tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55138554810854936942024-03-23T06:13:48.298-04:00The Positive TeacherAllie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-38889974510484576002019-06-27T09:35:00.002-04:002019-06-27T12:19:24.439-04:00Old Navy Try On - JuneHey ladies! Happy Friday Eve!<br />
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I can't believe next week will be July. Old Navy is having a sale... up to 60% off. I included casual summer outfits as well as 4th of July options.<br />
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Don't forget that Old Navy offers free in store pick up if you want your items asap.<br />
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<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/45R8">Shorts</a> (same pair in all photos) are true to size. <br />
These outfits also would pair nicely with white denim.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zsZwp8AMzSZf5P-7teyuSbVVLgrlSbxkPomIz4T8GI3LeGfoD_M5ZoaCQEp0SHdpuu4QXkZruQD1TbLmQHI7qa2tdjCWk9PV5noGKiqftmzttxNnzAcIa9Myk1wsDWBmSFBrduHEuJwN/s1600/IMG_2208.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zsZwp8AMzSZf5P-7teyuSbVVLgrlSbxkPomIz4T8GI3LeGfoD_M5ZoaCQEp0SHdpuu4QXkZruQD1TbLmQHI7qa2tdjCWk9PV5noGKiqftmzttxNnzAcIa9Myk1wsDWBmSFBrduHEuJwN/s400/IMG_2208.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/45Q2"><span style="color: blue;">Top</span></a>, also available in green stripe, yellow stripe, white floral and yellow floral (size small)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig46vmjK2fM3uc84HrclS8me-NPCrCBK7t34aYnhTSwTex7yOhmgSr0SkmlP3YCUQJU24e-rVPFIRC1vLn0tzapLblVgoxdxFA8TGRs8glNxtbQ_Mkolr1NgqDTZvhYxWlBkteMVbOL_Zu/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig46vmjK2fM3uc84HrclS8me-NPCrCBK7t34aYnhTSwTex7yOhmgSr0SkmlP3YCUQJU24e-rVPFIRC1vLn0tzapLblVgoxdxFA8TGRs8glNxtbQ_Mkolr1NgqDTZvhYxWlBkteMVbOL_Zu/s400/IMG_2203.JPG" /></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/45Sg"><span style="color: blue;">Top</span></a> </span>(size small)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyV3-oblQiALlfAzODa-SRoX6yF5sVP0eBdMsIPKDESy4gqL3YHzUgdNBoD_vyQlAyzcJnm54Yi6jBk0qGiOFbs0acnZ54oPc1NkH93Qq2JUfvXRjxRI8Jc5VDRKSyIZ9cBCcuwhcHtIC/s1600/IMG_2202.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyV3-oblQiALlfAzODa-SRoX6yF5sVP0eBdMsIPKDESy4gqL3YHzUgdNBoD_vyQlAyzcJnm54Yi6jBk0qGiOFbs0acnZ54oPc1NkH93Qq2JUfvXRjxRI8Jc5VDRKSyIZ9cBCcuwhcHtIC/s400/IMG_2202.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/45Q8"><span style="color: blue;">Top</span></a>, also available in purple stripe and white stripe (size XS)<br />
*I knotted the top<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDxAL0LhHX6CQZ66nJW5sBygJ0HraKUTTXKoeRDuGQck0mV2DXcLynGPpuHlD0Y-StotAV7jOTMEvphvnyjJVmEBsPKlXkRz550oAM7sx8WpH6JeyNgT8Yw8aKR6niUGVijdB766txfsp/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDxAL0LhHX6CQZ66nJW5sBygJ0HraKUTTXKoeRDuGQck0mV2DXcLynGPpuHlD0Y-StotAV7jOTMEvphvnyjJVmEBsPKlXkRz550oAM7sx8WpH6JeyNgT8Yw8aKR6niUGVijdB766txfsp/s400/IMG_2204.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/45So">Top</a>, also available in red dot and grey (size small)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijguvFhKJaDwO28vsPwqlBY5MrX6nhLwP50PtBSrFcLEuljEn1pD4GoTWMq95gK_uNoycms1HMD-WESXsUWKo9tnCrpPKTuJxLNWAvfwv0vlt9wTJhkq7vBCC2TDXHFlLbCDKFXdmPpOmJ/s1600/IMG_2207.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijguvFhKJaDwO28vsPwqlBY5MrX6nhLwP50PtBSrFcLEuljEn1pD4GoTWMq95gK_uNoycms1HMD-WESXsUWKo9tnCrpPKTuJxLNWAvfwv0vlt9wTJhkq7vBCC2TDXHFlLbCDKFXdmPpOmJ/s400/IMG_2207.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/45Sr"><span style="color: blue;">Top</span></a>, (size small)<br />
*I knotted the top<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jqXsQemrWpGyD-JQk7Xmyk06o1xxp-9P7mkrqh-FgaK7vo0R_FtXPYjHwRP0Kt0R88P_ng8VCSfxW3uYKi21SxdDsiJtdCmrganVguvcf_QGnKrUxKpAAhk6-AOo8xaANtiQHb7qCGYw/s1600/IMG_2206.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jqXsQemrWpGyD-JQk7Xmyk06o1xxp-9P7mkrqh-FgaK7vo0R_FtXPYjHwRP0Kt0R88P_ng8VCSfxW3uYKi21SxdDsiJtdCmrganVguvcf_QGnKrUxKpAAhk6-AOo8xaANtiQHb7qCGYw/s400/IMG_2206.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/45SN"><span style="color: blue;">Top</span></a>, available in silver star and blue polka dot (size XS)<br />
*I knotted the top<br />
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Had to end with an easy summer casual outfit. Luxe tees and tanks are my FAVORITE! I love the cut and fit.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsxtq9_Gsl6T7AgSpP1jkcadqN3YG_Wx_4gi-utYIM9akVRmny22AW2ApPBq10YocXroICRhLMRWijSOib3bF_NW2lBkptZ1NpH4qb6Ja488jVvL8TtjOhW9zze8NckVmmwKIjyMzDjrp/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsxtq9_Gsl6T7AgSpP1jkcadqN3YG_Wx_4gi-utYIM9akVRmny22AW2ApPBq10YocXroICRhLMRWijSOib3bF_NW2lBkptZ1NpH4qb6Ja488jVvL8TtjOhW9zze8NckVmmwKIjyMzDjrp/s400/IMG_2205.JPG" /></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/45Tw">Top</a>,</span> available in black, white, maroon, olive, and navy (size small)<br />
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*This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra.<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-57027826467791548282018-08-12T10:14:00.003-04:002018-08-12T10:19:03.749-04:009 Back to School Read AloudsI get so excited to plan my read alouds for back to school. I have a few favorites I have used for years, but I love discovering new books. Below are a list of books that were published within the past few years. I hope you find a new book you can share with your students this school year.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "muli" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: justify;">This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on Amazon using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase.</span><br />
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<b>You're Finally Here! by Melanie Watt</b><br />
<b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBY3dkHkwJuhH8zzFWRqOULQyYWV66z90GPU9pv0aKLhFWeACLd7QWZFlsJpiDfdWzRgElZyvMBBa21_c6zy7PJQfWxsAhQChwnIuqCLQ0lWlPbM1l1KRYeTIrODug1p57fnxsrDo1Wrw/s1600/IMG_4573.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBY3dkHkwJuhH8zzFWRqOULQyYWV66z90GPU9pv0aKLhFWeACLd7QWZFlsJpiDfdWzRgElZyvMBBa21_c6zy7PJQfWxsAhQChwnIuqCLQ0lWlPbM1l1KRYeTIrODug1p57fnxsrDo1Wrw/s200/IMG_4573.jpg" width="200" /></a></b><br />
A perfect first read aloud to show your students how excited you are to see them and that you have been waiting patiently for their arrival. The main character Bunny experiences many emotions.<br />
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Follow up activity: students could brainstorm what they are excited or nervous about this school year. It would also be an opportunity to talk about emotions with your students.<br />
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You can purchase through Amazon Canada.<br />
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<b>What Should Danny Do? by Adir and Ganit Levy</b><br />
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There are 9 stories within this book and encourages students to be interactive during the read aloud. After each story you could have your students turn and talk to discuss what Danny should do. Students will realize how Danny's choices impacted his day. I love the social emotional skills that this book teaches.<br />
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Purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/069284838X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=069284838X&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=e60a505374dc7fd5cfacc1678cc8db08">HERE</a><br />
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<b>We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins</b><br />
<b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzoPE6DmqR-r-wILM3RO5ahcPdPPZ7fb7sTCwhFDInw5-YGoc0JcCqpqmXEoF4dmtpoZktJqNDSi3jJF5QLG1LOqlmEoihgkcbnKSroO0fnrJ4e7KZzxc98ENVS-oY4eTGkmFXIMOy31Q/s1600/IMG_4597.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzoPE6DmqR-r-wILM3RO5ahcPdPPZ7fb7sTCwhFDInw5-YGoc0JcCqpqmXEoF4dmtpoZktJqNDSi3jJF5QLG1LOqlmEoihgkcbnKSroO0fnrJ4e7KZzxc98ENVS-oY4eTGkmFXIMOy31Q/s200/IMG_4597.jpg" width="200" /></a></b><br />
If the title of this book didn't already catch your attention, Penelope the t-rex will have you laughing starting on page 1. Penelope is starting school and eager to make friends, but that doesn't go as planned. Students will catch onto the theme "treat others the way you want to be treated"<br />
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Purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1368003559/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1368003559&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=171d9c0ae898055e559959ed7ec613ea">HERE</a><br />
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<b>Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! by Trudy Ludwig</b><br />
<b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnnc7ueVAcYYgTKRQ6lgs3qC1Yq-BhcMuIJoiagg9RdWmI-1KXJ0_ENKG4Y4w48mpQKhtQZ6lrQM_aBniN0ra3DgNFGhmS9y46cGtPFW54zZlldIVsDLKbGpCNA83CR1blPxKzHEW4pdX/s1600/IMG_4596.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnnc7ueVAcYYgTKRQ6lgs3qC1Yq-BhcMuIJoiagg9RdWmI-1KXJ0_ENKG4Y4w48mpQKhtQZ6lrQM_aBniN0ra3DgNFGhmS9y46cGtPFW54zZlldIVsDLKbGpCNA83CR1blPxKzHEW4pdX/s200/IMG_4596.jpg" width="150" /></a></b><br />
Owen loves to talk every second of the day, but talking gets in the way of his listening. One day he wakes up with laryngitis and he shifts his focus to listening. This picture book sends the message that there are appropriate times to talk and listen.<br />
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Follow up activity: create an anchor chart as a class to discuss times during your day to talk and to listen/work quietly.<br />
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Purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039955713X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=039955713X&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=21cc745bbbee706f4be2a6ab5072a806">HERE</a><br />
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<b>The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig</b><br />
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Nobody seems to notice the invisible boy, Brian. A new boy arrives and Brian is the first one to make him feel welcome. This story shows that a small act of kindness can help students feel valued.<br />
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Follow up activity: discuss ways to be a friend.<br />
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Purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582464502/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1582464502&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=a10a7613f9a6bbe3fcbbe4540acfe3ca">HERE</a><br />
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<b>All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold</b><br />
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This picture book celebrates diversity. A group of students are followed throughout the day and felt welcome. Inclusion is illustrated in an age appropriate way.<br />
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Purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525579648/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525579648&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=dc6a4c4db30f207588f2e27bb801f1d3">HERE</a><br />
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<b>The Bad Seed by Jory John</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ieczZs05j59GvvNHsMzfhyphenhyphenLxh8gS71ztdojGgOxCQLlYcdttC4zNblqhyphenhyphenezSnnIVscyVtfayc8ttJJs6tRUgITgxWxhf0OTxWMfiEZv63unG5ijLfZyUualHy4nYUEc6lJve88TnOhBv/s1600/IMG_4581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ieczZs05j59GvvNHsMzfhyphenhyphenLxh8gS71ztdojGgOxCQLlYcdttC4zNblqhyphenhyphenezSnnIVscyVtfayc8ttJJs6tRUgITgxWxhf0OTxWMfiEZv63unG5ijLfZyUualHy4nYUEc6lJve88TnOhBv/s200/IMG_4581.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
This picture book is about a bad seed who has a bad attitude and bad manners. It is perfect for young learners because it models acceptance and that anyone can make a positive change.<br />
<b><br /></b>Purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006246776X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=006246776X&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=54f1f36e7cb83e7bd862213d58ebf541">HERE</a><br />
<b><br /></b><b>Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds</b><br />
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Being a nerdy birdy can be lonely. When he meets friends he realizes there are other people like him.<br />
This book encourages students to find a group where they feel like they belong, but also find people who are different than you. Students learn that it's ok to have friendships with people who have different interests or appearance.<br />
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Purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1626721270/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1626721270&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=cc02bb15490c48d7bcfaf4631a7fb75e">HERE</a><br />
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**If you like David Shannon's books, he has a new book being released on August 28, Grow Up David. Pre-Order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1338250973/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1338250973&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=832c7236ab68d597c8a7cb63b1a3b361">HERE</a><br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-60077387203466480522018-08-03T14:41:00.002-04:002018-08-12T17:22:54.453-04:007 Ways I Organize My Instructional MaterialsAnyone that knows me would say I am organized. I believe an organized classroom leads to efficient use of instructional minutes and provide structure that young students need. Below are different ways I organize instructional materials to make my days go smoothly.<br />
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1. <b>Happy Planner Teacher Edition</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_BS1C-og5vwJwDtLHIg9WkkppLXXRJ0LujyL2Y6K01f5uKeGcHqXNrudEAgWqyycX1drwAV61OUElbnkrwvaLvq8ylMjrV6Pj6D_dEQzGTKX1Xp-CoYHFzaDDiN-iFjZGrxSK4Of_67u/s1600/IMG_4521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="750" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_BS1C-og5vwJwDtLHIg9WkkppLXXRJ0LujyL2Y6K01f5uKeGcHqXNrudEAgWqyycX1drwAV61OUElbnkrwvaLvq8ylMjrV6Pj6D_dEQzGTKX1Xp-CoYHFzaDDiN-iFjZGrxSK4Of_67u/s200/IMG_4521.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
If you want to purchase the hole punch to customize your planner, click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X17X4XN/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06X17X4XN&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=963e742b194a2df39cd689ee9a4576a9">HERE</a><br />
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I used an Erin Condren teacher planner for 4 years, but I thought it was a little pricey for a planner that you only use for 1 school year. I went with the Happy Planner teacher edition, which was much cheaper and offered similar benefits. It is just as cute and functional. If you want to personalize your planner, purchase the Happy Planner hole punch then you can add in your own pages to fit your needs.<br />
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2. <b>Sight Words</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtrwQoEFTRt-upOZvcD2dGxvdq1pi6LegbvDU9VIW4PSK47Zy1YJWQ6ZA5z8Qt9QFKCQ48-X90OFSes9QmTsHDp47FxAVLodoS6IFM8zOGlPuxaSPJ6WgEmSdMWFSIxu6XwHg44FqHylV/s1600/IMG_4378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtrwQoEFTRt-upOZvcD2dGxvdq1pi6LegbvDU9VIW4PSK47Zy1YJWQ6ZA5z8Qt9QFKCQ48-X90OFSes9QmTsHDp47FxAVLodoS6IFM8zOGlPuxaSPJ6WgEmSdMWFSIxu6XwHg44FqHylV/s200/IMG_4378.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Purchase <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9FFR6P/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N9FFR6P&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=587309f3d3edc4e31b9148dfec09fe6d">HERE</a></div>
This rainbow cart has lasted me for 4 years and counting. I previously used it to store daily materials, but last year I decided to use it for sight word activities during reader's workshop. Each student has a personalized sight word list and selects a word work drawer. Some activities students complete are rainbow words, magic words, hide and seek, dot to dot words.... It is easy for students to use this system independently and clean up is a breeze.<br />
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3. <b>Daily Materials</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQLeXvWFJ59l1M0pMysnJSII7gT3YTpF11VoaHfhnOdZAFZigS4AZSRr6GnRJaXR7-M4vimfmlCOIzGyELJ5soBZ0G5LlE3ZmmKK4ckuHid6Apo7Zg_36FwzDNFmKFgz1DJbJ894h5RAY/s1600/IMG_4379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQLeXvWFJ59l1M0pMysnJSII7gT3YTpF11VoaHfhnOdZAFZigS4AZSRr6GnRJaXR7-M4vimfmlCOIzGyELJ5soBZ0G5LlE3ZmmKK4ckuHid6Apo7Zg_36FwzDNFmKFgz1DJbJ894h5RAY/s200/IMG_4379.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Purchase Sterilite drawers <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KN12PI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001KN12PI&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=2b6853af400703e924cfd163c2adb486">HERE</a></div>
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(I ordered 2)</div>
Using 2 sets of the 3 drawer bins, I put all of my daily activities in the corresponding drawer. The only downside is hardback cover books don't fit comfortably within the drawers, but besides that this system works for me.<br />
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4. <b>Themed Unit Activities</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbv1hmbt85KtyEQVlPx4OsiANwQR0dESLUlb7KT8Ms2BBRvLqbO9nHrL02NfeOUzZ59Fap1J3pO1Og7kaIZZFrB-HcPsh_Igv304hsdq_Oc_lhJ_3lLFqKcCoq5ZcM6X2F7NV4yNHzAL1/s1600/IMG_4376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbv1hmbt85KtyEQVlPx4OsiANwQR0dESLUlb7KT8Ms2BBRvLqbO9nHrL02NfeOUzZ59Fap1J3pO1Og7kaIZZFrB-HcPsh_Igv304hsdq_Oc_lhJ_3lLFqKcCoq5ZcM6X2F7NV4yNHzAL1/s200/IMG_4376.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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I purchased these bins from Costco.</div>
As a Kindergarten teacher I found it works best to plan in themed units. Some themes my team does are colors, apples, pumpkins, and gingerbread. Each bin is devoted to a unit and holds any crafts, games, or activities I need. I keep my themed read alouds in separate bins within my classroom library so students have access to those titles anytime in the school year.<br />
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5. <b>Math Manipulatives</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxG2_z3_Ae4xCwdpWssgVF0u623kJt_i5yVpdk6NE24SQ_cI0aPzzIJ8B8PeF2oR9CY6OUk42hzORlaUPq47USKGGW4EQZWh2adFftM4Bnr0d7au4PWElbYa1eEktyo5ZERzAxRxtrfFhs/s1600/IMG_4377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="251" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxG2_z3_Ae4xCwdpWssgVF0u623kJt_i5yVpdk6NE24SQ_cI0aPzzIJ8B8PeF2oR9CY6OUk42hzORlaUPq47USKGGW4EQZWh2adFftM4Bnr0d7au4PWElbYa1eEktyo5ZERzAxRxtrfFhs/s200/IMG_4377.jpg" width="156" /> . </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyrXgWAArqq3rCc-OL24HVrURAzdnW1oV8NOCx6iHv4CuA2lv4e-9ByjaRMJ8rvXAQ-A-mqpKWfJ6m8PAWksAcsAxxrw7KWUE0Qk5M7SCNcBQRYkonWQjgJWOGNnIhUfvW8Cd-HLa4Kbs/s1600/IMG_4359.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyrXgWAArqq3rCc-OL24HVrURAzdnW1oV8NOCx6iHv4CuA2lv4e-9ByjaRMJ8rvXAQ-A-mqpKWfJ6m8PAWksAcsAxxrw7KWUE0Qk5M7SCNcBQRYkonWQjgJWOGNnIhUfvW8Cd-HLa4Kbs/s200/IMG_4359.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Purchase purple Sterilite bins <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0762WP961/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0762WP961&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=40e179ad47d3f050f60a54706e493bcb">HERE</a> (link is for a set of 12 with blue clip)<br />
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I LOVE these bins. They are sturdy and easy for the students to access what they need.<br />
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6. <b>Math Centers</b><br />
<b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtFjKfLe5I1duaaKFBHl6CT71Op4m61jN0wPHV397w2lo0GHKnbDAD3wO4y4B39VhKOroGG6dB8URo7UE-irZkKcmhSPRAe4_OybhyphenhyphenOjvD0Du-nCnht-cgbwSIs-eWlrGWO8zBNFi2ixa/s1600/IMG_4380.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtFjKfLe5I1duaaKFBHl6CT71Op4m61jN0wPHV397w2lo0GHKnbDAD3wO4y4B39VhKOroGG6dB8URo7UE-irZkKcmhSPRAe4_OybhyphenhyphenOjvD0Du-nCnht-cgbwSIs-eWlrGWO8zBNFi2ixa/s200/IMG_4380.JPG" width="200" /></a></b><br />
Purchase cart <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073W51TPJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B073W51TPJ&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=2b8af5733df8e63a4ae45e2352ba63e3">HERE </a><br />
(I purchased 2 carts)<br />
Students complete 2 centers per day with their partner or small group. Within each bin are differentiated games / activities and materials. During math workshop, 1 person in the partner or group is responsible for getting the bin and placing it in an assigned area of the classroom so when it is time to switch, students know where to go.<br />
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7. <b> Themed Read Aloud Display</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2k_rxJ7-qiJ2TbetHCl8QEs27RUvsPH2TIrChaXisQGFVutKRu80e5NMQOWJ9XaZ4mSWvMlNaQ0L1YvE9fJccD2z4h5xP35Lw-oLMAij1OEq6GmAlBjKGJa5asVfq68JL1lorAfv_8zq/s1600/IMG_4375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="698" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2k_rxJ7-qiJ2TbetHCl8QEs27RUvsPH2TIrChaXisQGFVutKRu80e5NMQOWJ9XaZ4mSWvMlNaQ0L1YvE9fJccD2z4h5xP35Lw-oLMAij1OEq6GmAlBjKGJa5asVfq68JL1lorAfv_8zq/s200/IMG_4375.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I highly recommend using one of these shelves (or a similar alternative) to display picture books. Before each theme or author study, I place the read alouds I need on the shelf. Students have access at any time and it builds their excitement when they see the books change on the shelf.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLolHJJPhBiTWpMThPKYh84RF9BaZutbF6uqJVmIjQLcZ-2tDwilhATJ_UqccoYu9AEMhMBMekJhKxCb3TE8UJ38lQQsiP-VSN6wEjAA40P7cLSH3dIc31pV5w739UMyyaOJgrwLNLU7-/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLolHJJPhBiTWpMThPKYh84RF9BaZutbF6uqJVmIjQLcZ-2tDwilhATJ_UqccoYu9AEMhMBMekJhKxCb3TE8UJ38lQQsiP-VSN6wEjAA40P7cLSH3dIc31pV5w739UMyyaOJgrwLNLU7-/s1600/Signature+1.png" /></a></div>
<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-38728038868417070612018-07-17T13:14:00.002-04:002019-06-27T09:45:22.967-04:00Prime Day 2018 Prime Day deals are still going on. I included my top picks for teacher bags and school supplies. You can't pass up these deals! Every teacher needs flair pens and laminating pouches, right?? If you have been thinking about getting an Echo Dot or Cricut now is the time to get it. Great price for Prime Day!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "muli" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on Amazon using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074TDRD5V/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B074TDRD5V&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=365f7b64177f3593053088485f9eac8c">Backpack</a></div>
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$25.99</div>
Fits my laptop, Erin Condren planner, among other items. It is perfect for school or traveling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSpCz7OCl6DdsvOt4JFMTtzVUYSq69GbqjuQWSh1iA47UDAN1IMNaq-30yL0agWGYwVycAmSPtj3IOdTN_n9hq8PKi2XXt0zvJ8bdjtl1w78Aj8pJkowHhRaDWOCua9QKt0AEUiP5juoB/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-07-17+at+12.53.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1012" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSpCz7OCl6DdsvOt4JFMTtzVUYSq69GbqjuQWSh1iA47UDAN1IMNaq-30yL0agWGYwVycAmSPtj3IOdTN_n9hq8PKi2XXt0zvJ8bdjtl1w78Aj8pJkowHhRaDWOCua9QKt0AEUiP5juoB/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-07-17+at+12.53.12+PM.png" width="168" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N789UGY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N789UGY&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=7a0fb0bf792e839ad7a786b72cd440f9">Crossbody</a></div>
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Comes in over 30 colors and is under $20.00</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUaZfAJIiaJ6ev8MbUu2Dhp6ASaSXzHEx-qIoyUFSgzwSftBFaqORYvR5RQTovUBhLCEO0GUHpzwIq1-lkEJZFVarxkVZdzV5joZoQtKDL3E87oSepbJfyjmuspc8Fc_6Ap6P8-d7A_-J/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-07-17+at+12.54.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="874" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUaZfAJIiaJ6ev8MbUu2Dhp6ASaSXzHEx-qIoyUFSgzwSftBFaqORYvR5RQTovUBhLCEO0GUHpzwIq1-lkEJZFVarxkVZdzV5joZoQtKDL3E87oSepbJfyjmuspc8Fc_6Ap6P8-d7A_-J/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-07-17+at+12.54.23+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFKC2SO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01DFKC2SO&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=b1d03ef69128a4cc036bee8e0a32b7e9">Echo Dot</a></div>
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Thanks to my friend Aubrey for sharing this deal with me. I have one at home and love it!</div>
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<b>Original</b>: $49.99</div>
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<b>Prime Day</b>: $29.99</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGCn24NW6aAifZ3bIXyqbeRSJYRGg_SPoo8ex7r0OZZD1ye9MxRFzhHan39SgVHfoA8xUrsladU4xoFwqiFhUW-XSd0OllOQ_55m029NTaKQ_p3ztn46AOux8DS-Kugc8qNaJS1jw9DPe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-07-17+at+1.33.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGCn24NW6aAifZ3bIXyqbeRSJYRGg_SPoo8ex7r0OZZD1ye9MxRFzhHan39SgVHfoA8xUrsladU4xoFwqiFhUW-XSd0OllOQ_55m029NTaKQ_p3ztn46AOux8DS-Kugc8qNaJS1jw9DPe/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-07-17+at+1.33.09+PM.png" width="192" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Q11DHQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B073Q11DHQ&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=710e7ba1ccdf2fb5ef7c0485f736ad02">STEM -- Snowflakes</a></div>
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<b>Original:</b> $39.99</div>
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<b>Prime Day</b>: $9.99</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyylJqOvRp9e0uW_s3nYihAwxBWlOvMsQIeWfCpcZokm9atcxkn19pfSgF9f_7S_UihlI5kxWMcdIuKx55IjBG4JhMbbOTRWF_wLMzQUpGn8yV7UTpi83J_8MT66m46S2M3vXObZyFGJ6Y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-07-17+at+12.57.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="774" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyylJqOvRp9e0uW_s3nYihAwxBWlOvMsQIeWfCpcZokm9atcxkn19pfSgF9f_7S_UihlI5kxWMcdIuKx55IjBG4JhMbbOTRWF_wLMzQUpGn8yV7UTpi83J_8MT66m46S2M3vXObZyFGJ6Y/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-07-17+at+12.57.13+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D1BQCKM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07D1BQCKM&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=9cb85a5d51750190bbd96db93e4fa7f4">Paper Mate Flair Pens -- Candy Pop</a></div>
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Original: $27.39</div>
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Prime Day: $10.99</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CBAWIIY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CBAWIIY&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=265511f9643c85429ad7bbc4f95c3cb9">Scotch Laminating Pouches 200 pack</a></div>
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<b>Original</b>: $42.99</div>
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<b>Prime Day</b>: $24.24</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C953Q81/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07C953Q81&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=72ced39d869f353efc35a8c7d1e7a606">Cricut Air Explore 2 - Rose Gold</a></div>
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<b>Original: </b>$299.99</div>
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<b>Prime Day</b>: $194.99</div>
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-46547674635958198752018-07-08T15:24:00.005-04:002018-07-08T15:34:55.687-04:00My Favorite Professional Reads This SummerSummer is a great time to catch up on professional reads. The past 2 summers my professional reads were literacy based since I was working on my masters degree. Besides the change of pace this summer, I enjoyed these books because they were uplifting and practical.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "muli" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: "muli" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. By purchasing an item on Amazon using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase.</span><br />
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1. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325092508/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0325092508&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=6ee6b6e715587efb49c5e2acc58139c1">Kids First From Day One </a></b>by Kristine Mraz and Christine Hertz<br />
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I did a book study with other Kindergarten teachers in my district. We had great conversation and I love that this book is very applicable to primary teachers. Usually when I read a professional book I have brainstorm how I can apply what I learned into my Kindergarten classroom, but Kids First From Day One is full of anchor charts, strategies, and resources for Kindergarten and First Grade teachers. The book shows us how our students are the most important people in the room. I enjoyed the plans for classroom design, positive language, and instructional strategies.<br />
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2. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1338051962/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1338051962&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=edf17199946b688bf57b2f529e8968d4">From Striving to Thriving : How to Grow Capable Confident Readers </a></b>by Annie Ward and Stephanie Harvey<br />
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Dav Pilkey, the author of Captain Underpants, wrote the foreward for this book. It. Is. Amazing. I didn't know he had learning difficulties as a kid and the foreward details how his teachers killed his love for reading. Instead, his mom cultivated a love for reading by allowing him to select books that interested him. This book emphasizes the value of creating lifelong readers and levels are simply a teacher's tool NOT a label for our students.<br />
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3. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1946444529/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1946444529&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=e6efac491386c99eb56908757384fe06">The Wild Card </a></b>by Hope and Wade King<br />
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Hope and Wade teach at the Ron Clark Academy and I am always inspired by their methods for engaging students. They remind us to not settle for good enough and choose joy. Despite a student's circumstances, Hope and Wade encourage teachers to "be the wild card" that makes the difference. Even if you are not creative, Hope and Wade show you how they engage students with room transformations, songs, and more.<br />
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4. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1946444464/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1946444464&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=3f780a251ab6ee2a533ec3f5c6b9e368">Culturize</a> </b>by Jimmy Casas<br />
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Confession- I have not finished this book. Before I even started reading, the quotes my friends were posting on Twitter already inspired me. Jimmy Casas shares insight on why we can't lose sight of soft skills such as kindness and compassion while building on our academic standards. More importantly, the book is practical and applicable for teachers or administrators.<br />
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5. <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1946444715/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1946444715&linkCode=as2&tag=alliebond-20&linkId=e3500fa349a6da6a29cc1c582c85a6f5">The Path to Serendipity</a> </b>by Allyson Apsey<br />
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I am in the #CompelledTribe with Allyson and it has been so fun to get to know her. She is positive and inspires our group to push forward. When I heard she was publishing a book, I knew it would not disappoint. If you want to read a book that captures your heart page after page, this is it. She owns who she is and strives to see the silver lining in all situations.<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-46567858510995911232018-04-14T17:34:00.005-04:002018-04-14T18:15:25.867-04:00Literacy Practices Hurting Our ReadersAfter reading Stacey's post about <a href="https://www.literacyforbigkids.com/blog/we-dont-need-your-good-intentions">We Don't Need Your Good Intentions</a> it really had me reflecting on what I have been seeing online the past few months about literacy practices, especially in the primary grades. Many times, I am disheartened that a love of reading is not the priority.<br />
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Thinking back to my childhood, I did not enjoy reading. Between the whole class novels that lasted all quarter, ridiculous amount of annotating, packets to complete, and sitting through a whole class period taking turns reading from a textbook.... Groan! It is so important to me as a Kindergarten teacher that I do my best to make sure my students are engaged and love to read and write. Along with that, we have to be intentional and provide time to do so.<br />
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Which practices are hurting our readers?<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Students don't need to know their reading level because adults don't know theirs.</span></b><br />
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FREE from Jen Jones <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-is-More-Than-a-Level-Poster-3500189">HERE</a></div>
....Allow students to have a balanced reading diet. Meaning, students have books on their independent level that they can read confidently in addition to books they are interested in reading. As adults, we don't go to a bookstore or library and only select books from a leveled bin. Choice is choice. Remember, during guided reading students are reading texts on their instructional level and are receiving support so they can apply these strategies when they read independently.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Students don't need to complete packets and reading logs to prove they read.</span></b><br />
....there is no research to support that taking reading quizzes improves comprehension. Yes, A.R. I am talking about you. Spending time reading and writing can improve reading comprehension. Guided writing also plays a role in my guided reading lessons, usually after the comprehension activity.<br />
If you haven't already, get Jan Richardson's book, <i>The Next Step in Guided Reading</i>. Included are leveled sight word lists and leveled word work. It is so simple to implement into your guided reading routine. I highly recommend. I met Jan Richardson at the National Reading Recovery Conference in February so I am a fan!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Students don't need classroom libraries that lack choice.</span></b><br />
....Although it is important that students have time to read books on their independent level, choice is what motivates readers and what helps students discover their interests. Classroom libraries should contain hundreds of books. Not multiple copies of the same book. A classroom library should have multiple authors /genres / series / interests. This is what makes students excited to read.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Students don't need to stop listening to read alouds.</span></b><br />
....listening to read alouds on the carpet has many benefits. During this time, you are modeling a positive attitude towards reading and introducing students to a wide variety of books. In addition, you are modeling skills such as fluency, expression, and monitoring comprehension. Even with intermediate students, picture books are still a strong mentor text to model comprehension strategies.<br />
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Jen Jones from Hello Literacy has a free mentor text list for reading literature standards in grades K-2. Download <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Mentor-Text-Lists-for-Common-Core-Reading-Literature-Standards-K-2-613322">HERE</a> and grades 3-6 <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Mentor-Text-Lists-for-Reading-Literature-Standards-3-6-1002113">HERE</a> It is one of the best free products I own because it is a time saver and easy to navigate when lesson planning.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Students don't need to skip writer's workshop.</span></b><br />
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FREE from Jen Jones <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writers-Read-Readers-Write-Poster-3381098">HERE</a><br />
....even in Kindergarten having a devoted writer's workshop time is crucial. Writing and reading are connected processes. Last year, a study was published illustrating that invented spelling is linked to reading ability. Read more about the study <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/raising-readers-writers-and-spellers/201703/landmark-study-finds-better-path-reading-success">here</a>. I also did my action research for my master's degree on this topic. Student's writing reveals which spelling patterns they have mastered and how they manipulate sounds. Many times writing and reading are viewed are separate subjects but we write to read and read to write.<br />
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<b>People and Resources That Inspire Me</b>:<br />
-Donalyn Miller (Reading in the Wild and The Book Whisperer)<br />
-Pernille Ripp (Passionate Readers)<br />
-Jen Jones -- helloliteracy.blogspot.com IG : @hellojenjones<br />
-Jennifer Serravallo (The Reading Strategies and The Writing Strategies)<br />
-Kylene Beers and Bill Probst (Disrupting Thinking)<br />
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How do you inspire readers in your classroom?<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-23312421570881239782018-03-12T17:52:00.001-04:002018-03-12T17:52:23.878-04:00A Balancing ActThe #Compelledtribe is writing about balance for this month's blog post. Although I am definitely not an expert on this topic, below are some ideas to help with the work/life balance.<br />
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<b>Organization</b><br />
Having systems and methods for staying organized helps reduce stress and unnecessary clutter. For me, it is so important to know where everything is in a moments notice.<br />
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Here are a few ways I stay organized:<br />
-<u>Monday-Friday drawers:</u> I place all of my read alouds and any handouts I will need for each day.<br />
-<u>Copy/File/Grade drawers</u><br />
-<u>Classroom library bins:</u> As a Kindergarten teacher, all of my books are organized by author, genre, or interest. Each book has a label on it that corresponds with the label on the book bin.<br />
-<u>Word Work/Math Center drawers</u>: Using a 10 drawer rainbow cart, each word work activity is inside a drawer. Each student grabs 1 drawer to work on and all materials are inside. I use this same method for math centers.<br />
-<u>Email folders</u>: Having folders helps prioritize what needs answered right away or tasks to complete later. <br />
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<b>What Works and What Doesn't</b><br />
Based off past experience, reflect on what systems work for you and vice versa. Do you prefer to come to school early? Stay late? Come in on the weekend? Leave work at school? Thinking about what works best for you will help you in the long run by setting boundaries.<br />
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<b>Prioritize</b><br />
Although social media can put pressure on us to have Pinterest perfect classrooms, reflect on what is important to you and what will impact student learning. Do you need to have matching borders for every holiday? Probably not. If that makes you happy, though, go for it. <br />
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<b>Use Your Resources</b><br />
Teaching is a job that can't be done alone. Ask for support and support others when they need it. By tapping into other people's strengths, we can build each other up.<br />
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<b>Choose Joy </b><br />
Regardless of your situation, take time for yourself everyday to do something you enjoy. Whether it is waking up early to enjoy a cup of coffee in silence, working out, or catching up on a favorite television show, you will thank yourself later.<br />
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<b>Take Out</b><br />
Sometimes a night off from cooking and dishes is necessary.<br />
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I would love to hear how you balance. Share your ideas in the comments.<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-85897955674910765872017-12-31T15:49:00.000-05:002017-12-31T15:54:42.410-05:00#OneWord2018<br />
2017 showed me how much can change in a year. Although the word change can have a negative connotation, I am very pleased with the changes that happened. <br />
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<b>Big takeaways from 2017:</b><br />
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<li>Moved back to Ohio in August. I love being closer to family and college friends.</li>
<li>Started a new teaching job. I continue my journey teaching all day Kindergarten at a brand new school. I loved seeing the new building come together. This school year has been nothing short of amazing and I am so happy where I'm at.</li>
<li>Graduated with my masters degree in literacy from the University of Dayton. Go Flyers!</li>
<li>Traveled to Los Angeles, North Myrtle Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Delray Beach, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Phoenix.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDQKaJCFZVZhTf7yJH-Xf8wfJM0urT586khyphenhypheny0WnMKUuEHb2TzPhQV7D77vEzUVC9LbUPSxzn3BrbjerjcRzB6UVnemkqmrOZP1D2S8-J-m6qjCS5VCmfqQAr4VdnKC5pJ573D-v0fF-Y/s1600/IMG_1378.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDQKaJCFZVZhTf7yJH-Xf8wfJM0urT586khyphenhypheny0WnMKUuEHb2TzPhQV7D77vEzUVC9LbUPSxzn3BrbjerjcRzB6UVnemkqmrOZP1D2S8-J-m6qjCS5VCmfqQAr4VdnKC5pJ573D-v0fF-Y/s200/IMG_1378.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Moving forward, my #oneword2018 is <b>present.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Present in 2018:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>I completed my masters degree in a year and a half, which means 2017 was devoted to working hard in order to achieve that goal. Since I finished my masters degree in December, I now have much more free time, especially on nights and weekends. I want to spend more time with family and friends as well as make time to do things I love such as traveling. I also will hit pause more frequently to remind myself to live in the moment and not always feel on the go.<br />
<br />
2017 was a positive year overall and I am excited to see what 2018 will bring!<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-27069037606315248702017-10-16T16:43:00.000-04:002017-10-16T16:43:24.146-04:00Classroom Tour 2017-2018I hope everyone had a positive start to their school year! I am SO happy to be back in home sweet Ohio. I love my new school and am so happy with everything. I have a wonderful group of Kindergarten students and very supportive families. <br />
<br />
My school is newly rebuilt (old school was torn down in June). Since it is a new building, we ordered furniture this past spring. I am very fortunate to have many flexible seating options provided to us. It is also the district's first year doing all day Kindergarten, which I taught the past 2 years at my previous school. It was fun to see everything come together! Below are pictures of my Kindergarten classroom:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Lf7QjpDgVuWyJFTWBugPhqdistpNg_7jOHtox2yAvbkVfZ5uRyQ5cfjGkTnpKQ7DaklmzhnqjA8awj0OzigBFOZwhH8ocbnvm66JsaDc3Hlq5GzZn9-tUiJ0vHSTuS3AQcQT0KK6YovK/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Lf7QjpDgVuWyJFTWBugPhqdistpNg_7jOHtox2yAvbkVfZ5uRyQ5cfjGkTnpKQ7DaklmzhnqjA8awj0OzigBFOZwhH8ocbnvm66JsaDc3Hlq5GzZn9-tUiJ0vHSTuS3AQcQT0KK6YovK/s320/IMG_0171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what you see when you first walk into my classroom. The shelf in behind my couch holds math games and math manipulatives. </div>
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Stools at my kidney table are from Five Below.</div>
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View from my carpet. The blue chair is where I sit during mini lessons.</div>
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Themed bookshelf and calendar</div>
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The black crate to the left is where students place pencil boxes if they are working on the carpet with a scoop rocker.</div>
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Took advantage of the small space below my whiteboard.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Signs-Farmhouse-Style-2749521">Numbers 0-20</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Counting-the-Days-with-Ten-Frames-1975342">How Many Days in School</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL27fXv6qRLywj0DmBS7t3c8ImmwQKPNBJSEs_12rsDzAd9TlKj37UM8zzrbGh8Qv77AfZZfPRJ_Is3ZKTUBAeV5L7m-P1_Dn3XO1DgGJamowAZJq2BhZV3q-zDMePZn_4ufFxW6QNZOGV/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL27fXv6qRLywj0DmBS7t3c8ImmwQKPNBJSEs_12rsDzAd9TlKj37UM8zzrbGh8Qv77AfZZfPRJ_Is3ZKTUBAeV5L7m-P1_Dn3XO1DgGJamowAZJq2BhZV3q-zDMePZn_4ufFxW6QNZOGV/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" /></a></div>
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View on the left when you walk in. I sure missed having a bathroom in my classroom! </div>
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Classroom Library</div>
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Shelf below the television holds student book boxes and the shelves below the word wall are picture books sorted by theme/author/genre. The student work above the tv is covered since it is a student name craft. Sorry!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Wall-Burlap-and-Chalkboard-Theme-Sight-Words-Editable-2616934">Word Wall Headers</a></div>
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READ letters are from Target dollar spot this summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMES4X9Tw6P7sE6pauo3CcMQruhjtZU4lHegIu8Z7M_SDeYah8vEYWbDZtKAGmI8X96d1s_yaSlhTUpxT1uL0LbBCFMgQ0bWDEWJ4NEUzH_pZbHr3kuLnC8e15bFVMDp2e_eN_SfL6lhF/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMES4X9Tw6P7sE6pauo3CcMQruhjtZU4lHegIu8Z7M_SDeYah8vEYWbDZtKAGmI8X96d1s_yaSlhTUpxT1uL0LbBCFMgQ0bWDEWJ4NEUzH_pZbHr3kuLnC8e15bFVMDp2e_eN_SfL6lhF/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" /></a></div>
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All of the beautiful cabinets and cubbies!</div>
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The posters on the cabinets are Zones of Regulation, which my grade level is doing with our school psychologist and occupational therapist. </div>
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The is the far right side of my classroom, my writing area. Each student has a writing goal they focus on. To the right of that are monthly themed words. The door leads to my teammate's classroom. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Checklist-Goal-Tracker-1400986">Writing Checklist</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Folder-Covers-pencil-3359169">Writing Folder Cover</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Station-The-COMPLETE-Set-269850">Monthly Themed Words</a></div>
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Scoop Rockers: Originally purchased from Wal Mart over a year ago, but they can also be found on Amazon.</div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-14750684143511042822017-08-08T18:16:00.001-04:002017-08-08T18:30:44.090-04:00Disrupting Thinking TakeawaysThis summer I read a handful of professional books. Disrupting Thinking: Why How We Read Matters left the biggest impression on me. The book is structured by 3 main sections: the readers we want, the framework we use, and the changes we must embrace. I was worried this book would be heavily focused on intermediate grades where students read to learn instead of learning to read. However, I was pleasantly surprised how Beers and Probst illustrated how each topic or idea could be applied across grade levels.<br />
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<b>What is the purpose of reading this book?</b><br />
Beers and Probst challenge several classroom practices such as whole class novels, classroom libraries only containing leveled book bins, and reading to answer specific questions. They want it to be better by helping students become responsive, responsible, and compassionate readers. In order to do this, Beers and Probst say we need to be brave, open, connected and get uncomfortable. Below are some takeaways that I had that can be applied to my Kindergarten classroom:<br />
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1. <b>Creating Joyful Readers</b><br />
The beginning of chapter 1 saddened me. Although I was not surprised that children read less as they get older. It also seems that as the demands increase, the purpose for reading changes and students refer to reading as "dumb" or "boring". In today's society, students need to do more than answer questions. Instead, they should be asking the questions. <br />
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"If the reader isn't responsive, if she doesn't let the text awaken emotion or inspire thoughts, then she can barely be said to be reading at all." (Beers and Probst, 2017, p. 28) Responsive readers are the goal.<br />
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2. <b>Choice</b><br />
"Their choice will not have been guided by a reading level, but by interest.... choice means choice." There are so many classroom libraries that only consist of leveled book bins. While this is a strategy practical for guided reading, students can learn strategies such as the 5 finger rule to pick books. As an adult, we do not go to a leveled section at a library. In fact, I doubt many adults know their reading level. Only reading books from a leveled bin will not create passionate readers.<br />
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3. <b>Helping Kids Spot Fake News</b><br />
Responsible reading is a critical skill. Many adults get their news from social media when they need quick access. If we don't teach students to read responsibly, then they could harm others by sharing inaccurate information. With all of the comments and likes, readers assume it is the real thing. Beers and Probst encourage us to teach readers to do 3 things as they read the news:<br />
--How does it look?<br />
--What does it say?<br />
--How does it make me feel?<br />
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<b>4. Book, Head, Heart framework</b><br />
This direct and simple framework keeps kids focused on their thinking. Learning to pay attention to the text is a necessary skill. I plan on using this in my Kindergarten classroom, but modifying it a bit to meet their needs. I love this section because Beers and Probst provide examples for various grade levels, which makes this framework relatable for educators.<br />
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Book:<br />
--Notice and Note signposts (this is another book they wrote)<br />
--Somebody Wanted But So<br />
--Sketch to Stretch<br />
--Fix Up Charts<br />
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Head:<br />
--What surprised you?<br />
--What did the author think you already knew?<br />
--What changed, challenged or confirmed your thinking?<br />
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Heart:<br />
Elements associated with the text such as values, attitudes, and beliefs. <br />
--What did this text help me learn about myself?<br />
--What did this text help me learn about others?<br />
--How has this text changed my thinking about the world?<br />
--How will my actions or feelings change as a result of reading this text?<br />
--Does this text offer me any of my own Aha moments? Any tough questions? Perhaps my own words of the wiser?<br />
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I can't say enough positive things about Disrupting Thinking and hope all educators take the time to read this book.<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-67763420808226654292017-04-04T08:37:00.001-04:002017-04-04T08:43:24.359-04:00Coming Back HomeI recently read my friend, <a href="https://brendanfetters.com/2017/03/25/walking-the-talk-taking-leaps-of-faith-to-achieve-personal-and-professional-growth/">Brendan Fetters</a>' blog post and it had my thinking about my journey.<br />
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When I think about risk, I think back to the end of my 2nd year of teaching. Up to that point, all of my life experience pretty much revolved around Central Ohio with the exception of going to college at the University of Dayton, which was less than hour and a half away from my parents. I was enjoying the beginning of my teaching career, but I was eager for a change from the comfort and familiarity of the past 24 years. If you follow me, I frequently use the terms lifelong learner, collaboration, growth mindset, and risk taking. I believe we are better together and learn by making mistakes or taking risks.<br />
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In 2015, I had an offer in Raleigh, North Carolina to teach full day Kindergarten at a creative arts and science magnet elementary school. After teaching half day Kindergarten, I dreamed of someday being able to teach full day Kindergarten. Although half day Kindergarten has its benefits, I always felt rushed and that I wanted to do more with my students. However, I was uneasy about taking the offer. I would be 2 plane rides away from family and college friends. I knew 1 person from my PLN who worked in the district and also happened to be from Ohio.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QrhdyKehuWP2tqJQlcpNTN49zeofOeyUyXgHE737GRQB1r66VvRAWnmC1fU709-1Cr7Cra-Qe5hTCQrClPX6yNJEE9CNFwn_IZFCWvshoy5lI611Gs0388snNT7JwJFZZE3aV3nfgaLk/s1600/IMG_7226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QrhdyKehuWP2tqJQlcpNTN49zeofOeyUyXgHE737GRQB1r66VvRAWnmC1fU709-1Cr7Cra-Qe5hTCQrClPX6yNJEE9CNFwn_IZFCWvshoy5lI611Gs0388snNT7JwJFZZE3aV3nfgaLk/s200/IMG_7226.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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'No matter how far I roam, Ohio will always be home sweet home"</div>
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On August 5, I made my way to Raleigh with my car and moving truck loaded. I came from Central Ohio to the unknown of Raleigh, North Carolina. Since that moment, I've had no regrets about my decision. I immediately fell in love with the area. With the weather and being a short drive from the beach or mountains, Raleigh became comfortable to me. I was also fortunate to make a solid group of friends within a month. <br />
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While I have made the best of my experience the past 2 years in North Carolina, I am thrilled to head back home to Ohio in August. I will never regret this experience. I am so excited to be close to those I love and start a new chapter that is a great fit for me. I am continuing my journey as a full day Kindergarten teacher. <br />
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The 6 schools I've worked at added value to my career and life. In fact, there is a past principal I keep in touch with as well as former teachers from those schools who taught me many lessons. I am so grateful for those who helped me grow in my professional journey. After reflecting on the past school years, I can see how everything happens for a reason and that things work out the way they are supposed to (even if I was not sure at the time). <br />
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Ohio: the heart of it all.<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-23559860342125729522017-03-29T20:08:00.001-04:002017-03-29T20:26:28.489-04:00How I Implemented Flexible SeatingIn 2015, I started seeing classrooms being transformed through flexible seating. I loved the learning spaces and the number of benefits for students, but I was nervous to try it in my own classroom for many reasons. My biggest fear was that I would lose control of my class and there would be a lack of structure. I was wrong. Once you get started, you will never go back! I feel students are more engaged due to having various work spaces.<br />
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<b>What seating options do I have in my classroom?</b></div>
-Hokki Stools (5)<br />
-Crate seats (5)<br />
-Floor table<br />
-Standing table<br />
-Scoop rockers (6)<br />
-Lap desk (2)<br />
-Wobble cushions (4)<br />
-Regular table with chairs<br />
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I tried bouncy bands and stability balls in my classroom, but my students were not a fan.<br />
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I am fortunate to work at a school that supports and encourages flexible seating so I did not have to spend much. On my own I purchased the crate seats, scoop rockers, and lap desk. <br />
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Hokki Stools</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-p3y4eQiX7u59T3oFsEC1VDJYtfhSwAej7RMA4P366VbIrli4UD6wmvBVWYuaA7JexMnS_F9HCQaOHTMDIcJ67RvEr2440i4OmEx8-OCyDWA2EsDrILRvnOi_l75pSfZbf7n9ihnJUXd/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-p3y4eQiX7u59T3oFsEC1VDJYtfhSwAej7RMA4P366VbIrli4UD6wmvBVWYuaA7JexMnS_F9HCQaOHTMDIcJ67RvEr2440i4OmEx8-OCyDWA2EsDrILRvnOi_l75pSfZbf7n9ihnJUXd/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" /></a></div>
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Scoop Rockers. I recommend Kindergarten or First Grade students using these.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMpqHqQwL1_odrQZmV_-KDfSGJpXKKBUmXhYBlMM4TkABbMAIxXQMlEruk42JviJ4feY77QXttlzZDYezYNK_4zSTNLL8zKoMUMFat1QLKTc0em6PHyOkoFh4vjlRZwU48ukKYpI1wgMF/s1600/IMG_7176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMpqHqQwL1_odrQZmV_-KDfSGJpXKKBUmXhYBlMM4TkABbMAIxXQMlEruk42JviJ4feY77QXttlzZDYezYNK_4zSTNLL8zKoMUMFat1QLKTc0em6PHyOkoFh4vjlRZwU48ukKYpI1wgMF/s1600/IMG_7176.JPG" /></a></div>
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Wiggle Cushion. I love these because there are many uses: on a chair, at floor table, or working/sitting at the carpet. You can purchase these on Amazon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSuJ6NZ8rxaac1ZQT1nSlSraQFNu5-ewzrZnnMKM3lztr449EXKC1ItkSGBP5wkC9zSvAWrdTKB9iF6EcMksQXOG-vhy0OeeBoO1zlsfiXL7DECB5s5enAig88VXGsxH57dIlZfq65de2/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSuJ6NZ8rxaac1ZQT1nSlSraQFNu5-ewzrZnnMKM3lztr449EXKC1ItkSGBP5wkC9zSvAWrdTKB9iF6EcMksQXOG-vhy0OeeBoO1zlsfiXL7DECB5s5enAig88VXGsxH57dIlZfq65de2/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" /></a></div>
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Crate Seat. I have 5 at my kidney table. I love that they can also double as storage!</div>
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<b>How to get started in the classroom</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAESSD8yTDgwhBAOUj7A1j3y_m8QSCJGpWJ2H-k2jg5QPXVDT2uMvroNvZIB8900o7Gh4BGk5cHwsukQOcCNgrrif84rabZn0xAw0ReLRb5MzNSjkZIWec9amdgPv-kMMhVkQmyKViX-n/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAESSD8yTDgwhBAOUj7A1j3y_m8QSCJGpWJ2H-k2jg5QPXVDT2uMvroNvZIB8900o7Gh4BGk5cHwsukQOcCNgrrif84rabZn0xAw0ReLRb5MzNSjkZIWec9amdgPv-kMMhVkQmyKViX-n/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
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Purchase <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Flexible-Seating-BUNDLE-2731479">HERE</a></div>
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This product also contains mini anchor chart with expectations for each type of seating.</div>
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I used this clip chart for the first month of school. I had clothespins with each student's name so they could make their seat choice. At the beginning of the school year I went in alphabetical order and students select their seating option for the next day. You rotate so everyone will have the opportunity to pick first. Once everyone had the opportunity to pick their seat first, I gradually released and took away the clip chart. </div>
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I wanted to make sure students could experience all types of seating to figure out where they could do their best learning. I taped a picture of how to use each seat correctly, which was a great way to involve students. Take a picture of students using the seat the correct way and use as a review throughout the school year. </div>
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<b>How did I explain flexible seating to parents?</b></div>
At Kindergarten meet the teacher night, I provided a brochure that contains information about flexible seating and what it looks like in our classroom. From my experience, I received all positive reactions from families and families touring my school. I never had a parent express uncertainty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh5Emz5qDYVbwPrx0LtH4NhFC2Z_dxi2YGBA5CZ41A_2SoHORxXVbBI4TpBYT17st1Wl3NVFGgqg_hznfBek2cHt4NL4AZVptZhqd69qx3WNk8oMohITnLJXM0zUePNL-QBIqT8ttXL6z/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh5Emz5qDYVbwPrx0LtH4NhFC2Z_dxi2YGBA5CZ41A_2SoHORxXVbBI4TpBYT17st1Wl3NVFGgqg_hznfBek2cHt4NL4AZVptZhqd69qx3WNk8oMohITnLJXM0zUePNL-QBIqT8ttXL6z/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" /></a></div>
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Purchase editable brochure <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Flexible-Seating-2715386">HERE</a></div>
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<b>How did I set up rules for students to follow for appropriate use?</b></div>
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This photo was taken from inside the brochure. (same as shown above)</div>
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If you use flexible seating in your classroom, what other options do you have?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLolHJJPhBiTWpMThPKYh84RF9BaZutbF6uqJVmIjQLcZ-2tDwilhATJ_UqccoYu9AEMhMBMekJhKxCb3TE8UJ38lQQsiP-VSN6wEjAA40P7cLSH3dIc31pV5w739UMyyaOJgrwLNLU7-/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLolHJJPhBiTWpMThPKYh84RF9BaZutbF6uqJVmIjQLcZ-2tDwilhATJ_UqccoYu9AEMhMBMekJhKxCb3TE8UJ38lQQsiP-VSN6wEjAA40P7cLSH3dIc31pV5w739UMyyaOJgrwLNLU7-/s1600/Signature+1.png" /></a></div>
<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-39612750667700165582017-03-07T18:40:00.000-05:002017-03-07T18:40:12.869-05:0074 Ways to Build Relationships with Students<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdX8ufrFCn4z6olhXTOdb2YC4ej-aKvc0Dmi37krUrSo1lDBSCi6C3yn26lEprpSWSqaZ4m93tFL8DnotFJWLvoPjpYUG8jPm1GVqzFM-iJm05QY06wj18Hk83ae-dv1mjUgcFtGQnWeK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-07+at+6.39.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdX8ufrFCn4z6olhXTOdb2YC4ej-aKvc0Dmi37krUrSo1lDBSCi6C3yn26lEprpSWSqaZ4m93tFL8DnotFJWLvoPjpYUG8jPm1GVqzFM-iJm05QY06wj18Hk83ae-dv1mjUgcFtGQnWeK/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-03-07+at+6.39.35+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It all goes back to relationships!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Relationships are the essential element in our schools. The old adage, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” is true especially in today’s society when kids are used to so much choice in their world. Also, in today’s busy world, it’s important for teachers and school staff to make positive connections with students. We must be intentional, and taking time with these relationships must be purposeful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Members of the </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.thecompellededucator.com/p/the-compelled-tribe.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Compelled Tribe</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">have teamed up to share practical ways for educators to build relationships with students. </span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>As connected educators we also embrace the notion that it is the power of the team that drives much of what we do.</b></span><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> How do you build relationships with those that you serve? See the list below for ideas to add to what you may be already doing in the buildings and districts in which you work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Greet students at the door. Smile and call them by name. Tell them you are glad to see them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Ask your students to share three things about themselves. Let them choose what they share. Keep them on index cards to help make connections throughout the year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Know your students families. As important as it is to know the students, make the connection to home. Great relationships with your kids starts where they kick off their day. As the year continues and both the good and bad arise, having that connection will be crucial to getting the results you are seeking.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Journal writing is an activity to get to know your students well and give students a voice in the classroom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Make positive phone calls home especially within the first two weeks of the school year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Genius Hour/Passion Projects really give teachers an opportunity to learn about student passions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. Have kids make something that represents them out of Play-dough and share.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. In the first couple of days of school, learn the first name of every student in your first class of the day, and something personal and unique about them that has nothing to do with your first class of the day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. Be vulnerable! Let your guard down and show your students that you are a learner, you make mistakes, and persevere. They will see you as a person, opening the door for a relationship built on trust. Share stories about yourself as a learner or challenges you’ve faced when you were there age and help them see what it took to overcome it. It’s easy to forget how much a simple connection can make the difference.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. Eat together. Have breakfast with a small group of kids or join them at the lunch table. Gathering around meal time provides an informal way to have conversations and get to know your students.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. Hold Monday morning meetings (We call them “Weekend News Updates”). Ask each student to share about their weekend - good or bad. Ask questions. Be sure to share about your weekend too! Occasionally bring in breakfast or make hot chocolate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. Laugh with them. Frequently. Show them that school, and your class, is just not about learning stuff. It is about sharing an experience. Tell them you missed them if they were out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. Keep in touch with past students. Show past students that you do not have a 1 year contract with them. The ongoing relationship will also model to your current students the value of a positive classroom community.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. At the elementary level -- hold morning meeting everyday as a class and stick to the routine of greeting, sharing, team building activity, and morning message. This is a sacred time to build and maintain a culture of risk tasking and building relationships.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. Send positive postcards home to every child. Have them address it on the first day of the quarter, keep them and challenge yourself to find at least one thing each quarter to celebrate about your students, let them and their parents know. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. Find their interests and what motivates them! Sometimes it may take a bit to break down barriers and build trust, but through being genuine and authentic with them this will happen in no time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. Make personal phone calls to parents. Find one good thing to say about the children in your class. It can be how they contributed to a class discussion or how well mannered they are in class or in the halls. For older students it can be how diligent a student is at learning challenging content. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. Share something about yourself that they will find relevant or interesting to extend your relationships with students.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19. Tell a story from a time you were their age. This approach allows students to see teachers as they once were and make connections easier to establish and maintain.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20. Create a unique handshake or symbol for each of your students. Use it when you greet them at the door or say goodbye.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">21. Eat lunch with a group of kids throughout the week. They will enjoy a time dedicated just to them. (And you will enjoy a peaceful lunch!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">22. As a school, hold monthly celebrations to recognize students and educators their accomplishments. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">23. Take pictures with students. Print. Write a special note on the back to the student. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">24. At the end of a term or year, write a thank you to students telling them what you have learned from them. Be specific and honest - authenticity goes a long way. Try to make the note handwritten if possible, but email works well too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">25. Each day write two students a personal note about something that you have noticed about them. Go into some detail and be specific. Keep track of who you reach out to over the year and try and reach as many students as you can. The time you spend doing this will deepen connections and pay off 10 fold. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">26. Have dance parties! It is so fun to let loose and get down with students. Students love seeing you have fun with them, and the saying goes, “The class that dances together, stays together”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">27. Play with students at recess or during a free time. Climb the monkey bars, play kickball, or tag. Students will never forget you connecting with them on the playground.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">28. Hang out in the hall to give high fives or to have quick conversations with students. Relationship-building can be squeezed into any time of the day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">29. Notice students having a bad day. Ask questions without prying. Show that you care. Follow up the next day, week, etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">30. When a student is having a rough day, ask if he/she has eaten. We are all more unreasonable when we are hungry. Keep a supply of snacks on hand (ex: breakfast bars, crackers, etc).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">31. Go see students at their events: sports, theater, dance, volunteering. Meet parents and families.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">32. When a student stops to say “Hello” and has a friend in tow, introduce yourself and be sure that the guest feels important.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">33. Stop class from time to time with a comment such as, “Hey, everyone, Katie just asked me a great question. I think you’ll all benefit from this. Katie, could you repeat that for everyone?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">34. Sing “Happy Birthday” to students; send birthday emails (I use “Boomerang” to schedule my birthday emails each month).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">35. Say “I missed you yesterday” when a student has been absent. Be sincere. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">36. We have to make time to grow relationships with our students. This time can not always be in a planner or a calendar. Sometimes, this simply means just being there for your students. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">37. Mail them a postcard for their birthday. They are always amazed to receive personal mail!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">38. In a leadership position, learn as many names as you can. Greet students by their name as often as you are able.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">39. Music! Bond with your students over music. Play soft classical music while they are working. Incorporate music/songs into special events or lessons. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">40. Classroom: Start a compliment jar. Share comments at the end of class or randomly throughout the day. School: Do shout-outs during morning (or afternoon) announcements/news show.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">41. Smile and make eye contact. “Good morning”, “Good afternoon”. Something as simple as a greeting in the hall with smile and eye contact conveys both warmth & safety. Try it tomorrow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">42. First day of math class have them choose 10 numbers that are significant to them (3 for number of cats, 1 for brothers, 20 for number of hours they work, etc.). Everyone shares out. You will learn lots about all your students in one day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">43. Cut them some slack every now and then. “What were you doing? What should you have been doing? Can you do that for me next time?” We all make mistakes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">44. Hold class celebrations and have students develop unique cheers for various accomplishments...these can be anything from a sports team victory, to being selected for something, to earning a grade, and they need not be school related. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">45. Allen Mendler’s 2x10 strategy for challenging students. Spend 2 minutes per day for 10 consecutive days talking to a student about something not academic. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">46. Share your own goals, successes/failures. Don’t be a mystery to your students. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">47. After morning announcements have students participate in a daily discussion question. Have a student read the question and set a timer for two and a half minutes. Each person turns to a partner and answers the question then volunteers share with the whole class. Each question, in some way, will help you get to know your students.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">48. Halfway through the year, have your parents and students fill out a feedback form. In my classroom, these forms look different. Allow them to evaluate you so you can keep what works and change things that aren’t working.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">49. In your summer introduction letter, include a letter asking parents to write about their children in 1,000,000 words or less. Keep the assignment voluntary and open so they tell you what is most important to them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">50. Don’t be too busy to truly listen. Listen to understand, not to respond. Are you starting a lesson when a student interrupts and tells you they are moving? Take the minute to hear them out. That time will mean more to the student than the first minute of the lesson ever will.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">51. When students get stuck in class, teach the other students to cheer them on. We do a simple, “Come on, [Name], you can do it,” followed by three seconds of clapping.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">52. Teach students call and responses to uplift each other. When a student responds with something profound and someone loves it, that student gets to start the cheer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">53. When you check in with groups to give them feedback or see how it’s going, make sure you are seeing them eye-to-eye. If they’re sitting, don’t stand. Pull up a chair next to them. If they’re sitting on the floor, sit down on the floor next to them to avoid standing over them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">54. Give honest feedback even when it may not be positive. Your students will appreciate that you expect more out of them than they’re showing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">55. Create a “You Matter” wall. Take fun pictures of each of your students. Print each photo and put each student’s photo in an 8x10 frame. Hang them all on your wall under a “You Matter” heading. At the end of the year, send the photos home with students.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">56. Tell them what was hard for you when you went through school and how you worked to overcome the challenges. It shows they aren’t the only ones who struggle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">57. Defend your students in front of other people.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">58. Take risks so students feel comfortable doing the same. Don’t ask them to do anything you wouldn’t do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">59. Create something that is unique to your class. For us, it’s a house competition. It’s something that connects my past students and current students. It’s also a family bond that only the students who have been in my class understand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">60. Apologize when you make a mistake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">61. Cook together and then you can eat family style in the classroom. Some fun and easy crockpot meals: applesauce, vegetable soup, chicken and dumplings. Then, make cupcakes for dessert!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">62. Every so often, take the pulse of your building according to students. Convene a volunteer roundtable with student reps from various groups (athletes, scholars, quiet, loud) and ask them for critical feedback about topics you are working on. Some ideas I’ve seen discussed in this format include schoolwide incentives (assemblies, sledding event, etc.), dress code, and discussing recess options for winter. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">63. During your informal walk throughs, saddle up right next to students and ask them the purpose of the lesson they are involved in. Why do you think the teacher is asking you to work on this? You’ll be more than surprised with the honest feedback.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">64. Bring board games back! Add a few games like Checkers, Uno or Chess to your lunch table options. See if any students are willing to play a game or two with you and others. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">65. Use sidewalk chalk to decorate the entry of your building with positive messages to students. Have teachers help you write and draw the notes! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">66. Leave nice notes on post-its for students on the outside of their lockers. Recruit other students to help spread the kindness throughout many lockers! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">67. Forgive them when they make mistakes. Remind them that mistakes are opportunities for learning. Don’t hold grudges against misbehavior and don’t allow other adults to hold them either. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">68. Make time for dismissal. Tell them you can’t wait to see them tomorrow and share high fives on the way out! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">69. Notice which students still don’t have money to pay for lunch. Help them out when you can. Treat them to a snack they don’t usually get to purchase at lunch time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">70. Find special projects that need to be done around school and recruit the most unlikely helpers. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">71. Remind your students you and your staff were all kids once too. Have your team bring in pictures of themselves as children (at the ages you have in your school). Post them and have a contest allowing students to guess which teacher is which. Those 80s pictures are the most popular! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">72. My favorite question to ask my students or any student I come in contact with is what are you into lately? This opens communication with your students and let's them know you are interested. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">73. Allow students to do a job shadow. Give them a peek into what you do and how you make daily decisions. </span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-a25cf94e-a6fe-d3fb-745e-39a45a74661f"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">74. Host an ice cream social for students that meet certain goals.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The list will grow as our experiences and our connections grow. Feel free to reach out to any of the tribe members listed below to learn more about the power of our team and how our tribe constantly supports each other in our teaching, leading and learning. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Compelled Tribe Contributors:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jennifer Hogan, </span><a href="http://www.thecompellededucator.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Compelled Educator</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @Jennifer_Hogan</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jonathon Wennstrom, </span><a href="http://sparkoflearning.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spark of Learning </span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @jon_wennstrom </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Craig Vroom, </span><a href="http://www.fueling-education.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fueling Education</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, @Vroom6</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Allyson Apsey, </span><a href="https://allysonapsey.wordpress.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Serendipity in Education</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, @allysonapsey</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sandy King </span><a href="http://inspiringthelight.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Inspiring The Light</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @sandeeteach</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gary Kidd </span><a href="https://highnotewailer.wordpress.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections and Rants from the Asst Principa</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">l, @hinotewailer</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jacie Maslyk </span><a href="http://jaciemaslyk.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://jaciemaslyk.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @DrJacieMaslyk</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jodie Pierpoint </span><a href="http://jodiepierpoint.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Journey In Learning</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @jodiepierpoint </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jim Cordery </span><a href="http://jcorderyteacher.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Cordery’s Blog</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @jcordery</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Allie Bond </span><a href="http://thepositiveteacher.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Positive Teacher </span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@Abond013</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Angie Murphy </span><a href="http://connectedtolearning.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ConnectED to Learning</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @RoyalMurph_RRMS</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Karen Wood </span><a href="https://karenwoodedu.wordpress.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://karenwoodedu.wordpress.com/</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @karenwoodedu</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lindsey Bohler </span><a href="https://lindseybohler.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lindseybohler.com </span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@Lindsey_Bohler</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Starr Sackstein </span><a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/work_in_progress/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/work_in_progress/</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @MsSackstein</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Debbie Campbell </span><a href="http://www.curiouseducator.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Curious Educator</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @DebraLCamp</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael McDonough </span><a href="https://goo.gl/g1nv49" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">M Squared at the Microphone</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @m_squaredBHS </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barbara Kurtz </span><a href="http://bkurtzteachermentor.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">bkurtzteachermentor.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @BJKURTZ </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stephanie Jacobs </span><a href="http://www.thisblogiswhy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.thisblogiswhy.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @MsClassNSession</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael Todd Clinton </span><a href="http://www.themotivatedteacher.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Motivated teacher blog </span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @MotivatedThe</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cathy Jacobs </span><a href="https://cathyjacobs.org/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://cathyjacobs.org/</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @cathyjacobs5</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reed Gillespie </span><a href="http://reedgillespie.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Gillespie’s Office</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @rggillespie </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Molly Babcock </span><a href="http://sweetteaandaliveoaktree.wordpress.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sweet Tea and a Live Oak Tree</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @MollyBabcock</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lisa Meade </span><a href="http://msprincipal23a.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflections</span></a><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @LisaMeade23</span></span></div>
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-86727780864606788622017-01-10T16:31:00.001-05:002017-01-10T16:39:07.926-05:00A Child's Reading Level - Part 2So you assessed your students and you know the level each child is reading at... what do you do now?<br />
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<b>Understanding the Reading Level</b><br />
Most school districts will provide you with the grade level expectancy for beginning, middle, and end of the school year for formal reading assessments such as the DRA or Fountas and Pinnell. Once you obtain that information, you can begin to see which students are at, above, and below benchmark.<br />
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This product can be purchased <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Level-UP-A-Guided-Reading-Tool-1423884">HERE</a></div>
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I love this product because I can quickly access what characteristics a reader should exhibit for each reading level. Although running records help me determine when a child should move reading levels, this can be used when you need to see a breakdown of each reading level.</div>
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<b>What do I do with this information? </b><br />
I create a document with 4 columns: <u>student's name</u>, <u>special services</u> (IEP, ELL, etc) <u>reading level,</u> and <u>notes</u>. In the notes column I add specific areas they need work on such as decoding, sight word recognition, applying strategies, or comprehension.<br />
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Once I type in the information, I color code student names so I can quickly glance to see where students are at.<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Blue </span></b>= above grade level<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Green</b></span> = at grade level<br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">Yellow</span></b> = approaching grade level (borderline)<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Red</b> </span></span>= below grade level<br />
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<b>How do I plan for instruction?</b><br />
Keep in mind, reading groups fluctuate and changes should be made at any point in the school year, not just when the DRA is given. Since you have new information about each child, make sure they are placed in the appropriate group.<br />
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I use the comprehension sticks and have students pick a question to answer. Students enjoy picking their own question.</div>
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These cards have questions for before, during, and after reading. </div>
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Both of the products above can be found <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/READERS-under-Construction-2681292">HERE</a></div>
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The key is to examine any gaps. Whatever area a child needs to work on, provide extra practice with word work, comprehension, or guided writing activities. Regardless of how your class scored on the mid-year benchmark, it is never to late to make an instructional change to help your students grow.</div>
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I am SO grateful that my school offered to buy a copy of Jennifer Serravallo's book, <b>The Reading Strategies Book</b>. If you are in need of strategies to uses for a student or reading group, I strongly recommend her book. The structure of the book is easy to follow along with and find goals, strategies or anchor charts based on a reading level.</div>
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-88083407339046501792017-01-02T11:32:00.001-05:002017-01-02T11:43:19.081-05:00A Child's Reading Level -- Part 1Last October I read an article by Fountas and Pinnell. It was one of those articles that made me want to shout YES YES YES as I read it. By far, it was my favorite professional read from 2016 because of the authenticity and transparency. All lead learners and teachers need to read the article titled: <a href="http://blog.fountasandpinnell.com/post/a-level-is-a-teacher-s-tool-not-a-child-s-label">A Level is a Teacher's Tool, NOT a Child's Label</a><br />
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My friend, Stacey Riedmiller, from Literacy for Big Kids created this image based off the post:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaw5r96dKkgNKvkf0jPh6NkrtfiZ0kihtT3tb6B0cUjacDY2YggkjftB8oIcNpOp0SxmBBIFk_S-NJ_0BJYMNc473O6s_usX1zJaIqYU-0An-SCQR4uiHr22ak40f75aeSbBBZM-tEpiV/s1600/FullSizeRender-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaw5r96dKkgNKvkf0jPh6NkrtfiZ0kihtT3tb6B0cUjacDY2YggkjftB8oIcNpOp0SxmBBIFk_S-NJ_0BJYMNc473O6s_usX1zJaIqYU-0An-SCQR4uiHr22ak40f75aeSbBBZM-tEpiV/s200/FullSizeRender-4.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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That statement is powerful. Levels are meant to be a tool for teachers to plan and refine instruction. Every grade level has a goal readers must reach by the end of the school year. Kindergarten students in my county must read a level D by May. By assessing students three times a year and completing informal assessments such as running records, teachers can gauge where each student is performing and plan for instruction accordingly. </div>
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<b>How do I inform parents?</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn0tO3zlRAdfbjNaYTh34zu7ZVomV7Z3Vr8S30k9P-12F6xE0U16DuT4c3sDtCO9FHHRlIh1xnHgLRZR4OFA_2mbNdqZgujM4yAjNV-LsZWsdhqWd2hfnwmNepR1GITnxO5fpd-CIsyu5/s1600/FullSizeRender-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn0tO3zlRAdfbjNaYTh34zu7ZVomV7Z3Vr8S30k9P-12F6xE0U16DuT4c3sDtCO9FHHRlIh1xnHgLRZR4OFA_2mbNdqZgujM4yAjNV-LsZWsdhqWd2hfnwmNepR1GITnxO5fpd-CIsyu5/s1600/FullSizeRender-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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I Read with My Teacher Today -- sent home every 2 weeks per student. There are various versions of this sheet for decoding and comprehension. At this point in the school year most of my students are focusing on decoding with the exception of one reading group. I like sending home this sheet because it helps illustrate to parents what specific skill their child will continue to work on. </div>
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Purchase <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Conference-Form-1548553">HERE</a> (product not created by me)</div>
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When I return from winter break, we begin mid year testing for DIBELS and TRC (similar to F & P or DRA). Although there can be pressure associated with the results of this assessment, keep in mind this is to inform you where each child is performing and specific skills to focus on in relation to comprehension, fluency, or accuracy. There is so much more to know than the actual level the child is reading at.</div>
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<b><u>Book Choice</u></b></div>
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As stated by Franki Sibberson, "Choice is choice. Choice is not within a leveled basket or choice limited to a Lexile range."</div>
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Classroom libraries may look different depending on the grade level you teach and what your district or school requires. I am required to have a leveled library since my county uses the Daily 5 structure. Instead of placing all emphasis on choosing books from a leveled book bin, I model to students HOW to select the right fit books, which is a lifelong skill. Every week students pick 2 books from their bin in addition to 3 picture books from the books I provide. </div>
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My goal as a classroom teacher is to model a love for reading. As an adult if someone told you your book choice is limited to a specific bin, would you want to continue reading for pleasure? Probably not. In addition, I want to maintain a classroom community, not create competition within students or make students doubt themselves. </div>
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My next post will be devoted towards planning instruction for your growing readers.</div>
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-86010309657081987392017-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:002017-01-01T11:06:24.123-05:00#OneWord2017Each member of #CompelledTribe is publishing a post about their one word for 2017. Before moving on to 2017, I reflected on 2016 for the past week (#oneword2016 was <b>mindset</b>). 2016 was the toughest year for me personally. For months I felt there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I had 0 control over what was going on and I am 2 plane rides away from family. My mindset guided me to find joy in the little things and have faith that the gift of time would make things better -- and it did. I learned how strong and resilient I am, which makes me even more eager for 2017.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Big takeaways from 2016</span>:<br />
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<li>In May I started my masters degree in Literacy. I am officially halfway done!</li>
<li>Began my 2nd year living in North Carolina.</li>
<li>Traveled to Hilton Head Island, Asheville, North Myrtle Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Savannah, Charleston and home to Ohio. Can you tell traveling is a hobby of mine?</li>
<li>Went to a co-workers wedding.</li>
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Moving forward, my #oneword2017 is <b>gratitude</b>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Gratitude in 2017</span><br />
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<li>Complete the remaining coursework for my <b>masters degree</b>. and graduate in December. Although full time teaching and working on coursework is a lot to balance, I choose to be grateful that I have the opportunity to study a topic I am so passionate about.</li>
<li>Being a member of <b>#CompelledTribe</b>-- members take the time to listen to me, stretch my thinking, provide feedback, and are truly positive leaders. I am lucky to learn from them.</li>
<li><b>Family</b>. Although being 2 plane rides away from family comes with challenges, I continue to enjoy any time we can spend together.</li>
<li><b>Friends</b>. 2016 was the year my friends showed me how much they were there for me. I couldn't be more thankful to those that never left my side, checked in on me, and reminded me to stay strong. In 2017, I will continue to show gratitude to my friends and make more memories.</li>
<li><b>Students</b>. As I gain years of teaching experience, I love watching my students grow and continue to maintain connection. I strive to have fun and continue to do what is best for my students.</li>
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2017-- let's make it great!</div>
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-36549709518360152732016-12-11T20:05:00.000-05:002016-12-11T20:24:30.466-05:00For the Love of LiteracyI know, long time no blog post. I took 2 classes for grad school this semester and it kept me extremely busy. However, the semester ended last week and I have a break until mid-January. I wanted to share a story from last week.<br />
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In math my class is working on composing and decomposing teen numbers. Since my class has been talking a lot about kindness and giving back this month, I asked students to illustrate what they would give someone and have the quantity be a teen number. I also gave my students a sentence starter for a writing component: I want to give (teen number)__________ to ____________.<br />
One example I included is if my friend doesn't like chocolate chip cookies, would it make sense to give that to them? No. Even though there are things that we like personally, we need to consider what would make an impression on the person we are giving to. We brainstormed more ideas of what we could give someone then I sent students off to work. I figured students would illustrate for their parents or peers, but my prediction was proven wrong pretty quickly.<br />
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As I walked around the classroom, I notice students illustrating what they would give me. That was very sweet, yet I was more surprised to discover what students wanted to give me. Once the timer went off, we gathered at our carpet to share. The 5 students who wanted to give something to me, they illustrated books. I asked a student why they wanted to give me books and they responded by saying, "because you love books". I followed up by asking what I enjoy about books and students stated that I love reading. <br />
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Although this seems like another classroom story, it was a shining moment. Students see and hear everything we do. Let your passions shine. Everyday I make it a priority to give my students time to read as well as allowing them time to book shop. I also read to my students every day. All of this shows my students that reading is a lifelong habit and I want it to be fun. Although December can be a challenging month, slow down and appreciate the small moments with your students.<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-43750083544434697012016-09-25T17:19:00.000-04:002016-09-25T17:24:13.269-04:001 Tool to Help K/1 Students During Independent ReadingLast week we launched read to self as part of Daily 5. Let the stamina building begin! During read to self, students are expected to stay in 1 spot, read the whole time, read quietly, and get started right away. Reader's workshop has similar expectations so even if you follow that model, this could work for you. Some students told me after reading 1 book in their book box that they were all done. Although it is still early in the school year (we started after labor day) and I need to continue modeling strategies, I wanted to provide my students with a visual that helped them understand the value of re-reading and not being "all done".<br />
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<a href="https://chartchums.wordpress.com/2011/12/">Original Idea</a></div>
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LEFT SIDE: Re-read</div>
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RIGHT SIDE: Books I am working on</div>
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This is nothing fancy, but it really helps students have a place to put their books as they read and get in the habit of re-reading. Since K/1 students are mostly reading pattern books or guided reading text, a file folder is the perfect size. One teacher on my team wrote the independent reading expectations on the front as a reminder for students. <br />
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Have a great week!<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-4674852677888224742016-09-10T15:25:00.000-04:002016-09-10T15:31:13.498-04:00Why I'm Ditching Homework This Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I always thought that sending homework helped students and reinforced concepts that we are learning in school. However, studies have shown that the link between student achievement and homework is minimal or non existent. A few studies I read mentioned that homework actually has a negative impact on elementary students. <br />
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The National Education Association states that K-5 students are receiving 3x the recommended amount of homework. Due to extracurricular activities and parents work schedule, families are not spending much time together as a family. The time that families do have together at night I do not want it spent on homework. I want my Kindergarten students eating family dinners, playing outside, and just being kids. They are only little once.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/12/health/homework-elementary-school-study/">Study 1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.edutopia.org/no-proven-benefits">Study 2</a><br />
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Erin from Beyond the Beanstalk created this image to illustrate the effect of too much homework in the elementary grades.<br />
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I want my students to have a positive mindset about school and not feeling anxious due to too much homework.</div>
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<b>Reasons why I am ditching homework:</b></div>
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<li>Homework does not offer choice. Students are usually given a worksheet or packet with directions on which portions to complete and the due date.</li>
<li>Many classrooms that assign homework often punish students if homework is late or incomplete when many times these factors are out of a student's control. I have seen classrooms that take recess away, lose points, and notes home. </li>
<li> Resources vary in each home. Families have different levels of education, languages spoken, and basic supplies to complete homework. </li>
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<b>What am I doing instead?</b></div>
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<li>No homework packets or worksheets!</li>
<li>I encourage families to read with their child every night. I showed parents this image at curriculum night. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you have families that want to extend their child's learning at home, I found the perfect free resource <a href="http://twocandoit.blogspot.com/2013/04/read-o-math-o-write-o-revised.html">HERE</a> At curriculum night when I gave parents an overview of my homework stance, I provided three BINGO boards for reading, writing, and math. A parent or child can choose an activity whenever they desire. </div>
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Last spring my principal encouraged each grade level to rethink their homework policy. Fortunately my grade level is on the same page. I understand everyone's teaching situation may look different. I hope sharing my perspective as a Kindergarten teacher provided some insight into my decision.</div>
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-69210450701078375642016-08-08T20:48:00.000-04:002016-08-08T20:53:41.185-04:0010 Whole Class Rewards I find that building relationships with your students, positive reinforcement, structure, and goal setting are essential to a smooth running classroom. We have whole class, small group, and individual student goals. When goals are met, we celebrate! <br />
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For whole class, I use brownie points, which is a brownie tray with brownie images. I put 1 brownie on the tray when the class meets a goal such as walking quietly in the hall. I change it up throughout the year, but this is how I typically start the year. Warm fuzzies are another great option.<br />
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I typically have the students choose a reward as we are setting the goal. This gives the students something to work towards and look forward to.<br />
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Keep in mind teachers have various teaching styles, which includes how they manage their classroom. These are simple, cost effective ways to reward your class. I prefer to give my students experiences they will remember and maintain a healthy classroom. Below are 10 ideas for whole class rewards that are not food:<br />
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1. <b>Dance Party</b>- turn on Go Noodle and let your students choose brain breaks.<br />
2. <b>PJ Day</b>- Enough said. Kids love wearing their pajamas to school. Add in a stuffed animal and they have a fun reading buddy.<br />
3. <b>Mystery Reader</b>- I host a mystery reader every Friday in my classroom. Students love having their mom, dad or grandparents spend time in the classroom. When it is a whole class reward I pick a staff member. <br />
4. <b>Bubble Party</b>- Weather permitting, but last year I bought a pack of 6 bubble wands at Wal Mart and let my students play on the grass area outside our classroom.<br />
5. <b>Lunch in the Classroom</b>- I don't know about you, but my students always look forward to eating lunch in the classroom. When we have our early release day once a month, students have to eat in the classroom and they have so much fun with their friends. If your school has space, eating outside is another option.<br />
6. <b>Flashlight Read to Self</b>- Students bring in a flashlight for read to self time. Fun way to change it up.<br />
7. <b>Free Choice</b>- Students can draw or play. They know which stations they have access to. Our Lego wall in the hallway has been very popular.<br />
8. <b>Craft</b>- First Grade Blue Skies has so many directed drawings that are very easy to implement or you let your kids create their own art.<br />
9. <b>Extra reading</b>- Yes, this has been a reward in my class. Students love spending time reading to each other and sharing their thinking in our classroom library.<br />
10. <b>No shoes-</b> Students put their shoes (socks must stay on) in their cubby and enjoy learning in their socks. They put shoes back on for lunch, specials, and recess. <br />
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As many of us are in the back to school season, I hope you find some of these ideas helpful. I would love to hear other other non-food rewards that your students love. Let me know in the comments!<br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-34927354469818580932016-07-12T18:47:00.000-04:002016-07-12T18:54:20.764-04:003 Literacy Mistakes I Have MadeThis month's topic for Compelled Tribe is inspired by a tribe member, Jon Harper's radio show, My Bad! Jon challenged us to his "MYBad leadership challenge - Mess up, fess up, and share with us on My Bad" Today I am sharing 3 literacy mistakes I have made and how I learned from them.<br />
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<b>Weekly spelling tests</b><br />
Chances are if it is something you did when you were in elementary school, it might be time to reconsider its purpose and effectiveness. Every child taking a weekly spelling test over the same words does not meet each child's needs. Simply memorizing words will not have a long lasting effect. When I administered spelling tests every Friday to the class, many students did not remember these words throughout the school year. <br />
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<u>Instead</u>: Children need to be involved with interactive, differentiated word work. During my literacy block, students select word work based off their assigned color group. Possible activities include magnetic letters, dry erase boards, Wiki sticks, rainbow writing, Lego words. Students work with different sets of words throughout the school year based on readiness. Remember to not have too many stations out at once.<br />
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<b>Leveled Library</b><br />
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In a past experience, the teacher had a large leveled library, but limited choices for students. Students were to only select a certain number of books from the leveled library since they were a "good fit". Naturally, I thought that there needed to be emphasis on leveled libraries. <br />
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<u>Instead</u>: When I meet with students during guided reading or conferring, we read books on their level. Levels are meant to guide our instruction, not be a "tell all" about a reader. Guided reading is the time to focus on student's goals and strategies. Students keep a few leveled books in their book bins, but they also have a book shopping day each week to pick books from our classroom library. Choice is a huge motivation for students and I love seeing their excitement over books.<br />
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My new learning came from:<br />
<a href="http://kylenebeers.com/blog/2012/04/09/a-kid-is-not-an-h/">Kylene Beers</a><br />
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<b>Reading Logs</b><br />
I struggled with this. In the past my team and I collected reading logs each month and recorded which students turned in their log with the required parent signature. I wondered what purpose was this serving. How was this helping my students? Student's get tired of recording which books they read and parents don't like the hassle of signing them. <br />
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<u>Instead</u>: I conference with each student. I ask each student how I can help on their reading journey. The accountability falls within the conference and goal setting. During read to self, I observe which students are engaged in their reading or trying to find distractions. I also check their book boxes to see if they continuously have the same books. Yes, kids are allowed to have favorite books they enjoy re-reading, but they also need to explore new books throughout the year. As a class we discuss many books with each other. Students recommending books to each other is powerful! <br />
Students are expected to read and I can tell if they do through conversation. I understand some students are motivated by prizes, but my goal is to instill a lifelong habit of reading in my students. Students can remember books from our conversations.<br />
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My new learning came from:<br />
<a href="http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2014/05/10-authentic-ways-hold-students-accountable-home-reading.html">Angela Watson</a><br />
<a href="https://pernillesripp.com/2014/09/06/before-you-assign-a-reading-log/">Pernille Ripp</a><br />
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Growth mindset plays a huge role in my classroom. As teachers, we need to have the same mindset that it is ok to make mistakes, as long as we learn from them and move forward. <br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-33710988381348775002016-06-24T08:00:00.000-04:002016-06-24T08:00:25.990-04:00How to Keep Your Cup of Mojo Overflowing<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic;">Mojo is the moment when we do something that's purposeful, powerful, and positive and the rest of the world recognizes it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic;">-Marshall Goldsmith</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Summertime is the perfect time to fill your cup of mojo! Here are TEN surefire ways from the Compelled Tribe to keep or get back your mojo this summer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Exercise - @Jennifer_Hogan</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">I find that when I get to exercise, it keeps me motivated, energized, and confident. Exercise is a time when I can disconnect from the world and just be “inside my head.” It allows time for ideas to percolate without interruption... time that I value and appreciate. It also provides the whitespace I need as an introvert. For me, it encourages creativity and problem-solving while the endorphins are being released! Done consistently, it’s a true mojo-maker!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Connecting - @jon_wennstrom</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">For me, I draw energy from being around positive people. Connecting with educators during summer learning sessions, sharing and learning from others on Twitter about books we’ve read, and of course blogging and reading blogs. I’m definitely an extrovert and being around other educators helps inspire me and always leads to new ideas to implement and helps me keep my mojo! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Theater- @sandeeteach</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">I love Broadway musicals, plays, and other theatrical productions. It’s a way for me to escape and immerse myself in a story. One of my favorite theaters spoofs popular shows. For example, this year two of the shows will be “Indiana Bones Raiders of the Wal-Mart” and “Captain American Fork The Worst Avenger”. (American Fork is the city where I grew up.) The actors and actresses are masters of improvisation which makes for a night of laughter. Another favorite theater performs in the round which is always a delightful experience. There are beautiful theaters in downtown Salt Lake City for Broadway musicals and outdoor shows in many local communities. For a few hours, I can lose myself in another world. But upon further reflection, I always relate the experience to teaching because that’s just what teachers do. We get ideas that benefit our students from everywhere. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Find a good read, or two - @Vroom6</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">There are lots of ways to find joy and rejuvenate during the summer months. And, I am all about </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">work hard, play hard</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">. With that, one of the greatest joys I get from the summer months, and a way in which I keep my mojo running full steam ahead, is by catching up on some of that much needed reading that took a back seat during the school year. Often times the days we are in session with students and teachers are filled with more scripted reading and writing. So for me, it is the summer months that I get to find that much anticipated new release on best practices in our field. Whether striving to become a better leader, or a better learner, it is the books that I carry with me to the beach, the pool or the park that I enjoy the most.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Dream big together - @allysonapsey</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">When my mojo needs a pick me up, I dream about what could be for our students, but I don’t do it alone. Just like everyone else, I find myself focusing on the trees rather than the forest from time to time. When monotony sets in, I push back by collaborating with the amazing teachers I work with. I am astounded after each conversation--we feed off each other, we divide and conquer, and we multiply our creativity for the sake of our students. Through these type of conversations this year, we came up with an amazing service learning project, we started plans for a Makerspace, we piloted new </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">reading initiatives, we shared professional reading that has inspired us and so much more. While we are dreaming big together, we are building stronger relationships, laughing, and challenging each other. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Pause and Reflect - @KarenWoodEDU</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">When my mojo needs some rejuvenation, (and it sometimes does), I first take a few minutes to reflect. I find that sometimes my initial desire to “rejuvenate my mojo” may have my efforts focussed in the wrong areas or in areas which may not be productive for educators or students in the long run. Reflection leads to focus and clarity. From clarity goals can be set and then the fun begins! Once my goals are established I jump in full force and do so with collaborative efforts. It is very important that the shared vision of success is truly understood by all. The last strategy I feel is essential for rejuvenating mojos is time to step away from work. I admittedly do not do this well, however I find when I can clear my head (by going to the beach, going for a walk, kayaking, swimming, or practicing yoga/meditation, etc.) I return refreshed, focused, and ready to ramp up my mojo and the mojos of others around me. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Get into some music!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">- @PrincipalStager</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">I was a music major in college and a music educator prior to becoming a principal. Whenever I need to get my mojo back or need to decompress, I find a piano and PLAY. I play in a group at my church so I have the opportunity to play rather often. I understand not everyone has the ability to sit down and play a musical instrument, but when I don’t have a piano to play, I drive in my car or just put my headphones in and JAM! There is nothing like a great playlist of uplifting and energetic music to get your energy back and your cup overflowing! This is my sure-fire way to get back on track.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Make a “bucket list” - @jodiepierpoint</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">I decided to make a “bucket list” of things I wanted to accomplish within a year, but I’m finding summer is a perfect time to accomplish them. Things such as volunteering and baking cookies for friends have been real pick me ups! Training for a quarter marathon has led into a half, simply because I’m out with great friends chatting while I’m doing it. I check my list all the time, call a friend, and pick an activity to do - it’s a great way to rejuvenate not only myself, but others too!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">What if People” & Quiet Time - @Debralcamp</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">I do my best thinking when I am with people that like to say “what if”. There is something about the words “what if” that allows walls to come down. When discussions are lead with the words “what if” it takes away the threat of there being wrong answers and allows for brainstorming to happen in a way that doesn’t in a lot of conversations. I find it very motivating to be pushed and pulled by other people’s thoughts and ideas. Positive energy comes when people work together and create as a group. There is a collective product that is created as well. I find on the flip side that quiet time and reflection after being with “what if people” takes me to a space in my head where more ideas can be generated. Revisiting and reflecting again with the same group consistently allows for new ideas to develop and to be tried. (They don’t always work but the process sure is fun and motivating.)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Balance - @Abond013</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Often times when I am feeling overwhelmed, I find that I need to prioritize. It is important for educators in any role to find time to take care of themselves. We need to give students our best and that is challenging when we are running on empty. Besides exercising, traveling, and spending time with family or friends, I find that fueling my passion keeps me going. For example, if you are passionate about literacy, continue to take interest and learn more. Surround yourself with people who share your passion.</span></div>
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-8934453264930129402016-06-16T21:18:00.004-04:002016-06-16T21:32:53.610-04:00A Tool for Maximizing Instructional TimeA priority for classroom teachers is to maximize instructional time. Since I am a big believer in the workshop model, I need to ensure student interruptions are at a minimum while I work with my small groups. I know mostly everyone is now on summer break, but I hope some of you can use this tool next school year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5VsOTDEbMKsYm-rME-vqth472p1Y18Mu8VxX9MgtJAQcDJA3tLMPx9Z9bZxZxn62H7po-485IT1fLOYEcfC4SZ1g81SUYHvFprRbRtYUZlEVsJMItXb36TtaytIOXhstwzcm7-9ZPGRh/s1600/IMG_4037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5VsOTDEbMKsYm-rME-vqth472p1Y18Mu8VxX9MgtJAQcDJA3tLMPx9Z9bZxZxn62H7po-485IT1fLOYEcfC4SZ1g81SUYHvFprRbRtYUZlEVsJMItXb36TtaytIOXhstwzcm7-9ZPGRh/s320/IMG_4037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>So how does it work?</b><br />
During reading, math, or writing workshop when the teacher is working with a small group we expect students to stay in 1 spot once they pick a spot that is best for their learning. Staying in 1 spot is an expectation for Daily 5, too. To minimize interruptions, if a student has a to use the bathroom (emergency), injury, or is sick, they grab a card and hand it to the teacher. When they hand the card to the teacher, they explain what they need. When their needs are resolved, they return the card to its spot and resume with their task. The cards are meant to serve as a visual and provide clear structure for students. <br />
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This can be modified based on the needs of your classroom. You can use it all school year or as needed. I started using it this spring after a grade level collaboration meeting and it was proven to be effective with my students once implemented. Since I had many ELL students, the visual met everyone's needs. Many teachers create anchor charts with their class when establishing procedures, this is an easy follow up to one of those lessons.<br />
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**My teammate came up with this idea. It is not my original idea.**<br />
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<b>How did I make this for my classroom?</b><br />
I used Google Images to find a picture for each category (bathroom, injury, sick). When I found an image I liked, I printed and laminated. I place the cards in a common area of the classroom that is accessible. <br />
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<br />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-72371209581646225282016-03-04T16:53:00.001-05:002016-03-04T16:55:58.273-05:00Southern LivingFirst off, I am in LOVE with my new blog design. Megan from I Teach, What's Your Superpower designed it and made my vision a reality. She is amazing!<br />
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I moved to Raleigh last August and it is a fantastic place to live. Here is a list I created about southern living and life in Raleigh.<br />
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1. Everyone loves barbecue.<br />
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2. People have no problem being active.<br />
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3. Raleigh residents don't have to choose between being at the beach or mountains. We have plenty of options. I love living a quick drive from either place.<br />
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4. Raleigh has southern charm<br />
The most common phrases I hear are "bless your heart" or "hey y'all"<br />
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5. Raleigh doesn't have experience with snow. When there is a chance of snow or ice, people go out to buy bread and milk.<br />
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6. 50 degrees is "chilly"<br />
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7. In Ohio I am used to McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's and Chick Fil A for fast food. In Raleigh, Bojangles is the fast food place.<br />
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8. When it's sunny, you will find people at the park.<br />
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9. NC State Fair is a big deal!<br />
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What else would you add to this list?<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/blogs/aptsig.png" />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513855481085493694.post-41852273395450477762016-01-25T18:58:00.003-05:002016-01-25T19:03:23.827-05:00My 1st NC Snow DayI moved to Raleigh, North Carolina last August for a Kindergarten teaching job. I lived in the same suburb of Ohio since I was 2 years old so it has been an experience to live somewhere new and unfamiliar to me. Besides the drastic changes in the schools, the weather has been an adjustment. I love sunshine and warm weather-- especially in the winter months when I am used to brutal cold temperatures below 0. <br />
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This "winter" North Carolina has mostly been in the 50s and 60s, except last weekend. On Friday we were expecting a big ice storm. Coming from Ohio where snow and ice is normal, I expected a dusting here. However, apparently every person goes to the grocery store to buy milk and bread at any chance of winter weather coming. Why? I don't know. <br />
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I was actually taken aback by what I saw Friday afternoon. The way Ohio and North Carolina reacts and treats winter weather is incredibly different.<br />
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View from my apartment window. If you look closely at the road and concrete by the pool- it's all ice.</div>
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My car on Saturday after .75 inch of ice and snow.</div>
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Joke was on me- took over an hour to de ice my car. Look at how thick that ice is!</div>
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Over the weekend 50,000+ people in my county lost power. Some are still without power. I had a snow day on Friday and today. Then tomorrow I have a 3 hour delay. In Ohio we only had 2 hour delays so the option of 2 or 3 hour delays is new to me.</div>
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Even though it is 50 today and supposed to be 60 tomorrow, I am going to enjoy this "winter" weather.</div>
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Have a great week everyone!</div>
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/blogs/aptsig.png" />Allie Bondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12495893442442571459noreply@blogger.com0