tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51791584857630742492024-02-16T11:56:47.846-08:00Two Nuts Teachin' from the Same TreeTwo Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-56203326024725260632016-07-02T04:00:00.000-07:002016-07-02T04:00:01.827-07:00Schools Out Blog Blowout!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://lh3.google.com/GRPbQ0_gC4VmlZaGu0Y3nC3XMlHEHtjYgCjXOTWFqsG3eJoaiHoA-XlapUPMyEiMRnc5EwuzPBn_pTieFpKSNe7aeEjndU5P=w859-h347" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Displaying Blog Blowout Bucket List" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="drive-viewer-image-img drive-viewer-focus-to-default" height="338" src="https://lh3.google.com/GRPbQ0_gC4VmlZaGu0Y3nC3XMlHEHtjYgCjXOTWFqsG3eJoaiHoA-XlapUPMyEiMRnc5EwuzPBn_pTieFpKSNe7aeEjndU5P=w859-h347" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are so excited to join some awesome bloggers for the School's Out Blog Blowout! We have some amazing things in store for you, so be sure to hop from blog to blog so you don't miss a thing! Thank you so much to Sarah Koves over at Kovescense of the Mind for hosting the hop and for organizing everything! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YclwscDC-3LWSpPEWpTJqi-Y4_F60FLlDIM9IdK572Kj9qbmAMWpKf39ONoYT9uYHGJvSnS2DSTWBS1YZvD-YnvTzRmOd6IfhNzdkSa4PrYRWOmfBYBTgiqYe30mnzZHw2ioCcO0gUse/s1600/Blog+Blowout+Bucket+List.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YclwscDC-3LWSpPEWpTJqi-Y4_F60FLlDIM9IdK572Kj9qbmAMWpKf39ONoYT9uYHGJvSnS2DSTWBS1YZvD-YnvTzRmOd6IfhNzdkSa4PrYRWOmfBYBTgiqYe30mnzZHw2ioCcO0gUse/s400/Blog+Blowout+Bucket+List.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
Amy here! So each and every summer I like to create a bucket list. Of course I shoot for the moon and usually am able to check off a good chunk of the items, but never all! Maybe this summer is my summer! Here is a glimpse at some of the things I hope to do/accomplish this summer!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
1) <b>Take my kiddos to Michigan Adventure. </b>We are Michiganders and I am embarrassed to say we have not made it to this awesome park. My family went every year when I was growing up. I remember going when it was still Deer Park Funland! I can't wait to see my kiddos floating down that awesome lazy river! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2) <b>Paint my living room.</b> Seems like a small enough task but when I say living room, it really will end up being the kitchen, dining room, AND living room since it is really just one big space. Not to mention it has VERY high ceilings. We are hoping to move within the next year, so it is a MUST!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3) <b>Go with the entire family to a Whitecaps baseball game. </b>We went last year and it was AWESOME! My kiddos had a blast and it was fun for them to experience their first game with my dad. The game ended up having 30 million innings (okay maybe not quite 30 million, but close) so we were not able to stay for the fireworks. This summer, game AND fireworks!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4) <b>Organize my scrapbooking stuff! </b>OH MY GOODNESS!!! Apparently, I have a problem. The problem is, I buy A LOT of scrapbooking supplies but only scrapbook once a year! This means the the supplies just keep growing and growing but the scrapbooks are not. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5) <b>Take my kiddos camping. </b>This seems simple enough but there is one small problem... I am more of a camp by day and Holiday Inn by night kind of girl. My hubby is the camper and I know he would LOVE it if we all went camping together. My girls would LOVE it. I'm just a little less enthusiastic. I feel like I might need to take one for the team...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmxVRRHN3vXq_w30kHZ_iuovZZSf1mQlsywlYkReuDuMFfccwZ72cIERMJXwOkn_ZHIyquzqBGAocfhmoYbIE0Wlccb3Ng2XUJSBUdZM_1D3NQG1pgnWlJnZvQW3M9FhzJMvjPfSPEgab/s1600/Blog+Blowout+Reading.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmxVRRHN3vXq_w30kHZ_iuovZZSf1mQlsywlYkReuDuMFfccwZ72cIERMJXwOkn_ZHIyquzqBGAocfhmoYbIE0Wlccb3Ng2XUJSBUdZM_1D3NQG1pgnWlJnZvQW3M9FhzJMvjPfSPEgab/s400/Blog+Blowout+Reading.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another item on my bucket list is to read more! I want to read more professionally and I want to read more just for fun! One book that I would like to read professionally is <i>The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity </i>by George Couros. I am committed to changing the mindset of my students and to facilitate the development of thinkers! This book seems like a great way to continue growing in this way! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ1O73yrUjiiAZ4c99pL7VZiJ6MBykiiArbUtiTcv_ThsAo6Uv4DrFk-Wlx5QB6JFAIpYIFSKwwtGQfYlfkG4XjwBKyAHEG050nvVz2fZhDYaFq_XeWuJOpOusOTBHBhNy9t1Us7ezitR/s1600/innovators-mindset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ1O73yrUjiiAZ4c99pL7VZiJ6MBykiiArbUtiTcv_ThsAo6Uv4DrFk-Wlx5QB6JFAIpYIFSKwwtGQfYlfkG4XjwBKyAHEG050nvVz2fZhDYaFq_XeWuJOpOusOTBHBhNy9t1Us7ezitR/s320/innovators-mindset.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another book I would like to read (but just for fun) is <i>Truly, Madly, Guilty</i> by Liane Moriarity. I loved her previous book What Alice Forgot and I am excited for her newest book!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBY2vOO7Y7AbWcLAXuqx_W5ExbPgLwe1ATuw4lzCTZ98PkHblmVI4D3CCf0n_3F0Ype80GelpdGBoI3uohJwzi5ULjJ8RvaXeUorVLNf4OFwvwFNcrfGIUaIH0IWGmkTVW3z4v5N2LpRi/s1600/truly-madly-deeply.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBY2vOO7Y7AbWcLAXuqx_W5ExbPgLwe1ATuw4lzCTZ98PkHblmVI4D3CCf0n_3F0Ype80GelpdGBoI3uohJwzi5ULjJ8RvaXeUorVLNf4OFwvwFNcrfGIUaIH0IWGmkTVW3z4v5N2LpRi/s320/truly-madly-deeply.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWSY_6lO_YQNb78_DzoPypWkSLnkcJpQbQvhPFVnuvHQZa0la-2dDuvO9MwuC03QQaVv9CjPX8KR_8EoRK48XMgckvno5Ezz-xTnT6rSvmatHOa5RzD_6aFy-_7fsZpeTETN3qGJGebhw/s1600/Blog+Blowout+Freebie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWSY_6lO_YQNb78_DzoPypWkSLnkcJpQbQvhPFVnuvHQZa0la-2dDuvO9MwuC03QQaVv9CjPX8KR_8EoRK48XMgckvno5Ezz-xTnT6rSvmatHOa5RzD_6aFy-_7fsZpeTETN3qGJGebhw/s400/Blog+Blowout+Freebie.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't think of anything better than a freebie! Wait... how about a hop full of freebies! YES, PLEASE! For this week only, we are posting our September Word Study and Interactive Notebook pack for free! Yup! FREE! All week! This is a new way to approach word study. It gives students an opportunity to look at some of the most commonly used prefixes and suffixes and to practice using them in a variety of engaging ways. This program is designed to give students the information they need to read, write, and understand unknown words. Enjoy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqxBP9nKwL3HmmwefbMBsZysYHo7gVdG09ViNlzy8msTk2OYhfFZp0GIP7HgPO4lKPrM766tNzPuiPLgL2YLfMd0-AMlITRUo3N_KyUolNtcSa2Ih_65CfrxdIYW6zgCtmzrWDpzdDFqW/s1600/Blog+Blowout+Giveaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqxBP9nKwL3HmmwefbMBsZysYHo7gVdG09ViNlzy8msTk2OYhfFZp0GIP7HgPO4lKPrM766tNzPuiPLgL2YLfMd0-AMlITRUo3N_KyUolNtcSa2Ih_65CfrxdIYW6zgCtmzrWDpzdDFqW/s400/Blog+Blowout+Giveaway.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
More fun?!?! YES! Enter the School's Out Blog Blowout giveaway to win a $100 gift certificate to spend on Teachers Pay Teachers! Good luck!!<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/jVg4z/schools-out-blog-blowout" rel="nofollow">School's Out Blog Blowout</a>
<script async="true" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<br />
Now it is time to keep on hoppin'! Click on the image below to check out OCBeachTeacher to hear what she is up to this summer and to nab another freebie! Thanks for coming by and if you are interested in hearing more from us, stop back soon or follow us to be notified of new posts! Happy Summer!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ocbeachteacher.blogspot.com/2016/07/schools-out-blog-blowout.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV6eNqAaUvbutg69UdDJz7fL-1AtVM5t36l8rMFkV0GabL21QdG0gwyaDKKjmLaabl_tD6wLGe2IVlnHdm4RFA5vR9OkfAPnGjVK2aoAIjMOfzlEMtSwsoU49UjCNF-n0TC90XWv1eQnt/s320/Blog+Blowout+Hop+Image.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-20528248838300906892015-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:002015-10-25T07:09:42.140-07:00Trick or Treat Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkI-d4vg9hlvhkdgSv0GXgdbjRhoD8FoKBkqkGKV7XQ-IRWorhM5GQh6PeJBWI1AACtp6Md2YnrbCUuqTJnMGpksUemguUzdOBczu0W9-pj5JUr_nZfCU3JcNKUROtwS-lP4ZwgktXX77/s1600/Trick_or_Treat_Hop_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkI-d4vg9hlvhkdgSv0GXgdbjRhoD8FoKBkqkGKV7XQ-IRWorhM5GQh6PeJBWI1AACtp6Md2YnrbCUuqTJnMGpksUemguUzdOBczu0W9-pj5JUr_nZfCU3JcNKUROtwS-lP4ZwgktXX77/s640/Trick_or_Treat_Hop_Header.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been counting down the days to this amazing Blog Hop that we are so fortunate to have the chance to participate in! A huge thank you to Rachel Parlett over at <a href="http://classroomgamenook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Classroom Game Nook</a> for organizing everything! You are amazing!<br />
<br />
There are over 50 bloggers participating in the Tricks and Treats Blog Hop. It doesn't matter where you start, but you will definitely want to make your way through the entire circle of blogs because educators from all over are sharing amazing tips, giving every reader a sweet little freebie as well as the opportunity to register to win awesome resources! After gathering your goodies on each blog, simply click the button at the end of the blog to hop on over to the next!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgtUdw6fd-JwdELB7Buxk_p5p5MRpdCi44q4lKLwCD10cGEL66M0_FA1ngf1_KA1HRoVPZ5vtvfhwW6mlSSW82sNXc2jVwOBoKqQVrf4sRjCFtL3ZLkxa0T81UzpGRliZt5aMlhtlbBqB/s1600/tricks_header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgtUdw6fd-JwdELB7Buxk_p5p5MRpdCi44q4lKLwCD10cGEL66M0_FA1ngf1_KA1HRoVPZ5vtvfhwW6mlSSW82sNXc2jVwOBoKqQVrf4sRjCFtL3ZLkxa0T81UzpGRliZt5aMlhtlbBqB/s640/tricks_header.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mollie and I have loved using stations as a way to individualize our reading instruction. When we redesigned our classrooms a little over a year ago (check out this Classroom Design post to read all about it!), we realized that it was no longer realistic to have designated station spots. It took away the choice of work space that we were eagerly offering our kiddos, it also felt very restricting when we were actually designing our classrooms. we needed an alternative.<br />
<br />
We stumbled on the idea of housing all of our materials in binders! It ended up being the perfect solution! We 3-whole punch any graphic organizers or activities we want the students to complete during their station time which allows the students to place the completed activities in their own Literacy Binders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCxqOuk_ScmOY3WX879VG4OvP2TtmtFqb_RBZq__PCALyxzh76ZrSuWD1XLB5DgLx0x9INaDmptBOT0ZsE-P1ASzUvtUByDUCx7LH6h8bHcgUW-1ZsYlW-F8ptCFvQE1yZDcYhPhJHBaz/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCxqOuk_ScmOY3WX879VG4OvP2TtmtFqb_RBZq__PCALyxzh76ZrSuWD1XLB5DgLx0x9INaDmptBOT0ZsE-P1ASzUvtUByDUCx7LH6h8bHcgUW-1ZsYlW-F8ptCFvQE1yZDcYhPhJHBaz/s400/IMG_0871.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeeVQG0MIcc14L-pQ_odEMKlCNbt-C41bJrnKrrpD4Fu5ZfnsrkhKkOr5HBdz7fP0ZQI2tsbFGSvMDpVOpQD6cW4MIfaPZMxsnYYeAi06Z1RyORYNxcKTJy7Qb54sM8_MR0s9qpGHnnx5/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeeVQG0MIcc14L-pQ_odEMKlCNbt-C41bJrnKrrpD4Fu5ZfnsrkhKkOr5HBdz7fP0ZQI2tsbFGSvMDpVOpQD6cW4MIfaPZMxsnYYeAi06Z1RyORYNxcKTJy7Qb54sM8_MR0s9qpGHnnx5/s400/IMG_0872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We use station labels along with student numbers to assign who is in which station. The first person in each group is in charge of grabbing the Literacy Station Binder as well as putting it away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegrAwEBrqiSWZ7LazYZMjGLOzhHpi95mucvpKJZKt6xzWR-8E-dmXG5hRfASXq22B3crHiUxQEGcUI3bl86Q7FNUu1NMcAeyjFM1zx6C_GhzaVr18SCPCng1MwnuozWSnF58TQVmp0tWn/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegrAwEBrqiSWZ7LazYZMjGLOzhHpi95mucvpKJZKt6xzWR-8E-dmXG5hRfASXq22B3crHiUxQEGcUI3bl86Q7FNUu1NMcAeyjFM1zx6C_GhzaVr18SCPCng1MwnuozWSnF58TQVmp0tWn/s400/IMG_0873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This has been a compact, organized way for us to continue Literacy Stations in our classrooms without the hassle of finding space for each station.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Hb37zCYK7GkWkokM139_CqPWMyFxlssAApY9kM1jdK6364ShMURl9wFBaOWSjN4WNfVasPl47ZBY5dBXt58UM5I92c1fvEBE6CmZmzqXDiOHdMhcC0l6TV3R0GbzR3KyJVgJWH1JeCFc/s1600/treats_header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Hb37zCYK7GkWkokM139_CqPWMyFxlssAApY9kM1jdK6364ShMURl9wFBaOWSjN4WNfVasPl47ZBY5dBXt58UM5I92c1fvEBE6CmZmzqXDiOHdMhcC0l6TV3R0GbzR3KyJVgJWH1JeCFc/s640/treats_header.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now for a sweet treat! For the past three years we have enjoyed expanding our students' vocabulary and word knowledge. We are working to instill a love of words in our kiddos and I dare say they are enjoying it just as much as we are! Check out our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-November-1051379" target="_blank">Word Study and Interactive Notebook for November</a>. This resource is normally $6.50 but we have made it free just for you this week! We include our November word list but the activities can be used with any words! Enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-November-1051379" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ne9lBoaxXnqpMy4Ckl0l8EkBq4CEpv7j_t4dnVGo8avxD-rrOEz5IpmpKoSvRUllA4CiIlISubHf81QeG0O-a0JD5766AHdwZG_8WBB-suP_yE58TEJMM6hJYl8biA4PreirwhB4U8-3/s400/Slide18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you like the November Word Study pack, you will definitely want to enter our giveaway! We are giving away our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-A-Year-Long-Study-1061353" target="_blank">Year-Long Word Study Pack</a>! Good Luck! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-A-Year-Long-Study-1061353" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaJqYxPlKEq9yK6nT3oGeL8V88-uAKgu1FYg3I_Hh4o9x4CRrInca-yfTTemVERlyhfQatlZq16Hm4QjePYGxRGFfWPoQtn8ZbJuG7abuR1gmlqA3LjnbNo8ekzysTX9hOVB0M2EcjL2N/s400/Slide24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ed4034983/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="ed4034983" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_t8b6fzw9">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now it is time to head on over to the next GREAT blog in our hop! Join Jennifer over at <a href="http://mypagesofgrace.blogspot.com/2015/10/trick-or-treat-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Pages of Grace</a> to find more Tricks and Treats! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mypagesofgrace.blogspot.com/2015/10/trick-or-treat-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn2OFeG9RAVy2gIjVbGBJDFIZJGIxcxnrtMsv_tu4nIfmFoWEXH-F68Q4lT-Z9jSMfo6bOVyC_8oYksDAOw-IVgDLjKEBLpvuGsVUU84wi3WGHHvtlpBa4fqaKF-R4aOMzNkPIfYxqkib/s400/Connector_logo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-44129077566903576952015-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:002015-08-09T16:21:16.699-07:00Back-to-School Blog Hop<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are so excited to join <a href="http://theowlteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Owl Teacher</a> and several other bloggers to share some Back-to-School tips and resources to start your year off right! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theowlteacher.blogspot.com/2015/08/back-to-school-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexjh4Pzqz_ITDMlcUfSGjeUysgul4_YpyDDsBraApueWXotI6aP5V_8sOKilbws7IzTNYT3DIWL0YeQjD-5C78q1nPdHRChN6ER8ScT-hMdMsL0O3-92QwSNe-AesnbIA0NY3aZoDBR50/s320/BTSBloghop.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mollie and I are always encouraging our kiddos to be in charge of their own learning, to take risks, and to celebrate the growth more than the outcome. We have found that having routines that support this thinking is extremely important so that it is not only on the forefront of our minds but also our students' minds. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One way that we encourage our kiddos to do these things is to have them take time to self-reflect. At various points throughout the day, lesson, unit, etc. we ask students to share where they feel they are on a scale from 1-4. These numbers come directly from our report card and are posted in our classrooms to help our students become familiar and comfortable with using them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsXnMDD7ZA5-HefFIw1Ii6NZdYO7Qh-7bBTsDP5OpIfMEsGNiWQdmvD-VYtI2FyJ3dptP8UBvc3Hdq5GvDeIJbU91Q0yfdiDVBVpTNzJQp7X3xT4P1I1R_6e1Rk19MBvCRtVNE2W9w05w/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsXnMDD7ZA5-HefFIw1Ii6NZdYO7Qh-7bBTsDP5OpIfMEsGNiWQdmvD-VYtI2FyJ3dptP8UBvc3Hdq5GvDeIJbU91Q0yfdiDVBVpTNzJQp7X3xT4P1I1R_6e1Rk19MBvCRtVNE2W9w05w/s640/IMG_0674.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of our goals is to encourage students to focus on their growth rather than their outcome. The idea is that to start out a new math unit at a 4 is perfectly okay! It is where many of us start when we are learning something new. Through time, practice and further instruction we ask students to monitor whether or not they are moving up the scale. We celebrate when someone starts a lesson as a 4 and ends it as a 3. In previous years students would walk away from a lesson feeling frustrated that they had not mastered it, now our goal of making small movement is much more attainable and encouraging. My students have even started saying "I started as a weak 3 and now I am a strong 3!" This attitude does so much for my little guys and gals to feel accomplished and motivated to keep going. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some close up shots of each of the levels of understanding in case you want to create similar posters to hang in your room! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRu1fi6psb8rvgPSoOcHZxq8GaGi10UTekhcb9v6Bf-HaKyJ3eXQaQBOK731e5aM1hyphenhyphenuvXHHTt6I9vVVxPVsyP91MnBIY_WLiRL5qf7IkWNfqtXYcJSULX2_voBBEkIsruZokNEQ5M-aZ/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRu1fi6psb8rvgPSoOcHZxq8GaGi10UTekhcb9v6Bf-HaKyJ3eXQaQBOK731e5aM1hyphenhyphenuvXHHTt6I9vVVxPVsyP91MnBIY_WLiRL5qf7IkWNfqtXYcJSULX2_voBBEkIsruZokNEQ5M-aZ/s400/IMG_0675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7nfQt4JLYlH5F0JCRsqfNtZp1BcRYiX5w31jnWGDKDz7Ce2zrdbJ0HaTmQT4EbfJsu2aydcJNCqwCZrPkCejPknUupqn9B8W3CnCFHQA4MshjHGbSEiuWbC6n34WgkLvM3fFF9RAc7O9/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7nfQt4JLYlH5F0JCRsqfNtZp1BcRYiX5w31jnWGDKDz7Ce2zrdbJ0HaTmQT4EbfJsu2aydcJNCqwCZrPkCejPknUupqn9B8W3CnCFHQA4MshjHGbSEiuWbC6n34WgkLvM3fFF9RAc7O9/s400/IMG_0676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsy7gL1MuKnEEl_Dxzxk74P1bvG9PQy6JpSYY8p37gC8-Z_7_J27YFmafWQYjs1iiYzViCTIUcIPd5_lMOojWj3fKlTkNpTC91JvhmYnJMQFTN9OhtElnRF-RhLkCuvlhqIGG-ndPD8Z0/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsy7gL1MuKnEEl_Dxzxk74P1bvG9PQy6JpSYY8p37gC8-Z_7_J27YFmafWQYjs1iiYzViCTIUcIPd5_lMOojWj3fKlTkNpTC91JvhmYnJMQFTN9OhtElnRF-RhLkCuvlhqIGG-ndPD8Z0/s400/IMG_0677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDddGNuGwb88yDwE1Lfk-RnJn9UiU9VJTdV1gv-jU5BNll0uVQMJDM7T1qdcQqqwV9xGMU22v8cLgfyx8Zhyphenhyphen3I_PFZUEciIxwnZlqyyUBW6a2O4-4ZBc7hSlrpWqiaIRm0n0hCk80-1SB/s1600/IMG_0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDddGNuGwb88yDwE1Lfk-RnJn9UiU9VJTdV1gv-jU5BNll0uVQMJDM7T1qdcQqqwV9xGMU22v8cLgfyx8Zhyphenhyphen3I_PFZUEciIxwnZlqyyUBW6a2O4-4ZBc7hSlrpWqiaIRm0n0hCk80-1SB/s400/IMG_0678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We also include this rating scale on things like homework. Here is a math resource we created that allows students to complete a couple of problems (rather than 30 or 40!) as homework as well as share their level of understanding with us and parents. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDMAHR2xQQWCaBOduIr_41FwpHI13O7Yi7l6esXenK663NbkmTzvfYq9vZLX_9CMkh3KWvXJ3tiFGHkDK6acuDud4zMzneC1kXiMG_K4GLjVzFvslcpWSZtH_XycroYk3J2HBbwiRBffa/s1600/Slide003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDMAHR2xQQWCaBOduIr_41FwpHI13O7Yi7l6esXenK663NbkmTzvfYq9vZLX_9CMkh3KWvXJ3tiFGHkDK6acuDud4zMzneC1kXiMG_K4GLjVzFvslcpWSZtH_XycroYk3J2HBbwiRBffa/s640/Slide003.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It communicates with parents where their kiddo is in any particular unit and it gives us some formative assessment to know where to go next in our instruction. You can check out the entire preview by clicking the pic below!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Self-Evaluated-Formative-Math-Assessments-1273227" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYVpmrMh2_pgR5fUxap_ZdfWut75R4ZLOfV7n5XAsjk1L9OSp5aujsYgzAQaLmgXVjN50HwfEECpukIm2kfoLBsVqyXbb1fEC-_tF-x_y0K3TcofJZnH0DDJhwd9nLG_HK7CqrmNR6qfr/s400/Slide001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Enter the Rafflecopter to win some amazing resources!!<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="3e87b5cf5" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3e87b5cf5/" id="rcwidget_kk2ndxjz" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
Hop around to the amazing blogs below to collect more Back-to-School tips and resources!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
</div>
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="549543">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=549543" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<!--start InLinkzscript -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipttype="text/javascript" src="//www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=549543&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!--end InLinkzscript -->Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-91745498409531728922015-08-02T09:36:00.001-07:002015-08-02T09:36:36.020-07:00August CurrentlyAmy here! I can't believe it is August! Let the countdown to meeting my new kiddos begin!<br />
<br />
We are linking up with <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4462636118&blog=3936064" target="_blank">Farely</a> at <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4462636118&blog=3936064" target="_blank">Oh Boy Fourth Grade</a> for her August Currently. Here is what I am up to right now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6t9tgYdjMkI39yg6ifMo96FZVs8QimbagmfzI0wqn7Eb8ZOfvLPFOWYWUWxDn32_am39SNfQj0D7jFhPHmVfzi9fcLoIcJLwERyaFKYx8eXwIJePsoaF7uKx0_T0UVyHPBdcPHbIhEH7/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6t9tgYdjMkI39yg6ifMo96FZVs8QimbagmfzI0wqn7Eb8ZOfvLPFOWYWUWxDn32_am39SNfQj0D7jFhPHmVfzi9fcLoIcJLwERyaFKYx8eXwIJePsoaF7uKx0_T0UVyHPBdcPHbIhEH7/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Listening:</b> I am a soundtrack junkie! A movie could be terrible but if the soundtrack is good, you got me!<br />
<br />
<b>Loving:</b> I am a Michigander through and through and I LOVE all of the four seasons we experience here in the Mitten. This summer started out a bit slow in June but July did not disappoint and I have high hopes for some gorgeous weather this August.<br />
<br />
<b>Thinking:</b> Speaking of gorgeous weather... I am TERRIBLY behind on my summer to-do list. UGH! With school right around the corner I need to kick it into high gear!<br />
<br />
<b>Wanting:</b> I already have the bedding and I am in the process of picking out a new color for the walls. A little overwhelming but SOOOOO exciting to make a change!<br />
<br />
<b>Needing:</b> Oh ice cream! We have such a love/hate relationship! Sooner or later I am going to have to say goodbye!<br />
<br />
<b>B2S RAK:</b> We have several new staff members starting this year and I am looking for just the right little something to welcome them home!<br />
<br />
Check out what some awesome bloggers are up to this month by visiting <a href="http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4462636118&blog=3936064" target="_blank">Oh Boy Fourth Grade</a> and following the links!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-25196823892239652912015-07-31T15:59:00.001-07:002015-08-01T20:29:01.339-07:00What's in Your Cart? BTS 2015 Linky Party<br />
<br />
The only thing more exciting than all of the prep for a new school year is an AWESOME Back-to-School sale! Tons of sellers are marking down resources in addition to TPT offering a 10% discount (just use the code BTS15). We are linking up with <a href="http://thespeechroomnews.com/2015/07/whats-in-your-cart-bts-2015-linky-party.html" target="_blank">Speech Room News</a> to share a few great deals from our store as well as to share what we are counting down the minutes to buy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPfeuXm6-sCcTTcdHOj7HioxBXLpT_bUuvpGxuXI8hJj4u2CIxq5u5GzEWwQIVVAVaLgz96Cc9ILV_WwGVKy45oTNAm3apsSZ2aYK6CLFYa1QYC0Zp-HPPlc0AwdyqyR41m_rtuz_W_OX/s1600/Slide16-768x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPfeuXm6-sCcTTcdHOj7HioxBXLpT_bUuvpGxuXI8hJj4u2CIxq5u5GzEWwQIVVAVaLgz96Cc9ILV_WwGVKy45oTNAm3apsSZ2aYK6CLFYa1QYC0Zp-HPPlc0AwdyqyR41m_rtuz_W_OX/s400/Slide16-768x1024.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
First up, one of our best deals, our Year-Long Word Study Bundle. This bundle gives you everything you need to expand your students' understanding of key prefixes and suffixes in order to read, write and understand unknown words. Our kiddos LOVE putting together their Word Study Notebook and it becomes a challenge to hunt for words using the prefixes and suffixes we are learning!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-A-Year-Long-Study-1061353" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVt0m4jSa57nQqYkdddCg3x8fcYRaUVwuQzppGZapBHGulkiq2b1F7jLs4VtKYELQtuCOheHfML6aHP6sVgPQAA4pICRYvPAJ3RbXYa6DnWDijcrPBHunyXoCp2t-Y4S1ySofWGabo-yU/s400/Slide24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another resource that we can't wait to get started on with our own kiddos is our Publishing S.Q.U.A.D.s pack. We always struggled with how to get our kiddos talking about their writing in a way that actually benefited both the advisor and the advisee! This system gives your students a framework for how to talk about writing. You will be AMAZED at the conversations you will hear them having!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Publishing-SQUAD-A-Collaborative-Peer-Revising-Experience-1841788" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_KRtHejE3ttKdYwMfAjvYSP4mqG_0C3TGM3X0AoGNYlLKdB5b3KUnEMuN02wPCkHclLEvyqDAzl8eCvqqJnECLJk0En2Eo_NjbSHkHrEHFmlmQ7ZKNivZiR3Balq70DAlEhQCOmjvfYc/s400/Slide11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our best seller is also on sale! Are you struggling to help your students understand Bar Modeling? We were and found that taking our kiddos on a little trip back in time to see how they learned about bar modeling in previous grades helped us to create a solid foundation for building their knowledge of bar modeling. We printed the slides and used them as anchor charts throughout the year. We loved watching kids refer to them as they worked through word problems.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bar-Modeling-Posters-1008950" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQso_xgoxZS1lyHugphc-1z-9KzZopPV8JvCGCXo0LbTurOlQQFIrc4zHbQdvjNpj6xEeDPqbVA2ZW8K4Jgpu9jDd1CNi6opSKxmGZrBYsUHdiwBvxZQKTbydjPGNbWG0WEo7YitLGz7w2/s400/Slide02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now for a few resources that we can't wait to get our hands on!<br />
<br />
First up, Math Projects from Teaching with a Mountain View. She is AMAZING! We love all of her resources but we are revamping our math this year and we are looking for fun and engaging math projects that get our kiddos applying what they have learned. These are perfect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Math-Project-1990969" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjCX6KOwznlRC4PE6n_lfoGQTb0Djr17JJRArkO5pUS-uD5BmtaIwC8AZnnAOn9Ejp3jpEF0pUQFC2EgEb00Qo8hx4SUEYFW0mO01KNsc-w64ucnLwiLAfpIhEcR8NCQdJ1jWOyBuScWy/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-31+at+6.46.05+PM.png" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up, Teaching and Tapas awesome Close Reading Bundle. She is a wonderful writer and we love the way she includes such valuable work in a student friendly format. Looking forward to using these for whole group as well as for intervention.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/4th-Grade-Close-Reading-Informational-AND-Literature-BUNDLE-100-passages-1976794" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHQWsMiFwwNzywHr2BECpSKO0JWeDSJGhgHgErWaS5UuQRd1grLbxtgmqfBE1UiEi0EjutqHZ8bPB9Dhzu6f9gJrKd1zLs7aGmlpGUqdQQHmB6wgnaa_eRE-kyfB7iG26D91sKKAE0nVP/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-31+at+6.48.59+PM.png" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
Last but not least, we are excited about purchasing Color-By-Number For Big Kids from a fellow Michigander, Kristine Nannini. These will be the perfect fit for our new math workshop!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Color-by-Number-for-Big-Kids-4th-Grade-Common-Core-Math-All-Standards-1197721" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwkX76a5aKNHLg8T23Q_XDXu6uhsBdj6eKHnj2xlPbhG07f4xsvhMsS62kQhasG9myhSfAzrUTeoShtXYS48Cvn8vVAturbRdzpO30Vmy9VaS9o4NgP07PPTsdJYDX5mhaAqAQSLFhfB3/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-07-31+at+6.51.35+PM.png" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
We are so excited for the sale because we feel like it will get us one step closer to being ready for a new year full of fun, growth, and learning!<br />
<br />
Happy shopping everyone!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-55252601338126879732015-07-14T12:55:00.000-07:002015-07-14T13:02:29.289-07:0021st Century Classroom Design: A Look Back<br />
<br />
I have been meaning to write this post for a while but we have found so many great blog link-ups and book studies going on this summer that I have not had a chance. Mollie and I did a complete overhaul on our classrooms last summer and got rid of desks! We wanted something completely different that would provide our kiddos with more choice and an environment that encouraged self-directed learning and collaboration. After doing TONS of research and TONS of scrounging (ugh and buying) to get just what we needed to put something awesome together, we finally put together what we felt was the perfect classroom design for us. I have to tell you, a year later, it was exactly that... a PERFECT classroom design for us!<br />
<br />
Here are links to the two posts where we give you a sneak peak into our classrooms: <a href="http://twonuttyteachers.blogspot.com/p/our-classrooms.html" target="_blank">Amy's Classroom</a> and <a href="http://twonuttyteachers.blogspot.com/2014/09/hello-there-mollie-here-now-that.html" target="_blank">Mollie's Classroom</a>.<br />
<br />
I've started setting up my classroom for this coming year and to be honest I am changing VERY little. The classroom really worked for us last year and the feedback from the kids was positive. 21 out of 26 kids would choose a classroom design like they had this year over a traditional classroom design. For those that would prefer the traditional design, they said they missed having a desk to "keep all their stuff". I have to say the kids not having a messy desk was one of my favorite things about the design this year!<br />
<br />
* Some of the reasons kids liked the new design were:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>"You could interact with different people and you didn't have to be around the same people all the time." </li>
<li>"You could choose cozy items and they made learning more comfy." </li>
<li>"You have lots of choices." </li>
<li>"I like being able to move a lot. It is hard to sit all day."</li>
</ul>
<div>
* Some things kids would change are:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>The personal white boxes were not sturdy enough to make it a full year. They thought if they got one at the beginning of the year and then one after winter break, it would be better.</li>
<li>The kids did not like the times they had to sit in their home bases. (I'll talk about this more later in the post)</li>
</ul>
<div>
I felt like the kids expressed everything I hoped they would when reflecting on the year. They understood that this year was about strengthening their independence and their ability to think about their own learning. Think about how powerful it will be for these kiddos as middle schoolers, high schoolers and even COLLEGE age students to KNOW exactly how they learn best and to make educational decisions that are best for them. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what will I change? I did move my "Math Gear" (new pics to come!) to a different spot in the room. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGbmfJ3wpHTvVGkvo5mncOZ3FsC0pG9jlHJXhaQvqcNvtqmdY4-Brj-vawSEcU0o6xq2y5MSBYLsyP9VcnT9920qAUi-gFkvxVLgVBHJ6NszH9BQixKe1l3ziiviq5POT0ztvD8X5aJAg/s1600/DSCN4485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGbmfJ3wpHTvVGkvo5mncOZ3FsC0pG9jlHJXhaQvqcNvtqmdY4-Brj-vawSEcU0o6xq2y5MSBYLsyP9VcnT9920qAUi-gFkvxVLgVBHJ6NszH9BQixKe1l3ziiviq5POT0ztvD8X5aJAg/s640/DSCN4485.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am not done setting up my room but my thinking is that I want to get rid of any obstructions that make it difficult to see kiddos. I moved it to the back wall so that my kiddos were not behind the shelf and difficult to see. Some of the issues I had with off task choices were behind this shelf so it made sense to move it. :-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another change I will make is purchasing two white boxes for each student. These boxes are made out of cardboard so I knew they might not last but I had to give them a shot because they were so cheap! I am still happy with the boxes as a whole but I do think replacing boxes in January will help. My kiddos were rough on stuff in general this year (boy-oh-boy! I lived with three brothers growing up and I never could have imagined how rough kids could be until this year! I love them anyway!!!) so I am going to go into next year prepared with two boxes per kid but who knows! Here are the boxes I buy from IKEA (CAN YOU BELIEVE THE PRICE!?!?!) $1.99 for 5!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50022354/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho31FZiH7uMFS-CVncT_L-FjQ2pTZ46ASrH2FV8xz62xpH24WZry-nAycR1fCFuXeE1tnUXzcnC2obLaznJNv53WhC_ROU931Q0fo5fB67zBPGCSCgHkfpBb2J0AHjCIEoOk5zQBmQWsz_/s400/flyt-magazine-file-white__0252551_PE103469_S4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Mollie and I had written a grant to purchase the furniture we felt necessary for this design. Unfortunately, we did not receive the grant (they had decided to no longer purchase furniture with the grant money) but we were able to "frankenstein" a classroom that was close to our original design. The one thing that was missing was a place for kids to stand and work. We committed to keeping our countertop cleared off so kids could stand and work there if they wanted however, most kids did not choose that. I don't know if it was because their backs would have been to the rest of the room or if it just felt strange standing at the counter but I am still interested in a space for kids to stand when they are working. I came across these tables at IKEA for $21.99 and I think I am going to buy one to see how it holds up and if there are kiddos who would prefer to stand. I'll keep you posted!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLkWKGPTDZocG3xvM8nvtD32Z80U7KWlECnh6f_cqND4bV1_OF68jKctZWsL4-biQOz3bGV2RbulyxxgIDxlrRu9ypy-hLlD7w9sMxHeEQHQuVR8mnSw9DiTQwvmcRBmPxqHp8Q-9FqR1/s1600/svartasen-laptop-stand-black__0186946_PE339817_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLkWKGPTDZocG3xvM8nvtD32Z80U7KWlECnh6f_cqND4bV1_OF68jKctZWsL4-biQOz3bGV2RbulyxxgIDxlrRu9ypy-hLlD7w9sMxHeEQHQuVR8mnSw9DiTQwvmcRBmPxqHp8Q-9FqR1/s400/svartasen-laptop-stand-black__0186946_PE339817_S4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I will not be changing the idea of "Home Base" for my kiddos. I know they said they didn't like sitting in their home base because they liked making their own choices but for me it just meant that home base was doing its job. My kiddos only had to sit in their home base when there was a guest teacher OR if as a class they were struggling to make good decisions. I did not need to utilize this natural consequence very often but when I did it obviously had the impact I had hoped for. I would love to consider ways to have the kids earn not sitting in home bases when the guest teacher is there but I am worried about overwhelming the guest teacher (can you even imagine walking into a classroom with zero desks and learning that the kids just sit wherever they want!!!). This procedure also helped my principal to feel more comfortable with the new design considering when things are going well with a guest teacher, she is the one called in to support.<br />
<br />
I have said more than once that redesigning our classrooms was the best thing that I did in my 15 years of teaching and I still stand by that. I can't see myself EVER going back to a more traditional design. Next up... technology!!<br />
<br />
We have received great feedback from people who are interested in giving this type of design a try. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment here or email us! We are so passionate about this, we would LOVE to talk!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-1009822392212259482015-07-10T07:20:00.000-07:002015-07-10T07:20:04.647-07:00Book Study: Making Thinking Visible - Chapter 3<br />
<br />
"Better late than never" is a saying for a reason right?! Things have been a little hectic around here so I have not had a chance to read Chapter 3 from Making Thinking Visible by Ron Ritchart, Mark Church, and Karin Morrison until now! I am linking up again with <a href="http://theowlteacher.blogspot.com/2015/07/introduction-to-thinking-routines-week.html" target="_blank">The Owl Teacher</a> to reflect on this book all about how to create opportunities for kids to not just share their thinking but to SHOW their thinking.<br />
<br />
This chapter explains what "thinking routines" are and why they are important to students' learning. As I am sure we can all agree, routines are key to our survival! When our kids know what to expect and what is expected of them, it saves us valuable learning time and our sanity!<br />
<br />
The authors broke routines down into three categories: tools, structures, and patterns of behavior. The first way to use thinking routines is as a tool. My big take-away from this section was before giving our kiddos a task, we should determine what type of thinking we want our kiddos to do. Once we know what kind of thinking we want from them, we can select the appropriate thinking routine for them to use as a tool.<br />
<br />
The second way we can use thinking routines is as a structure. This is section got me super excited to learn more about thinking routines. The structure of these routines naturally scaffolds students' thinking and helps them to systematically get to higher level and deeper thinking. I LOVE THIS! I am always trying to create opportunities for my kiddos to go deeper and think at a higher level but I am always concerned that if I push them there too quickly, and their understanding breaks down that I won't know where I lost them. A structure that scaffolds allows me to see where my students are struggling so I can support them.<br />
<br />
The final way we can use thinking routines is as a pattern of behavior. This section simply explains that incorporating thinking routines into the classroom consistently will help your kiddos develop into true thinkers. In the past, education has focused too much on students learning and understanding the thinking of others without encouraging them to do any real thinking themselves. Adopting thinking routines in your classroom will ensure that you students not only gain a real understanding of skills and concepts but also that they uncover their own thinking about them.<br />
<br />
I am so eager to learn more about these thinking routines and start to plan how they will be present in my classroom this school year. Visit back next week as we start looking at routines for introducing and exploring ideas!<br />
<br />
Don't forget to check out <a href="http://theowlteacher.blogspot.com/2015/07/introduction-to-thinking-routines-week.html" target="_blank">The Owl Teacher</a> to read about her thoughts on Chapter 3!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-88063627177506083432015-07-04T07:44:00.001-07:002015-07-04T07:44:09.781-07:00Happy Fourth!We are linking up with Jasmine at <a href="http://buzzingwithmrsmcclain.blogspot.com/2015/07/4th-of-july-sale-linky-party.html#more" target="_blank">Buzzing with Mrs. McClain</a> and MANY other sellers to throw a big sale in honor of Independence Day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://buzzingwithmrsmcclain.blogspot.com/2015/07/4th-of-july-sale-linky-party.html#more" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU0k7NqDOl3prDCQEHRDpYIcfUTdt6K6ds11U9Rel2_ayQXUQI0ev9ZzvppyAwTNeOni9HAIQc9uu7Xa5ZPpeUsm12iiOgUu9vsP0oaU2qVvNvQBxh9v_XvyO5EEY_270hdeKxYBMzosV/s400/small4th_thumb%255B2%255D.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can head over to our store and find everything (INCLUDING BUNDLES!) 20% off today and tomorrow! Here are just a few awesome deals that may be helpful as you prep for a new school year (yes the Back-2-School displays are starting to role out at the stores!). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Two-Nuts-Teachin-From-The-Same-Tree" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18yO6-GVJIlNMNJxnWntI8QxYYlTNrjJ5kBv3uYHGUlq6QjBmJfzu9EGkH2Qm5twJV1d23AzlLbyZBfGCaSkyPCWFMPJhWS_yHWPpy9EuE0A-cgsL83F0ZZPTyWo_4PEfXjRXsCaeKC0I/s400/TNT+Button.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
If you are looking for a way to deepen your students' understanding of words and build their toolbox for identifying and understanding unknown words, this is a perfect bundle for you! Everything you need for Word Study for the entire year! Just print and go!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-A-Year-Long-Study-1061353" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcexBsMMGoL5H5BPTyNeNXE7VPAKfVQAw85D0QrkfsxvzzBamqv3CfoaTn0dvczpl5P-kQCuQNDM9v6Qrx9Y5-7hpdUoCqF1kh433TX62SZ-RicGDNf3CRjqK2O-G6IapSVAYqSVq3kZA/s400/Slide1.gif" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now is a great time to set up our Teacher Resource Binder. This resource has tons of forms that will help you to get organized and stay organized throughout the entire year. Head over to our store to see the three different designs to choose form. And the best part? Once you purchase it, you will have updates every school year so you will never need to buy another resource binder again! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Resource-Binder-Navy-Pink-Aqua-Lime-1905280" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfthY_DkXgksx_yBJjl7tEVklIz5HgiqfVEv5MCbOYcKgy6cUaVymS8UupwAazShXc1dITV25TMU0tJPlspVqLsZcQwjURRjX3YTpREvJS2UhQMoyitrAC9-Kyoiw2kGoLYcYCglKnSk0/s400/Slide09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Head on over to our store, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Two-Nuts-Teachin-From-The-Same-Tree" target="_blank">Two Nuts Teachin' from the Same Tree </a>and grab some awesome deals. Also, check out <a href="http://buzzingwithmrsmcclain.blogspot.com/2015/07/4th-of-july-sale-linky-party.html#more" target="_blank">Buzzing with Mrs. McClain</a> to find more great deals!<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-77646461932665435262015-07-01T20:08:00.003-07:002015-07-01T20:08:49.192-07:00Currently: JulyIt has been a little while since we linked up with Farley over at <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh' Boy 4th Grade</a> for her monthly Currently blog series so we are excited to be back!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hOIbJ2kIDOsbZHD94EzPjGEMA14IcqWOtt11_3i3NXSKu7nerm4_-MFqR2BVSJkLjYNes1lFQeEmPxyrmieCREfqoBaTkW6z_ofqvDfCE7oFCOQJYPp8r3k76NYaVmVDPG3nApqG1SMT/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hOIbJ2kIDOsbZHD94EzPjGEMA14IcqWOtt11_3i3NXSKu7nerm4_-MFqR2BVSJkLjYNes1lFQeEmPxyrmieCREfqoBaTkW6z_ofqvDfCE7oFCOQJYPp8r3k76NYaVmVDPG3nApqG1SMT/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Listening: I love Ellie Goulding (and my daughter Ellie is convinced it is because of the name). I have a playlist on Spotify that I am listening to over and over again! :)<br />
<br />
Loving: Jen at Hello Fonts updated her bundle and added several new fonts this month. I LOVE THEM ALL!!!!<br />
<br />
Thinking: WHAT HAPPENED TO JUNE!?!? My kiddos are counting down the days to our family vacation and every time they mark a day on the calendar they get excited and I shed a tear. Summer is going WAY too fast!<br />
<br />
Wanting: I really need to make a trip to IKEA. It is just sooooo far! I think they need to build one here... although my hubby may disagree...<br />
<br />
Needing: I really want to run a half marathon in September but it has been a LONG time since I ran on a regular basis. I totally thought that I would have all kinds of time now that it is summer... think again. :(<br />
<br />
All Star: I do love to-do lists and I can rock several at once!<br />
<br />
Be sure to stop over to <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh' Boy 4th Grade</a> to check out what other bloggers are up to this month!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-20252456458092044442015-06-28T20:49:00.000-07:002015-06-28T20:49:44.522-07:00Weekly Summer Link-Up: My Favorite Quote<br />
I absolutely LOVE the topics that Monica over at <a href="http://www.iheartgrade3.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Grade 3</a> came up with for the Summer Link-Ups! This week I am sharing my favorite quote! If any of my students are reading this post, they will probably know before I even share it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-hrTaRIZJdaQvut7kKKJ9H0c1dCE21Y5YDF06QEZFbevvUJ2Mrsn50dV3gaYkU9t_jc5JLD7VvNq4WOPZs-ycPL7bCTnf19zi22P2UVCA-uiMK7ppfAW_JSKmMJLDZ94qZfaRwoAKkJo/s1600/Quote+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-hrTaRIZJdaQvut7kKKJ9H0c1dCE21Y5YDF06QEZFbevvUJ2Mrsn50dV3gaYkU9t_jc5JLD7VvNq4WOPZs-ycPL7bCTnf19zi22P2UVCA-uiMK7ppfAW_JSKmMJLDZ94qZfaRwoAKkJo/s640/Quote+Pic.jpg" width="513" /></a></div>
<br />
If I can help to build the confidence of each and every one of my students and ensure them that their dreams are possible, I will feel as though I have had a successful career.<br />
<br />
What is your favorite quote? If you want to read some inspirational posts, hop on over to <a href="http://www.iheartgrade3.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Grade 3</a> and follow each of the links to see what other bloggers are saying is their favorite quote!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-71662544856022639562015-06-28T20:35:00.000-07:002015-06-28T20:35:14.371-07:00TPT Seller Challenge Week Two: Dare to Dream<br />
I love this week's challenge! I am posting kinda late but I really wanted to think about it... what are my dreams related to TPT. What do I hope to accomplish as a TPT seller??<br />
<br />
Here they are:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFJ1_QeBB16WWb3mi_DWcYB0t7okfq5RYpIFmufInQdkSdqjWEhaw3BCc0gSEL0ZKAsblUjJJj7Tsy8KsT9yi4VWyRsa2cZf08tbL0dlRGuXUUOfiV5qHUKP3qf7vJ5aTQWx0KYBCXYrk/s1600/Slide17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFJ1_QeBB16WWb3mi_DWcYB0t7okfq5RYpIFmufInQdkSdqjWEhaw3BCc0gSEL0ZKAsblUjJJj7Tsy8KsT9yi4VWyRsa2cZf08tbL0dlRGuXUUOfiV5qHUKP3qf7vJ5aTQWx0KYBCXYrk/s640/Slide17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
#1: Our Forever Home<br />
<br />
My hubby and I picked up our keys on our wedding day 10 years ago this October. This house, our first house, was exactly what we needed and exactly what we wanted 10 years ago. However, it is not the perfect house for us now. We have two little ones (okay, I am a little delusional - they are not that little anymore. :( They are 6 and 8) and our house is just too small for all four of us (and of course our stuff!). I would love TPT to help us move into our forever home. A home that we all choose together and that fits us perfectly!<br />
<br />
#2: Travel the World<br />
<br />
I LOVE to travel! I would love to take my hubby and my girls on amazing trips to amazing places. I think it is so important to teach our girls an appreciation for different cultures as well as an appreciation for the history and beauty of our country. I look forward to our first TPT trip!<br />
<br />
#3: A 2nd Career<br />
<br />
Right now I can't imagine not being in the classroom but I do know that I have a love and a desire to develop curriculum and to work with teachers. The beauty of TPT is that I am working on developing resources now! This is a dream that I won't have to wait to fulfill! I would also love to possibility of providing professional development to other educators. Mollie and I presented at the Michigan Reading Association conference this past March and I KNOW that would not have happened if it were not for TPT. We are looking to present again this year and we are going to submit TWO proposals! I dare to dream of a possible 2nd career in providing professional development!<br />
<br />
Thank you to the the awesome ladies who put this whole challenge together! Thank you for pushing us to be better and to think big! You are the best!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://peppyzestyteacherista.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Peppy Zesty Teacherista"><img alt="Peppy Zesty Teacherista" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXcQSfOr1xBEeNT75R2nPqvsgN87vc0BpBgEh_pDhmJ4bUH6zSq3IICGvJ0MOXouHyEo6N4i-UtJOeztsmROfBXgalTG08AT775MoXo0rneY212v1Rkhc5xLDzAW_cVLBasGx8EZ5udo/s1600/Button.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://sparklinginsecondgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Sparkling in Second"><img alt="Sparkling in Second" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy8/JumpingJaxDesigns/Blog%20Designs/SparklinginSecondButton3_zps107416d1.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.teachcreatemotivate.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18BGqZJ6CPj6mLMtrXMSTx7LeAEUzir8cjU2U6zoh-CEt6BWfD59a2dsi66Rfb72dq7bQ17qdDADzPz8zeNoWtWOc7pR-nBltb_ts-mIuHLYrWdOF1pHpneOUmGjIa4dliCLpOw9OtPA/s1600/button3.fw.png" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a a="" href="http://thirdinhollywood.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OChOR9pFjdCf6ThFClASfj-b0NE35IEqkMYoRlZisGmqienk7Hoa-fsKfN6gHE2K2VqGa5MEyXBLgb5-XXxEjC24vbhgjXp8Vyv1aPDMJgsMiUIWYJ-NQPrN9PHLy22TZba7GuhEd3hl/s1600/blogbutton.png" /></a></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-12173835212832227342015-06-27T14:48:00.001-07:002015-06-27T14:48:46.944-07:00Book Study: Making Thinking Visible - Chapter 2 <br />
<br />
Today I am back to share a little about Chapter 2 from Making Thinking Visible. I am a bit late but I actually had a couple of work days this week to help prepare some word study materials for our district so I did not have a chance to read and post about this weeks chapter until now.<br />
<br />
This chapter, titled Putting Thinking at the Center of the Educational Enterprise, is all about the fact that many teachers have been placed in a position to focus too much on the delivery of content putting the teacher at the center of the educational process as opposed to the student. I found this chapter to do an amazing job putting into words exactly how I have been feeling in recent years. I want so much to help my students to become thinkers and problem solvers but I struggle to create opportunities to develop and practice these skills because I need so much time to cover the overabundance of standards we are expected to cover. This chapter has me so excited to read about a possible solution to this issue!<br />
<br />
The solution starts with making thinking visible. When a student's thinking is visible it not only helps the teacher to know what students are understanding but also how they are understanding the concept or skill. There are three ways that the authors explain will help us to get insight into our students thinking.<br />
<br />
QUESTIONING:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgE9rARgljQJ2u6UA0FAH-OXMg74fICUOhTgTisg5a2-Q-2humws2s5G-polJ28zQM82EtydvJGsbCIXMFKAFYgfMPTEfwkhCC73mNuKcMv0gD4tjn3x2VI3D11mRDBlYnSLs1mpmgqUN/s1600/never-stop-questioning-facebook-cover-timeline-banner-for-fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgE9rARgljQJ2u6UA0FAH-OXMg74fICUOhTgTisg5a2-Q-2humws2s5G-polJ28zQM82EtydvJGsbCIXMFKAFYgfMPTEfwkhCC73mNuKcMv0gD4tjn3x2VI3D11mRDBlYnSLs1mpmgqUN/s400/never-stop-questioning-facebook-cover-timeline-banner-for-fb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We have all heard how important it is to ask higher level questions but many of us have also run into the roadblock of creating those questions ahead of time as well as ensuring that the questions we develop are appropriate for what our students need at that moment. The authors suggest three ways to implement meaningful questions into the classroom 1) show students our own interest in topics by sharing questions we have, 2) ask questions to help students to build an understanding of the concept or skill, 3) facilitate a deeper understanding by asking questions that push beyond the answer such as "What makes you say that?"<br />
<br />
LISTENING:<br />
Taking the time to listen to our kiddos, I mean REALLY listen to them, will help to develop a natural conversation that includes questions that push thinking. In addition to supporting good conversation, demonstrating what it looks like to truly listen to someone helps students to become better listeners.<br />
<br />
DOCUMENTING:<br />
This is something that I really want to focus on this year. Documenting is not simply recording what students have been doing but it is meant to help move learning forward. I especially love how the authors explain that documenting should come in many forms. The learning community might document using photographs, audiotapes of discussions, writing, drawings, etc. This type of documentation works perfectly with the focus on multiple intelligences in my classroom.<br />
<br />
I am so excited to move into the actual thinking routines. It is exactly what I need to explore while putting plans together for next year! Be sure to hop over to hear Tammy's thoughts on this chapter at <a href="http://theowlteacher.blogspot.com/2015/06/guess-whats-in-your-teachers-head-week.html" target="_blank">The Owl Teacher</a>. Come back next Thursday to hear about a few of the 21 routines we will be learning about throughout the rest of the book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-5409093401468113392015-06-22T10:40:00.002-07:002015-06-22T10:40:37.959-07:00Weekly Summer Link-Up: One Item that Means the World to Me<br />
<br />
Amy here! This week's link-up was actually an easy one for me. Monica at <a href="http://www.iheartgrade3.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Grade 3</a> asked us to blog about one item that means the world to me so here it is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprBOZwWaXeKLlwsdHHVoZUg8OXWUUDNyB9clSghmlVJdViTDllQECzUSziWqniKi6EhslmmpeFE-21bkXCWXrSIikYNNWQgg4RYVfx6Gxbd_zjrIhnv5wfxrCmPjHl7UqLvAlyGZupjQQ/s1600/imagejpeg952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprBOZwWaXeKLlwsdHHVoZUg8OXWUUDNyB9clSghmlVJdViTDllQECzUSziWqniKi6EhslmmpeFE-21bkXCWXrSIikYNNWQgg4RYVfx6Gxbd_zjrIhnv5wfxrCmPjHl7UqLvAlyGZupjQQ/s640/imagejpeg952.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This paper flower was given to me by a couple of students as an end of year gift. The students came from one of THOSE classes. You know the class. The one that you just connect with. The one that pushes you and challenges you to work differently and think differently as a teacher. The one that you dread coming to an end. The one that has students that you hope to stay connected to for years to come so that you can be there to celebrate all that they accomplish.<br />
<br />
The girls wrote something sweet on each petal. Here is what each petal said:<br />
I Love...<br />
♥ the way you smile.<br />
♥ the funny jokes you make<br />
♥ your encouragement<br />
♥ how you make school fun<br />
♥ when you wink at me<br />
♥ your shining eyes<br />
♥ how you help me learn<br />
♥ the sayings you say<br />
♥ how you have different things than other teachers<br />
♥ that you give us time to learn things<br />
♥ that you're still joyful when you are frustrated<br />
♥ when you read to us<br />
♥ that you care for us<br />
♥ how you treat us like we are the same age as you<br />
♥ your creativity in the lessons<br />
<br />
The time these girls took to create this flower and to write down things that they loved about our community is just so precious to me. I will continue to hang up this flower each and every year at the start of a new year to remind me of how I can impact kids. It will also remind me that it really is the little things that matter to them. I can't thank these girls enough for this beautiful gift and I can only hope they know how much it means to me!<br />
<br />
Head over to <a href="http://www.iheartgrade3.com/weekly-summer-link-up-one-item-that-means-the-world-to-me/" target="_blank">I Heart Grade 3</a> to check out some awesome bloggers and what means the world to them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-76908853919523527432015-06-20T11:53:00.001-07:002015-06-20T11:53:44.836-07:00Book Study: Making Thinking Visible<br />
Hello! Amy here! I am so excited to have this opportunity to link up with a new blogger friend who is just a hop, skip, and a jump from us here in the mitten state! Tammy at <a href="http://www.theowlteacher.blogspot.com/2015/06/throw-blooms-taxonomy-away.html" target="_blank">The Owl Teacher</a> put out an all call to find bloggers interested in reading a book called Making Thinking Visible (How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners) and sharing a some of their thoughts about the book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB02o_FnqlRR1zQbu_ubKpfw8mhkJfrQkAuBM68RrKNagmodoQt3wyoP4oSeMfajHflE9rQSdhczMi359fhuL28xbvTSBtZXyHsFc7QuRIZp9SRhi_FS2RclbvXRhxD2aZN_B8VcxPU1vD/s1600/Book+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB02o_FnqlRR1zQbu_ubKpfw8mhkJfrQkAuBM68RrKNagmodoQt3wyoP4oSeMfajHflE9rQSdhczMi359fhuL28xbvTSBtZXyHsFc7QuRIZp9SRhi_FS2RclbvXRhxD2aZN_B8VcxPU1vD/s400/Book+Pic.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the next several weeks we will share a chapter or two with you each Thursday and give you some of the highlights. So here we go!<br />
<br />
Chapter 1: Unpacking Thinking<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF0VlECdbBKdZvB8F97gs8EkYeXxZvP21L8Kqxr4Xh90Wlao93wfyIZ-n3k87t7mVH8QUqnX10tLZLnROXVywBTxYzLDS8NqYdJykfiLrp4_e3L05ionajvRq9ZP7svykxdOiBpywtPfd/s1600/Scrappy+Bright+Chev+Numbers-01.png" 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/AVvXsEibF0VlECdbBKdZvB8F97gs8EkYeXxZvP21L8Kqxr4Xh90Wlao93wfyIZ-n3k87t7mVH8QUqnX10tLZLnROXVywBTxYzLDS8NqYdJykfiLrp4_e3L05ionajvRq9ZP7svykxdOiBpywtPfd/s200/Scrappy+Bright+Chev+Numbers-01.png" width="104" /></a></div>
It was interesting to hear that the stages of thinking and understanding are not stages at all. We have all learned about Bloom's Taxonomy and many of us (myself included) have been under the impression that students move through these stages of thinking starting at a low, basic understanding of a concept or skill and move through a hierarchy. I have thought the key to getting my kids to be deep thinkers is to begin by giving them a basic understanding of concepts and skills through direct instruction and then give them opportunities to expand that knowledge so that they can ultimately apply their new knowledge. This chapter blew that sequence out of the water! It got me thinking... is my push to have my students learn a skill and then apply that skill (of course in some sort of project type of way) encouraging one of the biggest problems in my classroom? Students are way too product focused. They want to get to the final product and they want to get it right. They have no time or patience for the process which means that perseverance and grit are difficult for my kiddos. Hmmm... something to think about!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNqQl_S688Q7bpNhstNO3WW1z-9orQW0DGL5jUe8lxS-Aa6y7eLNfQjNerbo8mD55VYWtXQvzVpMwvY9Xs8Djd3Uv1NXVeuJKP0Rik6AIuHMc5vTppW0FyDy8XOn6esQrAK5CSsfMhvI1/s1600/Scrappy+Bright+Chev+Numbers-02.png" 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/AVvXsEjNNqQl_S688Q7bpNhstNO3WW1z-9orQW0DGL5jUe8lxS-Aa6y7eLNfQjNerbo8mD55VYWtXQvzVpMwvY9Xs8Djd3Uv1NXVeuJKP0Rik6AIuHMc5vTppW0FyDy8XOn6esQrAK5CSsfMhvI1/s200/Scrappy+Bright+Chev+Numbers-02.png" width="120" /></a>
<br />
One of the things I am most excited about with this book is that the authors are going to share specific strategies that support students in thinking about their thinking. He states that when students are asked "What is Thinking?" most are not able to give a solid explanation. It makes me wonder, how can kids make solid thinking moves to help them achieve understanding if they are not able to identify their thinking or strategies they use to support their comprehension? The upcoming chapters in this book give specific thinking moves that should be used repeatedly throughout a unit of study. The best part, they can also be used to assess students understanding which will obviously continuously guide our instruction.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwgygWCv-2ef3CFVFVKPKVb_rL21nJ0zmovWjj-h2h9cr28DBdENgJ9SVNsXuJxW2FiyvriQ6IJpWlzAlDQ1o0DjO9cT9AXcHYlz9CWwyVJ3Kr_eqXtG_guI99nZbInim-mm0DRU2q1wC/s1600/Scrappy+Bright+Chev+Numbers-03.png" 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/AVvXsEhBwgygWCv-2ef3CFVFVKPKVb_rL21nJ0zmovWjj-h2h9cr28DBdENgJ9SVNsXuJxW2FiyvriQ6IJpWlzAlDQ1o0DjO9cT9AXcHYlz9CWwyVJ3Kr_eqXtG_guI99nZbInim-mm0DRU2q1wC/s200/Scrappy+Bright+Chev+Numbers-03.png" width="120" /></a><br />
The final point that really stuck out for me in this chapter is that everything we do must create a desire to learn in our students. This desire manifests in curiosity and questioning. I want a learning environment where kids are eager to learn and one where students find value in what they are learning and how they are spending their time. I am hopeful that as I read these next chapters and gain a better understanding of the thinking moves identified by the authors, that I will be able to increase student motivation and engagement in my classroom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are interested in joining our little book study, please do! I have a feeling that we are going to have some great discussions and that we will start our school year with some new found knowledge that will have a huge impact on our kiddos!<br />
<br />
Jump over to visit Tammy at <a href="http://www.theowlteacher.blogspot.com/2015/06/throw-blooms-taxonomy-away.html" target="_blank">The Owl Teacher</a> to read what others are saying about this first chapter!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-47072967134044744762015-06-17T10:50:00.000-07:002015-06-17T10:52:38.363-07:00TPT Seller Challenge Week One: Makeover Madness<br />
<br />
We are so excited to have an opportunity to come together with hundreds of TPT sellers to participate in the TPT Seller Challenge! These lovely ladies came up with an awesome idea to challenge TPT sellers to spend the next four weeks improving their business.<br />
<br />
<center>
</center>
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thirdinhollywood.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OChOR9pFjdCf6ThFClASfj-b0NE35IEqkMYoRlZisGmqienk7Hoa-fsKfN6gHE2K2VqGa5MEyXBLgb5-XXxEjC24vbhgjXp8Vyv1aPDMJgsMiUIWYJ-NQPrN9PHLy22TZba7GuhEd3hl/s1600/blogbutton.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://sparklinginsecondgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Sparkling in Second"><img alt="Sparkling in Second" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy8/JumpingJaxDesigns/Blog%20Designs/SparklinginSecondButton3_zps107416d1.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://peppyzestyteacherista.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Peppy Zesty Teacherista"><img alt="Peppy Zesty Teacherista" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXcQSfOr1xBEeNT75R2nPqvsgN87vc0BpBgEh_pDhmJ4bUH6zSq3IICGvJ0MOXouHyEo6N4i-UtJOeztsmROfBXgalTG08AT775MoXo0rneY212v1Rkhc5xLDzAW_cVLBasGx8EZ5udo/s1600/Button.png" style="border: none;" /></a><a href="http://www.teachcreatemotivate.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18BGqZJ6CPj6mLMtrXMSTx7LeAEUzir8cjU2U6zoh-CEt6BWfD59a2dsi66Rfb72dq7bQ17qdDADzPz8zeNoWtWOc7pR-nBltb_ts-mIuHLYrWdOF1pHpneOUmGjIa4dliCLpOw9OtPA/s1600/button3.fw.png" /></a></center>
<br />
We were all too excited to accept the challenge and Week 1 was just what we needed.<br />
<br />
Makeover Madness week is all about improving existing products and we decided to do a complete overhaul of our product covers. We love the look of the square covers and it makes the shopping experience so much more enjoyable. We are slowly changing up all of our covers but we just HAD to start with our first set of products. Way back in December of 2012 we opened Two Nuts Teachin' from the Same Tree and uploaded four individual products as well as a bundle. The products are awesome and we have gotten some great feedback about them but the covers were... well, I will let the pics speak for themselves!<br />
<br />
Realistic Fiction Choice Board<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Project-Realistic-Fiction-Genre-Choice-Board-1005298" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihToP9TmYMsTO8odYsTXHeyTexsKSMU3MQJNLCWd0HD4YkfGhYYUkkli2RBNnuKMGrfYzyjjklMX-kOzpp_mUGN-zrt07dZxkV7TniZ0ZdXu_Ta8L3R-mS5z7GDGaTXOYXNZpmN6PcoGWT/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Biography Choice Board<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Project-Biography-Genre-Choice-Board-1005276" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JqHdEkC6K1ZDjbdD_QdAXd9O-k0vdNbvU3U7WZCoKyDDdIyDjLTQDmo4euR1iJgxZ4lXn8pkFfLck0XVL-38QDKxAMB5OhiumkrEUYTAHBUZQnUgcL0xxBqL5rByHLpCoeC3MZ2rjN2Q/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fantasy Choice Board<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Project-Fantasy-Genre-Choice-Board-1005284" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gxIvITd73qgaUACPRBLGemp6X3irNQrUFLS0RM9vnl66MJqbKTr1pcV7d_NnNWkgHuoBpUSDO7Btg6GQMItF9AknEHWDo3VHMmpkC4FUa6GkLoDPGXWKs3X_fSLaoJ66FvDprMOaBqv-/s400/Slide3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Adventure Choice Board<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Project-Adventure-Genre-Choice-Board-1005265" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5Bnt-ZlDpT-7rzaWSTmVYarmG4QdIctlQk-zkWtsTZnRXA2I2VynyqNOXUCLHM0fUIh4kZsshSf8dkxxPQiAmW1bwsgfs35fLvMcTS03EwZ5fgrTIuJyKbxJq5KaKdxOtr7lJGkLaEjD/s400/Slide4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All four choice boards in one bundle!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Book-Project-Four-Genre-Choice-Boards-Bundle-1005323" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9KUIdNJbjk_0SWKfVNjziCrIVvRMqctbj0VLv-rYthZsOuU8_RGl78rI1IVCMxJzRHaz3dejiKC5rBTCGA5AlmRpxV2ovquR3SKSQdnB0fvKSFyFBRWBe8yd4jrKiQPmuw9IoF5NjBsN/s400/Slide5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are looking for fun and engaging book projects, these are perfect for your kiddos. Each choice boards allows students to choose activities that speak to them as well as demonstrate a deep level of understanding of the book they read.<br />
<br />
We used these as quarterly book projects in our classrooms. Each quarter students were asked to choose a book in the chosen genre that is at their Lexile level to read. Students then used the choice board to choose three activities they would complete based on their book. Each resource includes an optional choice board that identifies which of the 8 multiple intelligences (See our <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiple-Intelligences-Kid-Friendly-Posters-1331093" target="_blank">FREE 8 Kinds of Smart posters</a>!) the activity is tapping into. That way kids are making informed choices about activities that ask them to capitalize on their strengths. You will also receive graphic organizers for each of the activities to help kids get started with their project. Finally, you will have an easy time grading each project using the provided rubric.<br />
<br />
If you think these sound perfect for your classroom, we are celebrating getting rid of those hideous covers by putting all five (YES! Even the bundle!) 20% off for the rest of this week (through Saturday)! Grab them for next year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-12765094190179318452015-06-15T12:20:00.002-07:002015-06-15T12:20:49.082-07:00Weekly Summer Link-Up: My Teaching Quirk<br />
<br />
So excited to be linking up with <a href="http://www.iheartgrade3.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Grade 3</a> again this week for her Weekly Summer Link-Up party!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.iheartgrade3.com/weekly-summer-link-up-my-teaching-quirk-2/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoVtnV8vWsVPsOPjbSMu4nMDD62TFQXpSIG0NcGancbFAX7sAZgQ9qQhfphbbEtb6nk8wM1hC391zCkZWXjSY4zjMQvuHHETp1p1ofp2qPMbpFJSpJ9_y4Qy-5IkAW3e-HVpi76DNORwn/s640/My-Teaching-Quirk-300x232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This week's link-up is all about my teaching quirk. It took me some time to come up with one... yes, because I have WAY too many! I tried to think about what other teachers in my building would say if they were asked and only one thing came to mind...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Fonts!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am completely obsessed with fonts. I know that there are several of us font junkies out there but I may take it to the next level (actually Mollie too, but I don't want to throw her under the bus so I will focus on my own illness). Here is why I think this is by far my most outrageous quirk:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. If our district sends us something to read in order to prep for a PD, I have to change the font before printing... I HAVE TO! Of course then I am embarrassed by my level of crazy and hide it shamelessly so my colleagues don't see it during the actual PD.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. If I forget something on the printer and my name is nowhere to be found on the document, 9 times out of 10 the person who finds it is able to bring it to me without question that it is mine. We have about 30 people who are able to print to our printer so... yeah.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. I have a mild panic attack every spring knowing that the district is going to come in to ghost our computers and that there is a possibility that I will lose all of my babies... um... I mean fonts. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Typically in any given year I have to ask our tech department to up the memory space on my drive because it takes up so much space saving everything as a word document AND a PDF document. It is necessary because if I need to print something from the computer lab, it won't have my fonts and if I need to send something to someone via email, they won't have my fonts and therefore I can only print/send a PDF. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Finally, when I start a new document it takes me WAY more time than I have to choose just the right font. Of course I have my favorites but I can't help but give some of the other fonts a fair chance to shine! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So there it is... my teaching quirk that makes my colleagues just shake their head and laugh. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(Is it sad that I am desperately hoping that some of you will leave some of your favorite fonts in the comments JUST IN CASE I am missing out on some great fonts?!? Yes! It is an illness!!!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-71062367734565775702015-06-07T22:27:00.000-07:002015-06-07T22:27:08.590-07:00Weekly Summer Link-Up: An Accomplishment I Am Proud Of<br />
<br />
Hi there! Amy here! I am so excited to link up with <a href="http://www.iheartgrade3.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Grade 3 </a>for her summer blogging series. This week's topic is "An Accomplishment I am Proud of".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.iheartgrade3.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqfeg35exQAWiSt5HD0ubJARMJHyrw8LGebAnsEKN7gITvPd-Pdjd4Qset2HGyvH3df9ddzu4rxiENHZVXJRmp5F1E4JNohrsEWMo0qAcrZsC02IeeF2iREOyzCH-j_qULl_BV27yBm8c/s400/Accomplishment-I-am-Proud-Of-300x232.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One accomplishment I am proud of is my work with our East Kentwood Volleyball Program. I played volleyball from 8th grade through high school and then I played club ball in college. It was some of the best years and I knew that I wanted to coach as soon as I started working in the schools.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJiOb5BNbLZOtiM_yahglvsUzq5FBoOfY9YlcSI3qVIte98w7je-8sog9Bj7tcCXpVLhzlqIOFNLoqWsGXyK4gFmUdN7vZlWxxiYVUacsfqymWkJfxHMN5gTICpYjFxFi6D-V4TdFCIUp/s1600/Volleyball+Pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJiOb5BNbLZOtiM_yahglvsUzq5FBoOfY9YlcSI3qVIte98w7je-8sog9Bj7tcCXpVLhzlqIOFNLoqWsGXyK4gFmUdN7vZlWxxiYVUacsfqymWkJfxHMN5gTICpYjFxFi6D-V4TdFCIUp/s400/Volleyball+Pic+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been the freshman coach for the past 14 seasons and I am so fortunate to work with some amazing kids who have taught me so much. They are goofy...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASLT1BReN3lRRy0TOZZQn2_wUanQPMgtHHSVnndtLNt8X7FaWyjxnmFMpNK2dW_wOGzHNGr1Y96qiJnCluxhpAVr0QAvoBhynxqmejkyTtVtOozwY71jo2nsw4Xau9LQmoGM3fbwW2Xme/s1600/Volleyball+Pic+%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASLT1BReN3lRRy0TOZZQn2_wUanQPMgtHHSVnndtLNt8X7FaWyjxnmFMpNK2dW_wOGzHNGr1Y96qiJnCluxhpAVr0QAvoBhynxqmejkyTtVtOozwY71jo2nsw4Xau9LQmoGM3fbwW2Xme/s400/Volleyball+Pic+%2521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And hardworking...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUqq-_fMcQ9_X6gL5df-05Qtryaw46B6mG0ll8u4VMOb-IQotfmIw4dPpe4D1ph8-GJEZ_y0Lr3vOnHxkQmIqXLQlfmDLoook3l7ZYyDkBe6rOw45_5tifThcW8Ya00iToa2YeeAEthUu/s1600/Volleyball+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUqq-_fMcQ9_X6gL5df-05Qtryaw46B6mG0ll8u4VMOb-IQotfmIw4dPpe4D1ph8-GJEZ_y0Lr3vOnHxkQmIqXLQlfmDLoook3l7ZYyDkBe6rOw45_5tifThcW8Ya00iToa2YeeAEthUu/s400/Volleyball+Pic+2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
And they love the sport of volleyball. My favorite is the relationships that I build with the girls that outlasts their short high school careers. They often come back while in college and even beyond to visit, help, and mentor our current players. I have had previous players come back and assistant coach for me, and although it makes me feel extremely old, it is wonderful to see the young adults they have become and that they see the value in teaching some of the same lessons I taught them to the current players.<br />
<br />
Coaching can be difficult, especially as my own kiddos get older and have more and more commitments, however, I can not bring myself to stop coaching. I love it too much. Now my own girls want to play volleyball and we can experience this amazing program and sport together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-53355687857627710242015-05-31T17:48:00.006-07:002015-05-31T17:48:48.353-07:00<br />
Hi! Mollie, here!<br />
<br />
It's been a while since I've posted, but I promise it's with good reason! These last few months have been crazy with getting ready for Baby Walsh. Every day during the last few weeks I would wake up and think today could be my last day with my students! And at home my husband and I were prepping our house for months to prepare for our first child.<br />
<br />
I'm now happy to announce that last Tuesday we welcomed Blakeley Rose Walsh into the world! She was born at 9:16 on May 26, 2015 :) She was born 8 lbs 6 oz and 21 inches long. We are so very lucky to love her and cannot wait to embark on this new adventure together as parents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVONUQGKQNivA7SFp1LEbi9OqDxagr3JbXjKXCfZLyCkofHjg_xsadWeiOfkFB0TZ1y_5NLRDVKo54At87MPAQRR2ySj6jrjIzeJmp87s9POJ7HNm3kNz3RxSmFMdSRdQaZ7Z5JTgSPy5/s1600/blakeley+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVONUQGKQNivA7SFp1LEbi9OqDxagr3JbXjKXCfZLyCkofHjg_xsadWeiOfkFB0TZ1y_5NLRDVKo54At87MPAQRR2ySj6jrjIzeJmp87s9POJ7HNm3kNz3RxSmFMdSRdQaZ7Z5JTgSPy5/s320/blakeley+2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0imiP_7NvxgzV-M62r3V3PK8qiFddnSBrqevle9CCx2QDjTcCUY7wW4A4huGcH6Mge0mYg66LZ-ZWETuXMVKi2IaHL0JdNXZNhQPvcLwI5l0FhmGHREp78U0qI2-0e56vxeq52RELnTxQ/s1600/blakeley+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0imiP_7NvxgzV-M62r3V3PK8qiFddnSBrqevle9CCx2QDjTcCUY7wW4A4huGcH6Mge0mYg66LZ-ZWETuXMVKi2IaHL0JdNXZNhQPvcLwI5l0FhmGHREp78U0qI2-0e56vxeq52RELnTxQ/s320/blakeley+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-8401943699342541832015-05-31T10:26:00.000-07:002015-05-31T10:26:29.821-07:00Sunday Scoop: May 31stHappy Sunday! Amy here! It's been a bit since we have linked up with Teaching Trio for their Sunday Scoop Linky Party. Check out how my Sunday is stacking up and click the link below to check in with some awesome bloggers on this beautiful Sunday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://teachingtrio.blogspot.com/2015/05/sunday-scoop-53115.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oIMSWul0sIS1M02oGsya6CltvbW8-OU-vjziH0NHv5IGvGAgqG5TQxcfrL3sa38rSW1RDsI81iQU9J3mMJGX1dVOxz_zZ0tztSP5p6xUmOS6MJubJTUJo2x1K4vypePBbpIzdWQRbbnp/s320/Sunday+Scoop+Button.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-hWYWrVFM39X-kASoHtUQp3SYsQxFbVUGa-4ydQj7Ctcgv3pR8fXsNJHcw9tqm_sHGznjA3__Wjcf-uLO0tDdVA2_UMQULOI-hzqg4oGfC2YP5bJkr8ZnXSog7JpgJzXZzQItRLR1VO0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-hWYWrVFM39X-kASoHtUQp3SYsQxFbVUGa-4ydQj7Ctcgv3pR8fXsNJHcw9tqm_sHGznjA3__Wjcf-uLO0tDdVA2_UMQULOI-hzqg4oGfC2YP5bJkr8ZnXSog7JpgJzXZzQItRLR1VO0/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
My "have to" list is not a fun one but I guess it rarely is! I am excited about finishing up my teacher gifts. My daughter Kate's teacher is retiring this year and I am SUPER excited about the gift we are putting together for her! I will blog about it when it is done! :)<br />
<br />
I hope you all have a restful Sunday! And for those of you completing report cards and end of the year stuff like I am... GOOD LUCK!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-8837249863336450962015-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:002015-05-25T06:00:00.791-07:00Splish Splash Summertime Blog Bash!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN-_lqgh4O4ulzKkxEelNBY6BC7N9Zz9fXP_-_UJyuzOk6YLIgEQnUtRPa1ywnFhahy0uhaSKlXH52Ufosustek481r0JJV8a0DpwX4eXLWmATrY30KL9hc_rEbuMdF3yl0ztODHk_m1T/s1600/Main_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxN-_lqgh4O4ulzKkxEelNBY6BC7N9Zz9fXP_-_UJyuzOk6YLIgEQnUtRPa1ywnFhahy0uhaSKlXH52Ufosustek481r0JJV8a0DpwX4eXLWmATrY30KL9hc_rEbuMdF3yl0ztODHk_m1T/s640/Main_Header.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We are so excited to participate in our FIRST blog hop! And what better blog hop could there be than one celebrating SUMMER! We have teamed up with over 40 bloggers to bring you some summertime fun, awesome freebies and exciting giveaways! We want to thank Rachael Parlett at <a href="http://classroomgamenook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Classroom Game Nook</a> for organizing this blog hop. Since it is our first blog hop, we have had a huge learning curve and she has been so patient and amazing. Rachael, you are the BEST!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh6FMGOTGtwWtrajB7JpdivXRujOV51d3SIOu7W-Br7R3GMi4oOR7eNFfbRY0EjcHhyQaaygVGGnvxZ74QKQtYIXpb7KZ5fP49mmCk2GN-w2L-FBARiynZSP6vg6iVu6jfJlY0JX3VMTK/s1600/category_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh6FMGOTGtwWtrajB7JpdivXRujOV51d3SIOu7W-Br7R3GMi4oOR7eNFfbRY0EjcHhyQaaygVGGnvxZ74QKQtYIXpb7KZ5fP49mmCk2GN-w2L-FBARiynZSP6vg6iVu6jfJlY0JX3VMTK/s640/category_3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are so many things I love about summer. My favorite thing has to be spending all day, every day with my sweet girls. They are so much fun and we try to soak up every minute of the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBawufDm4FWdEafFAf_Hi4_B7w61ctrQje-AZm9zQ1VjlHkdSKJxnVLrblZtFXqQoHKsZ4EahoPgSnzALwc4jJ98mR0iX5y7d60HJkXay75tVtFJu3qfBfH_g-0NlhV_BU7KOFVepMfsm/s1600/DSCN3812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBawufDm4FWdEafFAf_Hi4_B7w61ctrQje-AZm9zQ1VjlHkdSKJxnVLrblZtFXqQoHKsZ4EahoPgSnzALwc4jJ98mR0iX5y7d60HJkXay75tVtFJu3qfBfH_g-0NlhV_BU7KOFVepMfsm/s640/DSCN3812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For the past three years we have been members of a local country club and they have the most beautiful pool. The girls and I get there most days when it opens and the only thing that tears us away is getting home to meet daddy at the end of his work day.<br />
<br />
This summer we have two trips planned. The first is our annual trip to Ludington, Michigan. My mom and dad rent a condo for a week in July and the girls and I join them. My brother Eric (one of three!) usually comes along too. It is one of our favorite places on Earth! Long days at the beach or lounging by the pool, trips to the park, evenings spent watching the Badger cargo ship come in, House of Flavors ice cream trips, and our favorite walk to the pier every night to watch the sunset (isn't it amazing that no two are alike!?!?). This year my hubby is able to get away from work and join us for the week! I think our Ludington countdown started months earlier this year knowing that he would be able to enjoy the week with us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95340UcbnCubEQMKaOmClAbYbiUKHfQcWWoXKgSsy2D4hDqHIN1QoUXDVR6hO_E-LJ9_Snd7dMQ28u4lIHz2YIY9pHxRodtXRm7ZGiaeSkk0r6BJJYGhVnb27HnjJUxT8OMWXxsxMK73e/s1600/DSCN3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95340UcbnCubEQMKaOmClAbYbiUKHfQcWWoXKgSsy2D4hDqHIN1QoUXDVR6hO_E-LJ9_Snd7dMQ28u4lIHz2YIY9pHxRodtXRm7ZGiaeSkk0r6BJJYGhVnb27HnjJUxT8OMWXxsxMK73e/s640/DSCN3456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RZqcmTiN2RpuUCDsmNX49yo3fWW-PcraomopZeEL6cKC35cIOY7VAVjCp1R1KGeWrR2OwuNI5fcqF5BLJUoz1gvyb38N2btyEwB6KksrU_f6bj6RpvFHe-2VVFJ7P4O9j7OF1eNMmFat/s1600/DSCN3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RZqcmTiN2RpuUCDsmNX49yo3fWW-PcraomopZeEL6cKC35cIOY7VAVjCp1R1KGeWrR2OwuNI5fcqF5BLJUoz1gvyb38N2btyEwB6KksrU_f6bj6RpvFHe-2VVFJ7P4O9j7OF1eNMmFat/s640/DSCN3552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The second trip we are planning is to Mackinac Island in August. My parents are renting a house on the island for all of us (including ALL three of my brothers) to spend a couple of nights. The island is amazing! There is so much to do and everything slows down there. No cars are allowed on the island and everything has an old time feel. The last time we were there my oldest was only 6 months old which means that we will be seeing the island through their eyes for the first time. There is nothing better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PGvJ0aZINu5cjmP68VBCqx76Yz1PZn1IRrlOxjyO5VaXndvMo1R3Wl1poSA6oT2937k5fA3nB_F7QbUKSmgUA3LvMJ-Rigg1egX_QyjuoYvpZ1lk9XX-65oZl9lyzYhm5bJI2Y_h529q/s1600/mackinac-carriage-by-planetwaredotcom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PGvJ0aZINu5cjmP68VBCqx76Yz1PZn1IRrlOxjyO5VaXndvMo1R3Wl1poSA6oT2937k5fA3nB_F7QbUKSmgUA3LvMJ-Rigg1egX_QyjuoYvpZ1lk9XX-65oZl9lyzYhm5bJI2Y_h529q/s640/mackinac-carriage-by-planetwaredotcom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In addition to all of this family time, I am looking forward to a little me-time. I can't wait to start back up on my favorite series, Outlander. I have completed the first four books (if you haven't seen them, they are HUGE) but I just can't seem to get any reading for pleasure in during the school year. My sweet brothers bought me the rest of the series for Christmas and they have been sitting on my bookshelf waiting patiently for me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ky1DNouvWhltO7Qt97S3AriExxExe2-BS7AZdW4luhCUfiFf6fS5jtD87GmWn93R5Ce_kC76udQGE1f1g4tAT0_kqbJLKHkniMdgjbwBfJK3rPyVsW7RpRU0g6q7VLom979hcczWwZNo/s1600/outlander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="609" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ky1DNouvWhltO7Qt97S3AriExxExe2-BS7AZdW4luhCUfiFf6fS5jtD87GmWn93R5Ce_kC76udQGE1f1g4tAT0_kqbJLKHkniMdgjbwBfJK3rPyVsW7RpRU0g6q7VLom979hcczWwZNo/s640/outlander.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I am also looking forward to digging into Guided Math this summer and revamping my whole math block. I have found some great reading materials that I am looking forward to. Wait... summer vacation is only three months?!?! How will I ever fit it all in?!?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3F8RswbZE9GZKy6fl0125BDWMOoPaZt_FLa3U11BTD73WB9_kei9EAKBjWpTJSec7eIXvInXmzhJVmIAunwziELfmvq1MZOBvCoO-Bs_viMREvOnS-SaqVJ8m67Q9NTwQ1-4cImvKANT/s1600/category_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3F8RswbZE9GZKy6fl0125BDWMOoPaZt_FLa3U11BTD73WB9_kei9EAKBjWpTJSec7eIXvInXmzhJVmIAunwziELfmvq1MZOBvCoO-Bs_viMREvOnS-SaqVJ8m67Q9NTwQ1-4cImvKANT/s640/category_1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I am so happy to share with you something we are offering free this week and this week only to celebrate the Splish Splash Summertime Blog Bash! If you are looking for ways to add word study to your year, this is a month long unit that provides wonderful activities to help your kiddos learn about words and word parts in order to read and write unknown words. Click the link below and download this awesome resource this week! We would love to hear what you think!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-September-1051352" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6AbLXHrIimMZsM6dR4GKv5ZwS1uOxQqbRjXB3bZE6sO4O2h6_ybdc8KU2qatPqeCU9r6rZtofZObvD4URrL9ner-e41iTOpl9ZEysyZmBst52x67mglmAUzppwM4APAX5OFSaR6BeIWa/s640/Slide01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWgnHsFX324MA058w5MS7PxMMrBlhbQ66dlFhtmFlFmGjGAnfnfZ2iFE1y9IZUrlKletO7jIG4GUR4XCOzWVvgPKjTVNGvrZnl-k-LJ9zUP22eETaT8ODKnFutqUOOHE4GLi7_1FExOGl/s1600/category_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWgnHsFX324MA058w5MS7PxMMrBlhbQ66dlFhtmFlFmGjGAnfnfZ2iFE1y9IZUrlKletO7jIG4GUR4XCOzWVvgPKjTVNGvrZnl-k-LJ9zUP22eETaT8ODKnFutqUOOHE4GLi7_1FExOGl/s640/category_2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
No blog hop would be complete without an awesome giveaway! If you liked our freebie, you will love this Year-Long Word Study resource that gives you everything you need to immerse your students in developing a deep understanding of words and word parts. This is a $40 value! Check out this awesome resource <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-A-Year-Long-Study-1061353" target="_blank">here</a>! Good luck!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Study-and-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-A-Year-Long-Study-1061353" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3RaXR2dQ4lQTYgSUXCTbFNYUgBS9xto4rCy2jtntHBTR8F8oNlp12W8LH0flwXhXIR2UVeZ6U_wk8O3cn_bj26x2YEimyWM0BJqbHwG_nOikslFs71DndFzILvG4XHYfvk0-nQ5WRe7D/s640/Slide1.gif" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="ed4034982" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ed4034982/" id="rcwidget_vdelmhlj" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFl_XPiTscx3DIDvSrtWFQFdU1b1XsH1iOHQmqim5zIgxOOmv9MMTATfn0yWtGnCIx38PvEZw_Oj3-moD3wPV1hI4HSAQerVzMHiyB3PrwvDba10sceq_hwpEFYiMAe05TMNzwBKbZKt8/s1600/Hop_On.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFl_XPiTscx3DIDvSrtWFQFdU1b1XsH1iOHQmqim5zIgxOOmv9MMTATfn0yWtGnCIx38PvEZw_Oj3-moD3wPV1hI4HSAQerVzMHiyB3PrwvDba10sceq_hwpEFYiMAe05TMNzwBKbZKt8/s640/Hop_On.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Be sure to keep on hoppin' because each and every one of the awesome bloggers on this hop are offering a special freebie and a giveaway! Try to grab them all!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ilove1stgrade.blogspot.com/2015/05/splish-splash-its-summer-time-blog-bash.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw9uIJY06CSfP1lrmwei5zhgIK-aozEEAHEBwwCiJXGjIUDrc-X9yIzMm9xyHLaWZbibKLLyJ2Kx4qhB0pxoohoZx2-DZKIYzCFmD3yBXPJ_sz6L55Db6z9ySgBqh6und1zvc6O8WZdet/s320/next_blogger_icon.png" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-10849981996553412682015-05-20T19:51:00.001-07:002015-05-20T19:51:26.329-07:00Let the Countdown Begin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSEVErsBCCTid6SNzyHOiHxHw_lCpdaXpNcmn93sNA1ohiLKNjPDYAfqXvk8vR2miJxYKyF6ttvsCFF2A7IQ0ZcWdCz2GzFuQeNEc2E36JbJdiQ-NF0K6ZukN2DEaEg2vXPx_J3T5EIHH/s1600/hop_countdown_5_Days.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSEVErsBCCTid6SNzyHOiHxHw_lCpdaXpNcmn93sNA1ohiLKNjPDYAfqXvk8vR2miJxYKyF6ttvsCFF2A7IQ0ZcWdCz2GzFuQeNEc2E36JbJdiQ-NF0K6ZukN2DEaEg2vXPx_J3T5EIHH/s640/hop_countdown_5_Days.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Things are getting so exciting around here!! We are only five days from our very first Blog Hop! It is going to be amazing! A celebration of summer with freebies and giveaways to boot! Set a reminder, jot it on a sticky note, put it on your calendar! You will not want to miss this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-3870943914538975232015-05-18T16:35:00.002-07:002015-05-18T16:35:33.734-07:00Guest Blog Post on One Stop Teacher Shop!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are so excited to have an opportunity to guest post on One Stop Teacher Shop. Come check out our post on Publishing S.Q.U.A.D.s!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.onestopteachershop.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie27pKeWkNiXjvPDCHVt0Ho3mHadNhUoiuLFwslv2MnfeZHRElHWAeY1Nr07BHxMxeL8EKdbIe5eq4UhYWBZw9PTaM9rTASYsOvoT_KIUzIlYam8jPJ_EbVmOfPPgONAdD2ipGaAmBza-O/s1600/Picture3.png" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-7277472455248088292015-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:002015-04-24T20:16:53.627-07:00Stop, Swap and Roll (and a Giveaway!)<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are so excited to share this post! We are participating in the Stop, Swap & Roll Linky party hosted by <a href="http://junglelearners.blogspot.com/2015/04/welcome-to-another-fabulous-product-swap.html" target="_blank">Jungle Learners</a>. Such an awesome idea that brings so many amazing resources to thousands of blog readers!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://junglelearners.blogspot.com/2015/04/welcome-to-another-fabulous-product-swap.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmRxfnyIi-OF8m7d7LqaKuBbs3MncQjz4MhnHwYyq5h1xygqqA7ZF320ePHpF7hq8CiROJxVYuCoUBg4UGccsN6SRhXiTsc1ZHXxStOI5AXbYUnmkU5KF-OCJthwNejORCTRY_yrE0PSr/s1600/StopSwap&Roll.png" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We were fortunate enough to team up with Kim at <a href="http://quinnessentiallessons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Quintessential Lessons</a>. Kim is a 5th grade math focus teacher who loves to get students excited about math. She strives to create games and activities that students enjoy while teaching and reinforcing key concepts. She also loves hands-on activities and getting the students up and moving. She tells us that it makes her day when her students ask to do the activities again. So crazy funny because that is exactly the response we got from our kiddos when they finished Kim's fantabulous activities earlier this week!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Check out Kim's Blog, it is packed full of activities and ideas to get your kiddos excited about<br />
math!<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.quinnessentiallessons.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://www.crayonboxlearning.com/images/kim-blogbutton.png" /></a></center>
<br />
Kim was kind enough to share her <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-Bundle-Grades-4-and-5-537173" target="_blank">Fraction Bundle</a> which includes three games your kiddos will LOVE!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-Bundle-Grades-4-and-5-537173" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HL7LZ3cOQrYnJQqFqM_4_eD5fRx0Ftk-wZJ2A-hk0p_DK9360IsRzYsPx3DGE8uGfxj8t249pl9pvHaQKos8QznEB2tt2ELu3RO0UhxJuy2k6CCcp6b2e65KYtsa2eLzBAYmf6y_yhxx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-24+at+11.09.44+PM.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Fractions is the biggest unit we teach in fourth grade and one of the most challenging for our kiddos. The way it works with our curriculum guide we spend the better part of November, December, and January on fractions. Mollie and I like to try and review fractions all spring to keep the skills fresh. Usually our announcement of some fraction practice brings on several moans and groans from our kiddos but that will not be the case again now that we have shared Kim's activities. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Fraction Bundle includes three games: Fraction Go-Fish, Fraction Hunt, and Fraction Shipwreck. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b>
<b>Fraction Go-Fish</b> puts a great twist on a classic game. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBobo8-lzTrb5-sGBk80R435oyJzTsvZoDtfn1pkgHQlxe63Rkgd7Qa_wvp4fc574d7m2EyrDep0xILUssThcCFTWPAN2rZp9eeMkHM5D6HBFs1kOwBsygGTUuzJZ5mNsZyHt0LmrilIS3/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBobo8-lzTrb5-sGBk80R435oyJzTsvZoDtfn1pkgHQlxe63Rkgd7Qa_wvp4fc574d7m2EyrDep0xILUssThcCFTWPAN2rZp9eeMkHM5D6HBFs1kOwBsygGTUuzJZ5mNsZyHt0LmrilIS3/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Students will love practicing their knowledge of mixed numbers and improper fractions in groups of 2 or 3.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRll-eLLaDTs0Z43Gca-h0pJBTlk5O2kxGy7OrVqR_GChyROr-cWJB8xs6j6pfEvoH5r7vZ0Hhh8_9MrQj3PY1HNET9KmQuutvEZAAtlzHKifCgQTvsJCIc2Qq2PXkcaVfLeJoRqMDzSDk/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRll-eLLaDTs0Z43Gca-h0pJBTlk5O2kxGy7OrVqR_GChyROr-cWJB8xs6j6pfEvoH5r7vZ0Hhh8_9MrQj3PY1HNET9KmQuutvEZAAtlzHKifCgQTvsJCIc2Qq2PXkcaVfLeJoRqMDzSDk/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Students each start out with four cards and work to make pairs by matching an improper fraction with a mixed number. I loved that my kiddos had to look at their card and ask an opponent for the card they were searching. For example, if a kid had five-thirds in their hand, they would have to ask another player if they had one and two-thirds in order to make the pair. It gave them such great practice converting between improper fractions and mixed numbers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-HpuvOT-i7j6twW4-7L-a1Dq4cclzGHf17Z9IjIOkGBeU4Lt4VOGyDC7pUytpFDmP0JxA632P9Oz-qC4aw0rJOQGB2W5hakXTg4a2Ri1HMNoeTNLMWp0OsNXXS84o9DFlgaVl-8OMixT/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-HpuvOT-i7j6twW4-7L-a1Dq4cclzGHf17Z9IjIOkGBeU4Lt4VOGyDC7pUytpFDmP0JxA632P9Oz-qC4aw0rJOQGB2W5hakXTg4a2Ri1HMNoeTNLMWp0OsNXXS84o9DFlgaVl-8OMixT/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Fraction Hunt</b> was by far my kiddos' favorite game! The game has three types of cards. The first type is simply a fraction that is not in simplest form (these cards do not have bears on them so they are easy to separate). This is the card that you will hand out to each student participating in the activity (you an also have kids work in partnerships). The other two types of cards are simplified fractions, one in number form and one in picture form. These are the cards you will post all over the room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheO39H-kUReSJ_vHqSFvhGggMSadJLsgjEizHBKKovaD3V1kCadavSGtVk8jpDWYumlQpNolQi9qIG9EN8P2MCUjLd4l0PlsweQlAjwCg_9lonvAqssZodDm6LqeLvd4xwX2cHASE8DJ1/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheO39H-kUReSJ_vHqSFvhGggMSadJLsgjEizHBKKovaD3V1kCadavSGtVk8jpDWYumlQpNolQi9qIG9EN8P2MCUjLd4l0PlsweQlAjwCg_9lonvAqssZodDm6LqeLvd4xwX2cHASE8DJ1/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First of all, it was a blast finding places all over the room to post the cards. It reminded me of hiding eggs for an Easter egg hunt! I placed the cards on walls high and low, furniture, windows, and even the ceiling. Kids loved having to actually "hunt" for the cards, especially knowing that they were looking for specific cards to match their own. I have a very active class this year so the planned movement was exactly what they needed. It amazed me how focused they were!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEztW5zZ7ktCaQC5XaUh2M8mAaqscy2dfVBWoBRjHZjORKBZqVA7yT_62z1Bp0sbB6OcdIuUL1WwbYdGkJKbbAtRDCHaBO7-R0BEXLJZ0hw9Gx5UZd54XoEyJNP4kw41obX-aDjfJt0Fl/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEztW5zZ7ktCaQC5XaUh2M8mAaqscy2dfVBWoBRjHZjORKBZqVA7yT_62z1Bp0sbB6OcdIuUL1WwbYdGkJKbbAtRDCHaBO7-R0BEXLJZ0hw9Gx5UZd54XoEyJNP4kw41obX-aDjfJt0Fl/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEF4TsdCH-bc6EvRbYCizfww6q26WFRhZ5FC8RkCzr8FKPaJ46g37wQis9ICAsLtAchp96VGvmfhjwqFjTprhxF72K1fHh1xQxFv3Tk5eQTBnhVI75L2BaVfjdjS9tv_2bifRPebWwKaW/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEF4TsdCH-bc6EvRbYCizfww6q26WFRhZ5FC8RkCzr8FKPaJ46g37wQis9ICAsLtAchp96VGvmfhjwqFjTprhxF72K1fHh1xQxFv3Tk5eQTBnhVI75L2BaVfjdjS9tv_2bifRPebWwKaW/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFxJBp83QkWHyg0q3uUeOCx9i7J2X4DlW45d-3bVuy6PXQByCMgekblBO8RkrC89HmWDcaX1TkgXV5pBdLZM8tL0GyE3Z27jOO9wmdi4zUEj28f2XqRC4-Gwd6NK3TrxgUzb-8hl8tL4R/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFxJBp83QkWHyg0q3uUeOCx9i7J2X4DlW45d-3bVuy6PXQByCMgekblBO8RkrC89HmWDcaX1TkgXV5pBdLZM8tL0GyE3Z27jOO9wmdi4zUEj28f2XqRC4-Gwd6NK3TrxgUzb-8hl8tL4R/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Fraction Shipwreck</b> is another game that includes movement and gives students practice with identifying the simplified form of various fractions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSFNEQL3gUcFoU897Lhy3gVukFc9gJI63rLrskURnhpmuLSOSAaJRG5ieoLRD7macVapM0iEezHUDp8jzLiO-GPAqAM0_Q89YvWNXiqjBXAoZjhvf_yoSQRxx2mUqxsXEPF7jHqM1lZlO/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSFNEQL3gUcFoU897Lhy3gVukFc9gJI63rLrskURnhpmuLSOSAaJRG5ieoLRD7macVapM0iEezHUDp8jzLiO-GPAqAM0_Q89YvWNXiqjBXAoZjhvf_yoSQRxx2mUqxsXEPF7jHqM1lZlO/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Four fraction posters are posted on four different walls. Kids gather in the center of the classroom and the teacher holds up a card with a fraction on it. Students have to go to the wall that shows the simplified version of the fraction. Kim mentioned that this is a great activity to do in the classroom OR the gym. We did it in our classroom and it worked great but I would love to do this in our gym when we have one of those pesky indoor recesses due to weather!<br />
<br />
If a fraction is held up that does not have a simplified version on the wall, students have to "swab the deck" and pretend to mop the deck as a pirate might do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh038IONN0mOVsb4rFfneh70JL1h079_ju9n2HfOFHc_FVPgkYUjzPg6tis0eHJQI_LFKl7r7oAaDVRhV5xSZrR2WSo0HIJPFbV-TuJfhBnXgSLdXsYEvtqMFJZbm49tEZZxAlxsbhhhPkX/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh038IONN0mOVsb4rFfneh70JL1h079_ju9n2HfOFHc_FVPgkYUjzPg6tis0eHJQI_LFKl7r7oAaDVRhV5xSZrR2WSo0HIJPFbV-TuJfhBnXgSLdXsYEvtqMFJZbm49tEZZxAlxsbhhhPkX/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course my kiddos loved yelling "Arghhh" in their best pirate voice as they "swabbed the deck". In addition to swabbing the deck, the stack of cards the teacher draws from to show the students includes 8 movements that the students have to act out. My favorite was the "Crow's Nest" where students curled their hands around their eyes to resemble binoculars. They were adorable!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My kiddos loved participating in all three of these activities and I don't think I will ever hear a groan again when we practice our fraction knowledge as long as we are able to practice by completing one of these activities.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
To celebrate our swap, Kim is giving away her Fraction Bundle to one lucky winner. If you are interested in sharing this amazing activities with your kiddos, enter the Rafflecopter below to win your very own bundle!<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="ed4034981" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ed4034981/" id="rcwidget_b8um28op" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Only one winner?? No worries! Kim has ensured you are all winners this weekend by placing her entire store 20% off!!! Check out her store, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Quinnessential-Lessons" target="_blank">Quinnessential Lessons</a> to grab her Fractions Bundle or one of her other amazing resources 20% off!<br />
<br />
Don't forget to check out all of the amazing resources that have been swapped by visiting <a href="http://junglelearners.blogspot.com/2015/04/welcome-to-another-fabulous-product-swap.html" target="_blank">Jungle Learners</a> or clicking on the links below. </div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<scr' + 'ipt type="text/javascript" src="//www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=518358&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" height="77" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-29488819866745118882015-04-24T20:00:00.000-07:002015-04-26T11:25:08.205-07:00Information Investigators: Step #1 – Essential Questions for Authentic Learning<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="::::Downloads:6801608066_584b04aff1_o.jpg"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:324pt;margin-top:119.9pt;width:200pt;
height:200pt;z-index:251658240;visibility:visible' wrapcoords="-324 -324 -324 21843 21924 21843 21924 -324 -324 -324"
stroked="t" strokecolor="windowText" strokeweight="3pt">
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/molliebraun/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><i style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
moment they hear the investigator music start to play in the background, the
students rip open the mysterious black box that has caution tape wrapped
tightly around the outside. Their hands plunge into the evidence box like
archaeologists dive into a treasure chest full of gold. Each student has a
proof pamphlet firmly held in their fingertips, almost too close to their
goggle-covered eyes. Some read their job description aloud to their peers loud
and clear, while others opt to read chorally and still others examine the
introduction silently in their minds.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, all! Mollie here! </span></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cMrdY2NTDBEbO51pBbZCOhIga5I0tZF-61QRBioHuusn9pp0jbRkqx5DuGRs2Ksh_CaDjF7Q_P1YY3X7SI3pJzdZ0_0TVg4Wfhb5RILZHL2zX8okpxT9ubIzeU5eMG3_Dk_k4YgidLfG/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-20+at+11.37.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cMrdY2NTDBEbO51pBbZCOhIga5I0tZF-61QRBioHuusn9pp0jbRkqx5DuGRs2Ksh_CaDjF7Q_P1YY3X7SI3pJzdZ0_0TVg4Wfhb5RILZHL2zX8okpxT9ubIzeU5eMG3_Dk_k4YgidLfG/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-20+at+11.37.55+PM.png" height="320" width="241" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This short vignette is a typical scene from the
first few minutes of an Information Investigators session. I’m writing today as
a continuation of our Information Investigators blog post series that we
recently started following our presentation at the Michigan Reading Association
Conference. If you missed our first post of this series, click <a href="http://twonuttyteachers.blogspot.com/2015/04/you-oughta-know-about.html" target="_blank">HERE </a>to read up
on what Information Investigators is all about! Basically, Amy and I have
created a process and format called Information Investigators, where students
are learning Science and Language Arts standards in small groups through an
integrated, collaborative, and authentic project-based style. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">Within this post, you will find tips on how to create an essential
question. This is the starting step to get in order before putting together
your Information Investigator pamphlet. In our opinion, we think of </span><span style="background: white; color: #323b43;">essential
questions as vital questions that are intellectually challenging and spark
conversation. Essential questions call for higher-level thinking, including,
but not limited to, analyzing, </span><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">inferring,
evaluating, and predicting. These types of questions are difficult to create,
but fear not because you can do it! When they are used appropriately, you will
see the benefits through the growth in your students’ knowledge. </span><span style="background: white; color: #323b43;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; font-size: x-large; line-height: 150%;">.:. Choose an
important Science standard .:.</span></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;"> </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">To begin, you first need a topic to base your essential question on.
Choose a Science teaching standard from either your state standards or the
proposed Next Generation standards that you would like to be the focus of your
students’ investigation. This standard will be the main goal of your students’
entire work during this process. Sometimes we choose standards that we have not
covered previously because we are doing the investigation as an introduction to
the unit and other times we choose a standard that our students have already
studied because it’s a continuation or review of their learning. It’s up to you
to choose which point of the unit you want to use this format and which
standard you want to cover!</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; font-size: x-large; line-height: 48px;"> .:. </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">Unpack the standard</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; font-size: x-large; line-height: 48px;"> .:.</span></b></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">We use the term “unpack” a ton with our students. What we mean by this
is to think about what is inside of the standard. How can you break it down? What
does the standard require students to know in order to be successful at showing
knowledge of the standard independently? Is there any background knowledge that
the students must have in their schema? Answering these questions will help
give you specific ideas for your essential question. This tip may take some
time, but it’s extremely important and the time will be worth it! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2Td7-C1UXzerR3OxhaoWSR03NgsIWar5R18jtLw-c92xBLSsOgWN1R4t3FWZrcr7u4qItvTGX-sdIhUT_PYxRPxQEyoE-ySuTGZKoeeXWqwnNSs20vvSupnoMD_DdXvfxAs0-HlZ34Fy/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-20+at+11.37.34+PM.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/AVvXsEhr2Td7-C1UXzerR3OxhaoWSR03NgsIWar5R18jtLw-c92xBLSsOgWN1R4t3FWZrcr7u4qItvTGX-sdIhUT_PYxRPxQEyoE-ySuTGZKoeeXWqwnNSs20vvSupnoMD_DdXvfxAs0-HlZ34Fy/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-20+at+11.37.34+PM.png" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; font-size: x-large; line-height: 48px;"> .:.</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">Use specific types of questions</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; font-size: x-large; line-height: 48px;"> .:.</span></b></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">Since essential questions must engage students in conversation and deep
thought, they cannot be questions that have a “right there” answer, such as
“What is a food chain?” This question has an answer that students can find in a
text. There are some particular types of questions that we use to create our
questions. They start with the following question stems: what if, should, why,
how, and which one. Once you’ve chosen and unpacked your standard, match it
with one of these sentence stems to form a question! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; font-size: x-large; line-height: 48px;"> .:. </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">Make it interesting</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; font-size: x-large; line-height: 48px;"> .:.</span></b></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;">Information Investigators is supposed to be fun! Creating a real-world
scenario that goes with your essential question is one way to achieve this key
aspect of the process. For example, in one of the Information Investigators
we’ve taught in the past on fossils, we have the students pretend that they
work at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and are hired to create an exhibit for
the museum. The students enjoy this challenge and it brings excitement to the
process of learning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1029"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #323b43; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is your turn to try! You can now begin on your journey to teaching
and facilitating your first Information Investigators by creating an essential
question. We hope these tips give you a better understanding on how to create
essential questions. Click the picture for our Freebie Information Investigator
Starter Pack on TPT that will give you all the components you’ll need to create
your very own Information Investigators. </span><span style="font-family: HelloIHeartYou;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" height="77" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5179158485763074249.post-19524914803069603832015-04-05T08:11:00.001-07:002015-04-05T08:11:12.604-07:00Peep Into Our TPT Store for a Sale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are so excited to be joining some amazing sellers to bring you a little Easter sale. This is a great time to get those "can't live without" items on your wish list! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Two-Nuts-Teachin-From-The-Same-Tree" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdazbVO-voBRw_rNrANoXFctrWYk7_lJrn5WmYcp6tqD3nhypCyo5p32eeDKtYdkvMvmibdM8KrxX_Imcgwn1EvfdpXPl_ku8LISI-sdt6yPJ9I3nh3bL3Uwv3eztYe4PcyHoG04YdIgKv/s1600/easter-sale-2015-glitter-meets-glue-designs_zps37ketlsv.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everything in our store is 20% off today (even BUNDLES)!!! Our spring favorites are:<br />
<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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-Celebration-1169037" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijm9_ZRn0kJcoXe68qESilAWBQEjY3fKagxBC3oJeBYDDA5rVrtHdfmczp2wTkAqkMztUUkjLUQt9764FHL5Raak6vdgJJGxpPzH61hfwVQCRIP-Y4p9BqQqrO3oIXF6F3kP72Uw0DtgoE/s1600/Slide01.gif" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-Celebration-1169037" target="_blank">Earth Day is right around the corner. This pack will give your kiddos engaging and challenging practice with key standards based on important concepts related to Mother Earth!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fractions-and-Line-Plots-A-Spring-Themed-Collection-1132265" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lVixXA5C9LDM5zFaWnXhiY0klPrS0h6Y4nuGXxK7JWVN47QrlVsi4olHXdseeFM9S-o_G-PHKNRBv0wAnPkKyjb_uqbU-oZpNjzwMPYoY3CQYvvVC6qNZ4u6gned6Z197KY0L7bQopNH/s1600/Slide01.gif" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fractions-and-Line-Plots-A-Spring-Themed-Collection-1132265" target="_blank">Our kiddos struggle with line plots and analyzing data. We created seasonal practice and they love working in groups to create line plots and answer challenging questions. </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Economics-Book-Store-Grand-Opening-1272890" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUCCXx3bHhFO6NuRoTOPO97OzLjbu6L7hP6sXhfY2J7li1cLOQsXgXJXsszdAjbo79t3Sf19cp-LNSUQvfBxCNKlyznf8tDJeLWq9wi2zWP5ZV5KLVKagv3OwTRXaeqfJ4qfmBCwYTsGu/s1600/Slide01.png" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Economics-Book-Store-Grand-Opening-1272890" target="_blank">We use our student run bookstores to finish out our Economics unit and it is a huge favorite of our entire school. I'm not sure who looks forward to it more, the teachers or the kids!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Memory-Lapbook-1236452" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKPWOFgDvveEG6t46Yx6T95ElY0BrUoBpSZp71TCylI_Zfgp4Zrjnbq4WmPqyQ3hgCsPBHTaPMgcK_nF3l6u0nvLnoiuASau5-tAIQXLTRYskJlO0s3oSMQxmXDjmRQF1UEnN5mudFau_/s1600/Slide01.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Memory-Lapbook-1236452" target="_blank">Last but not least, can you believe it is time to start thinking of the end of the school year! Our kiddos LOVE completing a lapbook that records all that they love as fourth graders. </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy shopping!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivURD3fZLqGJKntjFD_03GWzcTr-wD6N6UROvwgPjaeqLE1pFwJP9NW8WUsb5T9qyp5Suj36ZS_glqr_BVk_J-IEDeOjotnhy4RIB_5G2I9G2VEJsEzmqrJSggSimqRORYgCWS5PcAGI-y/s1600/Signature+1.png" height="77" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Two Nutty Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02946366360167138642noreply@blogger.com0