tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74967605714588604652024-03-14T02:16:28.585-04:00Kidpeople Classroomby Kathleen Wright ~
Great learning, Great fun!Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-25319404332568785742022-04-23T11:24:00.001-04:002022-04-23T11:24:26.612-04:00Funny Kid Friday- Stealth Mode<p> Well, I got a chuckle this week and I'll share it today as a Funny Kid Story.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-jdVUrH0jqOC3yO702XyKD-CVfrn9CFD_FsKUCrImHG4DcEuSIMfTInx_X8HCokExLqdapqpVXxsC6YLhBGnJaOhHlAQ_aaFKPwkm3zQfI1eruOHMCU0brC4syMAfFdmgZnAtPZQ-uS4kSFaRwn6iX2-BTGbg1nwew2CFPtjjzfNtK1xtfqEEdW_oQ/s369/TeeHeeLink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-jdVUrH0jqOC3yO702XyKD-CVfrn9CFD_FsKUCrImHG4DcEuSIMfTInx_X8HCokExLqdapqpVXxsC6YLhBGnJaOhHlAQ_aaFKPwkm3zQfI1eruOHMCU0brC4syMAfFdmgZnAtPZQ-uS4kSFaRwn6iX2-BTGbg1nwew2CFPtjjzfNtK1xtfqEEdW_oQ/s320/TeeHeeLink.png" width="276" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>As we were headed out to one of our Specials this week, the kidpeople were a bit chatty lining up, so I told them, in a dramatic whisper, that we needed to get into "Stealth mode" and be "ninjas." (This is a little teacher trick I keep up my sleeve because it is fun and works every time to bring down the noise level.) I gave them the challenge of getting past the office, where our school secretary sits, without her knowing we were there. </p><p>We headed out, very hushed and tiptoeing. Much to my surprise, when we reached the big office window, as if on cue, they all dropped to their knees and crept along! I glanced at our secretary, and after her face registered puzzlement, she started cracking up. She giggled so hard I thought she was going to fall off her chair, and I too, had a hard time keeping a straight face. </p><p>As each kiddo passed the window they stood back up, and continued tiptoeing down the hall. Anyone watching would have thought we had practiced that a dozen time. I gave them thumbs up as they filed into the art room. </p><p>Hope you have as much fun with your kids as I do! Let me know if you got a grin. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0I5Jl7npP6hSFSCCzXC_pZD0lgaO2NfmOc5GTSQtKQe8qaQFKEON8V-He5vxz7yUNZO-2iFgNRQtWYWEImd_yAZKS9tw42-37WjSiz-5SM6lqa0ep-Hk7JgEDSxLWcRWx-YGZ-BG36Yswszwir8QQJuHXu3SUrJVOBAjj4zI5YZ6_Bfs4eMrUkONTdQ/s363/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0I5Jl7npP6hSFSCCzXC_pZD0lgaO2NfmOc5GTSQtKQe8qaQFKEON8V-He5vxz7yUNZO-2iFgNRQtWYWEImd_yAZKS9tw42-37WjSiz-5SM6lqa0ep-Hk7JgEDSxLWcRWx-YGZ-BG36Yswszwir8QQJuHXu3SUrJVOBAjj4zI5YZ6_Bfs4eMrUkONTdQ/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ8gRXP7m5ckVMWuEzQBNBst8j4HceVy6wZfEryY7nfHUIm97Rtpz8Utpmb3vY3rjvuI749MHBhz-TW0uUd9YxLV9RDXM2oRXmy5ea28yxLjoJaegqhvGNarnROfU-rnb6X6XBdkNaqUZHlrF0h5e8cpNO_4dhK6wascgr3UMlQoS0g7pnRySXimo5Q/s300/GrayWink.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ8gRXP7m5ckVMWuEzQBNBst8j4HceVy6wZfEryY7nfHUIm97Rtpz8Utpmb3vY3rjvuI749MHBhz-TW0uUd9YxLV9RDXM2oRXmy5ea28yxLjoJaegqhvGNarnROfU-rnb6X6XBdkNaqUZHlrF0h5e8cpNO_4dhK6wascgr3UMlQoS0g7pnRySXimo5Q/s1600/GrayWink.gif" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-73796352082861668692022-02-12T08:46:00.001-05:002022-02-12T08:57:51.789-05:00Funny Kid Friday x 2– Don't Interrupt the Teacher and I'm a Good Cutter<div style="text-align: left;">Well, folks, it has been a while, but my kidpeople were especially funny this week, and I gotta share. Besides, you probably need a chuckle.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7MexQb8oWwXZr42vvsRnHXDhYX4u1-oy5Vq2WRsPzM1vXmZTXiXg1fA077P5TrAn15PGO0uTn8b-0pPZCHSmZOb1MIRXGs6X3flFWl0t2KvAl7jDKok4zFr5la5qkpSf9Tj-setaLRlKdY6w-Q3RqGoWjDOJiYIbVEYgN1oHqMRlfteFKYjgFIKAv1w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="318" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7MexQb8oWwXZr42vvsRnHXDhYX4u1-oy5Vq2WRsPzM1vXmZTXiXg1fA077P5TrAn15PGO0uTn8b-0pPZCHSmZOb1MIRXGs6X3flFWl0t2KvAl7jDKok4zFr5la5qkpSf9Tj-setaLRlKdY6w-Q3RqGoWjDOJiYIbVEYgN1oHqMRlfteFKYjgFIKAv1w" width="207" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Don't Interrupt the Teacher</span></b><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: I have an important lesson, kidpeople, so listen up. <br /> Blah blah...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Irene: <i>puts hand in air</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: Irene, it is listening time now. You can ask at the end. <br /> Blah blah...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Irene: <i>puts hand in air again</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: Not now, Irene. In a few minutes. <br /> Blah blah...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Irene: <i>puts hand in air again</i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: <i>frowny teacher face</i> <br /> Blah blah blah blah....<br /> Okay, so I think some of you have questions... Irene?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Irene: You HAD a stink bug on your shoulder, but NOW it crawled inside your sweater.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Me: <span style="font-size: x-large;">🙄</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180;">I'm a Good Cutter</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">We were going to do a little Valentine project which started with a red heart. So I held up the small red paper, showed them the heart shape printed on it, and started to cut it out. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Realizing this was a good time for a quick review of the steps to cutting, which many of my kidpeople still need to hear, I began. </p><p style="text-align: left;">"When we cut, the hand that is holding the paper is the one that moves... I am sort of driving my paper so that the line is always there by the scissors... The scissors just need to open and close, open and close, and cut on the line... I can hold my scissors pretty still, right here. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Do I need to stick my elbow up in the air? (something that many of them do) No. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do I need to twist my scissor hand this way and that? (something else that many of them do) No."<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I finish cutting and hold up my heart. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"See?"<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They break out in wild applause!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">😯</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I stood up and took a bow.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And people wonder why I love five year olds.... <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a GREAT one, folks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0IJq-cSbD-6ZrBhRt1D0PTXRKOwNIONW_Q1YjTXtaCa0R0L2AG6Og1uk4hRIUbsBY7h-SJyBDIbYI4Aq4oEaLkx1sUCHL-qWpmAN2mcNS3KGAWmbQ_a3kfK6_qgJv1Z-op881a9LL0D02KuPbo3MXuFlq3rAS4Exb1i3hqD571x2ssN-s0uuxOnONwg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0IJq-cSbD-6ZrBhRt1D0PTXRKOwNIONW_Q1YjTXtaCa0R0L2AG6Og1uk4hRIUbsBY7h-SJyBDIbYI4Aq4oEaLkx1sUCHL-qWpmAN2mcNS3KGAWmbQ_a3kfK6_qgJv1Z-op881a9LL0D02KuPbo3MXuFlq3rAS4Exb1i3hqD571x2ssN-s0uuxOnONwg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3RvpKc9HCWP8CbexXFhxoP18_AOT9NTLwGOHEPVU4tik6KjULJz3Prf5NCNjElz1WbRxUrUQHmqIsnnGeL_iqaWK0l_NDJH1LIqNGwY2i7Z-lkmxFEXHi8-Zwb0hYc7AU_ld-ZTs8cMKRseMPXo_5g4nF6hTHClZWsrTZen9QJtBfP6wEvgCaXYrwZw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3RvpKc9HCWP8CbexXFhxoP18_AOT9NTLwGOHEPVU4tik6KjULJz3Prf5NCNjElz1WbRxUrUQHmqIsnnGeL_iqaWK0l_NDJH1LIqNGwY2i7Z-lkmxFEXHi8-Zwb0hYc7AU_ld-ZTs8cMKRseMPXo_5g4nF6hTHClZWsrTZen9QJtBfP6wEvgCaXYrwZw" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-3585793393374374642021-09-17T06:58:00.001-04:002021-09-17T06:58:40.017-04:00Kids in Masks? Better Make Clip-Clips!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eNGX7I0naro/YURxMNbrn4I/AAAAAAAAGsU/efiLNqk2oBwPdeoerSy9TASzsOi-vOfMwCLcBGAsYHQ/OneTummy%2BClip-Clip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eNGX7I0naro/YURxMNbrn4I/AAAAAAAAGsU/efiLNqk2oBwPdeoerSy9TASzsOi-vOfMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/OneTummy%2BClip-Clip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Well, it has been so long since I've blogged I almost forget how to do this. Life sure has a way of keeping us busy... I'll let that suffice as to why I dropped off the Blogging Planet. I am back today, however, because I have a big tip that is TOO good NOT to share!<div><br /></div><div>When I learned this summer that my kidpeople would need to wear masks in the classroom this year, I spent weeks thinking about HOW they were going to take care of their mask when it wasn't on their face. I couldn't find anything to purchase that I thought was kid friendly, sturdy, safe (as in not around their neck), cleanable, AND affordable– until I discovered THESE clips! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eu0WZiWrKWs/YT0GIA4RUII/AAAAAAAAGok/hGjP-BvbcKM6lIGZsuls8G0-iVHw7lnyQCLcBGAsYHQ/93852324-56A7-4B6E-84C0-82A09FF88846_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eu0WZiWrKWs/YT0GIA4RUII/AAAAAAAAGok/hGjP-BvbcKM6lIGZsuls8G0-iVHw7lnyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/93852324-56A7-4B6E-84C0-82A09FF88846_1_105_c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They open by pulling up on the rear tab near the loop. I only show you on the table so you can clearly see what is happening. The kiddos can easily do it while holding it in their hands. </div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e-1LwbY0rvM/YT0H-oKiuNI/AAAAAAAAGos/U_pi-_EQjDIU7LgMrekEEoDmhIg8xGyLwCLcBGAsYHQ/FCABCF87-C7C1-4CC7-A454-E553D317EFC4_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e-1LwbY0rvM/YT0H-oKiuNI/AAAAAAAAGos/U_pi-_EQjDIU7LgMrekEEoDmhIg8xGyLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/FCABCF87-C7C1-4CC7-A454-E553D317EFC4_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then push the tab down to close the clip, or "close the alligator's mouth" as I say to the kids. </div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGRLtBBwj5k/YT0IGErv_yI/AAAAAAAAGow/6C8uMPc_TzoZPAVFxCgoFpg3xpqxpH3KQCLcBGAsYHQ/7768CF9F-55D5-49DF-A85F-4C1F5F598534_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGRLtBBwj5k/YT0IGErv_yI/AAAAAAAAGow/6C8uMPc_TzoZPAVFxCgoFpg3xpqxpH3KQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/7768CF9F-55D5-49DF-A85F-4C1F5F598534_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fOi3cZkASYc/YT0IJtiaYbI/AAAAAAAAGo0/zLWrYEQBk2ofTAREmfPmqW439n9WeG81ACLcBGAsYHQ/74EE9A9D-D608-4A83-A157-B0979822AE54_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fOi3cZkASYc/YT0IJtiaYbI/AAAAAAAAGo0/zLWrYEQBk2ofTAREmfPmqW439n9WeG81ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/74EE9A9D-D608-4A83-A157-B0979822AE54_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Well, that was all fine and dandy, but how was the clip going to hold the mask?? Ah-ha! The answer is USE TWO! One to hang onto the shirt and one to hang on to the mask! Now it's a Clip-Clip!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDZ4LJxVapY/YURxYBeOySI/AAAAAAAAGsY/2hd0uoDviK8fi4RMuwPFKc2euhuqq4nKwCLcBGAsYHQ/OneTummy%2BClip-Clip%2Bfinger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="482" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDZ4LJxVapY/YURxYBeOySI/AAAAAAAAGsY/2hd0uoDviK8fi4RMuwPFKc2euhuqq4nKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/OneTummy%2BClip-Clip%2Bfinger.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To attach the two clips together, take the rectangular loop off of one of the clips. I did it by prying it off, but you could just clip the loop with toenail clippers and slide it right out of the tube hook holder... duh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-GUjoLi11w/YUIdt7_4PTI/AAAAAAAAGqU/2-wK5P35F_4tNZ4TSVibQbgsG75RhpL4wCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_4368.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-GUjoLi11w/YUIdt7_4PTI/AAAAAAAAGqU/2-wK5P35F_4tNZ4TSVibQbgsG75RhpL4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_4368.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div><div>Then take the loop of the second clip and snap it on where the first clip's loop was. Needle nose pliers help but are not necessary. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ob97lsdEmXU/YUId4Ub5ZPI/AAAAAAAAGqY/PtS8SI3LhLAxeSIsmXol9qUJPL2_Aml5QCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_4369.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ob97lsdEmXU/YUId4Ub5ZPI/AAAAAAAAGqY/PtS8SI3LhLAxeSIsmXol9qUJPL2_Aml5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_4369.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Voila! You have a Clip-Clip all ready to go. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VtjQlCwIB3s/YUPeEWZyY0I/AAAAAAAAGrs/UptPOW_sPNgvt-O23bkJ_nsJldy3QEV7ACLcBGAsYHQ/OneKid-Clip-Clip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1620" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VtjQlCwIB3s/YUPeEWZyY0I/AAAAAAAAGrs/UptPOW_sPNgvt-O23bkJ_nsJldy3QEV7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w507-h640/OneKid-Clip-Clip.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The Clip-Clips are easy for the kids to manipulate with a little direction and practice. Every single one of my four and five year olds can do it by themselves in seconds now. We say "The alligator is really hungry and wants to eat a lot of your shirt!" Once the kiddos get the hang of grabbing a big fold of their shirt, those clips don't come off until the kids take them off, even during active recess time. They put their Clip-Clip on in the morning so it is there to hold their mask as needed during snack, lunch and recess, and we collect them again before going home. </div><div><br /></div><div>That being said, in addition to learning how to use the Clip-Clips, we did have to talk about what happens if we yank them off, instead of lifting the tab. With yanking, the loops might come undone or the clip might break. I told them that if that happened, they would only have one clip to use. I demonstrated and let kids try to put both their shirt AND their mask in one clip... hmmm, that a lot harder to do. That kinda took the fun out of yanking. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And the best part– each clip costs about a quarter! The set of fifty have been ranging in price between twelve and fourteen bucks! </b>That's right! It comes down to each clip costing about twenty five cents! When you combine two to make each Clip-Clip, they've only cost you fifty cents. I cannot vouch for every kind of plastic pacifier clip out there, as they all are different sizes, degrees of brittleness, exact mechanics, and kinds of loops. But this clip does work. Click on the affiliate paid link below to see them on Amazon. </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017SR0IPY?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=kidpeoclassr-20&linkId=bb22049f6bc3bce5a019c13be2155ba1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="500" height="324" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o6MJtaj7JTE/YTqqT8_PWPI/AAAAAAAAGoc/olYnDgeuE_EtPswf5vSn_mT_CWQbePaXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h324/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-09-09%2Bat%2B8.43.16%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">And they come in TEN colors!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B017SR0IPY&asins=B017SR0IPY&linkId=4f2751a2c1ddfa022c27f15cb154465f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> </div> </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Because there are 50 clips in ten colors you can make a lot of unique color combinations, which turns out to be really handy in the classroom. My kiddos can pick out their mask from the the egg carton without even needing to read their name any more. I did write their name on the clip with Sharpie at first, and even put a light coat of clear nail polish over it, but the names still rubbed or chipped off. In the end it doesn't matter because they don't need their names to find their Clip-Clip. I made a little color chart with the two color combos and student names so I know whose Clip-Clip is whose just in case. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can use a tray, or one of those boxes with the little dividers, but I have found a recycled egg carton does the trick just fine at no cost. I made a couple extra one color Clip-Clips as spares just in case somebody wears theirs home and forgets to bring it back the next day. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9NkHFzujLNY/YUIeb-OBiCI/AAAAAAAAGqk/j5ShPl9TaRIcc8TRTlJiCesxp1lRCretwCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_4366D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9NkHFzujLNY/YUIeb-OBiCI/AAAAAAAAGqk/j5ShPl9TaRIcc8TRTlJiCesxp1lRCretwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_4366D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I placed them in the egg carton with the names showing until everyone learned their two colors.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s45IzW17_MA/YUIep2ubtDI/AAAAAAAAGqo/wlEiL0XXmZwVoSvI_7onQKhSlbeAUoTxgCLcBGAsYHQ/IMG_4367D.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s45IzW17_MA/YUIep2ubtDI/AAAAAAAAGqo/wlEiL0XXmZwVoSvI_7onQKhSlbeAUoTxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_4367D.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now the Clip-Clips can just be in the egg carton without names because everyone knows their two color Clip-Clip combination. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>With Clip-Clips costing 50 cents, I don't really worry that eventually some might break. I have some to spare and have spent way more money on other classroom necessities, so this seems like a huge bargain. And when we no longer need to wear masks to school... and YES, that day will come!... I'm sure I'll find some other purpose for any leftover clips. In fact, look for future posts because I already have an idea or two!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwws-GWuMwM/YUPdvoahu7I/AAAAAAAAGrc/T97iwNtfSYEEBNRQ3QO5SvOVBB2MDVEWACLcBGAsYHQ/OneThreesome%2BClip-Clips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2033" data-original-width="2048" height="635" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vwws-GWuMwM/YUPdvoahu7I/AAAAAAAAGrc/T97iwNtfSYEEBNRQ3QO5SvOVBB2MDVEWACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h635/OneThreesome%2BClip-Clips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>I hope you find this post useful. If you do, please share it with your colleagues or Pin it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep hanging in there. Teaching has never been as complicated as it is these days. I am reading my teacher IG and Twitter friends more than ever because TOGETHER we can, and will, use best practice in spite of it all. Remember, you are not alone. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mI3zzPTKvFc/YT0TJ_qNUUI/AAAAAAAAGpg/ujcSaRLfxO8vBLpYcoFFLKJxDhn2naNsQCLcBGAsYHQ/Sign-off.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mI3zzPTKvFc/YT0TJ_qNUUI/AAAAAAAAGpg/ujcSaRLfxO8vBLpYcoFFLKJxDhn2naNsQCLcBGAsYHQ/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AGC9YSJSvxg/YT0TAY0bc1I/AAAAAAAAGpc/_fvNmkYgv84Blkxy3yrn8PgIb5taEpJyACLcBGAsYHQ/GrayWink.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AGC9YSJSvxg/YT0TAY0bc1I/AAAAAAAAGpc/_fvNmkYgv84Blkxy3yrn8PgIb5taEpJyACLcBGAsYHQ/GrayWink.gif" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div> <script type="text/javascript">
With 50 clips at the cost of a quarter each, I don't really worry that eventually some will break. I have lots to spare and have spent way more money on other classroom necessities. And when we no longer need to wear masks in school... and YES that day will come!... I'm sure I'll find some other purpose for the clips. </div><div>I hope you find this post useful. If you do, can you please share it with your colleagues or Pin? </div><div><br /></div><div>If after another couple weeks these prove NOT to be the ticket, and some new problem comes up, I will edit this post. I am still a little skeptical that the loop won't gap open with more use. But since it is working so well for me now, I thought I'd share what has gone on so far. </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep hanging in there. Never has teaching been quite as complicated as it is today. I am reading my teacher IG, Twitter and blogging friends more than ever because TOGETHER we can, and will, use best practice in spite of it all. Remember, you are not alone.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t72tdAfFpnA/YTqTlzJsVfI/AAAAAAAAGoM/pfenGwlOBicYBJw9U_Pd3rH2XdXonETTwCLcBGAsYHQ/Sign-off.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t72tdAfFpnA/YTqTlzJsVfI/AAAAAAAAGoM/pfenGwlOBicYBJw9U_Pd3rH2XdXonETTwCLcBGAsYHQ/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g1CGH1PbLBA/YTqbJiHTGDI/AAAAAAAAGoU/CS1sZpYNQpAgLOX2xz4XVFyD2qmb4D_0wCLcBGAsYHQ/GrayWink.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g1CGH1PbLBA/YTqbJiHTGDI/AAAAAAAAGoU/CS1sZpYNQpAgLOX2xz4XVFyD2qmb4D_0wCLcBGAsYHQ/GrayWink.gif" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></script></div>
Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-49659938530195730242019-02-12T08:08:00.000-05:002019-02-12T08:08:00.789-05:00Top-It Tray FreebieHey there. Super fast post just to give you a math freebie. I bet you know the math game <i><b>Top-It</b></i>. Top-It has been around for years known as the card game <i><b>War</b></i>. I remember my two daughters playing it for hours on long vacation car rides, once playing into the night with the help of traffic headlights as we looped around DC's beltway. snort. Top-It gives students practice with number ID and fluency in number value– namely, which of two numbers between 1-10 is greater. When my kidpeople were first learning the game this year there was just way too much time going into figuring out where the card stacks go. So I came up with a Top-It Tray. I think I'll always teach the game with this now because it makes things so much easier.<br />
<br />
Two players share one tray. They each place their cards of 1-10 in a shuffled pile on their corner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRT5b7NxnBo/XF8ZP0jRoRI/AAAAAAAAGVQ/0ete_6mSzhsWtS3pi6g4zCa7mYIN5TagQCLcBGAs/s1600/Top-ItTray%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="792" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRT5b7NxnBo/XF8ZP0jRoRI/AAAAAAAAGVQ/0ete_6mSzhsWtS3pi6g4zCa7mYIN5TagQCLcBGAs/s640/Top-ItTray%25231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then on the count of "1-2-turn" (at least that's what we say in our room) they each turn over a card.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZPXjqqBmoU/XF8ZfgYTTUI/AAAAAAAAGVY/jEOB598tMUk_LeIvON21sQAoXA-RhhZ0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Top-ItTray%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="792" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZPXjqqBmoU/XF8ZfgYTTUI/AAAAAAAAGVY/jEOB598tMUk_LeIvON21sQAoXA-RhhZ0ACLcBGAs/s640/Top-ItTray%25232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The player who turned over the bigger number gathers both cards and puts them in his "winning pile" on top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrpJPCdRd3k/XF8ZqcXM5LI/AAAAAAAAGVc/QgbvuO1sq1YpsIRtHOm6fIqRjF5ojBsEQCLcBGAs/s1600/Top-ItTray%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="792" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrpJPCdRd3k/XF8ZqcXM5LI/AAAAAAAAGVc/QgbvuO1sq1YpsIRtHOm6fIqRjF5ojBsEQCLcBGAs/s640/Top-ItTray%25233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When someone runs out of cards to turn over, both players gather their own winning piles, shuffles them, and places them in their own corners again so the play can continue. The rounds continue until someone runs completely out of cards. The one with all the cards is the winner.<br />
<br />
This game has become a big hit. In part it is so popular because there actually is a winner– so few of our games in class are competitive that Top-It has a definite novelty factor. Don't get me wrong, winning games have a place in life, but I think that in most instances competition takes away from classroom learning games. Maybe I've followed Alfie Kohn too long. smile.<br />
<br />
Click on the pic below to download the simple sheet. I copied a classroom set on colored cardstock and laminated them so they'll last a long time. When playing I usually place the sheet on a plastic tray so the cards don't slide off. We use regular playing cards, with the Ace as the number one card, but you can play with any number cards you have. And you can let kids play with double the number of 1-10 cards, or even with a hand of 1-20 each.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/clkdhg0tqxylf16/Top-It%20TrayShare.pdf?dl=0"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="576" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5KRmHHyrH4/XF8c7loJbvI/AAAAAAAAGVs/MhEHhz9SuIsDxk6S0VyspnvG56-nD2srQCLcBGAs/s400/Top-ItDownloadbutton.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by! Pin, please.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYMZcfx8FtY/XF8VerxPtiI/AAAAAAAAGU8/hn0vpkOuGHQJCLTRBWDdAB8XNZRn-fqbgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYMZcfx8FtY/XF8VerxPtiI/AAAAAAAAGU8/hn0vpkOuGHQJCLTRBWDdAB8XNZRn-fqbgCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hyI2xXy_9k/XF8VhCx5SoI/AAAAAAAAGVA/2T9QMoKYTCoCYsNimK90mdCCdgj47dlUwCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hyI2xXy_9k/XF8VhCx5SoI/AAAAAAAAGVA/2T9QMoKYTCoCYsNimK90mdCCdgj47dlUwCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-22656203734720836672019-02-05T00:10:00.033-05:002021-09-16T20:39:27.847-04:00Classroom Music Videos that Highlight Black ArtistsWhat started out as me putting together a "quick" video playlist for my classroom has turned into a favorite project to share with you, too! You'll want to know about this...<br />
<br />
February is Black History Month and, now, more than ever, I want my kiddos to see the many ways Black talent, inspiration, and leadership have influenced our American history. I consciously aim to represent diversity throughout my teaching, EVERYday, but February gives me a push to do more in new ways. I, like many teachers, bring in diversity through books, images and materials, but I pushed myself to think of more ways... hey! How about the music we play everyday! So I put together a video playlist of all sorts of music, collaborations, and dance featuring Black artists to use for our classroom dance party brain breaks, or just for listening to. I wanted a wide array of Black talent– here's a sample of who's on the list!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xC8ySPXMy0/XFmigo3FuiI/AAAAAAAAGUw/_Pgz7p-ObhE7ad6N2wUWsSvf95RbETl2QCLcBGAs/s1600/WordleBlogFinalSq.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xC8ySPXMy0/XFmigo3FuiI/AAAAAAAAGUw/_Pgz7p-ObhE7ad6N2wUWsSvf95RbETl2QCLcBGAs/s1600/WordleBlogFinalSq.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I found over 15 videos so far that I think kids will enjoy watching and moving to. I'll update this list as I find new ones. Although Black History Month motivated me to put the list together, I plan on stopping back here myself for dance parties for years to come... I told you this project started out just for me. grin.<br />
<br />
Please note these videos were not specifically "made for children" like many video playlists shared on teacher blogs. I reviewed my selections for acceptable language, and with a teacher's eye, hoping the visuals added value for kids. I chose "clean" videos, finding a couple that even included kids, and if I couldn't find an acceptable version, it didn't make the list. Please watch them yourself before choosing the ones to use with your students. I added the length of each video to help you pick a couple on any given day. You might want to give a little background at times and maximize the learning as some of these videos are pretty old– black and white technology was as modern as it got for many years. I want the kiddos to see and hear the wide variety of music and dance that make up our American history and culture, as no matter how old, the music is still great in our ears today. My kiddos were as fascinated by the bit of scat singing and "flash dance" tap dancing in the Cab Calloway video with the Nicholas brothers as they were drawn in to trying the hiphop moves in Watch Me.<br />
<br />Hope this gives you some good choices for this month and WAY beyond. As for me? You know I'm teaching my kiddos the hustle! This summer I went to a high school reunion and still proved myself the Hustle Queen. snort. You'll find lots of variety in the list– jazz, soul, hiphop, R&B, rock n' roll, worldbeat, disco.... Here we go!<div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Njtgd1vhA_4" width="600" youtube-src-id="Njtgd1vhA_4"></iframe> </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> 5:34 min</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AXT00sWwuTQ" width="600" youtube-src-id="AXT00sWwuTQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">3:50</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZbZSe6N_BXs" width="600" youtube-src-id="ZbZSe6N_BXs"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;">4:01</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rjOhZZyn30k" width="600" youtube-src-id="rjOhZZyn30k"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">3:54</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_8yGGtVKrD8" width="600" youtube-src-id="_8yGGtVKrD8"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 4:49 min</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YqB50JG2aIE" width="600" youtube-src-id="YqB50JG2aIE"></iframe>
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2:55 min</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oweK8H40kZk" width="600" youtube-src-id="oweK8H40kZk"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 6:19 min</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1o3cbLYoIY" width="600" youtube-src-id="E1o3cbLYoIY"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 2:21 min</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uBWrpVrazzA" width="600" youtube-src-id="uBWrpVrazzA"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 3:12 min</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3GwjfUFyY6M" width="600" youtube-src-id="3GwjfUFyY6M"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 4:18 min</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Itn438i30hk" width="600" youtube-src-id="Itn438i30hk"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 3:00 min</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fqzNRchjm-k" width="600" youtube-src-id="fqzNRchjm-k"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 4:17 min</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SFzMs2SN--s" width="600" youtube-src-id="SFzMs2SN--s"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 4:00 min<br /><br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/35VPMBugzAY" width="600" youtube-src-id="35VPMBugzAY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">3:26</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8edWWUQXf64" width="600" youtube-src-id="8edWWUQXf64"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 5:15 min</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And I end on perhaps an unlikely note. This is the "Trading Taps" segment of <b><i>Riverdance</i></b>... you know I like to put a wee bit of Irish in there when I can. wink. We saw Riverdance in Dublin last summer and this number was fun and powerful. I'll use it (and the Hiplet Ballerinas up above) to discuss how many different cultures from all over the world influence music and dance worldwide. It will be fun to contrast the heel kicks and straight arms of the Irish dancers with the looser, more fluid movement of the hip American tap dancers. There is notable difference in music styles in this friendly competition, as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WMD_f02gelM" width="600" youtube-src-id="WMD_f02gelM"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 8:11 min</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you enjoy this compilation of videos highlighting musical contributions of Black performers over the decades. Let me know in comments if you think I found good variety or if I've missed some great video that would be particularly good for the kiddos. And I hope you and your students can get down and boogie around the room. Whoot Whoot!</div>
<br />
And as always, please PIN the post! See you around!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gomIBMlT1ts/XFY0kQ8IMDI/AAAAAAAAGQI/Crg4wMjeycYIB9vN59ceQzZda8lMIHyqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sign-off.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gomIBMlT1ts/XFY0kQ8IMDI/AAAAAAAAGQI/Crg4wMjeycYIB9vN59ceQzZda8lMIHyqQCEwYBhgL/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlLEvRT5uUI/XFY00UU7bvI/AAAAAAAAGQM/r_m_cskRMdYXj1N-M34nn5d11pKhmRhjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlLEvRT5uUI/XFY00UU7bvI/AAAAAAAAGQM/r_m_cskRMdYXj1N-M34nn5d11pKhmRhjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br /></div></div>Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-32352487534602158942019-02-03T07:07:00.003-05:002019-02-03T07:07:42.142-05:00Easy Classroom Chocolate Fondue and a Valentine Freebie!I could have called this post One Great Valentine Party because I cover the fancy treat, a cute hat that doubles as my teacher Valentine to students, and a crazy way of Valentine exchange, with a little Freebie thrown in for good measure. Here we go!<br />
<br />
One of the BEST treats we have all year is "Chocolate Fondue" for our Valentine's Party. Ok. So I use the term "fondue" loosely... no flames are involved. <span style="font-size: x-small;">snort</span> It is more like chocolate dip... but it IS warm. And it is easy. And it is nut-free. And it is DELICIOUS!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/4tojol8w7eu5tuh/Valentine%20Love%20Bug%20Hat.pdf?dl=0"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="792" height="335" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgjnTfoeHIk/XFYWmX5g2DI/AAAAAAAAGPE/Gyd44ZeIBZAeVO1S85e86tqASTh5cUFdgCLcBGAs/s640/fondueblog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Simply get a jar of Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie and Cocoa Swirl spread.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2QQsRRdcNw/XFYxCghTyfI/AAAAAAAAGP0/b-CL_cEJZIQCJQdIobdIbpEv37xJmVVjwCLcBGAs/s1600/FondueSpreadblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e2QQsRRdcNw/XFYxCghTyfI/AAAAAAAAGP0/b-CL_cEJZIQCJQdIobdIbpEv37xJmVVjwCLcBGAs/s640/FondueSpreadblog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I tell you this stuff is wonderful in any form on anything you choose. I found out about it from the mom of a nut allergy student who could not have many forms of chocolate, but could have this stuff. What a find!<br />
<br />
Put some in a safe container and microwave for ten seconds at a time, stirring in between ten second blasts. It doesn't take long to turn it into smooth, warm, liquid heaven. It mixes the two flavors into the BEST chocolate flavor. I put the fondue in little sauce cups, another reason why the chocolate should only be warm, not hot. If it cools down it is okay because once liquified, this dip won't harden again. Also put out whatever items you are going to let the kids dip– pretzels, bananas, crackers, marshmallows... it's all good!<br />
<br />
Then let the kids have at it! Voila! You will be the most popular teacher in the school. One of my parents gave glowing praise, "It figures you'd figure out a way to do Chocolate Fondue with five year olds! My daughter can't stop talking about it! I think we're going to be having it this weekend." <span style="font-size: x-small;">Hee</span><br />
<br />
If you don't have a Trader Joe's nearby, not to worry because I found it on Amazon! Click on the pic below to go there. And if nuts aren't an issue in your classroom, I'm betting good old Nutella would work, too, though I have not actually TRIED warming Nutella, so experiment first!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2UHxnZp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpZaJK_wADc/XFYqKdaUguI/AAAAAAAAGPg/B4NRlastCnc2reEYLRDnnEuP7Ys-SGDnQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/81gawZze3vL._SY679_.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to find on Amazon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now, take a look below at the kids' Valentine hat close up. I think they are the CUTEST things around and I use them as my Valentine to each kiddo. Here's how you can do it, too, with the help of my FREEBIE download.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/4tojol8w7eu5tuh/Valentine%20Love%20Bug%20Hat.pdf?dl=0"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="485" height="287" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mk4kOT3Fi20/XFYvaOw4JRI/AAAAAAAAGPs/pTACAnLAMIYNIFp3AclRmEKsZpHklgPPQCEwYBhgL/s400/doodlebughatclose.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Print out the "Happy Valentine's Day, Love Bug!" sheet on pink paper, one for each child, and cut the paper in half lengthwise. This message is printed on the back part of the headband, which you can't see in the photo. And it's printed in bubble letters so the kids can color it in.<br />
<br />
Print out eye sheets on white paper– you get six pairs of eyes per sheet and each child needs a pair.<br />
<br />
Include a small heart sticker, paper heart punch-out, or those press on foamy hearts for a nose. Do Love Bugs have noses?? Mine do!<br />
<br />
Add two pipe cleaners or one pipe cleaner cut in half, or if you don't have pipe cleaners handy, just cut skinny strips of paper. They'll need four <b>more</b> hearts to make the antennae. The kiddos will sandwich the pipe cleaner tips in between two hearts to form antennae that can be taped to the hat's inside edge. As you see, the hearts don't have to be red or pink.<br />
<br />
To turn the hat into a Valentine for my kids, I sign my name under the word "Love Bug" on the message at the back of the headband. Then I make little Valentine "kits" by rolling up all the parts into a scroll tied with red curling ribbon. I hand one to each kiddo as our party begins and let them cut, glue, color and tape their hats into place. It makes a lovely, wearable Valentine and a great valentine party activity.<br />
<br />
Hat making is followed by the fondue, and then the big valentine opening event. We open Valentines with everybody sitting in a circle on the floor with their lunch bag mailbox of Valentines in front of them. On my signal everyone starts to take out their Valentines, one at a time, and when they figure out who it is from (it takes a while for five year olds to read five year old handwriting!) they then yell, "Thank you, So-and-So" across the circle. Then So-and-So has to yell back "You're welcome!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/4tojol8w7eu5tuh/Valentine%20Love%20Bug%20Hat.pdf?dl=0"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="648" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pv6iFFKWv9s/XFZJJH4FF-I/AAAAAAAAGQU/Tv3RnpGZRP8U-wqnesJ1f9iAspfUxb7HgCLcBGAs/s640/ValentineExchangeblog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You have never seen or heard such chaos!!! So much happy yelling. Warms my heart! I've done it this way for years and won't do it any other way. Then all the Valentines go back in their bag with any candy that came in Valentines, so it can all be taken home.<br />
<br />
One heck of a good party, and a level of prep that I can handle. Try it! Bet you like it!<br />
<br />
OH! Almost forgot! For the simple freebie hat download, just click on either of the photos with kids in hats! Kuddos to DH Jonathan for putting the hat handout together to my specifications. Life would be SO much harder without him... it's why I keep him around... well, that and a few other reasons. <span style="font-size: x-small;">TeeHeeHee</span><br />
<br />
As always, Pin Pin Pin please!!!<br />
<br />
See you next time! News Flash– Next time is TODAY. I put together a compilation of dance party brain breaks featuring Black artists performing a wide variety of music over the years to use throughout February. This collection for Black History Month is coming out in a couple hours! You'll want it for easy reference. AND going BACK in time, don't miss my post with the Safe Youtube QR Code cards for students to use to watch Storyline Online! Click <a href="http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/2019/01/storyline-online-and-freebie.html">HERE</a> for that one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gomIBMlT1ts/XFY0kQ8IMDI/AAAAAAAAGQA/9WGLnRtmQWknn4OG2wgVzdxrijcgZDp8QCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gomIBMlT1ts/XFY0kQ8IMDI/AAAAAAAAGQA/9WGLnRtmQWknn4OG2wgVzdxrijcgZDp8QCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlLEvRT5uUI/XFY00UU7bvI/AAAAAAAAGQE/HisLlw6I1JcauT3Iss0WzV6vqLUlL_a9wCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlLEvRT5uUI/XFY00UU7bvI/AAAAAAAAGQE/HisLlw6I1JcauT3Iss0WzV6vqLUlL_a9wCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-85252370827780846252019-02-02T16:26:00.000-05:002019-02-02T16:26:19.017-05:00ByeBye Google+Super quick post here. Google is doing away with Google+. It won't change much about Google, just specifically Google+ If you have a Google+ account you should check into it because they suggest that you delete it. If you do a general search for information, you'll find lots and they will probably send you an email if they haven't already.<br />
<br />
I am posting this specifically for the 203 people who chose G+ as their means to follow the blog. If you value knowing what's going on at Kidpeople Classroom, you might want to follow via email or Bloglovin' now. The links to do so are right over there in the righthand sidebar, so just a few clicks and you're set. You can follow via any feed tool you already use, too, of course.<br />
<br />
I spent time this afternoon going over my Google+ account and following bloggers I don't want to lose track of via email and Bloglovin'. I also did away with the G+ follow button here on the blog as Google+ accounts will no longer exist as of April 2. It is sad to lose any readers, <span style="font-size: x-small;">sniff</span>, but my other means of following show steadily increasing numbers, so that brings some comfort. Yay.<br />
<br />
See you around!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_R0AenpJhp4/XFX9mTG36uI/AAAAAAAAGOw/lHov4rblvhQeU4GI-Fxumnu84guNnrVbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_R0AenpJhp4/XFX9mTG36uI/AAAAAAAAGOw/lHov4rblvhQeU4GI-Fxumnu84guNnrVbQCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MeMqZJY4AU/XFX9q_xxtKI/AAAAAAAAGO0/CVzybwJCbbI6fDZVR1HJ6dNnha_xjxh8ACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MeMqZJY4AU/XFX9q_xxtKI/AAAAAAAAGO0/CVzybwJCbbI6fDZVR1HJ6dNnha_xjxh8ACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-75159053470301089072019-01-26T05:47:00.000-05:002019-01-26T05:47:37.634-05:00Grow Writing Love by Writing Letters... and a Funny!Here's a quick post to tell you about a resource that is particularly useful now. We all have our official writing units to teach, dictated by Common Core or State Standards– opinion, information and narrative writing. I get the importance of those, but that certainly is not the only kind of writing kids enjoy learning about, so we take little bends in the road to incorporate other kinds of writing. One of those is letter writing. I put together a resource to help you expand letter writing into a mini-unit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lets-Write-to-Someone-Letter-Writing-Mini-Unit-Resources-1590891"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="347" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmyALFsPky4/XEnevZ0tSCI/AAAAAAAAGOM/9qeFcorwz98IC7WUwI3aAqxY64JAKMGiQCLcBGAs/s400/Let%2527s%2BWrite%2Bto%2BSomeoneTHUMB.png" width="310" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With Valentines coming up it's a great time to write to parents, grandparents, far away friends and friends at school. The pack comes with some anchor charts, stationery, and teaching ideas. Freshen up your writing center with these new materials and penny stamps and see the kids write with new vigor to a specific audience. For only two bucks, you'll get more than your money's worth. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm hoping to launch my own letter writing unit next week, pulling out the classroom mailbox which will stay up for the rest of the year. In addition to leaving materials in my writing center after the mini-unit is done in probably just a week, I'm going to begin Friendly Friday Letter Writing. Friendly Friday letter writing means everyone will pull a name out of a hat, or a popsicle stick out of the name jar, and then "secretly" write to that person... well, as secretly as five year olds can do anything. snort. Then we will do quick delivery of our letters, and let instant fun and warm feelings ensue. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lets-Write-to-Someone-Letter-Writing-Mini-Unit-Resources-1590891" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="288" height="247" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIb5OijuUiM/XEnpcxZf8JI/AAAAAAAAGOY/TGtE2OJ5nskR1Xz54fpzgolDdUgct05mgCLcBGAs/s320/PostcardBlog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little postcard stationery works great for a Friendly Friday quick write! It's part of the pack. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Friendly Friday letter writing is one of our Hygge Hour activities... pronounced, Hoo-guh, by the way. Don't know about Hygge? Then you should <a href="http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/2019/01/hygge-in-classroom.html">click here to check it out!</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To get to the <b><i>Let's Write to Someone</i></b> pack click on either of the pictures above. While you're at my store, check out all the FREEBIES. I have more resources for free than resources for sale. snort. One of my list paper freebies has been downloaded more than 3,800 times! It always cracks me up... and warms my heart... to see my resources downloaded many thousand times over. Love. Also love it when people leave product comments, which they don't do near often enough! hint.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can see a post with more ways to use the <b><i>Let's Write to Someone</i></b> pack by clicking <a href="http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/2014/12/lets-write-to-someone-new-resource.html">HERE.</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope your kiddos enjoy letter writing as much as I know my kidpeople will. Click on the photos above to find the pack. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And now for a quick grin!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWnV9f6moh0/XEwzmbKh1kI/AAAAAAAAGOk/DjWtuy3D1QIEQ3pcBRRyIxeR5SYDB48tACLcBGAs/s1600/TeeHeeLink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWnV9f6moh0/XEwzmbKh1kI/AAAAAAAAGOk/DjWtuy3D1QIEQ3pcBRRyIxeR5SYDB48tACLcBGAs/s320/TeeHeeLink.png" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just today, as I opened my mouth to answer the same question for the fourth time, a pipsqueak piped up, and with a roll of her eyes interjected, "Do not say that to Mrs. Wright AGAIN! She is going to get <i>frus-ter-a-ted</i>!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It cracked. me. up. Who says five year olds can't get another's perspective, feel empathy, or find themselves just a little bit <i>frus-ter-a-ted</i> with their spacey peers, too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Want to catch some more Funny Kid Stories? Click on the <b><i>Funny Kid Friday</i></b> tab at the top of the page under my heading. Everybody needs a little funny kid story now and then. It's what keeps teachers going!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by! See you next time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCyknoeyqEs/XEnXvL-raxI/AAAAAAAAGNk/9gva4ewpZu0XW8iLGJ-FRROSs3NWS-6pgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCyknoeyqEs/XEnXvL-raxI/AAAAAAAAGNk/9gva4ewpZu0XW8iLGJ-FRROSs3NWS-6pgCEwYBhgL/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXM2vZ0M58Y/XEnXy7T31_I/AAAAAAAAGNk/0yX1mw2YblkCm5IvAaI-aoiDukVzGZsxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXM2vZ0M58Y/XEnXy7T31_I/AAAAAAAAGNk/0yX1mw2YblkCm5IvAaI-aoiDukVzGZsxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-16600192259090442302019-01-20T13:29:00.000-05:002019-02-02T16:36:07.753-05:00Storyline Online and a FREEBIE<b><i>Storyline Online</i></b> is one of the best sites for viewing children's book read alouds. Let me share some details you might not know yet, and I'll throw in a helpful Freebie you'll use again and again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXf24C9SwDM/XESMBtVcQOI/AAAAAAAAGLI/NXpCVf_cd_0rsHB4Hwu_WHdc5IyuN71IQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B9.55.26%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="108" data-original-width="395" height="108" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXf24C9SwDM/XESMBtVcQOI/AAAAAAAAGLI/NXpCVf_cd_0rsHB4Hwu_WHdc5IyuN71IQCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B9.55.26%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you've looked on YouTube for kids books being read aloud you've found thousands of them. Any given children's book title usually has several different uploaded read aloud videos to choose from and there is a wide range in quality. I found Storyline Online this very way, while looking through all the YouTube videos for read alouds.<br />
<br />
Storyline Online is made possible by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, SAG-AFTRA. It is absolutely free to use. As I write this they have over fifty children's picture book read aloud videos available. Here's a sample.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPW1KxZ-tsg/XESNWHiGBtI/AAAAAAAAGLU/cb-9y5VM3ZoBFivK7ES29lvH27cPB90AACLcBGAs/s1600/storylineonlinesampletitles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="654" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPW1KxZ-tsg/XESNWHiGBtI/AAAAAAAAGLU/cb-9y5VM3ZoBFivK7ES29lvH27cPB90AACLcBGAs/s400/storylineonlinesampletitles.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Each video starts with the actor, or actors, holding the book and giving a book introduction before beginning to read.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yYuD5T4QUo/XESPmLHlAXI/AAAAAAAAGLg/r4zP6_Dgg9cu5tZpiOjXd52AG972lDzzgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.08.49%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yYuD5T4QUo/XESPmLHlAXI/AAAAAAAAGLg/r4zP6_Dgg9cu5tZpiOjXd52AG972lDzzgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.08.49%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2aF7GP2Icc/XESPpJoJgJI/AAAAAAAAGLk/Pm5ftTfKtckq_IqxoCmOLMjRSUu2UKX1gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.07.52%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2aF7GP2Icc/XESPpJoJgJI/AAAAAAAAGLk/Pm5ftTfKtckq_IqxoCmOLMjRSUu2UKX1gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.07.52%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The camera zooms in on the illustrations, where often little parts of the pictures become animated. Throughout the story you go back and forth between seeing the illustrations and the actor reading the book, so kids never forget they are being read to. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fL9EbesJ908/XESPrPBSswI/AAAAAAAAGLo/S0tAVPm7h4A_j8bpT4twGfS_OTRr7qXPwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.06.12%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="221" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fL9EbesJ908/XESPrPBSswI/AAAAAAAAGLo/S0tAVPm7h4A_j8bpT4twGfS_OTRr7qXPwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.06.12%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwnns3lhWQY/XESPtV4XOkI/AAAAAAAAGLs/vJdAqJSBf8UQdqhjrlksBq1spOdla19PgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.09.42%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwnns3lhWQY/XESPtV4XOkI/AAAAAAAAGLs/vJdAqJSBf8UQdqhjrlksBq1spOdla19PgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.09.42%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Fully animated video movies of children's books are great, to be sure, but it is easy to forget those cartoons come from books. I think when kids watch books being read by live people there is added value and emphasis on reading.<br />
<br />
Because I had always viewed the Storyline Online videos directly on YouTube, I didn't realize that there are activity guides written for each story, which you can only get on the Storyline Online site.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUaLbsOhceU/XESl_nzWITI/AAAAAAAAGM4/5a_vSv6RwHoHOAmLPTHykdZnzf3GG53tgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B11.30.02%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bUaLbsOhceU/XESl_nzWITI/AAAAAAAAGM4/5a_vSv6RwHoHOAmLPTHykdZnzf3GG53tgCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B11.30.02%2BAM.png" width="208" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-637a5Ocbf3E/XESRRhbOMhI/AAAAAAAAGMM/GNX2PsH47zs3DRv6sIHSn6emDH9Mobc-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.17.02%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="389" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-637a5Ocbf3E/XESRRhbOMhI/AAAAAAAAGMM/GNX2PsH47zs3DRv6sIHSn6emDH9Mobc-ACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.17.02%2BAM.png" width="184" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzbUkqLwfiQ/XESRRZwz9dI/AAAAAAAAGME/IV3A760waOsN9T5XHEh7KqOjluZo9CoFwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.13.49%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzbUkqLwfiQ/XESRRZwz9dI/AAAAAAAAGME/IV3A760waOsN9T5XHEh7KqOjluZo9CoFwCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.13.49%2BAM.png" width="194" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7UEgMOAfrk/XESRRVr-gqI/AAAAAAAAGMI/xOBF21TPTAgVbvjcHuBgz2_hoLo-hmMiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.14.28%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="387" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7UEgMOAfrk/XESRRVr-gqI/AAAAAAAAGMI/xOBF21TPTAgVbvjcHuBgz2_hoLo-hmMiQCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-01-20%2Bat%2B10.14.28%2BAM.png" width="186" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The activity guides, written for teachers mostly, but some with activity guides specifically for parents, are chockfull of ideas– some suggest before, during and after the story discussion points, themes, writing ideas, art, movement, even cooking activities... all sorts of things to choose from. You can find them by going directly to StorylineOnline.net under the <b><i>All Books</i></b> tab.<br />
<br />
You can watch the Storyline Online read aloud videos on YouTube, but when watching on YouTube it is pretty easy to get to other videos and ads, some of which you wouldn't want your kids to view. You can also watch Storyline Online videos directly on StorylineOnline.net, with options of watching via YouTube or SchoolTube, with SchoolTube being the safer option.<br />
<br />
Either way you choose to watch on the Storyline Online site, when you get to the end of the video, other Storyline Online videos will pop up. That isn't a bad thing, unless you want kids to only watch one particular story, or you want other kids to use the same device and watch that one particular story. So to keep kids on the correct story I created QR codes for the stories through Safe YouTube.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/lmdgalh0nwnk8ww/STORYLINE-ONLINE%20VIDEO%20CARDS%20KC.com.pdf?dl=0"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISJ5XPdyaLM/XESclL2D1oI/AAAAAAAAGMs/z6zkfx4deK8CfGpe8lsjd7H1GdW7zAw6QCLcBGAs/s400/QRCodesStorylineOnline.jpg" width="307" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/lmdgalh0nwnk8ww/STORYLINE-ONLINE%20VIDEO%20CARDS%20KC.com.pdf?dl=0">Click to download Safe YouTube QR Code cards for Storyline Online videos</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Safe YouTube is better than safe mode on YouTube, and it takes away all those many buttons and videos that cause distractions and allow kids to click and end up anywhere on YouTube. No online connection is completely safe and kids seem to find a way to other things no matter what, so always keep an eye on what they are watching.<br />
<br />
I created one for each story on Storyline Online, currently fifty three in total. You can print out the QR Code cards in color, or they come out crisp and clean if you choose to print in black and white. Laminate, cut apart, and you'll have a set of cards for kids to use on any device with a QR Code reader. It will take them to that story and no other. These work great in classrooms as centers, Daily 5 and Readers Workshop stations, and independent reading choices. If you're a parent you'll find them useful at home or on the road with devices.<br />
<br />
To get this Freebie just click on the picture of QR code cards above. There are six pages in all. I will update as I see new stories appear on Storyline Online. Be sure to Pin this post so you can get to updated pages.<br />
<br />
I suggest you cruise by StorylineOnline.net to see the full list of read aloud titles. I found many good books there, books I hadn't heard of before. I like to have actual copies of the books the kids are going to listen to, and I like to read the book to my students first, so I can make the most out of that read aloud– focusing on vocabulary, story problem, characters, etc. But if I'm low on cash, Storyline Online is a way to let my kidpeople hear quality books at no cost to me. Many of my favorite Flashlight Press books are there, too, and if you are a regular reader you know how I love Flashlight Press. (News Flash– I'll be giving away another Flashlight Book soon!!) Storyline Online has won lots of awards and that is for very good reason. Good book selections, VERY well read!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.storylineonline.net/library/"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="373" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCKUHloiwPY/XESLvBwEukI/AAAAAAAAGLE/GwlxRTQrKbUSdf3pXyXjkX-baqSkZxCvgCEwYBhgL/s320/StorylineOnlineLogo.png" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hope you found this post about Storyline Online and the activity guides helpful. And I hope you'll download the QR Code cards and find them useful with your kids. I am not being paid or getting any perk for telling you about Storyline Online. I just wanted to share a great resource.<br />
<br />
See you next time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk_2ojyh674/XES1a3BEWpI/AAAAAAAAGNE/lpQMGRxJs-4YdKXV39p5I-d6jEHZ1lv1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kk_2ojyh674/XES1a3BEWpI/AAAAAAAAGNE/lpQMGRxJs-4YdKXV39p5I-d6jEHZ1lv1QCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-bW8MHAGcU/XES1dlbFjeI/AAAAAAAAGNI/2k-UivKbu0s34lU-_Wp0Tocx6h6w0KB3ACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-bW8MHAGcU/XES1dlbFjeI/AAAAAAAAGNI/2k-UivKbu0s34lU-_Wp0Tocx6h6w0KB3ACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-38954764574147732272019-01-13T08:56:00.003-05:002019-01-13T08:57:32.232-05:00Carla's Sandwich– Appreciating Differences and Trying New ThingsMy class had a lot of fun and learning with <b><i>Carla's Sandwich</i></b> by Debbie Herman, illustrated by Sheila Bailey. Published in 2004, it is not a new book, but it was new to me when I spotted it on the website of my favorite publisher, <b><i>Flashlight Press</i></b>. How could I have missed it before? With quirky illustrations, and a storyline and dialogue that rings true to kids' ears, this book was a fast favorite for the kidpeople and me, too. Let me share what we did with it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFzdDYtwQ10/XDs3fq9eY2I/AAAAAAAAGKg/nVZoTEdqMVE1uyoktAYyegG7SAkYevwrwCLcBGAs/s1600/CarlaCoverblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFzdDYtwQ10/XDs3fq9eY2I/AAAAAAAAGKg/nVZoTEdqMVE1uyoktAYyegG7SAkYevwrwCLcBGAs/s640/CarlaCoverblog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The sandwiches Carla brings to school are different, unique and creative... at least that's how she sees it. Her classmates deem them disgusting, gross, and sick, and after a while even spunky Carla is brought low by their lack of understanding and respect for her sandwich ideas. That is, until hunger steps in.<br />
<br />
Before ever reading the book I asked kids what their favorite sandwiches were, listing them on the board. Ham came up most in the list of five favorites, to my surprise. Then I asked each child if they would eat all the sandwiches on our class list... Nope. Would then even try them? Nope. Even if it was a classmate's favorite, they weren't going to touch it.<br />
<br />
And then as we often do, we checked out certain parts of the book, enjoying what we found at first glance. Well, look at that– the cover has a piece of bread with a girl... Carla, probably... inside it. That's an interesting illustration idea. And look at those endpapers... we always check out the end papers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7I-wT6y4R8M/XDs4QO4KfOI/AAAAAAAAGKo/SW1sWnOc11EP3JRp9Hx0RUhngyYfj8bCQCLcBGAs/s1600/CSendpapersblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="792" height="352" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7I-wT6y4R8M/XDs4QO4KfOI/AAAAAAAAGKo/SW1sWnOc11EP3JRp9Hx0RUhngyYfj8bCQCLcBGAs/s640/CSendpapersblog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And yes, the back flap has "About the Authors" information. All the best books include that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJDOIBt5Mvs/XDs5QGO34II/AAAAAAAAGK0/09BZgF595BM82CqC9K2EMh3rtITl-CLbgCLcBGAs/s1600/CarlaAboutAuthor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="620" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJDOIBt5Mvs/XDs5QGO34II/AAAAAAAAGK0/09BZgF595BM82CqC9K2EMh3rtITl-CLbgCLcBGAs/s640/CarlaAboutAuthor.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We dug in and after reading the first half of the book, at which point all of poor Carla's sandwiches have been rejected by her classmates, I stopped and asked the class what they thought so far. They very much agreed that they wouldn't want to eat Carla's sandwiches because they were "really yucky." However, my kidpeople thought that the kids in the book were mean to Carla and "she should be able to eat any sandwich she wants," even if my kiddos themselves wouldn't eat it if she brought it to our school.<br />
<br />
After reading the whole book my class thought it was good that the classmates in the story tried a new sandwich and were glad Carla felt better, but they were still pretty dubious about eating sandwiches like Carla's. I brought most around to the idea that at least trying new things was a good idea, even if you worried that you wouldn't like it.<br />
<br />
We especially enjoyed discussing descriptor words like different, unique, creative, gross and disgusting. And wasn't it interesting that "sick" means ill, but a sandwich could be "sick" too. I love helping kids understand the nuances of words. And we didn't even touch on sick meaning awesome in slang... ai-yi-yi.<br />
<br />
We also came up with other things to say when we didn't like something, words that wouldn't hurt somebody's feelings. You don't have to agree with people, but you can't be mean.<br />
<br />
The next day I set up a sandwich bar for kids to make a sandwich for snack. I wanted them to try it, ultimately, so the ingredients were overall acceptable to kids, but the combination was still a challenge to most. You'll see in the picture below bread and peanut butter, cheerios, chocolate chips, banana slices and yogurt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fO--5chKykY/XDo0QO9vuDI/AAAAAAAAGJE/idXZx_x315skLhgn8NvGdgPG36IlXu5eQCLcBGAs/s1600/SandwichIngredientsBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="612" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fO--5chKykY/XDo0QO9vuDI/AAAAAAAAGJE/idXZx_x315skLhgn8NvGdgPG36IlXu5eQCLcBGAs/s640/SandwichIngredientsBlog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They got to put on varying amounts, but they all put on at least a bit of each, I think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0ZapZutNgQ/XDo0bXkbxqI/AAAAAAAAGJI/x3pQbvC0p0IWiULstdYVEvAn2kor-gnaACLcBGAs/s1600/MakingSandwichBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="612" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0ZapZutNgQ/XDo0bXkbxqI/AAAAAAAAGJI/x3pQbvC0p0IWiULstdYVEvAn2kor-gnaACLcBGAs/s640/MakingSandwichBlog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then came the bigger challenge. Hmmm... should I try it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDYFzlxMMhQ/XDo0sANgZrI/AAAAAAAAGJU/TGJrcflOnggewsscqBnmkHOtwW2hUNfugCLcBGAs/s1600/TryingSandwichBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="792" height="404" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDYFzlxMMhQ/XDo0sANgZrI/AAAAAAAAGJU/TGJrcflOnggewsscqBnmkHOtwW2hUNfugCLcBGAs/s640/TryingSandwichBlog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Every one of my kiddos ate at least two bites, and most ate it all, in very enthusiastic fashion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62X99orOBuM/XDo03TfSPwI/AAAAAAAAGJY/ScZhWZoG0f0-7HlLLtxzILvDo2bX3ehgwCLcBGAs/s1600/IsaThumbBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1155" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62X99orOBuM/XDo03TfSPwI/AAAAAAAAGJY/ScZhWZoG0f0-7HlLLtxzILvDo2bX3ehgwCLcBGAs/s640/IsaThumbBlog.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G81cNXVskpY/XDo0-NNvAII/AAAAAAAAGJg/5_krrwKINzEQIQHvFgaMjw8Hd5ERGUSkACLcBGAs/s1600/EThumbBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="792" height="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G81cNXVskpY/XDo0-NNvAII/AAAAAAAAGJg/5_krrwKINzEQIQHvFgaMjw8Hd5ERGUSkACLcBGAs/s640/EThumbBlog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After our snack we talked about how Carla was brave because she kept bringing "creative" sandwiches for lunch, even when kids wouldn't eat with her. Being different is okay and we can all be different and accept others who do things in different ways. Their way might actually be pretty good in the end, if we at least give it a try.<br />
<br />
I give <b><i>Carla's Sandwich</i></b> two thumbs up. Teachers will find both important concepts and story elements to teach. And it sure lends itself to hand's-on experiences with new foods.<br />
<br />
I reviewed this book for Flashlight Press, receiving a free copy, though I bought another so we'd have two in class. I have been impressed with many Flashlight Press books over the years. Those editors have a great eye for books that kids love, and teachers and parents value for a slew of reasons. Click to see their books.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flashlightpress.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="467" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psctAT90rWg/XDo23cbmgJI/AAAAAAAAGKA/C4xxsiBhtbkXx71jqEZMFpkEC_82Qvp0QCLcBGAs/s400/FlashlightPress18.png" width="280" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Much to my delight, I found <b><i>Carla's Sandwich</i></b>, along with quite a few other Flashlight Press books on <b><i>Storyline Online</i></b>. This site, sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, is terrific because each video features different actors reading a real book, which often are animated is some little way. There are over fifty stories to be found and all come with an activity guide.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/StorylineOnline"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="373" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lQQThy-4xI/XDo3pn9wZpI/AAAAAAAAGKI/LmLMATJwjQkLmsRWGrOZM_odu17e1a4jQCLcBGAs/s320/StorylineOnlineLogo.png" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Be sure to keep your eyes open for my next couple posts, because I am going to feature some tips about Storyline Online, including a freebie you'll want to have!<br />
<br />
Well, hope you discovered a new book and got an idea or two. See you next time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S_x0siJkZuM/XDo4RiXgI2I/AAAAAAAAGKQ/_BADUytQYUwJHcjAfd1ccb_F7N5bMcNxACLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S_x0siJkZuM/XDo4RiXgI2I/AAAAAAAAGKQ/_BADUytQYUwJHcjAfd1ccb_F7N5bMcNxACLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pL-oEwBIVWo/XDo4a1fHveI/AAAAAAAAGKU/wxm8yX4FXCQVb3Lq1sY3_nBUYrRGae4sQCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pL-oEwBIVWo/XDo4a1fHveI/AAAAAAAAGKU/wxm8yX4FXCQVb3Lq1sY3_nBUYrRGae4sQCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-84247791641368267982019-01-05T12:10:00.000-05:002019-01-05T12:13:30.518-05:00Hygge in the ClassroomI am doing something SUPER fun! I gotta share it right now so you can start thinking about it, too. Have you heard of <b><i><span style="color: red;">Hygge</span></i></b>? (hoo-guh) It is a Danish word, which means a mood of warm cosiness, comfort, and sense of contentment. The Danes are known as the happiest people in the world and I think there is much we can gain by embracing a hygge philosophy and focus. Hygge is a trending topic with lots written about it now. In this post I'm going to tell you how I have a hygge classroom, and how I developed a special Hygge Hour. I also share what hygge is and even some research that backs up why hygge concepts belong in the classroom. Here we go!<br />
<br />
I was instantly captivated by the idea of hygge when I first heard about it and decided I needed to read more. I made a little poster to summarize in a nutshell what I've learned and come to appreciate about hygge. It has been useful when sharing at school and with family and friends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/7t09ih0g3rjn4ew/Hygge%20poster-finalLG.jpg?dl=0"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ogPyJLO-qs/XDC8sWwADSI/AAAAAAAAGIM/HvnlDXc2mlAhqPGEn84A6wv3FeNlhibCQCLcBGAs/s1600/Hygge%2Bposter-finalblog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I decided that I wanted more hygge in my life and since my classroom is so central to my life, I thought I'd find ways to incorporate hygge into my time with the kidpeople. When I stopped to think about it I realized I already <i>did</i> have hygge in the daily environment of the classroom! It's in some of the small elements and even more so in the feeling I try to cultivate. Our lighting comes from lamps and softer, non-fluorescent overhead lighting. We have a couch, comfy cushions and floor seating. We spend lots of time sharing books with friends, sometimes in pretty laid back ways.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--t9iyn9ctGQ/XC4xIzFbkwI/AAAAAAAAGHA/ZNpNhFhYAP8hkkajsXsfdhl9ERO9umwyACLcBGAs/s1600/readingatwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="539" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--t9iyn9ctGQ/XC4xIzFbkwI/AAAAAAAAGHA/ZNpNhFhYAP8hkkajsXsfdhl9ERO9umwyACLcBGAs/s640/readingatwindow.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have a twinkling fireplace, a favorite with everyone, kids and adults alike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KY2QA-GfTBo/XC4v6XYpy9I/AAAAAAAAGG0/eIqrpzGLOhYnCf73nIpkK8nUIR8FlW5FACLcBGAs/s1600/BookNookblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="576" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KY2QA-GfTBo/XC4v6XYpy9I/AAAAAAAAGG0/eIqrpzGLOhYnCf73nIpkK8nUIR8FlW5FACLcBGAs/s1600/BookNookblog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Even our class motto, "We are a Caring, Learning Commuity," which I developed many years ago, is hygge-esque. I used it in preschool, brought it to grade school, used it through the time we were a PBIS school (which I felt surely needed some balance) and now it really fits with our Responsive Classroom school. Click on pic for previous post.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC92GJUY3zw/XC9jifekdnI/AAAAAAAAGIA/aQhD7Yo-3g4q58N-VxJ7ggw2Q05hTAPEgCLcBGAs/s1600/classroomsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="1280" height="168" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC92GJUY3zw/XC9jifekdnI/AAAAAAAAGIA/aQhD7Yo-3g4q58N-VxJ7ggw2Q05hTAPEgCLcBGAs/s640/classroomsign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I need to point out here, though, that hygge is actually more about <i><b>feelings</b></i> than <i><b>things</b></i>. Our class motto starts to get at the feeling piece of hygge in our classroom. I really want my kidpeople to feel connected, to understand that what they do affects everyone else. I want them to feel they have a place in the classroom, and they have a place in my heart. I build the connection piece into our daily routines– greeting kids one to one at the door, giving time for sharing first thing in the morning and connecting at the end of the day. We practice mindfulness right after lunch, which helps us slow down, listen, and discuss how we feel on the inside.<br />
<br />
I have deliberate purpose for all the stuff and routines in the classroom, but how could I bring awareness and focus of these hygge elements to my kidpeople? That's when Hygge Hour was born! We may live in a regular hygge environment, but for one special hour we can be consciously happy and grateful for being part of a cozy, hygge community!<br />
<br />
I was lucky enough to find a cartoon video for kids that explains hygge and what it means, and it was a great way to introduce hygge. Click to watch.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oQEJwQv92T8" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The kidpeople were ALL about that video, even though I didn't say a word about having a hygge hour. I just let the idea of hygge percolate for a while. Before I told them about our first hygge hour I asked the kids what they remembered about the word hygge and what were things they could do at home or we could do in our classroom for more hygge. They came up with several things, cookies being top on the list. snort. It didn't even occur to them that we could have hot chocolate or take our shoes off, so when I suggested it... Whoa! YES! <br />
<br />
This is how we do our hygge hour:<br />
<br />
Lighting– I put a roaring fireplace video on the big screen. There are lots to choose from on YouTube. And each table gets a flickering LED candle. And of course, we already are a non-flourescent lit room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzEOdJq2oK0/XC4xqJ6xYhI/AAAAAAAAGHI/Y1I_L_fT6EcJV2G6bBJgZW5dd8XBrSzLACLcBGAs/s1600/ScreenFireblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzEOdJq2oK0/XC4xqJ6xYhI/AAAAAAAAGHI/Y1I_L_fT6EcJV2G6bBJgZW5dd8XBrSzLACLcBGAs/s640/ScreenFireblog.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Quiet background music– I put on a cozy instrumental background mix of snow songs or jazz. And some of the fireplace videos have nice music, too.<br />
<br />
Hot chocolate–We use these tiny espresso cups that had been in deep storage in my kitchen forever. I mix chocolate and white milk together, which to my surprise, actually tastes better than straight up chocolate and it has less sugar. I heat it in a pyrex pitcher in the micro. When it is warm but not quite hot, I pour it into a thermos, which mixes it and keeps it warm until pouring time. Kids get to choose zero, one or two mini-marshmallows to put in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ7QM_i459s/XC5TlgWQsiI/AAAAAAAAGH0/fX2GuxIOeEUhS9T0A_CWAFTWgR236SbFACLcBGAs/s1600/HyggeChocolateBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ7QM_i459s/XC5TlgWQsiI/AAAAAAAAGH0/fX2GuxIOeEUhS9T0A_CWAFTWgR236SbFACLcBGAs/s640/HyggeChocolateBlog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sweet treat– We've had donut holes, pretzel cookies, Keebler elf cookies, and cut outs. With one cookie and the micro size cup of hot chocolate they are not getting too much, but there has not been any complaint or spoken request for more. They seemed to "get" from the very beginning that this was a special time and the treat was only one small part of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N011qEKg0w/XC4xxw88DVI/AAAAAAAAGHM/w3r94DiTN800LR5LMGYTkSIXgfsRD8iOgCLcBGAs/s1600/hyggecookiesblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N011qEKg0w/XC4xxw88DVI/AAAAAAAAGHM/w3r94DiTN800LR5LMGYTkSIXgfsRD8iOgCLcBGAs/s640/hyggecookiesblog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cozy elements– We get to take our shoes off and put on cozy socks! Something about this just took their fancy and they can hardly wait to put their shoes in their backpacks and grab snuggle socks from the bin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkOGZHRTGKA/XDC_iwcT6bI/AAAAAAAAGIY/Y6nCcCYhJ30x7GxFEDv_-KNxc3Wb8DhagCLcBGAs/s1600/SocksBinblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkOGZHRTGKA/XDC_iwcT6bI/AAAAAAAAGIY/Y6nCcCYhJ30x7GxFEDv_-KNxc3Wb8DhagCLcBGAs/s400/SocksBinblog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The socks come with a story that might make you grin. It took Jonathan and I a full hour to find just the right socks at Dollar Tree. First, we collected little holiday socks, which took forever because I only wanted the ones with a non-Christmas snow motif. I had almost gathered enough when I spotted fuzzy socks in adult sizes. Hmmm... better. So we dumped the little themed socks and started scouring the aisles for enough pair of fuzzies, while managing to narrow the collection down to just two colors. And THEN, while looking for enough of those (I never realized how scattered around things are in dollar stores until that day), we found adult snuggly socks with non-slip dots on the bottom... Even better. Away we went again, this time staying with it until we found enough that were all the same color! Next year I might have kids just bring in their own pair, though these are holding up well through wear and laundry. I bought extra pairs and it's a good thing I did because all our visitors kick off their shoes and wear cozy socks, too... even our principal. snort. And yes, we do have visitors. Our principal, teachers, my adult daughter, and come the new year there is a long list of parents who want to duck out of work and come hang with us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVWBrOTtl3Y/XDC_143yO5I/AAAAAAAAGIg/cagpgaL-NiUtZ9gWj7u2d53Ol5TLvwZHgCLcBGAs/s1600/HyggeSockPoseBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="576" height="464" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mVWBrOTtl3Y/XDC_143yO5I/AAAAAAAAGIg/cagpgaL-NiUtZ9gWj7u2d53Ol5TLvwZHgCLcBGAs/s640/HyggeSockPoseBlog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also decided to incorporate a special activity as part of each hygge hour to focus us on the "being together" aspect of hygge. On our hygge activity list are winter song sing-alongs, back tales and echo stories, community building games, and some new cozy things for free choice, which comes in the second half of hygge hour. They love getting out book buddies, cushions and even blankets on hygge days. Not too many better ways to spend half an hour at school then snuggled with a book and friends in the Book Nook.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFp-9SZCnyY/XC4x75-5F-I/AAAAAAAAGHQ/mo7tB1-Xpb8fArPgsF4-8yGhTi743B4SACLcBGAs/s1600/BooksBlanketsBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFp-9SZCnyY/XC4x75-5F-I/AAAAAAAAGHQ/mo7tB1-Xpb8fArPgsF4-8yGhTi743B4SACLcBGAs/s640/BooksBlanketsBlog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have some special small world play with snow, characters, and even a fairy house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-juWFm-Wh8As/XC4yGgXdvrI/AAAAAAAAGHY/1Q4WuctT4p811TCQPUP4-aEmTo5OCvvmACLcBGAs/s1600/FairyHouseblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1350" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-juWFm-Wh8As/XC4yGgXdvrI/AAAAAAAAGHY/1Q4WuctT4p811TCQPUP4-aEmTo5OCvvmACLcBGAs/s640/FairyHouseblog.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If we get enough real snow this winter, I'll bring some in so they can don mittens and build small snowmen at our water table. In fact, all our hygge hour activities are good general learning activities made extra special when introduced as part of hygge hour.<br />
<br />
Our hygge hour is the last hour of Friday afternoons but that is mostly because our specials schedule. The kiddos go off to special and I have half an hour to prep the room, the treats and activity. Hygge is not tied to any particular season, in fact it is an all year long mindset, but from the get-go I decided that we would do hygge hour every week until our spring break in March. Our hygge hour is full of cozy indoor activities to perk up cold, gray, winter days, but once spring comes we'll be outdoors more.<br />
<br />
I have chuckled to myself to see how invested the kidpeople are in hygge. They take turns serving treats, setting out the flameless candles, and holding the sock basket. The clean up and putting cups in the sink has also been very cooperative, too. Parents report that the kiddos jump right into bed on Thursday nights because "Tomorrow is hygge!!!"<br />
<br />
In our first couple of hygge hours, to signal it was time to eat, and without putting much thought to it, I raised my cup and said, "Happy Hygge." Several weeks later at a Hygge Hour I simply said, "You may begin," which is what I say twice a day at our community-style snack times, and the kidpeople immediately protested... "Nooo, Mrs. Wright! You need to say <i>Happy Hygge!</i>" I didn't know the toast was so important... grin.<br />
<br />
There is other evidence that hygge hour is important to the kiddos. As is tradition in our school, we have classroom "winter break" parties before we go off for our two weeks at home. We wear PJs that day school-wide. I was excited to tell the kids about what we were going to do for our party. It was all fine and dandy until they realized it was going to be during the hygge hour. I actually got moans and groans... "What about our hygge, Mrs. Wright??" Even though the party was going to be more special than a typical hygge hour, the only way I could bring them around on the party idea was to call it a "Hygge Party." We pretty much did the same things, only with a bigger cookie and a candy cane. snort.<br />
<br />
To be perfectly honest, I look forward to hygge hour as much as the kids do. I have to be extra organized on Fridays, getting backpacks packed up early so my planning period can be given over to prepping for hygge. And it costs me a little out of pocket because there are the cookies and milk to buy as it is only occasionally that parents donate.<br />
<br />
But what makes the hygge hour and hygge in our classroom in general SO important is actually the emotional aspect, the feelings that go along with of all that we do. To feel that we belong, that kids know each other and are connected to the teacher; that we are safe and cared for so we can be happy and content while we learn and grow. Simple things like reading by the fire, or telling our stories from our own lives, or playing games together is really more important than the material things that make our classroom hygge. Our hygge hour is just one more way I strive to meet the emotional needs of my students.<br />
<br />
Just as pretty much everything in my classroom has data to back it up, so too, my focus on emotional connection with my students is based on ever growing evidence from educational research. Teachers who invest time and effort in developing relationships see more student progress in all areas. Kids who have an emotional connection with their teachers do better academically, showing higher grades and test scores. Teacher-student relationships are central to Responsive Classroom schools, too. My Early Childhood background taught me long ago that all this was true, but it is nice there is always new info coming out for all teachers and students. You can read more about the the importance of teacher-student relationships <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=emotional+connection+with+students+improves+learning&oq=emotional+connection+with+students+improves+learning&aqs=chrome..69i57j33.20590j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Even going shoeless is research based! A decade long study on tens of thousands of school children in over 100 schools in 25 countries found students were more engaged and did better in the classroom when they ditched their shoes. In classrooms where students went with just socks, children got better grades, were better behaved, and they read more, especially boys. There was also less bullying. Those dollar store snuggly socks are golden! You can click <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/schools-encouraged-to-adopt-no-shoes-policy-to-improve-pupils-learning-and-behaviour-a7044576.html">here</a> and <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2016/05/23/schoolchildren-with-no-shoes-on-do-better-and-behave-better-in-t/">here</a> and <a href="https://blogs.khaleejtimes.com/2017/09/21/why-kids-should-kick-off-their-shoes-in-the-classroom/">here</a> to read more about learning in socks.<br />
<br />
I shared the idea of hygge hour with parents via email before returning from Thanksgiving break. They are very supportive of hygge. A few have supplied cookies, many hope to be visitors... it's so good when parents come to school! One family even bought me a hygge shirt- grin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II2dtbmEPXw/XDDD6tlKpzI/AAAAAAAAGIs/f8chX1mVWW4pICOO8XU_Ig6R3UWPg4AeACLcBGAs/s1600/hyggeshirtblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="612" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II2dtbmEPXw/XDDD6tlKpzI/AAAAAAAAGIs/f8chX1mVWW4pICOO8XU_Ig6R3UWPg4AeACLcBGAs/s640/hyggeshirtblog.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So what do you think? Do you already have some hygge in your classroom? What new things might you try now? A hygge environment and a hygge hour can be developed and maintained with next to no stuff at all, especially if the focus is on kids feeling cozy and content, and part of the tribe. It is about person to person relationships, not tiny cups, even if tiny cups are fun to have and use. I do encourage you to try it in whatever form you choose. <b><i>You can have my poster up at the top of the post if it helps you think about and share hygge– click on it to download.</i></b> Mull it over and decide what you hope to accomplish with your students and how hygge fits in.<br />
<br />
I really encourage you to check out hygge for your own life, if not your classroom. After this post I have linked some books and videos. Hint- you can read or listen to quite a bit of the books for free in the sample sections of Amazon. You don't have to buy to learn more.<br />
<br />
Here is one last little hygge image to use in ways of your choosing. I've used it as a mini-poster and as little thank you cards for folks who have stopped by or donated to the cause. Just click on it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/mtk1uty1640jr4z/Happy-Hygge%20CARDS.pdf?dl=0"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKWf0ipAO_k/XDDRbrD7GCI/AAAAAAAAGI4/rPHCLx_dnfQJStBt2fSd9IL-WkjT5RgWACLcBGAs/s640/HyggeCardsblog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Please Pin this post to share and to refer to!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thanks so much for stopping by. I would love to hear what you think in comments below!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LD98q0fFmk/XCxHW8Q-f2I/AAAAAAAAGGg/SRyGfhFTUt8dftEto_CHbt9QKCAcuf-0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LD98q0fFmk/XCxHW8Q-f2I/AAAAAAAAGGg/SRyGfhFTUt8dftEto_CHbt9QKCAcuf-0wCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17zIo_5yfPw/XCxHckR6TgI/AAAAAAAAGGk/R1JLbY59GGE9gDW6sdbn2KBhnLT3Bx5uwCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17zIo_5yfPw/XCxHckR6TgI/AAAAAAAAGGk/R1JLbY59GGE9gDW6sdbn2KBhnLT3Bx5uwCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0062658808&asins=0062658808&linkId=b38c0fff6e8fd1e1f31badf00a6765d8&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01H035YZU&asins=B01H035YZU&linkId=04af9a154f6524715a0fbf32da8c4cea&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1548283320&asins=1548283320&linkId=de128b1d4007b899b7e095d93c161803&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1729075266&asins=1729075266&linkId=403c61c99ee9411e8fda2447e5842de6&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pl74ybpyNLk" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7hZ-5dTUpgk" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-15933526299084909562019-01-01T20:35:00.000-05:002019-01-26T05:48:08.029-05:00Yay for the Yeti! And a Funny Kid StoryHappy New Year! I welcome 2019 even as I know the next three months can be long ones as we slog through winter toward spring, especially if you are in a cold, snowy or gray place. My little Southeast corner of Michigan got surprisingly early snow in November, but then not much but rain and gray skies since. blah. So I have a couple of posts coming your way because they will introduce some new fun into your next few months. Today, let me tell you about our yeti!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMe3ZhFx-d4/XCv-EDa2AXI/AAAAAAAAGE0/vBHJmTksjXk1d7P-H81w-dFu2YR_EupAQCLcBGAs/s1600/YetiCover-bit%2Bbigger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="479" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMe3ZhFx-d4/XCv-EDa2AXI/AAAAAAAAGE0/vBHJmTksjXk1d7P-H81w-dFu2YR_EupAQCLcBGAs/s640/YetiCover-bit%2Bbigger.png" width="496" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Yeti Card set includes all sorts of cards– letters, words, and numbers– for PreK, Kindergarten and First Grade teachers to teach all sorts of skills. Letters in upper and lowercase can be turned into matching or beginning sound games. And there are over 100 high frequency word cards, too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_IxHfqCe5s/XCwA77TDUGI/AAAAAAAAGFA/zU4ZKLWm9FsDLNbP-AN8OLFGbLNWBZP5QCLcBGAs/s1600/YETI%2BCARD%2Bpage%2Bsample%2Bwords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="288" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_IxHfqCe5s/XCwA77TDUGI/AAAAAAAAGFA/zU4ZKLWm9FsDLNbP-AN8OLFGbLNWBZP5QCLcBGAs/s1600/YETI%2BCARD%2Bpage%2Bsample%2Bwords.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The number cards go from 0-120 to practice recognition, counting, number order, addition and subtraction... the list goes on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7udE4O6PWo/XCwBf1SgCbI/AAAAAAAAGFI/VoMfMAeBlXEayEDibqQ-lA-7tsSaXwH5gCLcBGAs/s1600/YETI%2BCARDS%2BMATH%2BSamples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="288" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7udE4O6PWo/XCwBf1SgCbI/AAAAAAAAGFI/VoMfMAeBlXEayEDibqQ-lA-7tsSaXwH5gCLcBGAs/s1600/YETI%2BCARDS%2BMATH%2BSamples.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our Yeti is super cute and my hubs, Jonathan, created him just for this set. You won't find him anywhere else. I even included some blank cards and a big blank of this cutie so you can use him in so many ways... I'm going to write <b>Welcome Back!</b> and use him as a sign at my door when we start back on Monday. My principal even wanted a big copy of him to do who knows what with. With the Big Foot movie out now, EVERYONE is into Yeties. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our Yeti Pack is just two bucks. You really can't go wrong. Just click on the Snow Day Yeti below to find them on TPT, along with lots of other stuff, much of it FREEBIES! Happy New Year to All!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kidpeople-Classroom" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q16zCrUAZVU/XCwCd2WB7OI/AAAAAAAAGFU/sA55591uxOsuSkvQqKohNqYFqi29JQDNgCLcBGAs/s400/Yeti-SNOW%2BDAY%2BYeti%2BSQ.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Look at him... That's the spirit! snort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I think this long time coming post might need a funny kid story, eh? Even if it's not Friday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ_yFsjXT6M/XCwNh6MzHzI/AAAAAAAAGF0/mJe9PE46hG8wIqjqcjp0Z4qQmYXvUSyswCLcBGAs/s1600/TeeHeeLink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ_yFsjXT6M/XCwNh6MzHzI/AAAAAAAAGF0/mJe9PE46hG8wIqjqcjp0Z4qQmYXvUSyswCLcBGAs/s320/TeeHeeLink.png" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were two cute little kindergartners walking hand in hand out the door at the end of the day. As they went past me, I heard this little exchange:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kiddo 1: I live in Michigan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kiddo 2: No, I live in Michigan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kiddo 1: NO. I live in Michigan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kiddo 2: NO! <b>I</b> live in Michigan...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And we think we are teaching easy geography lessons when we pull down that mitten map. snort. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It reminded me of another little guy I know, who, when his mom told him he lives in the United States, said, "NO, I live in Michigan!" It does make perfect sense that you can't be in two places at once, after all :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
See you next time for some Hygge! Don't know about Hygge? Then for sure you can't miss what's coming! Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--d9-MRxmaAc/XCwEPNuw4CI/AAAAAAAAGFk/Z2S4mq9H1xQD-zRsoEZPyPZ-ePRWtthYgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="93" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--d9-MRxmaAc/XCwEPNuw4CI/AAAAAAAAGFk/Z2S4mq9H1xQD-zRsoEZPyPZ-ePRWtthYgCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mL1DDJIpAc/XCwEJENMomI/AAAAAAAAGFg/Og0w9s12k38EHv3AvKKbbg0ULEw8GrgqQCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mL1DDJIpAc/XCwEJENMomI/AAAAAAAAGFg/Og0w9s12k38EHv3AvKKbbg0ULEw8GrgqQCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
P.S. If you want to round out a Yeti unit, I found some great Yeties, games, and books, books, books, which I blogged about in this post– Click on the image below to find it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/2018/01/are-you-ready-for-yeti.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELBCh5M6R98/XCwURpEl4RI/AAAAAAAAGGA/k3_byKClY58pRCyTcTN8bZE0Lubkz2aXwCLcBGAs/s320/Yeties.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-82931985536425890512018-03-31T17:46:00.003-04:002018-03-31T17:46:50.301-04:00Spring and STEM for the ClassroomHello Fellow Teachers out in internet land! I have been on spring break this week and had all sorts of intentions of writing a good half dozen posts. The week has flown by with daughters home to visit, many breakfast-lunch-coffees with friends, and my little, furry companion, Popeye, coming to the brink of death yet again (she turns 16 in three months, and in three months her diagnosis of kidney disease reaches the three year mark... she is the original Ever Ready Yorkie-Bunny who just keeps on going, even surpassing the life expectancy of a healthy Yorkie. She is right as rain again today, but these scares let me know the end is drawing near.) I should get on to classroom prep for the weeks ahead, but I'm going to shoot out a quick, photo packed post– hahahaha, they are never quick. Hopefully you get an idea or two from seeing what we're up to in our kidpeople classroom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP_5tjcEaNo/Wr_OqlUqeNI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/OHIqhW-g-o8x09f_iL6NnBfqma53aorrQCLcBGAs/s1600/DOILY-Bouquet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP_5tjcEaNo/Wr_OqlUqeNI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/OHIqhW-g-o8x09f_iL6NnBfqma53aorrQCLcBGAs/s640/DOILY-Bouquet.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Spring!</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We made spring flowers. I gave each kiddo two, dollar store paper doilies. They used fat markers to put a lot of color on each doily. They then placed them on a tray and dripped water all over them- water droppers are such fun. Tipping the tray at different angles let the water ran over the doilies, making the marker ink run, too. Then they set them in a corner of the room to dry.<br />
<br />
The next day they cut out leaves that said <i>Think Spring</i>. I cut a few small pieces of green masking tape and let the kiddos attach their leaves to a green straw stem. I snipped a hole in their two doilies, slid both doilies down on their straw, and tightly twirled a piece of masking tape around the doily where it met the straw. Older kids could do this themselves but my guys needed help.<br />
<br />
Voila– a spring flower to take home. Could make a nice little Mother's Day craft, too. Some of the kiddos liked doing it so much they made some for me to keep in the classroom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hlExlZ3ggF4/Wr_Ov6Xz0kI/AAAAAAAAGAc/3LorfT4heKkPOPcaiosdCHcw3imfMvzfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/singleflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="745" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hlExlZ3ggF4/Wr_Ov6Xz0kI/AAAAAAAAGAc/3LorfT4heKkPOPcaiosdCHcw3imfMvzfQCEwYBhgL/s640/singleflower.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Easy tie-dyed spring flower. Good for Mother's Day, too.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Do you have a lot of those cheap plastic eggs around? I took a dozen, numbered them, and put tiny objects inside– a good purpose for all those little lost doodads that hang around in my pockets... like a Jingle Bell... good grief! The kiddos chose an egg, opened it up and wrote the object's name on the list. It was great practice for stretching words to hear sounds. It also turned out to be good small muscle practice because I told the kiddos they could not place the egg back on the tray unless the egg was snapped shut, and that was a challenge... a doable challenge, but not easy. The list paper is FREE on my TPT store– it's a very popular resource, having been downloaded over 3200 times. Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kidpeople-Classroom">HERE</a> get the freebie.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kidpeople-Classroom"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_H9e13z3FgA/Wr_RuoMOUXI/AAAAAAAAGAk/aHqoHsU6c64-vQfTbh2hr8MsHMVI1wNZACLcBGAs/s640/eggobjects.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Little objects in eggs make it fun to sound out words.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kidpeople-Classroom">List paper is a freebie!</a></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You can get a little STEM milage out of those plastic eggs, too, if you let the kiddos experiment with stacking them. They tried stacking just the round bottoms, the pointy tops... do eggs have tops and bottoms– snort... and a mix of the two. They recorded their findings on a class graph. I won't tell you which shape won, but I will tell you there was a clear winner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKbdWV5Udus/Wr_VyqtCHKI/AAAAAAAAGAw/R6tdA06Z9hY0QfdpN1dcvcJm2XLvwbf5gCLcBGAs/s1600/eggshellstem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1280" height="604" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKbdWV5Udus/Wr_VyqtCHKI/AAAAAAAAGAw/R6tdA06Z9hY0QfdpN1dcvcJm2XLvwbf5gCLcBGAs/s640/eggshellstem.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A little STEM egg fun.<br />Which stacks best– round, pointy, or a mix?</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here's another easy STEM idea– get all sorts of tubes from home, marbles and masking tape. This side of the sink counter was the only wall space left in the room that the kids could easily access. I left this STEM center up over several weeks and various kids had lots of turns. Quick, easy, and completely kid powered.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BITzFXvjrho/Wr_y70cP5nI/AAAAAAAAGCw/uTWATWsJOoolK6ck6tqRML4lz45SCxpyACLcBGAs/s1600/tubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BITzFXvjrho/Wr_y70cP5nI/AAAAAAAAGCw/uTWATWsJOoolK6ck6tqRML4lz45SCxpyACLcBGAs/s640/tubes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Easy STEM fun!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8cEr_LJWvA/Wr_y_Rx6PTI/AAAAAAAAGC0/8RsBr2NXeKEqpN4m1XVLFrX3rxjHh8QGgCLcBGAs/s1600/tubesandtape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8cEr_LJWvA/Wr_y_Rx6PTI/AAAAAAAAGC0/8RsBr2NXeKEqpN4m1XVLFrX3rxjHh8QGgCLcBGAs/s640/tubesandtape.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tubes, marbles and tape is all you need</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When is shaving cream not for shaving? When it is mortar!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uE7YbdY1aDk/Wr_rSCOjJLI/AAAAAAAAGCU/QZD_LILxUtk8SIeM9IW6UnOfvwFEx0APgCLcBGAs/s1600/shavingcream%2Bblocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1350" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uE7YbdY1aDk/Wr_rSCOjJLI/AAAAAAAAGCU/QZD_LILxUtk8SIeM9IW6UnOfvwFEx0APgCLcBGAs/s640/shavingcream%2Bblocks.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yet one more STEM project came about when we used shaving cream with foam blocks. First cubes, and then triangular prisms for a bit more challenge. Good clean mess that smelled great and cleaned the blocks and table really well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bM8UwMWg050/Wr_tZcjFK6I/AAAAAAAAGCg/8Q6yGGiu1T0MdnG8ZobaM7i4754zZF0WwCLcBGAs/s1600/foamblocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bM8UwMWg050/Wr_tZcjFK6I/AAAAAAAAGCg/8Q6yGGiu1T0MdnG8ZobaM7i4754zZF0WwCLcBGAs/s640/foamblocks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I thought this was a lovely display. Our PTO and art teacher got together to bring this project to fruition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY6qtgdw5hc/Wr_azrtAtwI/AAAAAAAAGBA/oPnewMh_P_I36GOb9FpVpuBAfA0vuhF8QCLcBGAs/s1600/butterflydisplay%2Bbright.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1280" height="614" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY6qtgdw5hc/Wr_azrtAtwI/AAAAAAAAGBA/oPnewMh_P_I36GOb9FpVpuBAfA0vuhF8QCLcBGAs/s640/butterflydisplay%2Bbright.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One parent used her Cricut to cut the butterflies out of card stock– the size of butterfly corresponded with the students' grade so my kidpeople are the tiny butterflies in the center. Our art teacher had students decorate with gel pens and, boy, is there some terrific detail when you look up close. Another couple parents did the layout. It's especially nice that the butterfly wings raise off the paper for a 3D effect. This large display went up just in time for our International Night. Love it! The photo doesn't do it justice but I thought it was an idea worth sharing.<br />
<br />
<br />
As I get ready to sign off, here is a little Easter treat for you. My April Showers resource is 50% OFF this Easter weekend, Saturday and Sunday only.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/April-Showers-Bring-What-A-Little-Spring-Fun-1165922"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="537" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1i4aIpvLzJ0/Wr_jpkG2TWI/AAAAAAAAGBw/djDhFcsXhws18W6CEssL55oXTIHAsdz7QCLcBGAs/s640/april%2Bbug.png" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
This cross curricular pack has a funny twist on an old saying, a craft, a close read on June Bugs, response sheets, and a pocket chart and bookmark version, which all adds up to lots of fun learning. And come on, for a buck fifty, it is a bargain. Skootch on over to TPT by clicking on the cover photo above. It will be a fun project for your kiddos in an upcoming April week.<br />
<br />
That's all for now, folks. If you'd do me the favor of Pinning photos, I'd sure appreciate it!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by. See you next time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4s4ohBDlEw/Wr_lO4aAmuI/AAAAAAAAGB8/O0l-T68K0dgRvTvyfFyRzM2q7xt867atACLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R4s4ohBDlEw/Wr_lO4aAmuI/AAAAAAAAGB8/O0l-T68K0dgRvTvyfFyRzM2q7xt867atACLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1G5YFG7VPOc/Wr_lVzBj7aI/AAAAAAAAGCA/zfGSBczGsDQqO1f4yLRv7Ynmc010N64wACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1G5YFG7VPOc/Wr_lVzBj7aI/AAAAAAAAGCA/zfGSBczGsDQqO1f4yLRv7Ynmc010N64wACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-29036023875130646082018-01-07T07:20:00.001-05:002019-01-01T20:37:00.256-05:00Are You Ready for the Yeti?Hello to all of you out in teacher land! Could the fall months have gotten ANY busier?? Whew! My winter break, which comes to an end tomorrow, was so deserved AND so rejuvenating. Ah.<br />
<br />
But I've been busy during break, too, so I wrote this special blog post to go with a new TPT resource Jonathan and I created... a FUN one! I fell in love with the Yeti books that I got for Christmas (surely I'm not the only teacher who finds a stack of kids books alongside a stack of grown-up books under the tree!) But I needed some classroom materials to go with them, so I made a bunch of Yeti learning cards– letter cards, word cards, and number cards– all adorned with this cute fella.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45I9I6kBeUw/WlFhgl0r6-I/AAAAAAAAF_k/iCU9czE13y81tOKtRcXgU_cIadiPPv1MgCLcBGAs/s1600/YetiCover-bit%2Bbigger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="479" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45I9I6kBeUw/WlFhgl0r6-I/AAAAAAAAF_k/iCU9czE13y81tOKtRcXgU_cIadiPPv1MgCLcBGAs/s640/YetiCover-bit%2Bbigger.png" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You'll want to see the cards, but first let me share my Yeti book finds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>No Yeti Yet</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Mary Ann Fraser</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9-zwLHdwSA/WlFAjtXWC9I/AAAAAAAAF9U/5fkH_6VIek8uOwlJLhhz1-W1tbX8KHA-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9-zwLHdwSA/WlFAjtXWC9I/AAAAAAAAF9U/5fkH_6VIek8uOwlJLhhz1-W1tbX8KHA-ACLcBGAs/s640/Yeti1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This one features two little brothers who set off in search of a Yeti. The big brother seems to know a lot about Yetis and is quite confident they will be able to take a photo. The little brother doesn't know what a Yeti is, so he asks a LOT of questions. Kids will enjoy finding the hidden Yeti in each picture. Do you see him below?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrIrMM39y10/WlFBj5ITtCI/AAAAAAAAF9k/Vhlb4qhK2wEYTJH5UQyRYggnce90H4GOACLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrIrMM39y10/WlFBj5ITtCI/AAAAAAAAF9k/Vhlb4qhK2wEYTJH5UQyRYggnce90H4GOACLcBGAs/s640/Yeti2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Needless to say the hunt doesn't go quite as big brother expects it to, and there is a fun surprise at the end. A little bit of lighthearted suspense and a very happy ending will make this Yeti book a good first read for my kidpeople... and I think it is my favorite.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Betty and the Yeti</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Ella Burfoot</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-446djt58yvg/WlFCHJzToxI/AAAAAAAAF9s/7JahFkzqoN4B_yp-ytKGACHE_ruRPiBoACLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-446djt58yvg/WlFCHJzToxI/AAAAAAAAF9s/7JahFkzqoN4B_yp-ytKGACHE_ruRPiBoACLcBGAs/s640/Yeti3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This one features a little girl and her red sled. She has a habit of collecting lost things and then returning them to their rightful owners. When she finds some rather odd clothing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BiqoRWNM6q0/WlFDZvFTh8I/AAAAAAAAF94/c-BeJqJRi1oc57jr-npsogDQfgYI3TpfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BiqoRWNM6q0/WlFDZvFTh8I/AAAAAAAAF94/c-BeJqJRi1oc57jr-npsogDQfgYI3TpfQCLcBGAs/s640/Yeti4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...her hunt for the owner leads her to an unexpected character.... whoever heard of a Yeti in underwear? The kids will love this one, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Dear Yeti</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>by James Kwan</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IobphTE9csQ/WlFDpxLsuzI/AAAAAAAAF98/dPGT8wp-rKoxykDYFXVng-zK_Mse5EYVACLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IobphTE9csQ/WlFDpxLsuzI/AAAAAAAAF98/dPGT8wp-rKoxykDYFXVng-zK_Mse5EYVACLcBGAs/s640/Yeti5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This book's protagonists are self described "wild, but friendly men." They, too, go off in search of the Yeti, but they do it with the help of a little bird. The text is written as letters which are delivered by the bird to the Yeti. If kids follow the little bird's path they will find the Yeti, a brown one this time, who also ends up a hero.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVy-DE12rYU/WlFE7xyrEYI/AAAAAAAAF-I/jHKGRfStyRYjiANYKk6rZLWCFZBPe5ptgCLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVy-DE12rYU/WlFE7xyrEYI/AAAAAAAAF-I/jHKGRfStyRYjiANYKk6rZLWCFZBPe5ptgCLcBGAs/s640/Yeti6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Spaghetti with the Yeti</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Adam & Charlotte Guillain and Lee Wildish</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4aauAP4tfc/WlFFGrvMdcI/AAAAAAAAF-M/9ihRDxYywR0k2reuUwzrytQR-2i8Q4AcACLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4aauAP4tfc/WlFFGrvMdcI/AAAAAAAAF-M/9ihRDxYywR0k2reuUwzrytQR-2i8Q4AcACLcBGAs/s640/Yeti7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This book is part of the George's Amazing Adventures series in which George goes off in search of all sorts of creatures using all sorts of enticing foods. This time he is looking for a Yeti with the help of spaghetti. Unfortunately, George keeps finding the wrong sort of monster and each one suggests a different kind of food for the Yeti.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfDYk7ZPE0U/WlFGP_MzviI/AAAAAAAAF-Y/p35tJT_l_54pOu3Ajw1GwKY_jZkEk7dogCLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfDYk7ZPE0U/WlFGP_MzviI/AAAAAAAAF-Y/p35tJT_l_54pOu3Ajw1GwKY_jZkEk7dogCLcBGAs/s640/Yeti8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is another silly tale illustrated with bright, bold colors that helps kids build on the Yeti lore they are collecting from their reading.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Thing About Yetis</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>by Vin Vogel</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ2Qj702UTc/WlFG6UjsuvI/AAAAAAAAF-g/TqM8i5_bNx0LJIEx50cm0IUIbkhpMaqewCLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJ2Qj702UTc/WlFG6UjsuvI/AAAAAAAAF-g/TqM8i5_bNx0LJIEx50cm0IUIbkhpMaqewCLcBGAs/s640/Yeti9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I save this one for last, and will read it last to the kids, too, because it adds all sorts of interesting details to Yeti lore... even the fact that Yetis get cold and miss the summer. The illustrations are adorable and kids will enjoy knowing they have so much in common with Yetis. This one is also my favorite... a person can have more than one favorite, you know.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvzVmJOYX-4/WlFHmJW2xaI/AAAAAAAAF-o/1ue8ezSOjFQR252NTXvAh-BC7SbsNXhogCLcBGAs/s1600/Yeti10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvzVmJOYX-4/WlFHmJW2xaI/AAAAAAAAF-o/1ue8ezSOjFQR252NTXvAh-BC7SbsNXhogCLcBGAs/s640/Yeti10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">THIS is a Yeti after my own heart- snort!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And what Yeti unit is complete without a couple of furry Yetis...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUwCjGHMV1Q/WlFJNLjrj2I/AAAAAAAAF-0/Jb6q4fothdUoGTuTbVmxY0Vdg34Fjlc1gCLcBGAs/s1600/Yeties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUwCjGHMV1Q/WlFJNLjrj2I/AAAAAAAAF-0/Jb6q4fothdUoGTuTbVmxY0Vdg34Fjlc1gCLcBGAs/s640/Yeties.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, this is my collection of Yetis that the kids are going to get to know. You'll probably recognize the biggest guy as the Abominable Snowman from the classic Rudolph stop motion animated movie. I saw this Bumble years ago and he brought back such fond memories of my own childhood with those Rankin/Bass productions of winter children's movies that I had to get him. He roars when you squeeze his tummy... think I'll take the batteries out before bringing him to school. snort.<br />
<br />
The guy next to him counterclockwise is a modern fellow available from Aurora. He is super soft and squishy. He is also quite floppy as his hands are weighted to help him sit up, I think, but the effect is nice. The little one in the box (he comes out) is part of the Yeti Rescue Kit which includes a Caregiver's Manual and adoption papers, etc.– kids get to name him, decide what he eats, etc.<br />
<br />
And the big box in front is the game, <i>Yeti in my Spaghetti.</i> It is sort of a mix of KerPlunk, Pick-Up Sticks, and Don't Break the Ice. In this version kids need to remove the plastic spaghetti noodles without letting the Yeti fall to the bottom of the bowl. That little Yeti can balance across the bowl on just two noodles if done very carefully... yes, I had to try it myself. *wink*<br />
<br />
I very rarely put affiliate links to products I blog about, but because I just bought these in the last month I went to check prices. They are the same price, or even better than when I bought them... especially the Yulli Yeti. If you click on the buttons you can go see for yourself. Some of them are even available used if you'd like to get a better price.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00LBE0RFW&asins=B00LBE0RFW&linkId=f9cc0ab82377fd5e503675455276d502&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1441306129&asins=1441306129&linkId=4e93060a6b416139e3f192d9c25e7edc&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00UPAYY5C&asins=B00UPAYY5C&linkId=c1dda6b1281946597cab37fc1adf24a8&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1441308555&asins=1441308555&linkId=a60c929eb42b3dbeb5b5b940d8a43b76&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kidpeoclassr-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1338097040&asins=1338097040&linkId=a1f951eabfb96c0380adafcf69c61d88&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
I am going to launch my fun Yeti unit with the help of Bumble because most of the kids will know him from Rudolph. (It's amazing that simple show is still around entertaining kids. It has seen 53 Christmas seasons now.) I'll start with him, gather what they know, then tell some of the legends that go along with the Abominable Snowman, Big Foot and the Yeti. I think this will provide a good base for discussion of how stories are passed down, where folklore comes from, and how some people want others to believe it so much, they make up a hoax or two, or three. (Just so YOU know, any kind of "proof" that anyone has presented for a BigFoot or Yeti has been disproven.) Then we'll make up the rest of our own Yeti lore with the help of the picture books and our own imaginations. Nothing too scary, you see– just happy, imaginative fun to get us through some long cold days when we probably will miss numerous outdoor recesses if this winter stays as cold as it started.<br />
<br />
The picture books about Yetis that I listed above can lead the creative teacher into all sorts of additional activities– writing letters to Yetis, eating Yeti foods like spaghetti and hot chocolate, even a mid-winter beach party if you are really brave. And to tie the Yeti into reading and math activities I came up with Yeti Cards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yeti-Cards-Letters-Words-and-Numbers-3574002"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="223" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvsRSmsARhA/WlFZqGGpzcI/AAAAAAAAF_E/6_Qucb1Ml_E1m2aZ3A0UF2J5aH138tqTQCLcBGAs/s640/Yeti-Cards%2BCoverTHUMB.jpg" width="495" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This pack is a basic set of playing/flash cards, but what makes them special is their adorable Yeti illustrated by my hubs. Isn't he full of character with just a touch of grumpy <strike>like his creator</strike>... surely I didn't just write that! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yeti-Cards-Letters-Words-and-Numbers-3574002"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="288" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krv8rm-oupc/WlFfSIqOh2I/AAAAAAAAF_U/f3h9h1x89usddTdbov3lj1n7a0G_GLN1wCLcBGAs/s400/YETI%2BCARD%2Bpage%2Bsample%2Bwords.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
There is a set of cards with upper and lowercase letters, a set of sight word cards with a mix of over one hundred Dolch and Fry words, and number cards 0-120 and + - and =. All together there are over 300 cards. You can use them for all the things you use such cards for- upper and lowercase matching, alphabetizing, memory and matching games, word work, number cards for playing or putting in order... you get the idea.<br />
<br />
I included a sheet of blank cards so you can write other cards as you need them. And there is also an 8.5 x 11 full size blank Yeti to use as a sign, or a mascot, or whatever you choose.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yeti-Cards-Letters-Words-and-Numbers-3574002"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="288" height="309" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5fzVV_jSoFk/WlFfa23sUHI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/c6wCyZHi5c4tgcST7QCHZPuKtS-HcFm1ACLcBGAs/s400/YETI%2BCARDS%2BMATH%2BSamples.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
TODAY and TOMORROW the Yeti cards will be on sale for half price! Their regular price is only two dollars, but you might as well grab them for a buck while you can. And don't forget to leave some love if you can! So appreciated! Just click on any of the Yeti card images above to see.<br />
<br />
I am so excited about this unit I want to launch it tomorrow, but I'll show some restraint. We have a lot of snow and snowman stuff to read, write, draw and learn about for January. I'll save this guy for the week after Valentines when the long gray days of winter seem to keep dragging on and on. It might be cold outside, but baby, we're gonna have Yetis to keep us learning and playing! Whoot!<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know below and don't forget to PIN! Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLaxljEQaqs/WlFl9qp3-aI/AAAAAAAAF_w/oB8XFxhMnAIgVo5rmpJtpiZt6UlqyKYcACLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLaxljEQaqs/WlFl9qp3-aI/AAAAAAAAF_w/oB8XFxhMnAIgVo5rmpJtpiZt6UlqyKYcACLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SkOCHOvySk/WlFmDP7eN4I/AAAAAAAAF_0/-bMlFucwQ_Ae4y-5tIiyTos8kThaxIDfgCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SkOCHOvySk/WlFmDP7eN4I/AAAAAAAAF_0/-bMlFucwQ_Ae4y-5tIiyTos8kThaxIDfgCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-30945059312600848342017-10-17T06:10:00.000-04:002017-10-17T06:24:11.054-04:00Jump Ropes, Caterpillars, Pumpkins and a ChuckleHappy October! Thanks to Stephanie at <b>Forever in Fifth Grade</b> for <b><i>Show and Tell Tuesday</i></b>. Stephanie, you can never stop doing this linky– it is often the <strike>kick in the butt</strike> little nudge that takes me to the keyboard to share the latest. Thanks!<br />
<br />
Today I have a handful of goodness. I hope your life has slowed down just a tad since the first weeks of school and you have time to find a good tip or two among these. And don't forget to Pin the ideas you want to do.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>1.</b></span> We have monarchs caterpillars in the classroom right now. They came after a Praying Mantis and a Walking Stick. It's been a rather buggy start to the year, but I can't pass up unusual insects when they come my way– such great learning opportunities. We have been doing all sorts of learning about caterpillars– comparing factual science books with fictional books about butterflies (Sorry, Mr. Carle, butterflies do not make cocoons,) scientific observation, guided drawing, labeling, and a fun art project I made up that incorporated math and literacy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jld7P8Vuq0/WeN8r5tUcKI/AAAAAAAAF8o/a_7Vym_e-n4QkwhrMFQRs5xwi0-XYXJpACLcBGAs/s1600/caterpillarpattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jld7P8Vuq0/WeN8r5tUcKI/AAAAAAAAF8o/a_7Vym_e-n4QkwhrMFQRs5xwi0-XYXJpACLcBGAs/s640/caterpillarpattern.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The kids practiced making patterns as they glued the strips to form a caterpillar, and the leaf will be placed on a page where some writing will take place, too. Here is a picture of the materials and resulting caterpillar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="color: red; font-size: xx-large;">2.</b> This is one of a plethora of letter activities we do at the start of the year. They create letter dot-to-dots, connecting magnetic letters placed on paper on a cookie sheet, which entails learning letters and abc order.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3dgSFIlo7U/WeN7bKQV6bI/AAAAAAAAF8c/Nzw81mXYcTQkbI0eUuOY8nDNcGXNmy-XACLcBGAs/s1600/letterdot-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3dgSFIlo7U/WeN7bKQV6bI/AAAAAAAAF8c/Nzw81mXYcTQkbI0eUuOY8nDNcGXNmy-XACLcBGAs/s640/letterdot-.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is interesting that even in this simple activity you can see what kids do know and don't know yet– I bet none of you are surprised to see the <b>b</b> and <b>d</b> reversal. That tricky <b>t</b> with a tail is often taken as an <b>f</b>... why do they make that one random letter with a serif in most sets? This activity has fast teacher prep and the kiddos liked doing it. Put it out with a lower case alphabet chart as most will need it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>3. </b></span> I switched up recess a bit. My kiddos love jump ropes, but they are tricky for kinder kids to use, so I keep several Chinese jump ropes on hand. You can find them cheap in toy departments, or simply make one by tying a long stretch of elastic in a circle. The static rope allows more kids to get in on the act of jumping or stepping over, and you can vary the game by raising the loop up and down from ankles to knees as the kids' legs hold the elastic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy_zpunLLOU/WeN60X7XcrI/AAAAAAAAF8M/7xGgRVVYaRkkgvH3ZfRl4oLpgTD_mHDvwCLcBGAs/s1600/leapjumprope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy_zpunLLOU/WeN60X7XcrI/AAAAAAAAF8M/7xGgRVVYaRkkgvH3ZfRl4oLpgTD_mHDvwCLcBGAs/s400/leapjumprope.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1kdQ0vmBX0/WeN69TPpieI/AAAAAAAAF8U/ORCUsfIO0WMlKxZz3xMEMMYi03wuM2JmgCLcBGAs/s1600/jumprope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1kdQ0vmBX0/WeN69TPpieI/AAAAAAAAF8U/ORCUsfIO0WMlKxZz3xMEMMYi03wuM2JmgCLcBGAs/s400/jumprope.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The loop can also be used for circle games. It's so simple that after some fast demos they can play all by themselves. It usually launches us into learning jumprope rhymes, too... <i><b>Bubble gum, bubble gum, in a dish. How many pieces do you wish?...</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PkFR7ryTvc/WeN7EWw2wNI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/EuByJIG6hSo6V6RJuBj962fQtzXZ5UUIACLcBGAs/s1600/circlegames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1280" height="393" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PkFR7ryTvc/WeN7EWw2wNI/AAAAAAAAF8Y/EuByJIG6hSo6V6RJuBj962fQtzXZ5UUIACLcBGAs/s400/circlegames.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>4.</b></span> Buying pumpkins, counting pumpkins, cooking pumpkins... pumpkins everywhere!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrjiYaQtu-4/WeN5RgmyHhI/AAAAAAAAF74/DFT0Gb1QgIsEuUalc64rWxM_oiXJGvUWQCLcBGAs/s1600/marketpumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1138" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrjiYaQtu-4/WeN5RgmyHhI/AAAAAAAAF74/DFT0Gb1QgIsEuUalc64rWxM_oiXJGvUWQCLcBGAs/s400/marketpumpkins.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the season for using pumpkins. And I don't just mean Jack O' Lanterns... in fact this year we aren't doing Jack O' Lanterns as I have a little one who does not celebrate Halloween. There are still lots of autumn things to do, though. At our morning meeting we've been rolling small pumpkins, both real and plastic as we sing The Pumpkins Go Rolling Two by Two. I vary the verses so we can sing, One by one, Two by two, three by three, etc. And I've rewritten that last verse to lines like– the little one likes to bump into your shoe, the little one always goes a-choo, the little one has a dot that's blue (I put a little blue dot under one of them). You can tie counting, addition, and rhyming into the song in lots of ways, keeping it different and fun.<br />
<br />
We also did some cooking. First of all we had to get the seeds out of the pumpkin- small pie pumpkins are about a buck right now at the store.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZZK-e7oJi8/WeN54BP4ABI/AAAAAAAAF8A/mS0ztA1H9PsA-s4TAw2AQQ_xcasyufCEwCLcBGAs/s1600/pumpkinseeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZZK-e7oJi8/WeN54BP4ABI/AAAAAAAAF8A/mS0ztA1H9PsA-s4TAw2AQQ_xcasyufCEwCLcBGAs/s400/pumpkinseeds.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Oh, the faces were priceless as kids get those seeds out of the pumpkin guts with their fingers. Then we counted them... there are a LOT of seeds in even a small pumpkin– 544, to be exact. So how do five year olds manage to count all those seeds? With the help of a math tool, of course. We work in pairs to put one seed on each number of a 50 grid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2-NHVDqR7MA/WeN6BpavuBI/AAAAAAAAF8E/2BcIr0C9JQAmQmY_SM8hyRKZH3Gl2XykACLcBGAs/s1600/countingseeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2-NHVDqR7MA/WeN6BpavuBI/AAAAAAAAF8E/2BcIr0C9JQAmQmY_SM8hyRKZH3Gl2XykACLcBGAs/s400/countingseeds.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Why work in pairs? Cooperation and faster results. Why 50? We are counting our school days to 50 right now, when we will have a "half party." A half party is a small party that comes half way to the full 100 Day party. At the half party we talk about the fraction 1/2, breaking Kit Kats in half, dividing ten Skittles equally, pouring half a glass of juice, cutting our napkin in half... you get the idea. I've blogged about it before and <a href="http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/2014/11/celebrating-50th-day-with-halves.html">you can see it here</a>.<br />
<br />
But I digress... we kept filling the 50 grids until all the seeds had been placed and found our total number. Then we gave the seeds a good rinse in hot water, blotted them, and tossed them in a bowl with a teaspoon of vegetable oil and a generous amount of soy sauce. We let them sit for half an hour then spread them out on a parchment covered cookie sheet and baked ten minutes on each side. They were indeed yummy. We ate all 544!<br />
<br />
We also made pumpkin pudding. It's a super simple recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTZsrTuBOp4/WeN6bp2sWOI/AAAAAAAAF8I/uf6YBqYE9IMEViVkb7ZxLFNWd0BaWRc6gCLcBGAs/s1600/pumpkinpudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="233" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTZsrTuBOp4/WeN6bp2sWOI/AAAAAAAAF8I/uf6YBqYE9IMEViVkb7ZxLFNWd0BaWRc6gCLcBGAs/s400/pumpkinpudding.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Make instant vanilla pudding with just one cup of milk instead of three, and add a big can of pumpkin puree. It involves a lot of mixing so everyone can get in on the act. After it sets for a refrigerated hour or two, it is very yummy. And the pumpkin is pretty good for you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>5. </b></span> And to make this a true Kidpeople Classroom post, I add a funny kid tale, even if it is not Friday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PicXrNM5t_A/WeNmTCQ6LQI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/vnViV6ey_QwO4ly-9tlZWf0bz6ILx9yZgCLcBGAs/s1600/TeeHeeLink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PicXrNM5t_A/WeNmTCQ6LQI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/vnViV6ey_QwO4ly-9tlZWf0bz6ILx9yZgCLcBGAs/s320/TeeHeeLink.png" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
One afternoon our principal came in as we were just starting quiet time. When he saw everyone get their carpet squares he asked if he could have one, too. As I invited kid by kid to use the bathroom, he laid down on the floor with them, much to their delight. He got several messages on his phone and in a couple minutes he had to leave, quietly signaling a goodby.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later one of my kidpeople said to me, "Mr. E forgot his phone."<br />
<br />
Knowing he had taken his phone with him, and thinking she was a bit confused, I responded, "Did you hear Mr. E's. phone ding a couple times? That means he was getting messages. I think someone needed him somewhere else and he had to go."<br />
<br />
This Little didn't say anything for a few minutes, and then she said, "Mr. E left his phone."<br />
<br />
"Hmmm, nope. He had his phone in his hand when he left."<br />
<br />
Several more minutes and several more kids off to the bathroom, and I'm looking for a book by my chair that I'm going to read after quiet time.<br />
<br />
I hear her little voice again, saying very slowly and distinctly, "I. Can. See. His. Phone."<br />
<br />
I looked at her. She is looking at me, but then turns her head so she is looking under the bench beside her, and once again deliberately says, "I. Can. See. His. Phone."<br />
<br />
I stand up and there indeed is a phone on the other side of the bench. I go over and pick it up and muse, "Well, there is a phone here. I guess it's Mr. E's."<br />
<br />
Little Miss smiles up at me and says, "Of course."<br />
<br />
Five year olds keep the faith that they CAN get through to dense teachers if they just keep trying :)<br />
<br />
Hope you got a chuckle and a few new ideas. I have two other posts in the making... wonder if I can get to them before the next Show and Tell Tuesday??<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Click the Show and Tell button to see what others are sharing today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://foreverinfifthgrade.blogspot.com/2017/10/show-tell-tuesday-october.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58bdwmTVv2c/WeN-6UGTARI/AAAAAAAAF80/k_5mWn0HZ6k95N6tROzYRbSPR47BCgbLgCLcBGAs/s320/show%2Band%2Btell%2Btuesday.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbeb4X57Sfg/WeNnoO_UiQI/AAAAAAAAF7k/6lUcI7aTvZkDRGVhCpXUCIGiKowMpTfRgCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jbeb4X57Sfg/WeNnoO_UiQI/AAAAAAAAF7k/6lUcI7aTvZkDRGVhCpXUCIGiKowMpTfRgCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rru_OocopUg/WeNnqvqt3nI/AAAAAAAAF7o/f_6NoJ8CSDQulxNMLlxhaUOUycxtB_gEQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rru_OocopUg/WeNnqvqt3nI/AAAAAAAAF7o/f_6NoJ8CSDQulxNMLlxhaUOUycxtB_gEQCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-42061097038217091022017-09-15T04:13:00.000-04:002017-09-15T04:13:52.522-04:00The Winners and Funny Kid FridayWhew. There ain't nothing like the start of a new school year, is there? I live, breathe, and sleep in teacher mode, as I'm sure most teachers do. My class this year is full of the most terrific little kidpeople and I look forward to this year with them. I'll just be glad when all the "other" stuff that has to be done at the start of the year is done, and my life takes on just the regular busy rhythm.<br />
<br />
I decided to make this a Funny Kid Friday post because we can all use a chuckle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3C07UPRbokE/WbR-G34C6OI/AAAAAAAAF5w/S7_5hKbZU_spfe_ha4thGYg4_35sGEGOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/TeeHeeLink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3C07UPRbokE/WbR-G34C6OI/AAAAAAAAF5w/S7_5hKbZU_spfe_ha4thGYg4_35sGEGOgCEwYBhgL/s320/TeeHeeLink.png" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
But first, I need to share a few words about the winners of our book and Amazon card giveaways... yes, I know, that seems like years ago now.<br />
<br />
The winner of our second giveaway was Mary who, as a teacher, strives to encourage her students to love reading and become lifelong readers. She plans to use her book for great discussions.<br />
<br />
And the winner of our third and final giveaway, winning <b><i>No More Noisy Nights, </i></b>was Angela and she shares that she is a kindergarten teacher. She knows her kids will love this book and she looks forward to the discussion that will follow. She also hopes it will spark some creative stories in Writers Workshop.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to both! I hope they enjoy their book and a bit of shopping.<br />
<br />
And special thanks to my blogger friends who helped spread the giveaway news at:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb-90FtGS9g/WbSCMFcrYTI/AAAAAAAAF6M/NsIyYcWm2aIwoowZOJ5PM_aA9VR1DnV-ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/blog%2Bbutton%2Bsmall.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb-90FtGS9g/WbSCMFcrYTI/AAAAAAAAF6M/NsIyYcWm2aIwoowZOJ5PM_aA9VR1DnV-ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/blog%2Bbutton%2Bsmall.png" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ1PPgKhzf4/WbSCWmkHSVI/AAAAAAAAF6U/8XPzYxIzefQ-hjuXBDul4Q1BKkeA85BOgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/grab.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ1PPgKhzf4/WbSCWmkHSVI/AAAAAAAAF6U/8XPzYxIzefQ-hjuXBDul4Q1BKkeA85BOgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/grab.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5JYuS4faG8/WbSCkz0qa9I/AAAAAAAAF6k/V8EPRLpedd4_Lc1isp8t3zCYRIZK8BwMQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/hand%2Bin%2Bhand%2Blogo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5JYuS4faG8/WbSCkz0qa9I/AAAAAAAAF6k/V8EPRLpedd4_Lc1isp8t3zCYRIZK8BwMQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/hand%2Bin%2Bhand%2Blogo-2.jpg" width="189" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uf7Ry-apV0/WbSCqHzu8_I/AAAAAAAAF6s/8MlYHCF7_9oXD_xSljA9OPwsCeSDl7kDgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/blog%2Bbutton%2B3_zpsbisvn3av.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uf7Ry-apV0/WbSCqHzu8_I/AAAAAAAAF6s/8MlYHCF7_9oXD_xSljA9OPwsCeSDl7kDgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/blog%2Bbutton%2B3_zpsbisvn3av.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Now for some funny kid stories. </i></b><br />
<br />
This story was shared with me by one of my parents.<br />
<br />
Mom: So how was your first day at school?<br />
<br />
Kidperson: I made a new friend.<br />
<br />
Mom: Great! Who is it?<br />
<br />
Kidperson: It's a girl. She has braids.<br />
<br />
Mom: What's her name?<br />
<br />
Kidperson: Mmmm..... Braid-y.<br />
<br />
SNORT<br />
<br />
And on the third day of school, as the kidpeople and I finished up our closing circle, I said, "Okay, guys, it's time to get your backpacks on."<br />
<br />
One little guy said, "How come?"<br />
<br />
It takes a while for the Littles to make the connection with "closing" and "end of day," I guess.<br />
<br />
I answered him, "Because it's time to go home."<br />
<br />
"Awww-man!" he said, which started everyone else protesting, too. "Nooo...Nooo"<br />
<br />
A colleague and I just looked at each other, chuckling. I guess it's a pretty good sign if they never want to leave!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by! See you next time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnHtp6raXDQ/WbSAXIJuCnI/AAAAAAAAF50/7HHVynbjdlIVswCZW24noVjytvxv63_7QCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnHtp6raXDQ/WbSAXIJuCnI/AAAAAAAAF50/7HHVynbjdlIVswCZW24noVjytvxv63_7QCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7Eg7n0SRkE/WbSAhr4upgI/AAAAAAAAF54/cUzDf0e-tXAOa_3J9IKVsHFviQo8_TQiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7Eg7n0SRkE/WbSAhr4upgI/AAAAAAAAF54/cUzDf0e-tXAOa_3J9IKVsHFviQo8_TQiQCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-21492363548691480252017-08-21T20:50:00.002-04:002017-08-21T21:00:20.437-04:00Last Week of Giveaways!This week we have our last week of Teacher Book Talk Tuesday and our last book and Amazon gift certificate giveaway.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RCH1-n8Cdo/WZnY2m3sm2I/AAAAAAAAF34/enulsjPyTFYz_8g_908ot1rjcGYtQNwOACLcBGAs/s1600/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RCH1-n8Cdo/WZnY2m3sm2I/AAAAAAAAF34/enulsjPyTFYz_8g_908ot1rjcGYtQNwOACLcBGAs/s1600/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Week Three Giveaway! Last One!</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Time to focus on moving back to the classroom. You have just enough time to slip into the giveaway. Best of luck to you. This week we have a very new book from Flashlight Press which also happens to be written by Holly Niner, who wrote our featured book last week.<br />
<br />
But first I need to announce that last week's winner was Mary L. I sent a happy email to her and when I hear back, last week's book prize, <b><i>The Day I Ran Away</i></b>, and her Amazon gift certificate will be on the way.<br />
<br />
And remember our winner of <b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b>? Well, she sends a word of thanks and let's us know how she will use her book. Tina is a learning disabilities teacher who teaches Math and English to K-5 students in Kansas. Her older students work on reading fluency and she plans on having them practice reading <b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b> to the younger set. The K-1 students love that and the older ones get fluency practice and a self-esteem boost in one. She will also use the book to teach gluing rules– anything multi-sensory makes a huge impact on her kids and glue is a part of that. Tina is a regular reader of the blog and says she finds lots of kindergarten ideas here that with a tweak or two she can use with her full range multi-age of students. Thanks, Tina! We are happy <b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b> found a good home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>No More Noisy Nights</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>by Holly L. Niner and Guy Wolek</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLBOK3FIfCk/WZn4RQLZYUI/AAAAAAAAF4s/TJKHgNTh20cleSnIMJt_73bMgPiqYoU3gCLcBGAs/s1600/nomorecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLBOK3FIfCk/WZn4RQLZYUI/AAAAAAAAF4s/TJKHgNTh20cleSnIMJt_73bMgPiqYoU3gCLcBGAs/s640/nomorecover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
What do you say about a book which stars a mole, a ghost, a boogey monster, and a Pixie? What?? I say that's a rather unlikely cast of characters, but the kiddos will like 'em all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SClK0O_Du4/WZn4RmhN-JI/AAAAAAAAF48/YiDVka19x7YKVRabnkDTM4UEYwCSYxl1QCEwYBhgL/s1600/nomoreinterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="413" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SClK0O_Du4/WZn4RmhN-JI/AAAAAAAAF48/YiDVka19x7YKVRabnkDTM4UEYwCSYxl1QCEwYBhgL/s640/nomoreinterior.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mole has a new house! He works hard to make if feel like home, moving all his things into place. He happily settles in for the night... until he finds his new house is too noisy to sleep in. After making some pretty silly mistakes in the morning because of his sleepy, muddled brain, he decides to take action and that's when he discovers he has housemates. Mole must get creative to keep everyone happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vWPnIpGKX8/WZn4R3PagnI/AAAAAAAAF48/FqbQgY1R4WcFUrx8fVmeH3BIwCo09d3fACEwYBhgL/s1600/nomoremole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vWPnIpGKX8/WZn4R3PagnI/AAAAAAAAF48/FqbQgY1R4WcFUrx8fVmeH3BIwCo09d3fACEwYBhgL/s640/nomoremole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This book is a great one to get students thinking about problem solving when things aren't going well among classmates. How can you keep everyone happy when you are all so different and you all like different things? And if you are a parent who wants a new bedtime read, <b><i>No More Noisy Nights</i></b> certainly lends itself to that... put qualms about noises that go bump in the night to bed with the friends in this book. <br />
<br />
I also think it is nice to see Halloween-ish characters in a non-Halloween book. If you are a teacher who doesn't do Halloween in your class, you might think about using this book to show that sometimes ghosts and monsters have nothing to do with the holiday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COR23EMTR8A/WZn4RWo-yXI/AAAAAAAAF48/tSA0on9NBwYlMQyeyDHZeMbcSp-Z2womgCEwYBhgL/s1600/nomoreghost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COR23EMTR8A/WZn4RWo-yXI/AAAAAAAAF48/tSA0on9NBwYlMQyeyDHZeMbcSp-Z2womgCEwYBhgL/s640/nomoreghost.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Guy Wolek's illustrations include lots of techniques that kids can use in their storytelling. Cutaways that show what's happening in different places, sound words, and motion lines help tell the tale of the cute and colorful characters. Students will love looking over the pictures, finding details.<br />
<br />
And this Flashlight Press book includes <i><b>About the Author</b></i> and <b><i>About the Illustrator </i></b>blurbs, too. They're such a good way for kids to see authors and illustrators as real people, and learn ways to write their own blurbs. Whenever I need an example of what authors share about themselves, I grab a Flashlight Press book because I know I'll find blurbs there. And as to the end papers– you know I always mention the end papers– well, your kiddos are going to have to think a bit harder about these because it is not obvious. A bit of mystery that can probably be solved by the end of the book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FcypfRgmb0/WZn4RJVkk8I/AAAAAAAAF48/4wepY82zj7Y6ub5Jakd9CHJgxHkIioGjACEwYBhgL/s1600/nomoreblurb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="856" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FcypfRgmb0/WZn4RJVkk8I/AAAAAAAAF48/4wepY82zj7Y6ub5Jakd9CHJgxHkIioGjACEwYBhgL/s640/nomoreblurb.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You can find my Flashlight Press book reviews by using my search lists on the right side bar and see Flashlight Press books by clicking below.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flashlightpress.com/"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nn2-nyWv4I4/WZn0fpMGyjI/AAAAAAAAF4g/mSp0ML17QTI6qztJ15lVO75rwcYN3bmLQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-20%2Bat%2B4.42.00%2BPM.png" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
This cozy tale will come to live in some lucky teachers classroom, along with a ten dollar Amazon gift card. Some of my blogging friends are helping me give away the books– The Teacher Desk 6, STEM is Elementary, Peach, Love and Primary, and Kindergarten: Hand in Hand We Grow. You can check out their blogs by clicking on their icons below after they link up to this post. By following any or all of this diverse group of bloggers you can get up to eight entries. Winners need to have a US address in order to win due to shipping costs, I'm afraid. I'll announce the winner next week. Thanks to Flashlight Press for the books and The Teacher's Desk 6 for the Amazon card. (Note- to follow me on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJYgxYdsKtSJcyR-A0qMogA">click here</a>.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="5ce1b7477" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5ce1b7477/" id="rcwidget_m0gh0shb" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
Now I'm off to prep my night before school student gifts so I can deliver them next week. Click on it below if you'd like to see how they work– it is FREE to say thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/2016/08/night-before-school-wishing-star.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2IhxAmP1nA/WZn_5kNyOMI/AAAAAAAAF5U/1-MjtcpzAv47ulDu--BT9LQL6RaDzz7UQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-20%2Bat%2B5.31.19%2BPM.png" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
Good luck to you! See you next time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W92_6oVJjyM/WZnudUNhqeI/AAAAAAAAF4I/-FgXjejHQlQl_mCvOd8IdQiYiithMMaLACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W92_6oVJjyM/WZnudUNhqeI/AAAAAAAAF4I/-FgXjejHQlQl_mCvOd8IdQiYiithMMaLACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enYZFq9rACY/WZnufzf8W7I/AAAAAAAAF4M/OcH-y3sAxy4keuuqls8CHP-BqbEXZiOwQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-enYZFq9rACY/WZnufzf8W7I/AAAAAAAAF4M/OcH-y3sAxy4keuuqls8CHP-BqbEXZiOwQCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script --><br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="733289">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=733289" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />
<br />
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-73648426464379722382017-08-15T02:06:00.001-04:002017-08-16T06:05:30.363-04:00Giveaway Week Two and Bad News<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eFI6CZ7xIQ/WY6GkCMUzyI/AAAAAAAAF18/1qeMMCxRhOE107MpIC5J31eNcaV2jZnswCLcBGAs/s1600/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eFI6CZ7xIQ/WY6GkCMUzyI/AAAAAAAAF18/1qeMMCxRhOE107MpIC5J31eNcaV2jZnswCLcBGAs/s400/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Week Two Giveaway!</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Hello on this happy Tuesday! I'm happy because today is a double duty day– it is my T<i style="font-weight: bold;">eacher Book Talk Tuesday </i>and the <b><i>Show and Tell</i></b> linky from <b><i>Forever in Fifth Grade</i></b>. I'm afraid my Show and Tell this week is bad news– not typical at all here on the blog, but something you must know about.<br />
<br />
I get to start out with a <b><i>congratulations</i></b> to Tina B, last week's winner of our giveaway. <b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b> and a ten dollar Amazon card will be in the mail as soon as I hear back from her. If your name happens to be Tina B, check your email!<br />
<br />
While last week's <b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b> is on it's way to becoming a classroom classic, this week's book just came out in the last few months.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>The Day I Ran Away</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>by Holly L. Niner and Isabella Ongaro</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rql76OY8E6w/WZJHQlFx2dI/AAAAAAAAF3c/h56JGWIgmfo43hTeBzgyl1krPMqJVAosQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rql76OY8E6w/WZJHQlFx2dI/AAAAAAAAF3c/h56JGWIgmfo43hTeBzgyl1krPMqJVAosQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Have you ever been so mad that you wanted to run away? I have. I think I was about five when I got the big idea to run away to my Nana's house... it made no difference that she lived three hundred miles away, I was going to walk there. I knew it was far but it wasn't the distance that made me give up the idea of walking. No, it was knowing that I'd have to <b><i>walk</i></b> over the Ambassador Bridge. It was the tallest bridge I knew of in my young life and it made a huge impression every time my family crossed over. Then I decided I would find someone to drive me to Nana's. The only people I could think of who knew the way, though, were my mom and dad, and since it was mom I was running away from, and dad always seemed do what my mom said, I had to abandon that idea, too. I ended up just writing Nana a letter, which I think I still have in a box in the basement.<br />
<br />
In <b style="font-style: italic;">The Day I Ran Away, </b>little Grace decides to run away from her mom, too. The actual story has various twists and turns– some of them quite humorous– but for me it is not the actual running away adventure that makes this book so interesting, but the clever telling as a narrative between our precocious heroine and her dad. The story is told entirely through their dialogue at bedtime, and the recounting from the daughter's perspective, with the dad's supportive responses, is really priceless. Every little kid needs a dad like this one. And every little kid needs a mom like this one, too. Grace's feelings and actions won't surprise kids, and discussion will help them understand mom's reactions, as well– a great text for teaching character point of view. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCSvdGGdwdk/WZJHQVoh2WI/AAAAAAAAF3g/MzvHsb63Ag0blzUAk2Z29fwmQeWrMMuSACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCSvdGGdwdk/WZJHQVoh2WI/AAAAAAAAF3g/MzvHsb63Ag0blzUAk2Z29fwmQeWrMMuSACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another notable technique used in <b><i>The Day I Ran Away</i></b> is found in the illustrations– on the lefthand pages we see Dad putting Grace to bed and on the right we see scenes from the day. Half of the pages of the book are spent putting Grace to bed– plenty of time to dance, stretch, hang off the bed, play with the dog, and get tucked in as the story unfolds... ah, the bedtime shenanigans of young kids. Our students will again be able to relate. The reader gains more insight into the feelings and actions of the day as the illustrations on the opposing pages depict many small details that help round out the story.<br />
<br />
I can see a variety of purposes for using <b><i>The Day I Ran Away</i></b> in the classroom, beyond just enjoying the book. Helping kids handle angry feelings is a good first logical choice. Everyone has moments when they'd just like to run away from the person or situation that is making them mad. Teaching how to write dialogue is another possible teaching point. Katie Wood Ray, in her book, <b><i>In Words and Pictures</i></b>, which I reviewed two weeks ago, lists many illustration techniques that can be used to teach the qualities of good writing. <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Day I Ran Away</i> is a great example of crafting a backstory, two sides of a physical space, and passage of time. Oh, and last but not least, like all the Flashlight Press books I'm familiar with, this one's book jacket includes an <i>About the Author</i> and <i>About the Illustrator</i> photo and blurb. These help kids feel connected to real life authors and illustrators, and teach students how to write their own author blurbs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXfAgX7eyKk/WZJHQlzG55I/AAAAAAAAF3g/dNaAe6PgEpMKpHQUng5dOD8JTuImq9rqACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="762" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXfAgX7eyKk/WZJHQlzG55I/AAAAAAAAF3g/dNaAe6PgEpMKpHQUng5dOD8JTuImq9rqACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1134.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I just gotta say now, having reviewed over half a dozen Flashlight Press books at this point, this publisher has a terrific eye toward picture books chock full of teachable elements. The subject matter, the writing and illustration style, even the book design make each book a good mentor text to use in class. You might want to cruise their selection to see for yourself– click the image below. You can also click <i style="font-weight: bold;">Flashlight Press </i>in my search lists to the right to find my reviews.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flashlightpress.com/our-books/"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="362" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86aV6FgLmiY/WZJJdmSkAKI/AAAAAAAAF3o/yhLNT0ROGBAIX-DzvbZEag-PtLApXz5wACLcBGAs/s320/FlashlightPressII.png" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Day I Ran Away</i></b> would be at home on any classroom shelf. We'd like to help one copy on it's way– maybe yours! <b><i>Teacher Desk 6,</i></b> <b style="font-style: italic;">STEM is Elementary</b>, <b style="font-style: italic;">Kindergarten: Hand in Hand We Grow</b> and <b><i>Peace, Love and Primary</i></b> are helping readers win a copy of <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Day I Ran Away. </i>And to sweeten the deal Teacher Desk 6 is throwing in an Amazon gift card of ten dollars. Follow in any of the ways listed below in the Rafflecopter, or if you already follow us, write ALREADY instead of the follower number and we'll find you in the lists. This giveaway is open through Sunday night, so tell your teacher friends. The contest is limited to U.S. addresses only I'm afraid because of international shipping costs. We'll announce the winner next week. Very Special Thanks to <b><i>Flashlight Press</i></b> for donating the book!<br />
<br />
Last week I realized that some people had a difficult time subscribing to the Kidpeople Classroom YouTube channel. When you search in YouTube it is sometimes hard to find the little guys, which includes me, so I include a link on the YouTube button. When you get to my channel you will find two videos– a classroom tour for teachers and a video to use in the classroom about a bird on my head... you just gotta look at that one to understand. grin. Click to go.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJYgxYdsKtSJcyR-A0qMogA"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8zWVodBeds/WZJGWJ-codI/AAAAAAAAF3M/lYYUnqhn8eQMjIaKGmRmrPf22nUYG6AeACK4BGAYYCw/s200/download-1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="5ce1b7475" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5ce1b7475/" id="rcwidget_cp2b140o" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
And now I have to share something very important, which is the bad news of this post. I just found out, though it happened months ago, Indiana passed legislation that allows for "virtual reality" PREschool. With just 15 minutes a day on an app, four year olds will be ready for kindergarten, says Indiana. This online program is targeted to the neediest, low income kids. <b><i>And</i></b> it takes one million dollars of the four million dollar state preschool budget AWAY from real brick and mortar preschools. I just cannot believe it. I don't want to believe it– time in front of a screen equals a preschool experience??? SOMEone is making big bucks off our youngest, most vulnerable children, and taking away the REAL experience of a quarter of the kids who get it now. I not only fear for Indiana's children, but for all the other children who will be impacted if this bad idea spreads to other states.<br />
<br />
I found the news on <b><i>Teach Preschool</i></b>. Deborah does a great job of describing the situation, and even more importantly, points out so many reasons why this is such a bad idea. As I commented on her post, how many years, millions of dollars, and missed opportunity to grow a whole child will it take for this LUDICROUS idea to GO AWAY? I have to keep faith that our country will swing back to solid thinking, implementation, and funding for education SOON. If any of you know signs of this happening, please share below. It is really hard not to be utterly dispirited over what we are doing to our children right here in the United States. It seems that throughout my long career there has always been a strong need for advocacy for our youngest kids, but our voices have never been needed as much as right NOW.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teachpreschool.org/2017/05/07/virtual-pre-k-is-a-terrible-idea/"><img border="0" height="62" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUXygYLA3Do/WZIn57fljLI/AAAAAAAAF2U/CUKlQUgSyXQVh_MIi4IZplR-Pzgwt9zpgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/tps-logo-bee-flowers-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Click on the bee to read <b><i>Teach Preschool's</i></b> post on Indiana legislation. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sorry to end on this frustrating note, but I bet you'll read happier news when you click and check out what others are sharing at <b><i>Forever in Fifth Grade.</i></b> Thanks to Stephanie for the link-up. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://foreverinfifthgrade.blogspot.com/2017/08/show-tell-tuesday-back-to-school-time.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LjtgrJ6qyE/WZIpyM7VmfI/AAAAAAAAF2s/-b-48cJ3f_YnmxLYXtGTsnOvdH_n_QENQCLcBGAs/s320/show%2Band%2Btell%2Btuesday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
AND don't forget to check out the book reviews by my blogging friends. Their links are below. I have purchased or reserved at least a half dozen books from their linked up reviews this summer, so I thank them all again from my own happy reader heart.<br />
<br />
So glad you stopped by. Next week I'm reviewing and giving away <i style="font-weight: bold;">No More Noisy Nights</i>–it's a new one. I left this favorite for our last giveaway. See you soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffeRmlenQIM/WZIpGCM_YGI/AAAAAAAAF2c/tsac_if_bHUuJokihfAISoMYrnZH4IWHACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffeRmlenQIM/WZIpGCM_YGI/AAAAAAAAF2c/tsac_if_bHUuJokihfAISoMYrnZH4IWHACLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URVlXsu9S0g/WZIpK3OU6NI/AAAAAAAAF2g/uJJ5eieIJH8VM3RjmdGSZu9nf1x1vNhpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URVlXsu9S0g/WZIpK3OU6NI/AAAAAAAAF2g/uJJ5eieIJH8VM3RjmdGSZu9nf1x1vNhpwCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script --><br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="732211">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=732211" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-42559537094038698802017-08-07T21:46:00.002-04:002017-08-09T14:09:03.481-04:00Giveaway Week One!Oh, this is a very happy Teacher Book Talk Tuesday indeed because today starts our first week of giveaways!!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdUppq7QRHw/WYiIdXXnzhI/AAAAAAAAFxY/WaTATdODfSYmGb8F0qHyCo532P05zzqNgCLcBGAs/s1600/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BdUppq7QRHw/WYiIdXXnzhI/AAAAAAAAFxY/WaTATdODfSYmGb8F0qHyCo532P05zzqNgCLcBGAs/s400/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Week One Giveaway!</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We are giving away three terrific books, all published and generously donated by Flashlight Press. The first one will be <b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b> by Jason Lefebvre, illustrated by Zac Retz– I review it below. The second week's giveaway will be <b><i>The Day I Ran Away</i></b>, by Holly L. Niner, illustrated by Isabella Ongaro. And the third week's giveaway will be <b><i>No More Noisy Nights</i></b>... this might be my favorite... again by Holly L. Niner, illustrated by Guy Wolek. Each of these books lend themselves to teaching points in the classroom, and are engaging books that your students will love simply for fun. I am so happy I get to give them away!<br />
<br />
The lucky winner of each book will also win a $10 Amazon gift card donated by Teacher's Desk 6... who doesn't need one of those this time of year! Thanks, Angela! You can enter below on the Rafflecopter after this week's review. Now, let me tell you about this week's prize book.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>by Jason Lefebvre and Zac Retz</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW2hYLQRdro/WYkR1vaDPnI/AAAAAAAAFyw/XN6l9bnkfBcMIQv2SlErRPj5LwNXlLiYQCLcBGAs/s1600/toomuchcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW2hYLQRdro/WYkR1vaDPnI/AAAAAAAAFyw/XN6l9bnkfBcMIQv2SlErRPj5LwNXlLiYQCLcBGAs/s640/toomuchcover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I bet a lot of blog readers remember when this book came out with a big splash several years ago. It is the story of Matty and how he LOVES glue. When the teacher says "Glue raindrops, not puddles" OOPS, it's too late. Matty also likes doing belly flops... I bet you can imagine what happens next! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a terrific book to read at the start of the year when your class is making and learning the rules for using glue. I love using books to launch discussion, and Matty's glue adventures will give your kiddos lots of opportunity to think about what to do, and what not to do, with glue. I bet you get a few text-to-self connections, as well. Good problem solving and an ever-growing refrain that is fun to read and say carries the story along.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvMHliiJ5Ds/WYkSD5JtYWI/AAAAAAAAFy0/7Qr34fB8uW0zI2Q01-0opc_8PU1tQQ_KgCLcBGAs/s1600/toomuchwildsquirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvMHliiJ5Ds/WYkSD5JtYWI/AAAAAAAAFy0/7Qr34fB8uW0zI2Q01-0opc_8PU1tQQ_KgCLcBGAs/s640/toomuchwildsquirt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We all have a wild glue squirter<br />
and a wild glue squirter wannabe in our classes, don't we? </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The illustrations really make the book. They capture the feelings and humor throughout the tale in a lively way. The illustrations drew me right in, and they'll appeal to the kids, too. And, of course, like all good Flashlight Press books, there are interesting endpapers. Regular readers know I think endpapers are the BOMB! I love when they give clues and truly make the story go from cover to cover.... if I ever publish that picture book.... I mean WHEN! When I publish that picture book the endpapers are going to be terrific. Take a look at the back cover endpapers below... can you make a guess why a book about glue has endpapers featuring tape?.... hmmm.... won't the kids have fun with that small detail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h11qebJqE88/WYkTJJiKV9I/AAAAAAAAFzA/4uBzQAXdFvsX2r-5F-KQGa4IxJOi6US-ACLcBGAs/s1600/toomuchendpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h11qebJqE88/WYkTJJiKV9I/AAAAAAAAFzA/4uBzQAXdFvsX2r-5F-KQGa4IxJOi6US-ACLcBGAs/s640/toomuchendpaper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I did NOT put masking tape on the book.<br />
That is super well illustrated masking tape<br />
and I'm not telling why it's there. Nope.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are many follow-up projects that can be done with <i style="font-weight: bold;">Too Much Glue, </i>just search Pinterest. Elmer's Glue has picked up <b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b> as an Elmer's Teacher's Club teaching tool for all things sticky. They have several follow-up activities based on the book. Elmer's also offers a 22 page downloadable teacher's guide, <b><i>Cross-Curricular Investigation of Adhesives</i></b>, with activities for K-5. You can get there by clicking on the picture below. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://elmers.com/blog/post/discover-the-fun-of-polymers-with-too-much-glue"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeOKgDb3UMM/WYivVlS3iiI/AAAAAAAAFxs/e4_Z_HiwYX8EqQkBc2ch4ZIPTUFzXKV1gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-07%2Bat%2B2.19.28%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can even join the Elmer's Glue Teachers Club for all sorts of free resources. One of the freebies is a 32 page <b><i>STEAM resource ebook</i></b>! Cool Biz! Check it out by clicking below!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://elmers.com/teachers#"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4s_Clw4-AwQ/WYiwWhpOlKI/AAAAAAAAFx4/9sMk20eW8IcIpx6X67IFj9LPE4sxoDroACK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-07%2Bat%2B2.22.19%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You definitely want <b><i>Too Much Glue</i></b>, right? You know you do! Well, you have lots of chances to win. Each time you follow me or one of my fellow bloggers you'll get a chance. Going in on the giveaway this week are:<br />
<br />
Angela from the Teacher's Desk 6 Julie from STEM is Elementary<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFWwFMxAtcs/WYizBfMG_mI/AAAAAAAAFyA/Jok9RsvtJKA5EbPbfhbzpELeV400i7WqgCLcBGAs/s1600/teachers%2Bdesk%2Bblog%2Bbutton%2Bsmall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFWwFMxAtcs/WYizBfMG_mI/AAAAAAAAFyA/Jok9RsvtJKA5EbPbfhbzpELeV400i7WqgCLcBGAs/s1600/teachers%2Bdesk%2Bblog%2Bbutton%2Bsmall.png" /></a> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LocOP6wmu_Y/WYizD62WZkI/AAAAAAAAFyE/LQzwWWAM2TkucvW61k2IdbFiic7ARliZACLcBGAs/s1600/stem%2Bis%2Belem%2Bblog%2Bbutton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LocOP6wmu_Y/WYizD62WZkI/AAAAAAAAFyE/LQzwWWAM2TkucvW61k2IdbFiic7ARliZACLcBGAs/s1600/stem%2Bis%2Belem%2Bblog%2Bbutton.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Corrie from Peace, Love, and Primary Janet from<br />
Kindergarten: Hand-in-Hand We Grow <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IdzZ2qcfzo0/WYizGKp-0WI/AAAAAAAAFyI/UUhcwYEqIqgLKBziLuMRVw7unGdU0RndQCLcBGAs/s1600/peaceloveprimary%2Bblog%2Bbutton%2B3_zpsbisvn3av.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="125" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IdzZ2qcfzo0/WYizGKp-0WI/AAAAAAAAFyI/UUhcwYEqIqgLKBziLuMRVw7unGdU0RndQCLcBGAs/s200/peaceloveprimary%2Bblog%2Bbutton%2B3_zpsbisvn3av.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKpIHKE7bYc/WYizIpweIZI/AAAAAAAAFyM/1QLaZrhsUxgMTlWqp3GaLR1SGxjaMDDzwCLcBGAs/s1600/hand%2Bin%2Bhand%2Blogo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="80" data-original-width="76" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKpIHKE7bYc/WYizIpweIZI/AAAAAAAAFyM/1QLaZrhsUxgMTlWqp3GaLR1SGxjaMDDzwCLcBGAs/s200/hand%2Bin%2Bhand%2Blogo-2.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All together, our blogs focus on different grades and different subjects, so you are bound to find some good stuff no matter where your current interests lie. After the Rafflecopter you will see their links to this week's posts. Each is reviewing a book or two for Teacher Book Talk Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Each way you choose to follow gives you an entry. If you are already following that particular way, you can still enter and type ALREADY in the blank and we'll see you on our lists. I'm sorry to say that entrants are limited to people in the continental US due to shipping costs. The winner will be notified on the blogs by first name, and via email next Tuesday. Winners have five days to respond to email with shipping address or the prize will move to the next person on the list. Good luck!<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="5ce1b7474" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5ce1b7474/" id="rcwidget_7zjoa2zs" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
Now you're not quite done because all the giveaway bloggers have a Teacher Book Talk to share with you, too. Click on their links below.<br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script --><br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="731075">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=731075" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />
<br />
Thanks so much for stopping by! Do come back in the next two weeks. To enter those giveaways you'll only need to put in "ALREADY" if you sign up to follow this week.<br />
<br />
See you next time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ5nfDMhChA/WYjLChV6WnI/AAAAAAAAFyc/RtQure-0KTc3CsSmMZkXTnOKqIfporyNQCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ5nfDMhChA/WYjLChV6WnI/AAAAAAAAFyc/RtQure-0KTc3CsSmMZkXTnOKqIfporyNQCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r06rk8HaewU/WYjLFZ_6QFI/AAAAAAAAFyg/vBNrqut2qR8Fht7dPb2QgYnhDM9zJ7MKQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r06rk8HaewU/WYjLFZ_6QFI/AAAAAAAAFyg/vBNrqut2qR8Fht7dPb2QgYnhDM9zJ7MKQCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-3637126824171860442017-07-31T23:07:00.000-04:002017-07-31T23:13:30.531-04:00Giveaway News and a Book on WritingIt's Teacher Book Talk Tuesday! Today I bring you a review of a teacher book, but before I begin I want you to know that starting next Tuesday, three weeks of book and Amazon card giveaways begin!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-km94FURecrM/WX9TM_X89aI/AAAAAAAAFwM/2Wp9mgii5Z09T5mIRbRTEiJfHUy_eEcUwCEwYBhgL/s400/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.kidpeopleclassroom.com/">Starts Next Week!</a></i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Amazon Cards will be for ten dollars each, and Flashlight Press is generously donating the books. Our first book prize to win next week will be <b><i>Too Much Glue by Jason Lefebvre and Zac Retz</i></b>. This book has made a big splash among the kiddos and was picked up by Elmer's Teacher's Club.... I'll review it next week so you know more about it before you enter the contest.<br />
<br />
Four of my bloggy buddies will be joining me to spread the word and give you extra chances to win!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Angela from The Teacher's Desk 6 Julie from Stem is Elementary</i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://teachersdesk6.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1KJRLzO3xg/WX9QnViSOuI/AAAAAAAAFvw/MFLhC3znY-ohz6l_fomZgJz65XMI3fGbwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/blog%2Bbutton%2Bsmall.png" /></a> <a href="http://mathiselementary.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q96X3JesJ4w/WX9RUm0aZgI/AAAAAAAAFv8/yaA6XyF2Smgg5BzQ73JVIAWziZl_P1fjwCK4BGAYYCw/s200/grab.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Corrie from Peace, Love and Primary and Janet from Kindergarten: </i></b><br />
<b><i> Hand-in-Hand We Grow</i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.peaceloveandprimary.com/"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtpxpG3OfDI/WX9Nysm5SII/AAAAAAAAFvo/VAHqT-zwKJ80I0tnVvd4imDMcWVZ0Oy-ACK4BGAYYCw/s200/blog%2Bbutton%2B3_zpsbisvn3av.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://kindergartenhandinhandwegrow.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0l2q8SyWvw/WX9R3Ps5E_I/AAAAAAAAFwE/XbjIL9LKpdsUuoxbbPQnJdhr9aF39j3NQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/hand%2Bin%2Bhand%2Blogo-2.jpg" width="189" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
NOW on to today's book review.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><i>In Pictures and In Words–</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><i>Teaching the Qualities of Good Writing Through Illustration Study</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><i>by Katie Wood Ray</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.heinemann.com/products/e02855.aspx"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="519" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8RPcQlhX3I/WX_Yp-8F89I/AAAAAAAAFwg/HtswGNc3DVYNDpA3QFxvLU02OpUkUrR8QCLcBGAs/s1600/cover.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been meaning to read this book for a long time now and I finally put it on my to-do list this summer. A good friend and teaching colleague read it years ago and was very excited about it. When I read the title I pointed out to her that we already do <b><i>Lucy Calkins Units of Study</i></b> and we love that program. She replied that this book could very easily be used in conjunction with <b><i>Lucy</i></b>. Based on her enthusiasm I said I would read it, and indeed I did buy it from Heinemann right then. It wasn't until this summer, however, that I took a good look.<br />
<br />
Katie Wood Ray suggests that teachers can support students as they make meaning both visually and verbally, in words and in pictures, and that both these abilities can be strengthened. She explains that the key qualities of good writing can be taught in the context of illustrations, and that students can gain lots of experience planning, drafting, revising and editing as they compose illustrations for their books.<br />
<br />
As I read Katie Wood Ray's words I was prompted to look at and think about ALL that students put on paper, not just the writing. By not only noticing all their work, but teaching into illustration, using picture books that we already love and read in class, teachers can help kids develop as writers. Her first point is that as children make picture books of their own, over three or four pages, they are doing so with an "exploratory spirit" which they bring to all sorts of play. People who read my blog know that I am a big supporter of play and push back as it is being squeezed out of kindergarten. It is through play that children learn not only self-regulation and social skills, but also language and cognition. It makes sense to me that making a picture book is like all the other open creation that happens in play on many levels.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arZmtM1uawk/WX_YrC_ZT0I/AAAAAAAAFw0/Q-7lCnkAvsge1zGEQZ_ogq5m-N3c9_ZkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/writingsamples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arZmtM1uawk/WX_YrC_ZT0I/AAAAAAAAFw0/Q-7lCnkAvsge1zGEQZ_ogq5m-N3c9_ZkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/writingsamples.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are lots of writing samples included in the book</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We all have students for whom writing is very difficult. The process of putting letters on the page, making the letters approximate words, remembering what words they were even writing to tell the story in the first place are huge tasks as children first learn to write. But these same students can tell stories– which is why oral storytelling practice is so important, too... but that is a topic for another day... When our struggling writers are supported in making illustrations to represent their stories, so much more becomes possible for them as writers. Support of illustration teaches them to make meaning. It also makes sense that students start "writing instruction" by making picture books because picture books surround them in their classroom. Picture books are what beginning writers are most familiar with, be they fiction or informational.<br />
<br />
Sometimes teachers are lead to feel that we need to move kids out of drawing and into writing as soon as possible. But Katie Wood Ray points out that we can shift our ideas and think about teaching into the illustration part of composing. We can encourage students to stay with the illustration and expand the story by intentionally composing the pictures. Teachers who do this do not value word making over image making, but value them equally and see that students can move to writing instead of drawing when they choose to. Teachers can see illustration as true practice in composition, planning and meaning making– that illustrating in this way is doing with pictures exactly what a student could be doing with words.<br />
<br />
Katie Wood Ray also cautions against thinking that teaching into illustrations is just letting kids draw. Teaching into illustration must be very intentional. Teachers need to teach into all sorts of texts, thinking of both the process of illustration and the final product. Different illustration techniques allow students different ways to represent meaning, just as words do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8cNf36mKGs/WX_YqRKtHCI/AAAAAAAAFwk/VycgJYvmtZIK9ChpVdJwE66xY9TXs2HmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/section1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8cNf36mKGs/WX_YqRKtHCI/AAAAAAAAFwk/VycgJYvmtZIK9ChpVdJwE66xY9TXs2HmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/section1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are two sections to the book. The first section is broken into six chapters in which Katie makes an argument for why teaching into children's illustrations builds a foundation for strong writing and how it helps children develop as effective communicators. I think this gives justification to all those teachers whose gut says there <b><i>is</i></b> more to the pictures that children draw when writing, but who want to be sure they are <b><i>really</i></b> teaching writing. The topics of the first chapters in section one will be familiar to teachers who use writing workshop– building stamina, reading like writers, learning qualities of good writing, planning and implementing a unit of study in illustration. Katie Wood Ray gives practical advice in these chapters with instructional tips for supporting students while teaching the topics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxEJiyIcaPA/WX_Yq8O03GI/AAAAAAAAFw0/GV3hltVCDqk5fd72Z1nj9yp68hJ56chmQCEwYBhgL/s1600/section2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxEJiyIcaPA/WX_Yq8O03GI/AAAAAAAAFw0/GV3hltVCDqk5fd72Z1nj9yp68hJ56chmQCEwYBhgL/s1600/section2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Section two of the book is made up of fifty illustration techniques and the qualities of good writing they suggest. There are five broad categories that the illustration techniques fall into– ideas and content, precision and details, wholeness of text, tone, and layout and design. Each illustration technique is discussed in a predictable format that helps us think about illustrating and writing as parallel composing processes. Each write up contains– something to notice, an illustration example or two, an understanding for young writers and illustrators, an idea for trying it out, and a writing connection. The layout of section two makes it very user friendly to teachers and I predict that within a few lessons, the teaching becomes very comfortable.<br />
<br />
Last but not least, Katie Wood Ray includes an extensive picture book bibliography. I think most teachers will find many of the books familiar and already on the classroom shelves. And the techniques are described so well, I don't think it would be hard to find similar books already on hand that could be used instead of the ones she describes if need be.<br />
<br />
Just having read about some of the illustration techniques and their examples, I already have a new appreciation and understanding of what pictures do for children's books. I will look at picture books from a new angle, thinking of the writing lessons contained in the illustration style. This is a bit of bonus learning that I did not expect to receive. It really is a great book with a wealth of information which helps a teacher grow and shift lenses. I recommend it as a good read, even if you are not going to follow every page as a curriculum. You will become a better teacher of writing, I am quite certain.<br />
<br />
Like all good Heinemann books, there is notice of other similar books on the last pages of this one. Doggone it... off I go to Heinemann again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9NZYLrhS4U/WX_YpxiBBpI/AAAAAAAAFw0/fPRD1hsZb3UFBb7usiIgcJdjyz7i7adtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/othertitles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9NZYLrhS4U/WX_YpxiBBpI/AAAAAAAAFw0/fPRD1hsZb3UFBb7usiIgcJdjyz7i7adtgCEwYBhgL/s640/othertitles.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGoB_O9RRjw/WX_Yp_GtP-I/AAAAAAAAFw0/oAFI24jmgEwk8R3dsXNmjWb-O9Uu7xTkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/mattglover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGoB_O9RRjw/WX_Yp_GtP-I/AAAAAAAAFw0/oAFI24jmgEwk8R3dsXNmjWb-O9Uu7xTkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/mattglover.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, then. I hope you have a better understanding of <b><i>In Pictures and In Words</i></b> and I hope I gave you enough info to decide if it would be valuable to you and your teaching. Let me know what you think in the comments.<br />
<br />
Don't forget to come back next week to enter the giveaway– you'll get several chances to win! Bloggers, link-up your reviews below to give our readers a bit more good teacher book talk!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3cIjCr3Lfzo/WX_ax2tRmbI/AAAAAAAAFw8/dUKWBbBoeXoMbe7gvcvb8o9wuwW-8EUWgCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3cIjCr3Lfzo/WX_ax2tRmbI/AAAAAAAAFw8/dUKWBbBoeXoMbe7gvcvb8o9wuwW-8EUWgCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4o_Nvs3x8oc/WX_a0U1LNnI/AAAAAAAAFxA/gA7il1iUKU0EMdfcvgTI22RdmH9LVBcmgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4o_Nvs3x8oc/WX_a0U1LNnI/AAAAAAAAFxA/gA7il1iUKU0EMdfcvgTI22RdmH9LVBcmgCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script --><br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="729856">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=729856" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-24754580204203430932017-07-31T09:17:00.000-04:002017-07-31T23:13:55.624-04:00Tracking Freebies on Dropbox for FreeHey Bloggers and Instagramers! Do you use Dropbox to share downloadable Freebies with readers when the Freebie is small or you don't want to make thumbnails and write descriptions for TPT? And have you been frustrated because the free version of Dropbox does not let you track how many times the Freebie has been shared? Well, today, for my Monday Made It, I am going to show you how you <b><i>can</i></b> track it for <b><i>FREE!</i></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsBOjHNn6GI/WW9CNMiKZCI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/eLNmTJ2ggfQlLv1XDX5pUHwQYOZ7vzVswCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B7.23.09%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsBOjHNn6GI/WW9CNMiKZCI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/eLNmTJ2ggfQlLv1XDX5pUHwQYOZ7vzVswCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B7.23.09%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>A Free Tracking Hack</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Upload the downloadable item you want to share on <b><i>Dropbox</i></b>, like you already do.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrQbQKRdhPQ/WW85R9mma8I/AAAAAAAAFmI/3bZ1HDLuvYgfUHTNngkELUJiZG-yD6QbgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B6.48.54%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="77" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vrQbQKRdhPQ/WW85R9mma8I/AAAAAAAAFmI/3bZ1HDLuvYgfUHTNngkELUJiZG-yD6QbgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B6.48.54%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Click the blue SHARE button for the link that you usually embed on your blog so people get your item when they click. But this time, don't embed THAT link!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IXPPeGNe_0/WW85wyJjz7I/AAAAAAAAFmQ/DQx-kY0VAVs24Q57QMJC6nKPj396athtwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B6.01.16%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IXPPeGNe_0/WW85wyJjz7I/AAAAAAAAFmQ/DQx-kY0VAVs24Q57QMJC6nKPj396athtwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B6.01.16%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Go to <b><i>Google URL Shortener</i></b> to get a simplified link– most people already do this for IG.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnEtF8l_6ic/WW87HBpHWmI/AAAAAAAAFmc/58NLLMXhh1QR_Vuq1hCRu2QBj5TYbKTTwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B6.56.02%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnEtF8l_6ic/WW87HBpHWmI/AAAAAAAAFmc/58NLLMXhh1QR_Vuq1hCRu2QBj5TYbKTTwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B6.56.02%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Enter the Dropbox link so that Google simplifies it. You are not doing this just to get a shortened link, but to know how many times that link is clicked because Google URL Shortener lets you track that link for FREE.<br />
<br />
Embed the shortened link on your blog or IG profile so it is what people click to download your freebie.<br />
<br />
Now when you go back to <b><i>Google URL Shortener</i></b>, you'll see your item link and how many times it has been clicked on by readers. Ta-da!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DxOkTfM-EnI/WW_fXKdht9I/AAAAAAAAFp0/5tMjiYSsCFEo6gPKYGb3H0D8a7VfHvBXACLcBGAs/s1600/trackinghack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="378" height="371" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DxOkTfM-EnI/WW_fXKdht9I/AAAAAAAAFp0/5tMjiYSsCFEo6gPKYGb3H0D8a7VfHvBXACLcBGAs/s400/trackinghack.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It is true that when someone clicks on the link it does not necessarily mean they downloaded the item. They were interested enough, though, to take a closer look. Knowing the number of clicks tells me if the Freebie was generally desirable. And although my number of followers is one indicator of readers reached, knowing how many are interested in what I'm giving away is another indicator of how many people are interested in what I share. <br />
<br />
This is one bloggy trick I didn't read about anywhere. I just stumbled upon <b><i>Google URL Shortener</i></b> when needing to simplify a link, and then realized that they track it for you. That got me thinking about how that info can be applied, and <b><i>voila</i></b>. I wish I had known about it earlier, so I share it with you now. I bet you can think of other ways to use this tip, too. Happy tracking! PIN so you remember!<br />
<br />
Scoot on back to <b><i>Monday Made It</i></b> at <b><i>Fourth Grade Frolics</i></b> and find more good stuff! Thanks, Tara!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/2017/07/monday-made-it-with-archers-all-stars.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQqpDWLb3tg/WX8vKvQ44FI/AAAAAAAAFvU/KLXCDOZ701gI__QGlUvnOAAoE5yACY-uwCLcBGAs/s320/Monday%2BMade%2BIt%2B1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Watch the blog for upcoming book reviews, giveaways, start of school tips, and much more you don't want to miss. See you next time... and the next, and the next...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtODQgdIkoc/WW83-Cp8rSI/AAAAAAAAFl0/6k35lN-9TT4ETfs6gS1JCqRrZ7-qUaSKgCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MtODQgdIkoc/WW83-Cp8rSI/AAAAAAAAFl0/6k35lN-9TT4ETfs6gS1JCqRrZ7-qUaSKgCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXXrLghoxpM/WW84Ero4y2I/AAAAAAAAFl4/XtXCoesim2kqJEDBRxtjCVj_AJr9p-GGwCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXXrLghoxpM/WW84Ero4y2I/AAAAAAAAFl4/XtXCoesim2kqJEDBRxtjCVj_AJr9p-GGwCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-69342111647034975132017-07-30T09:16:00.000-04:002017-09-20T06:58:12.639-04:00Do You Celebrate Dozen Day?Hello Folks! Since some of you have already started back to school, and the rest will be there soon enough, this is just a super quick post to share what I do on the twelfth day of school.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtLQxw61wFM/WX3RY3lKUqI/AAAAAAAAFug/ZrwUdv6Q-7ggvrC-oJwEqRubE8Uv_7EDgCLcBGAs/s1600/DozenDay-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtLQxw61wFM/WX3RY3lKUqI/AAAAAAAAFug/ZrwUdv6Q-7ggvrC-oJwEqRubE8Uv_7EDgCLcBGAs/s640/DozenDay-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have some math fun with 12 on the twelfth day of school!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
First of all, I set up my light box sign to welcome in the kids. It immediately gets their attention, since the only other time they've seen it was the first day of school. I use it sparingly throughout the year and it always emphasizes something special. I don't use anything fancy on the sign, just the letters, emojis and numbers that I got when I first got the box. Our math discussion starts with the sign though- that the letters just happen to be all capital letters, why I there are two hands and two fingers on there, and what the number 12 looks like. The one means ten and the two, two more. We practice making twelve with our fingers, needing a partner to do so.<br />
<br />
We talk about how twelve is a special number which gets a special name. We also talk about how some things are sold in dozens– like eggs, donuts, and flowers.<br />
<br />
I bring in a dozen hard boiled eggs in a carton. We all get to eat one (I bring in some extra for the whole class) and then we use egg cartons to count out twelve of all sorts of things in math centers.<br />
<br />
I also bring in a dozen donuts, which leads us to discuss a "baker's dozen." The history I share goes something like this: The term baker's dozen started back to the middle ages, a looooong time ago, even before your grandparents were born, or their grandparents! There was a very strict law and sellers who sold things by the dozen, but who cheated or even just miscounted and gave less than twelve, were punished. (They had their hand amputated, but I <b><i>don't</i></b> add that detail to the story!) So it was very important that everyone could count correctly to twelve. To make sure the shopper ALWAYS got at least dozen, bakers started giving them 13 for the price of 12, and that became known as a <b><i>baker's dozen</i></b>. Even today it is nice to get a bonus donut, isn't it??<br />
<br />
Our math discussion usually includes <b><i>dozens</i></b> we see in our room... like a dozen students, plus seven more. We talk about "half a dozen." I also add an egg carton and a dozen plastic eggs to our Drama area where they stay the rest of the year. You get the idea.<br />
<br />
Now PIN so you remember and have fun on your Dozen Day!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by! See you next time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Zem4m9VQU/WX3WgRojfnI/AAAAAAAAFus/CTBQP0_1YPY78L_L0ls0LDPyyDifMQ_agCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Zem4m9VQU/WX3WgRojfnI/AAAAAAAAFus/CTBQP0_1YPY78L_L0ls0LDPyyDifMQ_agCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vhCzLRDLxE/WX3Wjo7I02I/AAAAAAAAFuw/VlJnA6gzBC0vSEkDloY5UDf2DRFLepbRQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vhCzLRDLxE/WX3Wjo7I02I/AAAAAAAAFuw/VlJnA6gzBC0vSEkDloY5UDf2DRFLepbRQCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-6544049670643751812017-07-25T07:39:00.000-04:002017-07-25T10:30:11.409-04:00Books That Support Makerspace LearningHappy Teacher Book Talk Tuesday! Today I'm sharing three books which launch good makerspace projects. Simply put, a makerspace is a place where people gather to design and create things, sharing ideas and equipment. Makerspaces are closely tied to STEM and STEAM learning and they can be found in more and more classrooms in all grades. As this post is about books to use with kindergarten makerspace projects, I'll not go into makerspace discussion right now. I plan on posting all about what I have set up in my classroom makerspace at a later date. I share just a couple snapshots, so you know where projects happen in our room. We call our makerspace <b><i>The Lightbulb Lab</i></b>, as in Kevin Henkes' <i style="font-weight: bold;">Lilly and the Purple Plastic Purse</i>... I aim to bring literature to everything we do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUL_k8MH67o/WXCVSgTquVI/AAAAAAAAFrg/CVYlV46IELc8Sa128oWUHKIKy8ilNFArgCLcBGAs/s1600/closemakermap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUL_k8MH67o/WXCVSgTquVI/AAAAAAAAFrg/CVYlV46IELc8Sa128oWUHKIKy8ilNFArgCLcBGAs/s640/closemakermap.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRda-8zPuNw/WXCVSuwBI0I/AAAAAAAAFrk/NGjGTNrNuWcjeFFjPlhhHMLaGOlJ_AhAgCEwYBhgL/s1600/makerNoTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="929" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRda-8zPuNw/WXCVSuwBI0I/AAAAAAAAFrk/NGjGTNrNuWcjeFFjPlhhHMLaGOlJ_AhAgCEwYBhgL/s640/makerNoTable.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvcrlHtRw68/WXCVSp6JYfI/AAAAAAAAFro/ZISRRsnSmr4_7Z8-KfJSr2xKe6-0ES3yACEwYBhgL/s1600/hangsignsShowing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="837" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvcrlHtRw68/WXCVSp6JYfI/AAAAAAAAFro/ZISRRsnSmr4_7Z8-KfJSr2xKe6-0ES3yACEwYBhgL/s640/hangsignsShowing.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBBhUByo2AQ/WXCVTN72H4I/AAAAAAAAFrs/9N_bTJpSju89kojZFpBYNVz6zU_yYloIgCEwYBhgL/s1600/tableonlyw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1025" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBBhUByo2AQ/WXCVTN72H4I/AAAAAAAAFrs/9N_bTJpSju89kojZFpBYNVz6zU_yYloIgCEwYBhgL/s640/tableonlyw.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a standing table where kids can work</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We don't have power tools and 3D printers to use, like older kids often have in their makerspace, but we have a plethora of supplies for what I call <b><i>paper engineering</i></b>– paper of all sorts, writing tools of all sorts, and tape... oodles and oodles of tape. We have a lot of miscellaneous things too, like popsicle sticks, chenille stems, paper punches, crimpers... you get the idea. The kids don't need a lot of prompting to get started. Some kids get really comfortable doing a particular "thing" and get a little stuck wanting to do that exclusively, so I introduce new concepts throughout the year. I often use books to teach into a new idea, asking the kids to expand on what they see. Here are three books, which I use to prompt new creations... sort of bends in the road with our yearlong makerspace learning.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">My Map Book</span> by Sara Fanelli</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-caZHD5MA_B0/WXANVTpbkgI/AAAAAAAAFqA/VjDrH8HSdC4HLBzgOQo5rKPCV7Df7ekswCLcBGAs/s1600/MapCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="640" height="514" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-caZHD5MA_B0/WXANVTpbkgI/AAAAAAAAFqA/VjDrH8HSdC4HLBzgOQo5rKPCV7Df7ekswCLcBGAs/s640/MapCover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Do you know this book? It certainly is not new, but it is a great leaping off point. Maps are part of our math and social studies curriculums. We look at a map of our classroom, using it to find objects I've hidden ahead of time. I put very basic maps of our classroom with only key pieces of furniture on it out in the Lightbulb Lab to get the kids started with making their own maps We use a map of our school, too, and look at real maps of our city, state, country and world. <b><i>Then</i></b> I introduce the book.<br />
<br />
This is a treasure map from the book. By the time we see it we have seen other treasure maps, and know this one is not typical.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W07Zo_xZAH0/WXARZ6hl8MI/AAAAAAAAFqE/OblWvBAHh3Ys88nDomCyqLtoLQ7FMrZBACLcBGAs/s1600/MapTreasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W07Zo_xZAH0/WXARZ6hl8MI/AAAAAAAAFqE/OblWvBAHh3Ys88nDomCyqLtoLQ7FMrZBACLcBGAs/s640/MapTreasure.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This map of my heart expands the idea of maps further yet again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFImq3SdAJg/WXAR17OYxsI/AAAAAAAAFqI/FJ-rR3taR78-0g0vyT0qGU3mLakwUGJlwCLcBGAs/s1600/MapHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFImq3SdAJg/WXAR17OYxsI/AAAAAAAAFqI/FJ-rR3taR78-0g0vyT0qGU3mLakwUGJlwCLcBGAs/s640/MapHeart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We talk about how a real heart pumps blood and does not look like this. When people speak of what is "in my heart" they are talking about things which they love. I point out small details on this map, like the cane and eyeglasses for grandpa and grandma. This naturally leads to the idea of "symbols" to represent real objects and people. I draw a bone for Popeye, a lego hat for Jonathan, and a jet plane for my eldest daughter who can really only be reached in Seattle by plane, and who works at Boeing.<br />
<br />
By this time in the year the kids have seen me draw Popeye and Jonathan many times in writers' workshop. I always illustrate them as they "really look" so using symbols instead, piques the children's interest. As kids experiment with symbols they sometimes come up with hilarious things– moms represented by slippers and baby brothers by poop... the explanation was that said brother often had poopy diapers, but I think there may be another layer of meaning when little brothers are drawn as piles of poo... just sayin. <br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjKlwAOK10c/WXHnnXvMqmI/AAAAAAAAFsI/9KP3rfhrBLM5ecN1RavSXH0X5LaX6xP0wCLcBGAs/s1600/poo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="68" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CjKlwAOK10c/WXHnnXvMqmI/AAAAAAAAFsI/9KP3rfhrBLM5ecN1RavSXH0X5LaX6xP0wCLcBGAs/s1600/poo.png" /></a><br />
There are lots of other fun maps in this book, too, including a map of a dog, a map of my family, and a map of my day... which is cool as it represents a daily schedule in a new way. I read just one or two maps each day, so it can take over a week to finish the book. Each day kids get new inspiration. We talk about techniques kids could use to make similar maps, and what other things in life could be shown as a map. We discuss 2D and 3D maps, and they learn how to make "pop-up" objects for their maps.<br />
<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">My Map Book</i> hangs out in the Lightbulb Lab for many weeks and becomes great reference that they use again and again. I highly recommend you actually add this book to your classroom, and not just borrow it from the library this time. You can get used copies for really cheap and it is worth the investment.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Open This Little Book</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>by Jesse Klausmeier and Suzy Lee</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMLXvvvDnII/WXAWwNZ-41I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/eACn5rqbaeIj31lDVLnRvvrnVAa6ZVaAwCLcBGAs/s1600/coverOpenTLB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1004" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMLXvvvDnII/WXAWwNZ-41I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/eACn5rqbaeIj31lDVLnRvvrnVAa6ZVaAwCLcBGAs/s640/coverOpenTLB.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is a special book because it is one story, but with many books within books inside. The book itself is kind of large, but as you turn the pages you find many more books, each one smaller than the next, until you reach the middle and they start getting big again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH7guy_zBpU/WXAYCs3ZzmI/AAAAAAAAFqU/Gtx2JCRbHC8dBGaiT6Sfeui8wHATsea8ACLcBGAs/s1600/OpenTLB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH7guy_zBpU/WXAYCs3ZzmI/AAAAAAAAFqU/Gtx2JCRbHC8dBGaiT6Sfeui8wHATsea8ACLcBGAs/s640/OpenTLB1.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwfz10GS9Co/WXAYJ0OejHI/AAAAAAAAFqY/2gEAcBaaE4Y8-lq1qgVsH7ZY9_Zo6HHxQCLcBGAs/s1600/OpenTLB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwfz10GS9Co/WXAYJ0OejHI/AAAAAAAAFqY/2gEAcBaaE4Y8-lq1qgVsH7ZY9_Zo6HHxQCLcBGAs/s640/OpenTLB2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgn_478ilpA/WXAYRETzdvI/AAAAAAAAFqc/zi2S-xmwMjUvnrsNjioFO0ZHzcUyNTAXgCLcBGAs/s1600/OpenTLB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgn_478ilpA/WXAYRETzdvI/AAAAAAAAFqc/zi2S-xmwMjUvnrsNjioFO0ZHzcUyNTAXgCLcBGAs/s640/OpenTLB3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The kidpeople are fascinated with how this one fits together and love pouring over this book. I put out some blank versions to begin the projects– getting staples in the middle seam is a bit tricky. When we run out of blanks though, I don't hurry to make more but encourage them to find a way to make a book. This makerspace unit leads to accordion books, lift the flap books, scrolls... you get the idea. And, of course, as no book should go unfilled, they write and illustrate a story in each of their books. I tell you, there is a lot of curriculum support in our makerspace.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Press Here</span> by Herve Tullet</b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dtSEZ1P358/WXAaEut8U3I/AAAAAAAAFqk/4KwC9jcIKzghNry7iFbhVws2wlzw27i_gCLcBGAs/s1600/PressHere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1280" height="530" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dtSEZ1P358/WXAaEut8U3I/AAAAAAAAFqk/4KwC9jcIKzghNry7iFbhVws2wlzw27i_gCLcBGAs/s640/PressHere.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Last but not least, we have <b><i>Press Here</i></b>. It is a simple concept with the idea being that if you "press" the dot, something will change with the dots on the next page.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mcXFj8LhKY/WXAceSEztQI/AAAAAAAAFq0/nfkGrZ9gpcsGheMFikItP2FBXFzZ757bwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51LG1D4vf8L.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mcXFj8LhKY/WXAceSEztQI/AAAAAAAAFq0/nfkGrZ9gpcsGheMFikItP2FBXFzZ757bwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/51LG1D4vf8L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The kids love the idea of a "power button" that can make things happen. Pretty soon it is not just dots that move or change, but all sorts of imaginative action which takes place on the page after the button. One year kids made power buttons to add to their block structures... with the results almost always being some kind of topple and crash. Such great fun... loud fun... but great fun.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. If you are toying with the idea of creating a makerspace in your classroom, or expanding one, I hope these three books give you some ideas and structure for teaching into the creating process. We read these books during regular read aloud time and the kids do the projects during free choice, or an occasional learning center, so everyone rotates through and tries out the new ideas. A class of little <b><i>paper engineers</i></b> is a wondrous sight to behold, and you'll love all the multifaceted learning which takes place.<br />
<br />
I am so happy you stopped by for Teacher Book Talk Tuesday. Be sure to click below on any other blog links to read more book reviews. You might find books for students, books for teachers, or books for pure adult fun. And bloggers if you have book reviews of your own, just grab the button below and link yours to this post, and then back again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZX3MdU8S8w/WXB9EiYuJxI/AAAAAAAAFrE/56lRbdcnTlw4v28WnJ7P-Fmgjgdo3aKWACEwYBhgL/s1600/TeacherBookTalk2-LG-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZX3MdU8S8w/WXB9EiYuJxI/AAAAAAAAFrE/56lRbdcnTlw4v28WnJ7P-Fmgjgdo3aKWACEwYBhgL/s400/TeacherBookTalk2-LG-button.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
See you later... and I do mean SEE YOU LATER! Our first of three giveaways starts in just <b><i>two </i></b>weeks. We'll be giving away a Flashlight Press book and ten dollar Amazon gift cards for each of the three giveaways that happen for three weeks.... you can buy some of the great books you're reading about, or anything else you want.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCTWbQM1Yd4/WXCdNoAr_3I/AAAAAAAAFr4/Ib123UXnsi8PUZ53vxFt67SAjmEtxp3QQCLcBGAs/s1600/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCTWbQM1Yd4/WXCdNoAr_3I/AAAAAAAAFr4/Ib123UXnsi8PUZ53vxFt67SAjmEtxp3QQCLcBGAs/s400/TeacherBookTalk-GIVEAWAY.jpg.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJoaRRfhZu8/WXCNhjeTCmI/AAAAAAAAFrM/FX1kiS-gLwoVJzpiz6v7nEy3Il3HQiEtwCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJoaRRfhZu8/WXCNhjeTCmI/AAAAAAAAFrM/FX1kiS-gLwoVJzpiz6v7nEy3Il3HQiEtwCLcBGAs/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1CGYr_kkdXI/WXCNmfCG6CI/AAAAAAAAFrQ/vVmr0J_lmnUHhfMATuM4t2GR45ag_othwCLcBGAs/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1CGYr_kkdXI/WXCNmfCG6CI/AAAAAAAAFrQ/vVmr0J_lmnUHhfMATuM4t2GR45ag_othwCLcBGAs/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script --><br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="728673">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=728673" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rmobtL0AiI/UtG4VC7aWcI/AAAAAAAAAJA/FcLXdJHVMwg/s1600/Spiral-wee.png" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rmobtL0AiI/UtG4VC7aWcI/AAAAAAAAAJA/FcLXdJHVMwg/s1600/Spiral-wee.png" /></a></div>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-34583277184687911492017-07-23T16:59:00.002-04:002017-07-24T17:43:34.294-04:00A New Video for Mo and Bird EnthusiastsHello there. I'm sharing just one new creation today. I made a video for kids this time. I didn't start out to make a video for kids... I didn't start out to make a video at all, actually, but somehow these things just sort of drop on my lap... or my arm, shoulder, or head, I guess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSQlJkdLKOM"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1152" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6RNWG5HM4Y/WW7Dc_41NQI/AAAAAAAAFlk/PkuigLjAdn4zubyp8Rs0U_fDH3wPpatOwCLcBGAs/s640/Bird-Vid-Title-Shot.jpg.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It started when I noticed a little hopping bird by our front porch... but I'll let the video tell the story. It is quite short– about four minutes. It will be good to use with your students when you teach about text-to-self connections, birds, wrens, or Mo Willems.<br />
<br />
It was fun to make and I know my kiddos will get a kick out of it. I hope yours do, too. Just click on the picture up there and you'll go to my YouTube Channel to find it. While there, you can also see my classroom tour video that I just uploaded a couple weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Scoot on back to Monday Made It and find MORE. Thanks, Tara, for your <b><i>Fourth Grade Frolics</i></b> link-up where I find so many great ideas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NdJ69dne4I/WW7DSNDFRaI/AAAAAAAAFlg/wovKZf1MLUgzoSlIBs9Y5NxX8kv9TKZ3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BMade%2BIt%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NdJ69dne4I/WW7DSNDFRaI/AAAAAAAAFlg/wovKZf1MLUgzoSlIBs9Y5NxX8kv9TKZ3QCLcBGAs/s320/Monday%2BMade%2BIt%2B1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by! Pin, Pin, Pin. And do know that I always comment back if you leave one :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4y3WFw5idx0/WW1s-wLIBVI/AAAAAAAAFlc/DocAg4EXpmAzR3GVKRrPCgMxbRB0eqT2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4y3WFw5idx0/WW1s-wLIBVI/AAAAAAAAFlc/DocAg4EXpmAzR3GVKRrPCgMxbRB0eqT2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJi8WIg7jXA/WW1tE96ncCI/AAAAAAAAFlc/lF3hQSZsguQRmBNAQw3ZvqL7BNS6b-IpwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJi8WIg7jXA/WW1tE96ncCI/AAAAAAAAFlc/lF3hQSZsguQRmBNAQw3ZvqL7BNS6b-IpwCEwYBhgL/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496760571458860465.post-30048398667663763462017-07-21T05:58:00.000-04:002017-07-21T05:59:10.019-04:00Let Me Eat Cake– Chocolate, PleaseWho doesn't like chocolate cake, especially <b><i>this</i></b> cake. This recipe has been on the blog for a while now, but it was on the "Other Stuff" page. I had intended to put more topics of interest there, but instead I'm reorganizing, and the "Other Stuff" page will soon become "Classroom Design." I post this chocolate cake recipe so it is not lost.<br />
<br />
This is a favorite summer recipe. It can be made any time of year, but for me and my life, summer is the only time I have for random baking. And summer is less stressful than the school year so I can live a bit more healthfully and enjoy a piece of not-too-decadent cake. Like all posts on the blog, this is not written as <b><i>just</i></b> a straightforward recipe. Gotta throw in a little fun commentary. Life is lived in the small details after all, right?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Died-and-Went-to-Heaven Chocolate Cake</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6ynLofiVds/WWS9wczqkXI/AAAAAAAAFfA/FSLbouI7lXwndA83ct59ew5w3sf8UifDwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/cakeserved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6ynLofiVds/WWS9wczqkXI/AAAAAAAAFfA/FSLbouI7lXwndA83ct59ew5w3sf8UifDwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/cakeserved.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yum, yum, yummy chocolate cake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is a great, easy, low-guilt cake. Great because it is super moist thanks to buttermilk. Easy because it is made in a bundt pan and only needs a glaze to pour over top– not frosting to spread. And Low-Guilt because it only has 220 calories and 5 grams of fat, per slice, which is 1/16 of the cake. Here we go!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O033I9XK1FQ/WWS9_cI_nnI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/LSOFQZle_CwUnOo9W5I_QJFYrFfNtg93gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ingred.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O033I9XK1FQ/WWS9_cI_nnI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/LSOFQZle_CwUnOo9W5I_QJFYrFfNtg93gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ingred.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Ingredients for cake:<br />
1 3/4 C flour<br />
1 C sugar<br />
3/4 C cocoa powder (Dutch Process)<br />
1 1/2 t baking soda<br />
1 1/2 baking powder<br />
1 t salt<br />
1 1/4 C buttermilk<br />
1 C packed brown sugar<br />
2 lg eggs, lightly beaten<br />
1/4 C canola oil<br />
2 t vanilla<br />
1 C strong black coffee<br />
<br />
Ingredients for icing:<br />
1 C confectioners sugar<br />
1/2 t vanilla<br />
1 to 2 Tbs buttermilk, as needed so it pours and dribbles<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 350°<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcpMq4QkjNY/WWS-KignKwI/AAAAAAAAFfY/X_u_T3tK93wBgHNyG90sWA6gakRfiNv9QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/oven.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WcpMq4QkjNY/WWS-KignKwI/AAAAAAAAFfY/X_u_T3tK93wBgHNyG90sWA6gakRfiNv9QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/oven.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Spray bundt pan with Pam and then flour. I don't have <b><i>all</i></b> silicon baking dishes by any means, but with this silicone bundt pan it is super easy to get cakes out.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qpv8XigKYyg/WWS-iEpZdbI/AAAAAAAAFfg/8FXHG1u4-Zk5tKG6bEMXOMLHoUS0kug3QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/prepped.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qpv8XigKYyg/WWS-iEpZdbI/AAAAAAAAFfg/8FXHG1u4-Zk5tKG6bEMXOMLHoUS0kug3QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/prepped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was married 25 years before I got my Kitchen-Aid Mixer. I only got it as a poor substitute for a spring break vacation, so it was not without it's sacrifice. But I do love it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-st3WZvH5CGg/WWTD_TdI3gI/AAAAAAAAFfw/f9iihDDva5MEObJfjNbXXwVpIvHo3RmtwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/twins.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-st3WZvH5CGg/WWTD_TdI3gI/AAAAAAAAFfw/f9iihDDva5MEObJfjNbXXwVpIvHo3RmtwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/twins.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
<br />
Note the Twin Terrors that live in the bowl... why? you ask... I have no idea. My husband got them for me for Valentine's day and threw them in there, and they just sort of took up residence. I think they are mostly there because the bowl was empty and any empty space in our house forms a vacuum which instantly fills itself. The Twin Terrors are not in ANYway reference to my younger identical twin brothers... nope... not at all... never crossed my mind.<br />
<br />
BTW, if you have anyone living in your mixer, take them out before the next steps. grin.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wsK-rH6ox1o/WWTETCTaK3I/AAAAAAAAFf4/9laToGLg4SQ1Cw36HgQC8rQeo86zfY96ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/dry.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wsK-rH6ox1o/WWTETCTaK3I/AAAAAAAAFf4/9laToGLg4SQ1Cw36HgQC8rQeo86zfY96ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/dry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Stir together the buttermilk, brown sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla. Then add to dry ingredients and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. This is where I REALLY appreciate the ol' Kitchen-Aid. After 2 minutes whisk in hot coffee until completely incorporated. This will for a very thin batter– not to worry!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fznZx_Hx1KI/WWTEg9O7i_I/AAAAAAAAFgA/RyGsMw1xrz83zut7snUhKDpHSQUwZxtCgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/wet.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fznZx_Hx1KI/WWTEg9O7i_I/AAAAAAAAFgA/RyGsMw1xrz83zut7snUhKDpHSQUwZxtCgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/wet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Pour the batter into the prepped pan. Note I keep my silicone bundt pan on a small cooling rack as it makes the soft pan easier to handle and keep its shape. I lift the cake and rack and leave both in the oven to bake.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFNakMsNWbM/WWTFEMjvH_I/AAAAAAAAFgM/F0e9kjOXTa06PXqe_TYVVzToDWa5APXIQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/intooven.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFNakMsNWbM/WWTFEMjvH_I/AAAAAAAAFgM/F0e9kjOXTa06PXqe_TYVVzToDWa5APXIQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/intooven.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bake 45 to 55 minutes, or until the tester comes out clean.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrrcR2OR91k/WWTFl87407I/AAAAAAAAFgU/2xse55F_gwA16ZigCXNeslHawKYyQGwHgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/outofoven.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrrcR2OR91k/WWTFl87407I/AAAAAAAAFgU/2xse55F_gwA16ZigCXNeslHawKYyQGwHgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/outofoven.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Cool cake on rack for ten minutes and then remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely.<br />
<br />
Whisk the icing ingredients until pourable. Pour over the cake on the plate. I make this cake for my health conscious friends, and my not-so-health conscious friends, too... they get ice cream on top! :)<br />
<br />
I would happily give credit to whoever I got this recipe from, but I have had it for a long while now and have no idea of the source. Whoever made it up– Thank you! I really think it is the buttermilk and coffee that give this cake its moist, rich flavor. I never buy buttermilk any other time, and can't really imagine that I'd like it straight up, but in this recipe– yummmm. And coffee? Well, everything in life is better with a little bit of coffee. It's kinda funny though, this cake does not taste like a mocha cake. It is just good, straight-up chocolate.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU3Wn3PUWSs/WWTGPIUu1NI/AAAAAAAAFgc/qiBwFQO-MJcinutpDxBr-T0xlutMKrI4gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/cakeserved.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU3Wn3PUWSs/WWTGPIUu1NI/AAAAAAAAFgc/qiBwFQO-MJcinutpDxBr-T0xlutMKrI4gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/cakeserved.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks so much for stopping by for this non-typical, non-teacher post. I hope you'll swing by again... though you are not likely to find another cake recipe, there is a great oatmeal bake recipe hiding somewhere in these pages if you search. Next up on Monday, will be a new video I made. It's just a short one for the kiddos. Good for viewing to learn about fledgling birds and text-to-self connections, and Mo Willems <b><i>There's a Bird on Your Head.</i></b> You just never know what the next post will hold.<br />
<br />
See you next time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJoaRRfhZu8/WXCNhjeTCmI/AAAAAAAAFrU/j2q_U2pjVK4iAQzm74ZE8FWsJNiT0jMXACEwYBhgL/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJoaRRfhZu8/WXCNhjeTCmI/AAAAAAAAFrU/j2q_U2pjVK4iAQzm74ZE8FWsJNiT0jMXACEwYBhgL/s1600/KATH-hed-WINK-2.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CGYr_kkdXI/WXCNmfCG6CI/AAAAAAAAFrU/vMtgI5V3CWgxHFqUqDcoPnBVHUOJR2mfACEwYBhgL/s1600/Sign-off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="363" height="92" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CGYr_kkdXI/WXCNmfCG6CI/AAAAAAAAFrU/vMtgI5V3CWgxHFqUqDcoPnBVHUOJR2mfACEwYBhgL/s320/Sign-off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This post first appeared on the Other Stuff page as Died-And-Went-To-Heaven Chocolate Cake on kidpeopleclassroom.comKidpeople Classroomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410626505759912744noreply@blogger.com0