Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Dog Days of Summer Giveaway: Dog Themed Writing Pack

In my mind it was a beautiful day for a....dog bath

Not so much on the top of  Harley's list


I wonder EXACTLY what is he thinking?

He's a trooper though because he actually stayed in one spot as I took pictures.
I was living recklessly letting go of the leash, but it worked out.
He's learned to endure his bath because he can sniff out the biscuit I hide in my pocket to reward him.


It's the "I'm free...shake off"

"The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog."
~Ambrose Bierce


Pretty boy drying off in the sun
The stinker will actually lay in the shade right by the door to come in unless I stay outside.

I'm heading up to my parent's summer cabin in southern Utah in a few days and only thought it be polite to all in the car to have a clean pup.
Harley will have a week's worth of squirrel chasing time after the 7 hour road trip!


I created this Dog Writing Pack after Harley's bath today.



It's the dog days of summer.
Have you bathed your dog yet?

I'm giving away 2 of my packets in a quick giveaway for my followers!
 
Stop by and visit




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, June 15, 2012

Listening Skills in the Classroom


Here are some ways I support listening skills in my class.

I Have/Who Has or Follow Me activities are such a hit with my students and you target content area learning while you are at it.
The basic guidelines involve giving one prompt card to each student. One student begins by stating "I Have ________ Who has ___________?  Whoever has the answer to that prompt shares their card until you've looped around to all the cards.

Here's a site that lets you generate your own cards




My Zoom Around the Room game is a favorite too. Students race to answer a category type question. I use it for a quick time filler and always leave it in my sub plans for an additional resource as needed.
I posted about it {HERE}




What ideas do you have for listening?


~Enjoy
Find more great ideas on my Pinterest page or TPT store

I recently started a Facebook Group for teachers to share ideas, questions, and inspiration. 
Come Join the group!




Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking and Creativity

With common core standards and 21st century learning comes the necessity for the 4 C's
Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.
This wonderful video by Fablevision Studios encompasses these skills.

How are you planning to help your students go Above and Beyond?


On a personal note, my niece had to complete some service hours for her government class and I kept her busy with teacher stuff.  She came over one Saturday and laminated, cut, cut , cut, laminated, cut, cut, cut.  We practiced the 4 C's together. We had a little trouble on the communication part, as she tuned me out by either watching I Love Lucy on TV, or CONSTANTLY checking her Iphone.
I told her I should not have given her my guest Wifi password, LOL.
She did share with me this way COOL video of one of my fav tunes.
The original song is by Goyte "Somebody That I Used to Know"
But this Cover Band, Walk Off the Earth,  took the song to a whole new level, AND uses the 4'Cs of
collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity.
They share ONE guitar to perform the song. 
What do you think?
 
Stop by and visit


 

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Poetry Fun

As you know I've taught a span of grade levels. As I was trying to unclutter my cupboards, I found a wonderful memory from my years in 1st grade, my poetry books.



This oldie but goodie is the inspiration behind it



I have a Big Book copy of this story and would read it once a month.
Then my little firsties would get a copy of the poem and illustrate it.
By the end of the year my whole class could recite each poem like no tomorrow!







I leave you with a musical rendition of Chicken Soup with Rice



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