Best Practices 4 Teaching--Sharing Educational Successes

Daily 5 Math--Do you use it?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:45:00 +0000

I've been out of school since Friday and I feel like my brain is still on overload. Does that mean I take a break from all things educational???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Last night I started researching Daily 5 Math and tried to find a book to download. I never found a book. Why? There isn't one! It seems the 2 Sisters are having a hard time figuring out how it should work and how it should be organized.

I've seen the acronym BUILD being used as sort of a CAFE board in several articles on the Internet. Build stands for:

B-Buddy Games

U-Using Manipulatives

I-Independent Work

L-Learning About Numbers

D-Doing Math

and last night as I sat here trying to work it out in my head, I decided that an S needed to be added for a little extra zing:

S-Strategies in Math which could work as journal writing

I am very big on journaling in math because I believe it helps the students work out the steps and sequences to problem solving. This acronym is a definite possibility to help organize math centers next year, but a friend told me that there are other acronyms out there in the world. So, I will spend some time researching this and hope find other ideas for organizing my centers.

So, while I was 'fiddling' around with how this BUILD board would work in my room, I came up with some ideas for a board. Feel free to download these and use them!

Enjoy!

Buddy Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:57:00 +0000

Want an easy way to determine buddies in your room? Arrange your kids in order from highest to lowest. Divide the list in half. Match the top 'high' student with the top 'middle' student and so on and so forth down your list. For example, if you have 20 kids in your room, match 1 and 11, 2 and 12, 3 and 13, etc.

Buddy reading with 1 book--student on the left reads the left page. The student on the right reads the right page.

Buddy reading positions--Buddies can sit right knee to left knee of their buddy while looking ahead. Buddies can sit right knee to left need with one student facing forward and one facing backward if there are 2 books.

Buddy reading styles: chorale reading, echo reading, repeating for expression, chunking phrases, looking for 'hard' words to chunk phonetically before starting to read.

Buddy questioning--Students can use question prompt cards to quiz each other about the books. Students must be able to prove their answer if it is challenged by their partner.

Buddy assessments--students can evaluate each other's behaviors (i.e. respect, responsibility, cooperation, etc.) and this can even be used as a center grade if the evaluation is set up like a rubric with points.

Great Buddy Reading tools: <sorry for the naked links....I did not want to use pics without permission!>
1. http://www.pflugervilleisd.net/curriculum/ela/grade4/documents/BUDDYRdg-Wtg.pdf
2. http://hill.troy.k12.mi.us/staff/bnewingham/myweb3/PDF%20Files/Buddy%20Reading%20Planning.pdf
3. http://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?code=K49B3A&sp=yes&

Enjoy!

Law of Common Courtesy: Teachers' Rights

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:59:00 +0000

There is an old saying that says, "Hindsight is always 20/20".

I've come to that realization this weekend and it has been like a bomb dropping on me. I'm not sure if you are like me and when the year is over, you have that on the last night of the last school day, when you sort of review the happenings at your school, in your classroom, etc. You sit back and think, "Wow, I remember....", or "Remember that time...". My last day at school was Friday, so of course, Friday night I spent the night rethinking my actions and the actions of others. The conclusion I came to was that obviously, my subconscious mind had more than likely stored all of these things until I was done with school and capable of examining them. Ordinarily, I would read this from someone else and say, "Oh, that's hogwash!". But, in this case, I really to do think it has happened.

So....I am going to set up a series of situations and would like your input on how to handle them. I have not seen or experienced all of these this year, and hope to present these in such a way that you, the reader, can't tell. I can tell you that each of these are serious situations. After you are done reading, I will be curious to hear your thoughts, reactions, and ideas about how they should be handled in your state. There won't be a freebie with this article, so is you are a freebie hunting teacher, this article isn't for you. This article is being written to help you and others stay out of the fire or to know what your rights are (however, this may vary from state to state). Please comment and help teachers that may be in this predicament!

1. A child routinely hits you. You report it to your administrator, but nothing is done. How do you react?

2. A teacher is required to turn in a referral packet to the administrator for approval.

3. A teacher has turned in a referral packet for special ed but it can't be found.

4. You, as a teacher, are told not to ask any questions about special education to the special education staff. All questions are to go through her. And, you are the parent.

5. The principal only wants 2% of the population of the school to be coded under special ed. and therefore holds special education paperwork about various students so that they cannot be coded and hurt that percentage.

6. You, the teacher, have asked for management help involving a child that, when tested, ends up being mentally retarded and removed to a class that better meets his needs. Yet, you are scored lower on the classroom management portion of your end of the year evaluation.

7. The administrator does not agree with you teaching strategies, yet, your students are making progress. However, in a private meeting, the administrator tells you that he/she does not want you on the staff next year and tells you that you should be looking for another job in another school.

8. In a private meeting, your administrator tells you that you will never be a great teacher, and probably not even a good one. The administrator tells you that to be 'good' you have to put in 110% more time and work into your school day, but that it would be better if you resign and find another occupation. Yet, your students have made adequate progress in all subjects.

9. A complaint has been filed with your union by someone on your staff. The administrator believes it was you. You have previously had exemplary evaluations, but now find yourself scored in the ineffective range even though you have proof that you are not.

10. You are a special education teacher and you are told by your administrator to cancel meetings at the last minute. You are told to do this at least 4 times. You do not want to do this, but you are afraid of retribution from your administrator.

The Five Love Languages

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Hi! I am Michelle from Teach123. Jennifer invited me to be a guest blogger again while she is finishing up her school year. Friday is her last day with students and she is up to her neck in paperwork, so here I am to save the day!

If you get a chance after you read this, come on over and check out my blogs!

The first time I read the book, The Five Love Languages, was like the first time I went to the eye doctor and was fitted with a pair of eyeglasses. Suddenly, I looked at the world in a whole new way. Everything was crisp and clear! This book made me see people and relationships in a more clear way. The author, Gary Chapman, found in his marriage therapy practice that couples express and interpret love through five languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

There are Love Language books about children in regards to family relationships, but I think the principles of this book can easily be applied in a school setting as well. Think about your class, do you have a student who frequently brings you a little gift? Maybe he/she picked a flower from his/her flowerbed or gave you a new a packet of stickers. This student's LL is receiving/giving gifts. Do you have a student who always wants to be your helper? This student pushes in all the students' chairs before coming to circle time or realizes you forgot your whistle at recess time before you do and brings it to you. This student is showing acts of service. What about the student who always wants to hold your hand when he or she is line leader? His or her L.L. might be physical touch. Have you noticed how when you compliment you class some students sit up a little straighter and with other students it has little impact? The students sitting up straighter are probably in the words of affirmation group. During this month of love, try an experiment, see if you can identify the love languages of a small group of students that you have concerns with. Those students who are falling through the cracks, the behavior problems, the quiet student who is reluctant to participate, and see if reaching them their their love language makes a connection. You might be pleasantly surprised with the results!

Note from Jenn: You can go HERE to my church's website to take a quiz which will help you figure out what your love languages are!!! Thanks for reading! Isn't Michelle great???

Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R. time)

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Hi! I am Michelle from Teach123. I am excited to be a guest blogger.

Have you read the book, Readicide, by Kelly Gallagher, yet? This book reminds me a little of the book, The Book Whisperer, by Donalyn Miller. If you haven't read these books, they should be on your "must read" list. Both authors agree that a quality reading program should include D.E.A.R. time. They also stress the importance of choice in reading material, too. Reading programs can not be all teacher selected materials if you expect your students to be life long readers. Gallagher gives practical ideas that teachers can easily incorporate into their curriculum. He stresses that the reading program should be balanced. He adopts a 50/50 approach, which means 50% of the students reading is from recreational reading and 50% is from academic reading. To make students accountable with their recreational reading, but not too cumbersome which could take away the enjoyment of reading, his students fill out a "one pager" after they read their recreational book. They are expected to read one book per month for recreation. The "one pager" is a reflection page that takes his students about 20 minutes to complete. This book is full of practical ideas, and is supported with research. Miller gives practical tips for finding time in your hectic schedule for D.E.A.R. time. Both books are full of wonderful ideas that will help you "tweak" your program so your students will grow to love books as much as you do!

I found some other titles for S.S.R. (sustained silent reading) or D.E.A.R. time on the website, proteacher, and thought I'd pass them along. There are some creative titles out there! Here are some signs you can download.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SIGNS

Vocabulary: Big Ideas in Beginning Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Arlene) — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:18:00 +0000

Today, Jennifer asked me to be a guest blogger and share with you a great strategy that has worked for me. Some of you may remember me as the first time blogger at the age of 63 from "She Who Writes her Own Story" Having worked in a Title I school for many years as an ESL Resource teacher I did a lot of research into vocabulary development. One of the best research studies came from Hart and Risley, 1995. "Children come to school with meaningful differences in vocabulary knowledge. According to their research what matters is a student's relative economic advantage. Children living in poverty hear one-third the number of words per minute than those of the working class.Not only was there a difference in numbers of words but also in quality. Students living in poverty aren't exposed to rich, robust words and by the time they enter school the vocabulary knowledge gap is even wider. Explicit Vocabulary Instruction is necessary to help bridge that gap for these students . You can read more about their research at: http://reading.uoregon.edu/big_ideas/voc/voc_what.php#research
Here is a wonderful strategy that worked for our students. It is free at my TpT store. Would truly appreciate it if you would pin and +1 and follow me. You can also check out my blog LMN Tree for other reading strategies.

Thank you Jennifer for this wonderful opportunity to share a great reading strategy with your followers.

How will you use this idea in your classroom?

FREEBIES For Writing!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:25:00 +0000

Hey!! How are you doing out there??? I wanted to remind you that I have these great freebies that you are welcome to try! The graphic organizers in this freebies were developed when I was at my wits end and needed SOMETHING to motivate my second graders. It can actually be used with older kids, too!

My Squiggles file has been downloaded about 800 times, but I consider it my best writing center. I have kids that sneak back over to it because they would rather do that than some of my other centers. =)

Also, you can click HERE for another freebie!! It has had 10, 498 downloads, but only 19 votes.

I hope you enjoy it!

Theory of Gradual Release of Responsibility

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Sat, 12 May 2012 01:20:00 +0000

Have you ever heard of the Theory of Gradual Release of Responsibility? This could probably be used to define my whole method of teaching.

There are 4 stages of instruction: model, share, guide, and independent.

1. Modeling is done whole group with little to no participation from the students.

2. During the Shared stage, the students interact with the teacher, but the teacher is still providing the modes for instruction.

3. The next stage is Guided, where the student shows the teacher if he or she has understood the lesson and the teacher is there to coach the student. This is not a time for teaching, it is a time for the teacher to decide the next step and/or type of instruction for the students.

4. The Independent stage is done purely by the student without help from the teacher. This can be in the form of performance tasks, centers, assessments, or projects.

In schools today, this is most comfortably seen in the form of modeled reading (model a strategy), shared reading (students help the teacher with the strategy), guided reading (small group meetings where the students use the strategy and are coached by the teacher), and independent reading and centers where the students use the strategy alone.

When I first started using this theory in my classroom, it blew my mind because I couldn't get a grasp on how to lay it out in my plans. If differentiation occurs, all 4 stages could be occurring in the classroom, so I came up with a planning guide that helped me think through my planning and I was finally able to internalize the sequences. Below you will see a form I used when I first incorporated this into my teaching. Just click on that pic to download it and a blank form!

I'll warn you, this will be clear as mud until you keep practicing it in your classroom!

The packet that you can download shows an example of several weeks of a VERY simple plan. My plans were set up like this, only in much smaller boxes. I had a sheet for each subject that I taught. Be cautioned that you do not have to spend a whole week modeling some skills, so the plan may change mid-week. I just made a note on the plan that students were progressing fast and I was moving on.

I hope that you find this helpful!

Enjoy!

Want funding for Donor's Choose?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Funding for your classroom – What’s not to ‘Like’?

Horace Mann and DonorsChoose.org are teaming up to bring you The Horace Mann Classroom Project II. From now through May 23, we’re giving away $5,000 each week to classroom projects like yours!

Here’s how to get in on the action:

**Post a classroom project on DonorsChoose.org.

**“Like” Horace Mann’s Facebook page.

**Post your project number on our special “The Horace Mann Classroom Project II” Facebook page.DonorsChoose.org will randomly select projects to fund with our weekly donation of $5,000. The money will complete each project’s funding if the remaining balance is less than $500. If the balance is more
than $500, the project will receive $500 in funding. Horace Mann will fund at least 10 projects per week!

To be eligible to post a project, teachers who submit projects must work in a school served by a Horace Mann agent and identified as a Horace Mann school on our website. The Horace Mann Classroom Project II is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. As a participant of The Horace Mann Classroom Project II, your information is being provided to
The Horace Mann Companies in conjunction with DonorsChoose.org and not to Facebook.

Enjoy!

Your Favorite Bloggers Recommend Their Favorite Professional Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:26:00 +0000

Part of what I do on this blog is recommend professional resources that help reinforce the best practices for teaching. I have several planned for the summer, but I would REALLY like to know what your favorite resources are. Leave me a comment with the title and the name of the author and tell why you recommend it.

Also, don't forget that my store on Teachers pay Teachers is still 20% off for the rest of the week, so go and grab what you need. If you look back at a few earlier posts you can see what my best sellers were.

I can't wait to read about your recommendations! Enjoy!

The Sale WILL Continue After All!! (until Friday!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:41:00 +0000

Did you run out of time? Did you see some other things that you want but you need to wait until your paycheck arrives? Have you had a lousy Teacher's Appreciation Week filled with paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork?

I'm usually not one to harass my readers about sales or activities that I have. But, I do want to let you know about the things I have in case they might be useful in your classroom. So, after this week, things will go back to normal. I have some great books to share with you and I can't wait!!!

So, in an attempt to make your Teacher's Appreciation Week a little better, I decided to extend my sale. At this time in the year, a lot of teachers are in survival mode and because of that, might not have had a chance to spend the time needed to find that perfect activity. I am giving the maximum discount that TpT will allow which is 20%. If you are like me, you are taking this opportunity to stock up on activities I need so that I can work on them this summer----a teacher's work is never done!!

So, help yourself, grab the beverage of your choice, and click away at my store. And best of all, you have until Friday to shop!!!

Enjoy!

Last Day of Teacher Appreciation Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:29:00 +0000

It has been a long day! I got to school at 7:20 and got home at 7:20. LOOOOOONG day. So, I just wanted to pop on and update you about my top sellers in case they would be good for your classroom. I hope that you are having a great Teacher Appreciation Week and that you are being showered with gifts.

So, here are my top sellers in the order of popularity! Go grab'em before 11:59!!! Just click on the pic to go to the store. While you are there browsing, be sure to follow me! That way, you can get updates when I put up a new activity!

For the second/third grade version click on the pic above!

For the first grade version, click here!

Enjoy!!

Continuing the Teacher Appreciation Sale!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:22:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I had a blast downloading all of the goodies that were available yesterday! There were lots of a great things to download and I have to say that I was and still am so impressed at the level of creativity that all of the bloggers have! We are so lucky!!

If you missed the chance to download, you can still pick up the item I had on my blog at a discount of $3.20. There were 3,355 downloads of this one item and many that they could not wait to use it today! What a great feeling! If you would like to go check it out at my store, click on the picture below.

Focus: Elapsed Time

I thought I would share my top 10 items that were purchased in case you would like to check them out, so here goes:

Focus: Ordinal Numbers

Focus: Review of even and odd numbers

Review of single, double, and triple addition

***Buy 3 sets, get 4th free

Focus: Word Work and Vocabulary

Focus: Short and Long Vowel Sorts

Focus: Elapsed Time

Focus: dictionary skills, prefixes, and suffixes

Focus: Singular and Plural Nouns

Follow Rules and Procedures

Focus: Elapsed Time to the hour, half hour, and 5 minutes

Focus: Identifying Nouns and Verbs

Following Rules and Procedures

When you go to visit my store, be sure to follow me and pin to your hearts content!!! I'm excited to share all of this with you!!

Enjoy and God Bless!!

Teacher Appreciation Jackpot

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:59:00 +0000

Are you ready to celebrate Teachers Appreciation Week?? I am! Seems like it is coming late this year! Maybe we should start a movement to move it to, oh, around Valentine's Day? By that time, we all need to be feeling the love because we are getting super stressed by that point!! But....Teachers Pay Teachers and all of the store owners there have a great deal for you! All in the name of showing you how much we appreciate all that you do. If you want to go to my store and start browsing and adding to your wishlist, just click on the TpT button below!

So, what do you think about that????

Will you win the Teacher Appreciation Jackpot? YES!!!!

You have hit the jackpot this year!!! I wanted to show all of my readers and friends how much I appreciate you and your support. So, I am teaming up with over 130 bloggers and we are going to treat you to a smorgasbord of activities in order to help you celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week!

You will gain access to a wide range of products and get this----these will all be paid items that we have marked for free, just for you! The estimated value of the 'jackpot' is over $600 (all activities and products usually cost between $3 and $8!!!). The actual amount of all of the products combined will be announced on Saturday, May 5th.

There are so many bloggers taking part in this event that it had to be divided up by gradelevels! There will be a PK-Grade 2 section which is hosted by April McNair of A Modern Teacher, Grades 3-6 which is hosted by Laura Candler, and Grades 7-12 which is hosted by Adrianne Meldrum of The Tutor House.

Be sure to check back with me every day this week so that you can sit back and watch it all happen! Be looking for blog posts from your favorite writers and creators so that you can join up with them and take advantage of this JACKPOT!!!

I am happy to announce that my free product is <drum roll please!!>

Enjoy!!

Here are the links to all of the Pk-2 blogs are are joining the festivities!

My Favorite Behavior Management Tool

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:30:00 +0000

My favorite behavior management tool is the easiest ever. Ever found yourself humming commercials one day? About 10 years ago I was humming the song from an Arid Extra Dry deodorant commercial ("get a little closer, don't be shy") when a fight broke out in my second grade class---it was over a pencil. I'm not talking a little tiff....it was a full blown out punch-in-the-gut fight. However, the student that was punched never got in a hit because I was able to pull them apart. Because I was able to pull them apart, the administration did not consider it a fight and merely talking to the boy that threw the punch.

Despite being frustrated about the whole thing, I kept my calm manner and kept on humming, when all of the sudden it occurred to me--those boys needed to get a little closer! So, I stood them up in the back of the room and made them hold hands and look at each other in the eyes. Within 5 minutes, both were laughing at each other. It is very difficult to hold some one's hands and look them in the eyes and stay mad. So....that became a major part of my discipline plan. Tattle tales? Stopped Stealing? Stopped Bullying? Stopped.

Above you see 2 of my wonderful friends holding hands at dismissal. They are 2 of the 46 children that I had in my room waiting for buses to arrive. The student in the red is cracking up because he has to hold hands with his 'enemy' until their bus is called. By the time their bus rolled up, they were friends again. This was a cure-all for a terrible afternoon at dismissal. Try it and let me know how it goes!

Enjoy!

Chimpanzee Movie and Craftivity

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:32:00 +0000

Last Friday my whole school went to see "Chimpanzee" at the movies in order to celebrate the end of our testing week. All of us (teachers included) loved the movie. I was laughing one minute and worried the next for little Oscar's safety, and then tearing up at the next minute. It is a great movie to use as a culminating activity after teaching about mammals, the rainforest, carnirvores/omnivores, and herbivaores, and probably a lot more if I had time to sit down and think about it.

When we arrived back at school and began eating lunch, there was a definite buzz around the room as I heard my kids talking about the movie and how it made them feel. A light bulb went off in my head and I scrambled to put together this little craftivity and I want to share it with you. Enjoy the pictures as they lead you step by step to completing this fun writing activity!

WARNING: I am not an artist, but the kids love it. If any of you can do a better pattern than me, PLEASE take pictures of it and send them to me! I would love to see them!

Enjoy!!

P.S. Before our standardized testing each year we have to cover anything that may assist our students in finding an answer. Well, this year, my 7 year old was helping to cover things in my classroom while I was in the hall talking to a teacher. I...uh....have to tell you that he IS a little on the OCD side of life. The top pictures in my library. The bottom picture is my bookshelf. Notice that all of the paper is anchored to the carpet and that he put 'super duper extra' on the carpet in the second pictures so that the carpet would not move.

Life as a Teacher in France - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne Crawford) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:33:00 +0000

The following post was written by my friend, Yvonne, from Mixminder.com. Yvonne lives an exciting and adventurous life in France, however, she just got back from a visit to Ireland. Lucky here!! Here is more information about the education of students in France.

School in France is even different in regards to what they teach the children. There are some different techniques that are used here that I remember my teachers used with me, but are not used any more in the United States, at least where I taught before. Most of the time at school is spent on math and language arts skills and foreign language is started in 1st or 2nd grade equivalent. They do teach social studies, science and other subjects.

The following are some classic examples of the homework and classwork that my children have in school.

Dictation - Both of my children (1st grade and 3rd grade) take dictations during class. Often times they are given a text to study and then the teacher will recite it and they will have to write down what they hear. Because many words sound similar in French we try to study some of the more tricky words that are in the texts.

Memorizing Poetry - I remember when I did this in school as a young girl. My children learn poems almost daily in their classes. They have to learn 2 to 4 lines every day over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Then they recite the whole poem in front of the class.

Conjugations - I remember the first time my son came home and had to write conjugations. I asked, "Oh, did you have to do this because you're learning French?" He replied, "No, everyone has to do it." He has to practice conjugations and have tests on many different words in many different tenses. It's actually really great for him because there is no such thing as "French as a Second Language" classes where my children go to school.

Handwriting - When we first moved to France, my son knew how to write in cursive a little through homeschooling. It was the middle of his 2nd grade year. He was ahead of the game, in my mind. However, when we moved here, we learned that you learn cursive in kindergarten. They don't even teach manuscript writing in most schools and they just straight to cursive when teaching children how to write.

Those are just a few of the differences of the French school system as compared to the USA. If you'd like to read why we decided to move here, check out this post: http://mixminder.com/five-reasons-why-we-moved-our-family-abroad/

Also, here is a Freebie you might find interesting - Mathbooking France Journal.

If you're interested in teaching your students or children more about different countries check out these copywork and activities booklets:

Have a great week,

Presenting: Favorite Blogs and Top Teachers Giveaway Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:49:00 +0000

First things First.....I need to announce my Top Teachers Giveaway Winner:

lraines78@gmail.com

I will be emailing you!!!!!!!

I am admitted blog stalker...and I also admit to being addicted to downloading just about any freebie that I find because from year to year I am never guaranteed to stay in the same grade level at my school. I never know when I might need something for first grade or fifth grade. So....I follow a lot of different blogs and I want to share them with you in the hopes of giving you some eye candy and a bit of info along the way.

One of my favorite blogs is Ladybug's Teacher Files. I love all of her work! You are just about always guaranteed a great download which will help with classroom management and literacy. I LOVE THIS BLOG!!

Another blog that I love to visit is Teach123. Michelle, the owner, is awesome and has a lot of knowledge and experience to share. I think her best gift to the world of education is being able to find a use for just about anything she finds laying around....find something on a table, pick it up, and I bet she will find a center for it to go into!

Have you been to Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings? This blog is owned by my friend, Brian. Brian started blogging a few months after I did but he has far surpassed me in the number of visits and sales when comparing to mine in the same time period. Brian has impressed me so much with his 'get n go' spirit. He is doing some wonderful things on his blog.

The next blog that I want to share with you is actually more than a blog. It is my own website. I know that sounds egotistical and you are probably thinking to yourself, Whew! That girl loves herself!". It's not really that. It is the intent of the blogs that I love. We all love freebies. I know there are countless sellers on Teachers Pay Teachers who have REALLY good products, but do not get much exposure. If you are one of those teachers and you have some really good Free materials, feel free to sign up with the blogs (you can pick a subject) and start getting your stuff out there into view! If you don't blog, but you just love Freebies, then feel free to visit, join, and start downloading! We've just been up and running for two months or so, so we are just getting our feet wet! If you want to join up, click the button on the tab that asks for contributors!!

More later!!
Enjoy!

Common Core Coercion?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:10:00 +0000

Common Coercion?

I blogged a week or two about the book, Pathways to the Common Core: Accelerating Achievement by Lucy Calkins, Mary Ehrenworth, and Christopher Lehman. I am not familiar with Ehrenworth or Lehman much at all, but Lucy Calkins is a name that I can trust.

When I bought the book, I was expecting an addendum, or change in mapping in comparison to the other Common Core book that I purchased, Common Core Curriculum Maps. What I read, though, was very surprising. The book disputed almost everything that I had thought about the Common Core. As a result, it took me this long to digest it all. Now I am ready to share.

Here is what I learned:

1. The Common Core has been presented as a 'group effort' by presenters, authors, and teachers. The Pathways book in fact claims that the standards presented in the Common Core were only authored by 2 people. However, the units addressed in Common Core Curriculum Maps, were developed with the help of teachers. So, 2 people have determined what most of our country will be teaching. These 2 people, David Coleman and Sue Pimentel authored the Common Core, yet they are unnamed in the documents that presented the Common Core to the public.

2. Only 15% of our students will be ready for the testing required when using the Common Core. What do we do with the other 85% who aren't ready?

3. Non-fiction is not only a tool for the facts--it is not to be used as a 'stop and go' method. This makes fluency and comprehension of the text take longer. The reliance on non-fiction to create an awareness of the world around us will result in school systems needing to re-budget their resources in order to stock reading rooms with high interest materials.

4. Students and teachers should work together to create individual goals for the student. Then, teachers MUST protect the time given in the classroom so that these goals are met. If the time is not protected, it will result in frustration for both.

5. Students need to TALK, TALK, TALK!!! The more they talk about topics using higher order thinking in the range of the NEW updated Blooms Taxonomy levels (Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating), the better results we will get.

6. Teach language skills WITHIN other subjects. No grammar blocks. <I feel some of you already quaking in your boots!> Writing workshops are a must!

7. Use the same performance task as a pretest AND post test.

There are a lot more things I could share from the book, but we all would be here late into the night! So, I will stop here!

Stay tuned for a freebie!!! I wasn't able to get it ready because we have been testing this week.

Enjoy

Where is the free stuff???

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:03:00 +0000

It's Giveaway time and you are not going to believe this! Over 20 items are up for grabs from AMAZING bloggers all over the USA! It's Top Teacher's Giveaway Galore!

Just join my blog and comment on this post.
Don't forget to include your email address.

You must enter by April 27th.
From me you could win:

Digital Clock Sorting Game:This product allows students to sort digital clocks by 'quarter til', 'quarter of', 'quarter after', etc. Students will quickly see the pattern of the times and commit it to memory! In 2 days, all of my students had learned this concept using this sort whereas the lesson in our math kit totally confused them!

While you are here, be sure to join my:

Blog, Pinterest, Facebook, and TPT store.

Then stop by these great BLOGS, look for this same post and enter to win their free products with them!

Please note there is a link to the product and blog.
You will want to visit their BLOG to enter.

Sight Word Snap Cubes by Jennifer of Empowering Little Learners: "Looking for a fun new center for your kids? How about having them make the sight words with Snap Cubes! Use these cards to have your students count out blocks to create the letters and form the pre-primer sight words! Then they count how many cubes it took to make the words! Two recording sheets are included (one where students just count the snap cubes, and another where students count and write the word.)" (K-3)

Making Words with Blends by DeAnne of First Grade and Fabulous: "Making Words is a great activity to work on phoneme isolation, segmenting sounds, and blending sounds to make words. This packet includes Blends (with both short vowels and long vowels with silent e. You will find ten different making word directions which include their own recording sheets." (k-2)

Dolch Sight Words for Kindergarten by Lidia Barbosa of Kid’s Reading Activities: Sight word cards in a fun theme. Use them in a center, small group or on your word wall. A word sorting activity is included. (K)

Center Signs in Spanish by Lidia Barbosa of Kinder Latino: These are 24 colorful center signs in Spanish. It includes two sizes. One full page size plus small cards for your Centers pocket chart. (K)

Adding 3 Numbers Pack by Melissa of Dilly Dabbles: Pack full of activities to support instruction on adding three numbers with sums within 20. (K-2)

  Baseball Antonyms by Sally DeCost of Elementary Matters: This is a game to practice antonyms. It has a baseball theme, and can be played like "Old Maid" or like "Concentration". It can be played with a pair of children, or a whole reading group. (1 - 3)

  Compound Word Magic Square for Grades 3, 4, & 5 by Heather ofHoJo's Teaching Adventures: This is a great fun puzzle where students need to match 24 compound words together. You will get three different puzzles with this item. (3-5)

Interactive Student Notebook by A Teacher's Treasure: The ultimate alternative assessment & differentiating tool. Students will become creative, independent, reflective, thinkers, readers and writers. Students will be able to express their own ideas, process, and or apply the information and skills learned in this class. This notebook serves as a live journal, personalized textbook, and working portfolio. Engages learners of all learning modalities & multiple intelligences.  (4-12)

Vocabulary Detectives 2 by Ruth of Teacher Park: Run weekly vocabulary contests! As your students read their books, they fill out the Vocabulary Detective cards and put them in the Detective Jar. Have a drawing at the end of the week for the winners!  (4-6)

Alphabet Writing: Quick Prompts From A to Z by Erin of Small Types: Get students' pencils moving and their creativity flowing with these short alphabet-themed writing prompts. Students can write notes to friends, make lists, turn alphabet letters into main characters and describe the details in fictional adventures--All corresponding to the letters of the alphabet. (Includes five prompts for each letter to suit different levels and interests.)

Fun on the Farm by Brian of Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings: Here is a fun Farm Packet for primary grades. It includes Farm Rhyming Words - The words used are actually from the book Country Morning by Christine Lynn. Read more about it on my blog. It also includes I Have Who Has Dolch Words, Addition and Subtraction Center. You can use them as concentration matching, go fish, etc. All, but the I Have Who Has, has a work sheet and an answer key to go with it! I hope you enjoy! (K-2)

Geometry Fun: A Supplemental Unit by Mandy of Mandy's Tips for Teachers: This 77 page packet includes vocabulary cards, a student dictionary, three games, two sorting activities, two creative art projects and a short assessment. (2-4)

Farm Math Work Station Activities numbers 11-20 by Mandy of A Special Kind of Class: Seven math work station activities including, subtracting, counting, number recognition, number matching, measuring and 2 adding activities. Includes response sheets and answer keys. (K-1)

The Three Frogs by Arlene of LMN Tree: This is an ELA Guided Reading and Writing Unit for Grades 1-2. It includes a complete lesson plan, Word Study, Make and Take Book, Graphic Organizers, Story Sequence Writing Activity, Phonics Worksheet, Writing, Chant and Activities.

Writing Center by Caitlin of Kindergarten Smiles: I created these activities for my students writing center. They are all independent and fun! These can be used throughout the year (more than once). Activities range from name writing, to writing the globe, to sight word writing, to much, much, more!  (K-2)

   I Spy With My Frog's Eye-A Differentiated Word Work Activity by Marsha of A Differentiated Kindergarten : This is a differentiated I-Spy activity which includes 16 pages of CVC, CVCC and CVCe activities that are tiered to help you meet the readiness levels of all your students.  (K-2)

Writing Lists by Nicole of Teaching With Style: This set of 10 lists is perfect for using during Daily 5. In my classroom, if students choose Work on Writing, they can work on their story from Writer's Workshop, start a new story, write a letter to a friend, or write a list.   (K-3)

Digital Clock Sorting Game by Jennifer of Best Practices 4 Teaching:This product allows students to sort digital clocks by 'quarter til', 'quarter of', 'quarter after', etc. Students will quickly see the pattern of the times and commit it to memory! In 2 days, all of my students had learned this concept using this sort whereas the lesson in our math kit totally confused them!

Synonym-Antonym Rap Packet by Abby of Third Grade Bookworm:This packet is full of activities for a 2nd or 3rd grade classroom studying synonyms and antonyms. Students will enjoy the Synonym-Antonym Rap, partner game, buddy reading activity and other printables included in this set. Wrap it all up with a cute class book template that can be used with other units in the future! (2-3)

  Early Elementary Science - Human Body Unit with Literacy Math by Lisa of The Lesson Guide: This Early Elementary Science based Anatomy Unit will teach students about the Human Body (inside and out) with colorful graphics and diagrams using a variety of Literacy and Math skills. This unit includes Measurement Skills, an original Poem with a Get Moving Analysis, Information/Facts about each Body Part with Vocabulary, Templates for students to create a nonfiction book about their body, Full color pictures of body parts and locations of body parts, a Classification and Math graphing activity with Critical Thinking Analysis, a Unit Project/Human Diagram, a Word Wall Classification activity with Phrase Cards, Resources and more! (K-2)

Building Popcorn Words by Krissy of Mrs. Miner's Monkey Business:This product includes weekly cut, build, and glue activities that follow along with my Monkey Popcorn Word Fun Unit as well as the Treasures series word list (which includes many Dolch and other HFW as well). It also has center materials that students can build the words in a pocket chart. (K-1)

Scooping Up Story Elements by Tonya of Super Second Graders:This is a fun way for students to pick story elements to plan out a story. Students will pick a card from characters, setting, and plot and record then on the recording sheet. Students will use the chosen element to create a story. Students will have a blast getting to create fun and whimsical stories. (1-4)

The Answer is… What’s the Question? Math Task Cards by Michelle of Making It As A Middle School Teacher: 28 numbered cards that leave the level of difficulty and specific math skill to be assessed up to you! Some students may only do basic operations, while other students may be required to do more advanced skills and give more details for their answers. Two student response options are also included!! Use for early finishers, have the whole class complete in Round Robin style, or use as a center. Pull out specific cards or use all 28 cards." (5-8)

David Shannon Author Study by Mary of Sharing Kindergarten:This is an 80 page author study using the books of David Shannon. It features 8 book. Each book title has a reading comprehension game, answer key, and writign prompts with it.   (K-1)

Candy Land Long Vowel Game by Mel D of Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations: This unique game is one of over 50 games I have to offer! Over 18 pages of long vowel words are on "look-alike" Candy Land cards. All you need is a game board & game pieces. Print, laminate & cut & use for years to come. These games can be used during Daily 5, tutoring, literacy stations, Daily 5 Math, RTI, ELL, Title 1 groups, homeschooling & more! The possibilities are endless!  (K-3)

  A Not So Wimpy Resource: Fractions, Decimals & Percents Using Money by Kathie of The Diary of a Not So Wimpy Teacher : This resource is great for differentiating instruction. Help struggling students, or those who have a difficult time with math concepts, understand fractions using money. This resource includes an info sheet, practice sheet, flashcards, and a bingo board.   (3-5)

Again, join my blog and leave a comment with your email on this post to win my product before APRIL 27th. Winner will be announced on April 28th!

And then hop on over to these great blogs to enter to win their free products too!

Enjoy!

Editing Strategies Galore #2

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As promised.....the second set of editing helpers! I hope these help you. This is a super short post tonight since I am in the middle of TCAP and I am EXHAUSTED! Click here to download! When you go download, be sure to follow my store!

Enjoy!

Check out this new blog: A+ Collaborating Teachers!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:59:00 +0000

Before you get started reading this, look up on the left side and notice 2 things. The first is the +1 Google button. Go click on that! That will push the blog higher up on Google's 'scale' of blogs to go read.

Next, look even further up on the left side and you will see a little red flag that says REWARD. Click on that and follow the directions to earn free 'stuff'. I am furiously working to earn my husband a $5 coupon for Starbucks. Shoot....he has even talked about coming to my blog just for that. He won't read it, mind you because he isn't a teacher and doesn't know half of what I talk about on there, but he says he is going to drop in this week to earn that Starbucks coffee that he loves so much.

Now, you are free to continue reading!!!

You need to make sure you go and check out the newest blog for teachers:

A+ Collaborating Teachers

Isn't this a beautiful blog button? We have Michelle at Teach123 to thank for it!

I have been lucky to find a great group of friends/bloggers. I've talked in past posts about how we support , aid, and assist each other. We truly want to help other educators. So, from that, the A+ Collaborating Teacher blog was born. This blog will link you to some of the BEST activities around. Plus, you will be linked to some of the most innovative educators in the educational world today. You will be able to learn about the newest educational theories and research being done today...plus we will review some 'golden oldies' from the past from time to time.

There are several of us that have come together to form this blog. We each have a different role. We each have a strength. There is the thinker.....the renegade.....the freebie master.....the cheerleader...the operations manager... and the Dollar Tree shopper, just to name a few. We are also a group of highly trained teachers consisting of all grade levels and we are ready to answer your questions. All you have to do is ask! But the best part? The links to the different blogs will provide access to a kajillion freebies!

Did I mention that we also have a Pinterest Board that we will link all of those wonderful activities to for your easy access? Just click the button below. But first, go and join up on the blog and THEN go to Pinterest! If you are like me, you get lost when you log in!

Come on over and be one of the first followers! See ya there!

Enjoy!

Common Core Curriculum Map Project

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:09:00 +0000

I found a website that was pretty interesting when searching for more Common Core information. The website explained a lot about the Common Core Curriculum Maps that everyone is turning to in order to 'stay true' to the expectations of the standards.

For $20, any teacher can sign up on this website in order to receive updates about the Common Core. You also get lessons, lesson information,and access to digital resources that are suggested in units.

I can tell you...they are getting my $20. I need all of the help I need!!! Plus, by joining, I can put in my 2 cents worth in regard to the unfolding of the units. That to me is GOLD. I will at least feel like I have a stake in the curriculum and my teaching if I do this. Go to the website and take a look through it.

And look at this......this is stated on the website:

"What is the relationship between Common Core and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)?

Despite the coincidence of name, Common Core and the Common Core State Standards are not affiliated. Common Core was established in 2007, prior to the start of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, which was led by the National Governors Association and the Council for Chief State School Officers."

AND

"What are the benefits of joining the Curriculum Mapping Project?

Members are able to access the Maps, and:

• Rate and comment on each of the seventy-six units
• Rate and comment on thousands of suggested works, activities, and resources
• Purchase print copies of the Maps at a 30% discount
• Purchase our “suggested works” at a discount
• Submit lesson plans for possible posting on the Maps website
• Receive a “first alert” for news related to the Maps
• Get preferred pricing on Maps services and tools that are under development"

All I can say right now is......WOW. Talk about overwhelming. Oh well....there is always tomorrow and the next day. We have to learn to take small bites and chew quickly!

Enjoy!

Second Grade Common Core Suggested Literature Unit 1: Seasons (Non-fiction)

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:58:00 +0000

Before my state testing starts tomorrow, I wanted to be sure to get the non-fiction titles for Unit 1 to you. If you decide to start purchasing these books, they are all linked to Amazon. It is my believe (and I may be wrong) that once August hits, these books are going to be in HIGH demand and they may be hard to get. I can see a lot of these books going on back-order or back to publishers to be reprinted. So....just like at Christmas....shop early! I've already started stocking up on mine and I am praying that I don't change grade levels because that is going to be really frustrating!!!

So, pin away my friends, or you can just follow my board about this literature!

Sunshine Makes the Seasons

Why Do Leaves Change Color

How Do You Know It's Winter

Look How It Changes!

How Do You Know It's Fall

How Do You Know It's Spring

Energy From the Sun

How Do You Know It's Summer

What Do Author's Do?

What do Illustrator's Do?

Cynthia Rylant: A Writer's Story

Informational Books (Read Aloud)

Snowflake Bentley

Snowflakes in Photographs

A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams

Hope this helps!

Common Core Texts for 2nd Grade: Unit 1--The Seasons (Fiction)

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Ayers) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 21:47:00 +0000

If you have looked at the curriculum map in the book Common Core Curriculum Maps you may be surprised by some of the titles you see. The titles that are recommended for second grade teachers to use during the first unit (Seasons) is an interesting mix of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. In all, if you take a look at the book, you will see a return to the use of 'old stand-bys' of yesteryear as the suggested literature for units shows a return to the oldies-but-goodies such as Alice in Wonderland, Charlotte's Web, Little Women, etc.

There are so many books suggested that I decided that I would break the books for the first unit down to a fiction post and a non-fiction post. I hope that you find this list and the links to Amazon.com helpful. At the end you will find my url for my newest board on Pinterest which will house the titles needed for second grade.

Suggested Works to have on hand in 2nd grade:

Poppleton in Winter by Cynthia Rylant and Mark Teague

Poppleton in Spring

Poppleton in Fall

Henry and Mudge and the Snowman Plan by Cynthia Rylant and Sucie Stevenson

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

The Days of Summer (Eve Buntin and William Low)

Snow (Uri Shulevitz)

Peepers (Eve Buntin and James Ransome)

Every Autumn Comes the Bear (Jim Arnosky)