tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55725091421251654292024-03-04T22:16:09.997-08:00Pray, Love, & TeachTales From Sixth GradeBrenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-14972964791609066062017-06-05T12:23:00.003-07:002017-06-05T12:23:58.813-07:00Informational Text Structures ResourcesHappy summer, everyone! I wanted to share some resources I created to help teach Informational Text Structures. They'll be a free download on my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Informational-Text-Structures-Resources-3187687" target="_blank">TPT account</a>, but I'll post them here as well. Enjoy!<br />
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Download the PDF <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8EKeBK7_HdaWEZscXFZY0lZNFk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div>
Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-32683748085578239942017-02-19T14:01:00.001-08:002017-02-19T14:01:59.615-08:00Recognizing Every ChildWe use <a href="https://www.pbis.org/" target="_blank">PBIS</a> as our school-wide (and district-wide) behavior management tool. Among other initiatives, we have Cougar Cash that we can pass out to students when we catch them upholding our PAWS Promise, and we also have Paws Applause postcards we can mail home to encourage students. We are all about recognizing the positive behaviors of all our students!<br />
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<a href="http://www.lexrich5.org/domain/517" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Yrsav4gwnqDWVqLRleWck22aelqrIKaI3yhnJjUHkWslRRKFk9sBdzW_ZdtIC9ITckiqOJhXSW72FSwxPhfndFE03JSQqIPqxVDbXXqTWZiW-kOPO2Lv-OnaTMZ-WreHwUpPWUvb6ABB/s200/581ef2420eacdad47b39699052d414f9_400x400.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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But if I'm being honest, I often find myself rewarding the same great students over and over, not finding anything to reward for some of my challenging students, and overlooking the students who are my "middle of the road" kids. I wanted to develop a system that would help me do two things:<br />
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1. Be consistent about positive reinforcement.<br />
2. Recognize ALL students. <br />
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I came up with a sticky note system to help keep myself on track. Here's how it works:<br />
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1. I have a folder for each of my four blocks.<br />
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2. Inside each folder, I place a sticky note for each of my students in that class.<br />
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3. As I catch my students doing something great, I write them a message on their sticky note. I attach the message to some Cougar Cash.<br />
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4. Before giving the sticky note and Cougar Cash to the student, I write a Paws Applause postcard to send home. I try to do this for two students per block each week so that students are receiving positive reinforcement from me frequently. And of course, if needed, I can do more than that!<br />
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5. I don't add any new sticky notes to my folder until I've given ALL students a message and a Paws Applause postcard! When a folder is empty, I'll start the class over with a new set of sticky notes. This helps me know that all students have been recognized!<br />
<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-15413680066842425782016-09-05T08:05:00.000-07:002016-09-05T08:08:09.487-07:00I Will Survive!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I teach each year in themed units, and my first unit of the year is always survival. Considering I teach in a sixth grade only school, just about everyone in the building is in survival mode for the first few weeks, so it's a pretty appropriate way to begin the year. </div>
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Each of my units includes a PBL (more about that in a future post) and an Independent Novel Study. Before we get started with that, however, I have the students begin thinking about the unit theme in different ways. </div>
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For my survival unit, I ask students to define and illustrate what they think it means to survive. My CP students write a definition, and my Honors students are asked to use a simile or metaphor to define survival. It always results in some pretty amazing thinking, and I can then use the students' work to create a display that will stay up for the entire unit. </div>
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Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-15873085187487304142016-09-05T07:28:00.000-07:002016-09-05T07:28:35.802-07:00Decorating When You Don't Have Time...Last year I had a goal to create and hang a wreath in my classroom for each of the months/holidays/seasons. I made it to October before I just didn't have time to keep it up. I renewed my goal this year, but I also came up with an idea that I think is a bit more realistic as far as time (and money) is concerned.<br />
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I bought a monogrammed hanger from <a href="http://www.michaels.com/home?&mkwid=sxQfbNK40|pcrid|126097312811|pkw|michaels|pmt|e|pdv|c|&cm_mmc=zadv_Search-_-google-_-B+-+Brand+Trademark+-+Head+%28E%29-_-Michaels&gclid=Cj0KEQjwr7S-BRD96_uw9JK8uNABEiQAujbffNBCYVd3R745fOtGUO4qi_KZzh_qxTz7-2EET2TxQTEaAt1M8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Michael's</a> on sale for less than a dollar and spray painted it white. Using a velcro dot, I attached a small chalkboard with a welcome message and then hung the wreath with some "ABC" ribbon between my two windows. Voila! Instant "Welcome Back to School" wreath!<br />
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The best thing about this is how easy it is to change for the next season or holiday. As soon as college football season started, I traded the chalkboard for a foam Gamecock coaster (re-purpose EVERYTHING!) and my ABC ribbon for some garnet and black bows. It's instantly a new creation. I can't wait to switch it up for each new holiday!<br />
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-16966979784165249022016-08-23T09:32:00.000-07:002016-08-23T09:32:21.511-07:00Minimize "Stuff" to Maximize the Learning EnvironmentIt's that time again - BACK TO SCHOOL! I'm already a week behind on the blog...there is no busy like back to school busy, and no tired like back to school tired. :)<br />
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I thought I'd start the year with a tour of my classroom. I am never satisfied with how my room looks. Every single year, I change at least one thing. This year, however, I made some BIG changes. We are only four days in, but so far, I'm loving it!<br />
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Here is a "big picture" picture of most of my room.<br />
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<b><u>Things I loved and kept the same from years past: </u></b><br />
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1. <b><u>The Leader Board</u></b> - You can read about the Leader Board on my <a href="http://prayloveteach.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-4th-nine-weeks-slump.html" target="_blank">"The 4th Nine Weeks Slump"</a> post.<br />
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2. <b><u>The bathroom/water/locker check-out system</u></b> - I can't believe I've never done a post on this! It's definitely one of my very favorite things in my room, and it tops the list on classroom management priorities.<br />
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All of the classrooms at CRIS have four large metal cabinets in the back of the room. They aren't super attractive, but they do provide a lot of storage - and a lot of space for decorating. A few years ago I realized I needed a new system for how my kids left the classroom. I was encountering so many problems - the kids who wanted to leave seventeen times in one block, the kids who would just walk up to me in the middle of my lesson to ask to go to the bathroom, the kid who left his homework in his locker every single day...the list goes on and on. After much brainstorming, I decided to put those cabinets to work as my bathroom management system.<br />
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This is what the cabinets look like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMczHkXas41fnj4zarQBNACfIYB47kK9p1R1N3cSTUWftaQCx4VaCY2c4cVFmW6unjGPaYJoYD6I0OVsMOqmwbkvJwRuEHTYKGnPZXjUUukbNNg7xeuldkyPft9AmDWPPx_hQVKdiXLkf/s1600/bathroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMczHkXas41fnj4zarQBNACfIYB47kK9p1R1N3cSTUWftaQCx4VaCY2c4cVFmW6unjGPaYJoYD6I0OVsMOqmwbkvJwRuEHTYKGnPZXjUUukbNNg7xeuldkyPft9AmDWPPx_hQVKdiXLkf/s320/bathroom.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobQR3VIICCuKuUNr4DGbobVsS-BTLsxePoVmI8cdSrQ9Hu7thuuNjS7Aq_oIIHtka6LgzT-d1M6qkUr9M0Bw2KioZ-oxuGHfKKEKYSruLWwjpPrGDsDkPpZsUqIAr9QDbWBdcRq30uETD/s1600/BR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobQR3VIICCuKuUNr4DGbobVsS-BTLsxePoVmI8cdSrQ9Hu7thuuNjS7Aq_oIIHtka6LgzT-d1M6qkUr9M0Bw2KioZ-oxuGHfKKEKYSruLWwjpPrGDsDkPpZsUqIAr9QDbWBdcRq30uETD/s400/BR.JPG" width="138" /></a></div>
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There is one cabinet for each block. I separated each block into three sections.<br />
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1. The student names - I printed each student's name and had them laminated. I then hot glued a magnet to the back of each name.<br />
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2. The "I'm Out" section - When a student needs to leave the room, he/she finds his/her magnet and moves it to this section.<br />
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3. The "I'm Back" section - When a student returns from the restroom/locker/water, he/she moves his/her magnet to this section.<br />
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The rules I go over with the students are:<br />
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1. You may only leave the classroom one time per block. So, if you need to get your homework out of your locker, you better go to the bathroom while you're out! Once your name tag is moved into "I'm Back," you can't leave again.<br />
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2. Only one boy and one girl are allowed out of the room at one time. So, if Suzy Q's tag is in "I'm Out," then Brenda Jo has to wait until she gets back.<br />
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This process has been simple and absolutely seamless. I was almost surprised and a little wary of how well it worked when I first implemented it. So far, it hasn't failed me!<br />
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3. <b><u>The Supply Cubby</u></b> - When I taught elementary school, I had one of my friend's dad build me a shelving unit for all of my construction paper. When I moved to middle school, I didn't really need a home for construction paper, but I didn't want to lose the shelving unit. I decided to re-purpose it into a supply cubby system. I purchased some great tubs from the Dollar Tree and filled them each with some frequently used supplies (dry erase lap board, rag for erasing, Expo marker, ruler, scissors, glue, clipboard, etc.). When we are working on a project, I have students grab a tub (they are numbered, so students grab the bin that corresponds with their number). I don't waste time passing out materials, and students don't have to fuss with pulling everything out of their book bags.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE52PBdulfU9FwaY8bBWfCOsPAaBKJNDpoizRz_mIUvGGzkO08KVJnvidjWYnZKq-pxS8du2D2SVr2HNx5o5uCOtymONxysPNSGJIMy_1smMtmZBBlkx76NmfpNERZdSD1x2qUlhxwa7ra/s1600/cubby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE52PBdulfU9FwaY8bBWfCOsPAaBKJNDpoizRz_mIUvGGzkO08KVJnvidjWYnZKq-pxS8du2D2SVr2HNx5o5uCOtymONxysPNSGJIMy_1smMtmZBBlkx76NmfpNERZdSD1x2qUlhxwa7ra/s400/cubby.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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4.<b><u> Homework & Objectives Board</u></b> - I teach two intervention classes and two honors classes, so I split the white board in the back of my room into two sections. On the left side, I include homework, reminders, daily focus questions, and weekly learning intentions for my intervention classes. On the right side, I include the same for my honors students. It's great to have a central location for all the "need to know" information for both sets of classes.<br />
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5. <u style="font-weight: bold;">Anchor Charts</u> - I love having a place to hang the anchor charts for each of my classes. You can check out how I made those on my <a href="http://prayloveteach.blogspot.com/2015/08/polished-look.html" target="_blank">"Polished Look"</a> blog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fwRYU6KIyPXZ1SvTDwmrj6My3ys_z6N84wG_J1SqQya3EfSJNvz9IOJrxn18sgyet_ApbFNpTyV8Vtlpe9lKN0FYx3vL-xSC7c4OAgpcmjSFVBN5-aouH2T4byoyoinm9mUwwrarghH4/s1600/anchor+charts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fwRYU6KIyPXZ1SvTDwmrj6My3ys_z6N84wG_J1SqQya3EfSJNvz9IOJrxn18sgyet_ApbFNpTyV8Vtlpe9lKN0FYx3vL-xSC7c4OAgpcmjSFVBN5-aouH2T4byoyoinm9mUwwrarghH4/s400/anchor+charts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Things I changed for this year:</u></b><br />
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1. NO DESKS! - My biggest change for this year is that I got rid of all the desk in my room - including my teacher desk. It was a huge leap, but so far, I love it! (And the kids seem to love it too!)<br />
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Because I teach two intervention classes, I really needed a comfortable space for small group instruction. I knew that if I added a horseshoe table or something similar, I'd need to make space somewhere. The teacher desk had to go. Once it was out, I had so much more room. I scrounged up three trapezoid tables to create my own version of a horseshoe table. One of the tables serves as my "desk," and the other two provide plenty of room for small groups. It's perfect. I added a little fabric fringe, and it's really become a functional and welcoming space.<br />
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I also am a huge fan of alternative seating in the classroom. Last year I went half and half - I kept about 13 desks, and I used tables, floor seating, yoga balls, etc. for the other half of the seats. This year, I used my state teacher money to purchase six new tables (<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99000483/" target="_blank">Thank you, Ikea!</a>) for my room. I was able to get rid of all of the traditional desks, and I used stools and chairs that I had last year for table seats. I have gotten nothing but compliments from the kids so far, and the tables are PERFECT for group work. </div>
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2. Minimize "stuff" to maximize the learning environment - I am a typical teacher hoarder. I keep everything; I accept every free book, ruler, pack of pencils, etc. anyone ever offers me. Last year, I was up to EIGHT full bookshelves of books. <i>Maybe</i> twenty percent of those books ever got picked off the shelf. So, I purged. I (along with my husband, Ian and my best friend, Lisa) spent several days getting rid of "stuff." We donated books, cleaned out file cabinets, and passed along supplies of which I had an abundance. If I couldn't remember the last time I used it, I got rid of it. My goal this year is to truly minimize in order to maximize the space and time we have for learning. </div>
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Here is my new reading corner - about five bookshelves less than last year!</div>
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One of the things I love most about my profession is that it constantly changes. Each year I get a new classrooms of students with a unique set of needs. Every year is different; every day is different. I work in a school that encourages and embraces risk taking. My administrators love when we try something new - even when it doesn't quite work like we planned. I am so thankful to be here, and I know it's going to be a great year!<br />
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-11504108969604388712016-06-13T08:56:00.000-07:002016-06-13T09:04:07.400-07:00Welcoming All Learners<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year I was privileged to teach two intervention language arts classes along with my two honors classes. My intervention classes were small (maximum 12 students), and the students ranged from a kindergarten reading level to about third grade. Of my 21 intervention students, seven of the students spoke English as a second language. It was definitely a challenge, but it was such a treat to watch these students learn and grow this year. </div>
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I always try to stay culturally aware having had the opportunity to travel the world and having a sister who has taught and studied abroad. When I realized I'd have so many students from other countries, I knew I wanted to do something special to welcome them each to the room. </div>
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Above my SmartBoard, I typically hang a "welcome" banner. This year, I decided to add to it by welcoming each student in his/her own language. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKXV5zY4-NQcc5LPDjYDylSlBKiSEm6Jg9oMrW4Wl46ud5MW6ZH7TO2c8QhixGztAfZ5eHt44DRHx7rr6aSkzfjnctBoiNwauanWBqmjLd_ntEsvvcHJbL7mdUdbNvUhPy3CeIxBczp6R/s1600/IMG_2045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKXV5zY4-NQcc5LPDjYDylSlBKiSEm6Jg9oMrW4Wl46ud5MW6ZH7TO2c8QhixGztAfZ5eHt44DRHx7rr6aSkzfjnctBoiNwauanWBqmjLd_ntEsvvcHJbL7mdUdbNvUhPy3CeIxBczp6R/s200/IMG_2045.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzOOpEYRHtaybF480X1zFz84CE_sk-PkLXjuZeR0cLoCAja_54gDya99K91s0cCv0Fgg6V8j1ObMvDz8Lku3ssxLofiVHW294VWAGKmsVEn_t8nscZIoumdgRoRot_QLlr4lrqoTtBH52/s1600/IMG_2046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzOOpEYRHtaybF480X1zFz84CE_sk-PkLXjuZeR0cLoCAja_54gDya99K91s0cCv0Fgg6V8j1ObMvDz8Lku3ssxLofiVHW294VWAGKmsVEn_t8nscZIoumdgRoRot_QLlr4lrqoTtBH52/s200/IMG_2046.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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When I started the year, I had students from Japan, the Philippines, and Mexico. My sister lived in Korea and had friends who could write and speak Japanese, so I had her get a translation for me that I copied onto the poster. I used Google translate for the Filipino translation, and I asked our school's Spanish teacher to help me with the last translation. As the year progressed, I had some schedule changes that gave me a few more students. I ended up adding China, the Ivory Coast, Nepal, and Niger. </div>
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It was simple way to let my students know that I recognized their differences but accepted them all as a part of our classroom family.<br />
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-25949287864834699432015-08-30T12:09:00.000-07:002015-08-30T12:10:06.751-07:00Back to School - Superhero Style!We are getting back in the swing of things, and I'm exhausted! A new schedule this year has my head spinning...We went from three 85 minute blocks and two preps to four 70 minute blocks and three preps. It's taking some getting used to!<br />
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Add this super exciting personal news, and a goal for a March wedding, and I am looking at a whirlwind of a year! (Isn't my fiance handsome!?)<br />
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Our theme at school this year is "Superheroes." We are going to have spirit days for teachers and students to wear their favorite Superhero gear. Our first Superhero Day was the third day of school. I have a navy skirt with white stars that I got for the Fourth of July. I really wanted to wear it as part of a Captain American outfit, but all of the Captain America shirts are blue and didn't match.<br />
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So, I did what I do best, and I made my own with a red t-shirt and some felt from Michael's! While I was wandering around Michael's I found a blue bow. I decorated it with some puff paint I had at home to add another touch to the costume! (The socks are from Target.)<br />
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I used a printed picture of Captain's shield to help me measure and cut out layers for my shirt. I hot glued the felt together, and then I used fabric glue to attach it to my shirt.<br />
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One of the other teachers on my team had the same Captain America idea!<br />
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Teachers ARE superheroes!</div>
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-14279789242706610572015-08-02T16:16:00.002-07:002015-08-02T16:16:31.397-07:00Keeping It OrganizedI think one of the best ways to love my students is by staying organized. I am a much better teacher when everything is in its place! Here are some simple ways I keep things in their place!<br />
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1. Here are my markers organized by color. I got the cups at the Dollar Store - 4 for $1! I then used Modge Podge to attach strips of scrapbooking paper around the tops!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDeaNNktWghpICs0q2H7Tnwpg9NftANuBRGOFKwExoCR1NwZvdq-Lc53DjJEPBjmG1hMxW8p2hOFe-LG-zNKzYXgSSbgxGKpjUzWz0oJqybo5hoRb7ADGROz8g9Ci1mhWuRgJ_hZN1ZG_/s1600/marker+cups+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDeaNNktWghpICs0q2H7Tnwpg9NftANuBRGOFKwExoCR1NwZvdq-Lc53DjJEPBjmG1hMxW8p2hOFe-LG-zNKzYXgSSbgxGKpjUzWz0oJqybo5hoRb7ADGROz8g9Ci1mhWuRgJ_hZN1ZG_/s320/marker+cups+2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxYZXXD7DTcO12T3qYCa97QQonR0p-g4y_AlHlRYSOCfwNax4RCR30UgkOFt_AKKz4FFIyJoaRTQgyHVFNXs_L-NtRUD-fLcYvp5AITbZs-reDUEYTlPFrQP7R5l7Ns3TNKltQgwK-MjT/s1600/marker+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxYZXXD7DTcO12T3qYCa97QQonR0p-g4y_AlHlRYSOCfwNax4RCR30UgkOFt_AKKz4FFIyJoaRTQgyHVFNXs_L-NtRUD-fLcYvp5AITbZs-reDUEYTlPFrQP7R5l7Ns3TNKltQgwK-MjT/s320/marker+cups.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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2. My supply cabinet is my favorite place in my room sometimes. I love how organized and easy to find everything is! #TeamLabelEverything </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDTAvoJasKO9T2o0lg1cG4Y3GLv4sAwEcKF7HomsslAtR5vjrYitVOFwHpBp8kyns4cYwLpbNcZergp0kwWxtQL1xNgTftnzEiA48XDG7673MeiB6YlVNbjie_BUAq1nd6O9lJrYlCxBp/s1600/supplies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDTAvoJasKO9T2o0lg1cG4Y3GLv4sAwEcKF7HomsslAtR5vjrYitVOFwHpBp8kyns4cYwLpbNcZergp0kwWxtQL1xNgTftnzEiA48XDG7673MeiB6YlVNbjie_BUAq1nd6O9lJrYlCxBp/s200/supplies2.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN7FfkHHhXuBt4xSwmhmH2M__6HS9FYLOBoTdTaBvLuxo9Vq7QEVHB_qT7jNPCKOQAfrY8-nZwSHDZK8312vvCvdi8bHanyonRbm2egXZ77xop2XuTuV8rAUIyeN8P7vF-ovuJ8_7pOE9/s1600/organize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN7FfkHHhXuBt4xSwmhmH2M__6HS9FYLOBoTdTaBvLuxo9Vq7QEVHB_qT7jNPCKOQAfrY8-nZwSHDZK8312vvCvdi8bHanyonRbm2egXZ77xop2XuTuV8rAUIyeN8P7vF-ovuJ8_7pOE9/s200/organize.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnBmNZDZJL8VMHtke54HWpPsqnZ87Q7Sg9JHdXzibMThPDrIjWNarvWW2XAOZeEftixTRxpksJn3zwvA902Eaf2P7iWJglFQ1GBviYfuL5x2gavArZkPSVeJjaJhmQBguRKZU8SHgOKrL/s1600/supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnBmNZDZJL8VMHtke54HWpPsqnZ87Q7Sg9JHdXzibMThPDrIjWNarvWW2XAOZeEftixTRxpksJn3zwvA902Eaf2P7iWJglFQ1GBviYfuL5x2gavArZkPSVeJjaJhmQBguRKZU8SHgOKrL/s200/supplies.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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3. I always end up with leftover bulletin board letters that I don't want to throw away. I decided to use a shoe organizer to keep all the extras organized. It hangs on the inside of my supply closet. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLycTO2mI6OBvEzmF0qr3rmD4kxCiJRKEggbZc2NccOk96kLXVgo_zVNOw9NZbAVOlCFypTDcWxcqTU5G1_17tEf8QONk7wnQeDAXmkhBG9KjBpYeANobWmY__DEUPWIaUPSTZ5jUpc_r6/s1600/supplies4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLycTO2mI6OBvEzmF0qr3rmD4kxCiJRKEggbZc2NccOk96kLXVgo_zVNOw9NZbAVOlCFypTDcWxcqTU5G1_17tEf8QONk7wnQeDAXmkhBG9KjBpYeANobWmY__DEUPWIaUPSTZ5jUpc_r6/s320/supplies4.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh995eeImEObU_ihxC3EhBwOBfpgy1fK46H0LcW7r4flreFuqr2oZ3ayqBDlqiNkC1N4LISvQNXaPUjuPF3d-gFd0aoVkYjlxXnl48yB_RU6_nFhrwP_8-3Nc3oR2luamFt3gelsUxqMdGm/s1600/supplies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh995eeImEObU_ihxC3EhBwOBfpgy1fK46H0LcW7r4flreFuqr2oZ3ayqBDlqiNkC1N4LISvQNXaPUjuPF3d-gFd0aoVkYjlxXnl48yB_RU6_nFhrwP_8-3Nc3oR2luamFt3gelsUxqMdGm/s320/supplies3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-1221058773415104572015-08-02T15:46:00.001-07:002015-08-02T15:46:31.972-07:00Polished Look!As seen in the pictures below, I'm nowhere near finished unpacking, organizing, and decorating my new classroom. Just a week away from teachers' return to school, I'm feeling that "back to school" overwhelming anxiety that I get every year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqX7CYbc_DYT6LVPQPkXxETgagqXBfawREx5gyL9NYgFThhpeQuZFNTgnUVAMqYaeJCaCku9EX_btQQjGcv_gR31Ra1BtLwmgIJPcT_5keyITbMZVn18sJxNZbsxUbqMavXVtBKUZZBMQ/s1600/mess2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqX7CYbc_DYT6LVPQPkXxETgagqXBfawREx5gyL9NYgFThhpeQuZFNTgnUVAMqYaeJCaCku9EX_btQQjGcv_gR31Ra1BtLwmgIJPcT_5keyITbMZVn18sJxNZbsxUbqMavXVtBKUZZBMQ/s320/mess2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-U6JpX-4vE4ByptQD7IVFNXAONNZD5Jv5SYjFPxXP9gcv47uyRqek4CjmGJ3SO2vHz4_JuX3Z9c_Bikmr_sgt2Vz62k67nO95ZE0b5ns6bK-6XiTbS8x1r0Ym8xG8CRyDpYXuLvRrIuq/s1600/mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-U6JpX-4vE4ByptQD7IVFNXAONNZD5Jv5SYjFPxXP9gcv47uyRqek4CjmGJ3SO2vHz4_JuX3Z9c_Bikmr_sgt2Vz62k67nO95ZE0b5ns6bK-6XiTbS8x1r0Ym8xG8CRyDpYXuLvRrIuq/s320/mess.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To help combat that anxiety, I often find myself working on projects that aren't really necessities but give me a sense of accomplishment. One thing I did this week was put some border up on my walls. We have a long wooden strip that covers the length of one wall in our classrooms. I don't use it to hang anything, so I like to put border up to give the room a put-together look. Here are some before and afters...ignore the chaos everywhere else!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn9dOWKSuG4yDWo-Z3t5V_wcwJ2T4udgPG7RgzuCERnldUPfv-XRAXe_F0vz1yxWLBVx5Ec7RrpH2mZl4E-WVP_QWXMnQoY2-qSya4NqiLb1Lmpr0oE8wnbaV34y2D4LojBsPcCb_0qOu/s1600/chart+hangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn9dOWKSuG4yDWo-Z3t5V_wcwJ2T4udgPG7RgzuCERnldUPfv-XRAXe_F0vz1yxWLBVx5Ec7RrpH2mZl4E-WVP_QWXMnQoY2-qSya4NqiLb1Lmpr0oE8wnbaV34y2D4LojBsPcCb_0qOu/s200/chart+hangers.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIvuX1mv8TqCO9e1Fub-J-2O4JNABlq7RGu9YsV9kUZFW6gi8JTlH9GPba6jYwEPBvNpLTwrXWpWNPP_Dzuz46pTpxIepRP8MpaYSNPYz5CwgzcT0WgtRFFeHiyBRSh9eQ-CKxWJ-VdTQ/s1600/wall+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIvuX1mv8TqCO9e1Fub-J-2O4JNABlq7RGu9YsV9kUZFW6gi8JTlH9GPba6jYwEPBvNpLTwrXWpWNPP_Dzuz46pTpxIepRP8MpaYSNPYz5CwgzcT0WgtRFFeHiyBRSh9eQ-CKxWJ-VdTQ/s200/wall+border.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Side note - My <a href="http://prayloveteach.blogspot.com/2015/07/welcome-back.html" target="_blank">back to school wreath</a> found a perfect home between my windows!</div>
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If you take a closer look at the walls, you might notice that the left side also has some dowel rods held up by command hooks. I'm going to use them to hang anchor charts for each of my classes. I am going to connect the anchor charts to the dowel rods with metal book rings!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvjZLwPDq3g1X8RUPdfYMXonA8-YRfXrvu1KQnSStf-uI6heGchGnHdBguB15KRkonzvPpdcnaEH6B_GVYEfzIolHq9o970kbaeJ__pLywSScfXtCkLtfUWfkUa9QvLw6c0dNMDcgTHjz/s1600/wall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvjZLwPDq3g1X8RUPdfYMXonA8-YRfXrvu1KQnSStf-uI6heGchGnHdBguB15KRkonzvPpdcnaEH6B_GVYEfzIolHq9o970kbaeJ__pLywSScfXtCkLtfUWfkUa9QvLw6c0dNMDcgTHjz/s200/wall2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt0NHgA1ZiR8UJnYoAGhSWKvfJYIlzXCdMMDCDrBjxWt9qhUZbY93ROXEghhve_F5S-lpac8F0KdUWCYtr_EdjZx1QlSvhjRywHoneiuARK3fYYqskLxkHkpbmLOeU6jyResQvafigahU/s1600/wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt0NHgA1ZiR8UJnYoAGhSWKvfJYIlzXCdMMDCDrBjxWt9qhUZbY93ROXEghhve_F5S-lpac8F0KdUWCYtr_EdjZx1QlSvhjRywHoneiuARK3fYYqskLxkHkpbmLOeU6jyResQvafigahU/s200/wall.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-80419526829498816202015-08-02T15:08:00.001-07:002015-08-02T15:09:07.397-07:00Patchwork ProjectFor Christmas last year, my dad gave me two bookshelves for my living room and some <a href="http://www.target.com/p/devine-color-zigzag-wallpaper-mirage/-/A-15025202#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=chevron+wallpaper" target="_blank">gray chevron wall paper from Target</a> that I wanted to use to cover the backs of my shelves. It was so easy to do, and it turned out just how I pictured.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhComWTboQaIbjNE7nd2T8JVh35_pnl69ZmChpi0euJttBsGoTSRMKePoE_ySfhiyepwpRfiZ1wDpiWiu63gn_JFwHptIM9E4LWhS3SwOCgvy-44omAslpDe6UtWtLEoGkSoHlylATSb448/s1600/bookshelf+in+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhComWTboQaIbjNE7nd2T8JVh35_pnl69ZmChpi0euJttBsGoTSRMKePoE_ySfhiyepwpRfiZ1wDpiWiu63gn_JFwHptIM9E4LWhS3SwOCgvy-44omAslpDe6UtWtLEoGkSoHlylATSb448/s320/bookshelf+in+house.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had about half a roll and lots of scraps leftover, so I wanted to try to use it in my classroom. I decided to cover the tops of my two trapezoid tables to add some color to those dull tables.<br />
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Unfortunately, because I was patching scraps together, this project wasn't quite as easy as the bookshelves were, but I managed! </div>
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I started by taking the largest pieces I had leftover and piecing them together on top of the table. I used a book and yard stick to help roll the paper out flat as I peeled off the backing. I still ended up with some bubbles, but it isn't too bad. </div>
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Hint - Once you stick the wallpaper on, if there are bubbles, just roll with it. It gets way worse when you try to peel it back up and restick it. </div>
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It isn't perfect, but I still love the way it turned out!<br />
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The only thing I wasn't super excited about was the look of the unfinished edges. (Ignore all those bubbles, ha!) </div>
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To cover that up, I got some blue duct tape (only $2 with a 50% coupon from <a href="http://www.michaels.com/" target="_blank">Michaels</a>!) to place around the edges of the table. </div>
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I am so happy with the way it turned out!<br />
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-81933654920530504462015-07-28T19:42:00.001-07:002015-07-28T19:43:27.604-07:00Welcome Back!I like to have a wreath on my classroom door for decoration and to add a bit of a home-y feeling. This year, I've decided to create wreaths for the door that match the unit of study we are doing (ex. our first thematic unit is on survival, so the wreath will be survival themed). I didn't want to leave out a more home-y (not to be confused with homie) bit of decoration, so I decided to create some wreaths to hang between my two windows in the classroom. I made the first one tonight! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyoPhyuLLwgN0KByuE9_XX8OYfezuV9baNxRiB7ch7F3iaqKK1w39J-kEncghPSHo0GZCKruHjQ1qY7ieZJiGUuGaxj4qD5lVC0_4CQgXLNjKX5Bo0vhzrNDJL3mk918fga0GU5wZAlc6/s1600/Welcome+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyoPhyuLLwgN0KByuE9_XX8OYfezuV9baNxRiB7ch7F3iaqKK1w39J-kEncghPSHo0GZCKruHjQ1qY7ieZJiGUuGaxj4qD5lVC0_4CQgXLNjKX5Bo0vhzrNDJL3mk918fga0GU5wZAlc6/s320/Welcome+Wreath.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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I didn't take pictures while I was working on it (sorry!), but all the materials came from <a href="http://www.michaels.com/" target="_blank">Michaels</a>. The frame is a basic green metal wreath. I wove burlap and ribbon first and used brown pipe cleaners to attach the burlap to the frame. The wooden bus was already painted when I bought it, but I painted the wooden apple and added my name with a thin tipped paint pen. I painted the wooden letters and hot glued all the wooden pieces to the wreath. Simple! All in all, it took me about 30 minutes total to complete!Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-52778209329666258722015-07-28T19:24:00.002-07:002015-07-28T19:25:32.360-07:00The "No Sew" PillowIt's been a while since I've posted...but I'm back!<br />
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This year I've decided to remove all the desks from my room and embrace "alternative seating" options. I'll have a few tables with stools and fun chairs from Ikea, but mostly I plan to have low, small tables with crates and pillows. We'll see how it goes....I told my principal that my type A & OCD personality may absolutely hate it and need my desks back asap, but I wanted to give something new a try.<br />
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At the end of the year last year a coworker gave me two throw pillows she was getting rid of from her classroom. I figured I could give them a fresh look with some new pillow cases. With only (sigh) two-ish weeks until we're back in action, I decided to get going on the pillows.<br />
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I am NOT a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination, so when I saw these <a href="http://www.srtrends.com/diy-no-sew-pillow-cover/" target="_blank">No Sew Pillows</a> on Pinterest, I thought, "That can't be too hard!"<br />
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I found some fabric at WalMart that matches my color & pattern scheme (navy, yellow, gray, & chevron), and I guestimated that I'd need a yard for each pillow. Because the pillows have a dark and busy pattern on them already, I also got a yard of white for each pillow to act as a color buffer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjIGtHT8BZzCzTnPuWnFs7rT6kPsKz5ruzpmM2yeALBvzYsec6wxwftt5OauSrrm1D-v7Hfr_-ki33hG2qzjkJDpVVMwGlKy0hokrbMoWcD7rEhQ7tzXEwja3BH4NREvqpRE9-O81HFE8/s1600/pillows1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjIGtHT8BZzCzTnPuWnFs7rT6kPsKz5ruzpmM2yeALBvzYsec6wxwftt5OauSrrm1D-v7Hfr_-ki33hG2qzjkJDpVVMwGlKy0hokrbMoWcD7rEhQ7tzXEwja3BH4NREvqpRE9-O81HFE8/s320/pillows1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hindsight is 20/20, and I should have measured the pillow and read the Pinterest directions a little more before heading to the store. Once I started folding the fabric per the directions, I realized a yard was not enough material. So, I had to do what all great teachers do - monitor and adjust! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD83K80H3xF_3qKeMXbF68UNHM0Ao02Hi6qW8SUZQ2VY8LB_N9eWUVGrujO3Sea9lCGDcySbiRtP-uAgWod9ZO-d1oS3-SXNTlZg-GxpSYqgcic5OG-qHjSTEDwKX9V17tkNNpcFWvvbY/s1600/pillow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXD83K80H3xF_3qKeMXbF68UNHM0Ao02Hi6qW8SUZQ2VY8LB_N9eWUVGrujO3Sea9lCGDcySbiRtP-uAgWod9ZO-d1oS3-SXNTlZg-GxpSYqgcic5OG-qHjSTEDwKX9V17tkNNpcFWvvbY/s200/pillow2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I first folded the pillow in the white fabric like I would wrap a present. Once that was folded, I placed it in the center of the chevron fabric. I folded the top and bottom of the chevron fabric to meet in the center of the pillow like shown above. </div>
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Next, I folded the corners over like I do when wrapping a present. According to the directions I was attempting to follow, this would be the stage you bring both corners to the center to tie a knot. Unfortunately, my corners weren't long enough. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk-GDJmxVL1PDyz_TftcQtQLW-jES8L85mNldkQRpVM4AtJodMY85y6no3kFPVCYK1q6iPDYGtVO5JtyExRr_eL7nZOD03JLVs-X4xfncu8f-wW7ukADEg1q4Vf4QyNihWxHOkOWBD55W/s1600/pillow4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk-GDJmxVL1PDyz_TftcQtQLW-jES8L85mNldkQRpVM4AtJodMY85y6no3kFPVCYK1q6iPDYGtVO5JtyExRr_eL7nZOD03JLVs-X4xfncu8f-wW7ukADEg1q4Vf4QyNihWxHOkOWBD55W/s320/pillow4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I decided I could at least sew a button, so my "no sew" pillows became "almost no sew" pillows. I found these large wooden buttons at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/home?&mkwid=sxQfbNK40|pcrid|91767412451|pkw|michaels|pmt|e|pdv|c|&cm_mmc=zadv_Search-_-google-_-B+-+Brand+Trademark+-+Head+%28E%29-_-Michaels&gclid=CjwKEAjw0NytBRD-1d3QsdHNpR0SJACGXqgRmaRvoCa7BJBZCNl99HJhkN9ewl8Nbt6i1i00UQLX9RoCuwTw_wcB" target="_blank">Michaels</a> for .29 each. (P.S. They have a teacher discount and always have a great coupon on their app!) I painted them yellow and used them to connect each of the corners I folded into the center of the pillow. Just a few stitches, and I have two new pillows! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5klzlFxyroD1_VfbmMySgfLiI3WXSezT6bxjc_bV1FbN_I6ADzGjyoWBjt8kf_mHpwe4TRS37bhk1XgTKl9GFmPTG5THsMbQfmHVPAAVCIsCJaP65WtOjfO6AZ8KsglV-Z_nDL5U5zon/s1600/pillow5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5klzlFxyroD1_VfbmMySgfLiI3WXSezT6bxjc_bV1FbN_I6ADzGjyoWBjt8kf_mHpwe4TRS37bhk1XgTKl9GFmPTG5THsMbQfmHVPAAVCIsCJaP65WtOjfO6AZ8KsglV-Z_nDL5U5zon/s200/pillow5.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilz-8YVd38igIEGgPc1rqg10oCkDzGLQsyvAa3V0R0xFoG1L5Te4pMBfD1-4O5zQzpylplW8TafU9rEFgO0QnsxlP70_24GJxV1EHPLTZDYPT5sWG2ftvEcjPxTnnVTBv_naxiL4UZCFNU/s1600/pillow6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilz-8YVd38igIEGgPc1rqg10oCkDzGLQsyvAa3V0R0xFoG1L5Te4pMBfD1-4O5zQzpylplW8TafU9rEFgO0QnsxlP70_24GJxV1EHPLTZDYPT5sWG2ftvEcjPxTnnVTBv_naxiL4UZCFNU/s200/pillow6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-71934581831717120812014-04-19T06:10:00.001-07:002014-04-19T06:13:35.865-07:00Summertime WreathingSince finishing my spring wreath for the classroom, I have had wreathing fever! Here's my wreath for summertime!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPlzznUzV2slPNIxvOWuGpNs1w6kbnv-7JFUNsUyhAKCdnvKkQcAB8PzMXTRFfoiK21z14Auq8_ugyudlRwMqvbueIH4PM8xaAmkgY6bE7bgOpOmV4AJOMdsWsAmXC4nbCq_ckJSzJFMZ/s1600/finished+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPlzznUzV2slPNIxvOWuGpNs1w6kbnv-7JFUNsUyhAKCdnvKkQcAB8PzMXTRFfoiK21z14Auq8_ugyudlRwMqvbueIH4PM8xaAmkgY6bE7bgOpOmV4AJOMdsWsAmXC4nbCq_ckJSzJFMZ/s1600/finished+wreath.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<u>Materials</u>:<br />
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1. flat, wooden wreath ring<br />
2. one 2 yard roll of yellow burlap<br />
3. one large roll of plain burlap<br />
4. wooden letters spelling S-U-M-M-E-R<br />
5. craft paint<br />
6. two spools of colored fabric ribbon<br />
7. one sheet of card stock paper or scrapbook paper<br />
8. hot glue gun<br />
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<u>Process</u>:<br />
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1. First, I painted the base of each of the letters. By the time I finished with the base of the R, the S was dry, and I could start painting the designs on each. To do the designs, I cut a piece of weighted scrapbook paper to create a stencil.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEREKge3Wni8ToHkF6LsJslzL6dr0kp-dj6w6XM0KYyBK0oDIQGva9ytUOmBot8nRCJ5XB0zQS_GqR_hPiqICqc4aobdU4wO8c-S7172i9xPYsTEqWXgoOYi03BhrErtk5dfFpZuU3Hl9Z/s1600/painted+base+letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEREKge3Wni8ToHkF6LsJslzL6dr0kp-dj6w6XM0KYyBK0oDIQGva9ytUOmBot8nRCJ5XB0zQS_GqR_hPiqICqc4aobdU4wO8c-S7172i9xPYsTEqWXgoOYi03BhrErtk5dfFpZuU3Hl9Z/s1600/painted+base+letters.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUlQ1kJHqvjAxQ7AIGXBScBFLSw0e8NB5GVMGK-fmpxVgzDkzQ1N2j5YTBqNcAEQUtO_dU44jQKviLrYo2N9qe_9DS1oo2HG3MbHqTZb0ZlX_72jBk0Zq1rmWGVkTxQCaR5-E2BErmNCA/s1600/painted+letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUlQ1kJHqvjAxQ7AIGXBScBFLSw0e8NB5GVMGK-fmpxVgzDkzQ1N2j5YTBqNcAEQUtO_dU44jQKviLrYo2N9qe_9DS1oo2HG3MbHqTZb0ZlX_72jBk0Zq1rmWGVkTxQCaR5-E2BErmNCA/s1600/painted+letters.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQRm4DM_kJXmyGsNNGNu61fpU7KYyR_ZnbZ_xSpLtaN1zyezeOu5BPjALXE_xf2t98FnJzavQIvsi-N_drRSzz6WaNdp2MbleaXqZ-pe-x5aY-ObZIiiQohY_QrVNT352WwmKeEPq3rMg/s1600/stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQRm4DM_kJXmyGsNNGNu61fpU7KYyR_ZnbZ_xSpLtaN1zyezeOu5BPjALXE_xf2t98FnJzavQIvsi-N_drRSzz6WaNdp2MbleaXqZ-pe-x5aY-ObZIiiQohY_QrVNT352WwmKeEPq3rMg/s1600/stencil.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Once the letters were finished, I started the base of the wreath. I used a flat wooden wreath ring. I forgot to take a picture before I started, so I found this image of the exact same ring on Google.<br />
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I wrapped the yellow burlap along the bottom three-fourths of the wreath. Each time I made a loop around the wreath, I slightly overlapped it on what was on the wreath before. After finishing with the yellow burlap, I covered the remainder of the wreath with the plain burlap. </div>
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3. I then evenly spaced the letters and hot glued them to the base. Between each letter, I glued a strip of the fabric ribbon. Where the plain burlap met the yellow burlap, I put two strips - one of each color.<br />
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4. Finally, I made a bow using the plain burlap. I glued two strips of the fabric ribbon to the center of the bow. I used hot glue to attach the bow to the plain burlap section of the wreath. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOh3yH6iMbBwRmj2hMBs6o9EmkSM_wy93piRAMhR88HmLX748hRKbu5BhhDv3WA7HJoScxr3RhCUVfGZHXgCrFk2nNktuThrp9SxVixUdDXugB4W8c18NeOMXW5OCeu-Pla7znKXX3osB/s1600/finished+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOh3yH6iMbBwRmj2hMBs6o9EmkSM_wy93piRAMhR88HmLX748hRKbu5BhhDv3WA7HJoScxr3RhCUVfGZHXgCrFk2nNktuThrp9SxVixUdDXugB4W8c18NeOMXW5OCeu-Pla7znKXX3osB/s1600/finished+wreath.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am pleased with the way it turned out, but if I could do it again, I would change a few things:<br />
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1. Since I used yellow burlap, I wouldn't paint the base of any of the letters yellow. In fact, I'd change all the colors of the letters...or just use one color. Possibly just the purple?<br />
2. I would position the letters a little differently - especially the Ms.<br />
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Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-13140345147168473592014-04-17T16:23:00.000-07:002014-04-17T19:08:09.865-07:00Twitter in the ClassroomUsing social media safely in the classroom can be tricky, but it can also be very, very valuable. This year, I have implemented the use of Twitter in my room.<br>
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I wanted students to be able to concisely summarize text and identify story elements within texts. I also wanted to give them a way to create "teasers" for their favorite books. What better way to do this than through Twitter?<br>
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I knew I'd have to come up with a way to keep this safe for all of my students. I teach 6th grade, and the world wide web can be a scary place for young students. I decided from the beginning that I would control our Twitter account, and my students (though many have their own accounts) would not be able to actually send the Tweets from our class account themselves.<br>
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After we read a text, I give my students a Twitter page handout (you can buy it on my TPT page <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Twitter-in-the-Classroom-1211480" target="_blank">here</a>). Students then write their Tweets on the paper and turn them in. I choose the best ones and send them from our account. Then, I write the Tweets on laminated "Tweet sheets" using a Vis-a-Vis marker and post those on my classroom door. You can see some examples below. (These Tweet sheets are also on my TPT.)<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoF3RvjlAIDJA4cZNgm0yNK5uDiMvhyLawg8xGTl-3Dx4biQ6MxecPhT17l7c-3dYvqTaB56kCysHtmU120FfNOYThL2-DoBhekvugZNE3WTFjHHjGiISdmM4qWbael9tLzIae2Z1_E8T/s1600/Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoF3RvjlAIDJA4cZNgm0yNK5uDiMvhyLawg8xGTl-3Dx4biQ6MxecPhT17l7c-3dYvqTaB56kCysHtmU120FfNOYThL2-DoBhekvugZNE3WTFjHHjGiISdmM4qWbael9tLzIae2Z1_E8T/s1600/Door.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
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It has worked like a charm this year. The kids love it, and it shows me so much about their understanding as we read!<br>
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Check out our Twitter account <a href="https://twitter.com/KendrickReaders" target="_blank">here</a>!<br>
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Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-7503300038553819272014-04-16T17:41:00.001-07:002014-04-16T17:43:21.556-07:00Poetry Analysis - Like a Pro!I LOVE POETRY! I love to read it, write it, and teach it, and above all, I want my students to love it too! In order for them to love it, however, they have to understand it. I've always had a difficult time getting students to think deeply when it comes to poetry analysis, so I decided to develop a new process this year to help them practice.<br />
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I ended up with a seven step process. To practice, I put together a packet of six of my personal favorite poems. We went through the packet together, in groups, individually, etc. until I felt confident that my students were getting it. Then, I gave them a pop quiz using the same process! I have put this packet on my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Poetry-Analysis-1210273">Teachers Pay Teachers</a> account for free, so go download it and use it! One thing that isn't on TPT, though, is the Google Presentation I used with the packet. You can check that out<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LaOyc7QOuCRZ1Dqt5S0KdBjV-FQbMvOnqnQJV_aIJAc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"> here</a>!<br />
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Here are the seven steps:<br />
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Number
the lines in each poem, and label the rhyme scheme if there is one. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Read
the poem several times. Circle any unknown words. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Summarize
each stanza. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Annotate
the poem by noticing and labeling any literary devices, figurative
language, symbolism, imagery, etc. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Identify
the major theme of the poem, and provide evidence to support your choice. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Identify
your favorite line or phrase from the poem, and explain why you chose it
as your favorite. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Choose
one of the unknown words you circled and develop a definition (in your own
words!) based on context clues from the poem. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
And here are some examples of the poems once they have been analyzed!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmINP_Ykn8TzCm_Azj2tsu2BCMVAZt3Sd9qmZNcank1CBOyXjrSv3ib4xuQiknPu2G02wc6Y4h4R4pR9vzxKB0TJGOo3nGDiCv94BDvlB5WOADTm97EtKbt8OTtPcyqmYSVb7_4WiI_9t/s1600/Dream+Deferred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmINP_Ykn8TzCm_Azj2tsu2BCMVAZt3Sd9qmZNcank1CBOyXjrSv3ib4xuQiknPu2G02wc6Y4h4R4pR9vzxKB0TJGOo3nGDiCv94BDvlB5WOADTm97EtKbt8OTtPcyqmYSVb7_4WiI_9t/s1600/Dream+Deferred.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz5cD_s-DqtNNLrnRT82TFnHw-C_c2NZBt1ssUMRQpEHopCW6wvBxW31-QKPU0-Jjh3jAJd0JZrI9KTO-g2o2jITizUOd6dSXkysP7BZBaj4gpR2zh4WVuU2tEXOoJ2HztwbxcsA3xSV2/s1600/I+Know+Why+The+Caged+Bird+Sings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz5cD_s-DqtNNLrnRT82TFnHw-C_c2NZBt1ssUMRQpEHopCW6wvBxW31-QKPU0-Jjh3jAJd0JZrI9KTO-g2o2jITizUOd6dSXkysP7BZBaj4gpR2zh4WVuU2tEXOoJ2HztwbxcsA3xSV2/s1600/I+Know+Why+The+Caged+Bird+Sings.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-20520944949766157632014-04-16T16:20:00.001-07:002014-04-16T16:23:55.774-07:00The 4th Nine Week's SlumpNo breaks from January to April. Testing, testing, & more testing. Warm sunshine & blue skies. The anticipation of those last few days of school. What do each of these have in common...?<br />
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They all play a part in the inevitable and dreaded "4th nine week's slump." By April of each year, I can pretty much count on lower grades, less motivation, and sky high energy among my students. This year I wanted to try something new to help combat the daily struggle that accompanies our dwindling days of school.<br />
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Our school is a data driven school, and our students love healthy competition. When thinking of what I could do to get the kids re-motivated, I knew I could use these aspects of CRMS to my advantage. When I recently visited my<a href="http://www.edline.net/pages/Lakeside_HS/Classes/Freeman"> cousin's high school language arts class</a>, an idea that incorporated data, friendly competition, and fun finally came to me!<br />
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I popped in to observe my cousin's classes on a day that he happened to be celebrating a recent high test average. When the class average on a test is a 90 or higher, he gives them a "trivia day." He develops a fun, educational trivia game, and the students are able to choose groups and play as a reward for their hard work on the assessment. I absolutely loved this idea, and I knew there was a way to incorporate it into my middle school classroom.<br />
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So, here's what I came up with: THE LEADERBOARD!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5FROotJKdwALUedfMfx2es8gPOaLEDi95XjfQby3ah0NaprxpLg80PvHhMKe94RKQt-elZB6yjpb58MfTtCiIlxAzDBTkeQaEHVpbhmgIhyphenhyphen0R2cwTcl1aiu4eL7y9j_POG7swXFw0IiS/s1600/whole+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5FROotJKdwALUedfMfx2es8gPOaLEDi95XjfQby3ah0NaprxpLg80PvHhMKe94RKQt-elZB6yjpb58MfTtCiIlxAzDBTkeQaEHVpbhmgIhyphenhyphen0R2cwTcl1aiu4eL7y9j_POG7swXFw0IiS/s1600/whole+board.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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With this board, I'm keeping up with four things for each class. </div>
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1. Current Class Average - Each time I add grades to the grade book, I update the new class average. (This is super easy with the PowerTeacher online grade book used by our district....all the numbers are crunched for you!) </div>
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2. Class average on the most recent test/quiz - First, note that I don't use classwork or homework for this. I'd be changing it ten times a day! After entering grades for an assessment into my online grade book, I update the class average on the board. </div>
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Notes: </div>
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- I use three stars (first place, second place, and third place) as a visual for students to see which class average is in the lead. </div>
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- At the interim and report card, the class with the highest average will win a trivia day. </div>
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- I didn't want to give a trivia day every time a class made a 90 or higher average on an assessment because I felt that would take away too much instructional time. Instead, when a class gets a 90 or higher average on an assessment, they receive a half day word game day (such as Scrabble, Apples to Apples, etc.). </div>
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Below, I've included a close up picture of one class:.</div>
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3. The top three highest averages for each class - I don't list the actual average, I just list the names of the students with the highest three averages in the class. </div>
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4. Honorable Mention - I give honorable mention to the student who raises his/her grade the most between assessments. (ex. Student A scored a 60 on last week's quiz but made a 100 this week. She increased by 40 points - more than anyone else in the class!)</div>
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Notes:</div>
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- If more than one student has the same average (ex. 3 of my students have 100 averages), I let them tie for first place. </div>
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- At the interim and the report card, the top three students will receive the opportunity to exempt a quiz, classwork, or homework assignment of their choice. </div>
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- There is no reward for the honorable mention, but I am finding that the students who appear here usually don't appear in the other slots. They are SO proud to have their name on the leader board; it really works to motivate them to continue raising their grades. </div>
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Below, I've included a close up picture of one class:.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHkNSjWtozFVoZREJW5nC3BkSZuEzkeTlQSwwIhZh0KHyZ_IdCwcMBacI4AovetqBtgopNdvxvrXouMLUng3djlqLJ6wZh1Gn8-KLu3tymo1LdCLKUsSZ_yYRihlkLPI2jhHMP2AR3cp-/s1600/photo+3+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHkNSjWtozFVoZREJW5nC3BkSZuEzkeTlQSwwIhZh0KHyZ_IdCwcMBacI4AovetqBtgopNdvxvrXouMLUng3djlqLJ6wZh1Gn8-KLu3tymo1LdCLKUsSZ_yYRihlkLPI2jhHMP2AR3cp-/s1600/photo+3+(4).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We've only been using it a few weeks, but so far it's working like a charm. Not only are my students motivated, they are feeling a sense of responsibility for their participation and effort as members of a class. All of my classes have improved their averages, and for the first time in a while, I'm seeing them really put effort into studying!<br />
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Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-68364421298233338112014-04-15T14:50:00.000-07:002014-04-15T15:01:19.798-07:00Back in Action!Well, sometimes I guess you take two years off from your blog and don't even realize that's how much time has passed! It's spring break, and I've got some time on my hands....so, I've decided to revive my blogs! Hopefully I can keep them alive...<br />
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In the time that has passed, I have actually moved to a new school, and I am no longer teaching fifth grade. I am now teaching 6th grade language arts at <a href="http://www.lexrich5.org/CrossRoadsMS.cfm">CrossRoads Middle School</a>. I'm in my first year there, and I absolutely LOVE it. We are a sixth grade only school, and we host students from 10 of the 12 elementary schools in our district. We also offer single gender classes, so my schedule looks like this:<br />
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Block One - CP boys<br />
Block Two - CP girls<br />
Block Three - Honors girls<br />
Block Four - Planning (WOOHOO!!! Who knew that teachers actually had planning!?)<br />
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While I loved teaching elementary school with my whole heart, I have fallen head over heels in love with middle school. It has been such a blessing!<br />
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I've learned so much about middle school students this year, and I've already identified many changes that I will be putting into place over the summer to make my classroom a better environment for next year's students.<br />
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There is so much research surrounding classroom set up and decoration, but I've yet to find what's perfect for me. In elementary school, bright colors and patterns were my go to. My kids and I both loved the happy, cheerful environment, and it was stimulating and inviting. So, naturally, that's how I approached my sixth grade classroom when I moved in at CRMS. I've got bright colors, patterns, quotes, and pictures. It's pretty and colorful, but I've learned this year that middle school students need a different approach.<br />
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I've made a long summer to do list that includes a major classroom makeover. My new goal is to create a simple, calm atmosphere that reminds students of home. I'm going to include desk lamps for softer lighting, live plants for a touch of outside, and new curtains for a finished, put together look. I'm thinking about a gray and yellow color scheme (because that's my personal favorite combination!), and I also have some ideas for new seating and wall decor. I want my students to walk in and feel like our classroom is different and special - a place to be respected and respectful.<br />
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I didn't want to do the overhaul midyear (really because there just isn't time during the work week), but I did want to start at least one project to begin the "home" transformation. I settled on a wreath for my classroom door. There isn't much that's homier than that!<br />
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After wandering around<a href="http://www.michaels.com/"> Michaels</a> for an hour putting things in and taking things out of my basket, I settled on a spring themed burlap wreath. I'm so happy with how it turned out! It was super simple, cost about $15 (the burlap was on sale!), and took about an hour to make.<br />
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<u>Materials</u>:<br />
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- 9 yards of burlap (I bought four different colors with two yards on each roll. I had one roll of plain burlap already at my house for the 9th yard.)<br />
- 1 metal wreath ring<br />
- wooden letters that spell S-P-R-I-N-G<br />
- craft paint (already had at home)<br />
- flower decals<br />
- pipe cleaners (cut into thirds)<br />
- hot glue gun<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNM21O-h4vPx1UcUl_Vv1G6h8qrUgondkx7Cdevr4hCk3kXwSBVwwv7BOfjIhRt0wCmqt-7VA-CutDqeAmGwznHkv1J9sngl6L6-pBfOUi9_MgbgA-KAUntp5fRNPx69NOp_KQaSnz8g6/s1600/pipe+cleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNM21O-h4vPx1UcUl_Vv1G6h8qrUgondkx7Cdevr4hCk3kXwSBVwwv7BOfjIhRt0wCmqt-7VA-CutDqeAmGwznHkv1J9sngl6L6-pBfOUi9_MgbgA-KAUntp5fRNPx69NOp_KQaSnz8g6/s1600/pipe+cleaner.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpMN4wKUadSEKitiO3N1MfJo-FGEokptmJSJbEuEk9AlA8v5m3yj1JXquXIa5FPJl1g9ceI9Q3EsipcfKUHQG6vTHk-nxwUDA_oKRLXN5KDTwEl8_9ObSjRj-R90C7rHALxmLwoaz4E5V/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpMN4wKUadSEKitiO3N1MfJo-FGEokptmJSJbEuEk9AlA8v5m3yj1JXquXIa5FPJl1g9ceI9Q3EsipcfKUHQG6vTHk-nxwUDA_oKRLXN5KDTwEl8_9ObSjRj-R90C7rHALxmLwoaz4E5V/s1600/flowers.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOZFd48zezrp-84Q1gbBbm2THigat8n86yGyXWNZEGs-D1_nogXi7VTr4NVI91nNSxiPzb_ON6lZPfUY2_0VnNgO2H-UKcFSM-HARbUgjxEulM36nOXEV9V9WZdKfuGvmXVe0JVSXX2Fi/s1600/wreath+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOZFd48zezrp-84Q1gbBbm2THigat8n86yGyXWNZEGs-D1_nogXi7VTr4NVI91nNSxiPzb_ON6lZPfUY2_0VnNgO2H-UKcFSM-HARbUgjxEulM36nOXEV9V9WZdKfuGvmXVe0JVSXX2Fi/s1600/wreath+frame.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MYw4ntFq6oz2ijQ_V6CkWpTmMMAPU7pAx6VmGke5pX7DnVmNdupjsBeDnBgQCaMJHp6pFNqJN_8mRoh2Sgrchibxj9k-kuFCx6UJCK8ZKK5TEMj1-Uu80IEZgxpv7RkyLzuiR5EfBt7d/s1600/spring+letters+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MYw4ntFq6oz2ijQ_V6CkWpTmMMAPU7pAx6VmGke5pX7DnVmNdupjsBeDnBgQCaMJHp6pFNqJN_8mRoh2Sgrchibxj9k-kuFCx6UJCK8ZKK5TEMj1-Uu80IEZgxpv7RkyLzuiR5EfBt7d/s1600/spring+letters+before.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQjsiAy_DxRMVNG_2S-jtcYmbX0snU5QvTs519b0uJzZs_rT1uXibLZ-AwqsK2e6EPJDxv4CKBVO9oIEKwmHE6zKqxmVnbhWMIyun_Jdd8abGgOIjsb1capV_BmwpnwDOPMgL4m6iM7aD/s1600/burlap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQjsiAy_DxRMVNG_2S-jtcYmbX0snU5QvTs519b0uJzZs_rT1uXibLZ-AwqsK2e6EPJDxv4CKBVO9oIEKwmHE6zKqxmVnbhWMIyun_Jdd8abGgOIjsb1capV_BmwpnwDOPMgL4m6iM7aD/s1600/burlap.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u>Process</u>:<br />
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1. First, I painted the letters with pretty pastel colors that matched the burlap I picked out. I wanted to let the letters dry while I worked on the rest of the wreath.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FCxb5k5GI8do_8h50PgtoEIRJB3wobgSg37z4T4FAPyds6LQAhR_OTU-JNJdGj1K20mI4NErksLYViW7EBoE2psFQ0jM1MRHkuUumNfv6VuOm2cp-Dtu2sxq4VdQcEyUU2NBW0s90hZs/s1600/spring+letters+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FCxb5k5GI8do_8h50PgtoEIRJB3wobgSg37z4T4FAPyds6LQAhR_OTU-JNJdGj1K20mI4NErksLYViW7EBoE2psFQ0jM1MRHkuUumNfv6VuOm2cp-Dtu2sxq4VdQcEyUU2NBW0s90hZs/s1600/spring+letters+after.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Then, I cut each roll of burlap in half so that I had two one yard pieces of each color. There are 9 sections of the wreath frame, so I wanted one yard of fabric for each section.<br />
3. I began connecting the burlap to the frame section by section. This wasn't a difficult process, but it wasn't that easy to take pictures of...so, I'll do my best to explain. I attached one end of the piece to a crossbar on the wreath frame with a piece of pipe cleaner. I then created loops and wove them in and out of one section of the frame. There was no rhyme or reason to this - I just went with what looked good! When needed, I used a piece of pipe cleaner to attach the burlap to the frame. When I finished with one section, I started with a new color in the next section.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVxczioVXsic8ORiAOm25f9RQzdjefpKp_jlMuz3m-LvR4u_wH5uSwsE6_q6GFTYmXZbiNM4FjZ7jgdcC7k_bOpV8GUh_J5aNzYT1IpJoaqkiDUd0EAQFkmCNtZzuoZCYRULU8DJLlB6T/s1600/green+and+brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVxczioVXsic8ORiAOm25f9RQzdjefpKp_jlMuz3m-LvR4u_wH5uSwsE6_q6GFTYmXZbiNM4FjZ7jgdcC7k_bOpV8GUh_J5aNzYT1IpJoaqkiDUd0EAQFkmCNtZzuoZCYRULU8DJLlB6T/s1600/green+and+brown.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fIUUJVI562puDroRt1Q5pPkl6EV8DXoZYOn6IizL_eVlRJiECaysWV8yLEgE4nth0bTTS8_ckBEd1uIMD2OZk91UpGFr0l5PnrnHVTX7YB3DeltPtkQKxTMG0PtY4vSw8sMTDNyDplhx/s1600/green+loops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fIUUJVI562puDroRt1Q5pPkl6EV8DXoZYOn6IizL_eVlRJiECaysWV8yLEgE4nth0bTTS8_ckBEd1uIMD2OZk91UpGFr0l5PnrnHVTX7YB3DeltPtkQKxTMG0PtY4vSw8sMTDNyDplhx/s1600/green+loops.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI5T6tMSeoKxi-g4eARq_1ZQp_OBLD3tsl_3oGQnnc2tHajZQv8_ysErAKvGbMYl-PqdeCgznNzDJot3O-RsNzyogcgBcGld12uoP5zEeEJHdYn2gB02qHD5MouzWWf2i9Mo4IrtF2CFP/s1600/burlap+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI5T6tMSeoKxi-g4eARq_1ZQp_OBLD3tsl_3oGQnnc2tHajZQv8_ysErAKvGbMYl-PqdeCgznNzDJot3O-RsNzyogcgBcGld12uoP5zEeEJHdYn2gB02qHD5MouzWWf2i9Mo4IrtF2CFP/s1600/burlap+done.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. By the time I was finished with the wreath, the letters were dry. I hot glued a flower decal to each letter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qOouBYCPZLVX2yO850N38hbvxRBoca69lEZb11EgE1YiAPBqDvmycyVtrxESiCkB1rrn7YZydvZzOFaB9qu-ZxyThUztVnoFHNCmI0QF6AOjzITPMmH4d2b_8vnVuA5P43rkMtD7e7NL/s1600/spring+letters+with+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qOouBYCPZLVX2yO850N38hbvxRBoca69lEZb11EgE1YiAPBqDvmycyVtrxESiCkB1rrn7YZydvZzOFaB9qu-ZxyThUztVnoFHNCmI0QF6AOjzITPMmH4d2b_8vnVuA5P43rkMtD7e7NL/s1600/spring+letters+with+flowers.jpg" height="86" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. Then, I hot glued each of the letters to the wreath and made a simple burlap bow. I wanted to make a plain burlap bow to go on the bottom of the wreath and balance the fact that each color except the plain had two sections, so I made sure that the section with the plain burlap was on the top. Here's the finished product!<br />
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Happy wreathing!<br />
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Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-57531531292759507742012-08-25T05:19:00.000-07:002012-08-25T05:23:02.976-07:00Exit SlipsI can't believe the first week of school has already come and gone! I am utterly exhausted, but I could not be more happy with my sweet, sweet class of eager learners. It's going to be a super year. I can already tell it's going to be a quick one, too. We stay so busy, it's time to go home before I know it! If only we had another hour...ha!<br />
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Today I want to share a strategy to collect Exit Slips that I saw, of course, on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. On the back of my door, I made an Exit Slip collector using a piece of poster board, left over border, and calendar numbers. I put a number for each of my students (and a few extra in case I get new students over the course of the year). At each of my table groups, I put a pack of sticky notes. Now, when I want students to leave me a comment, question, or suggestion, they write it on a sticky note and place it on their number on the way out the door. I can immediately know who didn't turn one in, and it's a great way to collect them quickly and in an organized manner. I can also place sticky notes right in my conference notebook so that I have a reminder for a discussion topic at our next conference! <br />
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Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-24030845061585247782012-08-14T18:40:00.000-07:002012-08-14T18:41:13.909-07:00Status of the ClassWell, today was the first day for teachers at BES! I have a love/hate relationship with the first few days back to school...I love catching up with my coworkers, but I could do without the meetings, meetings, and more meetings. It's all so important, but I wish we had a whole month to spread them out rather than just a few days!<br />
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Regardless, I survived, and I am really looking forward to Meet Your Teacher Night tomorrow! Woohoo for meeting the new set of kiddos coming through!<br />
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Today I want to share my <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> stolen and adapted "Status of the Class" board for the writing process. First, I moved both of my file cabinets so that the broad side is against the wall. I saw this on Pinterest and thought, DUH! What a brilliant idea to maximize space! I covered the sides with butcher paper and all of the sudden I have two new bulletin boards!<br />
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On one I am putting a birthday board (will post in the future!). On the other is my Status of the Class. Using poster board and left over border from my other bulletin boards, I created a six section chart (Prewriting, First Draft, Edit and Revise, Peer Conference, Teacher Conference, and Final Draft). I then used foam stars (glitter stars, of course), circular magnets, and some puffy paint to create a star for each of my students. I used the paint to write numbers on the stars. (My students each have a number that I use on just about everything.) As students move from one stage of the writing process to another, they will move their stars. This gives me a quick idea of where all of my students are, and it will encourage some of my writers who drag their feet to keep in pace with the other students! <br />
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Here are some pictures of the finished product:<br />
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Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-2301250946932028552012-08-09T18:30:00.002-07:002012-08-09T18:32:29.420-07:00The Crate Seat CrazeIt seems like the crate seat is all the craze in classrooms right now. I first saw the idea on Pinterest (of course), and I knew I needed to have some of my own! Soliciting the handyman skills of my little brother, we headed to WalMart and Lowe's, gathered some materials, and set to work! (I cut the material, and he did everything else!) <br />
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They were super easy to make, and I love that it can be seating, storage, AND used as a lap board if you pull out the cushion and flip it over!<br />
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Here is the list of materials I bought/gathered:<br />
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1. 5 crates<br />
2. 3/4 yard of fabric for each crate<br />
3. one full mattress pad (used this for cushion instead of stuffing!)<br />
4. staple gun with staples<br />
5. red duct tape<br />
6. one sheet of plywood (cut into 5 pieces just the right size for the crates by a sweet man at Lowe's!)<br />
7. one roll of red ribbon (to use as handles)<br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprayloveteach.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-pnp7l_djTXM%2FUCRg_kSPLUI%2FAAAAAAAAAac%2FVplW2696YhU%2Fs1600%2FPicture%2B030.jpg&description=The%20Crate%20Seat%21"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-4805271803645248372012-08-07T15:07:00.000-07:002012-08-07T15:28:56.479-07:00Color Coordination!Perusing <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> this summer, I saw some very cute and creative ways to re-purpose soup cans. One of my favorite ideas was to use them to hold crayons, colored pencils, and markers in the classroom.<br />
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Luckily, my aunt owns a restaurant (<a href="http://www.bemyguestonline.net/">Be My Guest</a> in Evans, Georgia), and my brother was able to collect a huge bag of cans for me to use! I bought scrapbook paper on sale at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michaels</a> and busted out my trusty jar of Modge Podge to color coordinate the cans. I then bought $1 plastic serving trays from <a href="http://walmart.com/">Walmart</a> to organize them in my cabinets and make the cans easy to bring out all at once.<br />
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I love them!!<br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprayloveteach.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ne2RtYzmjVM%2FUCGQQm1pqZI%2FAAAAAAAAAX0%2FVL3D4k__ws0%2Fs1600%2F024.jpg&description=Creative%20way%20to%20store%20your%20crayons%2C%20colored%20pencils%2C%20and%20markers%21"><br /></a></div>Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-63231110256533590362012-08-06T15:15:00.000-07:002012-08-06T15:17:12.969-07:00Welcome Back!Each year as students head back to school, teachers everywhere start putting together back-to-school gifts for their students. In previous years those gifts for me were pencils and assorted candy. Last year our district established a policy for healthier living for our students, and we are no longer allowed to give students food/candy with minimal nutritional value. This policy has gotten me to start thinking a little more creatively as I go back to school this year, and my treats for students have definitely benefited! <br />
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I decided to go with "It's going to be a bright year!" as my back-to-school theme. I'm using bright colors and stars for most decorations, and I wanted my gifts to match that theme.<br />
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So, here is what I came up with:<br />
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1. Neon Sunglasses from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/">Oriental Trading </a>($20 for 24 pair)<br />
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2. Star shaped tags (made them myself!)<br />
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3. $50 in Kendrick Cash (made myself for use in our classroom economy!)</div>
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4. Black pen (I have a couple hundred of these stocked up, so I thought I would add one in!) <br />
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5. Glow Sticks! ($1 for 15 bracelets at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/">Michaels</a>) <br />
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6. Neon pencils and erasers (pencils $1 a pack and erasers were less than $1 at <a href="http://walmart.com/">Walmart</a>) <br />
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7. 5th Graders are #1 Pencils (about $3 a dozen at our local teacher store - <a href="http://www.educationalwonderland.com/">Educational Wonderland</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCZai7eaM1oUA2VHBXUbGDCctg6Z5YBucSaIxFvVUwMd-DKTuZVic_Es-PdHJqv4YXD7ah6SfWP5K6Fz83LDu5prIsyD3uG8r04U7KDVx26BcnvqWpsGWRXtnkeCf3KuGHgczKL8nPhCe/s1600/Picture+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCZai7eaM1oUA2VHBXUbGDCctg6Z5YBucSaIxFvVUwMd-DKTuZVic_Es-PdHJqv4YXD7ah6SfWP5K6Fz83LDu5prIsyD3uG8r04U7KDVx26BcnvqWpsGWRXtnkeCf3KuGHgczKL8nPhCe/s320/Picture+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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8. A homework pass for use in my classroom. <br />
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9. Wrap it up in a neon bag (less than $1 from Walmart)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W0DznBzpyd89s8yD-yicKXt4CEJfx7U2Oi0omDptV23GHHaVFEjC8wfP-XNVqDLWUodRWv6tQFs_5L59cwbd_Kpi-ye5ToIKy4d70anBcNEuP0yUyjq0_uoBE7REiWLpP_DB8q27pWyM/s1600/Picture+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W0DznBzpyd89s8yD-yicKXt4CEJfx7U2Oi0omDptV23GHHaVFEjC8wfP-XNVqDLWUodRWv6tQFs_5L59cwbd_Kpi-ye5ToIKy4d70anBcNEuP0yUyjq0_uoBE7REiWLpP_DB8q27pWyM/s320/Picture+006.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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And you have.... <br />
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It's going to be a bright year!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiPQ8ozeIrmcEAV6NFTMewCt7K-vQvET0aNMlw7nIXiVN9ttWaATbNb48YTVEJ8tn0UfHwSgG6FfQB0wnuipTIGQiPQ-KYmG6X0B0OEpPEQ6sXfZL3y-FIvcAROjP_AXjo82rAE0sD1uh/s1600/Picture+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiPQ8ozeIrmcEAV6NFTMewCt7K-vQvET0aNMlw7nIXiVN9ttWaATbNb48YTVEJ8tn0UfHwSgG6FfQB0wnuipTIGQiPQ-KYmG6X0B0OEpPEQ6sXfZL3y-FIvcAROjP_AXjo82rAE0sD1uh/s320/Picture+022.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWCHGVKhphm4qCqMdtkU-507hr43PCDGjfgs2ZtBTlr9I_cbhEXIEX3f8lfKaiQnWFS7tX-jAFOnCcvCPpnxvvSq6kiLgxvC9YwNXGZxatf0X3mPfiHDPHNmddYsJPY__IVKRkwdnzo2n/s1600/Picture+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWCHGVKhphm4qCqMdtkU-507hr43PCDGjfgs2ZtBTlr9I_cbhEXIEX3f8lfKaiQnWFS7tX-jAFOnCcvCPpnxvvSq6kiLgxvC9YwNXGZxatf0X3mPfiHDPHNmddYsJPY__IVKRkwdnzo2n/s320/Picture+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYW7U7y0exZx23HYLZysbdlUfZE7ijoTxqvISnmyDCdv0FBIw3zjAYOcMDWBwabCrCZtgdmpiixZwlzFlrWvH0eEeEsRNS-rExNcRyNFIagWrnXFRslwpflffQGUdmkwx8HbyI8TAp6Xg/s1600/Picture+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYW7U7y0exZx23HYLZysbdlUfZE7ijoTxqvISnmyDCdv0FBIw3zjAYOcMDWBwabCrCZtgdmpiixZwlzFlrWvH0eEeEsRNS-rExNcRyNFIagWrnXFRslwpflffQGUdmkwx8HbyI8TAp6Xg/s320/Picture+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprayloveteach.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IZSmKUSfRbs%2FUCA9xkzwt0I%2FAAAAAAAAAXY%2FssEVekSEf9M%2Fs1600%2FPicture%2B028.jpg&description=%22It%27s%20going%20to%20be%20a%20bright%20year%21%22%20Back-to-School%20gift%20idea%20for%20students%21"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-53156440283312554742012-08-04T16:13:00.000-07:002012-08-04T16:15:41.409-07:00Classroom Core Values<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Over the years I have collected a few "core values" to use as guidelines for behavior, communication, and writing in my classroom. Students are willing to comply to these positive statements more than any list of rules I could create! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>1.</b> <b>Don't get it right, get it written! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was a part of the <a href="http://www.ed.sc.edu/mwp/">Midland's Writing Project </a>(MWP) a few summers ago, and our fearless leader shared this line with us. It's very freeing for students to realize that they don't have to get everything right the first time...they just have to get it down on paper!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-s8KhKvIZxK-xdGLQQaeTRK_17jjIAszxuFKezSGMZQCHi58WvA1LluTmEOMQij4slwfFGEIf4RVTiesCk2Bv6G11VrFnuXYwEnp4PEBp-Uvox6ujGIhowDUyomd8xra5Rl_iUF15ZY9/s1600/Picture+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-s8KhKvIZxK-xdGLQQaeTRK_17jjIAszxuFKezSGMZQCHi58WvA1LluTmEOMQij4slwfFGEIf4RVTiesCk2Bv6G11VrFnuXYwEnp4PEBp-Uvox6ujGIhowDUyomd8xra5Rl_iUF15ZY9/s320/Picture+011.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>2. </b><b>Write with your heart first, then revise with your head. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is also an MWP statement, and it goes perfectly with #1. I love teaching my students to write with heartfelt passion without worrying about making it perfect. Revision and editing are steps that we can take care of once we get our thoughts on paper. Some students never write because they are afraid to mess up. In my classroom, we learn to embrace mistakes because they create the most authentic learning experiences! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUERROz7hAX23kXxgRVfE3hgmFF4AqbNx0Uham9tVx3ydXa7nBpT2v25GnOE02zyyXw-PL-6pccPHEMd19Ul342CVUL_GdTdylBWZFZvOlAJZiWfO3Bj70HvKYb8_m0LnxY6d0WF1bOdLh/s1600/Picture+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUERROz7hAX23kXxgRVfE3hgmFF4AqbNx0Uham9tVx3ydXa7nBpT2v25GnOE02zyyXw-PL-6pccPHEMd19Ul342CVUL_GdTdylBWZFZvOlAJZiWfO3Bj70HvKYb8_m0LnxY6d0WF1bOdLh/s320/Picture+012.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>3. </b><b>Cooperate with each other, compete only against yourself. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56YpgbSlbjARVm8Ql8pTcw5lJbfxw4qML4ZmKJErB_-5q8KO6kMPXrYu6D0esXscoZx8GaLCSF5KVP4Hgcp2pCdn6LCJ3QEcC107plSJW-k19C1XmLXZ7TsEI6ySD-4wdp5tEiNvoTOKc/s1600/Picture+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56YpgbSlbjARVm8Ql8pTcw5lJbfxw4qML4ZmKJErB_-5q8KO6kMPXrYu6D0esXscoZx8GaLCSF5KVP4Hgcp2pCdn6LCJ3QEcC107plSJW-k19C1XmLXZ7TsEI6ySD-4wdp5tEiNvoTOKc/s320/Picture+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>4. You can solve a problem any way you want, provided it does not cause a problem for anyone else. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmapWwS5alJQrDInvTj_jrkrwcMSFjntIUId91KmAezS7eyEEj_IGEPTofZM1Lvb5rQAMG36UTqzQqHFppPYWvANZJetLma6ZVjtW_cp6MWCAmP7EZA1db2r_bweq8XV4B5CMKkIxydkbI/s1600/Picture+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmapWwS5alJQrDInvTj_jrkrwcMSFjntIUId91KmAezS7eyEEj_IGEPTofZM1Lvb5rQAMG36UTqzQqHFppPYWvANZJetLma6ZVjtW_cp6MWCAmP7EZA1db2r_bweq8XV4B5CMKkIxydkbI/s320/Picture+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>5. The quality of the choices you make today will dictate the quality of your opportunities tomorrow. </b><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-0l2roZA1e21Oe0Yw-34QbHnhHCt9gFXLOTmDZTxHGL0SDpOt1tj6pMEsjhirouNw31zcVEoq5UDAzAhG2hixLPQP8VuxAl_ZhzUqwYr3QOF4PC2jaaTS6Fp1unjehB46hElVSrnKelb/s1600/Picture+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-0l2roZA1e21Oe0Yw-34QbHnhHCt9gFXLOTmDZTxHGL0SDpOt1tj6pMEsjhirouNw31zcVEoq5UDAzAhG2hixLPQP8VuxAl_ZhzUqwYr3QOF4PC2jaaTS6Fp1unjehB46hElVSrnKelb/s320/Picture+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>And the number one core value that pretty much takes care of any issue in the classroom...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>6. Never stop someone else from learning. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FdxTPymVyCTkeqgHu9XgJmHIQ3BXzinLEOmOEc_6rQdqDCq9rsRo5Jxw-bd6ppLZi5csnJW7BsG0TIMq6GVnSbxxBG4lngHnXyBJXNnv3bjWYlcWljTFMu1YUyWxp-kljx5ltx19anwl/s1600/Picture+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FdxTPymVyCTkeqgHu9XgJmHIQ3BXzinLEOmOEc_6rQdqDCq9rsRo5Jxw-bd6ppLZi5csnJW7BsG0TIMq6GVnSbxxBG4lngHnXyBJXNnv3bjWYlcWljTFMu1YUyWxp-kljx5ltx19anwl/s320/Picture+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fprayloveteach.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4FQMaqdTuyM%2FUB2r_IXNy5I%2FAAAAAAAAAVY%2FJGA19JnrxL4%2Fs1600%2FPicture%2B016.jpg&description=Classroom%20Core%20Values"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-48975974176880025662012-08-02T19:26:00.000-07:002012-08-02T19:27:43.300-07:00How do you get home?<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> has inspired me this year to turn what may be considered "boring" aspects of classroom must haves into cute and decorative pieces. One thing I saw and adapted for my room are the "how do you get home" ribbons. I saw a similar idea on Pinterest, loved it, and created my own!</div>
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I painted these clothes pins, and once I get my roster, I'll write names on them! It's hanging on the back of my classroom door. The star cards I used are blank extras that were included in a pack of numbered calendar cards. The number cards that came in the pack are going to be used on the bottom of the door for an exit slip board...stay tuned for that!</div>
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<br />Brenna McCormickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18086195763252598011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572509142125165429.post-15570378519454176912012-08-02T19:08:00.000-07:002012-08-02T19:11:30.671-07:00Construction Paper Overload<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Teaching elementary school means you are often on an arts and crafts supply overload, and if you are anything like me, your organization OCD may kick in as you try to get it all in order in your classroom. Last year I decided I really wanted somewhere to store my construction paper so that it would be organized, easily accessible, and wouldn't be crumpled and ruined in the bottom of cabinets somewhere. I called on the help of two of my friends, and they built one of my favorite classroom organization pieces! </div>
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I told them the space in which I wanted the organizer and what I wanted it to look like, and they went to work. This was a time consuming and fairly expensive piece (about $250 on wood at Lowe's), but with two talented carpenters and an already stocked tool shop at my disposal, I was a lucky teacher! I got exactly what I wanted catered specifically for my classroom, and I couldn't be happier! </div>
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This beautiful piece was well worth the investment! I am super thankful for the men who built it and carried it into my room...it was HEAVY!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRdCwqppq7Jp2-ARWRkRbkcPYK28AjyC57Qm8Cjdwl4IVFywGlKosk2Nomq5FXHCd4I7pXsfvklgObtTklociWFI-EHXPRLzxso4I7r7JdbdDUmW-DoyzEyclkfObSM9vAA6GryRDU9T3/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRdCwqppq7Jp2-ARWRkRbkcPYK28AjyC57Qm8Cjdwl4IVFywGlKosk2Nomq5FXHCd4I7pXsfvklgObtTklociWFI-EHXPRLzxso4I7r7JdbdDUmW-DoyzEyclkfObSM9vAA6GryRDU9T3/s320/14.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZuGvAwpxgO9UrgqSe9vKPvQW1HNdx5p8793mdhRf9BMRgwVL__-LibcsjCTBRnp6PheJnAs0vAo1_kbwXD4_2GvcDrltHEaFeOlLPTjwtUaZcC_6P65OCPru7Ygz-UoWOfFeV9NjvZKV/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZuGvAwpxgO9UrgqSe9vKPvQW1HNdx5p8793mdhRf9BMRgwVL__-LibcsjCTBRnp6PheJnAs0vAo1_kbwXD4_2GvcDrltHEaFeOlLPTjwtUaZcC_6P65OCPru7Ygz-UoWOfFeV9NjvZKV/s320/Picture+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zywiLqLJw5soCHcFd7xwUlcI5_cFsMgH8XVaMLu__NOClSvWtdGyhGyNsWOzZbR1YzCHNIvRcOHHIUpg0Qei5U_6p8Q5Bi8avowymPFtQAGdQrwi3x0AhgZryIiP7O3DGl_koBZibcup/s1600/Picture+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zywiLqLJw5soCHcFd7xwUlcI5_cFsMgH8XVaMLu__NOClSvWtdGyhGyNsWOzZbR1YzCHNIvRcOHHIUpg0Qei5U_6p8Q5Bi8avowymPFtQAGdQrwi3x0AhgZryIiP7O3DGl_koBZibcup/s200/Picture+005.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8QFC70t6QKtVgT9_U90ZRJFLIUtZnSXyygfnCkkAg5ZPEV2UVkbQp2Cvb49-ggWwDxJJ6bKW6C-hf30VnP5M-EJqaEGiudcX2GY4NpueiJpRDjYWK-Cn0ZA6sDorWCRtaSyW_Og04Jr2/s1600/Picture+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8QFC70t6QKtVgT9_U90ZRJFLIUtZnSXyygfnCkkAg5ZPEV2UVkbQp2Cvb49-ggWwDxJJ6bKW6C-hf30VnP5M-EJqaEGiudcX2GY4NpueiJpRDjYWK-Cn0ZA6sDorWCRtaSyW_Og04Jr2/s200/Picture+006.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qx1rP5ilNQjex7AfzMMKY4iQaqsYCC2-MYrkr52NroZdSUZNZ2FOK5a1LE8EUJhjozifhiruOt4UAOrcKhsSVZgPGL6QitXsEmoO8xKy86fNBZkBP9nQOBAjCfdwEfFH_SgaK8MUW9DJ/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qx1rP5ilNQjex7AfzMMKY4iQaqsYCC2-MYrkr52NroZdSUZNZ2FOK5a1LE8EUJhjozifhiruOt4UAOrcKhsSVZgPGL6QitXsEmoO8xKy86fNBZkBP9nQOBAjCfdwEfFH_SgaK8MUW9DJ/s200/Picture+007.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My favorite aspect of this organizer is that the shelves are removable! This allows me to make bigger spaces if I need them! </span><br />
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