tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40627870088297926022024-03-04T23:32:19.192-05:00Teaching is ElementaryNancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-25184038470151314302018-04-16T12:08:00.000-04:002019-11-07T12:59:02.275-05:00The Power of "I CAN" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Over 30 years ago I was a student teacher in 1st grade.</b> It was frightening to me as I only pictured myself working with 4th grade students not being with 'little kids." I remember my cooperating teacher had me sit with a sign that said, "I CAN DO IT!" As I recall, those first grade kids COULD do it and I did too! Afterward I left that class and went on to become a grade 4 teacher. I became good at figuring out what my fourth graders were and weren't capable of doing. I often wonder if I held my students back believing they couldn't do something and not giving them the opportunity to try! <br />
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<b>Lately, as a Digital Learning Coach I have had the opportunity to spend time with kindergartners and 1st graders.</b> I forgot what it was like to be with 5 & 6 year olds. So, I am always pleasantly surprised and impressed by what they ARE able to 'do' when it comes learning. Admittedly, I'm not familiar with the 'littles' and their abilities as I have spent the last 27 years with 4th graders. So, when people share with me that the little ones can't do this or that I have to respect their expertise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gr 1 Student sharing his GDrawing</td></tr>
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"<i>I thought this lesson was going to be too hard and wasn't sure the kids were going to produce what you wanted</i>."<br />
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"<i>First graders can't do that, it's too hard for them to concentrate."</i><br />
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"<i>We usually wait until the end of the year to try something like this." </i><br />
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<b>What I am familiar with though is the power to prove people wrong!</b> (I would challenge my 4th graders all the time only to receive some excellent results.) So I decided to do the same with the "littles" and their teachers. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gr 1 Teacher says "we CAN use GSheets!</td></tr>
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<b>After purchasing Christine Pinto's "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Apps-Littles-Believe-They/dp/1946444448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519509903&sr=8-1&keywords=google+apps+for+little&dpID=51e7Wiv6HvL&preST=_SX258_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Google Apps for Littles</a>" I was excited to try some ideas with the younger grades</b>. So, I approached a couple of teachers who have the "I CAN" attitude and asked them if they'd help me. Getting the green light, I worked with some first grade classes. I started by telling the students: "<i>People don't think you can use Google Drawing to make pictures and add write sentences.</i>" "<i>I'm hearing that 1st graders can't use Google Sheets!" </i>The gauntlet had been thrown and the challenge accepted! The teachers and students assured me they were up for the challenge.<br />
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<b>Great success! </b> A sense of pride was seen in the smiles and reactions of students as they shared their projects with classmates. Teachers proudly displayed student work in the hallway. Students came up to me and said "<i>We did our own Number of the Day in Google Sheets!"</i> Great to see how teachers and students alike were able to 'show off' the CAN DO attitude!<br />
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<b>Students and teachers who have the "I CAN" attitude and mindset can accomplish tasks never before thought possible.</b> We can learn from those 'littles' who consistently take on a challenge to show us "THEY CAN DO IT!"<br />
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<b><i>Resources:</i></b><br />
<a href="https://www.edsurge.com/news/2014-10-24-4-ways-to-encourage-a-growth-mindset-in-the-classroom">4 Ways to Encourage Growth Mindset in the Classroom</a> - by EdSurge<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLeUvZvuvAs">Power of Yet</a> - Sesame Street Video<br />
<a href="http://www.twolittlebirdsteaching.com/2017/02/a-soundtrack-for-a-growth-mindset.html">Soundtrack for a Growth Mindset</a> - Two Little Birds<br />
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<b style="background-color: #ffe599;">What are some ways we can inspire the words, I CAN?</b><br />
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<img height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffXW3MqozcgGOG-Ebfr_W12Rb5HpgriGI-uLpnhvfHsObVVkJx9otBZUcnYK7IsWolBJQE7cXbGy1cm1METu7RhIkBXwxZHNKFAjj99Gdpml-DefzV6K4fDF6NMpt1gFTFuVxjWovkbU/s1600/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-80091532508726543332018-02-22T18:26:00.001-05:002019-11-07T12:59:08.111-05:00Interactive Lessons Using Technology<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live Session using Pear Deck</td></tr>
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<b>Student 'voice' is a concern for many teachers.</b> Classes are filled with those students who always participate and have their hand raised. But these are the same classes filled with students who sit back and let others do the talking for them. How can we ensure these students are 'active' participants? One way to make sure that "all" students have a voice is to use an "interactive" digital tool such as <a href="https://www.peardeck.com/">Pear Deck</a>, <a href="https://nearpod.com/">Nearpod</a>, <a href="https://goformative.com/">Formative</a> & more. These tools allow students to share their answers at the same time. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being actively engaged!</td></tr>
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<b>As teachers can see student answers in 'realtime' there are many advantages to using such tools.</b> Talk about formative assessment! Immediate feedback from the teacher can clarify misconceptions on the spot. Conversations can also be extended beyond the topic depending on student activity. There are drawing and dragging options too. </div>
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The lessons can be filled with a variety of multi-media which is engaging for pupils. Some tools allow audio, video, images and web content to be embedded right into your <i style="font-weight: bold;">existing </i>presentations. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearpod lesson on Deserts!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> <b>I've used various tools with students and their question at the end is <i>always</i> the same,</b> "When can we do this again?" When our students are engaged and enthusiastic they are sure to learn! Students WANT to share what they know! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>What are some tools you use to make your lessons interactive?</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><u>Resources:</u></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>The Ultimate List - 65 Digital Tools and Apps to Support Formative Assessment Practices<i> -<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1111306951"> </a></i></b></span><a href="https://www.nwea.org/blog/2018/the-ultimate-list-65-digital-tools-and-apps-to-support-formative-assessment-practices/">https://www.nwea.org/blog/2018/the-ultimate-list-65-digital-tools-and-apps-to-support-formative-assessment-practices/</a><br />
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Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-45359930971724878402018-01-15T19:03:00.001-05:002019-11-07T12:59:14.145-05:00Teachers Learn Best from Other Teachers<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpUrAYB6hif0PoTuoJ2EINF5mVCV8-XZCn1r_f-5NjoBGZCEGNVU1Ztovwkq1yjyj3mC4yCIjXj7drJq28RzeC7HZGQ-aayOI7W8FKAYNdz-g6ir9t9v2uC5_EK9Ysu3q4pVb2VcLbXmY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-14+at+9.04.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="684" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpUrAYB6hif0PoTuoJ2EINF5mVCV8-XZCn1r_f-5NjoBGZCEGNVU1Ztovwkq1yjyj3mC4yCIjXj7drJq28RzeC7HZGQ-aayOI7W8FKAYNdz-g6ir9t9v2uC5_EK9Ysu3q4pVb2VcLbXmY/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-01-14+at+9.04.04+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheila R. sharing the power of SPLAT!</td></tr>
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<b>It's TRUE! Teachers learn best from other teachers. </b> Perhaps that is why EdCamps are so popular! They are so popular that our district has dedicated a whole professional development day modeled after the Edcamp style. (Not familiar with Edcamp - read about it <a href="https://www.edcamp.org/">HERE</a>.) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula B. sharing Osmos to Kindergarten Teachers</td></tr>
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<b>This is the 3rd year our district has participated in a "modified" Edcamp.</b> Each year the call goes out to all educators in the system to submit a topic to either "lead", "facilitate" or "explore". This year more and more teachers shared their craft and experiences with colleagues. We even had some out of district teachers present. (And a keynote presentation by Alan November!)</div>
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<b>It's TRUE! Teachers learn best from other teachers!</b> <b>Why?</b> Because teachers are <u>passionate</u>! When teachers are passionate about what pedagogy, it's hard not to get excited right alongside them. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed kicking off EdCampWalpole - Family Feud Style!</td></tr>
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<b>Several of the teachers </b>from the two buildings where I work decided to go out of their comfort zone and share their passions with the rest of the district. These teachers believe in what they are doing with their students. </div>
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<b>These are teachers who share their expertise</b> with their elementary students on a daily basis, but who aren't usually in front of their colleagues. However, their passion helped them come forward, take a chance and present new and relevant information. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzanne G. sharing Flexible Seating in the classroom</td></tr>
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<b>It's TRUE! Teachers learn best from other teachers!</b> <b>Why?</b> Because teachers are sharing real world experiences. The teachers are sharing what has worked in their very own classrooms (or how they revised what might not have worked). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkAGjXWfIdZ48u5Pbbv83s8HWJStD6f00pxgJk3vZbF6RyF1uvfyJffTtuG352hRhEmglTyH0dJXZ9bl0br3BUkOwlnM_3QkoE1xO40DUq5HwPW61pHPLFrDIiGbiUy9aHWxBfAiayVXz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-14+at+9.03.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkAGjXWfIdZ48u5Pbbv83s8HWJStD6f00pxgJk3vZbF6RyF1uvfyJffTtuG352hRhEmglTyH0dJXZ9bl0br3BUkOwlnM_3QkoE1xO40DUq5HwPW61pHPLFrDIiGbiUy9aHWxBfAiayVXz/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-01-14+at+9.03.00+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erica, Laurie & Diane sharing Google Sites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Teachers from my schools </b>shared how they are using tools to communicate with parents through the use of <a href="https://web.seesaw.me/">Seesaw</a> or through the use of a website built using <a href="https://gsuite.google.com/learning-center/products/sites/">Google Sites</a>. These are teachers are fairly new to presenting. Other teachers shared ideas for various Math topics and another on Flexible Seating. So proud of their hard work and efforts!</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It's TRUE! Teachers learn best from other teachers!</b> <b>Why? </b>Because teachers know they can relate to and reach out to a colleague if they have a question. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLH5Sew6GO_H4PBjiEX0ENkwXBPEAUAhBLUQCvNJknQDxNBL_RE5F6S_aOPyPudbcaxwTFshWSuV6V89mbPCYzAqem5knmWappikHoMXsE7zrwULA7DBiqzhkAm2icJcVxv2IP-7gk1kr/s1600/SBRC+talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLH5Sew6GO_H4PBjiEX0ENkwXBPEAUAhBLUQCvNJknQDxNBL_RE5F6S_aOPyPudbcaxwTFshWSuV6V89mbPCYzAqem5knmWappikHoMXsE7zrwULA7DBiqzhkAm2icJcVxv2IP-7gk1kr/s1600/SBRC+talk.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussing Standards Based Report Cards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> All who presented</b> shared their contact information and offered to come and help participants if ever assistance was needed. Even after the the allotted time was up conversations continued where further information was given. </div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbSypdG7AsaN19Lk726LSTXv3B5qgRsbzQ0IV7ChcPZsR8zFYRR94Nw8NCP5p7iWHOCZQ511wnOe6KB97F-KlzkwBSY4tjoHxRDMZqo2OurhMUJDJnBfwtRXOS2qUSE_nmx4QI4nbiUPZ/s1600/DTXD_QYVQAArXqY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbSypdG7AsaN19Lk726LSTXv3B5qgRsbzQ0IV7ChcPZsR8zFYRR94Nw8NCP5p7iWHOCZQ511wnOe6KB97F-KlzkwBSY4tjoHxRDMZqo2OurhMUJDJnBfwtRXOS2qUSE_nmx4QI4nbiUPZ/s320/DTXD_QYVQAArXqY.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolyn K. sharing 3 Act Math Tasks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It was a great day had by all!</b> Again, to the teachers that presented...I'm so proud that they took a chance and shared their expertise! I encourage others to do so as well. We all have gifts that we can and need to impart with our colleagues and other educators across the globe! (Thank you also to all those behind the scenes organizers who made the day successful too!) </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>So, even if you are not going to an Edcamp or some other professional development day,</b> think about communicating your ideas with your colleague next door, down the hall, across town or share via Twitter or Facebook. We love learning from YOU! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span>
<i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">In the comments section, feel free to share a topic you'd like to learn more about or even a topic you shared at a conference or workshop! Thank you.</i><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffXW3MqozcgGOG-Ebfr_W12Rb5HpgriGI-uLpnhvfHsObVVkJx9otBZUcnYK7IsWolBJQE7cXbGy1cm1METu7RhIkBXwxZHNKFAjj99Gdpml-DefzV6K4fDF6NMpt1gFTFuVxjWovkbU/s1600/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-5127851646740339372017-12-31T10:26:00.000-05:002019-11-07T12:59:19.487-05:00New Year, New Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1Yii-cCZiNcXVDNgiREdmeMnQU0XxRf-VRX1i0lzlAIQmX8gWKGcby6qoBx8CmC5ggDhnMkBxomDiQjylUtj6KlToKIYV2jZH7R5X6L1MAiyj0unWmTlcS7l2IQVWRog2O_TV0avuuzR/s1600/motivatora2e12a2e333101fb732a90a8d2dad3ea4f67b4af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1Yii-cCZiNcXVDNgiREdmeMnQU0XxRf-VRX1i0lzlAIQmX8gWKGcby6qoBx8CmC5ggDhnMkBxomDiQjylUtj6KlToKIYV2jZH7R5X6L1MAiyj0unWmTlcS7l2IQVWRog2O_TV0avuuzR/s320/motivatora2e12a2e333101fb732a90a8d2dad3ea4f67b4af.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<b>On the crest of the New Year many of us think about about making resolutions. </b>It makes me wonder...<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What percent of people achieve the goals they set for themselves at New Year's?</b> <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2013/01/01/just-8-of-people-achieve-their-new-years-resolutions-heres-how-they-did-it/#dd78e9e596b2">This post suggests it is only 8%.</a> So it's not too surprising to realize I've often been a part of the 92% who don't seem to succeed when it comes to New Year's Resolutions. (More interesting statistics <a href="https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/">HERE</a>.)<br />
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<b>The Forbes article suggests that people have trouble following through</b> because the goals people set are often <i>many and vague.</i> Therefore, setting smaller goals which are tangible lead to seeing one's goals to fruition.<br />
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<b>In my new role as the Digital Learning Coach,</b> I need to be thinking about the types of goals I am setting for myself and my colleagues. Positively impacting student learning needs to be at the forefront of all my objectives.<br />
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<b>The article above also suggest that stating goals publicly also increases the likelihood of succeeding. So, here are my goals:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Write a blog post at least once a month reflecting on what's working in my role as DLC and what might not be working. </li>
<ul>
<li><i>Student Impact:</i> ability to reflect on lessons & make changes that will affect student learning</li>
</ul>
<li>Ask at least 2 questions when working with teachers (using these <a href="https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/15-questions-help-students-respond-to-new-ideas/?utm_content=buffer24696&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer">15 questions as a guide from TeachThought</a> - they can still apply even though they are meant for students)</li>
<ul>
<li><i>Student Impact:</i> These questions will focus around student learning.</li>
</ul>
<li>Create & teach at least 2 new Digital Citizenship lessons</li>
<ul>
<li><i>Student Impact: </i></li>
</ul>
<li>Find at least 2 "coaching" blogs to read & follow</li>
<ul>
<li><i>Student Impact:</i> learning new ways to help teachers connect technology to content will aid students in their learning.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULgJJsB6GjsyVe4aPq343Ns8qhZjmOYgcykySeeYmEYiyT3vT-FSp6VYTn_bL2fD7hRxr28WChMLOwVncql-tJu327_Ba4g-gcV4Zy6-jXqI36iNgsZHUf8h_p9UuN_hr5BVoBNzd8bFm/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-31+at+10.19.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="868" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULgJJsB6GjsyVe4aPq343Ns8qhZjmOYgcykySeeYmEYiyT3vT-FSp6VYTn_bL2fD7hRxr28WChMLOwVncql-tJu327_Ba4g-gcV4Zy6-jXqI36iNgsZHUf8h_p9UuN_hr5BVoBNzd8bFm/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-12-31+at+10.19.27+AM.png" width="320" /></a>Should you be interested in setting goals with your students, <a href="https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/goal-setting-for-kids">this site offers 4 Steps to Helping Children Set Goals. </a> You can email BigJournal and receive a worksheet like this for your students. <a href="http://sparkpe.org/blog/healthy-new-years-resolutions-for-kids/">This site also has some HEALTHY</a> goals for children.<br />
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<b>What goals will you set for yourself (or have set for yourself already)? </b>Please share one of your goals with me (as making them public increases the likelihood of succeeding!)<br />
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<b>Wishing you a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!</b><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffXW3MqozcgGOG-Ebfr_W12Rb5HpgriGI-uLpnhvfHsObVVkJx9otBZUcnYK7IsWolBJQE7cXbGy1cm1METu7RhIkBXwxZHNKFAjj99Gdpml-DefzV6K4fDF6NMpt1gFTFuVxjWovkbU/s1600/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-62843387158303030732017-05-07T21:49:00.001-04:002020-04-17T09:54:58.236-04:00Friendship<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuUiRRSMWzPzHDagiju3sbVftQVdgx88kfxZkz2hLG_2DeVEdaG8lWCqGAeI8MlN5MDVBpbQ5lA8DU1GIC_38o22-dAL0Ewfg-d5TpbO7vMENFdf3xa5V1Uyi0Fl43-CkzaUy3whI_nov/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuUiRRSMWzPzHDagiju3sbVftQVdgx88kfxZkz2hLG_2DeVEdaG8lWCqGAeI8MlN5MDVBpbQ5lA8DU1GIC_38o22-dAL0Ewfg-d5TpbO7vMENFdf3xa5V1Uyi0Fl43-CkzaUy3whI_nov/s320/friends.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fourth Grade Friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Fourth grade is one of those pivotal years when it comes to friendships!</b> Some students have been friends for many years, meeting each other in preschool or kindergarten. Others are making new friends each year in their new classroom. Whatever the case may be, there's always a lot happening with friendships on the playground, in the lunchroom and during class time.<br />
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<b>While the students are at recess, </b>I'll take a moment to go outside or watch through the window to get a better sense of which students are playing together. When students come to me about something that has happened outside, knowing a little bit about their friendships helps them maneuver this part of the school day.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b>
<b>As a class we have been focusing on "kindness" this year. Mostly, we have been focusing on the topic through reading books.</b> Some have included Have You Filled A Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud; Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson; Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson & The Boy Who Grew Flowers by Jennifer Wojtowicz. Our class has even participated in two Twitter chats (#4thbookchat) around the last 2 books. While these books speak to the theme of 'kindness' they also touch upon 'friendship'.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg9fEMvBYBw5_q75Dx9HHl64G2FSGJpvhpKSNcVuOxQcTqVqd7wf8d2Tt1qXnU0-OJT7Bkf3GfeMlVkGrY6hmRQXvDqKeUlDf9MtuA4wCV-b7XqFLeeJdMT1ILFV76yLR33JG5PkoeTsq/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-05-07+at+8.51.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg9fEMvBYBw5_q75Dx9HHl64G2FSGJpvhpKSNcVuOxQcTqVqd7wf8d2Tt1qXnU0-OJT7Bkf3GfeMlVkGrY6hmRQXvDqKeUlDf9MtuA4wCV-b7XqFLeeJdMT1ILFV76yLR33JG5PkoeTsq/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-05-07+at+8.51.00+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qualities of a Good Friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Recently, the students had a guidance lesson around the topic of Friendship.</b> The lesson got interrupted and so it wasn't quite finished. In an effort to wrap up the lesson, I asked the students to share some information about qualities they thought friends possess and to provide evidence of those qualities. Here's a sampling of what these sweet 10 year olds had to say about friendship. Qualities that were most stated were Loyal, Trustworthy & Caring. <br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b>
<b>Even more amazing were their responses to the open ended question</b> of "What else can you say about friendship". Here is what these 4th graders had to say:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>"Friendship is one of the most important things in your life and you should stay in touch and hang out"; </i></li>
<li><i>"If you didn't have friends you would be lonely and not have fun."</i></li>
<li><i>"<span id="docs-internal-guid-95ea68ab-e59c-759b-ca48-3ec58d62e2d0"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Friendship means that your friends don’t make fun of you if you are not great at something or even if you don’t know how to do something. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">n a friendship you should always include others because that's the nicest thing you can do."</span></span></i></li>
<li><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Friends help you no matter what!"</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Having friends makes you want to be more social and make more friends."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"If you are not selfish you will have a better time keeping your friends."</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Make good choices with the friends you have. Maybe once or twice you will have a fight but that is normal."</i></span></span></li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzArJNj5ppRE_OcVWua-bNeZtfAd5m4kZ0_ilmfkzQ5sFR62K8jThgMtJ5QXFxN2ZVV8iiTnV1xyvmSlArblsz1G3TyxUOSJnLg_S43jIuCw9ewixpWsl5FASa9Y2ZeLDwG__CKuTlAmQU/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzArJNj5ppRE_OcVWua-bNeZtfAd5m4kZ0_ilmfkzQ5sFR62K8jThgMtJ5QXFxN2ZVV8iiTnV1xyvmSlArblsz1G3TyxUOSJnLg_S43jIuCw9ewixpWsl5FASa9Y2ZeLDwG__CKuTlAmQU/s320/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" width="201" /></a> </i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lifelong Friends</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>"Friendship is hard to earn but easy to lose!"</b></i></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While in elementary school we continue to help students navigate the fine art of making and keeping friends, it's nice to know that these students have some definite ideas about mutual trust and understanding. It just goes to show that these kiddos have a strong foundation to build upon.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What do you do to promote "good friendships"?</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><i><u>RESOURCES:</u></i></b><br />
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>
PBS: Parenting: Raising Girls: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/parenting/raising-girls/friends-social-life/understanding-elementary-school-friendships/">Understanding Elementary School Friendships</a><br />
Parenting Science: <a href="http://www.parentingscience.com/kids-make-friends.html">How to Help Kids Make Friends</a><br />
Health Line: <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/friendship-activities#2">10 Top Friendship Games & Activities</a><br />
Today's Parent: <a href="https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/how-to-help-your-kids-make-friends/">How to Help your Child Make Friends</a><br />
Understood: <a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/working-with-childs-teacher/7-ways-the-teacher-can-help-your-child-make-friends#slide-1">7 Ways the Teacher Can Help Your Child Make Friends</a><br />
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<img height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffXW3MqozcgGOG-Ebfr_W12Rb5HpgriGI-uLpnhvfHsObVVkJx9otBZUcnYK7IsWolBJQE7cXbGy1cm1METu7RhIkBXwxZHNKFAjj99Gdpml-DefzV6K4fDF6NMpt1gFTFuVxjWovkbU/s1600/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-35397583217637522002017-04-30T15:27:00.001-04:002017-04-30T15:32:19.227-04:00Digital Breakouts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a56T1i8Z47e8GqnJjyIKWo32clYLNeiGx0Co-cp2aOnEl9b4LxN6GIIwWRCJCsEJE6agidVrgRcFSsUntk1bpBpTDllNyB444HtFBMC2vAlDR4J0mirdlXdGiG8Xo-3hDBBkk7GLpFnS/s1600/thumb-6dc97b5626cb4fdba49165715b9e7a6b.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a56T1i8Z47e8GqnJjyIKWo32clYLNeiGx0Co-cp2aOnEl9b4LxN6GIIwWRCJCsEJE6agidVrgRcFSsUntk1bpBpTDllNyB444HtFBMC2vAlDR4J0mirdlXdGiG8Xo-3hDBBkk7GLpFnS/s320/thumb-6dc97b5626cb4fdba49165715b9e7a6b.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MedfieldDLD Promo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few weeks back I attended a conference in a neighboring district, #MedfieldDLD (Medfield Digital Learning Day!) It was a day filled with lots of great conversations & lots of learning. Sessions I attended included: Hyperdocs; NEW Google Sites for Digital Portfolios; Homework: Shifting the Perspective and <a href="http://www.breakoutedu.com/about">BreakoutEDU</a>. While I plan to incorporate ideas from all of these in my classroom somehow I was able to start immediately with the help of this <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19b3ULLhm78Xl4-QZSzgGOaErIQ9FhVrJFxgbFt3yKTs/edit#slide=id.g35f391192_00">BreakoutEDU</a> slidedeck that <a href="https://twitter.com/kcowell7?lang=en">Kerry Cowell</a> presented.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpK08qP82PA7VLG5yyyegEuHLtnkI5pRd6KJYIHi0m0XRAEyu2WfuW4pkdxKUqPPj1NQ_4Tymo2M0vClODOnCfzCuldfHSXhlWQ-KNf9TLz2GyHhp-8AfBRaHS7ZfgA-CN29B5wsev9AJ/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpK08qP82PA7VLG5yyyegEuHLtnkI5pRd6KJYIHi0m0XRAEyu2WfuW4pkdxKUqPPj1NQ_4Tymo2M0vClODOnCfzCuldfHSXhlWQ-KNf9TLz2GyHhp-8AfBRaHS7ZfgA-CN29B5wsev9AJ/s1600/photo.PNG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerry's Box</td></tr>
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BreakOuts are a game where "players use teamwork and critical thinking to solve a series of challenging puzzles in order to open a locked box." Literally, the box is <i>locked</i> with several different types of locks! (Number locks, key locks, word lock & direction locks) Kerry's Breakout was related to the "Back to the Future" theme of the day and very challenging. As we worked through the clues, my team and I felt what it would be like for the students to solve such a puzzle since we had no idea of the answers. It took some creative thinking and collaboration. (On the Breakout<span style="background-color: white;">EDU site there are plenty of games of all levels for you to consider for your class.) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Since I didn't have a box or locks I decided I would try the </span><a href="http://www.breakoutedu.com/digital/"> DIGITAL BREAKOUTS</a> <span style="background-color: white;">site that </span><span style="background-color: white;">Kerry shared during her presentation. The next day I decided to have my students participate in our first Digital Breakout, "<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/digitalbreakoutjb/game-14">Open the Pool</a>. " Pretty much all I did was explain the premise to the kids and then we started looking for clues. They were hooked!!! Since that time we have participated in 4 others. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-zD9nn5Fzr7agcLe_aD5jQNinraCbeJHgplRoh40D9oIn3jCPc7vaLc0pQauEMAQqAPYXDrl9hjEz5hMQbLITc18teZ79eo4TF51AZf4GQV15M7SOObMlrKuU3Ja-jK5sY4PGO2_Rfox/s1600/fx767324abdf915a76aa41d1367e0102b41a6bc4e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-zD9nn5Fzr7agcLe_aD5jQNinraCbeJHgplRoh40D9oIn3jCPc7vaLc0pQauEMAQqAPYXDrl9hjEz5hMQbLITc18teZ79eo4TF51AZf4GQV15M7SOObMlrKuU3Ja-jK5sY4PGO2_Rfox/s1600/fx767324abdf915a76aa41d1367e0102b41a6bc4e7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partnering Up!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It takes about 20 - 40 minutes for the ones we have tried (hardest has been a level 5). I have broken it up over a several days (10 minutes each day). In this way it gets the students excited and their minds in the mood to think the rest of the day! To place the students in teams before the breakout, I created some grouping statements (around the topic of the breakout). Students had to find their partners without my help. Here's an <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Xdgxr9GamP1hSG9oBvhhTOpxvvTg2ZPb1kVZWGvCmtg/edit?usp=sharing">example</a> of the ones I used for the National Park Digital Breakout. (This is almost as interesting as the breakout as the students think and work to find their partners!)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Once a breakout is completed there is a little sign or even a little prize. But the point is not to get the prize, but rather it's the idea to "get to" the prize (if that makes sense). I have created little stickers to give out at the end of the Breakouts for students to collect, which makes them happy! (But not necessary - their fist pumping shows it was worthwhile!)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUl1j9tG9zSXpgL5OwiJSY2x2kwAuj-KjSlyuXZge8ZdvBwbQquhbH-7RCVocs-CFMNUR84J_laGhv6ePKOEr3Gbf9AEPfOc0fQ_FSoxiGAxl7ZBxkqXLzNmNRqWMuS0p3QFiedBxR2BN/s1600/fxb0397760cff757c0f62db21caa5e6f4fa68170b8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUl1j9tG9zSXpgL5OwiJSY2x2kwAuj-KjSlyuXZge8ZdvBwbQquhbH-7RCVocs-CFMNUR84J_laGhv6ePKOEr3Gbf9AEPfOc0fQ_FSoxiGAxl7ZBxkqXLzNmNRqWMuS0p3QFiedBxR2BN/s1600/fxb0397760cff757c0f62db21caa5e6f4fa68170b8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success! </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">One suggestion I'd make, while mostly I tell the students I don't have the answers, I do TRY the breakout before having them complete it so I can give out "ONE" hint. There is one clue I don't know the answer to in the current breakout. Students take that as an extra challenge to get it before me! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I can't say enough about the thinking that takes place and the teamwork needed to work through the Digital Breakout. I can't say enough about how much the students LOVE it. When someone says, "can I do this at home" you know you're on to something!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Let me know if you decide to try one! Good luck!</span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-36295172598788798512017-02-13T15:15:00.000-05:002017-02-13T15:15:11.355-05:00Engagement & Perseverance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Why is it that some problems are more engaging than others?</b> You know the kind I'm talking about...the kind where kids WANT to work through Recess..the kind where the kids CONTINUE to solve it while you're trying to 'move on'...the kind that has kids ASKING for more...the kind that has kids TALKING about it with their classmates. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbJVo_JrkWIC0tvoPuclwNW8Jl5ZX396g9p-qE4sVuG45A2ikeEuUXet0B7PEAKli9LVLLCUBMOL1N12POnoNkaORkHa3-aSp6x1JQjjctAL4jESBpOk4pgfDKoidb4q1xQr87F42WpO6/s1600/perseverance-qu_548_769d0c195f8c3ee9185ea4cd2e4c6bf898ebbbcf.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbJVo_JrkWIC0tvoPuclwNW8Jl5ZX396g9p-qE4sVuG45A2ikeEuUXet0B7PEAKli9LVLLCUBMOL1N12POnoNkaORkHa3-aSp6x1JQjjctAL4jESBpOk4pgfDKoidb4q1xQr87F42WpO6/s320/perseverance-qu_548_769d0c195f8c3ee9185ea4cd2e4c6bf898ebbbcf.png" width="208" /></a> <b>The other day I stumbled upon one of these types of problems.</b> I subscribe to <a href="http://marilynburnsmathblog.com/wordpress/">Marilyn Burns Math Blog</a> as she is a math guru and seems to have wonderful ideas and practical resources regarding math. The actual post was titled <a href="http://marilynburnsmathblog.com/wordpress/when-should-and-shouldnt-we-give-answers/">"When Should or Shouldn't We Give Answers</a>?" In the post she shares the "1 to 10 Card Investigation" (Read her original post about it <a href="http://marilynburnsmathblog.com/wordpress/the-1-10-card-investigation/">here</a>.) I was actually intrigued by the problem. </div>
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So during math class, I mentioned the post to my students. I happened to say that I DID NOT know the answer to the Card Investigation myself. This seemed to be a challenge they wanted to take on so I showed them Marilyn's video about how to set up the cards. When my homeroom students returned before lunch, their classmates mentioned the challenge to them. I shared the video once again (quickly) before we headed to the cafeteria. I had no idea how it would take off. The kids were abuzz about this problem. (One student even made her own set of 1-10 from index cards!) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogAIKZjFUEsLDkgOeLKe6xB3FMYzeav-12UwzmogvDHevMlBjYGsf1_bsweei1giHYZ1ouvc1xeVptNn0Nn2xn-TsfIZrq3cqCLuCz7uW5P8BZ9bgpQC0Rzls5mtmd7s-YCYPXW15y_XE/s1600/card+problem+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogAIKZjFUEsLDkgOeLKe6xB3FMYzeav-12UwzmogvDHevMlBjYGsf1_bsweei1giHYZ1ouvc1xeVptNn0Nn2xn-TsfIZrq3cqCLuCz7uW5P8BZ9bgpQC0Rzls5mtmd7s-YCYPXW15y_XE/s1600/card+problem+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping a classmate</td></tr>
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<b>Upon returning from lunch </b>many students started heading to the math center to find the playing cards. Some students paired up but many worked alone. We didn't have much time as the class was headed to Phys. Ed. But when they came back they REALLY wanted to try. How could I say no? It's a math puzzle after all! So I let them work on it for about 15 minutes. The "awwwws" were audible when I told them they'd have to put their cards away so we could continue with our science (which is usually their fav!).</div>
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<b>To my surprise, students went home that evening and worked on the problem </b>(without direction from me to do so). A few came in with the problem solved while others were "soooo" close to the solution. Really, the only direction I gave them was that they should be keeping track of their trials (as Marilyn Burns suggested). Again, the students wanted to work on this problem throughout the day. Students who were successful got the extension activity that Marilyn had suggested. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDRez5F10fyQLDsXEFBwCh4545nK4ovQNwO5Mlequ_Ek3NEiVpTd2s46LmQKQOoYiwFLfF-JJlioEBRjZ60SH4QXEvOaED2JE5zncdn2FWTeCzLClsexxeG1I1sUjRydP8cuQ0dAYOeC0/s1600/Card+Trick+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDRez5F10fyQLDsXEFBwCh4545nK4ovQNwO5Mlequ_Ek3NEiVpTd2s46LmQKQOoYiwFLfF-JJlioEBRjZ60SH4QXEvOaED2JE5zncdn2FWTeCzLClsexxeG1I1sUjRydP8cuQ0dAYOeC0/s320/Card+Trick+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recording each trial</td></tr>
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<b>The students ALL agreed that the problem was difficult. </b> No one gave up! It was so fun to watch the smiles on the faces of those who figured it out. It was heartwarming to see classmates helping each other solve without giving the solution away. It was most amazing to hear students ask for extension after extension. (Several students are working on putting 4 cards under - this will make sense if you read the problem). This was "perseverance" at it's best! This alone could have been the lesson!</div>
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<b>All of this is wonderful, </b><b>but it makes me ask the question again,</b> "Why is it some problems are more engaging than others?" I asked my students why they loved this problem. Some of the responses included "It's fun!" "It's challenging." "I like cards!" Could it be that they felt comfortable with the using smaller numbers? Or was it because they thought it was a "trick?" Or was it simply they like using the cards? </div>
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<b>I would love to hear your ideas on what types of problems 'hook' your students and I'd love to learn how we find more of these types of problems that help our students learn?</b> </div>
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Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-7543723475790719772016-02-27T10:22:00.000-05:002017-02-13T07:25:57.946-05:00When a Student Moves Away<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT6NgGUkdxMrAeJU29WmZO793QU0aWeDpf1lkjbXFEUFxCgUNok3-Mvgzr9vdo99AIsXvpfuKsM9J5d2qhTuxyRA8gIXebkIBMK5QdOEBP4dS_2sTOTl5aOggR8in_oObzijyuvYiuPFy/s1600/jw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT6NgGUkdxMrAeJU29WmZO793QU0aWeDpf1lkjbXFEUFxCgUNok3-Mvgzr9vdo99AIsXvpfuKsM9J5d2qhTuxyRA8gIXebkIBMK5QdOEBP4dS_2sTOTl5aOggR8in_oObzijyuvYiuPFy/s320/jw1.jpg" width="216" /></a><b>Do you remember when your friend moved away in grade school? </b> Or maybe <b>YOU</b> were the one that moved away during those elementary school years. I can still remember the names of my classmates that moved away: Linda, MaryBeth, Martha and that was many decades ago. Do you remember how you felt...sad, confused, hurt, nervous, heartbroken or a combination of these? <br />
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<b>Well, yesterday our class had to say good bye to one of our own.</b> Not only was this hard on
the student who was leaving, but for many of the classmates. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMLBygqW2EAbFKOGdGjTzkOE4V7owoKmNfGy-skkzbeycgZDVSF3Jw_OYEaZZHyEfvas-xxZqcr-6DX28JBBzEplfnbo5Os3gSmzDhUeEQii0M2bmy7fT_leGmkccTOvdqmP01fhqNIC5/s1600/jw2.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/AVvXsEgkMLBygqW2EAbFKOGdGjTzkOE4V7owoKmNfGy-skkzbeycgZDVSF3Jw_OYEaZZHyEfvas-xxZqcr-6DX28JBBzEplfnbo5Os3gSmzDhUeEQii0M2bmy7fT_leGmkccTOvdqmP01fhqNIC5/s320/jw2.jpg" width="244" /></a><b>Fortunately, the school knew in advance that the child was leaving which gave us the opportunity to make some preparations for his departure.</b> (When Martha left we had no idea - she just wasn't in school the next day!) Informing the class ahead of time (when the student was out of the room) and answering their questions made a difference in how students would deal with the change. Speaking privately to the student moving allowed him to share his thoughts and feelings. A deep sense of loss was shared by many.<br />
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<b>Luckily, we live in a day where technology can help us stay connected.</b> (When Linda moved away we lost touch until we recently found each other on Facebook). Now we have so many ways to contact with those that move. Hopefully, this student's new class will be willing to Skype with us. <br />
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<b>On the last day we were able to present the child with some gifts.</b> Students each made a page for a book. "A Day In Our School Without Our Friend is Like..." an Xbox without games; a banana split without bananas or ice cream; a hotdog without the dog; the stars on a lonely night. Along with these were sentiments of how and why the student would be missed and a picture of the page's author. A school tee-shirt was signed by all the classmates and some other small gifts were shared.<br />
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<b>It's never easy to say good-bye but as educators we can help all involved cope with the change.</b> Here are some resources that might be of assistance.<br />
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<i><b>Resources:</b></i><br />
<a href="http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/best-moving-books/">7 Great Children's Books About Moving</a><i><b> </b></i><br />
Education World - <a href="http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr134.shtml">Student Mobility: Helping Children Cope with a Moving Experience</a><br />
We Are Teachers: <a href="http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2016/01/26/best-of-teacher-helpline-5-ways-to-say-goodbye-to-a-moving-student">5 Ways to Say Goodbye to a Moving Student</a> <br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-55280167764608489742016-02-20T09:48:00.001-05:002016-02-21T09:29:36.120-05:00Student Self-Selected Book Clubs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituLyeMsuvzQqPGPW1jTSsSFcWXhzLqzv7FcXwbAwVd4CiadLE6xl75RAB6i04yQHFdgYGunaCg3cwkxVJ2de_KAKTNABpvSIpHBUxTz88BatybOD1QoB-PDGdEx7mzJx6rQ54PNmgt3OU/s1600/Lincolns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituLyeMsuvzQqPGPW1jTSsSFcWXhzLqzv7FcXwbAwVd4CiadLE6xl75RAB6i04yQHFdgYGunaCg3cwkxVJ2de_KAKTNABpvSIpHBUxTz88BatybOD1QoB-PDGdEx7mzJx6rQ54PNmgt3OU/s1600/Lincolns.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>When it comes to reading, what's better than sinking your teeth into a good book?</b> For me, and for many others, it would be <i>sharing</i> our thoughts and ideas about that good book. Well, it's no different for 10 year olds!<br />
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<b>This year I have seen the empowerment of "shared" reading with my students via a "book club."</b> Over the years students in my class have participated in "<a href="http://www.litcircles.org/Overview/overview.html">Literature Circles</a>" mostly with success. Somehow though, the groups seem to be driven by me (with specific roles for each participant) or by the choices of books that are available in bulk. <br />
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<b>A few weeks back a student approached me for a book recommendation during our Media time.</b> I led her to a personal favorite, "<a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/stone-fox#cart/cleanup">Stone Fox</a>" by John Reynolds Gardiner. When another student overheard, I suggested they read together. A third student overheard the conversation and wanted to join in. Fortunately, I have several copies of that wonderful book. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQfRIeySCDZ0hj6AiIJHWOHL2XeHdGef_kw0mdDiMytFcpZH8chyjLXqPsa8Znf6qgjnKNtJWKVubSF2jLUPU9oYLJJOSPFdvXX0GDhMmbPMDdch5gjD-pq8h9jj24j3spBD0WjZxVmJ/s1600/Lincolns2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQfRIeySCDZ0hj6AiIJHWOHL2XeHdGef_kw0mdDiMytFcpZH8chyjLXqPsa8Znf6qgjnKNtJWKVubSF2jLUPU9oYLJJOSPFdvXX0GDhMmbPMDdch5gjD-pq8h9jj24j3spBD0WjZxVmJ/s1600/Lincolns2.jpg" /></a><b>This idea of reading together sparked the interest of another group of three students.</b> Quickly, scanning my classroom library I tried to find some books that might appeal to them. I came up with several I thought might interest them (of course these books were partly chosen because I had more than one copy.) As we were pouring over the library we came to the book, "<a href="http://www.scholastic.com/browse/book.jsp?id=1303455">Chasing Lincoln's Killers</a>" by James Swanson. That was it! The boys were beside themselves as they anticipated reading this book together. The problem - I only had one copy. Not to worry, we scoured all the classes in the school. Unfortunately, we came up with only one other. But we couldn't find a third book. <br />
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<b>However, the next day the boys came up to me bristling with excitement.</b> One of the boys had gone to the local book store and purchased his OWN copy of the book (with his own money!) so they could read it all together! Amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLz2D6I910YmzQuyYWphvARhmzs30bHYmmqbLXI9LED4XLM88p-IIM74Ybe1g5L1WcXxdppoLVtYFbrfYJqrl4GWh3H036wHuZwQBpg9VxzUwTu1tBx81DMcjbdYqaoNWv76FY3OPWLF76/s1600/3790380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLz2D6I910YmzQuyYWphvARhmzs30bHYmmqbLXI9LED4XLM88p-IIM74Ybe1g5L1WcXxdppoLVtYFbrfYJqrl4GWh3H036wHuZwQBpg9VxzUwTu1tBx81DMcjbdYqaoNWv76FY3OPWLF76/s320/3790380.jpg" width="210" /></a><b>But here's the really amazing part! </b> The boys collaborated with each other (without my intervention) deciding which how many pages they would read or when they would complete each chapter. They used any free time in class to (voluntarily) read together and discuss what was happening.<br />
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<b>And the discussions...just priceless! </b> Each student taking turns, sharing their predictions, their understandings, their questions with one another. They were looking at maps and doing extra research. They were learning new vocabulary and helping each other with unfamiliar words. They were recording important information in a Google Doc.<br />
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<b>However, the best part was when they <i>invited</i> me to read along with them!</b> They wanted me to learn about what they were reading. Each time we sat down together, they would catch me up on what they had learned - showing true understanding. <i>All of this because they shared an interest in the story! </i><br />
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<b>Hoping this wonderful love of 'group reading' will continue. </b> It has inspired other students in the classroom to read together. It's great to see the collaboration and shared interests.<br />
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<b><i>Literature Circle Resources:</i></b><br />
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Read Write Think: <a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/literature-circles-with-primary-44.html">Lesson Plan: Literature Circles w/ Primary Students Using Self Selected Reading</a><b><i><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/literature-circles-with-primary-44.html"> </a></i></b><br />
Education World: <a href="http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr259.shtml">Literature Circles Build Excitement for Books</a><br />
PBS: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/reading-language/reading-tips/book-clubs-for-kids/">Book Clubs for Kids</a><br />
Great Kids: <a href="http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/book-clubs-for-kids/">It's not just for Oprah: Book Clubs for Kids</a> <br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-31200457812055266962016-01-10T12:25:00.001-05:002016-01-10T20:08:51.847-05:00Leading a Thankful Revolution<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You notes to Donors of WalkKits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few years ago @coolcatteacher Vicki Davis, published a blog post titled, <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2013/07/why-teachers-should-help-lead-thankful.html">Why Teachers Should Help Lead a Thankful Revolution</a>. Basically it was about helping children 'build thankfulness as a habit.' This idea reminds me of Angela Maeirs' "<a href="http://www.angelamaiers.com/2012/01/the-you-matter-manifesto/">You Matter</a>" campaign. Both of these inspired me to start a "Thankful Revolution" with my students. But for some reason, it never really expanded beyond what I was already doing in my classroom. <br />
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My students still carry on the tradition of sending hand-written thank you's to veterans for Veteran's Day and again during the Holidays. The students have also mailed a note of thanks to a family member during Thanksgiving and then for gift during the the holidays. Again, these are not new to to our class repertoire (and you can read about previous posts here: <a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2013/05/writing-to-our-veterans.html">Veterans Thank Yous</a> and <a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2011/12/thank-you-notes-with-twist.html">Thank Yous with a Twist</a>. ) We have expanded writing Thank Yous to donors who provide different resources to our classroom (like Donors Choose or from <a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2015/10/lessons-on-go-walking-classroom.html">Donors of the Walking Classroom</a>). While these ideas continue to be meaningful, in the back of my mind I keep thinking that I need to make the "Thankful Revolution" more of a daily ritual or habit.<br />
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In early December I attended a workshop on the <a href="https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/">Responsive Classroom</a>. "<i>Responsive Classroom</i> is a research-based approach to teaching
that focuses on the strong link between academic success and
social-emotional skills. We believe that a high-quality education for
every child is built on the foundation of a safe and joyful learning
community." It is a hope that by incorporating some of the RC strategies, such as the Morning Meeting, we will begin the journey towards becoming more appreciative for one another with the idea of moving this beyond our classmates.<br />
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Each morning after the Pledge, (Yes <a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2013/09/we-still-pledge-allegiance-every-day.html">We Still Say the Pledege of Allegiance</a>), we go around the room, look a classmate in the eye, say their name and extend a pleasant greeting. The greeting is returned in the same way. We end our day in this manner as well. At first it was awkward with giggles and quick responses. Now that we have been doing this for a couple weeks the students are more comfortable and giving better eye contact. This was a step toward extending simple courtesies to one another. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You for the Gift!</td></tr>
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Going forward we are going to broaden the "Thankful Revolution" to those times when a student shares his/her work. After sharing or receiving feedback the students will 'thank one another' something like this: "Thank you Katelyn for explaining your math ideas." "Your welcome, Jake." Using a person's name is more powerful and sincere when saying thank you.<br />
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Other plans to Lead a <u><i>Thankful Revolution in our Classroom</i></u> will include:<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Handwritten Notes</b></i>: to a classmate or other school member for helping out in some way </li>
<li><b><i>Acknowledge Absence</i></b>: When a student is absent a classmate will welcome the student back. (A student will also keep track papers making sure the absent student returns to a neat desk. The absent student will respond with a thank you!) </li>
<li><i><b>Public Praise</b></i>: Students will publicly thank a classmate or school member. This could be done using a Pic Collage, a Sticky Note on Padlet (see below), a video, </li>
<li><i><b>Peer Applause: </b></i>Time will be given once a week for students to give specific "Peer Applause" to a classmate for a job well done! (We do this at every other staff meeting - it's nice to receive positive feedback from a peer for something.) </li>
<li><i><b>Small Token of Appreciation:</b></i> Students will be encouraged to leave a small surprise for a classmate who has been especially kind to them: the gift could be a sticky note with a smiley face, a drawing, a homemade trinket (origami, bookmark, tissue flower, etc) </li>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480px" src="//padlet.com/embed/1d8mwx5ix5rm" style="border: none; margin: 0; padding: 0;" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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Once we have become comfortable and familiar with thanking a classmate, it is my hope to extend this beyond the walls of our classroom and our school.<br />
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Please share your ideas in the comments below on how the idea of a "Thankful Revolution" can be expanded!<br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-44723961462201593612015-10-18T10:13:00.004-04:002015-10-18T10:14:52.598-04:00Lessons on the Go - The Walking Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>"I feel pumped up now!" shared Domenic after our first official <a href="http://www.thewalkingclassroom.org/">Walking Classroom </a> (TWC) lesson. </b>Other student comments included: "I'm more awake now - sometimes I'm tired when I come to school." and "I think this is going to be great - we get to go outside and learn!"<br />
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<b>Last year I saw a tweet about the "Walking Classroom" program and I knew I HAD to use this with my classroom. </b> The premise: get kids moving and learning - the perfect combination. <br />
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<b>I had to find a way to get the WalkKits</b> <i>(WalkKit is a device-like an mp3 player-that is preloaded with podcasts specifically geared towards 4th grade)</i> into the hands (and ears) of my class. So I applied for a GO! Grant but my proposal was not accepted. Knowing that this program would have many benefits to my class I reached out to TWC to see what else I might try. They suggested applying for a donation through their site. My application was reviewed and our class was put on a waiting list (waiting for a donor). A few weeks later an email arrived saying we would be receiving a class set of WalkKits. My class and I were beyond thrilled.<br />
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<b>On the day the WalkKits arrived</b> a resounding cheer reverberated throughout our hallway. Students knew they soon would be outside and learning. After permission slips were signed, we took our first walk WITHOUT the WalkKits. This allowed us to check out our route and practice walking as a class. The following day we began with our first podcast. Listening to walking safety tips and learning about different question types, the students will be ready for their next "Lessons on the Go!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLcXAZ7b9pLSMlrmZ2Vl5R1Poro9FdBm_uJFt0MKAT4QySiTLfRgx4fhq8kZQ8PJRhpdu8zwkpFJLD8mvCB5qAq-3vQVedrp_QWFbZvRRT_qmNUBxozJ6c1TCxfeDarwCipNNhDEv1Cbl/s1600/DM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLcXAZ7b9pLSMlrmZ2Vl5R1Poro9FdBm_uJFt0MKAT4QySiTLfRgx4fhq8kZQ8PJRhpdu8zwkpFJLD8mvCB5qAq-3vQVedrp_QWFbZvRRT_qmNUBxozJ6c1TCxfeDarwCipNNhDEv1Cbl/s1600/DM2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Thank you to Laura Fenn</b>, Executive Director of The Walking Classroom, for her idea and wonderful podcasts! And Thank You to the generous (anonymous) donor for providing us with a class set of WalkKits! We can't wait to share what we learn!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>What are some other ways we can make learning more active for students? </b></span> <br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-74013389992280456932015-09-27T11:03:00.001-04:002015-09-27T11:03:25.312-04:00Building a Growth Mindset<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq-ZDPaSpuK7_xImbEcXKQiPUYdTYlrspjYz3pnKGePHAUXrLY_UNBzRQmIaurWypgdJ6w3Ofm-dn50HR_8eHenmCzdqtGgR29G_hBt3qYVardsGsUX2HxfuWkFb7WhOgecyPrLMBFZw/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHq-ZDPaSpuK7_xImbEcXKQiPUYdTYlrspjYz3pnKGePHAUXrLY_UNBzRQmIaurWypgdJ6w3Ofm-dn50HR_8eHenmCzdqtGgR29G_hBt3qYVardsGsUX2HxfuWkFb7WhOgecyPrLMBFZw/s320/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a><b>Building and fostering a "<a href="http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/index.html">Growth Mindset</a>" doesn't happen overnight.</b> The year began with several activities to help inspire the idea that "intelligence can be developed" and that "you can learn anything through hard work and effort!"<br />
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<b>On the first day of school we watched this video created by the Kahn Academy titled "<a href="http://They posted their thoughts on a sticky note which were displayed in the classroom.">You Can Learn Anything</a>!</b>" <br />
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<b>The video really resonated with many students because they could directly relate to it.</b> Students posted their thoughts on a sticky note which were displayed in the classroom.<br />
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<b>Take a minute to watch the Khan Academy video to see what positive message you take away from it.</b><br />
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<b>The following video was shared at another time. </b>From this video we talked about the idea of "Training Our Brain" to accomplish things we want to learn. This happened to coincide with <a href="http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/"><b>International Dot Day</b></a> so we completed an activity where we drew on a dot something we wanted to learn.<br />
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<b>For the first school assembly we decided to share some words that will help change your mindset.</b> It was inspired by this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Change-Your-Words-Change-your-MINDSET-Bulletin-Board-2113097">TeachersPayTeachers bulletin board by Pinkadots Elementary</a>. For the lesson students were given the Fixed mindset statements (I give Up; I'm not Good at this; This is too hard, etc) and asked to replace them with positive statements (I'll try my best; I'll keep working on this; With some effort I'll get this; etc). Then students carouselled around the room and added more statements to each others' posters.<br />
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<b>The final step in this process was to select some phrases that would be added to some homemade speech bubbles, </b>which would then be presented to the school during the assembly. Students worked hard and did a fabulous job presenting. <br />
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Training your brain doesn't happen overnight so we will continue the process of working towards a "Growth Mindset" throughout the year! The ultimate goal is about 'Learning' and how we can do that best!<br />
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<br /><i><b>Here are some other resources about Mindsets:</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Fixed vs. Growth: The Two Basic Mindsets that Change Our Lives</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://whatkidscando.org/resources/spec_growthmindset.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Growth Mindset & What it Can Do </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/+EducationWeek/posts/iyS4Kqdgem1" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">How to Encourage Students</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://busyteacher.org/16314-8-simple-ways-to-encourage-your-students.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">8 Simple Ways to Encourage Students</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Feel like sharing your thoughts on Mindset? Please leave a comment below! </span></b>Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-6482432312780765672015-06-07T13:49:00.001-04:002015-06-08T08:50:49.495-04:00YOU Made a Difference<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grade 4 Class of 2006-2007</td></tr>
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<b>As teachers we often wonder if we "make a difference" in the lives of our students.</b> (In reality and in our hearts we know that somewhere in our career, we MUST have positively impacted someone.)<br />
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<b>But, I wonder do our students ever WONDER if they have made a difference in OUR life? </b>I'm not so sure they think too long about it as they progress to the next level.<br />
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<b>Today some of my former students graduate</b> and I'd like to share the story of why this ENTIRE class made a difference in MY life!<br />
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<b>In July 2006 I heard those three words no one ever should hear: "You have Cancer!"</b> I immediately thought of my young family and then started thinking about my 4th grade class. Starting off the year was not going to be a possibility as I had to undergo some aggressive chemotherapy treatments. The teary call made to my principal was one I'll always remember because I assured him that I WOULD BE returning as soon as my doctors gave me the okay (sometime in January or February). <br />
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<b>Throughout the next few months I received countless notes and cards from "my" students.</b> (My students: these kiddos knew me only through their siblings or through school assemblies or interactions in the hallways.) <i><b>Yet they still acted as if I were their teacher!</b></i> They told me about their likes, their dislikes and their goals and dreams. On my occasional visits to the classroom (where I would receive "elbow" hugs) their faces would light up with stories of what they were learning and <b>always, always</b> the question "<i><b>when are you coming back</b></i>?" These children embraced me without really even knowing me. Their desire for me to return to "them" is what kept me motivated, positive and above all else, STRONG!<br />
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<b>I DID indeed return to them (cancer free!) in late February </b>where I was given a rousing round of applause and a tee-shirt that I still have to this day! Walking into the classroom on that first day back, to those students who had such faith in me, I felt like I had known them all along!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Written by Kyle in Grade 5</td></tr>
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<b>The story doesn't end their as it never does!</b> The following year when the students were in Grade 5 I asked them to write some acrostic poems for some Cancer Survivors for the Relay for Life. The poems they wrote were placed inside the Survivor's Tent at the local Relay. After reading the poems, many tear-filled survivors commented about the inspiration and the positiveness that emanated from these young students!<br />
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<b>Over the years, these students have remained dear to my heart</b> as I heard they participated in the School Competition of the National Geography Bee; or the Middle School play, or became volunteers at After School programs for Kids; or scored many goals for the hockey team; or helped out with the Film Festival; moved or went off to a different school! <br />
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<b>Because of your faith, your encouragement, your desire to have me back in the classroom, your notes and gifts - because of YOU, <i> I BEAT Cancer!</i></b> You have <b>MADE A DIFFERENCE in my life and I THANK YOU as you graduate</b> on this beautiful day! I'm sure you'll continue to make a difference in the lives of many others! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHS Graduation June 2015</td></tr>
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<b>As a final note: </b> I know the students wrote to me, made cards, presented me with gifts through the tutelage of my substitute that year. <b>Nancy Farris</b>, none of that would have happened without you! Your inspiration and your insistence that I visit the classroom (whether I was ready or not) absolutely helped me get through that tough part of my life! I THANK YOU as YOU continue to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in my life!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">So if you know or see: Nancy F., Rachel, Allison, Kendall, Patrick, Oscar, Nick, Kyle, Jonathan, Angela, Chris, Andie, Madison, Meagan, Megan W, Mike, Stephanie, Lucy, Ashley, Emilee, Lolita, John, Joe, Kody, Dan, or Helen please tell them how they have made a difference in YOUR life! </span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-30086547278305931142015-04-24T13:45:00.001-04:002020-09-15T18:24:36.106-04:00Stem in the Classroom - Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WVr_Wu3Z_bayb3jNbXiOsPs-1YmGAZd5mPmw8KzC0__kVnlD2j_CdLjeKXIM0D3K1SZE56nt4RZ0W9yjjAoDcnkapGG2sb9akbp5eC2K8LOIuuf0_HzQ1xtJdfI45RSX16zv02hR57Mr/s1600/IMG_5693.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WVr_Wu3Z_bayb3jNbXiOsPs-1YmGAZd5mPmw8KzC0__kVnlD2j_CdLjeKXIM0D3K1SZE56nt4RZ0W9yjjAoDcnkapGG2sb9akbp5eC2K8LOIuuf0_HzQ1xtJdfI45RSX16zv02hR57Mr/s1600/IMG_5693.jpg" width="240" /></a><b>After our initial experience with Building a Sail Car (<a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2015/03/stem-in-elementary-classroom.html">read about it here</a>) my students (and I) were HOOKED with these building challenges!</b> I knew I had to capitalize on their enthusiasm and determination and continue this type of learning!<br />
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<b>However, changes had to be made to make sure it was a true and balanced learning experience. </b> This means starting with a REAL plan. It just so happened that I stumbled across (<i>while actively searching for appropriate & challenging STEM-type activities</i>) this great resource geared for students in grades 4-8:<a href="https://www.attheworks.org/files/documents/Elmers%20Bridges%20Teaching%20Guide.pdf"><u> Bridges: An Integrated Stem Teaching Guide</u></a> provided by <a href="http://elmers.com/lesson-plans">Elmer's</a> in cooperation with <a href="http://www.attheworks.org/events/community/stemfest.aspx">STEMfest The Works</a>. It provided a lot of the structure I needed to proceed: Objectives, Discussion Questions, Research Activities & Hands On Activities.<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>Activate Prior Knowledge</i>:</span> To begin, I read the story: Bridges Are to Cross by Philemon Sturges with stunning illustrations by Giles Laroche. </b> This quick but engaging book shared different types of bridges (from ones that carry llamas loaded with firewood to covered bridges that are located in a neighboring state!). Students were quick to share stories and make connections: "I've been to a bridge like that when my family went skiing in New Hampshire!" "My dad's been to the London Bridge!" "I know that bridge is in California - I've seen it in movies!"<br />
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Students also read selected passages from "<a href="http://readworks.org/">ReadWorks.org</a>": Building a Bridge (fiction) and it's paired reading text: Building a Better Mousetrap. Because these were geared for fifth grade, the students used the "<a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/partner_reading">Partner Reading Strategy</a>." <br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>Share the Challenge:</i></span> After reading the book I told the students that they would be building bridges in the classroom! </b> Lots of excitement, fist pumps & oh yeahs went around the room. Many assumed we would be using craft sticks. I waited until after the research to share the news that they would be building PAPER bridges! <br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i><b>Research:</b></i> </span><b>Students were asked to discover the different types of bridges.</b> They were given a handout with 4 different pictures and were asked to identify the type as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each! Students were given the mnemonic: BATS to further interest them. (Beam, Arch, Truss, Suspension). I found several websites that provided great information for the students. Some of the students found <i>even better</i> resources and shared with the class! Talk about student leaders!! (<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">This wouldn't be possible without our recently "donated" Chromebooks to help out! If you'd like to help us further please visit my <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/project/chromebook-create-collaborate-commun/1528246/?rf=link-siteshare-2015-04-account_projects_teacher-teacher_1011220&challengeid=173725">Donor's Choose page</a> - we appreciate any/all donations on our newest project - it makes a difference EVERYDAY especially in activities such as these!!</span>)<br />
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<i><b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">The Challenge:</span> </b></i><b>The first challenge in the Elmer's Guide is 'Building a Paper Bridge' that can hold 100 pennies! </b>The parameters included using only 2 pieces of paper, no tape only glue (after all this was promoted by Elmer's!) and certain dimensions for width and span. <b>Impossible you say? Students thought so too! </b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>Planning:</i></span> Before building could start, students had to PLAN their designs. </b>Reminding them about the Sail Car Challenge I mentioned how many said they wished they took more time to plan<b>. </b>I also mentioned that they would be getting 4 pieces of paper which meant that they REALLY had to plan carefully as resources would be limited. Sharing the "Engineering Design Process" with the students helped them formulate, plan, create, improve upon and redesign if necessary. Students used <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Engineering-Desgin-Process-Graphic-Organizer-1022926">this graphic organizer</a>. One student even made 'secret' Blueprints!! Students were instructed to record their design changes. (This is where I need help to make it easier for them to do this. I think a journal next time would make it easier.)<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i><b>The Activity:</b></i></span> <b>The day finally arrived and students began discussing, designing and building.</b> A gentle reminder that only 2 pieces of paper could be used. Rulers were gathered and measuring began. The bridges' piers were set in place. More discussion, more measuring...."I think we should make an arch bridge because it's stronger." "How can we make this paper stronger?" "Don't forget it has to be 3 inches wide." "Let's ask if we can use tape!" After about 20 minutes we had to stop to attend music. Students wanted to leave things set up and try again after. We spend about another 20 minutes after music and still hadn't finished. I've learned you can't RUSH these things. We decided we would pick up again the next day and try again.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i><b>Post Activity</b></i></span>: <b>After day 2 one student successfully completed the challenge as her bridge held 102 pennies! </b>Unfortunately, students didn't finish before we went on vacation. So this activity will be resumed. Students will complete a reflection (using Google Forms) and we'll gather as a group to talk about why the designs worked/didn't work. We'll again go back to our research and discuss the different types of bridges. We will also discuss ways to improve upon the Design Process. More research will be conducted and other challenges to complete. The other challenges include: the Bridge Tower Challenge, The Truss Bridge Challenge & the Toothpick Bridge Challenge. Hopefully, the students will continue to be excited about these different challenges and learning opportunities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BppTM_hnhm7x__YGjgLAj8591U3XPYVieVkqYmhvD3xqerzGqHlTXcJtKmnpBVV2K3uGQd43XsAO2CvD1QEwfESDJY9laRevRHLDBZjv0WkHFxCENwVuaWqFtKYuW8bjJpi0IepAqpbE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-24+at+1.45.14+PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BppTM_hnhm7x__YGjgLAj8591U3XPYVieVkqYmhvD3xqerzGqHlTXcJtKmnpBVV2K3uGQd43XsAO2CvD1QEwfESDJY9laRevRHLDBZjv0WkHFxCENwVuaWqFtKYuW8bjJpi0IepAqpbE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-24+at+1.45.14+PM.png" width="242" /></a><b>While this activity was frustrating for some (as they wanted desperately to complete this challenge) I saw some wonderful learning happening.</b> Students from different groups helping each other with their designs - sharing what they thought would work or why the design might not work. Referring to research websites and using great vocabulary while discussing the bridge in relation to the weight of the pennies. Lots of measuring was happening during the challenge. Students working on "attending to precision and persevering in problem solving" (these are 2 of the Standards of Mathematical Practices we've been working on in math!). So many areas of the curriculum accessed in this one challenge! You gotta love it! WE DO!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i><b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span>Challenge for YOU</b></i></span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">: </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>What ideas or suggestions could you make to help students record their design changes</b>? </span><br />
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<u><i><b>Resources Used:</b></i></u><br />
<a href="http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-bridges/">Easy Science for Kids - Bridge Facts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/basics.html">PBS: Building Big - Bridge Basics</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/challenge/index.html">PBS: Building Big - The Bridge Challenge</a> (Interactive)<br />
<a href="https://kidskonnect.com/science/bridges/">KidsKonnect - Bridge Facts & Information</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_8554425_advantages-disadvantages-types-bridges.html">eHow: Advantages & Disadvantages of Types of Bridges</a><br />
IKNS Bridges: A Wikispace - <a href="http://iknsbridges.wikispaces.com/Strengths+and+Weaknesses">Strengths & Weaknesses</a> <div><br /></div><div>Resource found by Sarah, a Girl Scout studying Engineering: <a href="https://www.yourlawyer.com/library/historic-bridges-brooklyn-bridge-and-beyond/" target="_blank">Historic Bridges</a><br />
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<img height="50" src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" /></div>Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-8589730498815877892015-03-07T23:51:00.000-05:002015-03-08T18:52:19.046-04:00STEM in the Elementary Classroom<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlEo7AUEMeZZBGP4ONsmqOoiYvFSyIvN5q9SPwrylSW7Z7XfUDzgloeiJkiK3jGlp1kDKouOdYPCU296460SjIuVw9Alyi8pkPacL6VhVHTVLb3r2gL_eYElmsgxUsBt6_x3MC7N7kWrV/s1600/Sail+Car+Materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlEo7AUEMeZZBGP4ONsmqOoiYvFSyIvN5q9SPwrylSW7Z7XfUDzgloeiJkiK3jGlp1kDKouOdYPCU296460SjIuVw9Alyi8pkPacL6VhVHTVLb3r2gL_eYElmsgxUsBt6_x3MC7N7kWrV/s1600/Sail+Car+Materials.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Materials Used in Creation of Sail Car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Back in February I received an email from Catherine Logue, Associate Editor, Scholastic Instructor asking if I'd be interested in reviewing a STEM product.</b> Of course I jumped at the chance! As I waited for the supplies to arrive, I tried to imagine what exciting materials would be shipped to us. <br />
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<b>When the box arrived I couldn't open it fast enough</b>. Peering inside, I was less than thrilled! Seriously, I was disappointed! Inside were about 400 notched craft sticks, many clear straws, 6 inch long, thin dowels, elastics and some large and small cardboard wheels. As I looked at the lot, I wondered what the students could possibly do with this collection or ordinary items. Then I noticed there were directions for a "Sail Car" provided by Pitsco Education (<a href="http://www.pitsco.com/try_this_engineering_kit">Try This Engineering: Sail Car</a>).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nks-7De7Au8?rel=0&controls=0" width="420"></iframe>
<b> </b><br />
<b>http://youtu.be/nks-7De7Au8 </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnsANiYclgYfixorXhfhelfyu5W7RIJiqSPEPL1V3yYQVz58gqwGHNOx4vgibmXp1NLt1pxT3b-uoa_Oscwa3RN31U4CTu5bJDrOVaJfxHWrM_3J8Wu3anTnmRabr6mlPq9sz8kX9nYeW/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-03-07+at+9.48.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnsANiYclgYfixorXhfhelfyu5W7RIJiqSPEPL1V3yYQVz58gqwGHNOx4vgibmXp1NLt1pxT3b-uoa_Oscwa3RN31U4CTu5bJDrOVaJfxHWrM_3J8Wu3anTnmRabr6mlPq9sz8kX9nYeW/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-03-07+at+9.48.44+PM.png" height="320" width="206" /></a><b>As I gave my word I to review the product I decided to forge ahead and give it a chance.</b> When I presented the project to the students the fist pumps and 'oh yeah's' showed their eagerness to begin. Some parameters and basic directions were shared with the students. They were allowed to work with a partner, small group or independently. Students were asked to plan/sketch up to 4 designs on an organizer. In their fervor to get started their drawings were crudely thought out and drawn. (I purposely didn't give them the direction sheet as it had a picture of a completed car depicted on it. My thinking was that they might copy this car & not create their own.)<br />
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<b>Students worked steadily for about 40 minutes.</b> When it was time to "shift gears" for other instruction the room erupted with a loud "AWWW!"as students shared their displeasure at the interruption.<br />
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<b>During indoor recess almost all the students worked on their cars...not because they HAD to but because they WANTED to! </b>This alone speaks volumes of using STEM type activities in the classroom! It took some more class time to finish the car (over a couple of days). It was rather a trying experience as students had difficulty attaching the wheels - had I read the directions carefully, I could have saved them some frustration (but in the process I learned a bit about engineering too - Thank you Nancy F. for helping!). Of course throughout the building process discussions were being held about things that were working, not working - students collaborated between groups and were happy to share their successes. At one point, we even examined a "lego" car that a student made during recess one day so we could compare the wheel structure! Great ideas coming from these 10 year olds!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFiqicCBGzlBw09YVaxzRsAtTG65vC-WhJk-6xL5ACC2gKRk84pep2c4dsAPGmvXUnDPMMJl55FyJKaEV_i6uAeQTInRtj_Bh1b601LnkZKD8Ab_FAUNtcwaKWBc0IdMImYYvg5zeW6vp/s1600/Car+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFiqicCBGzlBw09YVaxzRsAtTG65vC-WhJk-6xL5ACC2gKRk84pep2c4dsAPGmvXUnDPMMJl55FyJKaEV_i6uAeQTInRtj_Bh1b601LnkZKD8Ab_FAUNtcwaKWBc0IdMImYYvg5zeW6vp/s1600/Car+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU6rRCgsAwcZFg6KuImyhjc7TKniM3e59F9ACzE75zy5H0cmGM7OUBzAv_j_Eo7XfGpOrpxpsjL5znDbgWDskHwzYwLu04H8TULeiF-r78qfRsWEKgzp4XAhBAH5c1raykwzSQFJ8NATJ/s1600/Car+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU6rRCgsAwcZFg6KuImyhjc7TKniM3e59F9ACzE75zy5H0cmGM7OUBzAv_j_Eo7XfGpOrpxpsjL5znDbgWDskHwzYwLu04H8TULeiF-r78qfRsWEKgzp4XAhBAH5c1raykwzSQFJ8NATJ/s1600/Car+1.JPG" height="320" title="" width="240" /></a><b>The day arrived that we were ready to test the cars to see which one would travel the furthest.</b> A START line was created and several tape measures were secured to the floor! Students were only allowed ONE blow through a straw - then the distance was measured. Each car had 3 tries. Students all lined up along the start line and awaited their turn. It really was fun. You could hear the students discussing why someone's car worked well or didn't work as well. The cars' distances ranged between 6 inches and 60 inches! Huzzah!<br />
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<b>To wrap up the project students all discussed what they learned and wrote a "Sail Car Reflection". </b> <span style="font-family: Times;">“Awesome! Fun! Confusing! Hard! Challenging!” – these are the words my students used to describe the project.
They loved being able to “create something using their own
ideas.” "Next time I'll take time to make a better plan." "I liked the materials because they were simple to use." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM07OLzRRdEYB3OBVeKyv-BbyLZGDQlYjMOQ7fUuMCMN1QVDWTVeMl-A043AApvH_RC-sbL5Jt5b2UmJZif6Ja7egnCnq9LSVrlVBIgrC0L7caJ_sB_6iIFQ2XxkwxcjP1yzxLGSCJ-av_/s1600/BeFunky_Sail+Car+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM07OLzRRdEYB3OBVeKyv-BbyLZGDQlYjMOQ7fUuMCMN1QVDWTVeMl-A043AApvH_RC-sbL5Jt5b2UmJZif6Ja7egnCnq9LSVrlVBIgrC0L7caJ_sB_6iIFQ2XxkwxcjP1yzxLGSCJ-av_/s1600/BeFunky_Sail+Car+Group.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>This is only one example of STEM in the classroom</b> (and not a very overly planned activity). The next activity will involve research - as students need some foundational skills or at least the background knowledge. What's the next activity???? I'm not sure, but I do know that IT will happen again and SOON! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">I would love to hear your ideas about STEM in the classroom and how you manage it! Feel free to share in the comment sections below!</span></b></span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-18452648639361608302015-02-15T14:49:00.002-05:002016-02-27T08:28:48.795-05:00Active Shooter Training for Schools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RWD8gAVTqdKnoQ3bwDJ_AGqINbHMlOdsJrmLOXF9BJVjsbyjitRqes3Y_xOQUqN_LmiC5kV55QoDZlH6k27rzQ9Bhy6eKS6StPHA0N-KvZBtYL0yxwN92MPDteJbPh2iSozKpaqMrTra/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-02-15+at+10.56.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RWD8gAVTqdKnoQ3bwDJ_AGqINbHMlOdsJrmLOXF9BJVjsbyjitRqes3Y_xOQUqN_LmiC5kV55QoDZlH6k27rzQ9Bhy6eKS6StPHA0N-KvZBtYL0yxwN92MPDteJbPh2iSozKpaqMrTra/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-02-15+at+10.56.38+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Twenty years ago "Active Shooter Training" would not have been a topic for a school's in-service day for teachers.</b> Unfortunately, with so many shootings happening in a school setting it was inevitable that it take place. According to <a href="http://stoptheshootings.org/">StopTheShootings.Org</a> since 1992 there have been 387 recorded shootings in schools across the United States. <br />
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<b>It's good to have a plan and practice it in the event of an emergency</b>.<b> </b>We prepare our students for Fire Drills and Lockdown Drills<b> </b>(and depending where you live Earthquake or Tornado Drills). Currently, our lockdown drills consist of locking our classroom doors, shutting off the lights and huddling in a corner while keeping our students quiet and calm. <br />
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<b>However, yesterday our district went to the 'next level' of preparedness</b> and had all elementary school personnel participate in a "realistic" training provided by <a href="http://www.synergy911.us/">SynergySolutions</a>, which is comprised of trained instructors from law enforcement, military and federal agencies. (Please note - NO STUDENTS were in the building or took part in this training. It was strictly school personnel.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Classroom Trainer</td></tr>
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<b>This proactive approach shared by Synergy Solutions Co-Founder, Sgt. Jason Brennan</b>, includes the philosophy of "Lockdown! Leave! Live!" which encourages folks to "Locate the problem then make a decision on how to react." Sgt. Brennan stated that law enforcement officers and first responders have already been trained how to handle these types of situations. But he feels the teachers are the "missing link" in the training process. These are the folks who will be in the situation before help arrives.<br />
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Below are just some of the notes I took.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Lockdown includes some of these ideas:</b></li>
<ul>
<li>draw the shades</li>
<li>turn of lights</li>
<li>barricade doors with furniture</li>
<li>rope tie the door </li>
</ul>
<li><b>Leave based on 'real time' information</b></li>
<ul>
<li>avoid hallways</li>
<li>auditoriums</li>
<li>cafeterias</li>
<li>find another space</li>
<li>if outside - zig zag pattern to find cover </li>
</ul>
<li><b>Live not fight but attack if necessary using nearby items</b></li>
<ul>
<li> fire extinguishers</li>
<li>laptop</li>
<li>chairs</li>
<li>keys</li>
<li>books</li>
<li>purse</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<b>Part of this training included participating in a REALISTIC event. </b> We were each assigned to a classroom where we received further instruction by one of the highly trained members of Synergy Solutions. Looking around the room he pointed out different ways to "lockdown" the room.<br />
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<b>LOCKDOWN: We knew ahead of time there would be gunfire (blanks)</b> which would simulate what it might sound like if a shooter were in the building. <b>Pop! Bang!</b> The sound of gunfire was apparent in the hallway. Knowing it was going to happen didn't make it any less scary either! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barricade at the Back Door</td></tr>
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<b>Quickly we all reacted</b> by grabbing desks and chairs and piling them up near the doors, jamming door stoppers under the doors, pulling shades, shutting lights, etc. Although we knew it was a drill the adrenaline was still pumping through our veins as we worked together to achieve the goal of securing the room. Waiting silently in the dark against the wall for the all clear made it seem real. <br />
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<b>LEAVE: Next, we were all asked to go into the hallway.</b> Again, instruction was given as to what precautions/reactions we should take. Pretty soon shots rang out and people scrambled into a nearby classroom. Soon the the task of obstructing doorways commenced.<br />
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<b>Second time around we worked more rapidly </b>than before as we understood what to do...practice makes perfect! (or close to it!)<br />
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<b>LIVE: Finally, we were all together in the open auditorium. </b>Jay explained what would happen next and gave us some precautions. Again knowing there would be shots didn't take away the surprise and panic. When confronted with the ear-piercing sound people immediately started scattering for any one of the exits. The goal: leave and live!<br />
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<b>I ended up perched precariously on a bench behind a curtain in the girls locker room</b>! Not the safest place for sure! Other colleagues had locked themselves in the bathroom and used their pursed to secure the door handles even further. Others ran from room to room trying to gain access only to find locked doors. <br />
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<b>Time s l o w e d</b> as we waited for the time to report back to the auditorium (which was only about 5 minutes!) All the while, knowing in a real situation we might be waiting for hours. Certainly an eye opener for all.<br />
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<b>Realistic trainings like this have their pros and cons</b>. Initially, I wasn't keen on the idea because, if truth be told I can't be sure how I would react in this kind of a stressful situation. Having a plan, being walked through it, makes me a little more comfortable. Would I in a real situation grapple with desks and chairs to barricade a door? Would I instruct my students to leave the building and run in a zig zag pattern to a pre-determined meeting place? <br />
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<b>Knowing I'm responsible for 20+ students makes me take this seriously and think about an event too unfathomable to comprehend</b>. All I know is I'd go to the ends of the earth and back to make sure my students were safe - even if it means training in a school with the sounds of gunfire blanks.<br />
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<i><b><u>Resources</u>:</b></i><br />
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<i><b><a href="http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20100816/News/308169937">Local Article about SynergySolutions</a></b></i><br />
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<i><b><a href="http://www.alicetraining.com/what-we-do/respond-active-shooter-event/">ALICE Training Institute</a> - How to Respond to an Active Shooter Event </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><a href="http://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness">Department of Homeland Security</a> - Active Shooter Preparedness</b></i><br />
<a href="http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/09/school-lockdown-calculus?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20140928"><i><b><br /></b></i></a>
<i><b><a href="http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/09/school-lockdown-calculus?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20140928">School Lockdown Calculus: The Line Between Preparedness & Trauma</a>-by Dr. Steven Schlozman</b></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>What are your ideas about REALISTIC training scenarios such as this? </b></span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-60555039352610851852015-02-09T13:54:00.001-05:002015-02-15T08:13:13.760-05:00Managing a 1 iPad Classroom (Well actually 2 ipads)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgLCK0KtQRPiwD38J_2hyphenhyphenMpefOuPpW8HctAzPAVX6XLeswAKFmt0zJMaAzf8jw53TtsQasQdCxF_jtQZtI4DmEa1vGxB1B13kEEgRAnvtDulogMLWW_hsmecAWetKgb9mmTX6Ykn2EYZn/s1600/speechbubble.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgLCK0KtQRPiwD38J_2hyphenhyphenMpefOuPpW8HctAzPAVX6XLeswAKFmt0zJMaAzf8jw53TtsQasQdCxF_jtQZtI4DmEa1vGxB1B13kEEgRAnvtDulogMLWW_hsmecAWetKgb9mmTX6Ykn2EYZn/s1600/speechbubble.jpg.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>It's the age old problem: What do you do with 1 iPad (or in my case, TWO) and a room full of 4th graders? </b>(Had this same question when I had only one Apple IIGS in my classroom a hundred years ago!) Didn't quite have the answer then and sure wish I had the answer now! For years I've struggled with a fair, equitable and appropriate solution. <br />
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<b>Here's what's worked this year</b>: <br />
<ul>
<li><b>Ensure Taking Turns </b></li>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Created a Google spreadsheet</i></b> with the date & student's name which is posted on the board for all to see. Students excitedly check out this schedule first thing when they arrive in the morning. </li>
<li><b><i>Sticking to the schedule</i></b> - if for some reason, like...a snow day or two or three comes along, we adhere to what is posted. Unfortunately, some students might have missed their turn. Fortunately, it will come back to them soon. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70pP580jfG8USgDjEuR8DhgZGCsY42ISceUwMZVZRifG28ekea97N1U3Guq4R413GXnf6583bWFoWLRMO3MjUluDSfDnQkjpdW-Vlrlb4BnIcwPittfF7ayAHBy_YoqK-pH48neViImX8/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-02-09+at+9.32.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70pP580jfG8USgDjEuR8DhgZGCsY42ISceUwMZVZRifG28ekea97N1U3Guq4R413GXnf6583bWFoWLRMO3MjUluDSfDnQkjpdW-Vlrlb4BnIcwPittfF7ayAHBy_YoqK-pH48neViImX8/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-02-09+at+9.32.14+AM.png" height="92" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google spreadsheet</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><b>Change it Up or Lessen Up the Work Load</b></li>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Changed it Up</i> </b>- Morning Math Routine consists of working on Daily Math problems and then practice math fact fluency with XtraMath (we have access to 6 chrome books - thank Donors Choose). After completing their Daily Math paper students could work on XtraMath app and FrontRowEd app. It allowed students to continue with their routine.</li>
<li><b><i>Lessened Up</i> </b>- Decided students should be using the iPad to CREATE, I "lessened" their morning math routine. As a matter of fact, on the day the students have access to the iPad they do NOT have to complete their morning math (even on a test day!) as long as they are "creating" something that is related to education. This shows students that their 'creative' work has value as well!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbCkMz_Dc5kpbLjXHyXR24WgU5wGD-vruLE-kYjp58AmrpCa_d1PZzuuTYtVupEaQ79e05ZyCDTzWPSNQorrhCVZkxpaeok-eh4DDzJ0iNEArHhzoFvEmFhzGyPWebqhdEPs7JbHT1dB8/s1600/BeFunky_Daily+Math+.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbCkMz_Dc5kpbLjXHyXR24WgU5wGD-vruLE-kYjp58AmrpCa_d1PZzuuTYtVupEaQ79e05ZyCDTzWPSNQorrhCVZkxpaeok-eh4DDzJ0iNEArHhzoFvEmFhzGyPWebqhdEPs7JbHT1dB8/s1600/BeFunky_Daily+Math+.jpg.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday Math Test (No Sticker added using BeFunky.com)</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><b>Use Apps that Promote "Creation" </b></li>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Highlighted Apps for Use</i> </b>- Luckily we own many apps on our iPads which promote "Creation". Once a week I "highlight" or review an app (around 10 minutes or less) that students can try. While I give basic directions to get started students are encouraged to explore the apps to discover other noteworthy features. </li>
<li><i><b>Listed Apps </b>- </i>Apps are clearly posted on the board for students to choose from. Apps used this week include: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tellagami/id572737805?mt=8">Tellagami</a>; <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pic-collage-photo-gif-video/id448639966?mt=8">Pic Collage</a>; <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chatterpix-by-duck-duck-moose/id734038526?mt=8">ChatterPix</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193?mt=8">iMovie</a> </li>
<li><b><i>Games</i></b> - Let it be known that students are also allowed to play a game on the ipad as well. We have all kinds of math games, coding games, social studies games and more. While I'd rather see students creating content - every now and then I feel they can "practice" content as well. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="245" scrolling="no" src="https://tellagami.com/gami/HHII9K/embed/" width="435"></iframe>
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<ul>
<li><b> Share Student Creations</b></li>
<ul>
<li><i><b>Immediately publicized work</b> - </i>When students complete a project we share it with the whole class by connecting the iPad to the projector. Or it is displayed (Pic Collages) outside our classroom in the hallway. Making work public adds the extra authenticity sometimes needed to create quality products.</li>
<li><i><b>Extended Viewing Audience</b> - </i>Posting student work through social media has great power. Posting work on Twitter, Facebook, Class blog as well as through email shows the students their work is meaningful & interesting. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Allow Collaboration </b></li>
<ul>
<li><i>Teamwork encouraged</i> - Students are allowed to ask others to collaborate (However, other students are not allowed to skip any work - so this usually means during a "recess" or snack break. Depending on the product - maybe even class-time.) </li>
<li><i>Accept ideas from students - </i>Collaboration isn't just between students! My students will often suggest different ways to make this process better for the classroom. They know their thoughts and ideas are respected so they're not afraid to share. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0nMN-jSia63pcWr_tnwzp0lNdFsOWjkgOWbYW65jTXtB257h3UQW5T5ouF4FNuemuutKYI6_F4yW002hsjaYU_7WxqN2EX4wnRZdXsZH-rsIp7tO-17oqtwio4MS6wqDLNifZCCHA5R4/s1600/ipadBeFunky.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0nMN-jSia63pcWr_tnwzp0lNdFsOWjkgOWbYW65jTXtB257h3UQW5T5ouF4FNuemuutKYI6_F4yW002hsjaYU_7WxqN2EX4wnRZdXsZH-rsIp7tO-17oqtwio4MS6wqDLNifZCCHA5R4/s1600/ipadBeFunky.jpg.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collaborating with the iPad (Underpainting effect using BeFunky.com)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>Next steps: </b>I am fortunate enough to have some Green Screen equipment and a great Green Screen App - <a href="http://www.doink.com/">DoInk</a> (which is very easy to use). Since we have used it only a few times this year, I thought I would start "Recess Productions" so students can create more. On the list of apps to share with students include <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toontastic/id404693282?mt=8">Toontastic</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/telestory/id915378506?mt=8">TeleStory</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storylines-for-schools/id492805472?mt=8">StoryLines for Schools</a> and a few others. <br />
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I<b> don't profess to have all the answers</b>. I know that for now this system is working, but it's a work in progress, constantly evolving. No one way is correct - it depends on the individuals in your class and what works best for you.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>How do you manage your 1 iPad classroom? What has worked for you that might work for others?</b></span> <br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-74216635954716696562014-12-29T12:32:00.004-05:002014-12-29T23:48:34.571-05:00Elementary School Reunion - Fisher School Alumni Reunion #2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-YfC-Fz4uaVkP3RQpJ_gN3FybVQlOY6YTXBkNGn7aC35cqtxNEX4-YfbXFrwULf4gvPMj66BzlbRRQyd6570tJRWNmbUDcYDh2FKb8wP8lF8b_K6_eMro6x7Y394iwAuWTzLIfZDZ-xw/s1600/Fisher+School+Reunion+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-YfC-Fz4uaVkP3RQpJ_gN3FybVQlOY6YTXBkNGn7aC35cqtxNEX4-YfbXFrwULf4gvPMj66BzlbRRQyd6570tJRWNmbUDcYDh2FKb8wP8lF8b_K6_eMro6x7Y394iwAuWTzLIfZDZ-xw/s1600/Fisher+School+Reunion+2.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisher School Reunion #2 (Dec. 2014)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Another year is just about on the books, but it wouldn't have been complete without our "2nd Fisher School Reunion."</b> (Read about the FIRST Fisher School Reunion <b><a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2013/12/elementary-school-reunion-celebrating.html">here</a></b>!) Gathering in the auditorium of the <i>actual school</i>, more than 60 former classmates and teachers joined in an evening of celebration of the 'wonder years'! <br />
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<b>The 'wonder years' could be described as the days between 1971 - 1981</b> when a group of talented, highly-motivated, highly engaging, creative and caring teachers collaborated together which inevitably created long-lasting memories.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9PRtcFT_FgN3GtzezYjjeR0tICCmOijGiHl1qE5XOM-O7Z-H6xaPvLg2iwmHFG040_n_u1r59s4OLvE8HepEwJ6NR9SzvL-30pkhAX295mVaOgSnsSIrY4tq0_QVWS7i3CGVt2OU5s6v/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9PRtcFT_FgN3GtzezYjjeR0tICCmOijGiHl1qE5XOM-O7Z-H6xaPvLg2iwmHFG040_n_u1r59s4OLvE8HepEwJ6NR9SzvL-30pkhAX295mVaOgSnsSIrY4tq0_QVWS7i3CGVt2OU5s6v/s1600/photo+2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting their Grade 6 Classroom</td></tr>
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<b>One of the highlights of the evening included a tour of the building.</b> What a sight it was to see as these long-ago students and teachers found their former classrooms. Many more stories came spilling out as they lingered in the doorways or sat in the small classroom chairs chatting about events like how the walls between classrooms would be opened up so review games like Jeopardy could be played or reenactments of an Aztec Wedding could be witnessed! Each room brought back a flood of memories!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z19NwMLKVLpIfOSyZMJ0kGYJY6iEGuHYol1enA-HukJlsSwxSwbzcaAHVEjoxBgmC2Wpilv8Pm1CjXkl28KGpjT0k4Zx6EGvDfXkUT2pO7qmiWW_W_RTzIlOjv84j_DbFslzj33tEHS6/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z19NwMLKVLpIfOSyZMJ0kGYJY6iEGuHYol1enA-HukJlsSwxSwbzcaAHVEjoxBgmC2Wpilv8Pm1CjXkl28KGpjT0k4Zx6EGvDfXkUT2pO7qmiWW_W_RTzIlOjv84j_DbFslzj33tEHS6/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam was #1 Foul Shooter in Grade 6!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Pictures were being snapped as former students meandered into the gymnasium to reminisce. Funny how the once expansive room seemed so tiny to these now adults! Of course the size of the gym didn't take away from the thoughts of those exciting long ago days of floor hockey, dodge ball or mother/daughter basketball games! <br />
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Songs from former grade 6 plays were sung by teachers and students alike. The words seemed to be recalled seamlessly and effortlessly as this video well shows! (Great job Steve - was that the original coonskin cap?) It was great fun to learn that all the main leads from the Wizard of Oz (not sure which year) were together in the same auditorium again! A couple of the teachers even sang duets with the now 45-55 year olds! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/kUUCThzw4iQ?rel=0&controls=0" width="420"></iframe>
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<b>Of course another of the memorable highlights of the evening included the remembrance of former Principal, Richard Eldridge. </b> These teachers credit his leadership and trust for allowing them teach in unique ways. A video created by his son was shown on the big screen. In it were pictures of the beloved Mr. Eldridge (one wearing his signature holiday socks) as well as stories about the love he had for the school and its students. There were many warm "ahs" as folks recognized the different school photos of Mr. Eldridge spanning his career at the school.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNlS_Ee8av8YUaD3-4tZlL4vJUmIadZyqmUIAUkaN_0Mocc8wx5bz4PUroO-nEfgdUH9FotSzaR6ioXC4cAf9nE6qn27qprBOIGCGyg-jgsSrU16jf9NkHVfYW3_bk6dDgwIM1OXaxS3F/s1600/SuzGill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNlS_Ee8av8YUaD3-4tZlL4vJUmIadZyqmUIAUkaN_0Mocc8wx5bz4PUroO-nEfgdUH9FotSzaR6ioXC4cAf9nE6qn27qprBOIGCGyg-jgsSrU16jf9NkHVfYW3_bk6dDgwIM1OXaxS3F/s1600/SuzGill.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzanne Gillam (affectionately known as Miss Hopkins)</td></tr>
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<b>The evening rounded out with an "open mic" opportunity</b>. Humorous stories were recalled by teachers & students. While many spoke seriously to say 'thank you' to their former teachers by sharing a favorite memory. Tearful accounts recalling the encouragement and interest that made an everlasting influence on their lives were shared by more than a few. Even my quiet & shy sister spoke about the impact, rapport and support these teachers had with the parents in our community (including our own)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wVoUcxvzQawYPX5BZ7yt7Y-FZtCEcb5aH0wrNVdV9Dd2PN1tRkbCoYox1k4dByv5LCuBsuAjY0axLN5wTndYVJZd8jehnClB1P00yYa8bnJNjKOn3yLH4zqgk2Y2TTfkl2wx-GYlec_h/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-12-29+at+11.53.48+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wVoUcxvzQawYPX5BZ7yt7Y-FZtCEcb5aH0wrNVdV9Dd2PN1tRkbCoYox1k4dByv5LCuBsuAjY0axLN5wTndYVJZd8jehnClB1P00yYa8bnJNjKOn3yLH4zqgk2Y2TTfkl2wx-GYlec_h/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-12-29+at+11.53.48+AM.png" height="313" width="320" /></a><b>One speaker to note was Sheila Monaghan, wife of our former 6th grade teacher, (Tom Monaghan - who started a Facebook page for Fisher students - <a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2011/08/social-media-for-educatorsforty-years.html">read about it here</a>). </b>She described the tremendous love that Tom, Suzanne (Hopkins) Gillam and the other teachers had for their students. She mentioned how even during vacations, these teachers would collaborate to create lessons, plays and other opportunities for the upcoming year or how they would <i>all</i> come together to help a student in need. Sheila said that while "<b><i>the students' lives were enriched by the teachers, likewise, these teachers' lives were enriched by all of their students</i>."</b><br />
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<b>There is no doubt that all involved have fond memories and strong bonds. </b>We will forever be linked to those 'wonder years' and these wonderful people who made Fisher School a special place to grow up! Thank you to all those teachers that were able to attend and to those who are remembered in our hearts!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">A special thanks to Ron Spicer for organizing this year's reunion & to Tom Monaghan for keeping reuniting so many through our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/225832544116800/">Facebook Page</a> and to all those who attended to make it such an amazing event!</span> <b> </b><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-28410337881332399732014-11-23T09:11:00.001-05:002014-11-23T09:11:48.797-05:00Attending to Precision & Second Chances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbR9-h4v9OX0kaArmCPeDI9B6juVtGLNbneSi9qjOMKDv0aG5G0D4Zw8hGCQnuPb219De_ASWHyzpAzvITLXH_RI8-CzGklTD6AQmqbQ19T2_ZlunEMwhyphenhyphen-x5uy1VyPTQaGmMhxDSFl9p/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-11-23+at+9.08.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbR9-h4v9OX0kaArmCPeDI9B6juVtGLNbneSi9qjOMKDv0aG5G0D4Zw8hGCQnuPb219De_ASWHyzpAzvITLXH_RI8-CzGklTD6AQmqbQ19T2_ZlunEMwhyphenhyphen-x5uy1VyPTQaGmMhxDSFl9p/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-11-23+at+9.08.15+AM.png" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
<b>Every now and then we all need a second chance</b>! Wait til you see the difference another chance made!<br />
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<b>We recently finished a Unit on Place Value in Math.</b> While students are exposed to Place Value in earlier grades, they make a giant leap in fourth grade. They need to be able to read, write, compare, order and round numbers to the nearest 100,000. This is the first time students are working regularly with such large numbers. <br />
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<b>One of the most difficult concepts</b> (CCSS 4.NBT.1; 4.NBT.2) asks students to "recognize that in a multi-digit whole number, a digit in one place represents ten times what it represents in the place to its right." To examine this concept, I worked with students in small groups using Base Ten Blocks.<span style="color: black;"> Using the place value blocks, students could clearly see the relationship. </span>Students worked very hard to understand this concept. <br />
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<b>Before the actual test day there were Quick Checks along the way including a Review Day. </b>When I corrected the tests I was <i>SHOCKED</i> at the results. I couldn't understand how the majority of students scored between 63-76!<br />
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<b>The numbers incorrect certainly didn't match the formative assessments that were done throughout the unit.</b> My colleagues shared how they gave the tests back to their students to correct only those answers that were incorrect - <b>no reteaching - just a second chance </b>and suggested I do the same<b>.</b> So I passed back the test and asked students to correct their answers and write the new answers in colored pencil. EVERY student did better. The results below show the drastic difference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbGD-GFHsrlSFzNpcy6fcu6hNKB4quG9dCdRUsMoo5j5TezLlllutqwkJ4U9D8qM9ovwlxdZi5Jv158_cWXLgpYw9iKxMLP-BEVGWz8KtIuyVg5rky-hfiSucU1M2otrJBZUHTyd3zTy8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-11-23+at+8.01.44+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbGD-GFHsrlSFzNpcy6fcu6hNKB4quG9dCdRUsMoo5j5TezLlllutqwkJ4U9D8qM9ovwlxdZi5Jv158_cWXLgpYw9iKxMLP-BEVGWz8KtIuyVg5rky-hfiSucU1M2otrJBZUHTyd3zTy8/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-11-23+at+8.01.44+AM.png" height="302" width="400" /></a><br />
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The students were thrilled to have the second chance and were pleased with the results as well. While I love the idea of letting students review their work, somewhere in the back of my mind I hear my dad saying "Measure twice, Cut once!". The Common Core Mathematical Practice #6 states that students attend to precision: <br />
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<i><b>B</b></i><b><i>ut how do we instill the "measure twice, cut once" habit </i></b>the first time around? Is it through more practice? Is it through showing the difference between "try #1" and "try #2"? Would love to learn how you teach 'Attending to Precision?' <br />
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<b>Practicing what I preach: "We all learn from our mistakes" means I'll continue to give my students their "Second Chance!" </b> <br />
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<b><i> </i></b><img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-75061994183903596942014-11-09T09:06:00.005-05:002014-11-09T09:08:44.070-05:00ChatterPix in the Elementary Classroom<b>At the 2014 MassCUE conference held at Gillette Stadium in October,</b> I attended a session presented by <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/112461569789570947833" target="_blank">+Greg Kulowiec</a> on "Advanced iPad Video Creation." He immediately caught my attention by talking about "<a href="http://edtechteacher.org/app-smashing-from-greg/"><u><b>app smashing</b></u></a>" (the idea of mixing apps to create content!).<br />
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<b>Well, one of the apps Greg shared is called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chatterpix-by-duck-duck-moose/id734038526?mt=8">ChatterPix</a>,</b> which is an app that "can make anything talk"! ChatterPix is so easy to use, just take a picture, draw a line to create a mouth, decorate the picture & add your voice! Share it through email or upload it to Youtube. It's quick and fun! (Of course there is one catch: You only have 30 seconds!) (<i>There is an app called ChatterPix Kids but the drawback is the inability to 'share' the creation.</i>)<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5f2O60iWKQQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>Something I especially liked about this app</b> is that students can create content (across the curriculum) which can be shared globally via Social Media but doesn't necessarily contain their image. <br />
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<b>In ELA this week the skill we were practicing was around 'Main Idea and Details'</b>. Students read various text and completed graphic organizers by identifying the main idea and three supporting details. Students could then create a ChatterPix to share that information.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yr8I2QrBcuM?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>
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<b>There are so many ways to use this app</b>. Students could:<br />
<ul>
<li>share a poem</li>
<li>tell or retell a story</li>
<li>tell a story from a different point of view </li>
<li>solve a math problem</li>
<li>share a science hypothesis </li>
<li>highlight important information about a state</li>
</ul>
<b>The possibilities are diverse and endless!</b><br />
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<b>My next challenge will be to "app smash". </b> Greg shared how students can create content on ChatterPix then upload it to iMovie - thus using more than one app. I'd like to collect all related student work in one place and have students create an iMovie using their "ChatterPix" creations. <br />
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What are some other ways we can incorporate this into the classroom?<br />
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<small><a href="http://answergarden.ch/121544"></a><br /></small>
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-9603174779274231812014-10-05T12:27:00.002-04:002015-02-20T07:48:09.501-05:00Use of Thinking Blocks to Help Solve Math Problems<b>More and more we are asking students to solve complex math problems.</b> Along the way we do a lot to help them become successful. We incorporate the use of many tools during the math classroom.<br />
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<b>One of the tools we are using this year in the classroom is called, <a href="http://www.mathplayground.com/tb_addition/thinking_blocks_addition_subtraction.html">Thinking Blocks</a>".</b> This website (there is even a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/thinking-blocks-addition/id668450919?mt=8">'free' app</a>
for the thinking blocks) poses problems around different types of
models. As a warm up before the regular math lesson this week we practiced
solving addition and subtraction word problems using the "part whole
model with two parts" and the "part whole model with 3 parts".<br />
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<b>As a group we watch a quick 3 minute tutorial</b>,
practice several problems and then break off with a partner. Using chrome books, students access the Thinking Blocks website and begin solving each new
problem by first checking for understanding and then manipulating the
blocks. Working with a partner also gets the students used to 'talking'
about math problems. It's great listening in on conversations as
students help one another understand why something is working or
something isn't! The Thinking Blocks site also provides "feedback" when students are solving incorrectly. It guides them so they are successful. <br />
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<b>These Thinking Blocks help students identify the known and unknown quantities.</b>
Using these models students will gain confidence in solving problems
while developing strong reasoning skills. They are also a great tool for
students to use to 'discuss' math and explain their thinking. They also are a great way to incorporate many of the <a href="http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice/">Standards of Mathematical Practices </a>as students are learning to reason and make sense of the problems and persevere in solving them while using concrete models and appropriate tools. <br />
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<b>Eventually, students will be solving problems by creating these types of models on their own</b>. But for now, it's a great tool help attain understanding.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">What types of models are you using with your students to help them solve problems? </span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-57915128334167896112014-09-27T22:31:00.001-04:002014-09-27T23:15:49.993-04:00Giant Traveling Map <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Talk about seeing the world up close!</b> This past week our school had the opportunity to get their hands AND their feet on the <a href="http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/special-events/borrow-map/">Giant National Geographic Map</a>. Quickly taking off their shoes, my students rushed over to explore the mammoth "Map of North America". Squeals of delight could be heard as the students found various states and features. On the day of our first visit we just so happened to have skyped <a href="https://twitter.com/weswils5">@weswils5</a> 's class in Alberta, Canada. It was so fun to watch the students crowd around the province on the map! A stronger, 'bigger' connection was certainly made.<br />
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<b>I had no idea such a thing exsisted!</b> The map which measures 26' by 35' was brought to my attention by a parent last year. It was rented for two weeks through the generous donation from our Parent Advisory Council. All the classes in our school were able to visit the map at least twice during the two week rental period.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NLFqZCgZpns5vlTci37c2of2b0toyUfy2C-hty_PWDz83yqEqGA6o586h-eCNNGVzFqOA8_T7vdg6G6yWfge5c-HGypQkbFDMS_Ws93dHI55hSpTED5888Nwe6xg1iQkI-d_WAEH8yXq/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NLFqZCgZpns5vlTci37c2of2b0toyUfy2C-hty_PWDz83yqEqGA6o586h-eCNNGVzFqOA8_T7vdg6G6yWfge5c-HGypQkbFDMS_Ws93dHI55hSpTED5888Nwe6xg1iQkI-d_WAEH8yXq/s1600/map.jpg" /></a><b>The first time we visited the map we played a "Simon Says" type game to familiarize ourselves with the map.</b> "Simon Says find a state that begins with an M" or "Simon says put your left foot in the Atlantic Ocean". These type of statements had the students visiting different areas of the map. The next activity was based around using the "Cardinal Directions". Using the compass rose, we found locations on the map while stepping North, South, East and West. Student gained a better understanding and appreciation of directions after this activity. It's wasn't as easy as one would think. Another activity involved finding particular states. Each child was given a card with a state name & had to find that state as quickly as possible. It sure was a lot of fun exploring the states in such a manner.<br />
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<b>Every day the students asked if we were going to visit the 'giant' map.</b> They not only loved the size of it, but they loved exploring the different features. Each time, someone learned something new! It makes me think that we need to be incorporating more activities like this in our classrooms. <br />
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<u><i><b>RESOURCES:</b></i></u><br />
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<a href="http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/special-events/giant-traveling-maps/">National Geographic Traveling Map:</a> 6 Different Giant Floor Maps for Students to Explore<br />
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<a href="http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/activity/exploring-maps-and-models/?ar_a=1">National Geographic: Exploring Maps and Models of the Earth </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/teaching-with-maps.html">Teaching with Maps</a>: NEA site that has students learning about Longitude & Latitude; Reading a topographic map & more<br />
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<a href="http://www.associatesdegree.com/2010/03/14/google-earth-for-educators-50-exciting-ideas-for-the-classroom/">Google Earth Lessons & Ideas </a><br />
<a href="http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/mapping/6439"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/mapping/6439">Map Skills and Higher Order Thinking</a><br />
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Maps are fascinating on many different levels. Some folks may argue that 'reading a map' is not longer relevant due to technological advances and GPS systems. Others say that reading maps lead to 'global learning'. Witnessing the allure and attraction of these enormous maps makes me realize that students LOVE learning about places using visuals. If you get the chance - you should rent one!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">In what ways do you incorporate MAPS in your teaching? How are maps applicable to our everyday life? </span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-15184989514229085392014-09-14T10:07:00.001-04:002014-09-14T10:25:38.540-04:00First Day of School for the 25th Time<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzntsq_s4yiqfAdb1_ErZxZwWoJe_jMwvA-sE_sfWMTuGr4vMvb26_WTzJ8SRDK16tDqSa67Di5oNbS-Er-_TSYvzQ6PnwqHISYpW84TOBJ7yz7IRcja5B72-NWlD-z7E9xPiofdtWNSM/s1600/Slate.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzntsq_s4yiqfAdb1_ErZxZwWoJe_jMwvA-sE_sfWMTuGr4vMvb26_WTzJ8SRDK16tDqSa67Di5oNbS-Er-_TSYvzQ6PnwqHISYpW84TOBJ7yz7IRcja5B72-NWlD-z7E9xPiofdtWNSM/s1600/Slate.png" /></a><b>We all know the first day of school is special no matter what!</b> But this first day was extra special - for the teacher!<br />
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<b>Each year before our students return to school, the teachers and staff from our district gather one morning for a "Welcome Back" meeting</b>. Here, we learn about new initiatives, professional development opportunities as well as what transpired during the summer in the area of research & development.<br />
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<b>Besides catching up with fellow educators we haven't seen for a while,</b> my favorite parts of the meeting include recognizing the New staff (who are asked to stand and be welcomed) and celebrating those educators who have been servicing students for 25 years.<br />
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<b>This year was a little more exciting than others</b> as this year is <i><b>MY</b></i> twenty-fifth year of teaching (as well as about 6 other colleagues!) During the summer I received a letter from the Superintendent of Schools asking if I preferred to be recognized privately or at the meeting. Anyone who knows me, knows how I feel about teachers being recognized publicly - I'm ALL OVER IT! (Apparently my colleagues were all over it too, as they decided to receive their recognition at the meeting as well!)<br />
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<b>(In a field where one's efforts can often lead to feelings of under-appreciation</b>, it's nice to have the opportunity to be validated, especially in front of one's peers. For newcomers who are starting out their journey in this profession, it's important to see the longevity of their new colleagues, which shows loyalty and dedication.) <br />
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<b>Walking down the auditorium isle as my name was called, tears in my eyes</b>, <b>I felt incredible pride at the thought of serving the community (where I grew up!) for the last 25 years! </b> As I heard the applause and the hooting & hollering (not generally allowed at assemblies in our school) I couldn't help but hope that everyone in that room would one day have the chance to be making that same walk toward the superintendent to receive their 'pin' for 'dedicated service'. <br />
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<b>The celebration has continued (probably because I don't want to let one single moment go by without sharing my excitement with others). </b> I carry my pin with me and whip it out to show ANYONE who is interested in seeing the recognition one receives after 25 years! Beyond the pin, I hope people feel the<b><i> passion, enthusiasm</i></b> and <b><i>love</i></b> I have for being an elementary school teacher after all these years! After all, it's the BEST profession in the world!<br />
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<b>I'll leave you with one last thought. Saw this Tweet on Twitter at the start of school. Tina sure has it right....</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W-wI2sDcbgp6koeetuIHaHnF2Phd-j7CfDJ78h5m7clUz-fLGgPVetcfFhmbqs3BEmrsOpyk9yEKg8luk1mawCV8Gero6dddKOxcyJJwQDnXX4VM_M2WPtyISMk_lF-g9VHmQ7vfa3Ix/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-09-14+at+9.53.21+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-W-wI2sDcbgp6koeetuIHaHnF2Phd-j7CfDJ78h5m7clUz-fLGgPVetcfFhmbqs3BEmrsOpyk9yEKg8luk1mawCV8Gero6dddKOxcyJJwQDnXX4VM_M2WPtyISMk_lF-g9VHmQ7vfa3Ix/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-09-14+at+9.53.21+AM.png" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Here are some resources that pertain to the topic of recognizing teachers publicly...</b><br />
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<i><b>Resources: </b></i><br />
<a href="http://humanresources.about.com/od/rewardrecognition/a/recognition_ten.htm">The Power of Positive Employee Recognition</a><br />
<a href="http://believeyoucanfly.org/educators/teachers/awards.php">Awards, Competitions & Grants for Teachers</a><br />
<a href="http://rossieronline.usc.edu/teacher-appreciation-day-2012/">Teachers are Heroes - Inforgraphic</a><br />
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(<span style="font-size: x-small;">Slate Clipart: OpenClipArt.org)</span> <br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-35717007244220621802014-08-07T10:48:00.003-04:002014-08-07T10:50:50.739-04:00Elementary Science Resources - Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE_f01b6UboCxXWNnFrk3hI4twP4mS5JEzUGqpsVauBc6HEryBmjwFVK2bdKWiWNHuf_Y7xAtuz0KR2MrFlvKmPdcpGaU29HVImqN5CuprKxxCpJ7X79VrZ369zu6DbKSlb73lptNnpQU/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+10.44.39+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE_f01b6UboCxXWNnFrk3hI4twP4mS5JEzUGqpsVauBc6HEryBmjwFVK2bdKWiWNHuf_Y7xAtuz0KR2MrFlvKmPdcpGaU29HVImqN5CuprKxxCpJ7X79VrZ369zu6DbKSlb73lptNnpQU/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+10.44.39+AM.png" height="292" width="320" /></a><b>In part 1 of my series "<a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2014/08/elementary-science-resources-part-1.html">Elementary Science Resources - Part 1</a>,"</b> I mentioned a site that I hope to use this from <a href="http://mysteryscience.com/">Mystery Science</a>. While that alone should be enough, I have found some other notable resources. Here they are in no particular order.<br />
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<a href="http://sites.norwood.k12.ma.us/sci/"><b>The Norwood Science Center</b></a>: This comprehensive resource for K-5 teachers was created by Mr. Haffey & Mrs. Lockwood, two elementary science teachers. The site includes Lesson Plans with Vocabulary, Powerpoints and Videos. Topics include: Animals, Plants, Geology, Weather, Energy the Solar System and more which are broken down by grade level. Be sure to check out this free site with Creative Commons license!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Rz4jYOZJOCMz791oNAQW3Cfpy9ST_VdtlMGHTqYL-gWmUowOTqWdh6TGlhAFcRrTx4FHeuYSW6XgAvseOBMolHoK-C1AabQu3Le9bPf3ZOypKWcB-okyirpsVFHfXeoFsRC_GTYVU-4e/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+10.43.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Rz4jYOZJOCMz791oNAQW3Cfpy9ST_VdtlMGHTqYL-gWmUowOTqWdh6TGlhAFcRrTx4FHeuYSW6XgAvseOBMolHoK-C1AabQu3Le9bPf3ZOypKWcB-okyirpsVFHfXeoFsRC_GTYVU-4e/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+10.43.22+AM.png" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://singinsongsofscience.blogspot.com/">Singing Songs of Science</a>:</b> I first stumbled upon J.P. Taylor's site when looking for information about the Scientific Method. His catchy song, <a href="http://www.songsforteaching.com/science/thescientificmethodblues.htm">Scientific Method Blues</a>, got my kids learning and moving! He's got tons of them. They do cost money but worth checking it out! Listen to the Scientific Method Blues and you'll be singing right along too!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/">Science Kids</a>: </b>Fun Science & Technology for Kids: While this is geared towards kids with experiments, games, facts and quizzes there are simple lessons and science fair projects for teachers. The site also has videos and images according to different topics.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7N3uOf9T3mlawAViVf681cMB91iQUwuaSC7iBls0AuCxtwXPWX04PCRpIW3qrIHA0rcMRzuEapV1Y-fNmT3zlqC_IyD6SGEVYhUaO-369mCYcAfOn_N_mw6COVKpjAwqIFQsj8AeU9ER/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+10.40.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7N3uOf9T3mlawAViVf681cMB91iQUwuaSC7iBls0AuCxtwXPWX04PCRpIW3qrIHA0rcMRzuEapV1Y-fNmT3zlqC_IyD6SGEVYhUaO-369mCYcAfOn_N_mw6COVKpjAwqIFQsj8AeU9ER/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+10.40.43+AM.png" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topics in Science Kids</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Ultimate-Science-Weekly-Five-Stations-Resource-399498">The Ultimate Science Weekly Five</a>: </b> This Teachers Pay Teachers resource is something a colleague just shared with me. Geared towards 3rd and 4th grade, this resource organizes the unit using 5 stations.</div>
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<i><b>Stations in each unit:</b><br />
Station 1- Read and Comprehend (short reading passage with paraphrasing
graphic organizer and sentence stems for students to complete)<br />
Station 2- Explore! (hands-on activity to create a model and diagram)<br />
Station 3- Organize It! (using a graphic organizer or diagram to help students organize concepts in a visual way)<br />
Station 4- Center Activity (activity to explore concept more in depth)<br />
Station 5- Vocabulary (cut and paste matching of concept terms and
definitions and a Vocabulary Four Square for one important term)</i> </div>
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While you can pay for the Bundle of 17 Units, you can also purchase the units you need individually. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>Are there science resources you use that would be helpful to elementary teachers? Do you see yourself using any/all of these resources? Would love your feedback!</b></span></div>
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4062787008829792602.post-45782095985056598992014-08-02T11:40:00.000-04:002014-08-07T10:50:10.307-04:00Elementary Science Resources - Part 1<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57FzcR_-XrZS_3Vai8ziKgzbs5UnHx2otmsaYwMV4DyxwAAXbeUjiJhJDwJJ_kpe8Yp8gmznI-VyTzhWxevZxPph_jE3_MG6g0HLt0OmBBypjTsJFtoPEXnVBlyCG1TtbUp4uPHq6ZSiO/s1600/Science+is+a+Verb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57FzcR_-XrZS_3Vai8ziKgzbs5UnHx2otmsaYwMV4DyxwAAXbeUjiJhJDwJJ_kpe8Yp8gmznI-VyTzhWxevZxPph_jE3_MG6g0HLt0OmBBypjTsJFtoPEXnVBlyCG1TtbUp4uPHq6ZSiO/s1600/Science+is+a+Verb.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Students' Favorite Experiment: Making it Rain</td></tr>
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<b>"Science is a Verb!"</b> That has been my motto for many of the 25 years of my teaching career. Although, I will admit that recently it feels like more of a noun! Students need practices<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> </a>that involve hands-on activities which will take learning to new heights. In an effort to revert back to VERB status, I'm looking for some new science resources.<br />
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<b>One new resource (to be launched in September)</b> which I hope to utilize is called: <a href="http://mysteryscience.com/">Mystery Science</a>. (See what grabbed my attention below:) The premise of this site is "open and go" (videos and lessons) making it very user friendly.
To start, the focus will be on 3rd and 4th grade (but adaptations could
be made for older/younger learners with lessons to be created for 2nd -
6th graders soon).<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1iAqXbuqReg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<b>The first four units are:</b><br />
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pSpaTlMb7Hks-HrOmpFvVnTdL1WpLW4NVjzm4gzwFlQHzTvq_DgxgEZy7tEP9eBXKt9R0-QsnZmaXtW1Inlj0wII9mAGMnvMDWU4yvQ6cCSPQgiKfzv-SIrWsMjRQ4WfrQi8zFWz9Fz9/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-02+at+11.23.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pSpaTlMb7Hks-HrOmpFvVnTdL1WpLW4NVjzm4gzwFlQHzTvq_DgxgEZy7tEP9eBXKt9R0-QsnZmaXtW1Inlj0wII9mAGMnvMDWU4yvQ6cCSPQgiKfzv-SIrWsMjRQ4WfrQi8zFWz9Fz9/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-02+at+11.23.20+AM.png" /></a>
<li><b>Spaceship Earth</b> (Night Sky, Sun, & Seasons)</li>
<li><b>Plant Superpowers</b> (Life Cycles, Adaptations, & Plants in Human Life)</li>
<li><b>Animals in Society</b> (Life Cycles, Heredity, & Social Behavior)<br />
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<li><b>Powering Machines</b> (Simple Machines, Forces, & Energy)</li>
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<b>Seven to ten lessons are included in each unit.</b> The key portion of each lesson can be completed in 45 minutes and there are extras (written response questions, non-reading selections & other activities) to extend those lessons. The lessons include guiding questions, videos and experiments (which list simple materials).<br />
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<b>This site seems like it could be a great answer</b> for those of us who need to be re-energized or those who don't have science resources readily available to them or those looking for resources to compliment the <a href="http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standards">Next Generation Science Standards</a>. I'm so looking forward to trying it.<br />
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<b>This is sure to be a great site</b> that will inspire and motivate students and get them to really LOVE science! Can't wait to try it out with my students!<br />
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<b>Read the <a href="http://mysteryscience.com/press">Press Release here</a> </b>and make sure you <a href="http://mysteryscience.com/">sign up</a> to receive the units. Don't hesitate to contact MysteryScience <a href="mailto:contact@mysteryscience.com">here</a> if you have further questions...they respond very quickly!</div>
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancy/sig.png" height="50" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2