Monday, April 9, 2012

Psanky Eggs

 I just finished a round of golf and got some nice color. Spring Break is AWESOME! After a late lunch we will head to the pool. Before we do, I thought I'd share something we did last week since the giveaways dominated my blog last week.

We made these Psanky (Ukranian) inspired eggs...

 after reading two of my favorite Patricia Polacco books. I explained a little about how Psanky eggs are made and we marveled at how intricate the eggs were. I gave every student an egg template copied on white construction paper, black sharpie marker, and watercolors. I  demonstrated using the sharpie to draw divided sections and outlining patterns. I also showed them how they could use a little crayon resist if they wanted to. We reviewed good watercolor technique and then I let them loose! Didn't they do a great job?

We have been reviewing story structure so I also had partners draw and fill out their own tree maps! I am so pleased at how well my students are doing with thinking maps. The Neat Nazi in me finds it hard to let the kids draw their own but I know that they internalize it much better that way. That was one of our signature practices that enabled us to be named a Distinguished School. Woo Hoo!


These two even wrote about their frame of reference!
I have more to share but my kids say they are ready for the pool so it will have to wait for my next post. Hope you are enjoying (or already did) your Spring Break as much as I am. I SO needed this to recharge my batteries!!!

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Sunday, April 8, 2012

Spring Break Countdown WInners!

WoooHoooo!!!!! I am on Spring Break!!!!


My parents surprised me by buying tickets for the kids and I to come down to visit them in Palm Desert! Unfortunately, Mr. B couldn't come because of work.  :-( Boo! Here is the view from my parents' patio on the 18th hole. Now it feels like Spring Break!

So, without further ado, here are the 5 winners of my Spring Break Countdown Giveaways...



Since I feel bad I couldn't make everyone a winner, I am throwing an Easter sale today with 20% off everything in my TpT store. My Mother's Day gift ideas will only be $1.60!

Happy Easter!



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Friday, April 6, 2012

Giveaway # 5 Spring Break Giveaway

WooHoo...1 day left...I'm almost there!
As my final gift to you, I am giving away a Luna Interactive Projection Camera from Learning Resources which retails for $199.99!
A few years ago I wanted a document camera so badly that I purchased one myself. There is no doubt I am a better teacher for it.

We use it every morning to go over our Daily Editing Word Problems. Here is a shot of one of my students showing his work under the Luna.
I use Cara's Calendar Companion with my Daily Editing. LOVE!
It came in handy this week when I was explaining how to measure with unifix cubes and I often demonstrate steps in an art project. I'll post more about some of the art we did tomorrow.

The Luna is easy to hook up to your laptop and projector. I don't have an interactive whiteboard (I wish) but I know you can connect to those as well.

Advantages over my current document camera:
1. No lightbulbs to replace.
2. Lighter weight.
3. Mine doesn't take videos!
4. MUCH cheaper! Mine cost over $500!!!

You can learn more about Learning Resources wonderful products by viewing them on YouTube.

Here are three ways to enter to win an Luna Interactive Camera for yourself:
1. Follow this blog AND my TpT store or if you already do, I'd love it if you'd leave feedback on one of my TpT items.
2. Like Learning Resources facebook page.
3. Bonus: Spread the word about my Spring Break 5 days=5 Giveaways on your blog, facebook, twitter, or Pinterest.

The winners to ALL 5 of my giveaways this week will be announced on Sunday, the 8th. You still have time to enter if you missed any of them!

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

Giveaway #4 Spring Break Countdown

I am over the hump...2 more days...I have a field trip today. I can do it!
Today I am giving away the HearALL Assessment Recorder from Learning Resources. This recorder was created for use in small groups and has 4 omni-directional microphones. It is super easy to use and is loud and clear!
What I like about it:
1. Easy to use.
2. Small and lightweight.
3. Connect to your computer and easily email the recording to a parent or resource teacher or add it to your audio book files for listening to reading like I posted about yesterday.
4. No batteries!!! Charge it by plugging into your computer or I bought a USB hub for all my gadgets.

This obviously can be used during guided reading or book clubs and played back later to gather assessment data but I decided to use it for a slightly different purpose yesterday.

Some of my friends this year have difficulty staying on task and using time appropriately during Daily 5.  I put the HearALL out next to these two to hear how well they were doing during Read With Someone. Were they taking turns reading and checking for understanding or having off-topic conversations? Can we add this recording to our mp3 players?
I have a few friends on behavior contracts. I strategically placed the HearALL to determine if everyone was on task even though I'd be busy with a reading group.

The WHOLE room was quieter because I told them the mics were powerful! :-)

You can learn more about Learning Resources wonderful products by viewing them on YouTube.

Here are three ways to enter to win an HearALL for yourself:
1. Follow this blog AND my TpT store or if you already do, I'd love it if you'd five feedback on one of my TpT items.
2. Like Learning Resources facebook page.
3. Bonus: Spread the word about my Spring Break 5 days=5 Giveaways on your blog, facebook, twitter, or Pinterest.

Did you miss my 3 last days of giveaway? Go back and check them out!
The winners to ALL my giveaways will be announced on Sunday, the 8th.

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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Giveaway # 3 Spring Break Countdown

2 days down. 3 to go.
Today's giveaway is for an Easi-Speak USB Recorder from Learning Resources.
The microphone design had my students clamoring for their turn to use it!

What I like about this product:
1. Wireless
2. Doesn't require batteries.
3. Easy one button recording.
4. USB built right into the bottom!
5. Instant playback so students can listen to their recording.

Here is an idea I had for how to use this in my room:

My kiddos LOVE to write during Daily 5 and their books are added to our class library. Other students may put them in their book box to read and they are very popular. I think giving young authors equal billing with "real" authors is important. I've recently allowed them to collaborate on books and they are so motivated they ask to work on books whenever there is ANY free time!
I let the author(s) read their book during our sharing time at the end of each round of Daily 5. The problem is there are usually too many authors and some students are disappointed when we run out of time to share everyone's writing.

I just had my DonorsChoose project funded for mp3 players for our listening center. Yipee!
I had a brainstorm to combine these two new techno gadgets!



My students use the Easy-Speak to record themselves reading the book they wrote.
These two collaborated on the book so they decided to take turn reading the pages.
Then I add the mp3 to our audiobook files so their friends can listen to their book!
What better way for students to practice fluency than by reading for the audience they care most about: their peers!

This year, my class loves to write their own versions of books we have read together. This one is based on My Name is Not Isabella. We had the author visit which is an amazing gift for young writers.
 No, David sparked a flurry of No, _____ books. This one has ME as the main character!
You can learn more about Learning Resources wonderful products by viewing them on YouTube.

Three ways to enter to win an Easi-Speak for yourself:
1. Follow this blog AND my TpT store or if you already do, I'd love it if you'd go rate one of my items.
2. Like Learning Resources facebook page.
3. Bonus: Spread the word about my Spring Break 5 days=5 Giveaways on your blog, facebook , twitter or Pinterest!

Click {here} for Day 1 or {here} for Day 2 if you missed my other Spring Break Giveaways!
I will pick the winners for all 5 giveaways on Sunday, the 8th!

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