhw3UlrbsocOb4zqZBoF/s320/After4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front View</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN12hWB8XrcezVyFy3qNu33OLsM-l2zNQeLniDxvyK6NwX5DFiHL1FjnbU1NEsneJLON1HFFOS62m7IBzpgB4spaIDBNENFlovvoPp-rFSo746qgs5IUKkjmKUmr5rgI5bDGJmJ_kh3M4A/s1600/After3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN12hWB8XrcezVyFy3qNu33OLsM-l2zNQeLniDxvyK6NwX5DFiHL1FjnbU1NEsneJLON1HFFOS62m7IBzpgB4spaIDBNENFlovvoPp-rFSo746qgs5IUKkjmKUmr5rgI5bDGJmJ_kh3M4A/s320/After3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side View</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5brFgmmjZ_FZ3_N_jkt3XkylbjdbcAlxueAYhwJAr9CKUUlGhcoyN90U-EVVCbs2fMQLEg4SWAJA-0cFDRR27s8I-CAeP3IE0BYD9ow6XSUy3lyaar7-s4hGYsEKmbeThicnPtrhIvG-2/s1600/After2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5brFgmmjZ_FZ3_N_jkt3XkylbjdbcAlxueAYhwJAr9CKUUlGhcoyN90U-EVVCbs2fMQLEg4SWAJA-0cFDRR27s8I-CAeP3IE0BYD9ow6XSUy3lyaar7-s4hGYsEKmbeThicnPtrhIvG-2/s320/After2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Word Wall and Workstations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_yu4KGK3Hh9_RzY6VXqwxqPE3VA1DqgZ_ZINa6fjgKDScCdaXtFatUnNv8dBRgxyMD3-M8YN-CiBx96v8MXkHyp62gt-Ih9e-ab66ZsQuF6fqYFUBvyHXmTl3wRe5q35ktJCjTUTHmHr/s1600/cactus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_yu4KGK3Hh9_RzY6VXqwxqPE3VA1DqgZ_ZINa6fjgKDScCdaXtFatUnNv8dBRgxyMD3-M8YN-CiBx96v8MXkHyp62gt-Ih9e-ab66ZsQuF6fqYFUBvyHXmTl3wRe5q35ktJCjTUTHmHr/s320/cactus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Cactus </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5acfbnNOgnm_0wzYWz6sRFXt_BWQ2pb8l3ig0J2llBJcEJaaScDNPPDZCfFp6Kz0uzHzW-Pm_EjZCIPN0Yp_GSsMbYG5EGyV8u3T7sISbgbM49g2B6wZiwIS-x0MaKS8ReeX00WmAFq5/s1600/Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5acfbnNOgnm_0wzYWz6sRFXt_BWQ2pb8l3ig0J2llBJcEJaaScDNPPDZCfFp6Kz0uzHzW-Pm_EjZCIPN0Yp_GSsMbYG5EGyV8u3T7sISbgbM49g2B6wZiwIS-x0MaKS8ReeX00WmAFq5/s320/Library.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classroom Library</td></tr>
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</div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-7548980902826511792011-05-26T13:14:00.000-07:002011-05-26T13:16:28.928-07:00You've Got Mail!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFH2gCDRBrnUCJV803rgudst35MdpDvbdbPk3m2nbwR_tlqAxUKkhUxtEV1xAhTxERp_8g4qinKm9h3IyokuxKPd-l4hbSFIUQEvHj3u2loLgcy6gFob6Sd1p9qutqh8vT5uQDD8stqO8z/s1600/PhotoCardForHomepage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFH2gCDRBrnUCJV803rgudst35MdpDvbdbPk3m2nbwR_tlqAxUKkhUxtEV1xAhTxERp_8g4qinKm9h3IyokuxKPd-l4hbSFIUQEvHj3u2loLgcy6gFob6Sd1p9qutqh8vT5uQDD8stqO8z/s1600/PhotoCardForHomepage.png" t8="true" /></a>I must confess, when I first attended my iPad workshop to learn about all of the various Apps that I would be using in workstations I wasn't too impressed with one App in specific. The App in question involved the students making a simple postcard. As we explored the possibilities of this App I did not become immediately excited as I did with the previous Apps we reviewed. I just didn't get it...there were no quirky sound effects, silly animation, or games to play. However, as I thought more about this App and it's possible functions in my classroom I realized it was a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover!</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Photocard eventually, and completely won me over because of two amazing teachers that opened my eyes to it's possibilities! If you don't have any kind of system where the students experience letter writing (star student, penpal, bucket filler, etc.) then this is the perfect thing for you. Of course this school year flew by like our last Shuttle Launch (T-Minus ten seconds is what it felt like!) so our class didn't practice letter writing as much as I had planned. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since the County gave our classroom four iPads I was still pretty indecisive about where and how many I wanted in each literacy workstation. I usually only have two students per workstation because I have found that it promotes teamwork, good classroom morale, and reduces further problems that may take them off task. Needless to say, last week I had one of those "Aha!" moments as I realized how perfect it would be to use two iPads in an "iPad Workstation," and the remaining two in the "Writing Workstation."</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Photocard allows the student to choose their background, stamp, and stickers. The App even inserts speech bubbles where the child can record an audio message! I set each iPad up with a class Gmail account "Patterson's Partners" (of course!) specifically for their postcard mail. This makes the process a lot less complicated when the child is ready to send off their creative letter as they simply click the send button and off it goes into technology outer space! The App even makes a rocket sound when the letter has successfully delivered!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Debbie Diller's book about Literacy Workstations states that you should take 5-10 minutes at the end of the rotations to randomly call on a student to share what they did in their station. This plan is absolutely genius as it holds the children accountable and relieves the teacher of grading every product. During this share time I open up our class mailbox on the smartboard and the students gasp with excitement at opening their new mail.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The students love Photocard; I love Photocard. Will you?! Check it out!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_718095950"></span><span id="goog_718095951"></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa361OxbcVRkXE3T24cn6ahjoQs3RS-feEv0zS1UgeaM0tYkN33p8TsZ4BFWqx7wqLYx1EjDbDv1hnm5fknQzGgnooRckjEwL21O68C4qdZl0ZeU8DJXMgjiy5whvW1Nqi0Jw3bHG6X5a/s1600/Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa361OxbcVRkXE3T24cn6ahjoQs3RS-feEv0zS1UgeaM0tYkN33p8TsZ4BFWqx7wqLYx1EjDbDv1hnm5fknQzGgnooRckjEwL21O68C4qdZl0ZeU8DJXMgjiy5whvW1Nqi0Jw3bHG6X5a/s200/Picture.jpg" t8="true" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJicJqFv0DMlUyYvfoV3qXzafJa4SRWvXNTmn58JYOZ5nEgheTS1ZvY51juhkWOL_dFFu3P0dfBVBKmATmo_SAb5Vju132DriLMJLumNXigHnyMPs0xHceSC2Lo3MwDALPzgJ021eQqsa/s1600/PhotoCard_2011-05-24_15-12-11_283205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJicJqFv0DMlUyYvfoV3qXzafJa4SRWvXNTmn58JYOZ5nEgheTS1ZvY51juhkWOL_dFFu3P0dfBVBKmATmo_SAb5Vju132DriLMJLumNXigHnyMPs0xHceSC2Lo3MwDALPzgJ021eQqsa/s200/PhotoCard_2011-05-24_15-12-11_283205.jpg" t8="true" width="150" /></a></div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-8691565336002626592011-05-15T17:36:00.000-07:002011-05-15T17:36:25.747-07:00Word Building With Chicktionary2010 was my first year of teaching at Terwilliger Elementary and I can vividly remember how I practiced word building with my Second graders. The curriculum guide suggested that each student have their own set of cut out letters to manipulate on their desk and make into words. After running the copies of each and every letter I was painfully forced to watch the clock slowly tick away while they took <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3b8LswWO1A">FOR-EV-ER</a> (movie clip from <i>The Sandlot</i>) to cut out each small letter square. After waiting for them to cut out the squares I watched in agony as some pieces were blown or brushed from their desktops, slowly drifting to the floor. I was soon to discover that the letters that actually survived the entire process of copying, organizing, cutting, and bagging would not long after, somehow disappear into thin air. After just several days I came to the grim realization that each student had been reduced from the entire alphabet to only a handful of useless letters; I thought to myself, "There has got to be another way!!!"<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyNaJIxn9J73ThinhVO0Eo4AceSK5-zgW8SW8nMIEvd8mMyA4-369V62VveDDgkhIv8LOB_5dn0O4L5rOlSPuAl4i8eOlweMaLIS5GOLJmpzZFo39VsTj04uA52xQJOHhCF_q-fyPv2tW/s1600/chicktionary_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyNaJIxn9J73ThinhVO0Eo4AceSK5-zgW8SW8nMIEvd8mMyA4-369V62VveDDgkhIv8LOB_5dn0O4L5rOlSPuAl4i8eOlweMaLIS5GOLJmpzZFo39VsTj04uA52xQJOHhCF_q-fyPv2tW/s200/chicktionary_main.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Thankfully there is now a fun and interactive solution! (phew!) Utilizing the iPad, word building is now completely headache free! So now you ask, "How can that be?!"... drum roll please ... Chicktionary!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuvOGnBvCZbe2cLc8y-zKHjTJ1cN_UiXcmLmtIftkC02Reny40FaHbyPM4mMQM8UyolKxqYmgAVT0Lyjv-5ceaMYUeO3TwmdBc8MYMjX-fHqjslVhd31ceXC58No7orway5wzB3oeWL2o/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuvOGnBvCZbe2cLc8y-zKHjTJ1cN_UiXcmLmtIftkC02Reny40FaHbyPM4mMQM8UyolKxqYmgAVT0Lyjv-5ceaMYUeO3TwmdBc8MYMjX-fHqjslVhd31ceXC58No7orway5wzB3oeWL2o/s200/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="149" /></a>Among all of our Apps, Chicktionary has definitely become one of the class favorites (mine as well, for obvious reasons!). I love that Chicktionary has a very simple format, making it extremely easy to use and wildly entertaining for my students. When you begin a new game there is an empty egg carton at the top and several chickens with letters on their tummies below. To create words, all you have to do is touch a chicken and an egg (with corresponding letter) pops out, allowing you to create a word that is displayed in the carton above. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXGY46NSoY8TBI_d7OEEzXB6FFNiyyy0t8BPu-aR-Q1TPjURSQv1U90dRz7V05ZpWKsLitwRvRRZad732exFXgBWyaqzAD3YApx4jHSjyFk19KwOO8E4nPkxMrniME8Di29aRjPQsz7LG/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXGY46NSoY8TBI_d7OEEzXB6FFNiyyy0t8BPu-aR-Q1TPjURSQv1U90dRz7V05ZpWKsLitwRvRRZad732exFXgBWyaqzAD3YApx4jHSjyFk19KwOO8E4nPkxMrniME8Di29aRjPQsz7LG/s200/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="149" /></a>My students LOVE to (gently) shake the iPad, when this is done the chickens cluck frantically and jump to a new location leaving a mess of feathers floating through the air! When the chickens resettle, the letters on their bellies are replaced with a new set of available letters for the students to choose from. Chicktionary also provides several other features that permit the children to get a free answer "Free Bird" or provide additional letters for a helpful hint "Beak Sneak". Chicktionary's difficulty level can be adjusted in order to better suit the needs for spellers of any level. There you have it folks! This App will certainly be in my education toolbox for years to come!Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-35659580682424895412011-05-08T14:53:00.000-07:002011-05-08T14:53:16.700-07:00Promoting Fluency with QuickVoice<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4mVqLSZrIRMqwCs0F2Kk2z6vkKys2KITX7_PVCRUaH2HxFzSkmp9Om9Ejqv-weMbAyed1DZngzQYyI_b4wzfRVOrYGotLLrjhzesqPO8cinB6ASssmGoYEgCT7rkwUzEfP0HJ6Ut4j9O/s1600/IMG_0139%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4mVqLSZrIRMqwCs0F2Kk2z6vkKys2KITX7_PVCRUaH2HxFzSkmp9Om9Ejqv-weMbAyed1DZngzQYyI_b4wzfRVOrYGotLLrjhzesqPO8cinB6ASssmGoYEgCT7rkwUzEfP0HJ6Ut4j9O/s200/IMG_0139%255B1%255D.JPG" width="149" /></a>This week we discovered how to use QuickVoice to record our fluency times and I have to say that my students loved it! Let's face it, reading the same passage everyday each week on a piece of paper with a finger and a timer can become pretty mundane and flat out bbboorrrinnnngg (insert snoring sound here). But, with our snazzy little iPads, we no longer face that problem. </div><br />
Here is how it works:<br />
1. In our iPad literacy workstation there may be two to three students at a table. As the first student begins the others put on their headphones and quietly use another reading App as they wait. May I suggest, that you also might want to letter or number the iPad so that there is no confusion on who gets to go first.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLxhIhRzj-1ZgmyGxaiRRQOTBfijFYeP2i1CVm6pfFTvwk9Qj3q5kFZSO5d2KVoI_C6-X8o1RiOvq-tHiq5TAU4SZZY3XXXtvpPPDT4KQAewkI9wyW3oiNaQRKD_HrDc_y07AtrOZx_EX/s1600/iPads+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLxhIhRzj-1ZgmyGxaiRRQOTBfijFYeP2i1CVm6pfFTvwk9Qj3q5kFZSO5d2KVoI_C6-X8o1RiOvq-tHiq5TAU4SZZY3XXXtvpPPDT4KQAewkI9wyW3oiNaQRKD_HrDc_y07AtrOZx_EX/s200/iPads+013.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2. Student A will then select the QuickVoice App and turn the iPad so that the microphone (built within) is facing them.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3. The student will then push the record button and begin reading the selected passage. Once they are finished reading they will push the stop button.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4. Next, Student A will save their recording AND time. While they put on their headphones to listen Student B can begin steps 1-3 and repeat thereafter with the next.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbVC7MTCkGBnCtHVXQGDzJDJ1YT43lrneFGkjlaNf9PotkmtpIOenHVdVtLgI-pVdD29KEAaR3LwkHauO6PYDKWAcO0G3FN4Knsrwl7h31P5hFj8u8xn0nd2bALuR9WjWTn4CWgWqdaHE/s1600/IMG_0137%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbVC7MTCkGBnCtHVXQGDzJDJ1YT43lrneFGkjlaNf9PotkmtpIOenHVdVtLgI-pVdD29KEAaR3LwkHauO6PYDKWAcO0G3FN4Knsrwl7h31P5hFj8u8xn0nd2bALuR9WjWTn4CWgWqdaHE/s200/IMG_0137%255B1%255D.JPG" width="149" /></a>This is where the magic happens because as the child plays back the recording their face lights up with excitement in disbelief that they are actually hearing <em>their </em>voice on the other end. Some even giggle quietly and turn red (so precious). Listening to the playback also allows the child to self analyze their reading by pin-pointing specific errors that were made throughout. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The best part is this, in that QuickVoice stimulates a bit of their competitive nature. Once they have saved the first recording and viewed the previous others that are kept on file, they want to do it again and beat their time (along with every other student saved on that specific iPad). Below, you will notice two of my students congratulating themselves after beating their first fluency time by a long shot! </div> <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwd9QIBLRObuWcX7dvXAXE-JSsXanagxaA8FwsBHDwguus3o4HX0ub3ZxwvL8-T8pxj8uHHL7GUHzHAy1zdixx_AUAQrVNOM5MhsVRV4pVTqeRHoRpgm-ryJr2GSjvzm2lGI1w0ozOdL6/s1600/IMG_0143%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwd9QIBLRObuWcX7dvXAXE-JSsXanagxaA8FwsBHDwguus3o4HX0ub3ZxwvL8-T8pxj8uHHL7GUHzHAy1zdixx_AUAQrVNOM5MhsVRV4pVTqeRHoRpgm-ryJr2GSjvzm2lGI1w0ozOdL6/s200/IMG_0143%255B1%255D.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeagJn6iAwspv0qDvey82R57ISqY-3ayuplREOtF4vw3HyLXmY_imWksK9LEeS3jLK4ncWMBkN0BTRgD3ed8dDnIiy5tvFeH5YD6Uyuk-UbifJ9wKXx7uzAN8w_1n9NTr_qy1LqPnhzyrs/s1600/IMG_0140%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeagJn6iAwspv0qDvey82R57ISqY-3ayuplREOtF4vw3HyLXmY_imWksK9LEeS3jLK4ncWMBkN0BTRgD3ed8dDnIiy5tvFeH5YD6Uyuk-UbifJ9wKXx7uzAN8w_1n9NTr_qy1LqPnhzyrs/s200/IMG_0140%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Voila! A simple way to add fun to fluency practice!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4728150403009656854.post-29053810483353470112011-05-08T13:16:00.000-07:002011-05-08T13:16:15.958-07:00The iPads are here!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvlnk38tPo5vpB5Wt0Dnw-xSXMHbHuikhV8HQmV8bCESCItaeDcfIBqJ74hBM-mOuqmKxv7uCw8RYiPA1tkxxkBk-2adMZa4QzOAteWzt9NhIHRkusLpoLp045k8K-iIfslwlrdNpe1ju/s1600/iPads+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvlnk38tPo5vpB5Wt0Dnw-xSXMHbHuikhV8HQmV8bCESCItaeDcfIBqJ74hBM-mOuqmKxv7uCw8RYiPA1tkxxkBk-2adMZa4QzOAteWzt9NhIHRkusLpoLp045k8K-iIfslwlrdNpe1ju/s200/iPads+002.jpg" width="200px" /></a>My students and I have been waiting patiently for our new IPads to arrive! With six weeks left in the school year they are finally here. We will be using them during our daily literacy workstation time to practice various reading skills. The ideas for use are endless, so I have two wonderful ladies from the county to introduce as many new Apps as possible to my students in the remaining weeks to come. It is now 'crunch time' but I know that with their knowledge and our enthusiasm we can prove how wonderful and beneficial these devices can be in any classroom environment (even with elementary students)!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX1mbeiSC0izWBtgdmEgwvNDBslylpsB1DV8AqXgVB7hq1XeZhlKsTk56pbbgGc4XnjXO9uAIDgKik7z0Gy39ZaDhHfGeF_PCuZHACF9yx-Z47sl9GU-qzTk7NBvJcEV5JvD0l6JkKTsi/s1600/iPads+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX1mbeiSC0izWBtgdmEgwvNDBslylpsB1DV8AqXgVB7hq1XeZhlKsTk56pbbgGc4XnjXO9uAIDgKik7z0Gy39ZaDhHfGeF_PCuZHACF9yx-Z47sl9GU-qzTk7NBvJcEV5JvD0l6JkKTsi/s200/iPads+003.jpg" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHComdayMeCDyBlRn9Kt7vl6P-k50m5odAGYicy1ATrYrouEfkjwqtR6-PEBkinC1Q4HcD9kBYoO_KEI9gjgWaMs4kbavxIwnSwTI5CLfdfLTDjwqSCAp0CB_5luWhWuj3J2Rjlw1_1E7E/s1600/iPads+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHComdayMeCDyBlRn9Kt7vl6P-k50m5odAGYicy1ATrYrouEfkjwqtR6-PEBkinC1Q4HcD9kBYoO_KEI9gjgWaMs4kbavxIwnSwTI5CLfdfLTDjwqSCAp0CB_5luWhWuj3J2Rjlw1_1E7E/s200/iPads+001.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>Mrs. Ruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14616666653464432247noreply@blogger.com0