Sunday Super Sale!

TpT is having a one day Sunday Super Sale!! Everything in my store will be 20% off combined with web discount code: SUPER = 28% savings!!!

Go stock up now!!! 

Click the pic to head to my store!

Here are some of my recent projects- feel free to add them to wishlist now so you don't forget!

(newly finished!!!- check it out)

    

GREAT for LEFTOVER VALENTINES CANDY!!!!

Here's some of my best sellers to spice up your science curriculum!!  

My wishlist has grown extensively cannot wait to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!

0

Technology Resources

I've blogged about this before, but starting grad school I felt like it was worth mentioning again.

I think "technology should not be used for technology's sake."  I think it should be integrated meaningfully and it can be done at any age level!  With so much new technology in classrooms today such as Ipads, I-touches, computers, document cameras, etc....  there is so much that can be done!

I want to share a few AWESOME resources of places that I keep up to date on technology and how to use it in the classroom.

Web places:

1. Technology Tailgate

- an amazing blog formed of educators from various levels of education.  I get some great ideas from here and I love that it is a collaboration from others.

- They have a whole page of resources as well for you to use and look at!

2.  Free Tech for Teachers

- great blog that posts numerous resources DAILY!

- that fact that all of this is FREE is also an added bonus

- Web 2.0 tools are discussed and his posts are usually short and easy to read

- this one could be for all age ranges but would be especially great for high school!

3. A Turn to Learn

- especially if you're a blogger or creator this is the website for you!

- she offers tutorials each week and you get to vote for which one you want next- I always find them super helpful.  She also has a place you can request what you want to see next. 

- Screenshots are my best friend when walking through something I don't know how to do and she makes it easy to follow.  

What are some of your favorite Technology resources or where do you get ideas for how to integrate?

0

Giveaway and Moving on UP!

First, Here is a fantastic Giveaway with over 70 products hosted by Mrs. Mc over at Buzz, Buzz, Buzz

You are not reading that wrong!  Many chances to win!

I donated my Gummy Bear Inquiry Lab - so if it has been on your wishlist - then there is no better time to have a chance to win it!  My entry is on set 4

click the picture to have a chance to go win some AWESOME prize packs! 

--------------------------------------------------------random--------------------------------------------


I have been subbing in so many upper elementary grades lately! Whew! - the independence of these students has sometimes taken me by surprise, but I love it.  It's a whole different dynamic!

I love subbing because I can see how each grade level works but only be in there for a little while ;)

I have started grad school as well and already am knee-deep in new educational technology resources and ideas- many I hope to share soon!


Hope everyone is having a great week!

0

"I gotta go...;)" Restroom Management

As a sub, dealing with restroom breaks is always somewhat of a challenge no matter the day, routine, or  procedure :(

Getting a feel for how different teachers handle the situation gives me great insight into what I might want to do in my classroom one day.

Here are a couple methods that I have seen.  I'll give you the pros and cons along with grade level.

Keep in mind some of these are just additional as classes still take breaks together (more frequently in younger grades)

1. Sign Language- (1-3..could go higher though)

pros
- doesn't take away class time.
- silent
- quick
- if accompanied with pass, you can see how many students are out
- can even use in small groups when the littlest students would often want to ask!
- easy and costs nothing to implement
- could use more signals for drink, question, etc... and easy for students to remember

cons
-not everyone coming into your classroom would know what was going on
- establish rules for how many people can be gone at one time
- no visual reminder of how long someone is actually in the bathroom

2. stuffed animal (younger grades K-1)

- stuffed animal on desk when you leave room and only one person leaves at a time

pro
- this keeps everyone from leaving and following one another to the hall, which is a huge deal in the younger grades!!!
-easy to keep track of who is gone at what time
- it's cute and students want to use it

cons
- you do have to buy or donate an animal
- have to set up routines/procedures to make sure students know when this is acceptable.
- this is EASILY abused but can work if limitations are established.

3. Passes (upper grades)

- # of passes per student per day that they can "cash" in at any time (they would usually know the times)

(click the picture to be taken to this FREEBIE! from classroomfreebiestoo!)

pros
- no paper system to keep track of
- some have magnets and they leave them by the door so you know who is gone at any moment.
- popular and anyone coming into class would know what is going on.

cons
- can be abused or people could keep passes and reuse.
- losing passes is ALWAYS a concern :(
-passes need to be replaced or some students need limitations on use.



I would LOVE to hear how you deal with this in your classroom!!

2

To Do list FREEBIE

Here's a FREEBIE to go with my organizational tips from the other day!  You can find that post here!

Remember:

1. Write Everything down
2. Look ahead 2-3 weeks
3. Break assignments into chunks.
4. Do what works for you! Meaning use whatever type of planner (paper/online, weekly/monthly) works for you!!!

Hopefully you can find this form helpful- it supplements my monthly calendar especially if I have a busy week!! I love how blogging, school, grad school, and my never ending to do list (mostly wedding related now :)  blend seamlessly.

Enjoy!!!

Don't forget to check out my newest Sweet Science Product- perfect for all your leftover candy!!

5 full experiments with chocolate - doesn't get much sweeter than that!!!!

1

Organization Tips for Everyday Life

Well friends....

I'm starting on a new path soon....like in less than a week....this scary, huge, exciting process is something called.........Grad school for Educational Technology

I'm excited about everything I'm going to learn already in my classes but the fact of having homework myself again is a little bit daunting,  I must admit.  Hope everyone is ready for A LOT more tech-y posts, I'm sure I will have plenty to share.

I'm probably the most type A person you will ever read! Seriously it's bad- in school I have to finish things like weeks in advance :(  although I never go back and check the work sadly and I do put in tons of time I just have to have it done SO EARLY, I swear it is some kind of disease.   Can anyone relate?  Am the only one with this crazy condition???

Well here are my organizational tips to make myself feel better and ready for the upcoming semester ;)

Onto the organizational tips: 

1. Write Everything Down!!!!

• even if you think you won't need it- you would be surprised, I forget small things!  
• 
  
• Color coding classes or people (if multiple people use one calendar) can help keep things clear.
• 
  
• Keep everything all in one calendar- Yes I'm guilty of having multiple calendars for home and school - believe me this NEVER works :(  too many things go unnoticed. 
• 
  
• 2. Look ahead- weeks ahead!!!
• I hate having homework on weekends (yes I will have homework now) and I do everything in my power to get it done during the week.  
• 
  
• I look ahead 2-3 weeks especially for upcoming big projects or dates that you know you will need to put a lot of time and effort into planning. 

3. Break big assignments into chunks.

• even if its just opening a document and putting your name on the paper knowing you started puts you way ahead of the game
• 
  
• Break the assignment into nightly or weekly chunks and don't forget to leave an extra day just to make changes or to make sure technology (email, computer glitches, etc...) doesn't get messed up 

4. Use what works for you!!!

• I use a monthly calendar, all those day planners overwhelm me!  I need to see it all in one place and see a month ahead of time- its the crazy overplanner in me :(

I just use the bigger squares to write in things since I don't have too many daily assignments. 

Here's an example of the one I use: 

Nothing special but it works wonders!

• Other bloggers and teachers use specific and specialized planners like Erin Condren (JEALOUS!!!)

She has special teacher planners!!

click the pic above to go browse 

How do you stay organized???? 

Be on the look out for an organizational FREEBIE SOON!

3

Sweet Science- Chocolate Edition

After doing so many candy experiments this summer and LOVING the results, I decided to take it a set further and make these experiments classroom ready.

My Gummy Bear Lab has been such a hit and what students do not love experimenting with candy?! 

I created this new Sweet Science- Chocolate Edition Pack 

Need something to do with all that leftover holiday candy?!

Check it out!

0

You know what Europe looks like....

Short and sweet today...as my to-do list is ever growing :(

I had to post about somethings that were said today.  They were learning about continents and taking a trip around the world,  one student not prompted by anything, asked me...

"Do you know what Europe looks like?"

Here's a picture for reference, maybe I'm missing something ;)

"Mr. Crab's daughter- off of Spongebob"

Here's her picture: 

Nope....not seeing it ;) 

Onto my next story: 

So persuasive letters, one fellow was trying to convince his parents to let him get a dog.  He said he would clean up after it even the "rainbows and waterfalls."

He wanted me to read over it and I said, "what does that mean?"  He whispered it was a code word for Number 1 and 2.  

Rainbows...and waterfalls.....   :)

Never a dull moment!

3

Winner and Persuasive Writing

First,

Here is the winner from my giveaway: MOLLY!

Check your email for your prize!!!


Second- I got back in the classroom today!  It feels like it has been so long when its only been a little over 2 weeks!!  Whew!  They were working on persuasive writing and they helped me write why I should get a raise :)

These are their reasons, as we wrote the letter together.  Are you convinced?!  Ha- it made my day :)

I found it funny that quite a few wrote about wanting another sibling as well ;)

0

Busy, Busy, Busy!!! Giveaway too!

So I'll update you on what I've been up to and why I haven't been blogging nearly as much as I want to :(  stay tuned till the end to win a FREE copy of my CCSS 2nd grade Quick Checks!!

First, I traveled to MN with my fiance's family....which was a great trip till I got sick and then got others in his family sick :(   I really hate being sick and so far away from home (10 hours) was definitely no fun at all!!!!  I'm so thankful I have a super caring boy who stayed up with me.

After getting back, I had a couple days to recuperate and I found out some of my best friends are engaged a total shocker but such exciting news!!!!!

Then...I jetted off to Puerto Rico and am having the time of my life doing some AWESOME adventurous things and a lot of hanging out with my family!  I'll let you enjoy some pictures from our trip so far:

cute couple pictures at beach

hiking to waterfalls

That's me...paragliding!!!!  I was so proud I actually did it!! Down a 1,500 ft mountain :)

rappelling down an 80 ft waterfall!!!  That was pretty scary too.  

I've been proud of all the adventurous things I've done, we also went ziplining, surfing (too much work!!! - holy cow) , and snorkeling.

Hope you enjoyed my great guest blogger while I was gone, love her!

So I've been getting a ton of spam comments and feeling pretty lonely around here, so leave a comment with your favorite vacation and you could win a free copy of my CCSS quick checks and if you don't want that grade level then I'll get you it when I have it ready ;)

(sorry it's blurry...not working on my computer :( ...click the picture for more details!

Thanks for reading- I've been getting to read all the blogs but not getting to write, I just had to take a short break and do it!!  Back to more school stuff coming up soon!!

Hope everyone had a great break and got plenty of rest!

10

2nd Grade CCSS Quick Checks

Ok so first I'll share a funny story from recently:

We were playing a Jeopardy game to review economics the ending question asked you to

"place your wager"

One of my 5th graders was (in complete seriousness), "what is place your wagger?"  

I was thinking....What?!.....then I went over and said, "Oh, wager like a bet on how much money 

you'll make ."  Ha, it was pretty funny.

My newest project was working on these quick checks for Common Core.  Filling up time is always a problem especially for subs.  I have some fillers myself, and I'm all for fun,  but being a sub it would be nice to have something for every classroom that would be beneficial and academically related --so in other words----not a game :(

These are what I came up with for my grade level: 

I'm pretty excited because they can be used for all these things: 

* exit slips

*fillers - academically related!!!

* morning work

* task cards

They cover MOST standards (not all can be assessed with a question) and are a quick question or activity for the class that checks where they are in relation to the CCSS.

They even have answer clues and reasoning to help.

Having these would be great going out the door and being able to check quickly with a few minutes if a standard is addressed.  

     

Did I mention they have Language Arts and Math Standards included?!  Yep I wanted them all in one place and they have covers for the cards as well.  

Click any of the pictures for more information.  

Do you think other grades would find these helpful?  I made them because I already had experience with this grade level and standards but others would be easy to make!  Let me know your thoughts!

0