Wednesday, July 24, 2013

IPad Key Guard



I found this idea from a wonderful blog called Caleigh's Cornor. After reading this post, I decided to try making my own key guard out of glue sticks for one of my students. All I did was hot glue glue sticks into a grid panel that wrapped around the back of the IPad. You can set up your grid to slide off the IPad, or you could even use Velcro dots. I would suggest using the thinner glue stick and maybe even some super glue if your child or student has a strong grip.


You can buy key guards, as well. Some of the guards are smaller and more durable. This was my attempt at trying out a key guard. I did not want to spend the money on a key guard without knowing how my student would respond.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Liebster Award


I was nominator for the Liebster Award by Learning Ahoy! You should go on over and check out her blog.


"Liebster" is a German word that means dearest, lovely, beloved and welcome.  To accept the nomination, I must:
1. Link back to the blog that nominated me.
2.  Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers. 
3. Answer the questions posted for you by your nominator.
4. Share 11 random facts about yourself.
5. Create 11 questions for your nominees.
6. Contact your nominees and let them know you nominated them.


So, here are the 11 questions Learning Ahoy asked....

1.     What do you teach?
     I teach middle school special education.
2.    Where did you go to college?
     I went to Longwood University. 
3.     What is your favorite book?
     My 5th grade teacher read aloud Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. I fell in love. Now I am going to read it to my class this year!
4.     What is you favorite place to get clipart from? 
     My favorite place to get clip art is my cute graphics.
5.     What do you like to do outside of school stuff?
     Outside of school I like to read, go on dates with my husband, and hang out with my doggies. 
6.     Where would your dream vacation spot be? 
     My dream vacation would be a trip to Italy.
7.     If you won a million dollars what would you do with it? 
     If I had a million dollars I would give a lot of it to my church, friends, and family. I would probably take a couple of years off from teaching to raise children, but I think I would be bored at home and go back to teaching. 
8.     If you were not a teacher what would you do? 
     I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in the 1st grade. Now, that I have been teaching for 2 years I want to make a difference that is bigger than the size of my classroom. When I am ready and decide to change jobs, I hope to be in a position where I am teaching teachers or advocating for students rights. 
9.     What is your favorite blog to read (besides your own of course!)?
      My favorite blog is Learning Ahoy. 
10.What is your favorite food?
     My favorite food is subs. 
11.What is your least favorite drink?
     My least favorite drink is a glass of milk. When I was young, I would get so excited when I had a fever because that meant I didn't have to have milk with dinner!



Now it is time for my 11 random facts.
1. I have 2 dogs.
2. I married my high school sweet heart. 
3. In high school I was a cheerleader.
4. When I was young I took swimming, roller skating, ice skating, baton, and dance lessons.
5. I am the youngest of three girls. 

6. I love my job! 
7. My favorite place to shop is Target. 
8. My dogs names are Lily and Shady.
9. I love water. If I am on the water I am happy and at peace. 
10.  I like to garden and cook. 
11. I have two wonderful parents who have helped me become the dedicated person I am today :). 

I would like to nominate: 


My questions for my nominees: 
1. Why did you become a teacher?
2. Where is your favorite place to shop?
3. Do you have a TpT store?
4. What is your favorite blog?
5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
6. What is your favorite restaurant? 
7. What do you like to do outside of teaching?
8. What do you teach?
9. Where did you go to college?
10. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
11. Do you have any children or pets?







Monday, July 22, 2013

Classroom Pets


Do you have any pets in your classroom?

 Last year my classroom received a grant from pets in the classroom. We received a baby bearded dragon. The students voted on a name and came up with Little Red, because he had a little red spot on his chin. As the year progressed his name was changed to Big Red :). My students enjoyed feeding and holding the bearded dragon. I thought they would be grossed out by the bearded dragon eating crickets and worms, but they loved watching him eat. Even better it was a great hands-on experience while studying predator, prey, and camouflage!

Little Red 






Saturday, July 20, 2013

Reading Log


Do you assign reading for homework? The more time students are exposed to reading the better they will become!

I just posted my reading log for FREE on my TpT store!! You can edit it however you would like. Enjoy!




Friday, July 19, 2013

New Student: Parent Meeting



I just created a quick chart for my new student parent meetings. This particular form is for students with special needs. It is FREE at my TpT store! 



Thursday, July 18, 2013

Teaching Books


Do you need a good summer read? Here are my three favorite books that have helped me become a better teacher. Watch the video below to see what each book is about!






















Visible Learning by John Hattie:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sng4p3Vsu7Y 

Teach Like A Champion by Doug Lemov: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC0ltKOwF_A

Words Their Way by Donald R. Bear, Marcia Invernizzi, Shane Templeton, and Francine Johnson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlKPQFI499g 

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Baseball


During ESY we had a baseball theme! One of the cooking activities my students enjoyed was baseball cup cakes. This is an easy activity that incorporates motor skills and following directions.



Some other fun baseball theme ideas:
     -Play baseball outside
     - Word work game on a baseball field print out
     - Solve math problems on sport theme cards
     - Read baseball theme stories for guided reading instruction
     - Cook corn dog muffins
     - Make nachos 
     - Create a baseball themed graph
     - Measure baseball supplies
     - Solve word problems that relate to baseball