tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29827591202746559322024-03-14T01:01:00.128-04:00Aspire to Inspire Classroom ResourcesAspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-38636294357599033082016-09-19T15:50:00.000-04:002016-09-20T20:26:50.392-04:00Postcard Pals 2016-2017 Update<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope that everyone is having a great September so far! Still warm and beautiful in these parts, and the leaves will soon be changing color soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BNW1PXSG3L6jZj6i8Jv-UqYzkgT5I_NOWWDKmDbO1C0A8svO5p6PGNjQAE2d9475FRiG22l5h-z4Zr3FXegnTM1vBnIBA9P2WF9-o7dGrCG8ksccjtpsfJzRwIBSR5vca_nZadVVV4I/s1600/Postcard+Pals+2016-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BNW1PXSG3L6jZj6i8Jv-UqYzkgT5I_NOWWDKmDbO1C0A8svO5p6PGNjQAE2d9475FRiG22l5h-z4Zr3FXegnTM1vBnIBA9P2WF9-o7dGrCG8ksccjtpsfJzRwIBSR5vca_nZadVVV4I/s320/Postcard+Pals+2016-2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a quick update on Postcard Pals 2016-2017 that I wanted to share. I sent out mailing addresses and instructions to all participants on <b><u>August 26</u></b> via e-mail. The e-mail is from my blog e-mail address, which is info@aspiretoinspireblog.com. </div>
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MailChimp is the program I use to manage my e-mails, and I'm able to check who has opened and clicked on my e-mails. It also lets me know if any of my e-mails bounced back because of invalid e-mail addresses, and none did that. Based on the reports I've been running, I know that there are some participants who have not opened their Postcard Pals e-mails for whatever reason. <b><i>If you have not seen an e-mail from me in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folders as it may have been filtered there.</i></b> It is possible that if you are using a school or business address, the firewall has blocked the e-mail altogether. This has been a problem in the past. If you check and do not find an e-mail in any of your mailboxes or folders, please send me an e-mail at info@aspiretoinspireblog.com and include an alternative e-mail address that you can receive e-mails at, such as a Gmail, Yahoo, etc. account. I will then resend the information.</div>
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Another thing I've noticed is that the check off documents are not being updated by participants when they send their postcards. <u style="font-weight: bold;">Please do this so that I know who has sent postcards and when.</u> Directions for how to do this are included in my August 26 e-mail. Thanks!</div>
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The deadline for sending postcards is October 31 so hopefully you've been starting to receive them and to send them. Please send me your updates and photos! I'd love to see what's happening. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a>Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-5593718502514982016-08-31T14:37:00.000-04:002016-08-31T14:44:36.674-04:00Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg Book Review<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks to innovative hands-on activities, simulations, and technology, teachers have more tools than ever to help overcome the challenge of engaging students in history. However, trade books--especially nonfiction--are still a powerful way to connect students to the events of the past. <br />
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<u>Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg</u> by Tanya Anderson is one such nonfiction account that takes students to the front lines of the Civil War's bloodiest battle through the eyes of a 15-year-old girl who was there. In today's world, where students are thousands of miles removed from full-scale wars, Anderson invites students to step through a door to America's past and come face-to-face with the extraordinary sights, sounds, and smells that Tillie encountered. Using Tillie's own words from her 1889 book <u>At Gettysburg: Or, What a Girl Saw and Heard of the Battle, A True Narrative Story</u> as well as interesting, informative graphics and historical images, Anderson presents a well-researched account of Tillie's experiences as well as important background information about Gettysburg itself prior to, during, and after the battle.<br />
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<a href="https://quindaropress.com/product/tillie-pierce-teen-eyewitness-to-the-battle-of-gettysburg-preorder-now/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrgGxwp9QCoQ3D21EKtWUBshUmN0FN_Sspw3OxmKcG0T3E1oQ13j361fU03WaSvjod7m5m0XKQeA48kZ-dOu3zGL-VbO7h0k1JaKYTadNJrjAVelUifcaxG-ZyuJVjeL-iTVAyfblj90/s320/tillie+pierce+book.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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One of the aspects of this book I enjoyed most is the narrative style that Anderson uses to tell the story of Tillie. This is definitely <u>not</u> a dry, nonfiction account of the events at Gettysburg. It reads like a story, which will draw in students. While primary sources like Tillie's account are amazing windows to the past, I have found that language and writing styles from the past can be a barrier to students' comprehension of what the witness is describing. In this case, yes, Tillie was a teenager, but her language isn't necessarily that of today's teenager, and I thought that Anderson did an excellent job of conveying Tillie's story in contemporary, easy-to-understand prose. The excerpts from Tillie's book that Anderson did use in the book effectively describe not only Tillie's wartime experiences but also the range of emotions that this 15-year-old had witnessing such an extraordinary event.<br />
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I also was fascinated by the graphics and images used to tell the story of Tillie. When I traveled to Gettysburg in 2009, I was impressed by the remnants of history left among the landscape of the town and battlefield. However, even though monuments and placards denoting significant sites dotted the area, envisioning the Gettysburg of 1863 still required some imagination. Thanks to the emerging use of photography in the Civil War-era, readers of <u>Tillie Pierce</u> are able to view images of the actual people and places of wartime Gettysburg, including those connected to Tillie Pierce's story. I had never seen many of these images before, but they were extremely helpful to me as I read the book. Along these lines, the book also includes standard nonfiction features, such as interesting sidebars, charts, and maps, to support the text.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_N0LpN-lDAqxPvc1whkPTpoMcdnvg6P4I7cbXlcz-K1IWO7tOdqCtqXoi_rQEsgXWAhyz95BpBp5wuqb_QqKVJWXvpTSl10LWNrMxZOITWDBhZrWeOAIRYUqYFgWp17mPMOKUY0Tg6w/s1600/confederate+dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_N0LpN-lDAqxPvc1whkPTpoMcdnvg6P4I7cbXlcz-K1IWO7tOdqCtqXoi_rQEsgXWAhyz95BpBp5wuqb_QqKVJWXvpTSl10LWNrMxZOITWDBhZrWeOAIRYUqYFgWp17mPMOKUY0Tg6w/s320/confederate+dead.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Confederate dead (courtesy of the Library of Congress)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsyY6qpZsbkdDkVBHqcWb9RcATkbpzOuZEKmmg74uJkV-3d_wOBHk9C5TmrqXpmHXtmt0pdGrIIQZeWOIKZ6dh1nAh9hw9GYgbh2YHBoxZMZLKpE3lACs-nCpSEDtF3FjswoPDOrQ7os/s1600/little+roundtop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsyY6qpZsbkdDkVBHqcWb9RcATkbpzOuZEKmmg74uJkV-3d_wOBHk9C5TmrqXpmHXtmt0pdGrIIQZeWOIKZ6dh1nAh9hw9GYgbh2YHBoxZMZLKpE3lACs-nCpSEDtF3FjswoPDOrQ7os/s320/little+roundtop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Little Roundtop (courtesy of the Library of Congress)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ6lm6_osSh0Gn_S4m2m__4EFcHnda87nrObSdOv2x0w26tpOGmjmsLORsCZunPavbuFKXLjFFeHUnUsGLOFkE6sXSA1DfrtW2FwGPGquRjIA3odwllkGa_k-MIOrjwzo9gd8U3I-kjg/s1600/cemetery+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ6lm6_osSh0Gn_S4m2m__4EFcHnda87nrObSdOv2x0w26tpOGmjmsLORsCZunPavbuFKXLjFFeHUnUsGLOFkE6sXSA1DfrtW2FwGPGquRjIA3odwllkGa_k-MIOrjwzo9gd8U3I-kjg/s320/cemetery+gate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evergreen Cemetery gatehouse (courtesy of the Library of Congress)</td></tr>
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The structure of the book is well-organized by chapters and subheadings within. Each subtopic within the chapter is a short read, which lends itself to being able to stop and reflect on the information presented. Most, if not all, subsections of the chapters include images or visual aids that tie into the topic being discussed. The book is not simply page after page of nonfiction prose.<br />
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The book begins with an introduction to Gettysburg with a short history of the town up until the Gettysburg that Tillie grew up in. From there, Anderson introduces individuals and families associated with Tillie. Several chapters describe the build-up to the battle then the battle itself, including Tillie's movements, activities, and thoughts during it. As the book closes, readers learn about the aftermath in Gettysburg as well as what happened to Tillie, her family, and the other individuals connected to her story. <br />
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The book is 96 pages, with eight chapters, an epilogue, and a detailed resource section in which Anderson provides source notes, bibliography, resources for further information, and an index. She also includes an interesting feature called "Taking Tillie's Path" that provides the blueprint for a virtual tour of modern Gettysburg using Google Earth. Through this activity, students can see the the places that Tillie saw as they are today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BVycU1Ig0v9eSnSfxn35angp1Nr_WR8C8mtsO5DdSJkptNZzoP5XQCYf78Mykb3ZJWjipJceW0O91eityaYGzzUJl1KuWOxGpxfTXTw6Nv4CttAwSzZXaulNN0Yhy3beVe5EtyDCcAU/s1600/Tillie+roundtop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BVycU1Ig0v9eSnSfxn35angp1Nr_WR8C8mtsO5DdSJkptNZzoP5XQCYf78Mykb3ZJWjipJceW0O91eityaYGzzUJl1KuWOxGpxfTXTw6Nv4CttAwSzZXaulNN0Yhy3beVe5EtyDCcAU/s320/Tillie+roundtop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from a modern-day Roundtop</td></tr>
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<u>Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg</u> is published by Quindaro Press of Kansas City. It was a 2014 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee, a Junior Library Guild Selection, a 2014 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (Teen Nonfiction) winner, and a 2014 NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book. You can order a signed copy with FREE shipping <a href="https://quindaropress.com/product/tillie-pierce-teen-eyewitness-to-the-battle-of-gettysburg-preorder-now/" target="_blank">here</a>. You can also visit Tanya Anderson's online home <a href="http://www.tanyaandersonbooks.com/wp/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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P.S. Tanya Anderson has another book coming out in October 2016 entitled <u>Gunpowder Girls</u>, which tells the stories of the three worst arsenal explosions during the Civil War, the victims of which were primarily poor, immigrant women and girls who worked in the arsenals. It looks intriguing!<br />
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Have you read <u>Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg</u>? How would you use this book in your classroom? Leave a comment!<br />
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Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-75777116310345422782016-08-15T12:14:00.000-04:002016-08-20T22:17:18.387-04:00Classroom Procedures That Build Character<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Having classroom policies and procedures in place just makes life easier for any teacher. I'm not exaggerating when I say that when I could find a way, I would create a procedure for any activity. Even with so many "official" ways to do things, my classroom did not resemble a cruel dictatorship. Instead, days went smoothly because students knew what was expected of them (and why), and they took ownership of their actions. The key to the effectiveness of my policies and procedures was to provide structure and consistency that produced independent, responsible, and disciplined students. </span></div>
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Most recently, I taught 5th grade. It's such a great age, in my opinion, because you can challenge students to be more independent and prepare them for the rigor and personal responsibility necessary to navigate middle school successfully. I requested a lot of my students, probably more than some were used to having to do on their own, but the reward for many was pride and more confidence in their abilities. In addition, most of my procedures and policies did not require my participation, which built independence in students and freed me up to focus on instruction, planning, and other tasks.</div>
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So here is the process I used to develop my classroom policies and procedures:<br />
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<b>Step 1: Develop your policies before you develop your procedures.</b></div>
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Before I could create procedures for any activity or task, I needed to develop the policies that would inspire the procedures. The difference between a procedure and policy is that a procedure outlines the step-by-step way to complete a task while a policy explains the guidelines and goals upon which the procedures are based. To create policies, I first had to develop a vision for the environment I wanted in my classroom. My vision was what I described earlier: structure and consistency that built independence, responsibility, and other productive characteristics in students. My policies (and consequently my procedures) reflected this vision. From the moment students walked in the door in the morning until the moment they walked out, students knew what they were supposed to be doing. If you know what you want your classroom to feel like, it makes it easier to determine the procedures required to make it that way. </div>
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Here are some examples of how I incorporated opportunities to build independence, responsibility, and discipline into my procedures:</div>
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<li>Students' morning routine involved very little--if any--talking by me. Every morning, I set a timer, which was projected on the front board. The timer usually started counting down 10-15 minutes before the start of school at 9:00. Students had until the timer went off to complete several tasks that were also posted on the board. Once the timer went off, if students weren't in their seats--barring any special circumstances--the consequence was being dismissed for lunch recess two minutes later than the rest of the class. (Trust me when I say that the consequence was effective.) While I'm sure it seemed very high-pressure to students at first, eventually, they became pros and thrived on the challenge of beating the clock. Here's a sample list of tasks usually included during the morning routine:</li>
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<li>First, students had to do attendance and lunch count by moving their avatars on the SmartBoard to the Buying or Packing column. </li>
<li>Next, they put away belongings and checked supply needs for the morning. They brought all supplies to their desks so that they did not have to get up during class to get anything from their cubbies.</li>
<li>After that, they looked at the board to see what homework, forms, and other take-home items needed to be turned in and where. </li>
<li>Then, they placed any notes to me in a basket next to my desk or any notes to the office in a bag that went down to the office daily each morning. </li>
<li>Next, they looked to see what the bell work assignment was. For example, sometimes it was a journal entry. Other times, it was a review activity from a lesson we had done earlier in the week. It changed daily. </li>
<li>After the bell work assignment was completed, students read silently or worked on other assignments.</li>
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<li>My <a href="http://www.aspiretoinspireblog.com/2013/07/encourage-your-students-to-be-absence.html" target="_blank">absence procedure</a> was probably one of the most challenging procedures that the class had to handle, but it went a long way toward building personal responsibility and problem solving skills. I created an absence work box (a portable file case) in which I placed tabs for each subject. Behind each tab was a folder with a day of the week listed on it. I would place all handouts (with students' names written on them) in the absence box when students were absent. They would have to take their agendas to the box; copy missed assignments from a printed copy of a list of work we completed while they were gone; and collect work from the folders of the days that they missed. To help them think through the process, I also created an absence checklist that walked them through the absence procedures. </li>
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<li>To encourage personal responsibility, my procedure for borrowing supplies involved me giving students two passes per nine weeks that they could use to borrow items from my cabinet. Once they used the passes, they could not borrow again unless they earned additional passes through our class rewards system or the new nine weeks started. When students borrowed items, not only did they have to present a pass, but they also had to give me a piece of collateral--something of value--that I could keep until they returned my items. Most of the time it was a notebook or textbook for a subject that they didn't need at the time. However, sometimes, I ended up with some interesting treasures such as PE shoes or class restroom passes (another character-building procedure I came up with!). </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNliuJxSFSJ3Zt7KM8vrFnU9jeGqm3C8gpqk3u_wzOnw1NwAJNi6EZnmFXrB55LMj2sbp7QliK-hCSZKRT1pGdYywwgE1PK3DwHYj0ciHFDXI4acJrnsi4ksQ0z6DZh-nljTSwur1KkE/s1600/supplies+pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNliuJxSFSJ3Zt7KM8vrFnU9jeGqm3C8gpqk3u_wzOnw1NwAJNi6EZnmFXrB55LMj2sbp7QliK-hCSZKRT1pGdYywwgE1PK3DwHYj0ciHFDXI4acJrnsi4ksQ0z6DZh-nljTSwur1KkE/s320/supplies+pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>To encourage problem solving, students were required to seek "Three Before Me" when they had a question. Instead of first coming to me, they had to ask a seat mate, look around the room for the answer, and/or ask another classmate.</li>
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<b>Step 2: Make an inventory of activities and tasks.</b></div>
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To inventory what exactly my students routinely did every day, I ran through a typical day in my mind. From that, I made a list of activities and tasks that students undertook on a regular daily or weekly basis. Using this list, I knew what I had to develop procedures for.</div>
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(As a disclaimer, it's difficult for new teachers to anticipate some of the activities and tasks that your students will complete each day. Asking veteran teachers is one way to get ideas. I developed my list of procedures and policies based on two days of observing the teacher whom I was replacing, reading A LOT of books, and visiting A LOT of Web sites. Once I had a year under my belt, I added and edited my list.)</div>
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<b>Step 3: Divide and conquer.</b></div>
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Once you have your policies developed and your list of activities and tasks completed, organize them by category. I organized them into the following segments: </div>
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<li>beginning of the day; </li>
<li>during class; </li>
<li>preparing to leave class; </li>
<li>outside of the class; </li>
<li>student organization; </li>
<li>classroom technology; </li>
<li>classroom library; </li>
<li>breaks in instruction; and </li>
<li>end of the day. </li>
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I also had a general classroom category for activities and tasks that occurred throughout the day. Work on one category at a time. Chances are that some procedures lead into other procedures so keep an extra notebook on hand to jot down ideas, issues, and other considerations that come up.</div>
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FREE RESOURCE ALERT! Here's a <a href="https://goo.gl/LCIJqD" target="_blank">printable checklist</a> of tasks organized by category that I used to create procedures for my own class.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/LCIJqD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBZzK98YHLgukR6mj0PQzrYmk2EaBppk_WOe6nTc7zW6DZE9GVO6irhUoB7NHhUnrL-V5T0xTx27bi3NvyEse-uJxKgdcmCX77FjjS-NiM9g0RbG5mafJvEv0w7Md1tJvtYCyNj081Ek/s320/Classroom+Procedures+Checklist_page_1.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page border courtesy of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Quantum-Leaps" target="_blank">Quantum Leaps</a></td></tr>
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<b>Step 4: Create procedures that reflect your own policies and vision for the classroom.</b><br />
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Creative and successful ideas for how tasks can be accomplished in the classroom are everywhere. Keep in mind, though, that you must decide what will work best for you. I have implemented ideas I've seen elsewhere before that I thought were really great. And they were...for someone else's room, as I found out. I ended up discontinuing them before the year was out. Make sure your vision for the classroom shines through your policies and procedures. Decide how independent you want your students to be. Look at your organization systems and see what procedures are needed to complement them. Ask yourself if you really need procedures for some tasks or if you're okay without them.<br />
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<b>Step 5: Keep procedures simple.</b></div>
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Keep procedures simple so that students can easily recall what's expected of them. Most of my procedures were no more than 5 steps. </div>
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<b>Step 6: Label and post. </b></div>
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One of the best purchases I made for my classroom was a label maker. I labeled almost everything, and this came in handy for procedures because the labels answered questions that I didn't have to, such as "Where does this go?", "Where do I put this?", and "Where can I find...?" </div>
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Also, post procedures when you can. This is where, if you enjoy being creative, you can make colorful posters and reminders. This also helps curb the same questions I mentioned earlier. I posted mini-posters in the general vicinity of where some tasks took place (ex. drinking fountain, cubbies). I also had a dedicated area for class information where I posted other procedures such as those for drills.</div>
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<b>Step 7: Take time to explain and practice procedures. </b></div>
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The first week of school--no joke--I spent most of the days explaining and modeling procedures. Then, I asked students to practice them. Devoting time to students learning and applying what's expected of them goes a long way toward building the independence and personal responsibility that they need to have for the school year. Reinforce the procedures through quizzes, games, activities, and discussion. And do it often! I continued to model procedures aloud for several weeks after the year began just so students could see them in action and commit them to memory. </div>
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<b>Step 7 1/2: Take time to explain policies. </b></div>
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The reason "because I said so" never sat well with me as a kid, and I'm sure things haven't changed for the latest generation of kiddos either. By explaining why I set up procedures the way that I have, I found that students appreciate and buy into the classroom environment that I'm trying to create for them more readily. Kids can be very perceptive. When they see that rules and procedures aren't arbitrary or created by an adult on a power trip, many are willing to follow them because they believe that they were made for their benefit. </div>
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<b>Step 8: Be consistent. </b><br />
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You can't expect students to follow procedures if you don't do it yourself. Consistency not only reinforces how to complete a task, but it also eliminates many gray area situations. Very seldom did my procedures or policies cause confusion. Perhaps students (and sometimes parents) felt some frustration at times, but I found that conflict resolution came much easier by having consistent procedures and policies to which to refer.</div>
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So now it's your turn. Do you have questions about any of my procedures? Any tips for teachers looking to create or improve their own? Leave a comment!</div>
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Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-9720071971759256162016-08-03T16:10:00.001-04:002016-08-03T16:11:38.639-04:00Back-to-School Brain-Boosting Icebreakers<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not a fan of traditional large-group icebreakers. I find that I spend most of the time leading up to my turn thinking about what I'm going to say, and consequently, I never really pay much attention to what others are saying. I debate whether I am bragging when I share my accomplishments, and I get annoyed when I feel like others actually are. I also think that many icebreaker questions are fluffy and don't really help me to get to know anybody in a meaningful way. To sum it up:</div>
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As a teacher, it's important to remember that we are surrounded by many different personalities in our classrooms. Chances are, some students feel similarly about icebreakers as I do. <b><i>Alas, I'm not a total killjoy</i></b>. I think that icebreakers can be very useful if the right questions are asked, and the activity is facilitated in the right way. When done in a constructive way, icebreakers not only help us to learn about our students but also go a long way in building classroom community. When it comes time to learning about my students and students learning about each other, I like to dig deep right off the bat--but in fun and interesting ways!</div>
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Here are three icebreaker ideas in which students can thoughtfully and creatively introduce themselves and their personalities to you and their classmates:<br />
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<b><u>If I Was... </u></b><br />
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In this activity, students complete prompts with answers that reflect their personalities. Here are a couple of examples: "If I was a musical instrument, I would be..." or "If I was a school supply, I would be...." Answering the prompt is only part of the activity. I ask students to explain why they answered in the ways that they did, and I am fascinated by the responses that students come up with. Disclaimer: I'm not a psychologist, and I can't decipher the deeper meanings of students' answers. It's just really interesting to see how students compare themselves to the objects and ideas in the prompts!<br />
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In addition to just going around the room and everyone answering, there are alternative ways that you can facilitate this activity depending on the purpose you want to achieve. I'll outline a couple:<br />
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<li>Do this as a journaling activity. Using it this way allows the student to communicate directly with you and maintain the privacy that doing the activity aloud in a large group might infringe upon in the eyes of some students;</li>
<li>Preselect 3-4 different answers for each prompt ahead of time. Assign each answer a location in the room. Then, read the prompt aloud and ask students to move the location in the room that represents the answer that they feel best describes them. You can ask students to find at least one person in the group to talk to about why they chose the answer they did. (This may be uncomfortable for some students, and while it's good to be mindful that some activities may not appeal to all students, it's also important to stretch your students' comfortability and encourage them to communicate with one another.);</li>
<li>Assign students to small groups of 4-5 and have them each share their answers to a given prompt;</li>
<li>Do the activity as a whole class, but instead of students giving answers orally, provide students with whiteboards on which they can write their responses. You can then pick a few students to explain their answers for each prompt; or</li>
<li>Choose a prompt as the focus of a bulletin board and have students illustrate their responses.</li>
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<b><u>If My Life Was a Novel...</u></b></div>
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This literacy and art activity allows students to share about their lives while demonstrating understanding of literary genres. Using a template like the one shown above, each student chooses a literary genre that best represents his or her life. Then, students expound on their genre choices by writing about the characters and settings in their lives as well as summarizing their stories.</div>
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You can conduct this activity with students having them view it through a couple of different lenses:</div>
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<li>Students can tell their stories "so far...." They can share what has happened in their lives up to this point; or</li>
<li>Students can summarize what they hope their lives will be like over the course of their entire lifetime. </li>
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Be sure to review common literary genres (fiction, nonfiction, etc.) with your students, and invite them to relate sub-genres such as suspense; melodrama; comedy; tragedy; romance; mystery; biography; fairy tale; and adventure, among others, to their lives. </div>
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After students write about their lives as novels, invite them to illustrate a cover of their novel as way to further share about themselves and their life stories.</div>
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<u><b>Back to School Categories Game</b></u></div>
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Anytime you can use a well-known game or game show in the classroom it's a winner in my book. This back-to-school game is based on "Scattergories." While this activity isn't as personalized as the previous ones, it is a lot of fun--and asks students to be thoughtful at the same time. It provides a window to how students think, which is valuable as you get to know them as children and as learners.</div>
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To play, every student gets a blank game card with categories listed. You randomly choose a letter. Start a timer of between 3-5 minutes. Then, let students try to complete their entire list of categories with answers that only begin with the chosen letter. (For example, if the letter is G, and the category is school supplies, you could write "glue.") Students score a point for every unique answer they have (i.e. no one else can have the answer). This game can be played many times since you can use the same list with a different letter each time you play. </div>
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As with the other activities, you can play this game in a variety of ways:</div>
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<li>Play it as a whole class with students answering individually. Be prepared to devote a big chunk of time to doing it this way, though, since you'll have to have every student give his or her answer to every category. To use time efficiently, once an answer is given for the first time, ask the class if anyone else has the same answer, and then skip over students whose answers have already been given. Also, to make sure that everyone has chance to give an answer, start with students in different parts of the room as you go over answers for each category;</li>
<li>Play as a whole class, but divide students into small groups, and have them work together to complete the list of categories; or</li>
<li>Divide students into small groups, and have them play against each other. </li>
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Are you interested in trying these icebreaker ideas in your classroom? Click <a href="https://goo.gl/ClAVmQ" target="_blank">here</a> or on the image to download these for FREE!</div>
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What are some of your favorite icebreakers that you use ? Do you have any other brain-boosting icebreakers that you would like to share? Leave a comment!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a>Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-48661036808860245012016-07-27T09:00:00.000-04:002016-07-27T09:46:41.771-04:00Dollar Store Shopping List for Teachers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIesfaRzgu8M4W4CzdElz6sxyqiluz8gf5uq4Dag75ynrsDMkfS_jNvZKYxAbQzCNZ5E3mYz1alF_VprcKgKKHdRymSOzmoP0Y3J9jw4wJcY83HaU-BYCBnn5EdOUzWvPWt2YhEms2pQs/s1600/Dollar+Store+Pinterest+List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIesfaRzgu8M4W4CzdElz6sxyqiluz8gf5uq4Dag75ynrsDMkfS_jNvZKYxAbQzCNZ5E3mYz1alF_VprcKgKKHdRymSOzmoP0Y3J9jw4wJcY83HaU-BYCBnn5EdOUzWvPWt2YhEms2pQs/s320/Dollar+Store+Pinterest+List.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Is it me, or have some dollar stores really kicked it up a notch with their inventory? Since originally posting my list of dollar store treasures for the classroom, I've found even more goodies during my weekly trips to my local dollar stores. So I've updated my list AND created a printable shopping list for you to take with you the next time you're looking to stock up your classroom!<br />
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I enjoy browsing the aisles of dollar stores. So many practical items on the cheap. And now that they carry teaching and classroom supplies...oh, yeah! For some reason, though, dollar stores have yet to become my go-to for a teacher's little necessities. When the need arises, I often end up overpaying for the same stuff at the supermarket that's four doors down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVj7fJ3SwzfRkK17sLoeAqzIaKOBGnU-kAhmdfrloCsFVCL9AYZQb3A2pZULnphXmb3Mn19sAixVEc2-SbI2XRr0meby0bMO7YXITCv5BhkB119Zdy-fcrJLtwSBQzOoB7IIUN9JmoPE/s1600/Dollar+Store+Shopping+List+for+Teachers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVj7fJ3SwzfRkK17sLoeAqzIaKOBGnU-kAhmdfrloCsFVCL9AYZQb3A2pZULnphXmb3Mn19sAixVEc2-SbI2XRr0meby0bMO7YXITCv5BhkB119Zdy-fcrJLtwSBQzOoB7IIUN9JmoPE/s320/Dollar+Store+Shopping+List+for+Teachers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enough is enough. The buck stops here (figuratively) and at the dollar store (literally). I have decided to make a running list of classroom items that I have bought/should buy/will buy at dollar stores.* </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(*I do realize that back-to-school sales at big box stores offer some of these items at ridiculously low prices, so I encourage everyone to stock up on 20 cent crayons and glue. However, when mid-school year hits, and you're in a bind, dollar stores can be your very best friend.)</span></div>
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This list will have a permanent home in my wallet, and you're welcome to make a home for it in yours as well. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdxN2r0XR5EEuMXxCTbUxY8Kud8W4zFMmlwUM3tWp5lxLfTLSJW9J0JhFZmnLS1Ver57hVt1NdvHvRMkl-_TRcfFiEZG4DXbrOiCiv9bwYvmw1QCttNvA6Om-tVOlDZ8vjK4HBv3eHbA/s1600/IMG_4933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdxN2r0XR5EEuMXxCTbUxY8Kud8W4zFMmlwUM3tWp5lxLfTLSJW9J0JhFZmnLS1Ver57hVt1NdvHvRMkl-_TRcfFiEZG4DXbrOiCiv9bwYvmw1QCttNvA6Om-tVOlDZ8vjK4HBv3eHbA/s1600/IMG_4933.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No more punch-in-the-gut realizations that I spent three times as much on glitter than necessary!</td></tr>
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<b>School Supplies</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">p</span><span style="color: black;">ens</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">pencils</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">e</span><span style="color: black;">rasers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">h</span><span style="color: black;">ighlighters</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">c</span><span style="color: black;">orrection
tape</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">c</span><span style="color: black;">rayons</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">g</span><span style="color: black;">lue</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">e</span><span style="color: black;">nvelopes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">notepads</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">n</span><span style="color: black;">otebooks</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">m</span><span style="color: black;">arkers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">s</span><span style="color: black;">cissors</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">d</span><span style="color: black;">ecorative
printer paper</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">note cards</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">push pins</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">paper clips</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">stapler</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">dry erase markers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">rulers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">composition books</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">calculators</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">white boards</span></span><br />
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<strong>Crafts</strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">glitter</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">poster board</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">craft foam</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">clothes pins</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">safety pins</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">brown lunch bags</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">pipe cleaners</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">magnets</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">craft sticks</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">tissue paper</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">pompoms</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">paint</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">aluminum foil</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">aluminum pans</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">balloons</span></div>
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<strong>Rewards/Incentives</strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">coupons</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">stickers</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">toys</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">candy</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">books</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">journals</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">book marks</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">coloring/activity books</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snazzy stickers and birthday coupons</td></tr>
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<strong>Classroom Management</strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">name plates</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">planning book</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">grade book</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">handheld signs</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids LOVED these!</td></tr>
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<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<u style="text-underline: single;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "fonesia"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Recess
Equipment </b></span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">bouncy </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">balls</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">footballs</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ball pump</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">puzzles</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">checkers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">dominoes</span></div>
<br />
<b>Storage</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">desk drawer organizers</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">plastic tubs and baskets</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">plastic baggies</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">pop-up hampers</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">plastic containers</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">pen and pencil cups</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">laundry baskets</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">hangers</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe6Dq6o_-e-s-VA2XTbEOqPn2uamkKGqod2yIyLD0-RsIehqigjgGE9CwYa5P4wYjPBThz0fIVfEWT54GmiwU6WX0ZbGydwzvqVo-JVaBKs7mxm8sXgNX3EFGjiEl0vOsjiAsYrpW56g/s1600/IMG_4934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe6Dq6o_-e-s-VA2XTbEOqPn2uamkKGqod2yIyLD0-RsIehqigjgGE9CwYa5P4wYjPBThz0fIVfEWT54GmiwU6WX0ZbGydwzvqVo-JVaBKs7mxm8sXgNX3EFGjiEl0vOsjiAsYrpW56g/s1600/IMG_4934.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many sizes = many configurations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Classroom Decor</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">calendars</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">vinyl tablecloths<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">photo frames</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">vases</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">bulletin board accents</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">die-cut letters</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">holiday </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">décor</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">wrapping paper</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">decorative rocks</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">magnets</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-QbvpuQc83ecLgKquNErNlU8MGTvXXZEeKrf58CTXzLdx47e7SI0lEECKUJvEgaXhcKkHaXSd0_8L4O5NuAQ1rBirXdj8vP7vcDwk2LN2zZhBrwcPx6CfX5gZsfctYBBoxEc4XaGQyw/s1600/IMG_4940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-QbvpuQc83ecLgKquNErNlU8MGTvXXZEeKrf58CTXzLdx47e7SI0lEECKUJvEgaXhcKkHaXSd0_8L4O5NuAQ1rBirXdj8vP7vcDwk2LN2zZhBrwcPx6CfX5gZsfctYBBoxEc4XaGQyw/s1600/IMG_4940.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the die-cut letters!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq9Vc3MZz5npljEBiqia4o_nNXUx_NGzfg2ndbpnthMdM7ccOFiPJLcu5e-CUo9auM_aT7Ym-TqpSdI9r-PCTKNCRsgd4OZq82qYz_le4Z6A2xBmMLk39dzGT87InfPq09LpW-GohXFQ/s1600/IMG_4936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicq9Vc3MZz5npljEBiqia4o_nNXUx_NGzfg2ndbpnthMdM7ccOFiPJLcu5e-CUo9auM_aT7Ym-TqpSdI9r-PCTKNCRsgd4OZq82qYz_le4Z6A2xBmMLk39dzGT87InfPq09LpW-GohXFQ/s1600/IMG_4936.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glittery holiday goodness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Curriculum</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">flash cards</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">dictionaries</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">sentence strips</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">word wall materials</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">anchor charts</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">maps</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGApQNqcLojR93KLHAxVeUHRiBGJtL2yxUYvBts1kCc4wPt47C2wW-YN0VlQu7ioRuSGsShS4t4oE5Qnk1QvmVcRZOf5WDawyogUEbFt9-DgQF-3VGq4uYEl645IngALCraWqoNSD7rI/s1600/IMG_4944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGApQNqcLojR93KLHAxVeUHRiBGJtL2yxUYvBts1kCc4wPt47C2wW-YN0VlQu7ioRuSGsShS4t4oE5Qnk1QvmVcRZOf5WDawyogUEbFt9-DgQF-3VGq4uYEl645IngALCraWqoNSD7rI/s1600/IMG_4944.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't pass up this word wall spinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong style="text-align: justify;">Personal Sundries</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">bandages</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">antibiotic ointment</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">aspirin (or ibuprofen)</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">generic Pepto-Bismol</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">tissues</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">anti-bacterial soap</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">hand </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">sanitizer</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">toothbrush</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">toothpaste</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">hairspray</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">static spray</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">lint </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">roller</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">mugs</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">plastic plates and </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">cutlery</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">snacks</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">bottled water</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">1 liter bottles of Mountain </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Dew</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Handy Stuff</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">electrical tape</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">batteries</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">flashlights</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">food coloring</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">masking tape</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">tool kit</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">light bulbs</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">super glue</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Cleaning Supplies</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">air </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">freshener</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">hand broom and dustpan</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">glass cleaner</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">cleaning wipes</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">trash bags</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">dish soap</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">buckets</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">paper towels</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">generic Swiffer pads</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">microfiber cloths</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">sponges</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Okay, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">here's a printable shopping list to take with you the next </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">time that you gather your George </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Washingtons for a trip to the dollar store</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></div>
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Your turn to add to the list! What about your dollar store finds? Leave a comment with some of the other treasures you've found at dollar stores.</div>
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Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-64178713049566288852016-07-15T09:00:00.000-04:002016-07-15T09:00:08.205-04:00The Official Postcard Pals 2016-2017 Sign-Up is LIVE!<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyeXpFA5YUX8MKVDN6I7JOMIxpEALOsVy6FQwcrXavFCC7uytLwc9x9LeCNM4APypXgIc0XqIzeJEnjTjKFb4rvaFQls0OLoGGfRXVbqwntkdXxGJCkQF7ekjQwHR5dhpSnezNjh_CZU/s1600/Sign+up+Postcard+Pals+16-17+pinterest-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyeXpFA5YUX8MKVDN6I7JOMIxpEALOsVy6FQwcrXavFCC7uytLwc9x9LeCNM4APypXgIc0XqIzeJEnjTjKFb4rvaFQls0OLoGGfRXVbqwntkdXxGJCkQF7ekjQwHR5dhpSnezNjh_CZU/s320/Sign+up+Postcard+Pals+16-17+pinterest-3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Wow! I'm thrilled with the response to bringing back the classroom postcard exchange. With more than 100 classrooms expressing interest, that means that the 2016-2017 Postcard Pals Classroom Postcard Exchange is ON!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">The next step is for teachers to officially sign up. Here is the </span><a href="https://goo.gl/5wwGYY" target="_blank">2016-2017 Postcard Pals sign up form</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">. The form will be open until AUGUST 20, 2016. At that point, I'll begin working on mailing group assignments.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://goo.gl/5wwGYY" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9fF34b1Vbt0g1uQp4BT8CWSN-oExAarVIS-gD4FzPFCJIvgQs5ywGKCOOBKH2NkKSmPKZffvr-tlA7IGMOsm1EyFG6UyMYoa9N54zGCe6V9mpzkf6JNhzZIVJmVd3gFWxczELbn2zhQ/s320/Sign+up+postcard+pals+blog+post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">By completing this form, YOU ARE COMMITTING to participating in the exchange. Participating means that you agree to do the following:</span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">1. Use or create an e-mail address that accepts e-mail messages from my blog e-mail address. Some school addresses have very fortified firewalls so if you use your school e-mail, please make sure that it accepts e-mails from info@aspiretoinspireblog.com. If it doesn't, I recommend setting up an e-mail address specifically for this exchange at a free e-mail provider such as Gmail or Yahoo.</span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">2. Send a one-time paper postcard to every class in your group (est. 30-40 cards) by the mailing deadline.</span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">3. Update a Google spreadsheet to indicate that you have sent your postcards (simply entering a date--easy!).</span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">4. Complete a short feedback survey about your experience after the exchange.</span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">5. (Optional but appreciated!) Send a few photos of any postcard displays or your class in action as they participate. (I will protect student privacy and cover faces, etc. if I use your photos on a blog post.)</span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">Here is some important info to keep in mind:</span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">By overwhelming preference, the postcard exchange will involve traditional paper postcards. Each class is responsible for supplying its own postcards and postage. I will provide you with some ideas for inexpensive or free postcards as well as funding options when I send out the instructions and mailing lists. </span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">You will receive your mailing list and instructions in early September, and postcards will need to be mailed by the end of October. Please make sure that you are able to work on this project within that timeframe before you commit to the exchange. </span><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #202020; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">The only information that will be shared with others on your mailing list is your name, school name, and address. All other information that I request from you will be seen and used by me to communicate updates about the exchange only.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; text-align: left;">Okay, I'm off to check the growing list of official participants. Hope to see your name on that list!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a></div>
Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-74417475260302349062016-06-23T09:00:00.000-04:002016-06-24T11:11:15.498-04:00It's Back! Postcard Pals Classroom Postcard Exchange 2016-2017<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuV0MLzdWlrz327ygcVhK8O4yTFM4MNRZsMdb_LnQl-YOuvlpY1Li9vLVOgPue0SlahRrIYWrM2X4t2O5wpBx_M14cbraDsxdaNF7Tiux2BcOigQq2FpvZ5pcr6TNLDkEaoJJvHH1_h0/s1600/Postcard+Pals+16-17+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuV0MLzdWlrz327ygcVhK8O4yTFM4MNRZsMdb_LnQl-YOuvlpY1Li9vLVOgPue0SlahRrIYWrM2X4t2O5wpBx_M14cbraDsxdaNF7Tiux2BcOigQq2FpvZ5pcr6TNLDkEaoJJvHH1_h0/s320/Postcard+Pals+16-17+pinterest.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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So continuing with the theme of my <a href="http://www.aspiretoinspireblog.com/2016/06/5-unique-learning-opportunities-that.html" target="_blank">last two posts</a> about making the most of the summer by getting in on some unique learning experiences for students before the next school year starts, I'm going to offer one to you myself! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t1zKeZEsSneeS7XSVFLDdF6Djb0UxNkuR1EqNLXNxux6CWtchQCL6TblOxUj8dhKMOwSuqSr2ApkOS81eZPfJCbOAX1xashXkA72_qgK9dzmdIpA-9mX53fRVxEpGDSBftky5fYokvc/s1600/Postcard+Pals+2016-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t1zKeZEsSneeS7XSVFLDdF6Djb0UxNkuR1EqNLXNxux6CWtchQCL6TblOxUj8dhKMOwSuqSr2ApkOS81eZPfJCbOAX1xashXkA72_qgK9dzmdIpA-9mX53fRVxEpGDSBftky5fYokvc/s320/Postcard+Pals+2016-2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Postcard Pals is making its triumphant return after a year hiatus with what I hope will be the best exchange yet. I have coordinated Postcard Pals since 2013, and I'm really happy with the results of both exchanges I've done. (Some of the participants must have been happy, too, because they signed up for another year!) You can read more about past exchanges <a href="http://www.aspiretoinspireblog.com/2014/07/postcard-pals-recap-wrap-up-and-round.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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So here's a little description of what has happened in past exchanges:</div>
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1. Teachers (public, private, and home school are welcome) sign up, and depending on the number of classes, I divide up classrooms into groups of 20-30 classes. I do this to keep costs low for participating classrooms as opposed to asking them to send 100+ postcards. I also--as best as I can--divide by grade band, usually PK-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. </div>
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Each teacher is then responsible for sending one postcard from his or her class to each of the other classes in his or her group. Postcards include information about the geography, economy, history, and other interesting facts about the state in which the class lives. Signing up commits teachers to sending one postcard to each class on their mailing list. If teachers want to establish a pen pal program beyond the one postcard, they are welcome to do that; however, I don't facilitate that. It would be up to the classes involved to work that out.</div>
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2. At the beginning of the year (September, usually), I provide teachers in each group with detailed instructions about what should be included on the postcards along with a mailing list of classrooms in their groups. I give a deadline by which postcards should be sent so that everyone knows by when they should expect to receive their postcards (usually October or November). I ask teachers to indicate that they have sent postcards by updating a Google spreadsheet (very easy to do) with the date that they sent them. I use this spreadsheet to follow up with teachers who have not sent postcards.</div>
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3. Let the postcards roll in! I love to receive photos and comments about how the exchange is going, and I encourage participants to stay in touch. Many of the photos I receive show bulletin boards prepared especially for the exchange, which is so fun to see. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwRg4COCD04mP4cojhvx0dK5OPioIFDcMTPcyj58BpPvCCeC9KHXGQzqrX7YD4-Y467DLNJetWIDsmRAXsfKbhP6nWvDqmTxG8vZln_PFiHAKfYt8EAaJ7RdU6ueIq4IldDmgtgndvGY/s1600/Classroom+Postcard+Exchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwRg4COCD04mP4cojhvx0dK5OPioIFDcMTPcyj58BpPvCCeC9KHXGQzqrX7YD4-Y467DLNJetWIDsmRAXsfKbhP6nWvDqmTxG8vZln_PFiHAKfYt8EAaJ7RdU6ueIq4IldDmgtgndvGY/s320/Classroom+Postcard+Exchange.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In year one, I had 130 classrooms signed up, and in year two 43. Now, that's a big difference, I know. However, year two actually had a higher success rate of follow through on those who committed to participate so that's a good thing! While this an intermediate blog, I do open this exchange up to K-12 students. I've had all grade levels from across the USA participate--and even a few outside of the country--which is quite exciting. </div>
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<b>For 2016-2017...</b></div>
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Step #1 is determining interest, which is what I'm doing in this post. If you're interested in learning more about this exchange, please complete <a href="http://goo.gl/forms/IqCLKu29B0CEQCDj2" target="_blank">this Google form</a>. Completing the form in <u>no way</u> locks you into a commitment to join. Once I finalize details, I'll set up another form to officially sign up. <b><i>Please share this with colleagues and teacher friends! Pin it, tweet it, post it, sky write it with an airplane...just please help me get the word out.</i></b></div>
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Step #2 is thinking about how to improve Postcard Pals. This year, I'm looking into some different options, including possibly making it a virtual postcard exchange to defray the cost of sending postcards via snail mail. Nothing is set in stone, but it's an idea rattling around in my head. I will also be incorporating feedback from past participants into this and any future exchanges as I know we ran into some issues with people not following through on their commitment to take part.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SGa4qAlR13HrZzAAbkY1yRdBdYu6Q3GeYKLrrONE1Ww/viewform?c=0&w=1" target="_blank">Click HERE to complete the Google form for more information.</a><br />
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I think that's it for now. Hope to see many of you joining the fun! </div>
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Have you ever done a postcard exchange? Tell us about it in a comment!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a>Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-55989675885835941272016-06-14T14:09:00.001-04:002016-06-21T22:56:02.855-04:005 Unique Learning Opportunities That Your Intermediate Students Will Love<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.aspiretoinspireblog.com/2016/06/10-ways-to-make-most-of-your-summer.html" target="_blank">In my most recent post</a>, I suggested that summer is a great time to research unique learning opportunities in which your students can participate during the next school year, especially if deadlines, fees, and applications are involved. With a little digging, you can find some pretty interesting events, contests, and curriculum extras to engage and challenge your students!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4sWEUxBJlEJI0DtC09jpzkqcs3NrH6vwmGHkDT0UBQ_j3Y57bk-foqdV1R07tB03Wo9QV4rj-UwdvnJDiSzEBnA4rCYCFB48152Q1DCuCAF-t4558T51qQEpRvF6JWF33-LtsG8rzvg/s1600/5+Unique+Learning+Opportunities+You+Should+Sign+Your+Intermediate+Class+Up+For.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4sWEUxBJlEJI0DtC09jpzkqcs3NrH6vwmGHkDT0UBQ_j3Y57bk-foqdV1R07tB03Wo9QV4rj-UwdvnJDiSzEBnA4rCYCFB48152Q1DCuCAF-t4558T51qQEpRvF6JWF33-LtsG8rzvg/s320/5+Unique+Learning+Opportunities+You+Should+Sign+Your+Intermediate+Class+Up+For.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In today's post, I'm sharing five very cool such options for upper elementary and middle school classrooms that I recommend checking out. </div>
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<b>1. Electronic Field Trips (EFT)</b></div>
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The world is so much smaller thanks to technology. Students can now see and experience places, people, and cultures that they might never have encountered otherwise. With electronic field trips, students can "visit" places, sometimes in real-time, without ever leaving the classroom. Ahh...just imagine. No permission slips. No loud bus rides. No constant head counts.</div>
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Here are two examples:</div>
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<a href="http://www.history.org/history/teaching/eft/" target="_blank">Colonial Williamsburg</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabYvnttiwxpu7UaUcICu50_iVo_20sSlx1xeLjXGrD6O5G4psZI-O1J4VskTxsJDP0f0b3oGYwZvlwR0SoKRGFcqeCi8F2q8ZoPZEhtVasFOPVql_RjXP_uVAyf8njfwdMc3j_JT8rb0/s1600/governors-palace-58551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabYvnttiwxpu7UaUcICu50_iVo_20sSlx1xeLjXGrD6O5G4psZI-O1J4VskTxsJDP0f0b3oGYwZvlwR0SoKRGFcqeCi8F2q8ZoPZEhtVasFOPVql_RjXP_uVAyf8njfwdMc3j_JT8rb0/s320/governors-palace-58551.jpg" width="320" /></a>My classes took part in these EFTs, and they were amazing! My students loved them. Since I last used this resource, it appears that the live broadcasts have been discontinued. Instead, however, they have turned to their HERO multimedia library that includes videos, lesson plans, and other resources about life in Colonial and Revolution-era America that you can access. You can sign up for a free account, but there is a fee involved for school-wide access to the library for the year. The material is high-quality and engaging, and it's a fantastic supplement to social studies curricula. You'll get the most for your fee if you register before the year starts, and that will also give you time to go through and choose material.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nationalparks.org/our-work/programs/electronic-field-trip" target="_blank">National Park Foundation</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyEHAUQcP7tzCch1bkzRuMnhetYN_-SNPMK8vI_Ac9S7DsYf0nkU_oQL8TOFRywFldap-GxWdOeP010w-Mfb5QHL5YuC2dnOCWbqFfN6dZ_-byI8Foji0d1CigxHlb-bHdI1rW8EfAvc/s1600/sign-653376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyEHAUQcP7tzCch1bkzRuMnhetYN_-SNPMK8vI_Ac9S7DsYf0nkU_oQL8TOFRywFldap-GxWdOeP010w-Mfb5QHL5YuC2dnOCWbqFfN6dZ_-byI8Foji0d1CigxHlb-bHdI1rW8EfAvc/s320/sign-653376.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have not used these EFTs; however, in browsing through the collection of EFTs available, they seem to be high-quality and varied in social studies and science content and feature diverse US national park locations. These are not real-time videos; however, you can watch them for free in segments whenever you wish. Each EFT includes a video and a corresponding Web site that is rich in resources to use in conjunction with the EFT. The service appears to be free, which is a BONUS!</div>
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<b>2. <a href="http://208.81.226.245/learning-programs/mock-election/" target="_blank">Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) Mock Election </a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5ZlK4rQQM9Ch4smVczoh4Rnl26w8GsCuvtzZHGpsCISZmSEd6c3Dp6YP0ZcPlxX-yxAIM-JFjU9YrAu0HIuU32flqp5Y6HWsJ2Psi3O87G0KzmHDF0zM4qb4VzWyidd3nw8lxg9ZgaA/s1600/vote-1319435.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5ZlK4rQQM9Ch4smVczoh4Rnl26w8GsCuvtzZHGpsCISZmSEd6c3Dp6YP0ZcPlxX-yxAIM-JFjU9YrAu0HIuU32flqp5Y6HWsJ2Psi3O87G0KzmHDF0zM4qb4VzWyidd3nw8lxg9ZgaA/s200/vote-1319435.png" width="200" /></a>This is one of those opportunities I found out about just a little to late to incorporate into my classes, but I would have loved to have my students be a part of it. The YLI mock election is "the largest secure, student-only, online mock election in the nation, using electronic ballots tailored to each student's home legislative district." It takes place during the mid-late part of October and includes many resources and options for teachers to conduct an election tailored to their students and their area of residence. You must register for this mock election, and the activity and resources are FREE! </div>
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<b>3. <a href="http://www.studentreasures.com/" target="_blank">Free Student Book Publishing</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOlkR_EzB1Kv_IfK4qB__FauDe7H_eJs85DxYWBjIWLaka8U17tvMOKoh1sV5D3oPAeSaH0nBRlo4_8G6p-YU91lh2rj4MPp2OXffP2IgtHEu5mAyfL1UXySMutNsxRh5w5fkJj72I5Y/s1600/Kid+Authors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOlkR_EzB1Kv_IfK4qB__FauDe7H_eJs85DxYWBjIWLaka8U17tvMOKoh1sV5D3oPAeSaH0nBRlo4_8G6p-YU91lh2rj4MPp2OXffP2IgtHEu5mAyfL1UXySMutNsxRh5w5fkJj72I5Y/s320/Kid+Authors.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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We did this activity school-wide for several years, and it was very cool! Every student had the opportunity to write a book and have it hardbound published for FREE. This program, created by Student Treasures, involves each student or class (depending on whether you choose an individual or class book project) receiving a book-writing packet that includes everything they need to create their books (ex. instructions, lined & unlined final pages for writing and illustrations, cover page, dedication page, etc.). Each teacher/school chooses a publishing date, all of which have been established by Student Treasures, so teachers need to plan this project with the submission deadline in mind since all packets must be sent in together before the deadline. Under the guidance and instruction of the teacher, students then write their stories and create colored illustrations for them. In my case, I used this project to practice the writing process--brainstorming, drafting, peer reviewing, revising/editing, planning illustrations, and rewriting, and we spent several months working on the books. I must warn you, though, that executing this program requires a lot of planning so start early! </div>
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I was not the coordinator at our school, but from what I understood then and understand now, the publishing programs are tailored to student age groups (K-6, Middle School, High School, etc.). You simply provide the information to Student Treasures about grade levels and type of book you want students to create, and they determine the program that fits those needs. Again, this worthwhile project is FREE to you, and each student received one FREE hardbound copy of their book. (Parents can order multiple copies of the book using an order form found in the packet.) You can request a free sample packet at S<a href="http://www.studentreasures.com/" target="_blank">tudent Treasures' Web site</a>. I can't relay to you how excited students were to receive their books and see their work published. It was amazing!</div>
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<b>4. Content-Area Contests</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kOzR30V_ouhyphenhyphen1ShMfmCHD_lBreMFYtVlRO7HyO5lO4z-TssLnCzIouCEOvM4p22vQiWWkAwvjsiSl-G03Sm0hoYZ9Og7RTlsHn5k0TseTrMo5uF5l6y57spvqLm7JmHF4N3I-bzTvOA/s1600/winner-1445797_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kOzR30V_ouhyphenhyphen1ShMfmCHD_lBreMFYtVlRO7HyO5lO4z-TssLnCzIouCEOvM4p22vQiWWkAwvjsiSl-G03Sm0hoYZ9Og7RTlsHn5k0TseTrMo5uF5l6y57spvqLm7JmHF4N3I-bzTvOA/s200/winner-1445797_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a>Contests are a great way for students to showcase their talents and, in some case, win prizes for it! I am lumping all of the cool contests I found into one section here because I'm leaving it up to you to decide which of the many out there would fit your needs. There are several different Web pages dedicated to listing contests open to upper elementary and middle school students. I'm including a link to a good resource/repository of contests <a href="http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/contests.htm" target="_blank">here</a>. You can find contests for all subjects. I noticed that some have not been updated for next year, and some are defunct so be sure to check for further information at their respective Web sites. Here are a couple of examples that I found:</div>
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<a href="http://www.cricketmagkids.com/contests#show" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Cricket magazine</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> is a literary publication for students ages 9-14 and holds contests about a variety of literary topics throughout the year, all of which encourage creativity.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.artandwriting.org/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Scholastic Art and Writing Awards</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> involve contests for many art and writing categories in which students enter their pieces based on local program guidelines. These contests are open to public, private, and homeschool students in grades 7-12</span><br />
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<b>5. <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/stu-k-8-current-opps.html" target="_blank">NASA events and contests</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmBc2mUEUmrVskiA9LfKpriOfKdulcxzJfA24_BWqJVXeedLRWK9nvHjfuK0wlzIC-gM_TUkXsfWyhUr28p1XpVpSUxZY3QV26RtPsHHNb0ezVGbO95swmq52mNPp9F5AjvFkTcyo9ec/s1600/nasa-621411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmBc2mUEUmrVskiA9LfKpriOfKdulcxzJfA24_BWqJVXeedLRWK9nvHjfuK0wlzIC-gM_TUkXsfWyhUr28p1XpVpSUxZY3QV26RtPsHHNb0ezVGbO95swmq52mNPp9F5AjvFkTcyo9ec/s200/nasa-621411.jpg" width="200" /></a>NASA keeps an updated calendar list of opportunities for students in grades K-8 to participate in a variety of science and technology related activities, events, and contests. I noticed the word FREE in many of these descriptions, and there's a nice variety of events that take place at NASA locations and virtually (online). Check back as new events are added! </div>
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What do you think? Have you ever incorporated any of these in your classroom? Other suggestions? Leave a comment!</div>
Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-72651212492804369712016-06-09T09:00:00.000-04:002016-06-18T08:39:33.735-04:0010 Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer Break<div style="display: none;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv8pGus2wkp8Rvt3mdBd9T_fJqWivEeABfi7F-YyMg5aBM52FpUYJjWm4UqFvoK5QyvY-pVCE27r1bZL2nwaBsPfjxVK-LQHqYE5w0e7_-UmnSelcID8DzYQtryYeaQS37xCNc58aAUk/s1600/Summer+Break+Ideas+for+Teachers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv8pGus2wkp8Rvt3mdBd9T_fJqWivEeABfi7F-YyMg5aBM52FpUYJjWm4UqFvoK5QyvY-pVCE27r1bZL2nwaBsPfjxVK-LQHqYE5w0e7_-UmnSelcID8DzYQtryYeaQS37xCNc58aAUk/s320/Summer+Break+Ideas+for+Teachers.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The sun is shining more hours than I'm awake. Chirping birds have become an alarm clock. Lawnmowers are humming all around all day everyday. The dress code has changed to strictly shorts and flip-flops. Summer break is here! </div>
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So now what? </div>
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Going from a daily schedule where literally every minute is accounted for, tasks are numbered in the dozens, and sitting down is a luxury afforded only at lunchtime and bathroom breaks (if you're lucky) to one where the world is your oyster everyday can be a difficult adjustment for some. As much as I love breaks and vacations, at some point, I start to feel anxious--even guilty--that I'm not using my time wisely. It took many inner conversations between the workaholic me and the mentally & physically exhausted me to agree that rest, relaxation, and days of doing something other than thinking about school during summer break was actually good for me. </div>
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Some teachers can drop their bags and boxes at the door once school is over and not touch them until August. I can't do that.</div>
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Other teachers plan for next year all summer long. I can't do that either.</div>
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I've realized that my personality is such that while I do thrive on schedules and planning, having a few days of freedom every now and then not only keeps me balanced but also refreshes me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJIr6gZhlamoxYSB5o8JMw2amYapoNy3oLJ79Y4CVDvOrrsVDF9nQJjcbIMclu_NT04DvOs_454EZaIZKDvsjZviQxKbX_QQ9WLSIb9Zp__xx9yaHqqx4qYXpFpbsFbY9u6-N4ZgAYbM/s1600/Teachers+Make+the+Most+of+Summer+Break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJIr6gZhlamoxYSB5o8JMw2amYapoNy3oLJ79Y4CVDvOrrsVDF9nQJjcbIMclu_NT04DvOs_454EZaIZKDvsjZviQxKbX_QQ9WLSIb9Zp__xx9yaHqqx4qYXpFpbsFbY9u6-N4ZgAYbM/s320/Teachers+Make+the+Most+of+Summer+Break.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a lot of trial and error, here are my tips for enjoying a balanced and productive summer: </div>
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1. Allow yourself time to rest (and be a little lazy).</div>
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The first week after school let out, I let myself rest. A lot. I slept in. I napped. I intentionally made few or no plans with anyone or to do anything. My feet were up on my bed, my couch, or my recliner a good deal of the day. My body and brain thanked me for this break. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">So go ahead. Give yourself a permission to be a little lazy, if you can. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">2. Create a weekly schedule of tasks.</span><br />
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Okay, okay. Don't hurt yourself. But seriously. Adding some structure to my days helped with the transition from jam-packed days to tumbleweed-blowing-across-the-wide-open-desert-nothing-on-the-books days. While I thrive on schedules at work, I don't stick to rigid schedules of personal and household tasks at home very well. Still, I am happiest when I am accomplishing objectives, and a checklist of chores and tasks allowed me to do that. My summer break schedule contained just a few priorities that I had to get done each week, mostly consisting of laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning out areas of the house that hadn't been touched more than a few times during the school year. After about a month of being out of school and having had a sufficient amount of time to recharge, I started adding 1-2 school tasks per week as well. </div>
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3. Make time to interact with others.</div>
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For some of you, this isn't a problem at all. However, I am a MAJOR introvert. I crave time to myself, and once summer rolled around, if I didn't force myself to go out to see and talk to people, I could have made myself invisible for two months with no problems. I made sure to add some short trips out and about--sometimes alone and sometimes with friends or family. I also tried to catch up with friends whom I didn't get to see much during the school year. I didn't pack my days and weeks full of activities, mind you. Still no matter how much energy I had to exert, it was good for me to have interaction with people outside of e-mail and texting. </div>
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4. Read for pleasure. </div>
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It's ironic that pleasure reading for ourselves sort of falls off the radar during the school year even though we encourage our students to do it. In the summer, I visited the library just about every other week to check out books for no other reason than they looked interesting to me. And for whatever reason, I found that I really enjoyed reading children's and young adult fiction during the summer. Go figure.</div>
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5. Travel somewhere new.</div>
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Get away for a few days. See new scenery. Have fun. Learn something new. </div>
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My husband and I are true multi-taskers when we vacation. We like to go to multiple destinations when we're in the neighborhood of a lot of different historical and natural sites. It's not unheard of for us to ride a roller coaster, snorkel, and visit a Civil War battlefield all within the span of a week! As a bonus, I often insert photos and information from our trips into my lessons, which my social studies students really enjoy. </div>
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6. Increase your knowledge.</div>
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Once you're ready to dive back into the back-to-school pool, consider reading up on or taking a professional development course about a subject or area that you want to know more about. When I visited the library to get my pleasure reading books, I also picked up books about topics of study that I covered during the year. For example, I taught about American Indians in my social studies classes, and I wanted to know more about the regional groups and tribes that we learned about so I got some books about them. Psst...Want to know a secret? I LOVE to use children's nonfiction to help me understand topics in more detail! Seriously, there are so many outstanding informational books for children and young adults. They're shorter yet still packed with a ton of facts and are written in an easy-to-understand, uncomplicated way. Plus, I can add these books to my list of recommended resources if students want to know more about a topic.<br />
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Of course, summer is also a good time to take professional development courses. Traditional classroom courses have the benefit of interaction with the instructor, handouts, and a distraction-less learning environment. However, I've also enrolled in online and video courses during the summer, and I highly recommend the convenience and independence that comes along with learning this way as well.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">7. Gather ideas.</span></div>
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This makes me sound like a dinosaur, but when I was in the classroom just a few short years ago, Pinterest was a file folder I had labeled "Ideas." It was full of torn out magazine pages, Post-Its with notes scribbled on them, and lists of Web sites. Now, with a click of the mouse, you can search for and add tons of helpful, creative ideas for your curriculum and classroom to your virtual bulletin board folders within a matter of minutes. Combine Pinterest with a SmartPhone, and you can be adding ideas all day long. (Although I recommend exchanging the electronics screen for the sunscreen and getting out to get some Vitamin D!) You'll also actually have the time to create and implement some of these ideas during the summer, too. Also consider networking with other teachers locally and in cyberspace on blogs and other social media. Teachers love to share and exchange ideas (including me!). </div>
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8. Clean out your files and resources.<br />
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Whether it's your Google Drive, your travel drive, or good old-fashioned file folders, do some clean up and purging of obsolete files and resources. It seems like this task was always in the important-but-not-urgent quadrant of my to do list during the school year. Summer is a great time to clean house, pare down, and get organized. Consider selling items you aren't using. Last summer, I had a garage sale with a table full of school and teaching supplies, and by the end of the sale, 90 percent of it was gone. One teacher's trash is another teacher's treasure!<br />
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9. Reflect on the year.<br />
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We only get better when we know what needs to be improved. One of the last activities I asked my students to do during the school year is to complete surveys about subject areas, themselves, the classroom, and me as their teacher. These surveys provided some invaluable feedback and was a springboard for revamping lessons, procedures, and other elements of classroom life. I also kept a running list of notes that I jotted down throughout the year about specific activities, lessons, assessments, and procedures. When it came time to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum and classroom management, I could use these notes to make adjustments.<br />
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10. <a href="http://www.aspiretoinspireblog.com/2016/06/5-unique-learning-opportunities-that.html" target="_blank">Look for unique opportunities for next year's students.</a><br />
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How many times have you seen some cool lesson or activity just a little too late to use it or be a part of it? Use your time off in the summer to research and sign up for unique learning opportunities that you can incorporate into your class. Look into field trips, contests, or special technology that would appeal to your students. In my case, I found an opportunity to stream real-time virtual field trips to Colonial Williamsburg and special presentations about colonial topics into the classroom as part of a year-long program. Knowing about it before the school year began, I was able to apply for a grant to cover the cost at the beginning of the school year so that I could take advantage of as many trips and presentations as possible.<br />
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I've also been on the coordinating end of a learning opportunity for which I advertised for participants during the summer. For several years, I put together <a href="http://www.aspiretoinspireblog.com/2014/07/postcard-pals-recap-wrap-up-and-round.html" target="_blank">a postcard exchange</a> on my blog for classrooms around the US and Canada. I started recruiting and planning in July to have it up and running by September. (By the way, I'm thinking of doing this again so keep an eye out for news about that!) Whatever you are looking into, start checking for deadlines and application opportunities early!<br />
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What are some ideas that you have for making the summer productive both personally and professionally? Leave a comment!<br />
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Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-543996183295478622016-05-26T09:00:00.000-04:002016-05-26T10:31:45.009-04:00Keep Students Learning with Summer Scavenger Hunts<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When students walk out of your classroom on the last day of school, chances are that you may not see most of them again anytime soon. It's bittersweet. You spend a year getting to know them, and then you must send them along to the next class. However, your connections and their learning don't have to end. Here's a fun way to stay in touch with your students over the summer and encourage them to use their knowledge in practical, everyday activities: a summer photo scavenger hunt!<br />
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<b>The hunt...</b></div>
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Provide students with a list of learning tasks that they must complete over the summer. Students must document their activities with photos of themselves doing the tasks and an activity log that includes a few details about what they did. They upload photos and an activity log to a shared Google Drive. Then, you review what they submit on the Google Drive.<br />
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<b>The incentive...</b></div>
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Obviously you can't require students to complete this activity. However, there are some students who would enjoy the challenge. Some parents would appreciate the extra opportunities for their children to learn and to set and achieve goals. You can reward the effort with a gift card or small but worthwhile prize for each student who successfully completes the activity. (Tip: You may not have to pay out of pocket for prizes. Ask local companies to donate gift cards or prizes. Apply for a grant to subsidize prizes. Raise donations through a crowdfunding site.) Your incentive is maintaining relationships and encouraging learning...of course!</div>
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<b>How to do it...</b></div>
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I'm going to outline a plan for developing a summer scavenger hunt. (Keep in mind that I have an upper elementary ELA and Social Studies background so you can just as swap out activities based on the subject matter and grade level that you teach.) With just a little prep before the summer comes, you can create an easy activity for students to complete and for you to track.<br />
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<b>The technical stuff...</b></div>
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1. Setting up a Google Drive account with an editable folder<br />
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Set up a Google account specifically for scavenger hunt. If it's separate from your personal account, you needn't worry about people accessing personal information. </div>
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Next, go into Google Drive. Set up a folder with the name Scavenger Hunt. </div>
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You will have to make the folder editable so that students can upload photos. The downside to this is that anyone with the link can access the Scavenger Hunt folder. <u>However, you can show students how to make their folders private so that only you can see the photos and activity log</u>. This step addresses the issue of privacy. Once the activity is over, you can edit the privacy of the folder so that no one but you can view or edit it.<br />
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To get a shareable link for the Scavenger Hunt folder, go into the folder then to the drop down at the top of the page. Select Get Shareable Link as shown below.<br />
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So that students can upload their photos and log, choose Anyone with the Link Can Edit. Students do NOT need a Google account to upload anything if they have this link. You will need to share this link with them when you introduce the activity. (Tip: Shorten the link with bit.ly or goo.gl.) </div>
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2. Setting up private student folders<br />
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Once you have set up the editable Scavenger Hunt folder and share the link with students, they can create folders within the Scavenger Hunt folder and upload their photos and activity log. It's a good idea to create a tutorial for students about how to upload their photos and activity logs. Model how to do it so they can see an example, too. (You might want to tell them to email you if they have questions over the summer.)<br />
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Students will use the shareable link you've given them to create a folders with their names. To do this, click on the red NEW button, and choose Folder. I named mine Aspire Inspire as shown below.<br />
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Next, students need to change the privacy of their folders so that only you can see them. Students should open their folders. and at the top of the page, they should see My Drive > Scavenger Hunt > THEIR FOLDER NAME. They should click on the dropdown, and select Get Shareable Link.<br />
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When the dialogue box opens, they need to change the link sharing to OFF--Only Specific People Can Access.<br />
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Students should then click on the Advanced button at the bottom right of the screen. This is where they will see who has access.<br />
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Under Invite People, students should type in your e-mail address. Your e-mail address could be your new Google account name@gmail.com or another address if you prefer. Once students send permission to you, you will be able to access their folders to view their photos and activity logs.<br />
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3. Uploading photos and activity logs<br />
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Students will open their folders, and choose the red NEW button. They should select File Upload.<br />
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They will choose from the files on their computers.<br />
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Once the file uploads are complete, they will be able to see what is in their folders.<br />
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I recommend asking students to send you an email when they have finished the scavenger hunt so you know to be looking for their photos and activity log.<br />
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<b>Phew! Okay, now the fun stuff...</b></div>
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For this scavenger hunt, I chose very simple tasks that students more than likely either would or could do easily during the summer. The tasks are related to English-Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math concepts. Some are general, and some are based on 5th grade learning targets/standards (Math and Science):<br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">1. Join
a summer reading program at the library. If your library doesn’t have a reading
program, check out a few books to read over the summer.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">2. Use
fractions in a real-life activity.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">3. Visit
a historical site.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">4. Visit
a natural site—a landform or body of water.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">5. Visit
a cultural site or attend a cultural event such as a concert or play.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">6. Describe
in writing a fun experience that you had this summer.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i style="font-family: inherit;">7. Visit
an ecosystem in action such as a zoo or a park.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">8. Find
a spelling error on a sign or brochure, and correct it.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">9. Persuade
your parents in writing to let you do something.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><i style="font-family: inherit;">10. Plant
something—in a flower pot, in a garden, or elsewhere—and show that plants get
the food they need from the air and water.</i><br />
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Next, I created the following documents to give to students before the end of school:<br />
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1. A printable task list with general instructions;<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://goo.gl/04rZF1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA3ztV1hGvtbba76auTwmapa21Pb6opHJmUms5RZIGfvJtTqFfi4Exq4Wx8CpyZj1WW79KtjzSW2GqgT_YGa0G6gBaD04W1hY_i9OCy1kiZFxOACza1XovOSwaDHurFqEsmm3f2Y3TAM/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/04rZF1" target="_blank">I did not share the link to the Google Drive on this. That would have to be shared verbally.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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2. A set of caption cards that students hold in each corresponding photo; and<br />
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3. An activity log for students in which to detail their activities.<br />
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<b>Some reminders and suggestions</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Choose reasonable and appropriate tasks that most students can do. The idea is to make this activity flexible and accessible to as many students as possible.</li>
<li>Post the activity documents in the Scavenger Hunt folder on the Google Drive.</li>
<li>Remind students to hold the corresponding caption card with the date each activity is completed in the photos they take.</li>
<li>For the writing tasks, ask students to show the finished piece of writing in the photo. </li>
<li>Give examples of places to look for spelling errors (#8)--advertisements, news articles, brochures, signs, etc.</li>
<li>If there is signage at any of the places students visit, encourage them to take a photo in front of it.</li>
<li>While students may take a few different photos, ask them to limit uploading to one photo of each activity. If you have 10 activities, they should have 11 artifacts in their folders (10 photos plus the activity log).</li>
<li>For the activity log, give students options to complete it: editing a PDF, scanning and uploading the completed log, or taking a photo of the completed log and uploading it. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Feel free to use the documents I created for this scavenger hunt! Just please keep the copyright/source info on all pages. Find them <a href="https://goo.gl/04rZF1" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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I would love to hear if you implement such a hunt in your class or if you try out the plan I suggested. Leave a comment!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-83378484614217942522016-05-18T10:30:00.000-04:002016-05-18T10:30:56.635-04:00Friendship Resources and Activities Link-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's been a while since I've done a link-up, and variety is the spice of blog life, right?</div>
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This week (May 15-21) is New Friends, Old Friends Week, which is a time to celebrate and make time for new friends and old friends. Friends are such an important part of the lives of our students. We need to encourage them to be good friends by showing them how to connect with one another in encouraging, trustworthy, and fun-loving ways. </div>
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This week's blog post is a link-up of FREE classroom resources that you can use to promote friendship in the intermediate classroom. If you have one, share it here. If you're searching for one, find it here. Can't wait to see what creative activities are out there! Leave a comment about how you plan to use them.<br />
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The resource I'm sharing is a sample from Today I Will...Daily Character Building Task Cards. The prompts on these cards encourage students to practice character traits of good friends: selflessness, compassion, kindness, and more. Many friendship resources are geared toward primary students, and I've designed these cards for upper elementary/intermediate students so they require a little more intention and thinking by students.<br />
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It doesn't hurt to revisit older blog posts when they're full of good stuff that you can use today! This one is about how to incorporate student surveys in your end-of-the-year activities as a way for students to reflect and for you to get feedback on how the year went. </div>
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Survey Says...Meaningful Student Reflections on Their Learning, the Classroom, and You!</div>
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About this time every school year, I offer my students an opportunity to reflect on the year as a whole using surveys. I created surveys for the subjects I taught--reading, English, spelling, writing, and social studies--as well as one about the classroom atmosphere, one about me as the teacher, and one about them as students. This is one of my favorite end-of-the-year activities. I know how I feel after each lesson, unit, and activity, keeping notes about what worked and what didn't as well as future ideas for tweaking. It's really interesting and helpful, though, to get the perspective of the students.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXo9qO6BilN57_ZFOXtbDPDRRZBfisZbdGFIxrUaxQDwHa-XmNmuSjM3Nd-VRn0oGE6s6RMo6IbOcIJAMep86M_tn8lJoFfd85q5Xw1u65PHWbbw1KPErB13apvyAHMVcsmnjlcRigMk/s1600/lang+arts+survey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXo9qO6BilN57_ZFOXtbDPDRRZBfisZbdGFIxrUaxQDwHa-XmNmuSjM3Nd-VRn0oGE6s6RMo6IbOcIJAMep86M_tn8lJoFfd85q5Xw1u65PHWbbw1KPErB13apvyAHMVcsmnjlcRigMk/s1600/lang+arts+survey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I first created the surveys, they were open-ended in nature. I have fine-tuned them in subsequent years to include a mix of open-ended and Likert scale questions to get a better overall picture of students' thoughts.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Survey-and-Reflections-Activity" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsq5OFB6ScK1zfq1iNWWenLKuk9rI-cr7LyJADLjSnJLmGxJjmaEhq_tduvBjY3IycNP3RgSs5diwI5voRqc_PjpfEUhQkOIyzxgDgMM1V0U1_WG07GQxeT1hJzpDiu_dYCw5Ly9rggU/s1600/Reading+survey.png" width="301" /></a><span id="goog_1757657780"></span><span id="goog_1757657781"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1757657769"></span>The questions I ask tie in to one of my goals of teaching, which is to show students how to take responsibility for their own learning. I ask questions about their favorite lessons, activities, books, and assignments that we did, as well as those with which they had trouble. I also ask them how they felt in the class. Were they engaged? Were they challenged? Was material too easy, too hard, or just right? I ask them to list specific strategies, ideas, of facts they learned as well.</div>
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I make sure to include the word "BECAUSE" in every one of the open-ended questions. For one thing, it helps explain the first part of the answer. Another reason is that is gets the students used to supporting their opinions with details. I learned early on to structure the questions so that specific answers had to be given. That way, I avoided the "nothing" and "everything" answers.</div>
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My surveys are also written to empower the students. I want to show them that I value them and that it's possible for them to help me be a better teacher through their suggestions. In every survey, I ask them to name a specific lesson, topic, or activity that could use improvement and how it could be improved. I also ask them about their experiences with me as their teacher. Am I fair? How do I make them feel? Do they think I care about them as students and people? How do they know if I'm listening to them? If I'm not listening to them?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Survey about having me as a teacher</td></tr>
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When presenting this activity, I tell students they should feel free to be honest and that it is not necessary to put their names on the surveys. I also assure them that the surveys will not impact their grades. I stress the importance of being aware that there's always room for improvement. A couple of rules about answers that I give are that students cannot write, "Nothing" or "Everything," and they must answer every question. I allow them as much time as they need to complete the surveys and encourage them to take their time in completing them. Students can use their binders, folders, textbooks, agendas, and anything else that helps them to remember what we've covered during the year. The class completes one survey at a time so that students can be thoughtful in their answers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ4enjVgQcfeOHkKCV_fpOd7zPePW8rvlge_PEaDBSnDPq1F7Nxow2f_pcQ5vBnpDeVC5UUrn-Vpaix08Nn8AoKl6hmCO6e1VGsYysf8USbRoWTJMX9kmfuPaTE7ADwkS0BV5WaKsJsc/s1600/myself+survey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ4enjVgQcfeOHkKCV_fpOd7zPePW8rvlge_PEaDBSnDPq1F7Nxow2f_pcQ5vBnpDeVC5UUrn-Vpaix08Nn8AoKl6hmCO6e1VGsYysf8USbRoWTJMX9kmfuPaTE7ADwkS0BV5WaKsJsc/s1600/myself+survey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-survey for students</td></tr>
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I read every survey, taking note of repeating themes in the answers. I've been surprised a few times about what has been a favorite and what has been a dud. I even pull a few of particularly positive ones to put in my "When You're Sad" folder. (I read the items in this folder if I've had a bad day!) This activity is so wonderful for teaching students about the importance of reflection, but it is also a great way to be the self-reflective teacher that I need to be so that I can be the best teacher I can be. </div>
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Looking to incorporate student surveys in your classroom? Save some time creating them with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Survey-and-Reflections-Activity-659527" target="_blank">these</a>.</div>
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How do you get feedback about how the year went from your students? Leave a comment!</div>
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Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-43742201354112345612016-05-06T10:02:00.001-04:002016-05-06T10:02:19.155-04:00Meaningful Ways for Students to Observe Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Holiday celebrations in the classroom can be epic, don't you think? I see so many creative lesson ideas, crafts, and activities for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and other big-time holidays that you could probably dedicate a whole month for each of them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg5-0WYAeLVgOn6tNPoIZAui4xSF5y4cZ5B1fIS_KSS_2iLGO7tnj42douRMf6QKxaQDxI2pA71hlQQhR5-QrVvc8zom6cdGpQk_Q02ta4kOzWvAVBByRthVMssyttPaBHQ5LiX6meu4/s1600/Holidaysintheclassroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg5-0WYAeLVgOn6tNPoIZAui4xSF5y4cZ5B1fIS_KSS_2iLGO7tnj42douRMf6QKxaQDxI2pA71hlQQhR5-QrVvc8zom6cdGpQk_Q02ta4kOzWvAVBByRthVMssyttPaBHQ5LiX6meu4/s320/Holidaysintheclassroom.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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When the school year runs from August to May, though, there are some major holidays just don't get the love they deserve, especially a few important patriotic observances in the USA. If we are to encourage citizenship and a responsibility to preserve freedom among our students, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day definitely deserve some attention from us as part of the curriculum. Even though school might not be session on the days they're observed, we can still teach our students how to honor them, which is where the featured freebie in this week's blog post comes in.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-What-Do-You-Know-Memorial-Day-Flag-Day-and-Independence-Day-704949" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3EMTxR0Ajr-PeyxF4prNqxjLyvR0erCFLf_gUZ0o8n_Lpc5W4GRqcAexyKdZ8FmudPrbpeIUeHqnfcetBJi9G-yzvEwiVRF8eejFp1KWqnvCrcOWPSraHkddoro9oAzEcSHiNZsyoVA/s320/Summer+Patriotic+Holidays+Cover.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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One of the first resources I ever shared on Teachers Pay Teachers was an free activity called "What Do You Know About Veterans' Day?" It was a simple 5-question quiz that was meant to activate prior knowledge or supplement a reading or discussion about the holiday. From there, I created the similar activities for seven other patriotic holidays, including Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day, that I've also shared for free with teachers. In recent weeks, I've started to update these older resources and even beef them up with more content to make them even more attractive and useful to teachers. The major addition to them is a printable list of ways that students can thoughtfully observe the holidays. Believe me. I love a big, fun family cookout and jaw-dropping fireworks show just as much as anyone else, but there are so many deeper, more personal opportunities to connect to these holidays that we can share with our students. After all, isn't that our goal--to empower our students to do something meaningful with the knowledge they have? </div>
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So here are some ideas to encourage students to thoughtfully participate in Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day on their own and with their families and friends. You can download these along with the 5-question quizzes for each holiday using the link that follows or by clicking on the images. Everything is free! </div>
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<b><i>Memorial Day</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-What-Do-You-Know-Memorial-Day-Flag-Day-and-Independence-Day-704949" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsMeZ0uB3rtbPRlZ2AHtxY26SLYBJ25rSEtMmTKUR5gIYKRVyWBY98ObOWFDjucPxO1sA7HzkGkCbLS3YssCjN-zCTs76NC0z3I0AmAtzxcVVCU_jTPUVJLbHDPHHHqA3wI60BbvaIas/s320/Slide6.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank a veteran or active service member.
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe you have a family or friend who has served or is
serving in the military. Take a moment to say “thank you”
for his or her service.
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Visit a war memorial or statue.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Statues and memorials honoring fallen military men and
women are found in many cities. Visit one. T</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ake time to reflect on the sacrifices men and
women throughout history made to protect the
country’s freedom—and your own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Attend a Memorial Day ceremony or service.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many towns, cities, and organizations hold ceremonies to
remember the ultimate sacrifices paid by servicemen and
women. Go listen to special speakers, music, and tributes
honoring fallen military men and women.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Attend a Memorial Day parade.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Show your gratitude to servicemen and women by
attending a parade. Wave, salute, or just silently consider
the sacrifices these men and women and others have made
on your behalf.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Volunteer to decorate military graves.
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A Memorial Day tradition is to place American flags on the
graves of military men and women. Contact a local
cemetery to find out who does this and get in touch with
the organization to volunteer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read a book or watch a film about Memorial Day
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Learn more about the history of this solemn day by
reading a book or watching a film about it. Share what you
learn with family and friends. </span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Flag Day</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-What-Do-You-Know-Memorial-Day-Flag-Day-and-Independence-Day-704949" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOTgLRSA85zUqnZYg_XcSLGLgqijrptnn_VZbX27dlyyB6b1ILqO6AiThxC8BPJ5HlOYUQP4T_XuKHCI8wmQzXw5xrGYB0vZPnEygHA77b4ctXJ-PUknkI-fbk_wE2hvfJlNjMeZL3Ic/s320/Slide6.jpg" width="240" /></a><b style="font-family: inherit;">Display an American flag.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether it’s a large one hung from a flag pole, a small one
displayed in a window, or tiny one pinned to your shirt, you
can honor the Stars and Stripes by exhibiting a flag.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Read the Flag Code.
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you know that there are special rules about how to
handle and observe the flag? Read up on the Flag Code,
which explains how to care for and show respect to the
American flag.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Attend a Flag Day ceremony.
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many organizations hold ceremonies to mark the birthday
of the American flag. Pay tribute by listening to special
speakers and patriotic music that honors the flag.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wear red, white, and blue.
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is easy! Dress in patriotic colors to match the
colors of the American flag. Research the meaning of each
color on the flag.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Enter an art, music, or essay contest about the flag.
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Research some opportunities to creatively honor the flag
through art, music, or writing.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Listen to the Star-Spangled Banner
(and read the lyrics).</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you know that there is more than one verse in the
national anthem? Read all the verses and listen to a
recording of it. Reflect on what the flag meant to Francis
Scott Key when he wrote this song in 1814 and what it
means to you today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Independence Day</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-What-Do-You-Know-Memorial-Day-Flag-Day-and-Independence-Day-704949" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluvV7nrvUJkS9YuIVUYuC-HAawzKbYvwGtPDW6WGcWwvcCPbZhVcyeRSyUu-YlozxZF5DarXeXY2ITTSG7a4U2QCMhY13tDyussKcdtzDk3dDxmLQ36gBYglYe7CYXUIoYHUjIvNnEhM/s320/Independence+Day+Ideas.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Display an American flag.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Commemorate the birthday of the United States by showing a
symbol of it—big or small!
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read the Declaration of Independence.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This short but important document officially created the United
States as a new and separate nation, no longer under the rule of
a king who mistreated his colonial subjects. Read about the
rights endowed to all people that are the basis of the freedoms
we have.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read what happened to the signers of the Declaration.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The decision to separate from Great Britain was not an easy one
for many colonists. Patriots and their families risked much and
faced danger for voicing their beliefs. Research some of the
names on the Declaration of Independence to find out what
these men endured after putting their names on this document.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Attend an Independence Day parade.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join family, neighbors, and other community members to the
celebrate the United States’ independence as you enjoy music,
floats—and maybe even a little candy!
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reflect on how freedom impacts your life.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of us have never experienced oppression in the way that
the American colonists did or the way that even people today in
countries with little to no freedoms do. Think about how your
life has been impacted by the freedom in this country and how
you can preserve freedom for future generations.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Attend a fireworks display.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Independence Day is an event to celebrate by taking part in fun
activities like fireworks. If you’re lucky, you may even get to
hear a patriotic soundtrack as you watch the show!
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can download these printable lists along with the quizzes <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-What-Do-You-Know-Memorial-Day-Flag-Day-and-Independence-Day-704949" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have suggestions to add? Leave a comment!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIcJZk0q1-vFYwKJEwUhhFSzBZDbGYkXWsJprXsSlp7NjUT9zPBGKQ3uzqrCPEl028OFJMtyDhUJcqJ5F-gz8i_Rkb2RzlxNiTpkNe9SPMqB3wOo0NVso76LVjC5QmPJtrSfJRLBkXGI/s1600/Observing+Patriotic+Holidays.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Meaningful Ways for Students to Observe Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIcJZk0q1-vFYwKJEwUhhFSzBZDbGYkXWsJprXsSlp7NjUT9zPBGKQ3uzqrCPEl028OFJMtyDhUJcqJ5F-gz8i_Rkb2RzlxNiTpkNe9SPMqB3wOo0NVso76LVjC5QmPJtrSfJRLBkXGI/s320/Observing+Patriotic+Holidays.png" title="Meaningful Ways for Students to Observe Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a>Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-6928742789316229812016-04-27T15:17:00.000-04:002016-04-27T16:49:30.192-04:00101 Questions That All Teachers Should Ask About Their Jobs (Updated April 2016)<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the school year is coming to a close for many teachers, the season of hiring, retiring, and reassigning is getting into full swing. Some of you may be undertaking a new position soon, and planning for a <u>new</u> school year in a <u>new</u> room with a <u>new</u> curriculum in a <u>new</u> school or district...well, that's a lot of news to cover!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where is...? Who does...? When should...? How does...? <br />
Inquiring teacher minds want to know!</td></tr>
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This week, I'm updating a popular post from 2013 in which I listed 101 questions that all teachers should know about workplace policies, procedures, and other helpful information related to their employment expectations. If you're like me, you want to learn the ropes of a new position as soon as possible. The more I know, the more confidence I have, and I know that makes me better teacher to my students. For those of you who are facing new work places, spaces, and faces soon, I hope this post will be a time-saving and confidence-building resource for you as well. Even if you haven't secured a teaching position yet, these questions would also be useful for job interviews as well. As a bonus, you'll find a FREE printable version of these questions at the end of the post!<br />
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<i>Original Post from July 2013</i></div>
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When I started my first teaching job, I had the opportunity to sit in on the class of the teacher whom I was replacing. When I walked out, I had literally 10 pages of notes and questions about the processes and procedures of the classroom and the school. This is definitely my personality when it comes to dealing with new and unfamiliar situations. I have to know as much as I can about how everything works so that I feel as comfortable and confident as possible (translation = possible control issues). The "newbie" stage is always awkward and full of anxiety for me, so the faster I can learn the ropes and get with the program, the better!</div>
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One of the best things about having your own classroom is that you are the expert. As the teacher, you figure out how you want things to work in your classroom. However, outside of your classroom, there are policies, procedures, and information that you need to know to help you function as an employee of a school and district--especially if you are a new teacher, have been reassigned, or have moved to a new job elsewhere. Teaching is unique in that there often isn't a training period like other jobs. You're hired, the year starts, and you hold on for dear life. Every school and district is different, so even student teaching or your previous teaching positions can only prepare you so much. Teaching is a lot of on-the-job training. You may not even know you have a question until a situation that requires an answer comes up.</div>
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Here are 101 questions to which teachers, as staff, should know the answers. I've divided them up into categories for easier reference. Maybe you've asked these, or maybe they've yet to come up. It's my hope that these are useful in many ways--asking them during a job interview, preparing for a new job or reassignment, or even just brushing up. </div>
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<b>LESSON PLANS</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>1. What is the lesson plan format?<br />
2. How detailed should lesson plans be?<br />
3.When are lesson plans due?<br />
4. Who should get copies of lesson plans?<br />
5. How should lesson plans be submitted?</div>
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<b>CURRICULUM</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>6. On what standards is the curriculum based? <br />
7. Is there a curriculum map in place?<br />
8. Do I have to teach certain material at certain times of the year?<br />
9. What flexibility do I have in creating curriculum?<br />
10. What textbooks are used?<br />
11. What supplemental materials are used?<br />
12. Is there a contact person for curriculum questions?<br />
13. Are we permitted to take students on field trips?<br />
14. If so, what are the conditions of these field trips?<br />
15. Is there a department or grade-level chairperson?<br />
16. What opportunities are available for cross-curricular teaching?<br />
17. What opportunities are available for team teaching?<br />
18. Am I permitted to purchase supplemental materials such as weekly news magazines or class sets of books?<br />
19. Are there departmental or grade level meetings?<br />
20. How often are these meetings?<br />
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<b>ASSESSMENTS</b></div>
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21. Are students assessed for grade-level benchmarks at specific times of the year?<br />
22. If so, who creates these assessments?<br />
23. What types of grade or school-wide assessments are given?<br />
24. Which subjects or skills do these assessments cover?<br />
25. When are the assessments?<br />
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<b>GRADES</b></div>
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26. What is the grading scale?<br />
27. Where and how are grades kept (a computer program, a grade book)?<br />
28. How often do grades need to be updated?<br />
29. What is the grade card schedule?<br />
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<b>SCHEDULE</b></div>
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30. What daily hours am I required to be at school?<br />
31. What does my daily and weekly schedule look like?<br />
32. When are my prep periods?<br />
34. Will I have an aide available to assist me?<br />
35. During what time of the day will an aide be available to me?<br />
36. When do students arrive in the morning?<br />
37. When do students leave in the afternoon?<br />
38. Is there a schedule of assemblies, parties, and other special events for the year?<br />
39. What weekly or monthly meetings can I expect to have in my schedule?<br />
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<b>DUTIES</b></div>
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40. Do I have additional duties?<br />
41. How often are those duties?<br />
42. What are my responsibilities?</div>
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<b>PARENT COMMUNICATION</b><br />
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43. What school-sponsored parent communication goes out?<br />
44. Are monthly class newsletters or the like required?<br />
45. Is there a procedure for handling hostile parents?<br />
46. Is there a standardized documentation form for all parent communication?<br />
47. When are parent-teacher conferences?</div>
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<b>ROOM DÉCOR</b><br />
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48. When am I allowed into the classroom to set it up?<br />
49. What materials must be visible in my room?<br />
50. Are there constraints about where posters and other materials may be hung or placed?<br />
51. Are there materials or items that are not permitted in the classroom?<br />
52. Do I need to supply paperwork for any materials or items I bring in for my classroom?</div>
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<b>SUPPLIES</b><br />
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53. Is there money available for me to purchase supplies, or can I be reimbursed?<br />
54. What is the procedure for purchase orders?<br />
55. Are there common supplies that can be used by all teachers?<br />
56. If so, where can I get those supplies?<br />
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<b>TECHNOLOGY</b></div>
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57. How do I set up my e-mail?<br />
58. How do I set up my voice mail?<br />
59. How do I use the copier?<br />
60. Are there student computers in my classroom?<br />
61. Is there a school computer lab?<br />
62. How do I schedule time in the lab for my class?<br />
63. What other technology is available to me for instructional use?<br />
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<b>PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT</b></div>
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64. What professional development does the district provide?<br />
65. Does the district provide professional development days for me to attend seminars, conferences, etc.?<br />
66. What is the process for getting approval for professional development course work?<br />
67. Is there reimbursement for expenses? What can be reimbursed?<br />
68. Is a mentor teacher available to me?<br />
69. Who is my contact person for professional development questions?</div>
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<b>SUBSTITUTES</b></div>
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70. How do I request a substitute?</div>
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71. What am I responsible for providing the substitute?<br />
72. What is the district’s philosophy on having a substitute in the classroom?<br />
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<b>SPECIAL EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES</b><br />
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73. What support services are available?<br />
74. With whom will I work in respect to special education students?<br />
75. What is the referral process for special education and additional support services?<br />
76. What is the IEP process?</div>
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<b>SPECIALS</b><br />
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77. In which specials will my class participate?<br />
78. What are the procedures and policies I need to know about in those specials?</div>
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<b>PERSONNEL AND STAFF PROCEDURES</b><br />
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79. What is the procedure for requesting time off?<br />
80. Is there a call chain for delays, cancellations, and other important information?<br />
81. What is the procedure for addressing a maintenance need?<br />
82. What is the procedure for addressing a technology need?<br />
83. Are there regular staff meetings?<br />
84. Is there a staff contract with procedures, policies, etc. available to me?<br />
85. Am I required to join the teachers' union if there is one?<br />
86. What is the dress code for staff?<br />
87. What are the procedures for emergency situations?<br />
88. Where do I take my class during an emergency if we are not in our room?<br />
89. Are there grant opportunities available to teachers?<br />
90. How can I access my classroom during non-school hours and weekends?</div>
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<b>SCHOOL PROCEDURES</b><br />
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91. What are arrival procedures for students when come into school?<br />
92. What are dismissal procedures for students when they leave school?<br />
93. What is the school- or district-wide discipline plan?<br />
94. What are the procedures for students as they travel outside of the classroom and through the building?</div>
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<b>TEACHER EVALUATIONS</b><br />
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95. What is the teacher evaluation process here?<br />
96. Will I be observed in the classroom? <br />
97. Who will observe me and how often?</div>
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<b>STUDENT INFORMATION</b></div>
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98. Where are student files located?<br />
99. How long should I keep my own student files?</div>
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<b>COMMUNICATION WITH PRINCIPAL</b><br />
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100. What is the best way to contact my principal?<br />
101. When is the best time to contact my principal?<br />
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Click on the image or <a href="https://goo.gl/NhV79I" target="_blank">here</a> for a FREE printable version of these questions.<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/NhV79I" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftSgHgpdHJLk2QbeBrurmPXP6qScxSLXAyUizLyxbswOA30Vq2FPlWVq2fF5RUlrDo3JwAt6I557i6zDuJ42-qsRIa4oi8YPDoMf-5cZAdPvB3svWM3J1nwPpbSA-AWUJ4FpPNGhIJAQ/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Are there other questions that you think teachers should know? Leave them in a comment below!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjSkhJK0HktudolB3pGCw9-M0_gfSmKInanrU0NjMBlWvNmK1rgMYCGsK6YzdT7TN7osZEcfEYsWxTUSkh0cz36LsyeUD54ElUD2ZwVjNaVMbO6GVqSh4iA0kvcyVikwNFHdMRYK3mmk/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjSkhJK0HktudolB3pGCw9-M0_gfSmKInanrU0NjMBlWvNmK1rgMYCGsK6YzdT7TN7osZEcfEYsWxTUSkh0cz36LsyeUD54ElUD2ZwVjNaVMbO6GVqSh4iA0kvcyVikwNFHdMRYK3mmk/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a></div>
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Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-66260061263584339232016-04-20T12:00:00.000-04:002016-04-20T12:24:01.770-04:00Resource Round-Up: Motivating Students During Standardized Testing<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkL81n9kfHMfW2vpErx6X9hvCorG_tY2w86xdsOml5D7TKLoNuhDejH_eB0AjCaJlTcGwmPHYLZWGmj7topy2eILf1erWJAtI2XN58pZghTcdZlDqPFaVg_8oA8TDbsNwq9OUJFpkrrts/s1600/test-986769_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="Standardized test" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkL81n9kfHMfW2vpErx6X9hvCorG_tY2w86xdsOml5D7TKLoNuhDejH_eB0AjCaJlTcGwmPHYLZWGmj7topy2eILf1erWJAtI2XN58pZghTcdZlDqPFaVg_8oA8TDbsNwq9OUJFpkrrts/s320/test-986769_1920.jpg" title="Standardized test" width="320" /></a></div>
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The material has been taught. Testing strategies have been reviewed. Number 2 pencils have been sharpened. The name and test ID bubbles on the answer page have been filled in completely (making sure to erase all marks outside the circles). It's time for state testing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9g3tdAyy3cUhiMgfCJpFEz3Y4KP7WuJqKx6hI0f5XJ-ZLDDpbXh0qoCXjYh-AgUuE_oAcqjxxRibTRleR5nPsBr3l3JEuFVRtzRLWJB35fG5QOdpsI3bbFwdrush_C2SiGOg-LU6WvBg/s1600/bored-16811_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="Upper elementary and middle school student" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9g3tdAyy3cUhiMgfCJpFEz3Y4KP7WuJqKx6hI0f5XJ-ZLDDpbXh0qoCXjYh-AgUuE_oAcqjxxRibTRleR5nPsBr3l3JEuFVRtzRLWJB35fG5QOdpsI3bbFwdrush_C2SiGOg-LU6WvBg/s320/bored-16811_1920.jpg" title="Upper elementary and middle school student" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most of my students never seemed to be too anxious about test-taking. Maybe it was because they were older. Maybe it was just "old hat" to them. They had other testing issues that needed to be addressed. My 5th grade teaching team focused on three areas to help students get through testing:</div>
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<b>1. Building stamina </b></div>
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Standardized test are long. There are a lot of questions, and the time period for each test requires superhuman attention spans. This means that even when students finish them, they still have to stay quiet and seated until the allotted test time passes. Our students also took tests just as the weather was turning nice so kids were chomping at the bit to get outside after test-taking. To help get our students accustomed to test length and encourage them to maintain focus during such long assessments, we created half-length exams for each subject, which we administered one or two times during the year, using previous years' questions that had been released by the state. After grading the tests (a completion grade most of the time), we'd spend time each week to go over each question with the students. In the end, we thought it did help some students to endure such a long period of focus. </div>
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<b>2. Familiarizing students with format</b></div>
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It was important that students had some exposure to the testing format and language before the actual tests so that nothing was shocking or confusing to them when they tested for real. Therefore, the teaching team would incorporate testing language and question format into the assessments for our regular content material. For example, on tests and quizzes, we'd use multiple choice with bubbles, short answer questions, and constructed response questions, all modeled after the types and structures of questions we had seen on previous years' tests. Another way we familiarized students was to use sample passages to model how to do close reads and respond to the questions about the passages. The feedback we received from students is that it did help them as they tested.</div>
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<b>3. Motivating students</b></div>
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By 5th grade, our students got that they weren't being graded on the test, nor did it determine whether they'd move on to the next grade or not. So how do you encourage students with nothing to lose or gain to do their best? In an ideal situation, intrinsic motivation would run rampant among students, but that's just not realistic. We used a valuable resource at our school--the swimming pool--as motivation for the students. Once test results arrived in the summer, our guidance counselor planned a pool party for all students who passed at least one of the tests. She'd send invitations to their homes, provide a tasty picnic lunch and cold treats, and set up outdoor games to play. Students really enjoyed it, and the looks on the faces of children who struggled academically throughout the year but persevered during state testing were priceless!</div>
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In honor of state testing season, this week's resource round-up is all about free and creative ideas to motivate students in preparation for standardized testing. It's clear from all of the options out there that teachers really care about encouraging their students, and I think that helps!<br />
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Before I get to this week's list of resources, though, I thought I'd share what some of my colleagues on Teachers Pay Teachers had to say when I asked them for their best test prep advice for students. </div>
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<i>Some of it is mental:</i></div>
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<a href="http://theeslconnection.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">ESL Nexus</a> said:</div>
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"I told my students to be sure and get a good night's sleep on the nights before tests and, also, to go sleep saying to themselves over and over, "I will do well. I will do well." I'd read that the power of positive thinking really worked as you were falling asleep, and if you fell asleep thinking you would do well on a test, then you were more likely to actually do well on it." </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Counselorchelsey" target="_blank">Counselor Chelsey</a> said:</div>
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"I think the best advice to just to remind kids that they know the material! Tests can be so daunting, especially because they are often a different format than the traditional classroom tests, but reminding students that they have all of the knowledge in their brain to do well on the test! I think that helps students feel more confident and less intimidated!"</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mary-Carr" target="_blank">Mary Carr</a> shared:</div>
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"I have made fortune cookies for students with fortunes specially written to encourage test-takers. Kids love the special messages from their teacher."</div>
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<i>Some of it is strategic:</i></div>
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Renee from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoularteShare2Learn/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Share2Learn</a> said:</div>
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"I always told my 2nd and 3rd graders to just relax and do your best. That was after I told them that the people who write the tests are trying to trick them, and sometimes more than one answer will seem okay so just go with the one that seems best."</div>
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<i>Some of it is physical:</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Advanced-Instruction-Resources" target="_blank">Advanced Instruction Resources</a> offered:</div>
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"I tell the kids to try their best and show what you know. The class will get back to "regular" instruction after it's finished. I try to include many different brain breaks and activities between tests. The kids are completely drained so they need to get out of their seats and move around between tests."</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.teacherink.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Renee of Teacher Ink</a> said:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Run in place for three </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">minutes beforehand, and make silly, crazy faces...afterward."</span></span></div>
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<i>And some of it just puts the whole testing business </i></div>
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<i>into a much-needed, </i><i>humorous perspective:</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://desktoplearningadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pamela Kranz of Desktop Learning Adventures</a> shared</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px; text-align: justify;">:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15px;">"The sun will come up tomorrow. Your friends will still like you. Your parents will still love you. And your pets will still enjoy cuddle time with you--unless your pets are fish."</span></div>
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There you have it. So here is this week's resource round-up. As usual, these suggestions are geared toward upper elementary and middle school students but can be creatively adapted for other grades as well. Without further ado, here we go....</div>
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<b>Read a book aloud to students.</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.moretime2teach.com/2013/04/crunch-time-motivation.html" target="_blank">Melissa at More Time 2 Teach</a> shares how she uses the book <u>The Big Test </u>by Julie Danneberg to relieve students' jitters and help them to see that testing isn't all bad. A quick search brings up other read-alouds that fit the theme of testing, too!</div>
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<b>Adapt the test environment.</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/keep-stress-down-motivation-during-standardized-tests" target="_blank">Scholastic offers several ideas</a> to keep stress low and motivation high for middle school students in this article, but my favorite is creating a comfortable, home-like environment for students before and while they test. </div>
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<b>Keep students active.</b></div>
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During test breaks, we'd let students stand up, stretch, and do silent jumping jacks to help them refocus. <a href="http://www.neamb.com/professional-resources/7-expert-ideas-to-boost-test-time-motivation.htm" target="_blank">This article from the National Education Association</a> shares something similar as well as other ideas for keeping students focused when attention spans are short. </div>
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<b>Use music.</b></div>
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This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1xJHYJ75Ok&feature=share" target="_blank">music video</a> starring 5th grade students at Centennial Arts Academy is so good! Sung to the tune of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," students sing about their "Test-Taker Face." If you're brave enough, maybe YOU could direct your students in a music video of their own!</div>
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<b>Write a letter to your students.</b></div>
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<a href="http://mashable.com/2016/03/01/standardized-test-teachers-note/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link#sX1W80ZvUsqV" target="_blank">This letter</a> from a teacher to her students reminds me of a question that I saw posted on Facebook: Name one thing that standardized tests <u>cannot</u> measure about students. </div>
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<b>Use humor.</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiuLlPs4Gh8&list=PL65A351C802E912A3&index=4&feature=plpp_video" target="_blank">Check out this video</a> based on the Hunger Games made by 6th graders at a Connecticut middle school as they prepare to "show everything they know."</div>
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<b>Invoke a success mindset.</b></div>
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Building intrinsic motivation in students sounds like a daunting task. We can't get inside their minds to make them care. <a href="http://www.middleweb.com/6406/ethical-effective-test-prep/" target="_blank">Larry Ferlazzo writes for MiddleWeb</a> about having students make personal connections with success. One activity is to write about an ancestor who had success in his or her life immediately prior to a test. Research shows that writing and sharing about a genetic relative who possessed qualities that led to achievement helps students to believe that they also possess characteristics that will make them successful. </div>
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<b>Offer sweet treats.</b></div>
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Okay, this one isn't exactly free, but it doesn't cost much. (And shhh...a basic tenet of teaching that no one likes to admit is that students almost always respond to the promise of candy.) <a href="http://www.rundesroom.com/2015/01/some-sweet-testing-encouragement.html" target="_blank">Jen at Runde's Room</a> provides some cute ideas and printables for providing little treats to sweeten testing season. </div>
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<b>Roll out a special welcome mat.</b></div>
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I thought this was a fun idea provided by <a href="http://www.themiddleschoolcounselor.com/2013/04/day-1-of-ela-testing-more-organization.html" target="_blank">Carol Miller at the Middle School Counselor</a>. Write encouraging messages in sidewalk chalk outside of the doors of the school. </div>
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<b>Decorate for success.</b></div>
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When I was in marching band in high school, our section members would take turns making locker signs for everyone to pump us up for weekend competitions. (Yes, we got excited about competitions. Hey, we were good and liked to win. If you can't relate to marching band, I'm sure you've seen similar signs for athletes on their lockers. Just bear with me here....) Consider making a bulletin board that emphasizes and encourages individual students. Just make sure you it doesn't have anything you have cover up come testing day! I saw some cool ideas at <a href="https://smartchickteacher.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/rock-the-test/" target="_blank">Smartchick Teacher</a> and <a href="http://nerdyteacherconfessions.edublogs.org/" target="_blank">Nerdy Teacher Confessions</a>.</div>
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You know your students best. You can tell what motivates them and what needs you must address to put them in the best position to do well. Here's hoping that these suggestions will help you do just that!</div>
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Have another suggestion? Leave a comment!</div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a></span>Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-31844469470888690142016-04-13T12:00:00.000-04:002016-04-18T23:14:23.222-04:00FREE Design a T-Shirt Book Reponse Project<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Wednesday to you followers, fans, and freebie-lovers! </div>
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I've been working on a freebie that I plan to release later this week on Teachers Pay Teachers and want to share it with you as an exclusive. No need to log in to anything. It's just a simple download to say thanks for coming by!</div>
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<a href="https://goo.gl/QppejX" target="_blank"><img alt="Design a T-Shirt Freebie" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-urwwTFzBHMgBw6rNNESPetp50WldEcqw8LWz0OmQtW6h3pwbYB0ziGgZxopaW3KRnP2efT_k-2SoTRaEX5JyKsoayTD0OMyJ-t-1oGDKonXrP00cRYphE3HfUpAgxAnH8k_50TM-Zgo/s320/DesignaTshirt_page_01.jpg" title="Design a T-Shirt Freebie" width="240" /></a></div>
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This Design a T-Shirt Book Response Project is a creative alternative to traditional book reports because let's face it: Book reports can be boring for students to do and boring for teachers to grade. Students will choose a scene or character from the book to illustrate on their t-shirts. Then, they write a project description of what they illustrated and why it is important to the story. </div>
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This resource includes everything you and your students need to make a t-shirt all about a book. Just add a plain t-shirt and fabric markers or paint!</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Detailed project description and requirements</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://goo.gl/QppejX" target="_blank"><img alt="Design a T-Shirt Template" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFbXw2QQ7Y2NlW5gzu7rV30yVSpilcCuH9Y4BV8P4RgDSPbTDUv6EKheWVaRwuVvFrUZD0RQmgbtR_LQNG9gnX9K_SPO-69FfzwoRJonY12AWxcP3EaZpIfBtEiUIcR8g3nwUKvJTuSQ/s320/DesignaTshirt_page_07.jpg" title="Design a T-Shirt Template" width="256" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://goo.gl/QppejX" target="_blank">Students plan their project on the included template.</a></td></tr>
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Download this freebie <a href="https://goo.gl/QppejX" target="_blank">here</a>. I hope that your students enjoy this fun option for responding to literature. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a>Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-75540375277355052612016-04-06T10:00:00.000-04:002016-04-07T12:24:52.521-04:00Spark Student Interest with Eyewitness-to-History Interviews<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night, I had the opportunity to listen to a Holocaust survivor tell his story at a local library. Oral histories are fascinating to me so I was thrilled when I found out that he was coming to speak, and I called first thing in the morning to register for the event! As expected, I hung on every word he said, imagining him during the war seeing and doing the unimaginable in an effort to survive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honored to be standing next to Holocaust survivor Mr. Leo Silberman </td></tr>
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This is not the first time I've heard Holocaust survivors speak about their experiences. When I was in high school, a married couple, who were part of the 1,200 Jews saved by Oskar Schindler, came to a local college to talk about their experiences. I made my parents sit in the front row with me, and I listened to their testimonies, simply captivated. I wanted more. I ended up writing to the couple telling them how much I enjoyed their lecture. I also asked if we could correspond more so that I could ask more questions. To my excitement, I received a reply from them...with a phone number. (These were pre-email days.) And that's where it stopped. I was young. I was shy. I also wasn't confident enough to pick up a telephone to ask them what I wanted to know. I regret that decision to this day. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyndon B. Johnson signs the 1964 Civil Rights Act </td></tr>
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Since that time, I have made an effort to ask questions of people who have been through historical events that I'm interested in. (In fact, just last week, I asked my mom about the reaction of our community here in Ohio in 1964 when three civil rights workers were murdered in Mississippi. She was 15 at that time and experienced it first hand.) I do these interviews informally and out of my own curiosity mostly. However, through these conversations, I feel connected to history. I can say, "I know someone who was there, and now I know what it was really like." That feeling is exciting and empowering. I am actively learning by asking questions. Imagine students making those connections igniting that spark for history!</div>
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Textbooks can only tell us so much. They're written so dryly and succinctly that there just isn't room to learn more than the facts. We often stop at identifying the differences between source types when we could be creating our own primary sources through interviews with those who were there.</div>
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Oral histories are simply the stories of people who were "there." They are treasure chests of valuable information and experiences for those willing to open them. In addition to collecting first-hand accounts, interviewers become active participants in history. As teachers, we have an amazing and important responsibility to create opportunities for students to seek out these treasures. Through oral history interviews, students gain skills in areas such as speaking and listening; interpersonal relationships; data collection; and organization and planning. Not to mention that students also gain special memories of their time with the subjects of their interviews.<br />
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With some planning and guidance on our part, oral history interview projects can be easily implemented in any classroom, in any grade level, and about many different historical periods.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCtf87E-IJM_GgtEkficK2WCZo61HjhTpjMOmaqDqZEDPoOwq1XNRC3MoAHkZTq6RfN005kXVBe9-oORU_wNMf4T6TuNm2rj4q5GaOsXd_1GasDAsfh9jAHCNJRv85jic310eZp7lRm8/s1600/Where+to+start.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCtf87E-IJM_GgtEkficK2WCZo61HjhTpjMOmaqDqZEDPoOwq1XNRC3MoAHkZTq6RfN005kXVBe9-oORU_wNMf4T6TuNm2rj4q5GaOsXd_1GasDAsfh9jAHCNJRv85jic310eZp7lRm8/s320/Where+to+start.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are some examples of interview topics based on the possibility of survivors/participants being alive:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEup9rjR8P5R3Ro5loizKEbZBNyuedq_Ntaek2rg44SNhvQddOJkWaMe85XgHxz_06cr1xH6xZHwwdAGco4GGjCqA767S-jbyFIR70s3pPtCq0RnOl0nXZOI68ITYC-RpfsxYd-y14As/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEup9rjR8P5R3Ro5loizKEbZBNyuedq_Ntaek2rg44SNhvQddOJkWaMe85XgHxz_06cr1xH6xZHwwdAGco4GGjCqA767S-jbyFIR70s3pPtCq0RnOl0nXZOI68ITYC-RpfsxYd-y14As/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Great Depression</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">World War II </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Holocaust</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Korean Conflict</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Vietnam War</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Civil Rights Movement</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cultural changes in 1960s</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Gulf War</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">9/11</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">War on Terror</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cultural events (ex. concerts, movies)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Presidencies</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Famous construction projects (ex. landmarks, highways, railroads, buildings, monuments)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">International events (ex. end of apartheid, fall of Berlin Wall, end of communism in Eastern Europe, changing from one government type to another, coronations of kings and queens)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Scientific achievements (ex. vaccines, discoveries)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">New inventions (ex. television, computers, cell phones)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Births and deaths of famous figures</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">City or town history</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Family history (ex. comparing parents or grandparents at student's age with the student today)</li>
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The pool of possible interview subjects can actually be quite large depending on the topic:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2cRFMT3Lppo1O_6b5c8NPsRwelHY4utZumOHQNEWIqHAK7AV-fp9J-K3DFH7EaU8rQFhnBJkkQnzOkMvXgiZK79j_JwRY97nsdl-fS2zeIRyvxnanfY7M_cHiLdI8aH4L_c3Fi9xCxo/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2cRFMT3Lppo1O_6b5c8NPsRwelHY4utZumOHQNEWIqHAK7AV-fp9J-K3DFH7EaU8rQFhnBJkkQnzOkMvXgiZK79j_JwRY97nsdl-fS2zeIRyvxnanfY7M_cHiLdI8aH4L_c3Fi9xCxo/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Parents</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Grandparents</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Aunts and uncles</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cousins</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Siblings</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Family friends</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">People in the news</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Historical societies</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Churches</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Survivor groups</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Clubs, organizations</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Senior centers</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">VFW posts</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Guest speakers at local events</li>
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So what can students do with their oral history interviews? Here are some ideas:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_oSY7fzR4cSdAeFX0wU272aDCJqrwhy33SfI7oVv_l-avRVQPzaTnen8AB9gPecgFNhw1SiTZtdkiBIwerIMSR9hM85KXmDqejNMfNrQWVbR6Jf5QMcenSOeogkZF6rsw4n0mR8Auic/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_oSY7fzR4cSdAeFX0wU272aDCJqrwhy33SfI7oVv_l-avRVQPzaTnen8AB9gPecgFNhw1SiTZtdkiBIwerIMSR9hM85KXmDqejNMfNrQWVbR6Jf5QMcenSOeogkZF6rsw4n0mR8Auic/s400/Slide3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Create paper or digital scrapbooks.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Prepare and give a PowerPoint presentation.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Write & present a dramatization of the oral history.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Create a poster about the person interviewed.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Write & illustrate a short book (maybe even for younger readers).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Compare/contrast oral histories collected by students about the same topic.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Create a class anthology of oral histories. </li>
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Consider the following elements of an oral history interview as your plan your project:</div>
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1. Goals of the project</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">What do you want students to accomplish through this project?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Will the interview topic be content-related?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">What skills and standards do you want students to demonstrate? </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">What choices will students have in deciding whom they will interview and what they will interview about?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">What is the final product to be assessed?</li>
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2. Student materials</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">How do you want students to conduct interviews (ex. digital recorders, video cameras, pen & paper)?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">What tools do students need to conduct interviews (ex. recording devices, cameras)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Do you need to teach students how to use the tools? </li>
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3. Interview logistics</div>
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<li><span style="text-align: justify;">Where will you suggest students find people to interview? </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Have you established relationships with organizations or individuals who will partner with students?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Where should the interviews take place to ensure safety and comfortability for all parties</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">When should interviews take place?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">How long should they last?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Will you provide a standardized form or letter to students to give to their interviewees that explains the purpose of the interviews?</li>
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4. Student preparation</div>
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<li><span style="text-align: justify;">What resources can you share with students to show them how to conduct effective oral history interviews (examples of video or audio recordings and trade books with first-person accounts)?</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: justify;">Have you provided students time to research the topic and/or the interviewees ahead of the interviews?</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Are there mandatory questions that every student must ask?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Have you covered appropriate/inappropriate questions to ask? </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Have you encouraged students to ask open-ended questions as opposed to yes/no questions?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">How will you demonstrate appropriate behavior during interviews (ex. eye contact, not interrupting speaker, staying focused, putting away all possible distractions)?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Will you provide opportunities for students to conduct practice interviews?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">How will students thank participants (ex. a letter or note)?</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCc-3NEmgFcXYzZlIuXug6SbwGCzwqP0mr-9IXE-7YxRjwCX-TO2JCsXL3xFryJhai1r9aklCp8eYJqKVRMpTN1Lo9M3WHDOXfpZDPyvmDGXo3nkN8P-Yvaq4cXrcVkkV0qRM9wbQqec/s1600/grandma-736004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCc-3NEmgFcXYzZlIuXug6SbwGCzwqP0mr-9IXE-7YxRjwCX-TO2JCsXL3xFryJhai1r9aklCp8eYJqKVRMpTN1Lo9M3WHDOXfpZDPyvmDGXo3nkN8P-Yvaq4cXrcVkkV0qRM9wbQqec/s320/grandma-736004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are many resources available to help you plan your oral history project. The Smithsonian Institute offers a very helpful guide to preparing for and conducting oral history interviews. You can find it <a href="http://www.folklife.si.edu/the-smithsonian-folklife-and-oral-history-interviewing-guide/smithsonian" target="_blank">here</a>. Reading Rockets also provides some practical uses for oral histories in the classroom, which you can find <a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/article/oral-history" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Now I want to hear from you! Have you ever conducted oral history interviews with your classroom? What makes them successful? What were some unexpected snags in the project? Leave a comment!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge61FbJJaHhzFCBIhjhaq9o5860KELpAzJ_jVA1Xp-5kCOgvR4cQ3OW_mL-bePO1LPs7y_8bvW5bAPHGy3IwlqOq4uMe_0OSxtrO5yM1sL0VxRzAMfiYroCRb5uGqLuHiDVw4Ojd6zLy0/s1600/sig+waterfalls.png" /></a>Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-1450151263722753732016-04-01T09:05:00.000-04:002016-04-01T14:49:21.316-04:00Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resources Round-Up: Poetry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Does it finally look like spring where you're at? I think poet Sara Teasdale expresses the atmosphere around here right now! </div>
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The roofs are shining from the rain,</div>
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The sparrows twitter as they fly,</div>
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And with a windy April grace</div>
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The little clouds go by.</div>
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Yet the back-yards are bare and brown</div>
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With only one unchanging tree</div>
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I could not be so sure of spring</div>
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Save that it sings for me.</div>
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--"April" by Sara Teasdale<br />
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April brings more than just showers and May flowers. It's National Poetry Month, too. Here is my latest Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resources round-up of 10 FREE online resources that will help your students become "well-versed" in poetry!</div>
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<a href="http://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/home" target="_blank">National Poetry Month Official Site</a><br />
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Here you'll find a collection of teacher instructional resources, a library of poets and poems, Poem-a-Day, poster contest, and the Dear Poet project, and more. </div>
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<a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/article/10-ways-use-poetry-your-classroom" target="_blank">10 Ways to Use Poetry in the Classroom</a></div>
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This article explores 10 elements of poetry to study, complete with recommended mentor texts and Web sites. </div>
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<a href="http://www.potatohill.com/npm.html" target="_blank">20 Ways to Celebrate Poetry Month</a></div>
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There are some pretty creative ideas for observing National Poetry month on this list. Check out the Bonus Potato Pick at the end of the post if your class is courageous enough!</div>
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<a href="http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/" target="_blank">Poets' Corner</a></div>
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This vast and well-maintained collection of poetry (7,000+ poems by 800 poets) is a fantastic resource with search capabilities as well as short poet biographies. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/poetry-lesson-plan" target="_blank">Upper Elementary Poetry Open Mic Lesson</a></div>
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Watch poetry in motion in an upper elementary class with this creative lesson that engages students in poetry readings. </div>
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<a href="http://www.upperelementarysnapshots.com/2015/04/the-best-way-to-teach-poetry.html" target="_blank">Upper Elementary The Best Way to Teach Poetry</a></div>
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Pam from Rockin' Resources takes a year-long approach to teaching poetry with a comprehensive list of diverse and engaging lessons.</div>
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<a href="http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson171.shtml" target="_blank">Calling on the Muse: Exercises to Unlock the Poet Within</a></div>
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Inspire young poets with these exercises in self-expression, imagination, and thinking in poetry instead of prose. This is a great resource for teaching beyond poetic structures and theory.</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JRzbPP_66Q" target="_blank">The Poetry Friendly Classroom Video</a></div>
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This short video includes a few interviews with classroom teachers who explain some methods they use to teach poetry that seek to make poetry relevant and inclusive. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teachthought.com/uncategorized/6-technology-based-poetry-ideas-students-think-hate-poetry/" target="_blank">Six Technology-Based Poetry Ideas for Students Who Think They Hate Poetry</a></div>
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Using technology devices, social media, apps, Web sites, and more, this teacher provides some easy-to-do instructional ideas to engage even the most reluctant student of poetry.</div>
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<a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/what-are-elements-poetry" target="_blank">Middle School What Are the Elements of Poetry</a></div>
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This lesson uses Gary Soto's "Ode to Pablo's Tennis Shoes" to teach about form, mood, implications, figurative language, and originality (suggested grades 6-8).</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">While I specifically focused on upper elementary and middle school resources, many of these can also be adapted to younger or older students. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Did you/have you used any of these resources? What do you think? Leave a comment!</span><br />
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Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-74854596114912544272016-03-24T16:10:00.003-04:002016-03-24T16:10:54.678-04:00You Are Now Entering a Blog Content Construction Zone (and a Giveaway)!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dear Aspire to Inspire blog followers and visitors,</div>
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I owe you an "I'm sorry." I'm sorry that I haven't shared the ideas, tips, resources, and content that have been accumulating in my mind--and on my desk--consistently. I'm sorry that I've invited you visit to a teaching blog that, frankly, just hasn't been up to snuff. I've let you down.</div>
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Has it ever seemed to you that your to-do list is longer than the scrolling credits of a movie? Mine has been that way for much of the past couple years.</div>
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I've got so many things that I need to do, want to do, plan to do, and hope to do...and so little time to do them. This blog is one of those exciting projects with so much potential. I've got ideas scribbled on various scraps of paper, receipts, Post-Its, and notebooks all over my workspace, not to mention saved to a countless number of Pinterest boards. I've just not been faithful in organizing and implementing them in any sort of consistent way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5cFVldJ9v65OhksfK8pabPj0AcFJGStFnVZfgMnama6hli0fDq_Zq68Vp7r6TasUG3nCzKYdMZ1yH5juFDuQl4nmcZQuzVl3SACiGSka9B7vVwBtSukvMFMEr5zjYhYn92rJ8cvMiqw/s1600/IMG_3759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5cFVldJ9v65OhksfK8pabPj0AcFJGStFnVZfgMnama6hli0fDq_Zq68Vp7r6TasUG3nCzKYdMZ1yH5juFDuQl4nmcZQuzVl3SACiGSka9B7vVwBtSukvMFMEr5zjYhYn92rJ8cvMiqw/s320/IMG_3759.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tidied version of the corner of my desk</td></tr>
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However, I'm making some changes. I'm putting my hard hat on and getting to work planning and preparing some new blog content and ideas specifically fit for you and your classroom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0N-Ft6uv2xtiIzt8wbSje5nO0M_wkHb78grEIqxM2rve2RMJ27mWHm-ubCR09KNpO7_E5Eaau4wqNjL6DwKD8WOI9vy6spMFP9dfQnvogQqkj-DEsNJKybNcqFdOiFXKFLhVXI6h2gg/s1600/drive-44438.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0N-Ft6uv2xtiIzt8wbSje5nO0M_wkHb78grEIqxM2rve2RMJ27mWHm-ubCR09KNpO7_E5Eaau4wqNjL6DwKD8WOI9vy6spMFP9dfQnvogQqkj-DEsNJKybNcqFdOiFXKFLhVXI6h2gg/s320/drive-44438.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I need to ask a favor...will you help me? In addition to the piles of content ideas I've accumulated that <u>I</u> think is good stuff, I want to hear from my blog readers about the upper elementary and middle school resources that <u>YOU</u> want, need, and would like to see.</div>
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Would you take a minute to complete a quick multi-choice survey about blog content? As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey will receive an EXCLUSIVE free sample of my End of the Year Surveys and Reflections Activity. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Survey-and-Reflections-Activity-659527" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-dKaHKcC5CWz-lmYo7wQ5RMF6BZ3Sm_T47RGunZ3UOKkFQXoz7E3XV68ZWoQALINM0fDyDvrJHLOhk89QFdlcmxijOzyWn2CGjmI5z99soCDWUWXU6RPMqJMmA0eZmH3c-zfvVaBo8I/s320/end+of+the+year+surveys.png" width="239" /></a></div>
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Click on my logo image below to access the survey:<br />
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<a href="http://goo.gl/forms/jBvPTnvjgy" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33wxtCMaU3YIsKBg-JutAbgW3O-oBpx3uhEZvMy57vAiOiW7vKtjHgJOXKX81qwW-OWhLzouvMFOy2k8opet3JZxFL9UxkKPfo_SD6PLq_6kW0bNpSEdAuSvnN9L-XtKBtxOp3-Xka5c/s200/Blog+Survey.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Thanks to all of my followers and visitors for your support! Talk to you soon!<br />
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Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-5153125414579966062016-02-07T21:08:00.003-05:002016-02-07T21:09:58.133-05:00FREE Homophones from the Heart Valentine's Day Printable<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Roses are red;</i></div>
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<i>Violets are blue;</i></div>
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<i>Need a lesson that's handy?</i></div>
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<i>Here's one based on candy!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdi4obwkSjZt1qz2UI-d8X6btQEu1o5fPzcSiiEQr2NRvXuOg4h_fcWykrZLOCcJwaU0Hx376C0uiPxybvvXnpUADfkeAkmf3TMtJIJYkqTCqo8yu-E_Mes99LfTExPqTgTVElVZzFPk8/s1600/DSCN4903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdi4obwkSjZt1qz2UI-d8X6btQEu1o5fPzcSiiEQr2NRvXuOg4h_fcWykrZLOCcJwaU0Hx376C0uiPxybvvXnpUADfkeAkmf3TMtJIJYkqTCqo8yu-E_Mes99LfTExPqTgTVElVZzFPk8/s320/DSCN4903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a twist on a Valentine's Day favorite! This <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Homophones-from-the-Heart-516062" target="_blank">FREE printable</a> combines conversation hearts with homophones as students decode a homophone-filled message on each heart then color it according to the number of homophones in the message. A key is included. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Homophones-from-the-Heart-516062" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgtF4ZuJ3b7l6iIWGsBNBR07Pt8eK91Ubw70C9-FesxmONVWOBB3mcMIjy6zeEIA7MaZrixhuCRNNgvaTfglteISwaODwDs_F1xb1zOV0y4oLWqUSKGDAeQwFz8Nb1jYullHiTWctLDc/s320/Valentines+Homophones_page_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Happy Valentine's Day!Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-21807163135032323392015-11-30T15:22:00.000-05:002015-11-30T16:31:40.980-05:00Deck the Halls (and Classroom Walls)! Ideas for Easy-to-Do Student Holiday Decorations<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LvBAnlaDPYN5bsNbHhwtzMe2C1tcDdfmQ8dKwgXGvRyRVgm9mfCx95zqa5-prXjIlL6l_tNxzXO16jbKwAemjUrz9TiyS2T9u2BIWKA2EtDhoLLccysoE-rZSZws68s70EhyphenhyphenhtJei5o/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LvBAnlaDPYN5bsNbHhwtzMe2C1tcDdfmQ8dKwgXGvRyRVgm9mfCx95zqa5-prXjIlL6l_tNxzXO16jbKwAemjUrz9TiyS2T9u2BIWKA2EtDhoLLccysoE-rZSZws68s70EhyphenhyphenhtJei5o/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Involving students in the creation of the classroom atmosphere can be a great motivator, and the holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to allow students to lend a hand (sometimes literally!) in making fun, personalized learning spaces.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.housepictures.co/entry/this-christmas-classroom-door-decoration-ideas/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yO43CBYC8OeaAey-BNAZpcxkD01IhRabQ18tstEQdnUDnNNe50SZVjxGUFWRgTcJtg00wk3f9b1CqvkPjU5eh3GnWsV1X3-1ikKrPfDYIpYfW51TT3dvXT9g9jM6VJL1bVXvCHAGRyc/s320/hand+tree.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housepictures.co/entry/this-christmas-classroom-door-decoration-ideas/" target="_blank">Credit: www.housepictures.co</a></td></tr>
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Case in point: Several years ago, my class participated in a door decorating contest during Christmastime. (The theme was anti-drug messages, which may seem like a challenge considering the season. However, believe it or not, combining Just Say No to Drugs and reindeer, Santa, and snowmen wasn't as difficult as one may think!) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4DPpBsMNdfouJYRcexSugYMMMXCvDk4tFRu4fI1bJ_2A-EBWvxhjomnwp6WEqcj40UCBtp8JI978yn9LE_fJqlDiMp0K5rTgZHnP_bIZSNlVWzx6G-SjcQdqRPFhxWyCPCGQ5zZWaTw/s1600/1208011606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4DPpBsMNdfouJYRcexSugYMMMXCvDk4tFRu4fI1bJ_2A-EBWvxhjomnwp6WEqcj40UCBtp8JI978yn9LE_fJqlDiMp0K5rTgZHnP_bIZSNlVWzx6G-SjcQdqRPFhxWyCPCGQ5zZWaTw/s320/1208011606.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: K. Stull</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvtXWjPiBHE8LBvxUPkW9o6VZDeMggQC4OmWzOBvXq2WD4OknpZgzKDV9T1NyCWk_DtGCjeH-w-Cyh5pHS6fkUN6e-l2TpuAtmc0EHPc22x-eYtMtky6uE29LKGo4cd_NYlYL5-q6u58/s1600/1208011604%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvtXWjPiBHE8LBvxUPkW9o6VZDeMggQC4OmWzOBvXq2WD4OknpZgzKDV9T1NyCWk_DtGCjeH-w-Cyh5pHS6fkUN6e-l2TpuAtmc0EHPc22x-eYtMtky6uE29LKGo4cd_NYlYL5-q6u58/s320/1208011604%25231.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: K. Stull </td></tr>
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My kids were so enthusiastic about constructing this door! They created all of the ornaments, took turns decorating the tree, and volunteered to bring in materials from home to make the tree the best it could be. Seeing this pride in their work, I resolved to reserve a place in my room for student creations only. As cool as the motivational posters that I had were, a visible showcase of student work and decor did more to stimulate students than any picture of a cute animal or superhero with an encouraging thought ever could! </div>
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While there are tons of cute/fun/beautiful Christmas and holiday decorations in stores that you could buy for your classroom, consider asking your students to help you decorate this year. Here are some very easy-to-do, creative ideas requiring minimal supplies that I found:</div>
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I saw so many ideas for using books to decorate....</div>
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<a href="http://thesassylibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/12/celebrating-holidays-library-style.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5XYgn-M8PoEAMybMqwgmewmbSBlcFP5txM_x_dVDBSBAL-iPA1tn8E5QVQFeWwwxOLBNnaM5UUTr9oIbGPYoz8NPvCTXaNzy3DFC473m5scFCAsCsrdV38G6ZWAuHhw0iKbPGligIpw/s320/book+tree.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thesassylibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/12/celebrating-holidays-library-style.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGQw2kwykVMO1A5pCVLirB5edCGrxRJsfr-w-Q3lmMlTElzFaa6zpKDTO1578_bREUd6XBWkeChnGb1M3NViz3OQmqkV2QMthyA8DPEuDrramJVLop4uTRZ4Dlh0WGpOvp5TnB3eCf1Y/s320/fireplace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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How cool are this book tree and book fireplace? (Credit: <a href="http://thesassylibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/12/celebrating-holidays-library-style.html" target="_blank">Sassy Librarian</a>)<br />
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No lights allowed in the classroom? No problem!</div>
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<a href="http://www.stubbornlycrafty.com/blog/paper-christmas-lights-garland/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVOoRoHiqngIxi6MBelcS8uIroR1UtMepQxBR_ibsBXBx5TUXQnkHZMeq4CVLhxiaCa8as7Yw8_PkUmaa6twoTUjphjNlXEzwEF9IGhGptkg7iq8Enrj2U1Zc4t2_hOzlf30GNMYVFmc/s320/christmas-light-strand-tutorial-21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think these paper Christmas light garlands would be so colorful and easy to hang on the windows or along cabinets. (Credit: <a href="http://www.stubbornlycrafty.com/blog/paper-christmas-lights-garland/" target="_blank">Stubbornly Crafty</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://kristinroberts.wordpress.com/2007/12/16/on-the-9th-day-of-christmas/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcZ7jU700VUGVAnvdspUbtfrukVwcDpBGihUNr2QEMALyZH2-Hu24NDq6NOCmvdjqvb0qIxVL7xh7Fp05ttYz4MNLwhi0nNgegfaHkeB3RPeyWxVl1nW0Z37geDM6fYBPu4ZK5XrfcAo/s320/names+on+bulbs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Have students create their own personalized strand of paper bulbs and string along the ceiling. (Credit: <a href="https://kristinroberts.wordpress.com/2007/12/16/on-the-9th-day-of-christmas/" target="_blank">Kristin Roberts</a>)</div>
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Here are some ideas for ornaments that can be hung on a tree or around the classroom:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/chrisjob/posts/9452-how-to-make-modern-paper-ornaments" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuNGPqnnh7rNbIPgDFdhzJ9dqd6HnCBqq0l7iS68gUYzmIhlyFQ2s3034MwxLiGjxmNVtPrH6hupMvXsbOU3Qux175VzVKoI9x0RYzqqkg0Opg9OkOWYBP6kgAEF6lB7MLNZmxcyUAyI/s320/ornamentsfeature.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/chrisjob/posts/9452-how-to-make-modern-paper-ornaments" target="_blank">Paper Christmas Bulbs (Credit: Chris Gardner, Curbly)</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.teachkidsart.net/christmas-cheer/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJNbinQkU0QWHpS6hS0AWTvAIL-A5jTDUyauLOpa-8oRa2NEdfN-5jwgfDM18M_vqHN5EJc6PVND66V67LPqjAR3-fgilPqMrFlfPvB8GuqtrJrP8PARJ2vfIpZK33Hg9PmZOu50RI38/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teachkidsart.net/christmas-cheer/" target="_blank">Stained Glass Paper Ornaments (Credit: TeachKidsArt.net)</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/crafts/print-it-simple-paper-ornaments/" target="_blank">Parents Magazine</a> has several ideas for paper ornaments, but my favorite is the spiral Christmas tree.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/crafts/print-it-simple-paper-ornaments/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-q01Q1f4aTR_eJchXIfBjUt7D0qCPrJylfwEf47igSd96Kil4bq0Ng8_uPkRt-2hHWiZ6sfEZo8ERU2b74X2PzqvnuVUdBgE85g6mdyROsUZvvZl7eDWR6GiPbddUPJZEETi6HpCdC0/s1600/spiral+tree.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Parents Magazine<a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/crafts/print-it-simple-paper-ornaments/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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Have a bulletin board?</div>
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Love this personalized snow globe idea from <a href="http://www.missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com/2013/12/snow-globes-and-reindeers.html?m=1" target="_blank">Miss Nelson's Got the Camera</a>!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com/2013/12/snow-globes-and-reindeers.html?m=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmNr3l3UGOLtUIHHYSkcy94amX-R3DJHwcR8rKSf6jd5jbbNpy452vJZVGxDCGdoD8vw95ZJI-TtTENDM_FYaE7COwUF0EnB-NUcg2COYdBMD10EU5M_5_OhqSHSCFZkb_fI2F5A3NjE/s400/2013-12-12_0002.jpg" width="270" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com/2013/12/snow-globes-and-reindeers.html?m=1" target="_blank">Credit: Miss Nelson's Got the Camera</a></td></tr>
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Door displays are a wonderful way to welcome students and visitors!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cisfccochranbleckley.wordpress.com/2012/12/20/decorated-door-contest-at-21st-century-community-learning-center/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1jFoc2mAFhaPIcFN6Uv8xnQG1FWeJk_XQ_o7tRe8xatqYXx_hRzXmHDaW3wxcYvBW0P5XxIioCmXfEX_i-JDkRRYJsabglL061_affZv3yKprU4YigHnxG6Pw_1P7Qp57yMjlt6X-6s/s320/4th-grade-door-1.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: CIS/FC Blog</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_741631536"></span><span style="text-align: justify;">I found so many different creative door displays, but I think this is my favorite.</span><br />
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Do you want to try any of these ideas? Do you have ideas that you'd like to share? Leave a comment!<br />
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Warmest seasons greetings to you!<br />
<br />Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-38024857092462452262015-11-16T14:26:00.001-05:002015-11-16T14:32:30.876-05:00And the Thanksgiving Password Is...FREEBIE!Do you remember the game show "Password"?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcdvUxXDopUR7Bc8Q_S0aJ1nKvYUO-TV0sa4unFzGMZbkwlmZ9_YuZD9Zbace6rRoz3wHuP5L3qYOXw6j3igeEWdjPzzZb3gooBW6RP0Q7iYcG6ihNL7JM_Gpl16LGS2RyPJm9V06bcw/s1600/Allen_Ludden_Jack_Klugman_Tony_Randall_Odd_Couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcdvUxXDopUR7Bc8Q_S0aJ1nKvYUO-TV0sa4unFzGMZbkwlmZ9_YuZD9Zbace6rRoz3wHuP5L3qYOXw6j3igeEWdjPzzZb3gooBW6RP0Q7iYcG6ihNL7JM_Gpl16LGS2RyPJm9V06bcw/s320/Allen_Ludden_Jack_Klugman_Tony_Randall_Odd_Couple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have to admit that I'm too young for the original black & white version. I grew up on the Bert Convy version of "Super Password" in the 1980s and the board game with the little blue plastic folders with the red screens that magically decoded the passwords that couldn't be detected by the naked eye. </div>
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Game shows are so much fun to use as inspiration for classroom activities. In that spirit, I created a FREEBIE <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Pick-the-Thanksgiving-Password-Game-Sensory-Details-974458" target="_blank">Thanksgiving version of Password</a>, which is based on sensory words. No magic decoder folders, but still pretty entertaining! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Pick-the-Thanksgiving-Password-Game-Sensory-Details-974458" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgNHpUNT8ndDCW3VCZz0ph5iOlC-xIc2BvNCs9TNG30W4AtKT5T2V-Zl8Dl60NCXMmt4kyQPASKD2h81y_5XtyW5aaMxhR28ihuUx9kDG4aRAaKsGdUzQYGDB356Kjlh_0n_8iK244ik/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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In Pick the Password, students choose a Thanksgiving-themed password, then complete a list of descriptive sensory "clues" about the password. Students then say the clues to a partner or small group, and the partner or small group guesses the password. I've provided a list of password suggestions and the password clue lists so all you need to do is print and use!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Pick-the-Thanksgiving-Password-Game-Sensory-Details-974458" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbyHRZF-g1pdCHTG9kWlq2_unzunK4fftoYWLQzpZ2gCNry7VSSI1TXGvx4QCRB1TNgHlJSGD9UbQsIoyqJJH4IiUsK4dVR65kPYEVYQ0k-a6tZ2bzKRpEAp71Gd51b8dh_R5c0Ydf4M/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Pick-the-Thanksgiving-Password-Game-Sensory-Details-974458" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIZB7xz5ztb6OmDi9z4DLdWhSEXWWsG5St-l07DrpMEZ6WUJWYhwjcK5ozC-PgebWuFbtIBoRNWaSS_-GmDDyiClaoCfs9W7Wx8s7TUP81mwElW9WQhtDY92rJKdVlayso4c6gA8QVF8/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You might even think about having students do a writing extension activity with the password clue lists that they create.<br />
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If you don't have free Teachers Pay Teachers account, #1. Get one! You'll find tons of quality FREE and paid resources there; #2. You can still get this Thanksgiving freebie <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzsMGA2JXT0wcFpsUVA0OXM3QjQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!</div>
Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-57093969873683406942015-01-26T16:25:00.002-05:002015-01-26T16:46:29.857-05:00I Can Heart-ly Wait Till Valentine's Day! Classroom Freebies Linky
Get to the "heart" of the Valentine's Day holiday with these fantastic ideas and freebies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQG2b56zBxP7URvEpkbSu-9BM1zgsgq520NSKgQc4ImEI4JhCnpCwn_qSTsgA4Bicuf0bMPMZVnoNZC-doqiYlEG15X45nUsSRoPXDXz0oFy_ama8Uv0JCpntOMrQdlDZlvxRRFqax3Q/s1600/Heartly+Wait+Linky.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQG2b56zBxP7URvEpkbSu-9BM1zgsgq520NSKgQc4ImEI4JhCnpCwn_qSTsgA4Bicuf0bMPMZVnoNZC-doqiYlEG15X45nUsSRoPXDXz0oFy_ama8Uv0JCpntOMrQdlDZlvxRRFqax3Q/s1600/Heartly+Wait+Linky.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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To link up, enter your link to either a FREE product or blog post with a FREE idea for Valentine's Day. Make sure to enter the name of your product or idea as the name of your link & include grade band, if possible. (example: Math Fun with Hearts 3-5). </div>
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PLEASE NO PAID PRODUCTS OR BLOG POSTS THAT FOCUS ON A PAID PRODUCT. </div>
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Thanks for taking part in the linky!</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-82383362351419856842014-11-30T23:36:00.001-05:002014-11-30T23:37:27.583-05:00Teachers Pay Teachers Cyber Savings Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/aspire-to-inspire" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hSkIsLijfm13zEeA9AvDkedrl59UC90d0eLDooAoX97GL2N_FffrfpftjcDUpXYxtC9srytJCTOulCcsBw068Lf51-QINEb1PMRLf14B07UwUO5jsPOgPdvaq4QbTCsRT_jgCVdve3c/s1600/sale_300_250.jpg" /></a></div>
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Teachers Pay Teachers is having a sitewide sale! Starting Monday, December 1 through Tuesday, December 2, you can enjoy savings up to 28% at many TPT stores. Make sure to use the promo code TPTCYBER to get the additional savings on top of any individual stores' sales. My <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/aspire-to-inspire" target="_blank">Aspire to Inspire</a> store will have everything 20% off! It's a great time to do a little Christmas shopping for yourself & stock up on resources to last you throughout the winter!</div>
Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982759120274655932.post-3027257988790879012014-09-13T13:31:00.000-04:002014-09-13T13:32:16.813-04:00Final Call for Postcard Pals Postcard Exchange Sign Ups!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPlmNWKr57RxO_fuCh97z9J8IiYd9q42smYNZeaoq_5eyWkpO2evoz-MAh-Hc_hd8EP5TsVpr48RGmCl0AC7x58HnZU6BlEKojEa5kOVk_K2pfcog5cJ6PK_EdrcMn21EVStiE1o43Fw/s1600/ppals+update+9-5+straight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPlmNWKr57RxO_fuCh97z9J8IiYd9q42smYNZeaoq_5eyWkpO2evoz-MAh-Hc_hd8EP5TsVpr48RGmCl0AC7x58HnZU6BlEKojEa5kOVk_K2pfcog5cJ6PK_EdrcMn21EVStiE1o43Fw/s1600/ppals+update+9-5+straight.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're looking to join a postcard exchange this year, I invite you to take part in my Postcard Pals Postcard Exchange!</div>
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We're looking for the following to participate:</div>
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*PK-12 classrooms (homeschoolers, too!)</div>
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*Classrooms from any and all US states</div>
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<b>This is the last call for participants so please complete the form at this <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RvesaDvFnMFmVmMinneA6j36HFaHZNp2uaMKdSUE160/viewform?usp=send_form" target="_blank">link</a> if you are interested & committed to participating. The link will be open through 9/21.</b></div>
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Instructional time is so precious so I want to make this project worth your time as well as your students'. I'll create mailing lists based on the final participation count and will do my best to group classes by grade range. I'll also do my best to provide as much diversity in geography within each mailing list. I'm looking to send mailing lists to participating classrooms sometime in October.</div>
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Want to know more about how the Postcard Pals Postcard Exchange works? See some photos and read thoughts about last year's exchange? Check out my previous blog posts <a href="http://www.aspiretoinspireblog.com/2014/07/postcard-pals-recap-wrap-up-and-round.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.aspiretoinspireblog.com/2013/09/update-postcard-pals-postcard-exchange.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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<br />Aspire to Inspire Classroom Resourceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18423773009718131498noreply@blogger.com0