tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85433786340001009812024-02-20T21:18:00.621-08:00Mrs. Muller's ClassroomTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-63919713466210223782020-05-01T13:02:00.000-07:002020-05-01T13:17:03.297-07:00Reading Reconsidered Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Reading Non-fiction (integrating non-fiction throughout your reading lessons)</h3>
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(Taken from Reading Reconsidered by Doug Lemov)</div>
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<b>Important Considerations:</b></div>
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We want our students to read more non-fiction in a way that makes it relevant and engaging, and to increase the amount of knowledge our students absorb when reading it.</div>
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<b>Absorption Rate & Embedding Non-fiction:</b> Read non-fiction texts in context. Combine a related fiction and non-fiction topic--students should read multiple texts on a topic e.g. have students read an article that gives context to or elaborates on ideas from a novel you are reading. The <b>Primary Text </b>is the book that is lengthy usually a novel. <b>Secondary Texts </b>give context, build background knowledge, and help students better understand the primary text. Students that start with a base of knowledge make inferences that allow them to be more attentive to the emotions of the characters and the factual information presented in the fictional text.</div>
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<b>Maximizing Embedded Non-Fiction</b></h3>
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<b>Cutting And Adapting: </b>It is okay to prioritize and shape the non-fiction by excerpting or rewriting sections to help increase clarity.</div>
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<b>Overlapping Questions: </b>Deliberately ask questions that cause your students to connect the secondary and primary texts. e.g. "Would ______'s experience be considered "unfair" according to the experts? Also while reading your novel, ask questions that refer back to your non-fiction secondary text or, while reading the secondary text, ask students to apply it to previous scenes from the novel.</div>
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<b>Frequent Embedding: </b>You can embed many diverse examples of non-fiction while reading a novel, not just one at the beginning. You could reread texts (both secondary and primary) a second time--read part of a secondary text and then continue with your primary text, only to reread the secondary text after the primary text--or you could reread a picture book, or excerpt from your novel after you have read the secondary text.</div>
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<b>Embedding With Other Genres: </b>Embed poetry, songs lyrics, and excerpts from other fiction texts to help students understand the primary text better.</div>
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<b>Meta-Embedding:</b> Teachers can embed articles as a tool or framework for interpreting many texts throughout the year. You would refer to the article again and again using it as a lens for analyzing new texts. For example an article that presents a frame for students to analyze characters who had similar character qualities.</div>
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Building Background Knowledge</h3>
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<b>Using Fiction: </b>Intentionally ask knowledge based questions that can build knowledge, especially with historical fiction texts.</div>
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<b>Embedding Non-Printed Texts: </b>Use a quick video, series of photographs.</div>
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<b>Embedding Out Loud: </b>Teachers can read a shorter more difficult secondary text aloud (all or part of it) and then the students could read it themselves a second time in order to increase familiarity with a topic.</div>
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<b>Batch Processing: </b>In Science class for example when you are not reading a fiction text, read two or three articles on a single topic to increase students' absorption rates.</div>
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So much to consider! Now I'm thinking about a Whole Class Reading Unit I would like to plan using "The One And Only Ivan" and how well I will be able to embed non-fiction articles with this book! Stay Tuned! </div>
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-63280459320649334742020-04-30T16:52:00.000-07:002020-05-01T13:15:15.574-07:00Reading Reconsidered A Whole Class Reading ApproachDue to the unexpected Covid 19 virus I've had some time (actually a lot of time) to reflect on how I approach the teaching reading in my Grade 4 Classroom. You would think after having taught for 31 years I would have my program perfected. NOT! After going through the phases of whole language, centres, readers, Daily Five, and more structures and strategies that I don't have the time to mention I'm ready to try something new. Reading Reconsidered by Doug Lemov presents convincing arguments and ideas for rigorous literacy instruction.<br />
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Many would argue...Whole Class instruction? How will you meet individual student needs? <br />
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Perhaps this excerpt is the most meaningful to me at this moment "Low readers in particular are often balkanized to reading only lower-level books. Fed on a diet of only what's "accessible" to them--but which is often insufficient to prepare them for college--(or even high school) they are consigned to lower standards from the outset by our very efforts to help them." <br />
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This approach consists of four main ideas.<br />
1. Read harder texts<br />
2. "Close read" texts rigorously and intentionally<br />
3. Read nonfiction more effectively<br />
4. Write more effectively in direct response to texts<br />
<h3>
Read Harder Texts</h3>
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There is a suggestion that schools and teachers should work together to develop a common base of books that all students have read to deepen the conversations and connections that students are able to make. Lemov discusses the importance of deliberate text selection that address the following difficulties for many readers:<br />
1. texts that consist of formal and dated diction and syntax for example, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter.<br />
2. texts that are nonlinear in the time sequencing of events for example, Holes by Louis Sachar<br />
3. texts that are told from different narrators' points of view for example, Wonder by R.J. Palacio<br />
4. texts with multiple interwoven plots<br />
5. texts that deliberately have gaps in meaning<br />
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By whole class reading and discussion of texts with these attributes students will be prepared for the autonomous reading of more complex texts in the future.<br />
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<h3>
Close Reading</h3>
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Sometimes you can start a Close Reading Lesson with writing to begin your reflection. It allows you to see what the students are understanding and then you can end it with feedback and revision. It is vital to have a clear focus for your lesson--something you want to help your students see. Decide what idea you want the students to read a text for. Examples are "arguing a line", finding a theme, an image, or the line they find the most interesting.</div>
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In a close reading lesson the entire class has a copy of the text excerpt that you are working on. </div>
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Usually you have already read this to the students, perhaps the day before. Then one idea is to send it home at the end of the day with targeted students that will read it aloud the next day. When revisiting students can read it again in pairs, they can act it out, the teacher can pull a small group of struggling readers to read it together etc. Finally you would proceed with the Close Reading Lesson. While you ask deliberate questions to clarify meaning you are recording your notes all around the excerpt modelling for the students. Meanwhile the students can copy what you are writing from the discussions. (Eventually we work towards the students working more independently on the close reading notes)</div>
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Close reading lessons have four parts:</div>
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1. Reading the text multiple times.</div>
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2. Establishing meaning from questions derived from the text.</div>
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3. Analysis of meaning from questions about the text</div>
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4. Writing about insights.</div>
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This<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vp_unuDaiUMrZej0vfqFCSJmEyrxzwcjb867XsgTtnI/edit?usp=sharing"> Chart</a> summarizes questioning about the text to establish and analyze meaning during Close Reading Lessons.</div>
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That's a lot to take in for now! Stay tuned for more from "Reading Reconsidered"!<br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-53623744091200848962015-08-14T09:03:00.000-07:002020-04-30T15:18:10.204-07:00The Courage To TrySeptember is a time of anxiety for many children as well as teachers! I love beginning the year with the theme of COURAGE. The Courage To Try is one of those tried and true books that I will always fit into my program. It is a perfect read aloud, partner, or independent read for your students in grades 3-5. It provides rich discussions around predicting, connecting, and inferring. It connects to your school Terry Fox Walk. Grab your copy of the activities I have created to support this book<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvZVp2bGstUGE3a2M/view?usp=sharing"> HERE</a>.<br />
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I'm updating this post to include a Google Slides Resource. This resource implements a "Reading Reconsidered" whole class reading approach. <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fNAw4TmkIK1QUGnJjSkE-g8OIsarAkiEAdlfH1pSbZE/edit?usp=sharing">The Courage To Try </a><br />
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You can order the book at <a href="http://www.seriousfunpublishing.ca/">Serious Fun Publishing</a>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-74010187328788444292015-08-12T17:11:00.000-07:002020-05-01T10:06:22.478-07:00Choosing ShoesIn my classroom we collect songs and poems during the entire year in our individual Poetry Folders. Our folders are an excellent resource for shared reading, vocabulary building, and comprehension activities. Choosing Shoes is a fun poem for the first week activity that integrates math and language. Grab your copy of the activity and poem <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvbzRLVVRudEdyMUU/view?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. Grab a copy of my Poetry Folder cover <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/158a9nKDS5iBNS1MMpYIwGFW8wEQRccGq/view?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br />
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-69143703713135819232015-08-10T10:58:00.000-07:002015-08-10T10:59:09.112-07:00Fluency Passages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once I have determined the independent reading levels of my students we begin our Daily Fluency Passage reading. This is a quick but extremely beneficial routine. At the beginning of the week everyone begins a new passage and we draw names for our reading partner for the week. We keep our passages in a plastic sleeve along with a second page that the students use to track the titles of all the passages they have read. At the beginning of the year we talk about quick transitions, where to find a spot to sit, and how to sit "EEKK" elbow to elbow, knee to knee. We also learn about what fluent reading should sound like. We create an anchor chart together with 4 specific targets; accuracy, expression, rate and punctuation. We use a timer that is set for 1 minute and each partner has a go at their passage, underlining the word they were at and marking the day of the week under it when the timer sounds. Peer assessment is an important part of our routine as the students encourage one another by verbally providing a star and a wish according to our anchor chart criteria. My kiddos love this routine! It also gives me a chance to quickly listen in to 2 students each day with my own reading assessment checklist. You can grab a copy of the leveled passages <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvMktNN1pDMGhzaWc/view?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br />
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-21443070522670547132015-08-10T07:43:00.000-07:002015-08-10T07:43:26.438-07:00The first week is critical for creating a safe and inclusive environment for our students. The Museum Project will help students get to know one another, find common interests, and make new friends! It's also an opportunity for the teacher to begin to establish homework routines and expectations. Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvX3UtZ3RIaWZpcG8/view?usp=sharing">HERE</a> for your editable version of the Museum Project homework letter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.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/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s200/Picture5.png" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-21876195807420624962015-03-21T06:12:00.000-07:002015-03-21T06:12:21.128-07:00SpeechesIf you have been doing the Monthly Memory writing having your students complete a speech is a great way to provide a purpose to combine the skills your students have been learning and to extend their single paragraph writing into multiple paragraphs. Since September we have learned how to write a basic paragraph, how to "show" rather than "tell", using writing hooks to begin our paragraphs, and adding transitional words and phrases to our writing. I send a package home to include parents in the topic choices first. Grab your copy of this letter <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ccHrgkWORXnKSpDxFAxelx4QOVg5mrXqXbTApGkaG64/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. Grab your copy of the Speech Booklets <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Uv4F3gN3hxHfz9RYIObS5KIxiWuvcRm0QbyJDT0Btko/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.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/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s200/Picture5.png" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-43266977648907808262015-03-21T05:31:00.001-07:002015-03-21T05:32:38.636-07:00Freckle JuiceFreckle Juice by Judy Blume was a quick read aloud that my students thoroughly enjoyed! We had already been studying making predictions, text to text connections, determining character qualities using proof from the text and our own ideas, as well as using a plot diagram to summarize stories. It was the first time we looked at how to answer open response questions as well using the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dk2UXebIRtnSeeSV-kcW3aFir2VxEmE5lci9igfCv-Q/edit?usp=sharing">RAP Framework</a>. Grab your copy of the activities <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvMHJiRUlNZlhjaUk/view?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.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/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s200/Picture5.png" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-47391626879835358612015-01-01T11:57:00.001-08:002015-01-01T11:57:22.823-08:00Fitness Challenge 2015I'm challenging my students and their families to a <a href="http://tracymuller.edublogs.org/fitness-challenge-2015/">Fitness Challenge </a>for January. We will collect our data on a spreadsheet and at the end of month we will us the data to create graphs. We all need that little bit of motivation! If you would like to have your class join us in the challenge leave me a message!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.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/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s200/Picture5.png" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-10749484217875379612014-09-27T08:08:00.000-07:002014-09-27T08:08:00.447-07:00Student BloggingI have been blogging with my students for 10 years now and actually started with a Kindergarten Class! I love Edublogs for my students. It's incredible how quickly they can learn to navigate and create!. Click <a href="http://tracymuller.edublogs.org/author/tracymuller/">HERE</a> for a link to our Blog. One of our lessons is about writing Quality Comments when visiting blogs. I've made an anchor chart for my students to teach them about this writing process. Grab a copy <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1CiybGB_OKqSr6LsC095rF9HdgHz0AaR6aNbm6f3TC3U/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br />
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<img height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxmFVJJXQeTkRtM9EADnk4FkFVLat91x7KgbsFxicWCzMZ5hnTgJ7jaqFp6OyCTC_O5CBGJsZorLL7h6ygwfCiwIf1nG0vo0RY1q5udA_8PlWtgOxgE2lf7TX8RrmncbJWMdxDb8fRWI/s320/Picture5.png" width="200" />
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We also do some math about the boxes of cookies. I buy the bulk boxes that have 3 trays, with 3 rows of 9 cookies in each. It makes for some great problem solving. Grab the sheet <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1BoKLw7N-GUMaVIDgQcrxL6pINrbRxUJ2yyrsg1Jnr80/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br />
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Finally I use the structure of the OREO cookie as a tool to help students work through problem solving steps. The top and bottom hold all the good stuff (the proof) together! This <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1SzJiHnU2LFyBWP1wQoO074N5lX0fCsHIaaMIrccIA8A/edit?usp=sharing">Anchor Chart</a> goes in the front of their math books. The R.I.S.E. (read, identify, solve, explain) is to encourage students to have the "grit" to not give up when problem solving, to rise to the challenge. For self assessment students glue a small Oreo template in their math books and check off the steps as they work through problems. Grab your copy of the self assessment sheet <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1F1_ILGUW4dTljvpqXFBEuhQshVVIV5Etapv7UsZ6MIw/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br />
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<img height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxmFVJJXQeTkRtM9EADnk4FkFVLat91x7KgbsFxicWCzMZ5hnTgJ7jaqFp6OyCTC_O5CBGJsZorLL7h6ygwfCiwIf1nG0vo0RY1q5udA_8PlWtgOxgE2lf7TX8RrmncbJWMdxDb8fRWI/s320/Picture5.png" width="200" />
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September 15th is the date when <a href="http://www.peterhreynolds.com/">Peter Reynolds</a> published his book called <a href="http://youtu.be/t5mGeR4AQdM">The Dot</a>. It is the story of a little girl called Vashti and her journey towards creativity. <br />
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Since 2009 more and more teachers have been using this date to celebrate <a href="http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/">International Dot Day</a>. Classes around the world are using this day to explore the themes of bravery, creativity and self-expression as Vashti did in the story of her dots. Look here to see who has been creating <a href="http://www.celebridots.com/">Celebridots</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/104743082">The Bouncing Dot Official Music Video for The Dot Song</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user31604925">FableVision Learning</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.as well as this video of <a href="http://vimeo.com/105896069">The Making of a Dot</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2064628">Renee Kurilla</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.will definitely provide even more motivation for my students to get creating.<br />
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Let's Make Our Mark On Sept. 15th! I would love to hear your comments about what your students create on International Dot Day!<br />
We made our own marks....<br />
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-56313396150772261922014-09-13T12:34:00.000-07:002014-09-14T05:12:00.407-07:00Patterns and PentominoesThere are so many solutions to the Pentominoes Puzzles. <a href="http://puzzler.sourceforge.net/docs/pentominoes.html">Puzzler</a> provides some help with solutions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinotBrT_WhwtjCiM-_R2b7MCJFra_AJ82qt3xCNlaJkGWzsghPzG8dsy2oaRM6HaZM10mXj_A6Yue0LD3szqNseEVX_gPe4wkvh80gR4HQJY5uaOvVHr3tL2G1I-ZhuDkR6dkc3tys-n0/s1600/Pentomino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinotBrT_WhwtjCiM-_R2b7MCJFra_AJ82qt3xCNlaJkGWzsghPzG8dsy2oaRM6HaZM10mXj_A6Yue0LD3szqNseEVX_gPe4wkvh80gR4HQJY5uaOvVHr3tL2G1I-ZhuDkR6dkc3tys-n0/s1600/Pentomino.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a></div><br />
Here is an activity to try with your students!<br />
Divide your students into teams of 2 or more. Distribute a set of <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvMjNnTVRJU0Jkc0E/edit?usp=sharing">Printable Pentominoes</a> to each group and have them work together to find a solution of fitting all the pieces together. Teams should keep track of each step they take to get to their solution. The team will then create written instructions to guide another team to solve the puzzle similarily. Instructions should be as descriptive as possible using math vocabulary such as direction, colours, position, etc. Finally teams swap instructions to solve a new puzzle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxmFVJJXQeTkRtM9EADnk4FkFVLat91x7KgbsFxicWCzMZ5hnTgJ7jaqFp6OyCTC_O5CBGJsZorLL7h6ygwfCiwIf1nG0vo0RY1q5udA_8PlWtgOxgE2lf7TX8RrmncbJWMdxDb8fRWI/s1600/Picture5.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/AVvXsEhAxmFVJJXQeTkRtM9EADnk4FkFVLat91x7KgbsFxicWCzMZ5hnTgJ7jaqFp6OyCTC_O5CBGJsZorLL7h6ygwfCiwIf1nG0vo0RY1q5udA_8PlWtgOxgE2lf7TX8RrmncbJWMdxDb8fRWI/s320/Picture5.png" height="111" width="200" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-25425213759874004202014-09-06T12:21:00.001-07:002014-09-06T12:29:17.888-07:00Connections Comparing Contrasting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNzuKVlQKkdoGKvfIBx8LfnB1FgRpBEJdoewSUDkk1jVnd_QCewEe9q-aJEW5N0pcMYd6DEJpxN2vVPCbmzoMlwkm_Bl5K9qcLf5Cpstvy-dE_pJSfrQTkvJUlbO5RQoOYGjmv9gabbQ/s1600/goldfish.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNzuKVlQKkdoGKvfIBx8LfnB1FgRpBEJdoewSUDkk1jVnd_QCewEe9q-aJEW5N0pcMYd6DEJpxN2vVPCbmzoMlwkm_Bl5K9qcLf5Cpstvy-dE_pJSfrQTkvJUlbO5RQoOYGjmv9gabbQ/s1600/goldfish.jpeg" height="163" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsCAAeMfGne481sJwKI224PdytutSgYIwjS_otP4Zr43O4vVx8qN7KsrA71lrFzAz1DuLIcpPkP4TqB1LdOrmkiNdZvfK-Leb0oVvD-dBn3JZZBrg8O8pBCu0yoLXo068ed3z6CQcZ2Y/s1600/Memoirs+of+a+Hamster.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/AVvXsEjrsCAAeMfGne481sJwKI224PdytutSgYIwjS_otP4Zr43O4vVx8qN7KsrA71lrFzAz1DuLIcpPkP4TqB1LdOrmkiNdZvfK-Leb0oVvD-dBn3JZZBrg8O8pBCu0yoLXo068ed3z6CQcZ2Y/s1600/Memoirs+of+a+Hamster.jpg" height="163" width="200" /></a></div>Call me crazy but I've got two classroom pets this year and two great books to inspire my students to think about what it means to be part of a "family" and to be thankful for what we have. I am going to post the activities that my class does with the two books here as we go. As we are working on developing the reading strategy of Making Connections our first whole group activity will be using a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast with a focus on making text to text connections. Grab your copy of the Venn Diagram Foldable <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvYWlHVmtkdWc0Sms/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-29954524841472502292014-09-01T07:14:00.003-07:002014-09-01T13:24:49.166-07:00The Day The Crayons Quit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLpL3AiIFKos2OH0idQsO9Sl4_pydI18HWtYwQurIi26hOmziwIsXb0YvqJbBtPUJZtU8gGcOMebF9J7hLpiEmmQUmjsFPLJ_ZvsIA1u0B8BNEmypMU-V1tujiqqePflNUhSAZZ7boYk/s1600/crayons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLpL3AiIFKos2OH0idQsO9Sl4_pydI18HWtYwQurIi26hOmziwIsXb0YvqJbBtPUJZtU8gGcOMebF9J7hLpiEmmQUmjsFPLJ_ZvsIA1u0B8BNEmypMU-V1tujiqqePflNUhSAZZ7boYk/s1600/crayons.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a>The Day the Crayons Quit by Oliver Jeffers is the theme book for our school this year. It will be our first read aloud in the classroom too! When my students arrive tomorrow they will find their name tag placed on a desk (strategically placed ;) with a new box of crayons. We will talk about using all the colours as creatively as possible, and letting our true colours shine brightly this year!</div>
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-82741346650816742222014-08-31T11:29:00.000-07:002014-08-31T16:13:27.513-07:00Everyday Counts Calendar Math<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSeatdhbYs3rOFoRrZYCBcOQx5930zirM8YLL4dqaZxtNNGJPAzrZsVtkTxMkoMk5rJ414Uo-nk7FMvLWEqF8jXx_goaKRGZVM18WW2L09givQl6stMK1QlRKOlF9ujmqCZfYMGrJNdA/s1600/Every+Day+Counts+Calendar+September_3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSeatdhbYs3rOFoRrZYCBcOQx5930zirM8YLL4dqaZxtNNGJPAzrZsVtkTxMkoMk5rJ414Uo-nk7FMvLWEqF8jXx_goaKRGZVM18WW2L09givQl6stMK1QlRKOlF9ujmqCZfYMGrJNdA/s320/Every+Day+Counts+Calendar+September_3.jpg" /></a><br />
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The time spent on this activity is quick, not more than 15 minutes per day. It reinforces core mathematical concepts while students learn to explain their thinking. The program itself is quite expensive and so I've created a file in Smart Notebook that can easily be differentiated for your students. September calendar is ready to go with 3 of the main components, Counting Tape, Daily Depositor, and Computations & Connections. I will be working on adding more to this file so check back for updates. Take a look <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvUkZiRVRwMnUwNGs/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. If you would like a copy of the Smart Notebook file visit my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Math-1423227">TPT</a> page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.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/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.png" height="111" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-6043351744373559732014-08-29T05:33:00.001-07:002014-08-29T14:32:05.266-07:00Back To School Greeting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMI8LJsDQKQy99m83eNiSojHgGTb92BuZad8nthppagC4sapjEbyVh9hPCpSrr6Nxjs5p7XPS_htOnHXKBFkzL93RjYOwikVmLcce3AEIZ6p3EwheOj5Yks1PE_oVnA1qtjUofE8ILJUk/s1600/photo+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMI8LJsDQKQy99m83eNiSojHgGTb92BuZad8nthppagC4sapjEbyVh9hPCpSrr6Nxjs5p7XPS_htOnHXKBFkzL93RjYOwikVmLcce3AEIZ6p3EwheOj5Yks1PE_oVnA1qtjUofE8ILJUk/s1600/photo+(31).JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Everyone loves a little treat! Here is something quick and easy to make for your kiddos on the first day back! It's awesome how the smallest things can make our students feel welcomed. This file contains tags for Kindergarten to Grade 6. Grab your copy <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvMlBmTnNfWEI0WlE/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. <br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-37340976918035845792014-08-24T06:14:00.000-07:002014-08-29T05:41:59.643-07:00Classroom Desk Arrangements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSC8mMnc5s4EftFeduTeepwAhbqxP4Hvfw_fiWbSHSrnBlw8VnCbpvV-VkQHC3lAneoCEBbhC9OYSj1SpW0ow2s7d5SLGKHgCzcSC8MABzIO4oP3TIbM9xQVOfwttgmaVzhba53ycXiY/s1600/shapeimage_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSC8mMnc5s4EftFeduTeepwAhbqxP4Hvfw_fiWbSHSrnBlw8VnCbpvV-VkQHC3lAneoCEBbhC9OYSj1SpW0ow2s7d5SLGKHgCzcSC8MABzIO4oP3TIbM9xQVOfwttgmaVzhba53ycXiY/s1600/shapeimage_3.png" /></a> Educators are always looking for fresh perspectives in organizing our classrooms. Each year our numbers seem to grow and somehow we need to fit our students comfortably. Sometimes our space even changes and we end up with less room! Visit <a href="http://www.classroomdeskarrangement.com/ClassroomDeskArrangement/Welcome.html">Classroom Desk Arrangement</a> for great visual planners for your student desks. Select the category that matches your number of students and you will find a variety of options for arranging your desks.</div>
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-60229649097471407122014-08-23T07:40:00.000-07:002015-08-10T08:03:39.217-07:00My Day Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now Updated for the new school year 2015-2016!! Organization is not one of my better qualities! One tool that helps keep me sane is my <b>Day Book Binder<i></i></b>. It goes everywhere with me! Each section has it's own title page with a tab, and inside each section there are subtopics with tabs. I keep all records of <b>meetings</b> whether it be staff, parent, grade team, etc. in one section. All my <b>planning</b> notes, monthly planning calendars, guided reading, math groups, etc are housed in another section. My<b> assessment</b> section includes running records, CASI data, anecdotal notes, and checklists. The <b>student info</b> <b>section</b> has IEP info, home phone numbers, etc. The <b>template section</b> is handy for keeping blank class lists, blank assessment sheets etc. In the <b>schedule section</b> you will find the school board year long calendar, timetables etc. And of course there are my <b>Day At A Glance<i></i></b> pages. I really love the format for my day at a glance pages. They are flexible because as we know although we have a timetable things can change at the drop of a hat! Grab a copy of my day book tool kit <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvSVFUXzg4akI3Q3M/view?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. Take a look at my day at glance format <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvS3J1UXEyZ3M2UUk/edit?usp=sharing">HERE.</a><br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-11388429845054960392014-08-21T08:43:00.000-07:002014-08-22T10:10:39.884-07:00Numbers For Me Updated!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cs29aIH7YpgdVaLhvQrvy1erZ-JLNKcAcPIroIoP2vQhIDbNCTwcJGPPeB5asA23lVdOr2RZFzvn8LqCrSEuMqXepowYHzFjw_CIu4r-fIQVlITn0rc6rUmcI89A3ETt4anKuDYQamk/s1600/Math+Counts.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/AVvXsEi1cs29aIH7YpgdVaLhvQrvy1erZ-JLNKcAcPIroIoP2vQhIDbNCTwcJGPPeB5asA23lVdOr2RZFzvn8LqCrSEuMqXepowYHzFjw_CIu4r-fIQVlITn0rc6rUmcI89A3ETt4anKuDYQamk/s1600/Math+Counts.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><u>Math Counts</u> by Henry Pluckrose is a perfect read aloud for the first week of school. It is a quick read about numbers in our everyday world. I have made an interactive resource as a follow up to the read aloud. This can be used as a review of basic number, and measurement skills giving you a quick assessment of your students' abilities.....AND you can display them for open house! If you have suggestions for pages that could be added leave me a comment and I'll make the changes! Grab your copy <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvdEo0NGVjNnhNYzQ/edit?usp=sharing">HERE.</a><br />
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-65026854717547283542014-08-20T16:46:00.000-07:002014-08-20T17:27:00.861-07:00Quick Writes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Quick Write is a versatile strategy that is used to develop writing fluency. Sometimes it is used as a reflection on student learning. For this file I am using the Quick Writes strategy to help develop writing fluency. This is practice time for your students and does not need to be assessed. I walk around after the timer has been set and provide support when needed, making anecdotal observations. Grab a copy of my Quick Writes <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvVjQ0dkJpdGxBYjg/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. If you would like the smart notebook file just leave me a comment!<br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-65453964040533820362014-08-20T09:22:00.003-07:002014-12-04T09:22:54.124-08:00The Book Whisperer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz2gABetJRYj7ZOQQOYdqL9x7zwllHDfgSKD4adq1UfIcOYsPNz5o5xJnNGktAmnzAP9FxFg79vgECXds0SyDx86byTt-0pPyp3HBL0DS3qHQxGYelund4bhjjtfz6n10ucnFyyTojZM/s1600/book+whisperer.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/AVvXsEiiz2gABetJRYj7ZOQQOYdqL9x7zwllHDfgSKD4adq1UfIcOYsPNz5o5xJnNGktAmnzAP9FxFg79vgECXds0SyDx86byTt-0pPyp3HBL0DS3qHQxGYelund4bhjjtfz6n10ucnFyyTojZM/s200/book+whisperer.jpg" height="200" width="151" /></a></div><br />
The Book Whisperer is a quick and enjoyable read. It provides strategies to motivate your reluctant readers such as finding out what their reading interests could possibly be. I use this <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYveXdoNmhlaFhzTzA/edit?usp=sharing">Reading Interest Survey</a> to provide the types of books for independent reading that my students will enjoy. Periodically I will leave a book or two (related to their reading interests) with a sticky note on a student's desk and when they arrive in the morning they love to see that I've thought about them. Another year long strategy to keep your kiddos motivated is the <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1I-d1CTpLUBQXE0ugnLEeHKhNzBjjNeo-bfcDkmjg-W8/edit?usp=sharing">40 Book Challenge</a>. After sharing many of my favourite books, and a review of book genres I introduce the challenge to my kiddos. They all sign a contract for the 40 Book Challenge. I wanted a more accountable approach, so rather than having my students keep a reading log we have a class "Look What I'm Reading Pocket Chart" where students keep a <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1DJ6Bbpaovjh2mDPkiiuerZ8DsVWkuS6AraEFJJEpgBY/edit?usp=sharing">CARD</a> of the book they are currently reading. Students fill in the cards when they are finished the book and then save them on a Book Ring. All the book rings are kept in the class library for students to grab and read when looking for a good book recommendation. For a copy of the pocket chart "LOOK WHAT I'M READING" title click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYva0pQVkxkS2daaEE/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. Grab a copy of a 40 Book Challenge Certificate <a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1V1-SSOMUuqTwskjbOnYRnxGbtOOY8jgmyCdM9CDz_68/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br />
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-2104777031293877392014-08-20T08:27:00.000-07:002014-08-20T08:38:01.991-07:00Word Study Centre ActivitiesThe Literacy Centres should include built in activities and procedures that will make our job easier when switching up the weekly tasks to be completed. Word Sort is a great activity that you can differentiate for your students and easily switch up each week. After a spelling assessment provide word lists for your students each Monday that they will use all week at the word study centre. Pass out the lists on Monday, students cut them up and work at a blind sort to discover the spelling patterns. They place their words in a baggie that is stapled to their Literacy Centre Folders, and each day complete a different set of activities with their words. On Friday they finish by pasting their words in the correct spelling patterns into their Word Study Books. Grab your copy of word lists and Word Sort Activity cards for your Word Study Centre <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYveWZPT3d5M0RIN1E/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>. My word lists are geared towards students in grades 2 to 4. <br />
<a href="http://db.dadecountyschools.org/~davis/wordstudy/">Davis Elementary Website</a> is great resource that provides comprehensive word study lists for all levels of your spellers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.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/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s320/Picture5.png" height="111" width="200" /></a></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-91893118689754482322014-08-20T07:50:00.000-07:002014-08-20T07:50:19.270-07:00Month By MonthThis is a consistent built in way of improving paragraph writing, conferencing, and goal setting, with your kiddos. Students write their memories of the month at school. We use this to develop and review excellent paragraphs. As a class we develop paragraph writing criteria, and each month add new look fors in our writing. Monthly conferencing with students allows me to provide feedback related to our criteria and students set new writing goals. Grab your copy of my conferencing page <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvdTFZcnBsMVY2bGs/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CezikIo8KImxHC_az1aeqESCIOy28p9UnX1TGP23ujg0EKgT1EGtv2pE3MU3yM_GR4rI1sCkEhPUIlRKCKw7dri_wgtCoeBU0JpPK7E2vHI26IzAoDPLj4DfXrvO8U1Hmsgnp5RrHyg/s1600/Picture6.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/AVvXsEj_CezikIo8KImxHC_az1aeqESCIOy28p9UnX1TGP23ujg0EKgT1EGtv2pE3MU3yM_GR4rI1sCkEhPUIlRKCKw7dri_wgtCoeBU0JpPK7E2vHI26IzAoDPLj4DfXrvO8U1Hmsgnp5RrHyg/s320/Picture6.png" /></a></div>The memory book includes extra pages for adding illustrations. If you would like a copy for your specific grade level, leave me a comment! Grab your copy <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dFOnGZkKYvNjBWVzl4X1A0eFU/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG00FojDK8HMOggdgVvvQbe5pa-0lZ5GxSWR7blXUnQZuT0XzCnmLKANXn_5ecEeYKPSy43BfU4mBoEtBH5_30Q1efTHOp4GHgErVkXCIbEdX3EE9vAIPB-U_wgw1ABy9oieHzgCubKY/s1600/Picture5.png" height="111" width="200" /></a><br />
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01591595557211571378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8543378634000100981.post-4847365041959321322014-08-20T07:45:00.000-07:002014-08-21T09:40:53.996-07:00Active Listening IntroductionWithout giving the students any information place the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AGrhz3I21VadRdDVz4C7aOsESmj_T71pU7z9TjRr3RI/edit?usp=sharing">Active Listening Cards</a> face down on each desk. (We want our students to build their own understandings and connections). Next have the students pick up the card and stand with a partner somewhere in the room. Students take turns sharing the sentence and discussing what the sentences have in common. Then ask them to thank each other, switch cards, hold their new cards in the a air and look for another classmate who has his or her card in the air. Repeat the process until everyone has paired and shared several times. Finally students meet at the carpet to brainstorm What did all the cards have in common? "What is Good Listening"? What does it look like, sound like, feel like? Think, Pair, Share. The video <a href="http://youtu.be/_JmA2ClUvUY">"Talking Twin Babies"</a> is a great real life application of active listening.<br />
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<b>PVF <i>paired verbal fluency</i></b> gives students an opportunity to process something new that they have just viewed or heard. Ask the students to find a partner and decide who will be "A" and who "B". <b>A</b> explains something for 30 seconds, and <b>B</b> who works at summarizing what<b> A</b> said. Switch roles from Listener to Speaker. Encourage the same "Active Listening" strategies that are now in place (appropriate body language, facial expressions, and eye contact). Having students use a sentence starter such as "You mentioned _____; tell me more about that." should help students begin to learn how to paraphrase what has been said.<br />
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