tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32495473937561582772024-03-20T09:16:04.685-04:00Elementary Teacher FilesAmanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-39035563375771567962019-11-11T15:50:00.000-05:002019-11-11T15:50:53.387-05:00Let's Talk About Book Clubs!!As promised...I'm here today with a quick post about book clubs! Increasing student motivation for reading and writing is a passion of mine. I actually didn't realize just how passionate I was until I was scrolling my Google Drive account trying to free up storage space. During my scroll session I found my master project on increasing student motivation for reading and writing. Apparently I have always been passionate about increasing student motivation for all things literacy?? <br />
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Now back to the book clubs...SO I started a book club with my little and one of her friends in our hood. I wanted to instill a love of reading for both girls without it feeling so 'teachery'. Kids today have to hustle ALL DAY LONG, so the last thing they would want is to come home from school only to continue with more school. I did some research on high interest books knowing what both kiddos would find interesting, which is how I landed on the <i>Princess in Black</i> series. At first I proposed the idea to my daughter. She of course was super pumped because book clubs are what grownups do with friends. Next, I reached out to the other little's mom and asked her thoughts/interests. She said "sure." Voila! A book club was created. The girls meet weekly to have a fun snack (anything out of the normal snacks you could expect after school), a fun 'grownup' style glass (filled with water), and a current book of interest. The girls read at their own pace outside of book club. When together we review what has happened since our last stopping point with the summarizing strategy of 'Somebody Wanted But So Then' and then read the next chapter together taking turns. I facilitate the conversation asking both girls Depths of Knowledge (DOK) questions along the way. Once a chapter or two has been read and discussed, both girls share out predictions about what's to come, favorite parts (and why), as well as anything tricky they encountered during their time outside of book club. The total time spent doing book club is approximately 30 minutes. Both kiddos are second graders, so the attention span/productivity starts to dissipate after the half hour marker. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The littles hanging out on the back deck enjoy snacks and a great book!</td></tr>
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<b>Book Clubs can happen ANYWHERE! Here's what it could look like in the classroom:</b></div>
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<li>Send out an interest email to parents about setting up a book club.</li>
<li>Select the students for the book club (low performing, needing challenged, sparking interest in reading, etc)</li>
<li>Ask the selected group (or research yourself) about any books they've heard about being good; they would want to read in the club.</li>
<li>Pick a time in the week to meet before or after school (whatever works with your schedule)</li>
<li>Choose a fun snack to share with the group during or after book club time (the special treat gives it a non 'teachery' vibe)</li>
<li>Depending on age, select a facilitator to ask questions before, during, and after each read. The facilitator could be a rotating position if upper elementary. They could actually do the preparing of questions prior to book club meetings and sticky note them in the book at the appropriate stopping points. (I'm actually going to try this out for two book club meetings from now. I will report back on how it works out.)</li>
<li>Enjoy the ride of creating readers who want to read instead of have to read.</li>
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***THE BIGGEST TAKEAWAY~ DO NOT GO BROKE RUNNING A BOOK CLUB!!***</div>
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Starting a book club is super easy, low maintenance, and inexpensive. Giving a small yummy treat once a week (even if it's on repeat) is exciting to kiddos. They really just want some of your time in a smaller setting doing something special on a regular basis.</div>
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Parting Question~ Have you used book clubs in your classroom before? Any tips you would like to share with us?</div>
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Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-39997687588275375222019-11-04T14:32:00.000-05:002019-11-04T14:32:46.775-05:00HELLO!!! Yikes! My last post was almost a year and a half ago! I'm not sure where the time went, but I didn't deliver on content. So sorry about that! Since I last posted I have run the NYC Marathon (2018) as well as the OKC Marathon (2019). My littles are getting bigger, and my responsibility has increased. Currently, I am adjunct faculty at UNC Charlotte. This Fall I have the privilege of teaching two sections of ELED 4121 (Differentiation and Assessment) to teacher candidates during their year long internship. Teaching at UNCC has been such an incredible experience! Bucket list material for sure!! Did I mention I'm also serving on two boards (not at UNCC) AND facilitating a small group of professors on campus when class is not in session?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My race results from the NYC Marathon 2018</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running in Central Park towards the NYC Marathon 2018 Finish Line!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the OKC Marathon Expo...26.2 is an incredible self discovery journey EVERYONE should take...at least once!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm ALL smiles running across any marathon finish line! This picture was just seconds from me getting to the other side! BIG marathons are my jam!</td></tr>
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I have also spent the time on hiatus to figure out how to do it all each day while building time in for myself each day. Self care is a non-negotiable! I build most of my self care time in during the dark hours, but I still build it in EVERY. SINGLE. Day. To be the best version of myself requires time to myself. This was a challenging habit to build, but I'm so thankful I am thriving at it now! ;) I've read countless books, blogs, articles, and podcasts on best productivity practices for this season of life. The great news is....I THINK I have figured it out! I have been batching tasks, scheduling my sleep, and taking notes for things to post about. I have some pretty fabulous material coming your way. <br />
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What can you expect moving forward??? You can expect a weekly post on an educational topic, life hack, fashion fun, or podcast/book recommendation. My most favorite way to participate in social media is learning new things, outfit inspirations, anything to make my life easier, and new books/podcasts to consume. <br />
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FINALLY...<br />
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I'm no longer on Facebook. The newest algorithm to getting content accessible to followers has become too time consuming for me to participate in. Unfortunately, the designers of my blog have decided NOT to do blogs any longer or help me take down the FB tab on the home page. I'm definitely still around, just not on Facebook. I DO have a podcast launch happening in late December. More specifics to come. <br />
<br />Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-33144425820457127702018-03-30T12:58:00.000-04:002018-03-30T12:58:46.433-04:00I'm BACK with a family hack...PROMISE!!Hey There! Are you still there? I sure hope so! I've been MIA from the blog the past 15 months...sorry about that! NUTSO!! Life went bonkers, and I needed to take a hiatus from all the extras in my life. If you don't follow me on Instagram or Facebook then you will be surprised to know I had a baby in September!!! Crazy, right?! Our little man is the less than 1%!! Over 980 days I went through countless appointments, meds, IUIs, a surgery, tears, anger, and tons of prayers to get our newest miracle. I even lost a few friendships on the journey with "friends" who couldn't understand what I was going through. Our fertility doctors had data reports from bloodwork and ultrasounds showing I couldn't have a second baby without 4 consecutive IVF treatments with at least 2 embryos each time. I was "diagnosed" with secondary unexplained infertility. WHATEVER is all I have to say about that! Ha! Clearly doctors don't know EVERYTHING like we oftentimes seem to think they do. We put too much stock in what doctors tell us instead of just staying true to our beliefs knowing everything is on God's time...not ours. God was definitely in control and had the timing perfect for our family. :) Initially I wanted children much closer in age than the almost 6 years difference, but I'm actually thankful for the large gap. Our first miracle started kindergarten this year right before little man was born. She had her own excitement happening with going to big girl school. While she's at school each day, I have one on one time with little guy. Both kiddos get their special time each day with just mom. I never feel torn or overly exhausted doing the mom life with two kids. Life with a new born and an elementary age kid has been fun, but an adjustment too. That being said, there wasn't enough time to do it all until now! Finally I feel like I have the time to refocus on creating for TPT and blogging about all things teaching, shopping, running, and family life. Thanks for hanging in there with me!<br />
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Meet the LESS than 1% little man:<br />
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Baby G was born on Friday, September 8, 2017 in the same hospital room as his big sister at 10:55pm. He weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. If you're a number person like me then he has a pretty awesome birthday (9+8=17).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The miracle himself just snoozing away in the hospital. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm looking rough, but so was the experience this go round. I'm definitely out of the baby machine business. One of each is perfect for me. </td></tr>
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Now onto a simple family hack suggestion...<br />
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Like I mentioned previously, my little is in kindergarten now. In my humble opinion she is the perfect age to help with the daily ritual of getting out the door for school. Why should moms have to do it ALL...all the time?! One morning while out for a run before the hectic school day morning started I realized my little could do her own meal prep. Genius, RIGHT ?!?! I meal prep my breakfasts/lunches each week, so why couldn't she prep her lunches for the week? I had never been so excited to release one of my responsibilities off to a little person before. When the weekend rolled around I went to the store to get the weekly groceries for the house. Grocery shopping is exhausting. There isn't one perfect store for me to get everything on my list. Instead I have the pleasure of going to Whole Foods, Publix, and occasionally Harris Teeter to get the shopping done.<br />
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On Sunday afternoon I had my little join me in the kitchen to teach her how she could create her own lunch yumminess each week by making lunches with me on Sundays. She was instantly hooked, because SHE was in charge of a big something impacting her each day. #momwin Below are some pictures of her prepping the meals. Each week I change the options with what I purchase at the store to keep things interesting for her. You can see in the background some of my meal prepping going on too. We are NOT a crockpot family, the hubby actually loathes any meal made in a crockpot; however, it works quickly to cook chicken for my salads each week. I will put a post up on my simple meal prepping soon! ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfmBc5kuuxwK2v06cnqT52XCYpoCRFDgaiPKHvAmbwr0RH7n35xho3eLd2v61XqlbKPPu48IBaMrJtTpSqDLON21eDTWenlaylWmy7mp1c8z0TcgzNTLmLk6iedKgDfznlZ51VSnkQULp/s1600/IMG_9588+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="meal prep" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfmBc5kuuxwK2v06cnqT52XCYpoCRFDgaiPKHvAmbwr0RH7n35xho3eLd2v61XqlbKPPu48IBaMrJtTpSqDLON21eDTWenlaylWmy7mp1c8z0TcgzNTLmLk6iedKgDfznlZ51VSnkQULp/s320/IMG_9588+2.JPG" title="www.elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get out the food my little can choose to prep from. She has choices from crunch, fruit, veggies, protein, etc. She makes a total of 5 things from each group. It doesn't matter to me the combinations, but needs to have 5 of each group to mix up the lunches each week. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6p7h3qRjo77HyqUEsTFvUV9Ubp_f1j2oG4Rkn9T2WFnhi5mw4jV0gLYpY257MAj1yBDmipuE7pnn65qyT-vSGQluFVTHbLvVV6TIS0MpT7qoDgpPoR5OnpJekJY5yR0dzkIhO2kFG8il/s1600/IMG_9591+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="meal prep" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6p7h3qRjo77HyqUEsTFvUV9Ubp_f1j2oG4Rkn9T2WFnhi5mw4jV0gLYpY257MAj1yBDmipuE7pnn65qyT-vSGQluFVTHbLvVV6TIS0MpT7qoDgpPoR5OnpJekJY5yR0dzkIhO2kFG8il/s320/IMG_9591+2.JPG" title="www.elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People who know me best will tell you I can be quite the food "weirdo". I consider it a compliment! ;) . Our daughter goes to public school where the population is a mixed bag of experiences; therefore, the food you will see in the cafeteria can be quite interesting to say the least. Kids can be mean when it comes to food, so I had to figure out a way to balance it out while not setting my kid up to be bullied. In these pictures you see cookies from Whole Foods that look similar to things other kids will be packing. She knows they are treats and not to expect them with every meal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sSQF83riTb3Fv3GlqtzL28gnsyfH-rgAcGDmOfiaPh9MQXvA4DGf4LN-xoFa17k5ethb5RJE48H0PEHw6oVZBL4nMZaxMFAeiQnFc4MLH1Zh0SvxMBUH9m8UNEVxrg0mPIAro9xOyHbf/s1600/IMG_9596+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="meal prep" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sSQF83riTb3Fv3GlqtzL28gnsyfH-rgAcGDmOfiaPh9MQXvA4DGf4LN-xoFa17k5ethb5RJE48H0PEHw6oVZBL4nMZaxMFAeiQnFc4MLH1Zh0SvxMBUH9m8UNEVxrg0mPIAro9xOyHbf/s320/IMG_9596+2.JPG" title="www.elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the pull out drawer in our refrigerator. Our little gets the left side of the drawer for HER meal prepped items. Once the prepping is finished, she puts the food in the drawer for the week. Each morning while I'm getting breakfast ready she packs her lunch. She picks one protein, a dairy item, a veggie and/or fruit, something crunchy, and a sweet treat. </td></tr>
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Here are a list of things she typically chooses from each week (I keep these items in stock at the house when in season) in case you are looking for new lunch ideas for your crew:<br />
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<li>Shrimp Cocktail (frozen bagged shrimp)</li>
<li>Rolled sliced lunch meet (rotate between turkey, ham, and chicken)</li>
<li>Turkey Jerky</li>
<li>Classic PB sandwich (no jelly) on a bagel thin</li>
<li>Mini Pancakes or Waffles (most weeks I have these made and in the freezer, but have been known to purchase when in a bind)</li>
<li>Sausage links (AppleGate is our go to)</li>
<li>Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)</li>
<li>Pretzel Thins</li>
<li>Pirates Booty or Simply Cheetos </li>
<li>Sweet Peppers/hummus</li>
<li>Carrot Chips/hummus</li>
<li>Sliced Cucumbers/ranch</li>
<li>Grape Tomatos</li>
<li>Apple Chips (I make them myself each week)</li>
<li>Goldfish (I buy the organic wheat/bagged type...very much a treat in our house)</li>
<li>Cheese sticks and baby bells</li>
<li>Yogurt Tubes (Stonyfield or Chobani)</li>
<li>Applesauce cups (Motts or Publix brand organic is how we roll)</li>
<li>Grapes</li>
<li>Blackberries, strawberries, blueberries</li>
<li>Sweet Treat (I try and bake cookies from scratch a few times a month, but WF comes to the rescue when I'm short on time)</li>
</ul>
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Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will be back again soon! I would love to hear your lunch ideas too for the kiddos! Also, if you are struggling with infertility and need a listening ear, prayers, or have questions; reach out to me. I would love to be part of your support system! It's a lonely journey most will never understand! Have a fantastic Easter weekend friends!</div>
Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-56016980770027388742016-11-24T12:37:00.002-05:002016-11-24T12:37:38.388-05:00A Few of My Newest Faves...Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll! There is so much to be thankful for on this beautiful day! I'm thankful for each one of you that takes time to visit the blog, my TPT store, and all things social media. Thank YOU for your support over the years!<br />
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Today I wanted to share my experiences with a few products I had seen on the internet, but never had the opportunity to try out until now...Kwik Stix and Pencil Grips. They are a MUST have when working with kids in your classroom or with your own kids at home. The <a href="http://www.thepencilgrip.com/" target="_blank">Pencil Grip</a> company sent me a few samples to try out and share with you all. Below are some pictures of the paint sticks and pencil grippers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGJWB8_sOFuypfvqqFdImL8nBBUJttgjHQHeaTj2A5ANLy2vNJgcm6AVFRTBMH3B754gM7RabDgpLIMZpbGwL8KcXI5dCaKt7BP0EZ6FL2UcvqBYEO8ZQ1B0XjipZS-m-obd5hENHPa-h/s1600/IMG_5544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGJWB8_sOFuypfvqqFdImL8nBBUJttgjHQHeaTj2A5ANLy2vNJgcm6AVFRTBMH3B754gM7RabDgpLIMZpbGwL8KcXI5dCaKt7BP0EZ6FL2UcvqBYEO8ZQ1B0XjipZS-m-obd5hENHPa-h/s320/IMG_5544.JPG" title="Kwik Stix_ elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCgDsMEa7tkgA8YimZTq9cxQ90nZz9Js3cpRhBpXfN0czGZ_gOEYpK96pPj5sjO09WzalLrShO5FJTaJWBhPxT_x8MR41nASubQmtqDRfiTohqgKyFg7oDjNZMpg9GTDZsEFbh6QNZQPl/s1600/IMG_5545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCgDsMEa7tkgA8YimZTq9cxQ90nZz9Js3cpRhBpXfN0czGZ_gOEYpK96pPj5sjO09WzalLrShO5FJTaJWBhPxT_x8MR41nASubQmtqDRfiTohqgKyFg7oDjNZMpg9GTDZsEFbh6QNZQPl/s320/IMG_5545.JPG" title="pencil grip_ elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg347LTeeUJByTVIEiJGp0pVCe0IBRdxFlc6F5scNT4D_b7TpT5R6TkH3NiAKibZlO2gjkEoUP0c0Anhn_vz5u-skgMfa1YxkkmlTXVjlZYVXH4hDVYNoVaz3_Ytia6Z9yO4IAb3UmWaH8W/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg347LTeeUJByTVIEiJGp0pVCe0IBRdxFlc6F5scNT4D_b7TpT5R6TkH3NiAKibZlO2gjkEoUP0c0Anhn_vz5u-skgMfa1YxkkmlTXVjlZYVXH4hDVYNoVaz3_Ytia6Z9yO4IAb3UmWaH8W/s320/IMG_5546.JPG" title="Pencil Grip and Kwik Stix_ elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com" width="240" /></a></div>
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I knew <a href="http://www.thepencilgrip.com/p/kwik-stix-24-pack" target="_blank">Kwik Stix</a> were fabulous for mess free art projects, but wanted to see how they could be used on the academic side of the classroom. The children I worked with looked forward to our math intervention time because they were going to the have the opportunity to use something their peers didn't get to use. Can you say, motivated kiddos?! I've never seen a student work so hard for the "reward" of getting to use the paint sticks to color in ten frames, solve math problems, and use a number line. It was MAGICAL! Yes, kids can use markers or crayons to do the same thing, but then you lose the magical component. Kids like to have things others don't...human nature for sure, and it's a huge motivator to do things that aren't so fun. My advice to keep the magic in the stix is to pull them out randomly. The beauty of these paint stix is the fact it's real tempera paint that doesn't bleed through paper...#winning and dries in less than 90 seconds. No need to find a drying space in your classroom or at home for all the artwork! Simply perfect for anyone who is a slight control freak like yours truly! ;) If you go on Pinterest, you will find several cute art projects you can do (painting pumpkins is one of my favorites).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://theresasreviews.com/mess-free-pumpkin-painting/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlfrV0HKRAJlZ2eZmsJJCQaEQ2usHH-HqqKlDZRynLww2P5KtMUE109wBt-NaSTIF8xlb2YSArGu7WxcUznaz4P_VYRixDuENT5Cn5DAlzH6i2752iC8urgr4Ba4whp8ow0wM1ZPDf5Qr/s320/P1110027.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theresasreviews.com/mess-free-pumpkin-painting/" target="_blank">Stickers and Kwik Stix...genius and MESS FREE (click picture to be taken to original blog post on the craft)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKFQViLp7PSGHKxSZ3howSmJ_Ls-aLDEYq6mkab6zlyKZi1FpYDoOPSZLMipOMEy2tqoQ5V-00w8ZVDqqiWfF2Cg2Wsk5ZcsF5cmCEqXlsW16D30fgweGAY2qytiPShdoRYgZ9-XhhfqT/s1600/IMG_5415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKFQViLp7PSGHKxSZ3howSmJ_Ls-aLDEYq6mkab6zlyKZi1FpYDoOPSZLMipOMEy2tqoQ5V-00w8ZVDqqiWfF2Cg2Wsk5ZcsF5cmCEqXlsW16D30fgweGAY2qytiPShdoRYgZ9-XhhfqT/s320/IMG_5415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">solving math problems</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8492F5KsPm4az5dfyByWIGpTojqMnBOHefMkDJnciDPHOkUqI8j4QJK5kyTr0WQgZI7HFMw7jHkOQprHpeFE7VSGty5a6W0vhzWy7rT7eulKeiLx8owRP9pdOfZojVxcAo_yHi8lQg0X/s1600/IMG_5433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8492F5KsPm4az5dfyByWIGpTojqMnBOHefMkDJnciDPHOkUqI8j4QJK5kyTr0WQgZI7HFMw7jHkOQprHpeFE7VSGty5a6W0vhzWy7rT7eulKeiLx8owRP9pdOfZojVxcAo_yHi8lQg0X/s320/IMG_5433.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">drawing out pictures for word problems</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisISujlZ3r7LVoXRRisehYC5ANELFc2_EN8U2i7aalUy351j7w-q9-_FW4QgdeLizyaHMwblcJuar1xgTECR2mxSfJhgTD3-PGu-D502maxIV-yJKPmXz56bthod0hidNChSkqsauo1wI/s1600/IMG_5448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisISujlZ3r7LVoXRRisehYC5ANELFc2_EN8U2i7aalUy351j7w-q9-_FW4QgdeLizyaHMwblcJuar1xgTECR2mxSfJhgTD3-PGu-D502maxIV-yJKPmXz56bthod0hidNChSkqsauo1wI/s320/IMG_5448.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">using two different colors on ten frames to solve math equations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3XVeAX8lGvCTXm08Qfgnrx_n3QIFR9FnA4kPxtYUx1aczEKIPQ_QVWInMeVp_lPF6fA6I3tO1duPY0qEdmFBYOvuC80prVfPbQaQDUtNl56Rdx-nCdh0dRCz2MiX_RtcisT2-rJ78Gsd/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3XVeAX8lGvCTXm08Qfgnrx_n3QIFR9FnA4kPxtYUx1aczEKIPQ_QVWInMeVp_lPF6fA6I3tO1duPY0qEdmFBYOvuC80prVfPbQaQDUtNl56Rdx-nCdh0dRCz2MiX_RtcisT2-rJ78Gsd/s320/IMG_5493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">building numbers on a ten frame and connecting it to base ten blocks</td></tr>
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I also used the Kwik Stix with my little nugget to practice weekly sight words. This was another win for me because doing sight words with mom is no fun until now! I never understood the power struggle parents would share with me at conferences when discussing getting homework done. I always thought I wouldn't have those same struggles because, well I'm a teacher and I "know" how to keep kids on task; boy was I super wrong about that! I have the exact same struggles as the parents I conferenced with. What I decided must be the issue is my little knows I'm a teacher, but I'm her mom; therefore, I'm not in charge of her learning at school so why should she do "school" things with me?! The kwik stix have helped remedy that mindset...thank goodness, because I wasn't sure if we were both going to even make it to kindergarten! #thestruggleisrealfolks ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0MGVnRJZqDNDwXYX18RE19pWKC3Gx-sq3pZLSyOmvL7szX-fwHW9jBuBQ4sDm_Z6Ij_XMnAnmnpeSEIBewFswSwLgWX4fOA9If-kSyYZv5qLBmSLoxU77rkZc64tIRyL8krt5-AnspSY/s1600/IMG_5195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0MGVnRJZqDNDwXYX18RE19pWKC3Gx-sq3pZLSyOmvL7szX-fwHW9jBuBQ4sDm_Z6Ij_XMnAnmnpeSEIBewFswSwLgWX4fOA9If-kSyYZv5qLBmSLoxU77rkZc64tIRyL8krt5-AnspSY/s320/IMG_5195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my little practicing her weekly sight words</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwJTI9FF8PSjzbNhnWZbHHpmPUD8VasDvPdO4c0pOu8W67zz-DT3khrukaXdAWhuijdhzon17cQgjnylAc_eTmBLssMmueuygJuEvLN8JKqIOVyzJajC_GjaP5xcNWDFEJdg1Oa9i25kI/s1600/IMG_5386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwJTI9FF8PSjzbNhnWZbHHpmPUD8VasDvPdO4c0pOu8W67zz-DT3khrukaXdAWhuijdhzon17cQgjnylAc_eTmBLssMmueuygJuEvLN8JKqIOVyzJajC_GjaP5xcNWDFEJdg1Oa9i25kI/s320/IMG_5386.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tracing over sight words first written in pencil and then over with kwik stix</td></tr>
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<br />The other product I wanted to share with you are the <a href="http://www.thepencilgrip.com/c/pencil-grips" target="_blank">pencil grips</a>! I have a few kiddos with handwriting so atrocious you can't read it! Before the pencil grips I would suggest to parents Handwriting Without Tears; however, little did I know...a simple change in gripping a writing tool would correct most of the concerns. I'm loving the gradual release design of the grippers. The grippers meet your kid where they are currently at and get them to where they need to be. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFskSfFRMk0tCqCRN5-A3bxoHPFJ_J886Dh-D21mxiaLrPpHtP9c6uDp6QqlkHZc1wU-cQXPKr0ABAF5VYCYgTDdXFuJm3VuDuzQrfKwrFZ_wGAj2VysihUMbRsEr-DC0ijBDMn0O9RIc/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFskSfFRMk0tCqCRN5-A3bxoHPFJ_J886Dh-D21mxiaLrPpHtP9c6uDp6QqlkHZc1wU-cQXPKr0ABAF5VYCYgTDdXFuJm3VuDuzQrfKwrFZ_wGAj2VysihUMbRsEr-DC0ijBDMn0O9RIc/s320/IMG_5546.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gradual release grips that grow with your child</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5C3mDuY7h04_mwlf8r2zN6OTu97g6z6NYjInQoLWqTHc7KM6NjjdvJ_dFZ86V6mdwJjSee-jdKI2t_UPSr7ObQOY2LmWFWBsjMkonOpkO8vs8SPga97o9IRfnVh069qyavCqCUuH-HPC/s1600/IMG_5547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5C3mDuY7h04_mwlf8r2zN6OTu97g6z6NYjInQoLWqTHc7KM6NjjdvJ_dFZ86V6mdwJjSee-jdKI2t_UPSr7ObQOY2LmWFWBsjMkonOpkO8vs8SPga97o9IRfnVh069qyavCqCUuH-HPC/s320/IMG_5547.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gripper 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMWuG1aqOKQMJHIz8lvdVEEltiMZd5gKnNWRMdnP_rAx60Yx8eqyEFOpLxEVYcxJaDBrdCX2Ax4-gthVqQgbWE_KAh9-4M7mEP7jV0kNwBxiIIX2-9EVlVaO3Or8ADsdesnlKthZ4tG0b/s1600/IMG_5548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMWuG1aqOKQMJHIz8lvdVEEltiMZd5gKnNWRMdnP_rAx60Yx8eqyEFOpLxEVYcxJaDBrdCX2Ax4-gthVqQgbWE_KAh9-4M7mEP7jV0kNwBxiIIX2-9EVlVaO3Or8ADsdesnlKthZ4tG0b/s320/IMG_5548.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gripper 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WGZFlHGNFJiIyJRN8hZjK5hv4_wr242eDskW5FK6yH-yC5Bm_gH_LrnVIyQDRhzMRF28D3BA4bxWwEHJcKqfHA7Om2Ru4B1nLkIuzdpK59AbSMyHIKQajuchkD95bNBnBjZM1hCAXS_Q/s1600/IMG_5549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WGZFlHGNFJiIyJRN8hZjK5hv4_wr242eDskW5FK6yH-yC5Bm_gH_LrnVIyQDRhzMRF28D3BA4bxWwEHJcKqfHA7Om2Ru4B1nLkIuzdpK59AbSMyHIKQajuchkD95bNBnBjZM1hCAXS_Q/s320/IMG_5549.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gripper 3</td></tr>
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As an Academic Coach I work with a variety of children in different grade levels; oftentimes, with terrible handwriting. Teachers ask me to help with the academics and "if I could help with the handwriting that would be fabulous". One teacher in particular noticed a huge difference in her student's writing in a few short days of the child using the gripper. The gripper is also good for righties and lefties. There is a R and L to guide the child to proper gripping for their needs. The colors are fun and the grippers are squishy to make writing a more comfortable task. Below are a few pictures of a child working on handwriting and trying out the different grips. Over the past few weeks his handwriting has improved drastically and the teacher is thankful she is able to read what he writes. :) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9Vs9rlXrZX7fl7H-d2PSKUyPMge8jWLuz4wUE72BhNU3Igw-lsm7_XD020HyiW5EAUBm5-91_FnIDSDOk0cDeTVG6WaEMmPrLnN6nrXErjG8EhHsFjMIHDJFspthTPNZq_rHVWmPlzd0/s1600/IMG_5289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9Vs9rlXrZX7fl7H-d2PSKUyPMge8jWLuz4wUE72BhNU3Igw-lsm7_XD020HyiW5EAUBm5-91_FnIDSDOk0cDeTVG6WaEMmPrLnN6nrXErjG8EhHsFjMIHDJFspthTPNZq_rHVWmPlzd0/s320/IMG_5289.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first try..."feels weird" </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pf5Lqc32yny7f_VXQcVml8s-sOdth65GO0pHED3bdrZxcHpXsjSIp4qKVlqw0RLrKYfqpdsdS9SnIK9F3Gb9Cbp7u2CbGA3lgKTRDisXS1pF47BtNQYKrJRBTvihMKF6uVJ4FHbSQbC0/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pf5Lqc32yny7f_VXQcVml8s-sOdth65GO0pHED3bdrZxcHpXsjSIp4qKVlqw0RLrKYfqpdsdS9SnIK9F3Gb9Cbp7u2CbGA3lgKTRDisXS1pF47BtNQYKrJRBTvihMKF6uVJ4FHbSQbC0/s320/IMG_5291.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">second try..."feels a little better"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt983DqJ9XeoTjZN_a3uvr-wOcDH77UK2EWCH-EK5Bu0pCbwI2ogm_tzrKbY-38l2v2APQ9q_GRB-KlcqB0HRztNKcMMqJwCSLnn58LQLP9OATgKjLKeTbtNck4khIB82ZWX8jDGv0dq1v/s1600/IMG_5290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt983DqJ9XeoTjZN_a3uvr-wOcDH77UK2EWCH-EK5Bu0pCbwI2ogm_tzrKbY-38l2v2APQ9q_GRB-KlcqB0HRztNKcMMqJwCSLnn58LQLP9OATgKjLKeTbtNck4khIB82ZWX8jDGv0dq1v/s320/IMG_5290.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">third try..."feels just 'write' ;)"<br /></td></tr>
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Now you are probably wondering where you can get these magical tools for the classroom or home? There are a few places you can go starting with online at <a href="http://www.target.com/p/kwik-stix-tempera-painting-kit-3pk-18-metallic-colors/-/A-51243307" target="_blank">Target</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Grip-Tempera-Drying-TPG-610/dp/B01CXBRWV8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480008596&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=kwik+stix&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, and <a href="http://www.thepencilgrip.com/p/kwik-stix-24-pack" target="_blank">ThePencilGrip</a>. I'm pretty sure you will start seeing them inside Target stores as well, so next time you're there check out the arts and crafts section to grab you a set. There are so many fun sets in thick and skinny sizes (metallic, neon, and classic colors). <div>
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Stayed tuned for future posts on how I use the grippers and stix...Happy Thanksgiving friends! Enjoy all of the wonderful blessings in your life!</div>
Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-813252909915772082016-09-27T07:30:00.000-04:002016-09-27T07:30:18.755-04:00Color Coding Reading Passages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Happy Tuesday Everyone!<br /><br />
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Now the school year is back in full swing, I'm trusting most everyone is getting to the nitty gritty of reading comprehension in mini lessons and guided reading groups. What am I talking about you ask? TEXT EVIDENCE. Oh, how it can be such a frustrating phrase heard in education. The Common Core is known for asking students to identify text evidence in both oral and written comprehension questions. If you look on Pinterest or search the internet you will find an abundance of paid resources for students to practice finding text evidence in short reading passages. I'm definitely guilty of purchasing my share of cutesy passages for homework and guided reading practice over the years. Well folks, this year I wised up and saved my money <strike>because we are building a house </strike>(and time)<strike> aint NOBODY got time for that</strike> creating passages and now prefer to use Readworks or Newsela instead. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOjq66UNkoIA88cmSYkYnH7UH5zfKd7ykZkw0QE0I2wwD8ezhPcO0KOUqsIM9ikQzyNQ8Hja1a1-rJNarbeEhEeQ4WaGRZjv6ktFNew34xj0Q-QlYdeyhGweuxMYIa_5fmIyvFMKSGbGw/s1600/text+evidence+meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOjq66UNkoIA88cmSYkYnH7UH5zfKd7ykZkw0QE0I2wwD8ezhPcO0KOUqsIM9ikQzyNQ8Hja1a1-rJNarbeEhEeQ4WaGRZjv6ktFNew34xj0Q-QlYdeyhGweuxMYIa_5fmIyvFMKSGbGw/s320/text+evidence+meme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are <a href="http://www.readworks.org/books/passages" target="_blank">Readworks </a>or <a href="https://newsela.com/" target="_blank">Newsela</a> cutesy? Nope! Not really; however it's free and does the job of providing did I mention FREE interesting leveled passages/articles for students to find text evidence with. Now, I'm sure you might be sitting there thinking, how will I know what evidence students have found if there isn't directions for my students with cute little crayons beside each question? I've got you covered! In my classroom and with the students I work with this year, I control the colors for each question. There's nothing complicated about it. I just pick a few colors (crayons or markers) for the comprehension questions and ask students to color a dot for each number using the color I say (i.e. put a red dot next to number one, and green dot next to number two, etc). I stick to basic colors as much as possible because the goal is to keep it simple. When students come to my guided reading table, I get out the smelly markers; because who doesn't love a good smelly marker?! Research shows that when information is presented in color, people retain more of it. The smelly markers are just the cherry on top because they are fun and not available at student desks. Students actually get excited to meet with me because of the markers. Who knew?!<br />
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Below is an example of a Readworks passage I'm currently working with a student on, so you can better visualize what I'm talking about. Need to save paper? You can print two pages to a page by simply changing the printer settings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOJPvHetJ-xKSVRmD3__Ch-WWaigg-n_vLlSTInLoyn5jrJbojVgHEefH-WbJIY2WXs0jJG7HzXFpXNgXZ3aMAaFF1Eo4uzJc-My7wrfeUSj8dd_YLZfrhlq1kyhNAb1q1TnIVTn5puYf/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOJPvHetJ-xKSVRmD3__Ch-WWaigg-n_vLlSTInLoyn5jrJbojVgHEefH-WbJIY2WXs0jJG7HzXFpXNgXZ3aMAaFF1Eo4uzJc-My7wrfeUSj8dd_YLZfrhlq1kyhNAb1q1TnIVTn5puYf/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" title="www.ElementaryTeacherFiles.blogspot.com text evidence" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inexpensive smelly markers you don't mind sharing with students</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53scLyYxJjdov_xBYf8Fy25vja3akdfXvEauqWQkdYNPH0KfEVRWnQqv9WXbUWeG6ZFSXLjrfHxCjepwwsHi5RKu7Y1cCnTWBlboEpYo4KKKGbUaX_mdOohpgEao7Klv-n4T9Reb-iI8u/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="free reading passages" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53scLyYxJjdov_xBYf8Fy25vja3akdfXvEauqWQkdYNPH0KfEVRWnQqv9WXbUWeG6ZFSXLjrfHxCjepwwsHi5RKu7Y1cCnTWBlboEpYo4KKKGbUaX_mdOohpgEao7Klv-n4T9Reb-iI8u/s400/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" title="www.ElementaryTeacherFiles.blogspot.com www.Readworks.org" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Text evidence highlighted to match color dot beside question number</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdXS3pq2_UFoZA8UqT9Rf_MuiGtVRC4VrMfKKllPSsIX-xIvRrWpvYdp7lAVqUjkXA0bVFGf9fCOALMZ9lofqq5VcTnh402YLBTvpyjGA1MnTXoS3iHmuS4QoL7tDZChSUPxrnmo9H0OE/s1600/IMG_4854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdXS3pq2_UFoZA8UqT9Rf_MuiGtVRC4VrMfKKllPSsIX-xIvRrWpvYdp7lAVqUjkXA0bVFGf9fCOALMZ9lofqq5VcTnh402YLBTvpyjGA1MnTXoS3iHmuS4QoL7tDZChSUPxrnmo9H0OE/s400/IMG_4854.JPG" title="www.ElementaryTeacherFiles.blogspot.com www.Readworks.org" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different colors for each question</td></tr>
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So what do you need to get started? Markers, passages printed for free from either ReadWorks or Newsela, and students to practice the text evidence. Easy peasy my friends! I hope I've shed some light on reading passages and text evidence. The more money you save on cutesy passages, the more money you have for fun things like shoes or Target! Until next time friends! :)Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-24285625716167656072016-09-02T21:15:00.000-04:002016-09-02T21:15:35.091-04:00Brag Tags Post #2Welcome Back!<br />
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I'm here to wrap up my thoughts on all things brag tags! This is the second part (a little late) of my brag tag series. If you missed my first post, you can read all about it <a href="http://elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com/2016/08/all-things-brag-tag-post-1-of-2-part.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Like I mentioned in my previous post we have a brag tag end of year celebration party. Basically students have collected brag tags all year and get to spend an hour or so reminiscing over tags earned with friends and create necklaces with a variety of beads. They have so much fun and it's so cute to listen to the conversations about the tags. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie-vWnHPhyIs7Gi7rKavPdblJuWFbt5vfqqkdcSfPO4z5acWSPBgetynkh5Jcv5SQ0IVpGLllQFReBgCIxP7T_uDU_SWiCobSph4fSs6-yO0p-57geMMcvuXg2MoP7vLhqKxwa0H3VlGm/s1600/IMG_2617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie-vWnHPhyIs7Gi7rKavPdblJuWFbt5vfqqkdcSfPO4z5acWSPBgetynkh5Jcv5SQ0IVpGLllQFReBgCIxP7T_uDU_SWiCobSph4fSs6-yO0p-57geMMcvuXg2MoP7vLhqKxwa0H3VlGm/s320/IMG_2617.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kids were rockstars and kept up with the binder ring all year!! I had 20 second graders last year and these 7 were responsible and kept up with the binder ring! </td></tr>
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If you remember from my previous post, I mentioned starting the year with binder rings for each kiddo to put brag tags on. At the end of the year students exchange the binder rings for a beaded chain to create a unique brag tag necklace. Now, you might be wondering what happens to the kids who have lost the binder ring at some point in the year??? That's a fabulous question!! I DO NOT replace binder rings at any point in the year. I make the expectation crystal clear at the beginning when I'm introducing brag tags. If a student loses the ring they DO NOT get replacement tags; instead he/she will get a snack bag to keep tags in for the remainder of the year. When it comes time to trade in rings for necklaces, students without a ring are given a piece of yarn to make the necklace. At the end of the day all students DO get to make a brag tag necklace; however, the material the necklace is made with depends on the student being responsible throughout the year. Below are some pictures of materials to make the necklaces as well as pictures of my cuties at the end of the year necklace party! My biggest piece of advise when starting brag tags is to play by rules you are comfortable with. If you search brag tags on TPT or Pinterest, you will find thousands of variations which could be challenging/overwhelming to manage. Keep it simple and do what you are most comfortable with! A teacher on my team last year only used one specific brag tag. In her classroom the children worked hard to see how many they could get during the year. The beauty of brag tags is they are flexible and can be made easy to use based on individual teacher comfort. If you would like to check out some brag tags I have in my TPT store click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Stamina-Brag-Tags-2647862" target="_blank">here</a>. I would love any comments about your experiences with brag tags. :)))<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7A7B58WGx6tbJV7lIUCwrKqwM-i9qMt3Xv1QDMh94HHgGNreOHhcx6dv2EzrGZkfcn-gNgM7DBshFLmWRXIt-Kg0qTdQcRDyEu34EwtqdNmGOPVDQpwxkH6zw8sX53k1uiuqSG-wYhjh/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7A7B58WGx6tbJV7lIUCwrKqwM-i9qMt3Xv1QDMh94HHgGNreOHhcx6dv2EzrGZkfcn-gNgM7DBshFLmWRXIt-Kg0qTdQcRDyEu34EwtqdNmGOPVDQpwxkH6zw8sX53k1uiuqSG-wYhjh/s320/IMG_2618.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Materials for the necklaces. The cheapest place for the chains was amazon or Hobby Lobby at a $1/necklance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM2NPRstkxo0skwOIGzhPRdjFAAH_zxGA5KYF1aH9gCQxdaLevxVCccyV_K_xWSPuut599X67BjzAbh6QafkO4rBOVvO1MjKYU3iBtYUtV7EcO3rDXvc57gsHKnWzpkQgMZDojfXO5NYG/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM2NPRstkxo0skwOIGzhPRdjFAAH_zxGA5KYF1aH9gCQxdaLevxVCccyV_K_xWSPuut599X67BjzAbh6QafkO4rBOVvO1MjKYU3iBtYUtV7EcO3rDXvc57gsHKnWzpkQgMZDojfXO5NYG/s320/IMG_2619.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the specialty beads. My thoughts were to keep it simple. I bought the beads at Hobby Lobby using 40% off coupons.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqbPZ20FKMek7s2541IeRhw1Heu0MVAP_gADM88LU5nnwvIusaTqxjp7WDhuR_QZaJaY8eQ1QPFJCAbxAYzcH6HCnYB8AXVMeqpwiQqt-jAXy2owZ_8DDsMcQzI8cTmeNVWdYRcvBV4JY/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqbPZ20FKMek7s2541IeRhw1Heu0MVAP_gADM88LU5nnwvIusaTqxjp7WDhuR_QZaJaY8eQ1QPFJCAbxAYzcH6HCnYB8AXVMeqpwiQqt-jAXy2owZ_8DDsMcQzI8cTmeNVWdYRcvBV4JY/s320/IMG_2620.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I called one table at a time to the necklace making station to gather materials to take back to seat for necklace making.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4NEgAg5NwHy_SsOrpwHYbdQUTSoa_5J9P9kTeXAiklbUS3MfnKhDPwTt3XHMB1W-um8Unl25fCpZmunWBhFvrAyVGMkpBrUgGBe9VdDlKVmKX0HpYZJ2Xl2o5fmuR_xLUnnvp7-BU3lA/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4NEgAg5NwHy_SsOrpwHYbdQUTSoa_5J9P9kTeXAiklbUS3MfnKhDPwTt3XHMB1W-um8Unl25fCpZmunWBhFvrAyVGMkpBrUgGBe9VdDlKVmKX0HpYZJ2Xl2o5fmuR_xLUnnvp7-BU3lA/s320/IMG_2621.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard at work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7zXzYiMugtSWKvhEoFnmVVY90dZF_mcg2GbqxaJy2yQTICH_-6OYwCJfFSwXiNM4eOHTSfSpyy4-5zf4MwVw_bMMSzaB2RD5LY3Kcv96exMQMDFm9rC1wwMKnGaY1pBgf7PpDblEScTq/s1600/IMG_2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7zXzYiMugtSWKvhEoFnmVVY90dZF_mcg2GbqxaJy2yQTICH_-6OYwCJfFSwXiNM4eOHTSfSpyy4-5zf4MwVw_bMMSzaB2RD5LY3Kcv96exMQMDFm9rC1wwMKnGaY1pBgf7PpDblEScTq/s320/IMG_2622.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students with the yarn making the necklaces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0j5g5h85CGF71lCSfceUmw7pp3SIrPaGV5YB8RcIf7bQaU4exOhh7Me3diCD6ebHmG9SvJMwWiOI-68rW4Mn002smkwFVhyphenhyphenKLxAeLtm71IeIMdC5w0JpFBQCXt5xqlTLegu2YbsW3HBz/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0j5g5h85CGF71lCSfceUmw7pp3SIrPaGV5YB8RcIf7bQaU4exOhh7Me3diCD6ebHmG9SvJMwWiOI-68rW4Mn002smkwFVhyphenhyphenKLxAeLtm71IeIMdC5w0JpFBQCXt5xqlTLegu2YbsW3HBz/s320/IMG_2623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If students needed more materials they could go back to the station and gather more materials.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMUwN9AqeWZaY5egVgBgfs5XiaujMFczH5HFV0ZidUVPBbNLjdEDqVVHe2dJYxVmtN60d45u9-3pvDsyjpInSqShQtvyxYs0h2fQ21ovzojjk5AKruY8w3qeN0KD8zWy2k__skP01vnKv/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMUwN9AqeWZaY5egVgBgfs5XiaujMFczH5HFV0ZidUVPBbNLjdEDqVVHe2dJYxVmtN60d45u9-3pvDsyjpInSqShQtvyxYs0h2fQ21ovzojjk5AKruY8w3qeN0KD8zWy2k__skP01vnKv/s320/IMG_2624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the brag tags</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All students enjoyed making the necklaces and each was so cute and different.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-35724911283550949662016-08-01T11:51:00.004-04:002016-08-03T21:17:07.763-04:00All Things Brag Tag (Post 1 of a 2 part series)Happy Monday Everyone!<br />
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I'm sure most of you are starting to go back in the classroom to get ready for B2S 2016! As you begin to think about classroom management and student motivation, definitely consider using Brag Tags. There are a plethora of blog posts out there on how to implement them as well as TPT sellers creating them, including me. ;) I used them for the first time in my 2nd grade classroom last year and it was a game changer! It's a super cheap way to celebrate individual student success and change unwanted classroom behavior. Everyone likes to be praised right?! Brag tags do just that and provide a visual reminder of student successes in the classroom. Angie over at <a href="http://luckylittlelearners.com/2015/07/brag-tags.html" target="_blank">Lucky Little Learners</a> was my initial inspiration to try them out. She has some fabulous posts on how to implement them and there is definitely no reason to recreate the wheel over here, right?? <br />
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Now, in the social media world there seems to be some backlash on using Brag Tags in the classroom because teachers don't want to create students who are "braggers". Well friends, I called them brag tags all year and never once received any negative feedback from administrators, co-workers, parents, or students. In fact, EVERYONE thought it was a genius idea and a few other teachers at my school jumped on board to do brag tags too! HOWEVER, if this is a concern for you there are alternative names for the same tool/product. Some teachers are calling them Swag Tags, Wow Tags, Fab Tags, etc. Regardless of what you want to call them in your classroom, they are amazing! <br />
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So, how do they work you ask? Well, that's up to you. In my classroom I introduced brag tags on the last day of the first week of school. I put them on student desks before they arrived to create excitement and questions about the tag. I gave each student a 2 inch binder ring with one brag tag on it that said 2nd Grade Rocks. As a class we went over how to earn a brag tag and how to be responsible with the brag tag ring. I never told students which brag tags I had...it was a mystery all year and the students couldn't get enough of the tags. They never knew when I would pass some out. It was fabulous!!!<br />
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As with anything new....I started out simple with brag tags for Daily 5 station behavior. Basically, as we were building stamina each day for the first 6 weeks of school, students were earning brag tags for demonstrating desired behaviors at each station. Everybody wins!! In Thursday's post I will answer some FAQ about all things brag tag. :) My next type of tag I started to roll out was the homework tag. I surprised the class with homework brag tags the first time I collected homework packets. Every student who turned in their homework packet received a brag tag. The excitement continued and it was hook, line, sink in all things brag tag. Once I had everyone's buy in, I began to slow down with passing out brag tags to only a few of the best of the best behaviors each day. Students worked so hard to be the best of the best and my classroom was pure bliss! Well, most of the time! ;) I even had special substitute brag tags my assistant and sub would pass out in my absence. Every. Single. Sub. LOVED the brag tags and how helpful it was with classroom behavior. I'm not going to say the tags were miracle fixes, but for the most part it made a big difference in the majority of my student's behaviors.<br />
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<b>My Daily 5 Inspired Brag Tags:</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Stamina-Brag-Tags-2647862" target="_blank">Reading Stamina</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wonderful-Writer-Brag-Tags-2659090" target="_blank">Writing</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Work-Brag-Tags-2686090" target="_blank">Word Work</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Buddy-Reading-Brag-Tags-2691357" target="_blank">Buddy Reading</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Listen-to-Reading-Brag-Tags-2693244" target="_blank">Listen to Reading</a></b></div>
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Now, lets discuss the binder ring for a minute...I made a point of stressing to the class to be responsible with the ring the very first day I passed out the tags. They could hook the rings on backpacks, pant loops, keep them at home, or in the pencil boxes at school. My classroom expectation was that students would keep up with the brag tag ring all year long. At the end of the year students turned in the ring to me for a beaded chain necklace. We will talk more about the necklaces and binder ring responsibilities in my post on Thursday. If you go on Pinterest and search brag tags you will find a multitude of ways teachers display brag tags to give you some ideas if you're not feeling the student responsibility vibe. I believe in student responsibility. If you set your expectations high, most students will rise to meet or exceed your expectations.<br />
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I hope to have peaked your interest in at least considering brag tags. Come back Thursday for a follow up post to how brag tags worked in my classroom. See you then!</div>
Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-8411203567314434222016-06-28T12:50:00.000-04:002016-06-28T12:50:35.561-04:00Planner Talk: My Honest Opinion About 4 Popular PlannersHey Friends!<br />
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Yikes! I'm terrible at keeping up with the blog during the school year. I tried, but failed at doing better. Sorry! Honestly, our year has been crazy busy between the lil nugget's schedule and my husband's NASCAR schedule; not to mention the hectic daily classroom happenings! I'm thankful for the blogging break because I'm rejuvenated and ready to share what I've been up to in the classroom and TPT land!<br />
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Let's get started with all things planner! Lately, there has been lots of planner chatter on social media with who has what and what's popular right now in the land of lesson planning. Teachers are funny creatures when it comes to getting "new school year excited" a week into summer break! I've definitely been one of them, but it still makes me chuckle because the school year ends and almost immediately it's time to get ready for the new year. I'm fortunate enough to have first hand experiences with four of the top planning tools out currently. Below are MY opinions about each planner. I haven't been paid to endorse any product, so you can trust this is the honest truth according to me. I hope it's helpful! ; )<br />
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<b>1st up...Erin Condren Planner:</b> Here is a picture of my teacher planner from a few years ago. When I first got the planner I was smitten with every flashy detail the planner had. Honestly, I think I was more excited to have something people around me didn't have than the actual planner. Sad truth, but I want to keep it real for ya'll. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orkU1YSXgDk" target="_blank">here</a> to preview the planner and see how in all actuality I didn't use many of the "extras" Erin Condren is known for. I did enjoy a few of the flashy features such as the pocket folder, clear page inserts and the small bag at the back of the planner. The EC planner sells for $55-$75. In my opinion it's not worth the money. Especially since the style has changed and the covers are interchangeable. I purchased an EC life planner and it's been a huge waste of money! The covers fall off...annoying to say the least, and I realized I'm a digital calendar person for all things social in our life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin Condren Teacher Planner before the changeable covers</td></tr>
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<b>2nd up...Teacher A</b><b>nchor Planner: </b>Last year I had the pleasure of winning this beautiful planner from <a href="http://cjayneteach.com/" target="_blank">CJayneTeach</a> in an Instagram contest. I didn't know anything about the product and was just super excited to win a "teacher prize"! I won a beautiful binder as well as the planner. This planner looks very much like a printer friendly version of the EC planner in my opinion. There's nothing cutesy or colorful about the planner on the inside. It differs from the EC planner because it does have CCES listed for K-2 as well as tips to being more efficient with planning efforts. When you check out the preview you will see I used parts of the planner, but then ended up just stapling purchased lesson plans on the pages. It became a glorified binder with pages everywhere! The planner sells for $56, but again...I'm not sure it's worth the money; at least not in MY opinion. Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V3T8pXH0CM" target="_blank">here</a> to check out the inside of the planner.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Cx4p8_9pl_wJ_flGtGTHVSCQXI_wj3Vus21MxXxX3mi5pGt42haDD1U7-4iTIT3pJ3_PIJ6VSDoMy85TK3AqG-epquMQoQ6vTajGDcxp4ZtkC_Ju1dV4f_iDWSOja_EPbUxTqIGY12A/s1600/IMG_2933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Cx4p8_9pl_wJ_flGtGTHVSCQXI_wj3Vus21MxXxX3mi5pGt42haDD1U7-4iTIT3pJ3_PIJ6VSDoMy85TK3AqG-epquMQoQ6vTajGDcxp4ZtkC_Ju1dV4f_iDWSOja_EPbUxTqIGY12A/s320/IMG_2933.JPG" title="ElementaryTeacherFiles: Teacher Anchor Planner" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher Anchor Lesson Planner</td></tr>
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<b>3rd up...Create 365 Happy Planner Teacher Edition</b><b>: </b>Ok, so this planner was just gifted to me by my mom as a thank you for helping out when my nana unexpectedly died last month. We stumbled across this planner on accident when wondering around Hobby Lobby for a few brag tag accessories to end the school year. I'm super excited about this planner because it seems to have the EC flair, with a teacher price tag. The best of both worlds, right?! The planner retails for $29.99. You can use a trusty 40% off coupon to make the price even more affordable. You can check out the planner by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB99oU03LsQ" target="_blank">here</a>. Below are a few pictures of the planner, accessories purchased at an additional charge, and my stamping catastrophe with the checklist stamp. Currently, I'm uncertain of my feelings with the stamp because of the unpredictability of stamping the entire stamp image. Hopefully, the more I use it, the more accurate the stamping will be. There is one other stamp I wanted to complete the planner, but my Hobby Lobby didn't have it. Luckily, my mom's HL did and she is bringing it to me in August. :)) In my humble opinion, this planner is the best of all of the worlds and is 100% worth the money! The word on the street is it sells out quickly; however, is replenished often.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWZbpNGQYMGmpilfDSKGqeqQzqFFcIvziMTNml6O2Bp6-L5fzEN8j652v-G1n0WR8GVlM3HjlNh_cWfT9-PpAcV1rsH4NQ9YYtwqbDd-33mc3TnoUKytq7UAOAefC5rKjQmkMNGrmOXHo/s1600/IMG_2928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWZbpNGQYMGmpilfDSKGqeqQzqFFcIvziMTNml6O2Bp6-L5fzEN8j652v-G1n0WR8GVlM3HjlNh_cWfT9-PpAcV1rsH4NQ9YYtwqbDd-33mc3TnoUKytq7UAOAefC5rKjQmkMNGrmOXHo/s320/IMG_2928.JPG" title="ElementaryTeacherFiles: Create 365 Happy Planner" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjyl56gU0RTf05tRQ6SncplqEegdxLKSAf893kK2RM9sAUEsJBU2QjcHgIWG-4bFRMCk566hC6Yl9tycIPzycYw_30bjYDKnH3dIRE2Hnn9ShiIU8Gm4yu80qlRZSRLeOAMM4lIJb4xpa/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjyl56gU0RTf05tRQ6SncplqEegdxLKSAf893kK2RM9sAUEsJBU2QjcHgIWG-4bFRMCk566hC6Yl9tycIPzycYw_30bjYDKnH3dIRE2Hnn9ShiIU8Gm4yu80qlRZSRLeOAMM4lIJb4xpa/s320/IMG_2927.JPG" title="ElementaryTeacherFiles: Create 365 Happy Planner" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCQdICp49Cojn0CvTeEQtiDVQttuKM1vpxQzfBMjvtFB1N8OmaNVCbxwXFrpOEjyaR8y8cMmWydh2SGN7-cEwegayJIogGK8jv1S3A1xOa0LAqGfdR0GIrCqVwi3b3SLPZ22lvO-wS4_c/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCQdICp49Cojn0CvTeEQtiDVQttuKM1vpxQzfBMjvtFB1N8OmaNVCbxwXFrpOEjyaR8y8cMmWydh2SGN7-cEwegayJIogGK8jv1S3A1xOa0LAqGfdR0GIrCqVwi3b3SLPZ22lvO-wS4_c/s320/IMG_2931.JPG" title="ElementaryTeacherFiles: Create 365 Happy Planner" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5VwTfXEB9dIkljAqhNrMC0oJOv72G4-Ncf4XJXZ4qIS9JYAcjODp_pz9ZCX3B40Upx0SmpDniqwhjtBrgDhZGeubga8OD3OWRI2-sMR6Tjopolb1YIPzwsyNH2eaLlHwhIq0gHDW2LbS/s1600/IMG_2932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5VwTfXEB9dIkljAqhNrMC0oJOv72G4-Ncf4XJXZ4qIS9JYAcjODp_pz9ZCX3B40Upx0SmpDniqwhjtBrgDhZGeubga8OD3OWRI2-sMR6Tjopolb1YIPzwsyNH2eaLlHwhIq0gHDW2LbS/s320/IMG_2932.JPG" title="ElementaryTeacherFiles: Create 365 Happy Planner" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b>4th up...Planbook.com: </b>Ok, so I used planbook.com for one school year. It was ok, but I didn't feel like I was ever really prepared to teach. I think for me, the price was right, but I'm a person who needs to write out the game plan to own and execute it. From an administrator's perspective, planbook.com is genius and every teacher should use it because it's legible, can be shared with administration/special area teachers, can be CC aligned, and allows you to view all plans (old and new) with a few clicks from a device. Some of the features that are helpful as a teacher are the lesson sharing options, CCES objectives just a click a way to adding to your plans, and the links/files you can attach to each block of your day. You can also repeat activities each week if your classroom has certain procedures/activities that are the same. I used the app version on my personal iPad as well as had it on my SMART board in the background, so I could click on links/resources as needed throughout the day. This style of lesson planning is good for mapping out your weeks, but I still needed the process of writing things down to be successful at executing the plan. Below is a screen shot of my first week plans when I taught 5th grade. The cost is $12 a year. If you choose not to renew your subscription, you still have access to your old plans, you just can't edit them. </div>
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Thanks for hanging with me as I shared my opinions on all things planning related. Every teacher is different with styles and needs. Every school/district also has different expectations for lesson plans. I hope my experiences with the variety of products have helped you figure out what is best for your planning/classroom needs. As always, comments are appreciated! Have a fabulous Tuesday! Until next time...<br />
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Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-34189609277005145062016-02-01T22:14:00.002-05:002016-02-01T22:17:17.077-05:00Classroom Teacher Supplies Sharpener Review!Happy Monday!<br />
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I'm FINALLY back after a crazy two weeks of surgery AND jury duty! If you know anything about anything, than you know being out of the classroom is absolute TORTURE! Yikes! The paperwork and catching up I have ahead of me! I will say one huge sanity saver has been our new pencil sharpener compliments of Classroom Friendly Supplies. Click <a href="http://www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to check out the awesomeness! <br />
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Now to share our experiences with the sharpener that EVERY teacher should have in the classroom. First, it's purple! How can you not like a purple pencil sharpener?! Next, it's a fun design and pleasing to the eyes. Again, how can you not resist?! If the aesthetic features aren't enough to convince you, than how about the functionality of the sharpener??<br />
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THE pencils are AMAZING and sharp...like dangerously sharp!! My students get two sharp pencils every morning to start the day. The pencils are so sharp they actually keep up with my students all day long! This was INCREDIBLE to watch in action. To translate in teacher language...the students were not up wondering around to get a pencil! I also didn't have to listen to the nerve grinding electric option we had before. Can you say WINNING?!</div>
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Several people have asked on my IG account about student use, so I put the question to the test. What I found is for my particular group of 2nd graders, it is NOT kid friendly and becomes a nightmare to get broken points out of the sharpener. I want to stress it is NOT kid friendly with MY group of kids; however, a colleague down the hall in 3rd grade doesn't seem to have ANY issues with her students using the sharpener. I guess it really depends on the grade level and group of students in the classroom to see if it's rough and tough enough to hang in there for a school year or beyond. That being said, it seriously takes only 5 minutes to sharpen a bucket full of pencils each morning, so for me it's worth it to spend 5 minutes of my time getting the pencils ready for the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Don't you think the pencil tips are absolutely beautiful??</td></tr>
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Another question asked on my IG account was about the noise level. Is it truly the quietest pencil sharpener ever?? My honest answer is...I'm unsure. Is it more quiet than the electric option? Yes! Most definitely YES! To me it sounds like any other crank sharpener; however, it's cuter and more efficient with the sharpening. You can choose to mount it or move it around the room, take it home for the weekend, or pass it across the hall to share the love with another teacher. So many options!!!</div>
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The final question asked to me was about the dreaded dollar store pencils. You know, the ones that don't ever seem to sharpen and then unravel...becoming a huge distraction and teacher annoyance?? Well my friends I'm happy to report the sharpener was up for the challenge and does not discriminate against any pencils. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RuTEJIBbfqPAzVA-Mow0Zxpx1i8rXl4qC8Kwf2RZtgumglz7azpHTF2KoyftofGB-JfjVDuadvV42XKUkopGacRCi9FwXl_8yUqVDU76YlnnZhiBnTehonIovX-TnSGUtDSX_ADpTlsI/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RuTEJIBbfqPAzVA-Mow0Zxpx1i8rXl4qC8Kwf2RZtgumglz7azpHTF2KoyftofGB-JfjVDuadvV42XKUkopGacRCi9FwXl_8yUqVDU76YlnnZhiBnTehonIovX-TnSGUtDSX_ADpTlsI/s320/IMG_0768.JPG" title="elementary teacher files" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dollar store pencils can't bring down the best pencil sharpener ever!</td></tr>
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So, basically what I'm saying is...EVERY. SINGLE. TEACHER. could benefit from purchasing one of these fabulous pencil sharpeners. The past month has been bliss not listening to the electric sharpener. Feel free to check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0jqUe91Ovs" target="_blank">this video</a> to learn more about the Best Pencil Sharpener Ever! Comment below if you purchase one and share your thoughts. Until next time my friends.....</div>
Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-14610144347379685412016-01-22T13:25:00.001-05:002016-01-22T13:25:20.006-05:00Five For Friday! (First Timer)Happy Friday Ya'll!<br /><br />Today I'm participating in my first ever Five For Friday Linky party! Let's get this party started! I'm giving you five things I've experienced/completed this week. Who knows what theme I will choose next week! <br />
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<a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60MYdpo_NAAvq9wX8xUj-jy066epR971yC_pJJ01v8Iff7DMaplhyWGznq1qLPham2s1Wezx_Fcui4mJtyYjNZQ1LINs_uLdiHN2grcVZIuSSa9RhZY5hnMu95bLopOa-w9mz0NTZB0vr/s640/fiveforfriday2_thumb%255B3%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJPrEYCuduWGESnmU2K9cOm0Jta0tGbMtaNS15ClIUYy2ALDvFQYSLkgyxm01VAo7QClGctsRXXu-Qtylx3CiTldnVTXLxWTG2z_sob_wQscF8MHNiw8v5576iT2raI-v_7acJea3XraG/s1600/Divider+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJPrEYCuduWGESnmU2K9cOm0Jta0tGbMtaNS15ClIUYy2ALDvFQYSLkgyxm01VAo7QClGctsRXXu-Qtylx3CiTldnVTXLxWTG2z_sob_wQscF8MHNiw8v5576iT2raI-v_7acJea3XraG/s1600/Divider+1.png" /></a></div>
I started the week like most classroom teachers with a day off from the classroom because of MLK day! The lil nugget and I relaxed around the house with a playdate for the both of us! We love our friends!<br />
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On Tuesday I had the pleasure of participating in a half day mandated Human Diversity Training. There is nothing better than spending a teacher work day in meetings right before report cards are due. #TeacherProblems<br />
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On Wednesday I had surgery to help correct my infertility issues for the possibility of baby #2 later this year. The crazy thing is, at first glance the surgeon thought I had Hydrosalpinx. After getting in and taking a look, he realized the reason my fallopian tube was blocked and swollen with fluids is because my right ovary was sitting on top of it! Crazy, right?! My organs had been relocated to an empty cavity in my body preventing mother nature from working properly. He thinks when I was pregnant with the lil nugget, she didn't have much room to move around, so she pushed things out of the way to be more comfy while in utero. Maybe she knew from the get go she didn't want any siblings! ;) He also discovered I had a mild case of Endometriosis as well as a few cysts needing to be removed. Basically, the original surgery went rogue and a different procedure ended up happening. Now I'm just chilling at the house recovering from a very uncomfortable surgery. The lil nugget is fascinated with my incisions and the glue that is "keeping mommy together".</div>
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Yesterday I blogged about a list of 2nd grade Kahoot games anyone can use if needing to spiral review content. I will continue to add to the list each week, so definitely check back often. If you haven't tried Kahoot you should! Easy peasy engaging activities for your class.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeGRHTldpgUMQ4ijc4al3o5RVWrZm3AyxgSzB8LRr7b1PhicDWsIgpm8UIaslegwgXZubSWsL5KChUqyiRwDGgdZSOD13ljwjWZxI5GM02yJ_-xcQr-8trf1wsqmEkghubhBSqv_X8DNj/s1600/Divider+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeGRHTldpgUMQ4ijc4al3o5RVWrZm3AyxgSzB8LRr7b1PhicDWsIgpm8UIaslegwgXZubSWsL5KChUqyiRwDGgdZSOD13ljwjWZxI5GM02yJ_-xcQr-8trf1wsqmEkghubhBSqv_X8DNj/s1600/Divider+5.png" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy Homemade Banana Bread</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vTTfj3oGAUdeZfAaFn0efQqc7TzoZoHXX3GGOGXMgVDdMwRV06zi_91t-UkdyWyXa5BbQYHhwM0tb9d4TUTSjOaWmkHy-ZU7naneCsrCdwFyDUwYAeFArc69Pf227kEAHX9Ai9YnI_WG/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vTTfj3oGAUdeZfAaFn0efQqc7TzoZoHXX3GGOGXMgVDdMwRV06zi_91t-UkdyWyXa5BbQYHhwM0tb9d4TUTSjOaWmkHy-ZU7naneCsrCdwFyDUwYAeFArc69Pf227kEAHX9Ai9YnI_WG/s320/IMG_0673.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from our backyard this morning. :)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxze7d8h85dsZlq40_yLnTOdpJsHcZHJ3fkIwySiJl0ggp9zocwuMCq7G4OPnrIP1jtktFIo06mHcr9cOiJSW2kIdG-6lECRqKbAAwISj3V6AN6WULDWNIbDWfsgFBTx7oexAyPXUHTL5/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Last, but not least today is a Snow Day for everyone around us. The lil nugget's school is closed today, so I'm home recovering with her. She has been a fabulous assistant running the stairs for me, picking things up I can't reach, and baking with me. We made some homemade banana bread together and will enjoy it with some hot chocolate this afternoon. I can't take her out to enjoy the snow today because of the risk of slipping and falling as well as the bending over movement I currently don't have. The mister will be home shortly to play in the snow with her. Snow days are the best! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Until next time! :)))Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-15714077494424266262016-01-21T13:51:00.000-05:002016-01-21T13:51:00.967-05:00Oh What a Week!Happy Thursday Ya'll!<br /><br />Today I'm home resting from my surgery yesterday. Why is it when you're at the hospital you look terrible? So crazy, but I try to always keep it real with my blog visitors and followers. Today is a new day and I'm thankful for the opportunity! This afternoon has been uncomfortable, but tolerable so I could blog, create, and organize digital items.<br />
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<a href="https://getkahoot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1uXxOW59BjyjZQzCKUNel16VYxuzwgTkvaWDwjQgve2TSySnpD2mqn_dHJI-oJGT2zG-hct8mrBGGtl38C82T_LlK5r0canz2McHMMTA6mnBy6Ut0NRyE5_yTLaLhDSEjFNFPcnYFEFW/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-01-21+at+1.31.41+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bycllz4E1mTZbjFaWmRRXzR3c1k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Lm0O7sAkOkpyw54nPOWYCdoHQkBVXmuz_sYXNE88b04vHGvYhC8Jk2hf7_yJGGZe3Lg0QQLEgjTAqWAUsZuf19g7WxPEyfL_vCY8YA6vc-lIMqwz5uhOg0bmTKSqKJQGQQDlmyvYzeGa/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-01-21+at+1.18.44+PM.png" title="Elementary Teacher Files_Math Review" width="216" /></a></div>
That being said, I've created a list of math review <a href="https://getkahoot.com/" target="_blank">Kahoot </a>games I use in my classroom each week to continue to spiral skills previously taught. The kids are obsessed with the games and are disappointed on days I just couldn't find the time to set up a new review game. My adminstrators love the level of student engagement my class has each day in math. In fact, our hallway knows when we are playing Kahoot, because the energy is off the chain!! If you haven't played Kahoot with your kids you really should! Click on the Kahoot picture above to take you to the website. You can even track student understanding with the data reports. Doesn't everybody like easy data to drive instruction?! I honestly think that's the coolest part of Kahoot. I use the data to have math conferences with my students and/or teach small group remediation lessons if needed. If you are needing/wanting to use math spiral review in your classroom, but don't have the time to create it for yourself, please help yourself to the list of games I've created for you to use. Check back weekly, because I will continue to add to the list. If you use the links, please comment letting me know your thoughts. Kahoot is free and can be used in teams if you don't have very much technology in your classroom. You can use iPads, Computers, and smart phones to play the games. To grab your free copy of the math review links, click the picture above. Remember, it will be an ongoing list so check back often! Thanks for stopping by! Until next time...Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-19429738056893995532016-01-18T16:06:00.000-05:002016-01-18T16:22:17.244-05:00Happy 2016!!!Happy 2016 Everyone!<br />
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Wow! Life sure gets busy and occasionally the blog gets put on the back burner. Kuddos to ALL of the teacher bloggers out there blogging, scoping, tweeting, Instagraming, Facebooking, and TPT creating like a boss! This teacher blogger can't keep up, but I'm good with it! ;) Since I last blogged, I've run 3 half marathons, my husband was hired at another NASCAR cup team (thank goodness), and we are beginning to find out the true reasons behind our infertility journey of almost 2 years. Crazy, right?! I was also fortunate enough to host a Carolina Teacher Blogger Meet Up in Charlotte a few weeks ago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savannah Rockin Roll Half Marathon in November</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half Marathon preview run on my birthday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0EOK_xHtnmVXxT2KOulYcRy2lVt9hl-Y0fmfO4YuKDctw2FoqaDStikYKwf4zFqFmCP_syhzx_LjfNiBxAbrnyjeBrb5Dgz0F1ZTsgEeVUX04FXsasOi_RW5iBanBr1PzeD9h__3nx5D/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0EOK_xHtnmVXxT2KOulYcRy2lVt9hl-Y0fmfO4YuKDctw2FoqaDStikYKwf4zFqFmCP_syhzx_LjfNiBxAbrnyjeBrb5Dgz0F1ZTsgEeVUX04FXsasOi_RW5iBanBr1PzeD9h__3nx5D/s320/IMG_0484.JPG" title="bit.ly\etfblog" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blogger Meet Up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmk-Xpb9jz4WCdIYTXaHq-rMP-B6ApZqMpY0s5NFzaKB71wked9mKTK12mgp4mI6fejMkeffIrT3lUkEsU5tFw6slU80R5h-DpNJ0_blyfyswdhNveuwGZJGDvhI2rfgwqOPhTBdV6I5i/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmk-Xpb9jz4WCdIYTXaHq-rMP-B6ApZqMpY0s5NFzaKB71wked9mKTK12mgp4mI6fejMkeffIrT3lUkEsU5tFw6slU80R5h-DpNJ0_blyfyswdhNveuwGZJGDvhI2rfgwqOPhTBdV6I5i/s320/IMG_0149.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our infertility journey headquarters :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDG5TLelZQ2F_9moD2r5Dr6tQ-I31WRHqjJY4ZJ0zlocGrbwqi1zMEVF5-AtHTLLO1HsY1aY23puoUIKHzrtWx62fAXWoGbvIzZGAze3i9rmGE64HVxzny4xF0XZN69F2e0MC4B-FPzQ-/s1600/IMG_0159.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDG5TLelZQ2F_9moD2r5Dr6tQ-I31WRHqjJY4ZJ0zlocGrbwqi1zMEVF5-AtHTLLO1HsY1aY23puoUIKHzrtWx62fAXWoGbvIzZGAze3i9rmGE64HVxzny4xF0XZN69F2e0MC4B-FPzQ-/s320/IMG_0159.PNG" title="bit.ly/etfblog" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huntersville Holiday Half Marathon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyeG66gOAOq6x4VLj1ihXurVgQlenpNvi7Pc_RfmxMpv53mc0xC4_XVn3b1MR6_xjPetBKd4ZL-GrdihfQd1IUjKpIIIfIkuKZLKE-pwvcllRXuKatBKoHV8kL7ZS6FqkAbtbcEHaXXdQ/s1600/IMG_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyeG66gOAOq6x4VLj1ihXurVgQlenpNvi7Pc_RfmxMpv53mc0xC4_XVn3b1MR6_xjPetBKd4ZL-GrdihfQd1IUjKpIIIfIkuKZLKE-pwvcllRXuKatBKoHV8kL7ZS6FqkAbtbcEHaXXdQ/s320/IMG_0533.JPG" title="bit.ly\etfblog" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenga and Math...the perfect combination. More to come on the Jenga picture.</td></tr>
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Any who, my goal for 2016 in the blogging land and TPT land is to blog more and create more without sacrificing time with my family. What goals do you have for 2016?Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-89579515167369358842015-12-01T06:00:00.000-05:002015-11-30T23:11:47.042-05:00Keeping the Balance<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you struggle with maintaining a healthy work/home life balance? Sure, there are times in the school year requiring more of your time at home than you would like; however, are you the teacher that works at home most if not every night? Well if I've just described you then you need to continue reading this post. If not, then I would love to hear what you do to maintain the balance. I'm always looking for a more efficient way to get it all done. :)</div>
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Tip #1: Write a list with things you will get done every day in your classroom, for your family/spouse/or child, and something you will do for yourself EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Yes, you heard me correctly! You are important too! By writing down reasonable goals to get accomplished you have a higher likelihood of checking them off your list each day. Below are a few pictures of what I use to keep the anxiety down, the since of accomplishment up, and keeping me in the mix as being important as well. It's super easy to become a/an <strike>slave to the classroom</strike> overly dedicated teacher that comes in at dark, leaves at dark, and continues the party at the house after all commitments are taken care of. DON'T BE THAT TEACHER! At the end of the day, being a teacher is just a job. It's definitely my passion, but nonetheless it's still a job. God, family, and friends are more important and cannot be replaced. Jobs can be replaced if needed. When reflecting at the end of your life, you will never think "I really should have worked more". Most people wished they had more time to be with family, friends, and visit all the awesome places the world has to offer; not "data dive", answer parent emails, and attend professional development that could have been delivered in an email. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSf0EDugc-z863y64VWXO2G5G9RD_3HOWTKdjGqGJXhFYDbyXnO3xGqyVBInxmqpLdfqea2R-rXScpucc0qn5IhsNSzpNhEWKtCCs6eTEiIWa5m1fUqnkCJ-BdbuE1hq9zds0ooweWfy2/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSf0EDugc-z863y64VWXO2G5G9RD_3HOWTKdjGqGJXhFYDbyXnO3xGqyVBInxmqpLdfqea2R-rXScpucc0qn5IhsNSzpNhEWKtCCs6eTEiIWa5m1fUqnkCJ-BdbuE1hq9zds0ooweWfy2/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" title="Elementary Teacher Files_Home Work Life Balance" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Keeping the Balance" has been a huge life saver. It holds me accountable to tackle small manageable tasks each day in all parts of my life. You can grab your free copy by clicking <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bycllz4E1mTZQVZDaDA0dHJTSzA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> or on the picture below. <br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bycllz4E1mTZQVZDaDA0dHJTSzA/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlOPkbj-KWJ1XNQzwsVSuP_EbLQhns0PpF6LX1wI2-rMIMmEaBZZPZbTTsygl5wfi30qF0OnE6levT1kKQKB0RuqYYlE7zxJpVNDxKQSo84DXKIbP_ywf0ILOmL3tym20wVRcFJZbj9-5/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" width="240" /></a><span id="goog_1133681883"></span><span id="goog_1133681884"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Tip #2: Set a timer and stick with it! I set the timer on my phone for 15-30 past the required work day and that's it! The only time you will catch me staying significantly longer is during the few peak times of year (back to school, parent conferences and/or report cards, and end of year). Obviously if there is a staff meeting it's unavoidable; however, I'm fortunate enough not to have those very often. I've found if you work under a timer you are more efficient. When the timer goes off, it's time to LEAVE the building. Nothing will ever be super perfect and that's okay. DO NOT judge yourself against any "super teachers" you may follow on Periscope, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or blog. You have no idea what their daily life looks like or resources they may/maynot have access to. It's no fun trying to "keep up with the Joneses'". I believe you should do YOUR best each day you're in the classroom. Be 100 percent present for your students and then be 100 percent present for family, friends, and yourself when you leave the classroom each day. Also, give yourself permission to "let it go" of anything you didn't get to or wished would've done different. Reflect and then move on. There's always tomorrow. More times than not, only you know if things didn't go perfectly during the day. Most people will be overly impressed with everything you do have going on in the classroom. Focus on what's going great and not on what's not so fabulous! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Okie dokie! I will leave you with those two very important time saving tips. I hope you find them helpful. I truly believe both tips will lead to a happier and healthier you for everything you are to so many people. I would love to hear any timesaving tips you have; and you know you have something to share with us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Have a fabulous week teachers...we are on the downhill slide to Christmas break!</span></div>
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Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-87040657864119025672015-10-21T22:10:00.000-04:002015-10-21T22:22:53.903-04:00Tieks and Why Every Teacher Needs at least 4 pairs! I'm back!!! Seriously, keeping everything together has been exhausting! Thank goodness for fabulous shoes to keep me going. FYI...This is NOT a curriculum rich post, so if that's what you're looking for, please check back in a week or so. :))<br />
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Today I want to share more reasons why EVERY female teacher needs at least four pairs of Tieks. I know you're thinking, "seriously?! four pairs?!". Yes, I'm serious and I will tell you why! Back in late March I had the opportunity to get my first pair after countless discussions with the mister and I was instantly smitten with my <a href="http://tieks.com/mustard-yellow.html" target="_blank">mustard yellow</a> beauties. The shoes are beautiful, functional, and down right comfortable for the long hours of standing on your feet. You can read more about my first experiences with <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a> by clicking <a href="http://elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com/2015/03/excited-about-tieks.html" target="_blank">here</a>. In August, I was again able to work some magic with the mister to get a second pair of Tieks. This time I chose <a href="http://tieks.com/leopard.html" target="_blank">leopard</a> and again, fell instantly in love with them. It was hard trying to balance which shoes to wear because both were so beautiful, comfortable, and different from anyone else I came in contact with. It's always fun to occasionally have something other's don't, right?! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDvdH9X8D82O3qytS3XwpM2gO4hOtVPEJ9Y0DIBr1N77W0G3gB6etrzZJAmLdRyrQaONXEZNqoSCrrEoOUkT5AZkXLU7sva0K7Y9xWdTZAghcmuc0VVaoDW1QAXf7RLHW-NVgmNG-3o0K/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-10-21+at+10.19.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDvdH9X8D82O3qytS3XwpM2gO4hOtVPEJ9Y0DIBr1N77W0G3gB6etrzZJAmLdRyrQaONXEZNqoSCrrEoOUkT5AZkXLU7sva0K7Y9xWdTZAghcmuc0VVaoDW1QAXf7RLHW-NVgmNG-3o0K/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-10-21+at+10.19.43+PM.png" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard Tieks with a summer dress turns into a fall outfit with a cardigan and a scarf.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIsLvHGJcNFkeNIIcMLcw-Bn9ciC7jqaxSwH2DIO_g_Jv3vMb8INa12-A6GR0Qpv3Hb4_STYdFG9EEQdSelZhJJpJbbOdY9KH3PnqKqxMqn_7vl3SxktgciZEhXXUGhn6OoAue2abSR-g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-10-21+at+10.19.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIsLvHGJcNFkeNIIcMLcw-Bn9ciC7jqaxSwH2DIO_g_Jv3vMb8INa12-A6GR0Qpv3Hb4_STYdFG9EEQdSelZhJJpJbbOdY9KH3PnqKqxMqn_7vl3SxktgciZEhXXUGhn6OoAue2abSR-g/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-10-21+at+10.19.58+PM.png" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Thursdays I'm comfy at school with just the basics.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDH8VixyLGLsi7UbjpNsUzR2odR_pAt2prqbcWn-s6_-zdG2vOodou_b4pQShSiL5pjkGWB742zYGSsnWUy8iYkY8S2pZeDmK61qg2JKUlNC_6_zyLtmLY06Fc7EDv0Z416gArOx9aMWAK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-10-21+at+10.20.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDH8VixyLGLsi7UbjpNsUzR2odR_pAt2prqbcWn-s6_-zdG2vOodou_b4pQShSiL5pjkGWB742zYGSsnWUy8iYkY8S2pZeDmK61qg2JKUlNC_6_zyLtmLY06Fc7EDv0Z416gArOx9aMWAK/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-10-21+at+10.20.16+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm thinking this outfit would work with either pair of Tieks I have.</td></tr>
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Now, fast forward to mid October where closed toe shoes are almost a necessity with cold mornings and mild afternoons. Prior to owning a pair of Tieks, I always tried to find something comparable to wear to work that was a ballet style flat. I actually had two different pairs of "tiekish" styled shoes I wore all of last fall/winter. This fall I decided to get them out to add to the rotation because it's become challenging to design every outfit I own around mustard yellow and leopard. I figured I needed to buckle down and wear my black and tan/camel flats until I could once again work some magic with the mister for another pair of <a href="http://tieks.com/matte-black.html" target="_blank">Tieks</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkS5T1FQJBDDpRgXBoNKNM8GOwg7r0R-vx7tTabtpaUKNZcwZcK506sds9ybYUzauy0Tej4mgKebG4JdVbkukjc3rit2D2T4-a3IbOVVH6enZVJDJ1H7xBTcpKph-pf5Ctga66-ACUdQ0/s1600/IMG_7360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkS5T1FQJBDDpRgXBoNKNM8GOwg7r0R-vx7tTabtpaUKNZcwZcK506sds9ybYUzauy0Tej4mgKebG4JdVbkukjc3rit2D2T4-a3IbOVVH6enZVJDJ1H7xBTcpKph-pf5Ctga66-ACUdQ0/s320/IMG_7360.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tiekish" black flats from RackRoom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-Wm1p75-i6_B3_rPZnfh6OU6adS561mwvFIdSPfGpiNzetQKJ6loGeHoAVoHN67EGPStprCjYyqiYsBsvLzAyf2JZ5XryFFBKA8UsA7ZU_r1QAAAQBCZRuGybGakJJbhpc-bEix7wNhi/s1600/IMG_7361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-Wm1p75-i6_B3_rPZnfh6OU6adS561mwvFIdSPfGpiNzetQKJ6loGeHoAVoHN67EGPStprCjYyqiYsBsvLzAyf2JZ5XryFFBKA8UsA7ZU_r1QAAAQBCZRuGybGakJJbhpc-bEix7wNhi/s320/IMG_7361.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tiekish" tan/camel flats from Off Broadway</td></tr>
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Well, my friends...I learned two specific things this week. First, there is NO comparison to Tieks. You may think you're getting something like Tieks; however, you're not...no matter what you may be thinking. I put on my "tiekish" shoes this week and was instantly saddened by how uncomfortable they actually are. I had no idea how much support and comfort the Tieks provided until I tried on a pair of non-tieks! The second thing I learned is I need a pair of chestnut and a pair of black Tieks to somewhat complete a basic collection of everyday shoes, but would love to splurge and get the teal, fuchsia, taupe, and navy; however, that is only WISHFUL thinking. Unfortunately, like I mentioned in a previous post, my husband is losing his job next month (my birthday month); therefore, there are no new Tieks in my immediate future. Currently, he hasn't secured his next racing gig, so money will most likely be tight this holiday season. We have our little nugget to ensure has a magical Christmas...meaning no new shoes for this momma! When I came to this realization the other night in living room, my husband looked at me and asked why I didn't get "normal" colors the first time around? Why did I have to choose yellow and leopard? I quickly responded that Tieks has all kinds of fun prints and colors. I needed to choose "fun" shoes since anyone and everyone has brown and black. I also told him I thought my "tiekish" shoes would work, but I was WRONG friends! There is no comparison!<br />
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So now, I'm up a creek "barefoot" until once again my hubs has a job and things settle out in our household. I never would have thought we would be in this position, but I strongly believe our God is a loving God who will take care of our family. I will continue to try to build outfits around yellow and leopard until once again I can purchase a pair of <a href="http://tieks.com/matte-black.html" target="_blank">black Tieks</a>. My suggestion to each of you is to first purchase your basics (black and/or <a href="http://tieks.com/chestnut.html" target="_blank">chestnut</a> or <a href="http://tieks.com/chocolate-brown.html" target="_blank">brown).</a> Then purchase the fun! You may think you don't need the basic colors, but you will quickly figure out you do need them. Once you go "Tieks" there's no turning back!<br />
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Thanks for hanging with me! I hope my advice will spare you the sadness I have of no longer having any basic colored shoes. Technically, I can still wear what I have, but I will be back to the fatigued legs, blistered feet, and plantar fasciitis...no thanks! I would rather be barefoot! I will keep up with the challenge of creating clever outfits with two of my favorite "neutrals"! :)))Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-34667619087503919362015-09-04T23:26:00.001-04:002015-09-04T23:32:55.981-04:00There's No Tired Like a Teacher Tired After the First Two Weeks of School!!!Oh my! I. CAN. NOT. believe it's almost been a month since I last blogged!! Where has the time gone?! The long and short of it is I. AM. TIRED!!! I love my new school, but holy moly am I busy these days. I thank you for hanging in there with me during this transitional time. <br />
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So, I have had several people reach out asking me why I decided to go back to the classroom after announcing I would stay home this year. Basically, an opportunity I couldn't resist presented itself in the most amazing school in the most fabulous grade and I couldn't turn it down. My new school is part of a school system referenced as the best school district in the country and it's definitely living up to the article title. You can read about it by clicking <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757944" target="_blank">here</a>. Little did I know this unplanned game changer was actually God at work in our lives. This past Tuesday, my husband found out his race organization would be closing down at the end of the season. That means my hubs will not have a job after November 22nd! This has been core rocking for our family; however, we believe that if God takes you to something, he will bring you through it stronger than before. I believe in worrying little and praying as much as possible. So that's why I'm back in the classroom after a summer break instead of taking a few years off to spend more time with my little nugget. If moms need to work, a teacher gig is where it's at! I also believe teaching is my calling and I love every. single. day. of it! Even the poopy, not so fun days. <br />
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Soooo....that being said, I have some 5th grade/upper elementary items I would like to pass on to a fabulous follower or two. I can't sell the materials because I didn't create the passages, but I can give them away for free because I did create the majority of the comprehension questions to go along with the passages. The questions are aligned to 5th grade common core objectives, but could be tailored to better fit your specific grade level objectives. The binder contains themed shared reading passages and comprehension questions that could be used for a weekly assessment aligned to the common core (binder not included). I taught in theme because it was important to me to teach the bigger kids in a fun way with grade level appropriate content. Just because they are big doesn't mean learning shouldn't be themed and fun! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKr1wj2cx3daJF4yVTQAzNfxGNcFAovLktwIpR-rv5LQQJ2UQwnecs7GCUBeqBpEL9TSDY7sQqU6uuiIJnCsu6OHqbGng3wayyvviRi7lFfuofoU9R_hPhM5iBRtZwLjFF65mBqgCrkjDC/s1600/IMG_6827+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKr1wj2cx3daJF4yVTQAzNfxGNcFAovLktwIpR-rv5LQQJ2UQwnecs7GCUBeqBpEL9TSDY7sQqU6uuiIJnCsu6OHqbGng3wayyvviRi7lFfuofoU9R_hPhM5iBRtZwLjFF65mBqgCrkjDC/s400/IMG_6827+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Shared Reading Passages: Elementary Teacher Files" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you want to read about and grab the freebie on a fabulous systematic way to execute shared reading in an upper elementary classroom, you need to check out the brains behind my binder cover title by clicking <a href="http://wildaboutfifthgrade.blogspot.com/2013/05/friday-freebie-shared-reading-in-upper.html" target="_blank">here</a>. You can enter the contest by completing the raffle copter below. Good Luck! Until next time....
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="851179632" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/851179632/" id="rcwidget_f058su43" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-33450167096356174932015-08-06T14:52:00.000-04:002015-08-06T14:52:01.534-04:00Change is a Great ThingHey Everyone!<br /><br />
Oh what a crazy few weeks! Last I blogged, I was preparing for an interview. Long story short, I did not wear a suit, I was 24 minutes late for the interview, AND they still wanted me!!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t107GvaRv0Lur8sxzGAwG5YfBhss7JUUXJqL4gcpc9Wch6s5rDDUgXpWdUJqjKRvJzZyx_-hvX2LGvLHm1EruT3xg3LfywFo2dVXzWWkc46Pc0VeOHjuTDDFtFKNJemylZFy9Du7Lx9N/s1600/IMG_6411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t107GvaRv0Lur8sxzGAwG5YfBhss7JUUXJqL4gcpc9Wch6s5rDDUgXpWdUJqjKRvJzZyx_-hvX2LGvLHm1EruT3xg3LfywFo2dVXzWWkc46Pc0VeOHjuTDDFtFKNJemylZFy9Du7Lx9N/s320/IMG_6411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Obviously, I wasn't late on purpose. There was a bad car accident on the interstate at a bridge going over the lake. I did choose to rock a sundress and my mustard yellow Tieks, but that's because I wasn't planning on working this school year. My heart is full with happiness and I couldn't be more excited about this new adventure in 2nd grade! I haven't taught 2nd grade in six years, but I'm pumped get back to primary land after a crazy three years in testing land. I just wanted to check in, give the updates, and I will be back later in the week with a few of my "must haves" for 2nd grade. Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-75719275620640234852015-07-22T11:19:00.000-04:002015-07-22T11:19:01.874-04:00iPads in the ClassroomHappy Wednesday!<br />
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As I sit in my quiet house (nugget is at gymnastics camp) reviewing and preparing for an interview this afternoon I stumbled across a presentation I made a few years ago for a county wide professional development workshop. Honestly, I forgot I still had the presentation saved and thought I would share it with you all. If you haven't heard of or used Prezi, I definitely recommend it (it's free). I love the fun presentation style choices provided to input my information. Prezi is basically a "turn key" style presentation tool that can be used for lesson presentations or student presentations. My students LOVED sharing projects, math concept procedures, and book reviews using Prezi. Click the picture to be taken to my brief presentation on suggestions of effectively using iPads in the classroom. What do you use to engage your students? Post below...I enjoy reading comments and writing back. Have a fabulous Wednesday!<br />
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<a href="http://prezi.com/-iis98y48hzj/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZY_-4QwvTSmQ9RLTeQgd7H6RHMS3DbE5qiFntq2lUTrgpq9AWnJ66fouui22V5nMjiE9ZMql68k5efi2KECW2tK74B3hMdFkNsAuN_rrHclObvdxL16XzigkpLVzYVuMxa2-g7oqh2QR/s320/Screen+shot+2015-07-22+at+11.16.08+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-72784659269571248382015-07-21T20:47:00.000-04:002015-07-21T20:47:39.874-04:00Giveaway Winner!Hey Everyone!<br /><br />I'm back from sunny Florida, and definitely enjoyed the short getaway to visit friends from college. We had a blast and I'm recharged to rock out an abundance of new products for back to school. <br />
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Like the title states, I announced my giveaway winner on Periscope last Thursday morning. Let me tell you, Periscope is a fun social media platform to watch and learn from other teachers; however, a nerve-racking experience when the camera is flipped and you're the person doing the talking. If you missed who won, it was Alison from <a href="http://rockinandlovinlearnin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'</a>. She chose the <a href="http://ja-vie.com/products/black-white-baby-dots" target="_blank">Black/White Baby Dot Flats</a> from <a href="http://ja-vie.com/" target="_blank">Ja-Vie</a> and the Fraction Bundle and Context Clues Task Cards from my store. Click the pictures to be taken to my store. :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-of-the-Day-1st-and-2nd-Quarter-Bundle-Deal-1389720" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDR4nizA-K-M6SyyTVQVbDWxxLYcjiU33UpFoy2Y1FXIC7_pf_CKUTdJwPGqga_-mqENb_DSrPEXmyBOCJ7hBZQEtxHVmcZVVM7ONQCnQdBMKIRmPTZKvs_1Ngwbd5nNSGqrrfQeIGDLuO/s320/bundle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So fun!! I appreciate the enthusiasm and participation in my first giveaway. I learned from the experience to shorten the contest to maybe just three days to keep the interest up. I guess you have to get a contest under your belt to be better at it next time. :) <br />
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If you would like to try out the Ja-Vie flats, you can use my link to save 10% and get free shipping. My discount link is: <u style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;">http://r.sloyalty.com/r/ulK4Lp4Y6Hpn</u><br />
They definitely are the "teacher shoe" and anyone who's already ordered a pair will tell you how fabulous they are! You can't go wrong with any of the prints. Below are pictures of the ones I chose from winning a contest for the start of summer with Ja-Vie. I'm LOVING all of them and as you can see, little nugget wants a pair in her size as well! ;) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeobvC67IEVK4ZiKEXxToFUvUpaq65pshhHNlBwxIHE5HS7MecYXwSzjBWj35y7PfYuvNUhhbGX50a9LdVAwJYrRqynhlYgJ5eyxWDtP7m_e3tZeT8bcF56n5c_uyxnt8I_qM810btyU7/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeobvC67IEVK4ZiKEXxToFUvUpaq65pshhHNlBwxIHE5HS7MecYXwSzjBWj35y7PfYuvNUhhbGX50a9LdVAwJYrRqynhlYgJ5eyxWDtP7m_e3tZeT8bcF56n5c_uyxnt8I_qM810btyU7/s320/IMG_6037.JPG" title="Ja-Vie True Red Flats: Elementary Teacher Files" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqErqz92RXQN0V7fx2QaKWIHKPOhrC0Gfx4GJuZqO2fb3qga7WPfxy_hWV1FneWqNyFSqQuz3_rioap4tlDcwhS5eenttgntkOCp3B7VTbi5kgnCNqvbTA0XWAeVlYAXOzEs9tAKFA9Anw/s1600/IMG_6039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqErqz92RXQN0V7fx2QaKWIHKPOhrC0Gfx4GJuZqO2fb3qga7WPfxy_hWV1FneWqNyFSqQuz3_rioap4tlDcwhS5eenttgntkOCp3B7VTbi5kgnCNqvbTA0XWAeVlYAXOzEs9tAKFA9Anw/s320/IMG_6039.JPG" title="Elementary Teacher Files" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for hanging with me and definitely let me know if you order a pair of Ja-Vie flats! I think you will be extremely happy with your purchase! Until next time! :)</div>
Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-11790691746230645142015-07-08T00:00:00.000-04:002015-07-13T22:16:22.687-04:00Giveaway Time!!Happy Wednesday Everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf19zTxZYvIHLlBVjAdxcxa0JhecZhVMkx2FaAjvbpT-tdLb0bqE5SQ4PzucBAiCX6kt_ECOeGodrZVdqyqNZeUalp2xeuQL3GEKk6Ly-wzwQx1lp8WoVwO6QGM6Q-A8l8Ed-v39JEdXan/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf19zTxZYvIHLlBVjAdxcxa0JhecZhVMkx2FaAjvbpT-tdLb0bqE5SQ4PzucBAiCX6kt_ECOeGodrZVdqyqNZeUalp2xeuQL3GEKk6Ly-wzwQx1lp8WoVwO6QGM6Q-A8l8Ed-v39JEdXan/s400/Slide1.png" title="TPT Giveaway elementary teacher files ja-vie flats" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today is. THE. day. Can you tell I'm excited?! Ok, so here's how you can enter the giveaway. First, choose what entries you want to participate in and then follow the directions in Rafflecopter. I do hope that you will continue to follow my pages and store after the giveaway. You never know when ANOTHER fun giveaway will pop up! One lucky teacher will be selected at random to win the prizes! Good luck and have fun! Spread the word on your blogs to receive even more entries!<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="851179631" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/851179631/" id="rcwidget_8xmmeuwd" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-56606800541869274672015-07-07T15:10:00.001-04:002015-07-07T18:19:33.822-04:00Almost Time :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Tuesday! Don't forget to come back tomorrow when we get the giveaway party started! </span></div>
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<br />Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-67411993426477283722015-07-06T21:15:00.001-04:002015-07-06T21:15:56.213-04:00Feeling Like a Giveaway on a Monday !Happy Monday Night!<br />
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Like I mentioned last week, I am hosting my first ever giveaway! Here's how it will go down. I have LOVED my Ja-Vie flats so much that I am able to give ONE pair away to a lucky lady to start the new school year in comfort and style! How exciting is that?! I'm super pumped because they. are. AWESOME. I will also be giving away 2 items from my store...winner's choice! Fun, right?! What a fabulous way to start the new school year with free material and comfy/stylish shoes!!<br />
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To share another tidbit about the fabulousness of Ja-Vie flats, I decided to test them out on a 2 mile stroll with nugget last week. Guess what?! Super comfy, no blisters, no backaches the following day, and I was able to stroll in style! Another fun, "who knew" about why EVERY teacher and mom needs at least one pair.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loving the shimmering gold</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">casual outfit for town and stroller walking</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stroller walk with nugget</td></tr>
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<br />I hope you will consider joining in on the fun! The giveaway will start Wednesday, July 7th and run until the following Wednesday, July 15th. A winner will be announced on Thursday, July 16th. The giveaway is open to continental US teachers only. That being said, come back on Wednesday and enter to win Two Products from my TPT store AND a pair of Ja-Vie flats of your choosing! Get EXCITED! Until Wednesday! :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-86663357098169644122015-06-30T14:26:00.003-04:002015-07-13T22:17:05.248-04:00A Few "Must Haves" on a Tuesday Afternoon!Happy Tuesday! <br />
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If you haven't noticed, a few things have changed since I last blogged. First and foremost is my blog re-brand! I had to take a break from blogging to think about what I wanted my blog redesign to look like. I'm thankful for the break, because I couldn't be happier with the end result! I'm loving it from <a href="http://www.blogsfitforaqueen.com/" target="_blank">Blogs Fit For a Queen</a>! They are fabulous to work with and super prompt with designing blogs! If you need a blog makeover, these are the ladies for you! <br />
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Secondly, I recently discovered an incredibly stylish, comfy, and chic flat for the teacher or mom on the go! The bonus is...they are affordable too!!! If you follow me on Instagram or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elementaryteacherfiles" target="_blank">Facebook</a> you've heard me mention the <a href="http://ja-vie.com/" target="_blank">Ja-Vie flats</a>! They are fabulous and super comfy! I chose the <a href="http://ja-vie.com/products/shimmering-gold" target="_blank">Shimmering Gold</a> for my first pair and couldn't be happier with them. I followed the sizing suggestions and had to go up a size for the flats, but they fit perfectly. From the first time I wore them, they felt like an old and fun favorite! I've worn them around town, to church, and playing around the neighborhood with little nugget. I get the best compliments on my sparkling beauties where ever we go! When asked why Ja-Vie, I'm torn with the best feature to share. Could it be the sparkles, no breaking in, washable, functional, or affordability?! All are fabulous in my books!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1yLCBWbmhEpGQkrS8QpmdbelUQh8VjOyjOY983nQoX4FtUd_ZsfoY-X52Zmk7SMlcpLvsG5axkGa6I-Kqbh1QDjSqa28TpZQjOXL6NdYhcDvAKs_3YZS20_jwTZ4EpVwTyQo63eYj3b5/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1yLCBWbmhEpGQkrS8QpmdbelUQh8VjOyjOY983nQoX4FtUd_ZsfoY-X52Zmk7SMlcpLvsG5axkGa6I-Kqbh1QDjSqa28TpZQjOXL6NdYhcDvAKs_3YZS20_jwTZ4EpVwTyQo63eYj3b5/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how the shoes arrived</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQGJmdPAuyj37waGDRAs1Msp0xLI_uhO4HzXoqic3xcjQke-io9bbgqhsRD4qFx3zLXdhyphenhyphenhyphenhyphen469fdB5kEcilFY7rorh-hPH46lSPe2ldtygSq0YQufT1lmz7_nVrftp6YmCTXzQQg_3Z_/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQGJmdPAuyj37waGDRAs1Msp0xLI_uhO4HzXoqic3xcjQke-io9bbgqhsRD4qFx3zLXdhyphenhyphenhyphenhyphen469fdB5kEcilFY7rorh-hPH46lSPe2ldtygSq0YQufT1lmz7_nVrftp6YmCTXzQQg_3Z_/s320/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">unwrapped and ready to wear</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKYDS-LHD5tH7S0RIerV2KdSEfbFBlws9aSOgyUhi-NLT2jZu6P5LhRSb5susYrcFEyvyWng4uRfHX2Gt5XaIqq6JVStLl4sjJh5gMDQ7qKhxkBZjlkR_E1EAIpJVzTzyBxRlAfXa5wFb/s1600/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKYDS-LHD5tH7S0RIerV2KdSEfbFBlws9aSOgyUhi-NLT2jZu6P5LhRSb5susYrcFEyvyWng4uRfHX2Gt5XaIqq6JVStLl4sjJh5gMDQ7qKhxkBZjlkR_E1EAIpJVzTzyBxRlAfXa5wFb/s320/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">so incredibly comfy...like you just have a pair of socks on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sOyNCom1ovVahd2vqBXIi_dWUo7URO7qISlbSChZ2XtoRV9D92elxHmhxvIaBQXlFCebEo2WfHcouczk8xDfsHjabhNK0zjiRmjW_FnNp79Vpku7AfRPFAqPafy4eq3tC9xOpNOGOuQW/s1600/IMG_5827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sOyNCom1ovVahd2vqBXIi_dWUo7URO7qISlbSChZ2XtoRV9D92elxHmhxvIaBQXlFCebEo2WfHcouczk8xDfsHjabhNK0zjiRmjW_FnNp79Vpku7AfRPFAqPafy4eq3tC9xOpNOGOuQW/s320/IMG_5827.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">slip proof bottoms for school life or store shopping</td></tr>
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Now, you may be wondering how I discovered Ja-Vie. Well, here's the story. While surfing Facebook one afternoon while my nugget napped, I stumbled across a sponsored posting in my newsfeed about Ja-Vie flats. Intrigued about the shoe, I decided to like their page and learn more! That's when the magic happened! They were having a summer giveaway contest! Obviously I entered and shockingly I won!!! Three new pairs of Ja-Vie flats!!! I NEVER win contests; I mean EVER! This was a shock and such an awesome surprise! The fabulous part is that I got to choose which three pairs I wanted. Then, the tough part came about as to which pairs to choose. There are so many I want, but had to hold myself back...for NOW! ;) I chose the <a href="http://ja-vie.com/products/true-red" target="_blank">True Red,</a> <a href="http://ja-vie.com/products/shimmering-black" target="_blank">Shimmering Black Lurex</a>, and the Shimmering Gold! <br />
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Now, to celebrate my blog rebrand and the fabulousness of Ja-Vie flats I will be doing my first ever blog giveaway! I will have more details on Monday, July 6th! Make sure to check back then! I will; however, leave you with a FUN hint as to the BIG prize in my giveaway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg3O1rrKIoob3_sxunSnx9y8yeZctDTn6n-UtntKRUawhDW9Xr0U9kuIiGvFj4jpuQBQgu0Q4CyAkXc2JUKhAcGj0da8rMpLIk8k5mDAA-SJnUY3Mhss5pyYNQoWaV0Ccx-j_k8d-HmaN/s1600/cinderella+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg3O1rrKIoob3_sxunSnx9y8yeZctDTn6n-UtntKRUawhDW9Xr0U9kuIiGvFj4jpuQBQgu0Q4CyAkXc2JUKhAcGj0da8rMpLIk8k5mDAA-SJnUY3Mhss5pyYNQoWaV0Ccx-j_k8d-HmaN/s320/cinderella+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-82189844558493106892015-05-18T05:30:00.000-04:002015-07-13T22:18:11.540-04:00Must Have Monday Linky Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Monday ya'll!</div>
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This is my first attempt at a linky party, so hang in there with me as I attempt the unknown. :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.elementaryteacherfiles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIAhGKffcK_0MiqYPkz9T6MQU0tbhLQVMKX2hvoTE6E_E7_04K0VQppZmhRgL_chtet2HzZ2lMLaP0RPJkkpDZCIWoH09gfYJG1Sr5n9CLmVlcW13rCEsGZ8XadLW1avVMPXTPuGmm0-1/s1600/must+have+monday.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Must Have Snack:</b></div>
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As teachers we are always on the go and some times food is at the bottom of our priority list when progress reports and report card season approaches. This BBQ flavored Kind bar is delicious and can be found at Target. It's totally a must have when needing to grade papers at lunch, but feel like you ate something. ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0bnvfuC0bK-t9X6c7XxOh6khh2YLCNznW4MXID3W32giaFKyqXYFi_TmD1BktlGSqPyfRWtYFe3BaRsj4YkkxreKmnJjYNxCE1owELal1OpY4LACgUc1OLF-o54LrFzyu5ueHLhfVR9S/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0bnvfuC0bK-t9X6c7XxOh6khh2YLCNznW4MXID3W32giaFKyqXYFi_TmD1BktlGSqPyfRWtYFe3BaRsj4YkkxreKmnJjYNxCE1owELal1OpY4LACgUc1OLF-o54LrFzyu5ueHLhfVR9S/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Must Have Accessory:</b></div>
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I'm loving my Applewatch and highly recommend it to any and all! I've compared it to my Garmin, Polar, and fitness apps and it's a no brainer! The Applewatch is perfect for the on the go teacher, mom, or fitness junkie. It does EVERYTHING folks and it's always fun to have something that's new and techy, right?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNG86E501AuhVQgRmYMsYPKyKcLZsPKAkdlYgyCgyElOc5a0vZputYYnyZUCBHuYdjsVvtcASh9rmKgw_dNdxzkG_vbrGMmPIZyrn5DvVSSCUPS55vnBCFiI_KiXT8hBWswbaA2NaC6Wx/s1600/IMG_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNG86E501AuhVQgRmYMsYPKyKcLZsPKAkdlYgyCgyElOc5a0vZputYYnyZUCBHuYdjsVvtcASh9rmKgw_dNdxzkG_vbrGMmPIZyrn5DvVSSCUPS55vnBCFiI_KiXT8hBWswbaA2NaC6Wx/s320/IMG_5248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Must Have for the Classroom:</b></div>
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If you teach grades 3-5 you need this book in your teacher collection. Like I've mentioned previously, I use the <a href="http://myclassroomeconomy.org/" target="_blank">Vanguard Classroom Economy </a>management system to teach economics while managing student behavior. This book is a fun way to explain taxes to students and show how/where the money goes without getting too political in the process. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-NLzFsyD1-fm2EJbrP1k2kaInJfLeMVyT6-CfpMn_5tzldfLSBAszqYMWtDa55wtzecVLTdAnnV3dULs3iBBFA2T3EGTgsKBRp_lzxC_on7AOqKxUAefWiMvKXE0F1ZRlVIgjchUmp-3/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-NLzFsyD1-fm2EJbrP1k2kaInJfLeMVyT6-CfpMn_5tzldfLSBAszqYMWtDa55wtzecVLTdAnnV3dULs3iBBFA2T3EGTgsKBRp_lzxC_on7AOqKxUAefWiMvKXE0F1ZRlVIgjchUmp-3/s320/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" title="classroom management economics elementary teacher files" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wold love to have you post your must haves by linking up with me! I think we learn best from each other; if you're anything like me, you always enjoy seeing a new idea or product to try! Feel free to link up below with any must haves you recommend. Happy Monday! Until next time....</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-10610822621960743262015-05-09T16:36:00.001-04:002015-06-24T18:26:38.835-04:00Where Has the Time Gone?! (w/a non-teaching idea)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Holy Moly! I can't believe it's been a month since I blogged! My life has been CRAZY! I've been to Oklahoma for a half marathon while visiting family, I've been teaching up a storm in preparation for state testing, and I've been celebrating birthdays with my ladies. </div>
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Any who, here is a picture of me after completing a new personal record (2:11) half marathon in Oklahoma City. I had never run a half marathon by <u>myself</u> before. I've always had my ladies to run with, but enjoyed the solo race experience as well. Running keeps me happy with a feeling of control. If you don't run, consider it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcwRH9KnxneaKtggvVIEK5B0XMnWLTCDcsUOUBlj2L2uHlwhFEbo05I2NLV59FSsZJwYuOeZu1Y2M1ykQ2MnN8INBKlegdECRryFLz1MY9qIOrxkc0wZ8_5uO18aU-h8W6L5GNQLL6rY0/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcwRH9KnxneaKtggvVIEK5B0XMnWLTCDcsUOUBlj2L2uHlwhFEbo05I2NLV59FSsZJwYuOeZu1Y2M1ykQ2MnN8INBKlegdECRryFLz1MY9qIOrxkc0wZ8_5uO18aU-h8W6L5GNQLL6rY0/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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Now, for my non-teaching idea. Below is a picture of my formal dining room around Easter this year. I made the egg table runner using Dollar Tree felt shapes. All you have to do is spread them out and overlay them according to your tastes. No glue needed and they store neatly when finished. The entire "project" cost me $5!! Cuteness, right?! Again, not teaching related, but it's something inexpensive you can do to decorate your home for the different seasons. I did the same thing for St. Patrick's Day using shamrocks. I didn't make it over to the Dollar Tree in time to grab some flower cut outs for May, but I'm looking forward to future shapes this summer to keep the house decorated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrZLBas8gIBuGicTE3nd2hq9wNgv_bnTvkGNq2F2IKiZPNlqbh4SjUFe3OJIqQfbzscZc0jdcPeYZVXwdcykek0SEDgBeKOIE59zyzmIBFCXnzxwLQ-5IInQzlDMMZLv3-oA9xz32jtBC/s1600/IMG_5252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrZLBas8gIBuGicTE3nd2hq9wNgv_bnTvkGNq2F2IKiZPNlqbh4SjUFe3OJIqQfbzscZc0jdcPeYZVXwdcykek0SEDgBeKOIE59zyzmIBFCXnzxwLQ-5IInQzlDMMZLv3-oA9xz32jtBC/s320/IMG_5252.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm hoping to get back on track and hopefully get the Monday Must Have posts consistent. Happy Weekend! Until next time....</div>
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<br />Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249547393756158277.post-4707966997021379532015-04-06T16:23:00.000-04:002015-04-06T16:23:00.408-04:00Must Have Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Spring Break from beautiful North Carolina!<br /><br />Thank goodness this week is finally here because I. AM. EXHAUSTED. Being the mom of a very active toddler girl, coupled with a husband who travels weekly, makes me one tired lady! I don't know about you, but I was definitely more excited about this week than my students! We need the break to recharge and get ready for state testing season <strike>my least favorite time of year</strike>! My last post was sharing my experiences with Tieks! Update~ I'm still loving the mustard yellow beauties! I can't get enough of them! I hope you've had an opportunity to explore the possibility of owning a pair! EEK! I forgot to mention my review is on Tiek's <a href="http://tieks.com/review/" target="_blank">website</a>! SO EXCITED!! How cool?! Any who, the Tieks post got me thinking about all the other favorites I have; therefore, inspiring this post. I don't know about you, but I get some of the best products and ideas by searching the internet and social media sites. I discover things I wouldn't know existed otherwise. My hubby will tell you I need to keep a job and stay off the internet to keep my shopping appetite supressed! I disagree! Knowledge is power and I love learning about new things! </div>
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<b>For the classroom:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Jh7ac8jYXwO9d9FV5ejWHecEmM9MimBgahX0zSjuwdM4pnYE6UXMmwkiTnvMyD1QHLKZwjiNYQnNzaBbJmZpvrC06nXqq98QD564cMf-UUcgpD4s5kYZ0OT5oJGHNjcxON-anrhFYSNk/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Jh7ac8jYXwO9d9FV5ejWHecEmM9MimBgahX0zSjuwdM4pnYE6UXMmwkiTnvMyD1QHLKZwjiNYQnNzaBbJmZpvrC06nXqq98QD564cMf-UUcgpD4s5kYZ0OT5oJGHNjcxON-anrhFYSNk/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can grab this all in one stamp at Walmart for around $4! I take this baby everywhere, because it has everything I need in one small stacking tower. I use the 'Terrific' stamp for 100% work. I use the 'Great Job' stamp for 90%-99% work. I use the 'Sign and Return' for student work below 80%. This little gem is a space saver!</div>
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<b>For Snacking:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUQsaFv7Oq0RSGAEkN10omDdV9tECu_kWyThzj2xwSVinuSTAq5LgVCEspYR9V_6yNS5JLmdPmgAv5PlJkAFbSi4oiCpoWMEb66lQzlksc7okarLmKyHB5tAXkdovvJmSE-JzMzSFaR9X/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUQsaFv7Oq0RSGAEkN10omDdV9tECu_kWyThzj2xwSVinuSTAq5LgVCEspYR9V_6yNS5JLmdPmgAv5PlJkAFbSi4oiCpoWMEb66lQzlksc7okarLmKyHB5tAXkdovvJmSE-JzMzSFaR9X/s1600/FullSizeRender+(2).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This bag of deliciousness is definitely a favorite! You can grab them at Publix in the produce department. They provide just enough sweet, heat, and crunch to curb any snack attacks between meals! They go for around $5, but are totally worth it to keep you on track!</div>
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<b>Running/Working Out:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uQ_tarHc3oeOx_rk8N2GYwHB3CjT5AJx4ZS5XAcuY6KrjBt0liAziAFH6_yATl1-Nqjq91K-_3IhyHjeNhVlsfEGJOR7dWL34f8siTm_oFWk6kQPV5T7GYukfJ0vpUJEE7GdaMaH97P-/s1600/IMG_4670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uQ_tarHc3oeOx_rk8N2GYwHB3CjT5AJx4ZS5XAcuY6KrjBt0liAziAFH6_yATl1-Nqjq91K-_3IhyHjeNhVlsfEGJOR7dWL34f8siTm_oFWk6kQPV5T7GYukfJ0vpUJEE7GdaMaH97P-/s1600/IMG_4670.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/?" target="_blank">Lululemon</a> anyone?! I really enjoy this store and treat myself to one new 'something' a month. In the picture are actually two new 'somethings', but the norm is one a month. The black hat is perfect for outdoor running. It's light weight and breathable. The fabric will not fade! If it does, take it back and they will replace it for you. The hat runs around $30 something dollars and the tank goes for $40 something. The tank is amazing for the gym, yoga, or running. It's also long, breathable, and comfy for any exercising you participate in.</div>
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Thanks so much for checking out my Monday Must Haves! I hope to create a linky in the next few weeks to have other bloggers share some of the must haves! Until next time.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NXJ5TcFuvV3TYPaSQ5Ic0tgokbufTsz_mKhkvMc5-6Eswj5hbnMHwvX5UxufSmNGa9ly4Ke-t1_0QGJRxdab1wZRriV7yREHq5DXQqsmNiTd3qAfomeLiE__XU_1jyallb0cK0ixnW4J/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NXJ5TcFuvV3TYPaSQ5Ic0tgokbufTsz_mKhkvMc5-6Eswj5hbnMHwvX5UxufSmNGa9ly4Ke-t1_0QGJRxdab1wZRriV7yREHq5DXQqsmNiTd3qAfomeLiE__XU_1jyallb0cK0ixnW4J/s1600/Slide1.png" /></a></div>
<br />Amanda Hallmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12107781219026134937noreply@blogger.com1