tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41679170795091997692024-03-16T11:52:21.776-07:00Mrs. Lyon's Blog - Teaching: The Art of PossibilityI'm Katie Lyon and I'm a 2nd grade teacher, VP and blogger at Mrs. Lyon - Teaching: The Art of Possibility. On my blog, I share classroom tips, teaching ideas, and classroom resources. I'm a big fan of technology, and am in charge of our school's 1:1 iPad program. I share tech tips that can be applied to the classroom. Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-22886619106640941292016-06-23T20:39:00.001-07:002016-06-23T20:39:47.953-07:00Thriving, Not Surviving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJRNoM-O7gB8UtjLZIa9014-mIXFV1HrTJtTvwsA6kSAo3JgachAJKXsis78vog7oZWEAPDSHoO5EpAyTCawl2M_cb9_etS8oM0NAWv_R7YH1IhIcs9QSlxUthxoZqr8JNrZhJLuxs3Qo/s1600/thrive1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJRNoM-O7gB8UtjLZIa9014-mIXFV1HrTJtTvwsA6kSAo3JgachAJKXsis78vog7oZWEAPDSHoO5EpAyTCawl2M_cb9_etS8oM0NAWv_R7YH1IhIcs9QSlxUthxoZqr8JNrZhJLuxs3Qo/s400/thrive1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My, oh my! It's crazy when I think back over this past year. The 2015-2016 school year marked my eleventh year of teaching and it was by far my best one yet. I started the year off on maternity leave, as my husband and I welcomed our 3rd child (another beautiful girl!) to our family at the end of July. Our Koral is an absolute blessing to our family, especially after the miscarriage I had a few months prior to us conceiving her. I work about 16 miles from our house but in Los Angeles that translates to about 50 minutes of commute time. Even though I was on maternity leave, I still had to wake up EVERY SINGLE DAY and make that commute. Why? Because our oldest child, Kenzie, began Pre-K this year. And where better to send her than my own school?! So I literally drove back and forth to school twice a day for drop-off and pick-up. But it was worth it. She loves the school and I loved knowing she was at the best place we could send her. I won't lie though - with a newborn and our oldest two (we have another daughter, Kaidyn, who turned 3 in March) I was EXHAUSTED! I was drinking 2-3 cups of coffee every single day and it was all I could do to get the girls into bed at 7pm before I shorty retired myself. I knew something had to change!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz-JRGmHdr9lfFuV7JN8a18z2QL6rgDMaE2tY6UzRQRxbqhjj3va58XT1d1pS3m2dC-pLvHRXGIMxXjbeeGFnmktgPokK0D6fapO8BYBLiGaj2DbQDxYYl7W1ib9AhF-aqSOK-qCBfhhc/s1600/girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz-JRGmHdr9lfFuV7JN8a18z2QL6rgDMaE2tY6UzRQRxbqhjj3va58XT1d1pS3m2dC-pLvHRXGIMxXjbeeGFnmktgPokK0D6fapO8BYBLiGaj2DbQDxYYl7W1ib9AhF-aqSOK-qCBfhhc/s320/girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 3 girls :-)</td></tr>
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Enter <a href="http://www.katenar.le-vel.com/" target="_blank">Le-Vel Thrive</a>....but not for me. My husband's friend from high school kept reaching out to us about this product that she said was AMAZING! But I had just finished selling another direct sales product (you know - the super popular nail one) and I was not in the mood or mindset for something new. However, my husband figured he'd give it a go, not to sell himself, but to try the product and see if it did everything his friend proclaimed (see pic below). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg24u3ugxuLORxlSS3j2UHS3QfidfoyTGddvJOk_WuVjZUiNKSZz7FJAc72ZFHyIWAHXWog1NYk_UXyMomHM1W5KAPOUOz2M_MASjSSpDRGFbi0lV8LQ4bkV07SG2CLc8W7EF5r5gMiNSI/s1600/THRIVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg24u3ugxuLORxlSS3j2UHS3QfidfoyTGddvJOk_WuVjZUiNKSZz7FJAc72ZFHyIWAHXWog1NYk_UXyMomHM1W5KAPOUOz2M_MASjSSpDRGFbi0lV8LQ4bkV07SG2CLc8W7EF5r5gMiNSI/s320/THRIVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After completing the 3-day sample, my husband, Christian, said he felt something but couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. So he decided to jump in head first and purchase a month's worth of product. Within two weeks I noticed HUGE changes in Christian. He was waking up before me (without the alarm clock), was no longer drinking coffee, increased his water intake, was eating better, and most of all - would come home from a long day of work and STILL have ENERGY to play with our girls. He seemed happier too! After watching this for a month, I decided I wanted in on that. So in January, after being back to work for two months and more tired than I had ever been, I too joined him and started Thriving. And that is truly what happened....I began living my life again. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband - before Thrive on right and after on left</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All this energy allows me to get creative for my girls. :-)</td></tr>
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Within two months of being on Thrive, my husband dropped over 20 lbs and I myself have dropped the baby weight and am now just 2 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight before my <u>FIRST CHILD</u>! I have entirely given up coffee and pop (soda) and drink almost exclusively water. Alarm clocks don't annoy me in the morning because 9 times of of 10, I'm up before it goes off. I wasn't putting my head down on the staff room table at lunch time wishing I was at home napping but instead was up in my classroom getting things ready for the day/week. To put it simply - Thrive helped me become a healthier and more productive person.....and HAPPIER! </div>
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<b><u>So what exactly is <a href="http://www.katenar.le-vel.com/" target="_blank">Thrive</a>?</u></b></div>
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Thrive is an all natural, non-GMO, gluten free premium naturopathic formula. It is a100% plant-derived supplement that is sourced in the United States. It contains vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, antioxidants, enzymes, <u>probiotics</u>, and amino acids. </div>
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Want to know more - click below to see the exact ingredients in each of the three core products</div>
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<a href="https://media.le-vel.com/Documents/THRV001M.pdf" target="_blank">Vitamins for Men</a></div>
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<a href="https://media.le-vel.com/Documents/THRV001W.pdf" target="_blank">Vitamins for Women</a></div>
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<a href="https://media.le-vel.com/Documents/THRV002.pdf" target="_blank">Premium Lifestyle Mix (Vanilla)</a></div>
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<a href="https://media.le-vel.com/Documents/THRV003.pdf" target="_blank">DFT Patch</a></div>
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<b><u>What do you need to take?</u></b></div>
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Thrive is made up of three core products. The capsules, premium lifestyle mix and the DFT (derma fusion technology) patch. All done within the first 20-40 minutes of you waking up. Before your feet hit the ground, you take your vitamins. Then 20-40 minutes later you drink your lifestyle mix, which is delicious! I love the vanilla (but they have chocolate and strawberry too!). I add ice, milk and fresh fruit and make it into a smoothie. Then you slap your DFT on a lean part of your body. And that's it! You are done until the next day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o9vsO5k4C6p0ClxI-1hSa2MnFX8MOp46E_ds_lWJciBjWKugqztAMe5Wwr1flGPRjiBv1rxT867QvYloIN8SGVpizaHi0h1g5GmtVsyOU52zkGcu0orR1_NQR9hkTeiK3TVXWXGT0796/s1600/le-vel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o9vsO5k4C6p0ClxI-1hSa2MnFX8MOp46E_ds_lWJciBjWKugqztAMe5Wwr1flGPRjiBv1rxT867QvYloIN8SGVpizaHi0h1g5GmtVsyOU52zkGcu0orR1_NQR9hkTeiK3TVXWXGT0796/s400/le-vel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>What's the cost?</u></b></div>
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The cost really depends on the route you go (averages between $5-$6 a day - which is less than many peoples daily Starbucks). I'd love to talk to you about your options. But the best part of this health program is that you can get it for FREE! In the beginning, I was not actively sharing with friends and family or in social media platforms so I paid for the first few months. Honestly with the way I felt I would pay forever if I had to. But once you refer two people, <u>you get your products for FREE</u>! Tell me what other health and wellness store would give you your vitamins for free simply by sharing with your friends and family? None.... </div>
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<b><u>Do I have to sell the product?</u></b></div>
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Nope! I didn't start selling until about a month ago when I saw how awesome my husband was doing. He earns a car bonus (you can earn a $300 or $800 car bonus) and earns free getaways. Not to mention he is bringing in a EXTREMELY NICE supplemental salary for our family. And we all know teachers aren't raking in the money, so the fact that I can earn an additional income AND feel the health benefits.....well I'd say that's a win-win. They have a great LV rewards program - <a href="https://katenar.le-vel.com/Rewards/Compensation" target="_blank">see it here.</a> </div>
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This company has already done a half a BILLION DOLLARS in the first 3.5 years and continues to grow and was just awarded the Bravo Growth Award for the fastest growing direct sales company in the world. Read this <a href="http://directsellingnews.com/index.php/view/le_vel_cloud_based_company_is_helping_millions_thrive#.V2yqs5MrLq2" target="_blank">article here</a> for more info. And this July you are going to see their name EVERYWHERE, starting with a huge write up in USA Today followed by billboard campaigns, and throughout college football stadiums this fall! So if you are looking to make an additional income (and perhaps make it your sole income) then this is a company to check out.</div>
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I cannot rave about this product and company enough. I am as passionate about how this product makes me feel and want to share it with everyone I know! I especially know that teachers can benefit from Thrive. We work our tails off and energy is a rare commodity. You deserve more and your family deserves to have you back. I have some great limited promotions going on right now, so do yourself a favor. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LevelBrands/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Le-Vel Facebook</a> page and read all the amazing testimonials. Go to <a href="http://www.katenar.le-vel.com/">www.katenar.le-vel.com</a> and sign-up for a free customer account. You won't get spam mail and no credit card is needed. Look over the site and learn all about this premium product and when you are ready to make the next step, contact me at klyon78 (at) gmail (dot) com. We can discuss your next step, get samples sent out to you, and let you know about any promotions I have. I promise you, this is something you will NOT regret. You deserve to Thrive.....and not just survive. </div>
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Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com99tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-70269888193666535372016-04-29T20:28:00.000-07:002016-04-29T20:28:52.016-07:00FlipSlips - - Affordable and Comfortable Shoes For On the Go TeachersYou'll understand this. As a teacher, we are on our feet ALL DAY LONG! More often than not, I'd go to work in heels and within a couple hours I will have kicked them off and thrown on a pair of flip-flops I have stashed under my desk. But it never fails, the minute I do that, in comes our Admissions Director with a prospective family. Every.single.time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXIctKmD_l_k73ii0Z5nzizZ6OB9ZJ4kK3e54tzMWUIUdTFQ5jJ5qOHHYN3YX8C7vMiETF8Dnbsgq5ySzPaL0LRS5lC3CVG6wbyajqK0CalzL8DUOFQkiPSrkHWqw_EGLoXejHYPnkx3V/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXIctKmD_l_k73ii0Z5nzizZ6OB9ZJ4kK3e54tzMWUIUdTFQ5jJ5qOHHYN3YX8C7vMiETF8Dnbsgq5ySzPaL0LRS5lC3CVG6wbyajqK0CalzL8DUOFQkiPSrkHWqw_EGLoXejHYPnkx3V/s320/IMG_2826.JPG" width="240" /></a>I've invested in the super cute ballet slippers that many teachers know about....but they do hit the pocketbook quite hard. And well....I am on a teacher's salary. So when Esther from <a href="http://www.flipslips.com/products/flipslips-shoes" target="_blank">FlipSlips</a> reached out to me and told me about their versatile ballet slipper, I was definitely willing to give it a go. I didn't know much about them. Except that they had the ability to fold in half, so I could easily throw them in my bag when it was go time.<br />
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I was super excited when the box arrived and I opened it up to see a nice pair of black ballet slippers along with three interchangeable straps. Upon closer inspection, I saw that these ballet slippers had a slight cushion on the inside and the fabric they were made with appeared that they would be super easy to clean. Since I was headed to Arizona on Spring Break the following day, I figured it would be the perfect place to give them whirl, as I knew I'd be on my feet running around with my family. <br />
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To say these shoes are comfortable would be an understatement! I wore them for about 13 hours while we did a variety of activities (all which seemed to involve walking) and the one thing that made all the difference in the world from my normal ballet slippers was the fact these were cushioned. I liked it so much that even when we got home, I kept them on. Walking around in the desert dust didn't ruin them either. All I had to do was take a damp rag and wipe them clean.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN2_KVmOk3D16Lm9DiebP9tH07CMyb_JNTvECZP5Pw_K21bRZCGBLO5Hkn-eCO0r4UfsUuH6QOan2yMXS4TdQhAOT6og6szVv0fwn_HsVvmZMrA3SdwpogL_WbBwDH_mhBTWKVbB9MuhC/s1600/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN2_KVmOk3D16Lm9DiebP9tH07CMyb_JNTvECZP5Pw_K21bRZCGBLO5Hkn-eCO0r4UfsUuH6QOan2yMXS4TdQhAOT6og6szVv0fwn_HsVvmZMrA3SdwpogL_WbBwDH_mhBTWKVbB9MuhC/s320/IMG_2828.JPG" width="240" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF8xYJWRIbB8Q6ueoYAKAxd1rxLI4QXbkV4B0CDC7NfmPzJppXA4XudbrsyJPpozZpyGdtC2AkwgLLE4gnl_87O5yM73kU8us0DjSoq1zkY70UpkPhHsu0V5RNHhX-RWq9kO6jd7uCBQt/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuF8xYJWRIbB8Q6ueoYAKAxd1rxLI4QXbkV4B0CDC7NfmPzJppXA4XudbrsyJPpozZpyGdtC2AkwgLLE4gnl_87O5yM73kU8us0DjSoq1zkY70UpkPhHsu0V5RNHhX-RWq9kO6jd7uCBQt/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Let's break down the pros and cons of these shoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZV0Ccri10t6RiOT9bjGT4rSa_K6Te9SNpJNMO3r81uhNbEcS_mJ32vUy52kNzrTYUoc52gKvF8npF-O_JZ_VM3q83d5om3MZH-k9ARCBJTnZqzwiVEfqwtGsMb2Tvb1fxdZi7O9BV82M/s1600/CityHallStone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZV0Ccri10t6RiOT9bjGT4rSa_K6Te9SNpJNMO3r81uhNbEcS_mJ32vUy52kNzrTYUoc52gKvF8npF-O_JZ_VM3q83d5om3MZH-k9ARCBJTnZqzwiVEfqwtGsMb2Tvb1fxdZi7O9BV82M/s320/CityHallStone.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Pros:</b><br />
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<li>SUPER comfortable and cushioned</li>
<li>Interchangeable ankle straps in different colors and lengths</li>
<li>Fold in half so you can easily carry them in your purse</li>
<li>The price! I'm used to paying easily 4 times the amount for my other name brand ballet slippers I buy. So the $50 price tag on these is EXTREMELY enticing! </li>
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<b>Cons:</b></div>
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<li>Current available color is only black. Don't get me wrong - I love black. But I love also wearing a pop of color on my feet too. But the good news is, they are working on that and will soon be releasing their rainbow collection in a variety of colors</li>
<li>The straps - I like them. But you have to find the perfect fit or they can start to rub your ankles the wrong way. Once you figure out the appropriate setting on the strap you are good to go but it make take a few times of wearing them.</li>
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I really encourage my fellow teachers to check <a href="http://www.flipslips.com/products/flipslips-shoes" target="_blank">FlipSlips</a> out! You may just end up buying a pair in every color once they are released. :-)</div>
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Be sure to check out their <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flipslip/flipslips-rainbow-collection-the-worlds-best-trave" target="_blank">Kickstarter Page</a>.</div>
Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-84997395422090046582015-07-09T19:22:00.001-07:002015-07-09T19:25:46.675-07:00A Complete and Comprehensive (but easy) Classroom Economy for Upper Grades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJv_vvlzM1Q78Zv_-xPklKPKAvRuab84mAiPrLIkugBeaPXREAsck34bdVWUcNEfrWEDvp42t_WJf-H8QDwr_Z0pXeQX9cp97m2IHcdleBizk0w6jsZUmRI5PAzoYjLVFf1yS01jXWUP8/s1600/class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJv_vvlzM1Q78Zv_-xPklKPKAvRuab84mAiPrLIkugBeaPXREAsck34bdVWUcNEfrWEDvp42t_WJf-H8QDwr_Z0pXeQX9cp97m2IHcdleBizk0w6jsZUmRI5PAzoYjLVFf1yS01jXWUP8/s400/class.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many teachers implement classroom economies....as a matter of fact I remember my very own 4th grade teacher doing it so many years ago! And it remains one of the fondest memories I have and is actually the reason I ever began doing it to begin with. However, you will see many variations of the classroom economy depending on the teacher you talk to. Since I work at a private school, we often have parents touring the school and my classroom economy is actually something the principal always likes me to discuss with them. The parents LOVE it! And so do the kids.<br />
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My economy is broken down into parts. Somethings I implement EVERY SINGLE YEAR and others I may depending on the class and their ability to do things without it taking too much classroom time. Here is a quick list of things I do with my economy:<br />
<ol>
<li>Newspaper Ads (Help Wanted and Classifieds)</li>
<li>Online Job Applications</li>
<li>Job Interviews</li>
<li>Class Cash</li>
<li>Paychecks (complete with taxes taken out)</li>
<li>Bank</li>
<li>Fines/Bonuses</li>
<li>Swap Shop</li>
<li>Class Auctions</li>
<li>Life's Little Happenings</li>
<li>Classroom Businesses </li>
</ol>
<h3>
<b><u>NEWSPAPER ADS</u></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwb_OzHeyb-YkWujt7voDDp1-gHbcaESDIZBnjNCLq9PtySWBzLlLn_yvhoY4P6HHVK9zAVdEGPXBpjChhwDTl6p9_nC7InEskuPTZhadhexsQg73o9v6A4_TlofABYyrKelJGq1R8RhR/s1600/newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwb_OzHeyb-YkWujt7voDDp1-gHbcaESDIZBnjNCLq9PtySWBzLlLn_yvhoY4P6HHVK9zAVdEGPXBpjChhwDTl6p9_nC7InEskuPTZhadhexsQg73o9v6A4_TlofABYyrKelJGq1R8RhR/s400/newspaper.jpg" width="328" /></a>Each year I begin the first week of school with giving each student a copy of the classroom newspaper. Really it's just consists of Help Wanted ads and Classifieds. Depending on the school year, I update the Help Wanted ads with the jobs that will be available that year. Students are told to read through the ads and think about 3 of the positions that they would like. Jobs are held the ENTIRE year as some require "training" and I don't want to spend too much time having to do that throughout the year. Many positions have multiple people who have the same job. The classifieds let students know about things that I will purchase (like books, old toys, etc) for the classroom library and swap shop. <br />
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<h3>
<b><u>ONLINE JOB APPLICATIONS</u></b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZpslDoplcHgay8cNLx9dA5Q3JZqsU9YCq2PEHPJuZXf70jnTr7OGEHmUVi-ry9keRhvykBOEnI9bvWBhQluDghKOwtJrU5agZLnug4QTLS5c2u-V2a0zw_tXGiKAdJteK7MdV33mBOvq/s1600/application.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZpslDoplcHgay8cNLx9dA5Q3JZqsU9YCq2PEHPJuZXf70jnTr7OGEHmUVi-ry9keRhvykBOEnI9bvWBhQluDghKOwtJrU5agZLnug4QTLS5c2u-V2a0zw_tXGiKAdJteK7MdV33mBOvq/s400/application.jpg" width="380" /></a>After students have had some time to look over the newspaper ads, they then fill out an online job application. You can view the application here. Before students fill it out, we discuss the different components of the application and why each part is important (like an emergency contact number). This is where you find out which of your students KNOW their address and those who don't. I make it a requirement that all students know their addresses as I think it's super important. After students have filled out their job applications, the Google Form will neatly input all the information into a spreadsheet for me. I use that spreadsheet to look over the information and set-up interviews. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EOSeSnid29hA61l2WI3CBT2DS9QGt8jvstiY2omXFEA/viewform" target="_blank">Here is what my online job application looks like.</a> You can easily create one using Google Forms.</div>
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<h3>
<b><u>JOB INTERVIEWS</u></b></h3>
<div>
Prior to doing job interviews with the students, we discuss what they think would make someone want to hire you. We talk about only have about ten seconds to make that great first impression. I even instruct them on how to give a firm handshake and to make sure they are giving good eye contact. I set-up the interviews with each student in advanced - this way students know to make sure their hair is combed, clothes are nice and neat (my students wear uniforms so we talk about having shirts tucked in, etc), clean hands and more. I always give them a heads up about some of the questions I will be asking so they can think about their responses beforehand. It's important to note, I usually schedule about 10 minutes per interview and I typically do them during their recess/lunch. <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Sg4YldXg8RAoHMmKGMiw71Nj32ZL5iHGeF72oqOQjE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to see my go to interview questions.</a><br />
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<h3>
<b><u>CLASS CASH</u></b></h3>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoF5-zV7_XhguhAiJNJ0W0vYr2IR3OUCz2ii_Joc9i4YokNeIk4xtn_kfgH_SnBHYE8FEB9qW-mXUH9lQUVgcLwI7rWOtP9xLjTZXlI6ncbgZIYmA33eBg66Yn6frdwZJn_gQlmYVF5Gdu/s1600/kmoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoF5-zV7_XhguhAiJNJ0W0vYr2IR3OUCz2ii_Joc9i4YokNeIk4xtn_kfgH_SnBHYE8FEB9qW-mXUH9lQUVgcLwI7rWOtP9xLjTZXlI6ncbgZIYmA33eBg66Yn6frdwZJn_gQlmYVF5Gdu/s320/kmoney.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samples of what my K-Money looks like. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEL_JG6OmVEcCt73csUE1EvArOlrxV67C080GsDhgMmFAOsHJ4jRiuxZq7O5XC5sJqtr_jqCK3f7c-fL6ASQLE5eDdP_9lnqz2wITTn3An4S1lizQAHi0-gY0wo7UEbkq2X4sg_2DJwnY/s1600/kmoney2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEL_JG6OmVEcCt73csUE1EvArOlrxV67C080GsDhgMmFAOsHJ4jRiuxZq7O5XC5sJqtr_jqCK3f7c-fL6ASQLE5eDdP_9lnqz2wITTn3An4S1lizQAHi0-gY0wo7UEbkq2X4sg_2DJwnY/s320/kmoney2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Typically classroom jobs don't begin until the second or sometimes even the third week of school depending on the year and the class. Since jobs are paid via paycheck, I also have class cash. My cash is called K-Money which is because of my two daughters - Kenzie & Kaidyn. All the cash features pictures of them on it. :-) I deal only with $5, $20, $50, and $100 bills. Each of the different denominations are printed on different colored paper making it easy for me to know which are which. These I pull out on day one of school. Students begin earning class cash aka K-Money by answering questions and through good behavior. I make sure each student has earned some on day one as it gets them even more motivated....plus I need them to have a bit of money when I introduce the bank and checks which they pay a small fee for. ;-) I use the class cash all year long and even leave some out for any substitutes to hand out while I'm gone. It's a quick and easy way for me to give incentives to my kids. In order for me not to run out of printed money (though I have a TON!) I do require students to deposit it into their checking account once we start the banking (usually about week 3-4 of school). They are allowed to keep about $500 in class cash to pay off quick fines if needed.<br />
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<h3>
<b><u>PAYCHECKS</u></b></h3>
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Classroom job paychecks is probably my most favorite part about all the components of my classroom economy. I did a post on them last year but for sake of making you leave this post to go there, I just copied it over for you. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these paychecks.<br />
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The students earn paychecks that look like a real check! This allows me to add the element of banking to my classroom economy. When students earn their first paycheck, we go over how checks work, what all those numbers mean, and I even invite a guest speaker into my classroom from a bank to answer the students questions. <br />
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The paychecks that my students earn not only look like real checks but they also have taxes taken out....just like real life!! This adds a whole new teachable element which allows me to talk about with my kids. What taxes pay for, who gets the money, why do we pay them...etc. It's an eye opener for many of them. :-)<br />
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In the beginning, I would spend quite a bit of time doing payroll. It really became time consuming because I wanted my students to have accurate YTD information (especially for when tax season came around). After some <strike>wasted</strike> time, I knew I had to find a new way to do payroll that wouldn't take me more than 3 minutes. I searched high and low and was unable to find what I needed. So I finally sat down with a friend of mine and created exactly what I needed. Enter my mail merge and spreadsheet using Excel and Word! This handy tool allows me to easily input each students name, what pay period it is (which will automatically calculate the YTD information), and their pay. After I enter that information, the formulas automatically calculate the taxes that are taken out which is about 25% of their pay. :-)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoQERKlU1q5AzN3yqkN51HOOuGbDxqnwgJ6zLCDPPxQz4p7Y_rL_tXbsS1E9RdEkAtKGjd0hi2N0PRe799ck1tzb2y58ssUwoD-juIehf2qFtbDRBXpw_tmNYhMEQAc5KlJ9t1NxH6e6l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-04+at+3.20.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoQERKlU1q5AzN3yqkN51HOOuGbDxqnwgJ6zLCDPPxQz4p7Y_rL_tXbsS1E9RdEkAtKGjd0hi2N0PRe799ck1tzb2y58ssUwoD-juIehf2qFtbDRBXpw_tmNYhMEQAc5KlJ9t1NxH6e6l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-04+at+3.20.55+PM.png" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Sample Paycheck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm happy to share this awesome spreadsheet and mail merge with you through my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Economy-Paychecks-852190" target="_blank">TpT store</a>! The zip file also includes an easy tutorial video to walk you through how to run your own <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Economy-Paychecks-852190" target="_blank">classroom payroll</a>.<br />
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<h3>
<b><u>BANK</u></b></h3>
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In order for students to be able to do something with their paychecks, I had to implement a bank and the job of bankers. In my classroom, we use the online platform called <a href="http://mykidsbank.org/" target="_blank">My Kids Bank</a> which is totally FREE! You can easily create accounts for all your students, create bankers, do direct deposits and more. It is such as awesome resource that I'm in awe that it is FREE. This resource is super easy to use and makes it easy for me to "train" my bankers on it. The bank, which is called Lyon's National Bank opens up whenever students are finished with their work and once a week at a set time. This allows the customers to cash and deposit checks, make rent payments, and do withdraws if needed. However, the joy of My Kids Bank, is students have the ability to check their account at anytime as long as they have internet access. They also can make direct payments to other students and the City of Lyonville, which is how they pay their monthly rent and fines when needed. In addition, each student pays $30 for a checkbook which contains 15 checks. They can use these checks to pay for things. The checks are turned into me. I make sure they are filled out correctly and give it to the appropriate bank teller who will deduct the check from the student's account. Here are a few of the forms that I use in the bank setting:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbJQDWJhuDcPMuG87p5Rz-i17jhL2qYxpc3QCyqifYwpy3ReyT8xn5bcXNpWq7x6sac3DOomb4_CIKUCQMAElERBQZIKNfkk8cK8Q2NEtt58uD17JQY2ooFBCfFw78AlCsyKPcoG8z6TS/s1600/login.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbJQDWJhuDcPMuG87p5Rz-i17jhL2qYxpc3QCyqifYwpy3ReyT8xn5bcXNpWq7x6sac3DOomb4_CIKUCQMAElERBQZIKNfkk8cK8Q2NEtt58uD17JQY2ooFBCfFw78AlCsyKPcoG8z6TS/s320/login.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students receive this with their unique username and password to get into their account.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15_j75qrrNTwSXusli9k98KJYqeZykjGSNTkXcxd48CZUCs0O2UqwTE5jIqY_sMaP4rjXMhvZx-jwxmoqnV81dOM_VkRmqUAx6JioI_x4oUnuRFvIbb2vu-fH-3C6fRrs1u4HODNJFI2C/s1600/deposit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15_j75qrrNTwSXusli9k98KJYqeZykjGSNTkXcxd48CZUCs0O2UqwTE5jIqY_sMaP4rjXMhvZx-jwxmoqnV81dOM_VkRmqUAx6JioI_x4oUnuRFvIbb2vu-fH-3C6fRrs1u4HODNJFI2C/s320/deposit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is what our deposit slip looks like. I also have withdrawal slips. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFgm41dbImERLaYANqxGXH7gW4FFIX3-ANW1cETH5eau-gjoobVlvPnE3swBfil0Hp1CV7swMcKXXwAincaR0Vjt2HagR18opnSrd0q2R3iDinMe_ISJOsvn9tod8Ok9u0HoSuzcOvqM0/s1600/receipt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFgm41dbImERLaYANqxGXH7gW4FFIX3-ANW1cETH5eau-gjoobVlvPnE3swBfil0Hp1CV7swMcKXXwAincaR0Vjt2HagR18opnSrd0q2R3iDinMe_ISJOsvn9tod8Ok9u0HoSuzcOvqM0/s320/receipt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each "customer" gets a receipt after doing a transaction at the bank from their banker. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Zcc9kMouGVw-Q0AJtD3ong6wdk3CmTCNGzE5VPgb1zG7dvE3V0J767MPrq9STTMRgiO5zujdcsoEG3oudfpnDZ_r7BABuF07CyeNp7Tv7GMYTU43tOmAm0OcXoinLZsS9DzxB1xuFipX/s1600/register.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Zcc9kMouGVw-Q0AJtD3ong6wdk3CmTCNGzE5VPgb1zG7dvE3V0J767MPrq9STTMRgiO5zujdcsoEG3oudfpnDZ_r7BABuF07CyeNp7Tv7GMYTU43tOmAm0OcXoinLZsS9DzxB1xuFipX/s320/register.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students are required to keep an accurate check register of their account. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE9JPULgJfeu9XhtSk6b8LH_D2w_TXXAm39LB5mlKQ_9gLuT3vTbAUL72mAfzewhyGNKTr53dzoi0g1w58yUhfnbZYCBPv8RkeVWHfWyDWM0lf7EZ_8brbmnEqxneBE4bM3zYyhj5QpQx/s1600/rent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDE9JPULgJfeu9XhtSk6b8LH_D2w_TXXAm39LB5mlKQ_9gLuT3vTbAUL72mAfzewhyGNKTr53dzoi0g1w58yUhfnbZYCBPv8RkeVWHfWyDWM0lf7EZ_8brbmnEqxneBE4bM3zYyhj5QpQx/s640/rent.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YES! Students pay rent and utilities each month (usually I start this the 2nd month of school). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Students are required to pay rent each month. However, I do offer the opportunity for students to "purchase" their desk. I typically make the cost of the desk about 3 months rent. If a student does purchase their desk, the no longer need to pay the desk and chair rent. However, they still pay for utilities. Students receive a Desk Deed once they purchase their area. In some years past, students were able to purchase desks of those students who had no desire to buy them. Those students would then be responsible for paying their new owner. However, I did have difficulty keeping track of that so I no longer do it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgWt1mSEOFYcr5xImdHb5RR4Si_FS1tNULan48z3juPg9JYPIDmTcHquqolMzaMmrr5xnURxcddOVpK0Be6uQKxQoznYicehzxtiI6iQNw1z9gvxovgrc3k1s8SuJ3nnJFervs-6L5Usw/s1600/deed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgWt1mSEOFYcr5xImdHb5RR4Si_FS1tNULan48z3juPg9JYPIDmTcHquqolMzaMmrr5xnURxcddOVpK0Be6uQKxQoznYicehzxtiI6iQNw1z9gvxovgrc3k1s8SuJ3nnJFervs-6L5Usw/s640/deed.jpg" width="603" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students get a copy of this deed for their files. :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u>FINES/BONUSES</u></b><br />
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In addition to the bank, I also have Police Officers who help me collect fines from the class. Fines are given out for a variety of things - here is a list of fines and the amount the students need to pay. Yes - they are steep fines but the idea is to make them not want to get these fines. Each fine correlates to one of the classroom rules that isn't being followed but is broken down into three categories - Being Respectful, Responsible and Responsible. You can get my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Modified-Version-of-Whole-Brain-Teaching-Rules-Bold-Colors-1949157" target="_blank">classroom rules posters for free here.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25qGt1uVZ-CGu7rMHA_oiflqeTSGCj4AkYGWZ7Vma4mKqaXy_qXZXIRKTFO-a8dHXC6SLWB5Lqw2Tqgn1HX8RUlEXmogyuMCGVR41FF3_RaBz_XmJRia6CI8B1tMCbJTZIrxTnwF35x9H/s1600/rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25qGt1uVZ-CGu7rMHA_oiflqeTSGCj4AkYGWZ7Vma4mKqaXy_qXZXIRKTFO-a8dHXC6SLWB5Lqw2Tqgn1HX8RUlEXmogyuMCGVR41FF3_RaBz_XmJRia6CI8B1tMCbJTZIrxTnwF35x9H/s320/rules.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classroom Rules - a version of Whole Brain Teaching Rules</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvpLRM3gvfLQQ-5bZSLkoIlx2WcoarDMTTEqMigDAhyxROeh42OzR6syxS3YhLkiU7YRdxL4fmSgybEUWnj4LWp7bCwCCk-phAw-z2OmzwRPFv-xwpOD8tn1YynXOEVRH2KqJyhsSKToP/s1600/rules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvpLRM3gvfLQQ-5bZSLkoIlx2WcoarDMTTEqMigDAhyxROeh42OzR6syxS3YhLkiU7YRdxL4fmSgybEUWnj4LWp7bCwCCk-phAw-z2OmzwRPFv-xwpOD8tn1YynXOEVRH2KqJyhsSKToP/s320/rules.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each student gets a copy of this for their binder.</td></tr>
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I usually have about 4-5 police officers each year. Each officer is in charge of a select group of students within the class. When a student earns a fine, they are told to tell their office. The officer then records the fine in their logbook (logbooks consist of a laminated folder that has an individual fine sheet for each of their assigned students). They record the date, the fine violation code and the fine amount. At the end of the day they add up each of their students' fines and collect the money. The students who are paying can either pay by check, cash, or direct deposit through their bank account to the city. This log serves a dual purpose - one it's a record for the officer to collect fines but two, it provides me with a behavior/work habit log that I can use if I need to have a conference with parents regarding a student. Honestly, this system works out so well for me. All I have to do is say "Tell your officer" and the students are responsible from handling it from there. In the beginning it does take a little bit of follow through from me making sure it happens, but the officers take their jobs seriously and will get it done. One thing to note - officers DO NOT hand out fines on their own. Fines are only given through me.<br />
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Bonuses are another nice little addition to the classroom economy. Students can earn cash bonuses through answering questions correctly, scoring well on quizzes/tests, being complimented from other teachers, birthday/other holiday gifts and more. I don't have set rates on most bonuses but there are a few. For example, if a student scores 100% on their spelling PRE-TEST (meaning they studied ahead of time) they get $100 in class cash. I also give "job bonuses" around the holidays. :-) The joy of this is I can hand them out at my discretion.<br />
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<b><u>SWAP SHOP / CLASS AUCTIONS</u></b></h3>
<div>
So you may wonder, what do the students get to spend their classroom money on? During the year, I have two auctions - one after the first semester and one at the end of the year. It is during these auctions that the students get to spend their money (or hoard it - whatever!) on a variety of items. However, just like you, I earn a teacher's income so money can be tight. Enter the Swap Shop. The swap shop is a way for me to "purchase" my students' old toys, books, etc. You know how the saying goes - "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Well this is certainly true!!! Students are encouraged to clean out their closet and bring to me (with their parent's permission of course) old toys, books, DVDs, etc that they no longer want. I have a scheduled time each week that I accept these items. The students come up and show me their goods - I then determine if it's worth any class cash. If I think it's something that will sell, I will offer them a sum of class cash. They have the ability to accept, refuse, or negotiate a higher rate. I have a set rate on books and DVDs but most other stuff it just depends on what it is. I have gotten some pretty awesome stuff by operating the Swap Shop and easily make back 2 to 3 times back in class cash during the auction than what I originally paid for it. There are a couple rules to the swap shop - games and toys must contain all their parts, students must attempt to sell it to me (aka Swap Shop) first. If I don't buy it, they have the ability to make a private sale with another classmate if someone is interested. The variety of things students sell to me is amazing - costume jewelry, mugs, candles, picture frames, toys - you name it, they sell it. Parents love this as it allows them to "clean out" things too. Sometimes students will sell to me little trinkets that I know won't sell in an auction. If they are in good shape, I will usually still purchase them for small class cash fees and then I share them with the primary teachers at my school for their own prize buckets. It's a win-win for us all.<br />
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During the class auctions, each student will have a post-it note that shows their balance of class cash and money in their account. I set the timer for about 20 minutes. I begin by holding up an item and give a starting bid. Students will raise their hand if they want to bid on the item and the highest bidder wins. Bidding wars often break out - it gets crazy fun. Students KNOW they are not allowed to bid more than they have and if they break this rule, they can be banned from the auction and economy altogether if necessary. My teacher assistant is in charge of writing the items down, who won the bid, and the amount it went for. Students collect their items at the end of the auction and pay at that time. They are responsible for deducting their bids from their post-it notes so they always know how much money they have to work with. <br />
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<h3>
<b><u>LIFE'S LITTLE HAPPENINGS</u></b></h3>
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Life's Little Happenings are cards that I pull on Friday. I randomly choose 3 students who come up and pick from a set of cards I have. These cards have different "life situations" on them. They may have cost the student money, or they may give the student money. The students LOVE these cards and they help teach them that sometimes.....things happen. :-)<br />
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Here are some sample cards and what they would say.<br />
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<h3>
<b><u>CLASSROOM BUSINESSES</u></b></h3>
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About halfway through the year, I introduce the idea of classroom businesses. Students can fill out a business application and apply for a business license. Prior to doing this, we review the different between goods/services. Students can then apply for license by filling out the business proposal. Students can run things like insurance companies where the other students pay them in case they end up with one of "Life's Little Happening's", check book decorating, tutoring and more. IF the business requires materials and real money, students must also get their parents' permission too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDMrtZsLHiF9vzVeL1PG8S0YZDQUFJc6a41zOq05UQ2bV3_7eoLdrTsNj_m_apRSFMG9R8vdAyGfNK2400pMtFHUzGg6dsn34U9lqwKXisEu3ySFCnNXOpqO1crF-dlPtGdNmXUxfPLsT/s1600/proposal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDMrtZsLHiF9vzVeL1PG8S0YZDQUFJc6a41zOq05UQ2bV3_7eoLdrTsNj_m_apRSFMG9R8vdAyGfNK2400pMtFHUzGg6dsn34U9lqwKXisEu3ySFCnNXOpqO1crF-dlPtGdNmXUxfPLsT/s320/proposal.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<b><u>ADDITIONAL RESOURCES</u></b></h3>
Here are some great resources that you can find online regarding classroom economies:<br />
Info on Beth Newingham's economy: <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/creating-classroom-economy-unit-plan">http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/creating-classroom-economy-unit-plan</a><br />
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A detailed PDF about setting up an economy: <a href="http://www.councilforeconed.org/lesson-resources/lessons/sample-lessons/classroom_minieconomy.pdf">http://www.councilforeconed.org/lesson-resources/lessons/sample-lessons/classroom_minieconomy.pdf</a></div>
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A website that contains over a dozen lesson plans on Economics: <a href="https://www.moneyinstructor.com/classeconomy.asp">https://www.moneyinstructor.com/classeconomy.asp</a><br />
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Contains forms and more ideas: <a href="https://www.myclassroomeconomy.org/print.html?grades=4-5#">https://www.myclassroomeconomy.org/print.html?grades=4-5#</a><br />
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FREE resources from Wells Fargo for their Hands On Banking program: <a href="http://www.handsonbanking.org/en/educators.html">http://www.handsonbanking.org/en/educators.html</a></div>
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Do you have a classroom economy? What different components do you do? Share below.<br />
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Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-57329717929289541062015-05-06T19:08:00.000-07:002015-05-06T19:08:58.487-07:00String It Up Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaEXaYMSFAJhEtjnu45E_BnS4siyfYHodGsPhUWOfj_6O783DGVKi8Nkf7bdxRTZkKEJ_yo3PayxagQswJoJqEFVYv-nrc0VgrXIyOmE1zkdJeq7CgD9wwg30T4_oiBpVkBrvCneXeMuX/s1600/photo+3+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaEXaYMSFAJhEtjnu45E_BnS4siyfYHodGsPhUWOfj_6O783DGVKi8Nkf7bdxRTZkKEJ_yo3PayxagQswJoJqEFVYv-nrc0VgrXIyOmE1zkdJeq7CgD9wwg30T4_oiBpVkBrvCneXeMuX/s1600/photo+3+(3).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
My students and I just completed what I think is probably the coolest art project we've done this year - String Art! I've been wanting to do a string art project for about the past 6 years now and finally decided this was the year. Instead of doing my usual Mother's Day gift that I do every year, I planned ahead and order the supplies to complete this totally awesome project. The results are awesome and I'm so glad I did it. I think the students' mothers are going to love them! I will definitely do this again each year with my class.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhv6I4KUQBltExp32mwdnUldCpehT0JdaVaciv0RHTzWfarAi2Gr4mUUaxRvfofLmnVE_5gSZXvnVuQ4Saq3OqCQbh4fj3EjcV6RPvoBOOviuNWH-9EUdq_p0Uxun0AuugJW2Uh_72BjA/s1600/photo+1+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhv6I4KUQBltExp32mwdnUldCpehT0JdaVaciv0RHTzWfarAi2Gr4mUUaxRvfofLmnVE_5gSZXvnVuQ4Saq3OqCQbh4fj3EjcV6RPvoBOOviuNWH-9EUdq_p0Uxun0AuugJW2Uh_72BjA/s1600/photo+1+(6).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
In order to do this project, you will need the following items:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Unfinished Wooden Painting Panels - <i>I did 12 x 12 x 1 inch boards. The BEST price I found was on Consumer Crafts for only $5.97</i></li>
<li>Paint and paint brushes</li>
<li>Wire Nails - <i>I used 8 Gauge 5/8 inch Galvanized Wire Nails because they have the head so string doesn't slip off</i></li>
<li>Hammer - <i>I sent home a request for families to send in a hammer and the students shared them</i></li>
<li>String Art Pattern - <i>I created my own and copied it for students</i></li>
<li>Tape</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckeYkLhVwgolvu0Uw0N98tb1pgXzdj2Wb4TYz2WI4LRoLD6OsfQeVhUsjSY4ePhyphenhyphenNPo0rf2gUIiqviEJV-Z6qifX_ZFM60qd5UpzPZ_DoK9YXrxtfJ-J2-t6nkNdiB9MkWwcLudDws33r/s1600/photo+3+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckeYkLhVwgolvu0Uw0N98tb1pgXzdj2Wb4TYz2WI4LRoLD6OsfQeVhUsjSY4ePhyphenhyphenNPo0rf2gUIiqviEJV-Z6qifX_ZFM60qd5UpzPZ_DoK9YXrxtfJ-J2-t6nkNdiB9MkWwcLudDws33r/s1600/photo+3+(4).JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted boards</td></tr>
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Once you have your supplies, the first thing you do is have the students paint their wooden panel in a color they choose. After the paint has dried, they should tape on the pattern. I told the students to do this carefully to ensure that the pattern was not off-centered. After they have decided where to place it, they should use a piece of tape to keep it in place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8PzmGSWanEZ1zdKPqTKOIShstc9fqVRtNlAZ02U1Fo1wwil5TXCA1HklqA-G4RbovzqdwpL-ioTwjp-EZPVpELSFwhK1eL0ACV92xtNNHouO43WOLhEk_058BbodZL4at63DtRsyijZD/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8PzmGSWanEZ1zdKPqTKOIShstc9fqVRtNlAZ02U1Fo1wwil5TXCA1HklqA-G4RbovzqdwpL-ioTwjp-EZPVpELSFwhK1eL0ACV92xtNNHouO43WOLhEk_058BbodZL4at63DtRsyijZD/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Now comes the LOUD part - hammering in the nails. I was a bit nervous about having students do this at first, but no injuries happened. They should put a nail on each of the dots. We talked about how deep the nails should go in - not too deep or they won't be able to put string around them. </div>
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Once the nails are in, they should carefully pull the pattern off. When they do this, they make discover they didn't hammer in a nail deep enough and may have to redo a few. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdKjI40iDgzsSxjMRcnhE26T6lUyJM_BIAYN0HzFzOYFZwl0bzvg0Fo_fsJe0fNxPqeP0_LOOsFOy3Ef_3s8X_CjSHxNljEoB1R0rRoMjOYb-tK8QngiV4mTGTDOFcA44cwSCYmtklVFA/s1600/photo+3+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdKjI40iDgzsSxjMRcnhE26T6lUyJM_BIAYN0HzFzOYFZwl0bzvg0Fo_fsJe0fNxPqeP0_LOOsFOy3Ef_3s8X_CjSHxNljEoB1R0rRoMjOYb-tK8QngiV4mTGTDOFcA44cwSCYmtklVFA/s1600/photo+3+(5).JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pull off the pattern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGGmRFiiACxIcWssfU6iOXay82lOAS2knKy2qnKjxI-NtedXt3v3-30hDPW6AhnrQmwHiTexJ4iUihbaxu7CROvYebnr2Hz39scTYZiWJ_4DoT5q1ou4mgwRvl5eMCqmJZoK3VJLufD6M/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGGmRFiiACxIcWssfU6iOXay82lOAS2knKy2qnKjxI-NtedXt3v3-30hDPW6AhnrQmwHiTexJ4iUihbaxu7CROvYebnr2Hz39scTYZiWJ_4DoT5q1ou4mgwRvl5eMCqmJZoK3VJLufD6M/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outline the pattern with string first</td></tr>
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Now comes time for the string. First, I had my students do the outline of the shape by looping around each nail. After they have completed that, they can begin to create their design. The best part about this project, is each will look different depending on how they string it together. I would cut my students off pieces of string, and when they would run out, they would get another piece and knot them together. Have them cut off the excess string and keep going. Once they are finished, tie off the final end and trim up any excess. <br />
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You can end the project there, or you can allow them to add decorative elements or words to their panel with paint. Regardless, they will each have a unique final wall piece to hang up at home! </div>
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How fun are some of these that my kids did?</div>
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Have you ever done a string art project? How'd it turn out?</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<b><i>Katie</i></b></div>
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<h1 class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px !important; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.3 !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; widows: 1;">
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<SCRIPT charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fmrslyosblotea-20%2F8001%2F2dcc72a5-c071-412e-a0cb-f435766bbdad"> </SCRIPT> <NOSCRIPT><A HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fmrslyosblotea-20%2F8001%2F2dcc72a5-c071-412e-a0cb-f435766bbdad&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></NOSCRIPT>Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-44205213730591421522015-01-09T16:00:00.000-08:002015-01-11T12:29:14.622-08:00Free Your Time With Fifth Grade Freebies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTShmuYLOpBLRq410wxyTLCOpNcSjGGghsUjuHThD-GKvBEORRE9juD1EU4PbGHCP5-srYucxDM04WfrVDJ4yLdrsHDF5bKG-LuRE7TlJ49Fy1zW7il020OZYVS_PsSOWQqxb4tEth_4JO/s1600/FifthGradeFreebies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTShmuYLOpBLRq410wxyTLCOpNcSjGGghsUjuHThD-GKvBEORRE9juD1EU4PbGHCP5-srYucxDM04WfrVDJ4yLdrsHDF5bKG-LuRE7TlJ49Fy1zW7il020OZYVS_PsSOWQqxb4tEth_4JO/s1600/FifthGradeFreebies.png" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping on by and participating in the Free Your time With Fifth Grade Freebies Blog Hop! I'm happy to have you here. :-) In case you haven't stopped by my blog before, allow me the opportunity to introduce myself. </div>
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So now it's time for my freebie for you all. We just finished learning about Life Science and animal adaptations. So to help my students review and reflect upon what they learned, they created an Animal Adaptation Popplet. Since I have 1:1 iPads, I love using the <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/techie-thursday-popplet.html" target="_blank">Popplet app</a> (it's available online too at <a href="http://popplet.com/">http://popplet.com/</a>), however, if you don't have access to computer, I'm also providing you the project guidelines sheet using just poster board. Here's an example from my class:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45cq3w3TMKcMYTFRHju1fI0P-YQ7Jct6-rpp6J8jiJWaETvqYF2KP8p1QhMmsVKZ5h_qhUAn_vEp7sEvaKh2_lMS_GNSbS0kv-fsgYUovVEu8-2WtiFyXEHDS-myMNZRhc_Xgw5f-jYto/s1600/Photo+Nov+05,+6+54+33+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45cq3w3TMKcMYTFRHju1fI0P-YQ7Jct6-rpp6J8jiJWaETvqYF2KP8p1QhMmsVKZ5h_qhUAn_vEp7sEvaKh2_lMS_GNSbS0kv-fsgYUovVEu8-2WtiFyXEHDS-myMNZRhc_Xgw5f-jYto/s1600/Photo+Nov+05,+6+54+33+PM.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
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Basically, I took a list of different animals from different habitats and randomly assigned each one of my students a different one. It was their job to research their animal and create the Popplet/Poster for it. The Popplet app makes it very easy to create this poster, however, students can easily do the same thing with some poster board or construction paper. </div>
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Hopefully you will find this project as an easy and fun way for your students to do a little bit of research and share their findings with you. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Animal-Adaptations-Mini-Project-1640718" target="_blank">You can get your free copy by downloading it here.</a> </div>
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Thanks again for stopping on by. Check back soon to for more great technology resources and to hear about some of the fun things we are doing in our classroom. Now it's time for you to head on over to <a href="http://www.creativityinthemodernclassroom.com/2015/01/free-your-time-with-5th-grade-freebies-blog-hop-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-bingo/" target="_blank">Creativity in the Common Core Classroom</a>. </div>
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And remember, when you are all done checking out all the amazing authors that help contribute on <a href="http://fifthgradefreebies.blogspot.com/2015/01/free-your-time-blog-hop-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Fifth Grade Freebies</a>, be sure to stop by our page and enter to win one of THREE $25 TpT gift cards. </div>
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Enjoy,</div>
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<b><i>Katie</i></b></div>
<br />Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-33250991353279392642014-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:002014-12-07T16:16:06.195-08:00My Favorite ThingsI am so excited to be participating in this AMAZING blog hop, sponsored by Laura from Where the Magic Happens Blog. There are 100 of us who have signed up to share our favorite things with you and you even have the opportunity to win a prize pack full of them!!<br />
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So here we go...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iXfavCG8ntT58tzC55KDx66C151CwFoXlpW1Lm9fxHMoX9i4eqQeSwvKWLKiFNjSU1A8Pnf3HNxoqeVrZwaEnhErxfBT6QXHr17YfNU0I89psnIrn1VdOox2vzEpS-WLtewltgdpeieZ/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iXfavCG8ntT58tzC55KDx66C151CwFoXlpW1Lm9fxHMoX9i4eqQeSwvKWLKiFNjSU1A8Pnf3HNxoqeVrZwaEnhErxfBT6QXHr17YfNU0I89psnIrn1VdOox2vzEpS-WLtewltgdpeieZ/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first favorite thing has to do with my all time favorite make-up item. Have you ever heard of Younique's 3D Fiber Mascara?!? If you have, and haven't jumped on the bandwagon, you seriously must!! This stuff is so fabulous that after ordering it and putting it on I was hooked. I than shared it with my sister who also thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread and she became hooked. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc_7eAnNbElSiM6aH8b0_Hbcvrik9YYeep-zlYKa72jTnevRxFv6bOd_44thRP2G7jOvF_F7uXky7VH0mo16PIlwJHGeYFo1OQZoAQDV8wTpXZLPmu5lzjUsoh0wNMmyHx93U_WuMPLDf/s1600/10410146_10152580003297881_9152082982706511497_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc_7eAnNbElSiM6aH8b0_Hbcvrik9YYeep-zlYKa72jTnevRxFv6bOd_44thRP2G7jOvF_F7uXky7VH0mo16PIlwJHGeYFo1OQZoAQDV8wTpXZLPmu5lzjUsoh0wNMmyHx93U_WuMPLDf/s1600/10410146_10152580003297881_9152082982706511497_n+(1).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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So we did what any perfectly human women would do.....and became consultants! haha Seriously, look at this before and after picture. We all know that as teachers our time is valuable and trying to look put together is necessary. I am now able to do some cover-up, mascara and a bit of lip gloss and I'm feeling like a million bucks! Between my <a href="http://www.youniqueproducts.com/shekat" target="_blank">Younique</a> and <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2014/09/im-paid-to-have-jammin-nails.html" target="_blank">Jamberry nails</a> (never tried Jamberry??? <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1389DT0lK8mfCyWF-xyKh-hd-2M4PX7VpujCpkw8MfNA/viewform" target="_blank">Fill out this form for a free sample</a>), I'm a simple and easy beauty routine type of girl. :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKxCVyirtfXZP74NN6wpTNQJOo2vTwGoOvTapJyzxintFtANdIWMwzb9_sDoZGfMgrdq8jCInfFegs5tO0iVGr4d9hI7GUFryI2TS4VV2GrMQzG6FgvPqX6XQOZrdsv1U6WwyfqvG7Oed/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKxCVyirtfXZP74NN6wpTNQJOo2vTwGoOvTapJyzxintFtANdIWMwzb9_sDoZGfMgrdq8jCInfFegs5tO0iVGr4d9hI7GUFryI2TS4VV2GrMQzG6FgvPqX6XQOZrdsv1U6WwyfqvG7Oed/s1600/Slide2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every Christmas Season I look forward to my favorite holiday tradition of all - Santa Pictures with my beautiful girls!! And as you can see, this year's picture did not disappoint. This photo sums up our little girls' personalities to a T. haha On another note, if you live by one of the malls that offers the <a href="http://www.dreamplaceexperience.com/#/" target="_blank">Dreamworks Dreamplace Santa experiences</a>, you MUST go! Best one we have ever been too and worth every penny. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtfYxqx8OiEk9FuVwEg1iUsUKMVscSJKDzxY3tVuh3iOL4iCIcRVI0-Ns1wgRuDcY8ri3dOzqQKT0lVGeNfxqzLWJ7oKka2P5YD40JwkH1w-RSH_6e3lFt-Tf7M7-UVh8VVxdy3El_Fkr/s1600/SS_Glendale+Gall_20141203_000044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtfYxqx8OiEk9FuVwEg1iUsUKMVscSJKDzxY3tVuh3iOL4iCIcRVI0-Ns1wgRuDcY8ri3dOzqQKT0lVGeNfxqzLWJ7oKka2P5YD40JwkH1w-RSH_6e3lFt-Tf7M7-UVh8VVxdy3El_Fkr/s1600/SS_Glendale+Gall_20141203_000044.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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Finally, my 3rd favorite thing has to do with an awesome art activity project known as Squirrel King Craft Kits. One of my awesome mothers of a student in my class donated a whole class set of this fun project. Each kit comes shaped as an acorn. </div>
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Once you pop that thing open, you will find all of the items you need to create your own adorable squirrel. Look at these fabulous pics of the squirrels my students created. Each student had to create a squirrel that represented their classroom job. We then put them all together and created the City of Lyonville! haha I love it!<br />
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Be sure to head over to the <a href="http://www.squirrelking.org/" target="_blank">Squirrel King website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SquirrelKingtheSeries?ref=br_tf" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and give them a like. They have teamed up with me this December to offer one of you, your very own Squirrel King Craft Kit. After you have created your squirrel, you can submit their photo to their webpage. Come on!!! Does it get any cuter!?!</div>
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However, I also recommend getting your own and not waiting. Every Christmas tree needs one of these super fun (and CUTE) kits underneath them this year. It will be the most unique present you could give someone special! </div>
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Finally, as a very Merry Christmas to you, I would like to offer you my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Themed-Math-Task-Cards-with-QR-Codes-1009562" target="_blank">Winter Themed Math Task Cards with QR Codes</a> at 50% off. Head on over to my TpT store to get your copy. :-)</div>
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Because we value our followers and wanted to treat you to our favorite things <i><b>Oprah style</b></i>, we have put together the best giveaway of the season! My bloggy friends and I welcome you to the best, biggest, most cheerful event of the season:<br />
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7 winners for 7 prize packs!</div>
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Come and enter the giveaway and check out my bloggy friends' favorite things:<br />
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Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-41454618702291843112014-11-01T16:16:00.003-07:002014-11-01T16:16:48.495-07:00Jamberry Giveaway - A $750 Value!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy95J42_3YHp3zVRR5-Ti69N0xh53ENiiF9zTCnWuTXGgiIZt_hiqh5b-ZY2H2TNHoTT9GGER-5BCMEuQZZArkujeaEaSNpH9mXA_bB13tHKqnrOncYwHH3D8gpb4eANX35aOR_Wo54F14/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-01+at+3.50.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy95J42_3YHp3zVRR5-Ti69N0xh53ENiiF9zTCnWuTXGgiIZt_hiqh5b-ZY2H2TNHoTT9GGER-5BCMEuQZZArkujeaEaSNpH9mXA_bB13tHKqnrOncYwHH3D8gpb4eANX35aOR_Wo54F14/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-01+at+3.50.42+PM.png" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am beyond excited to announce this fabulous giveaway. I have partnered up with 49 other independent consultants to bring you this ultimate Jamberry Nail product prize! One winner will walk away with 50 (YES - FIFTY!) nail wraps or lacquers of their choice on December 1st. Perfect to keep for yourself or split up and give away as gifts for the upcoming holidays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, you want to know how to enter? It's easy!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB3v_9SDZxWO2SDMVpjZBdYBOZLdQmv2UBXRKgFI9RD1JqwR1Z7y2lgdm1KRwpY3s7y1aqHVw2cXnIhLFHwezupGRJjuS93Vl23nt-_8qyi_nKSbsXF9PIJ9MU6rm8SFv9za6GGgWFoGv/s1600/Bold_Statement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB3v_9SDZxWO2SDMVpjZBdYBOZLdQmv2UBXRKgFI9RD1JqwR1Z7y2lgdm1KRwpY3s7y1aqHVw2cXnIhLFHwezupGRJjuS93Vl23nt-_8qyi_nKSbsXF9PIJ9MU6rm8SFv9za6GGgWFoGv/s1600/Bold_Statement.jpg" height="320" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Choose one of the entry options below and complete it using your consultant that referred you <b><u><a href="http://www.klyon.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">(that's me!!)</a></u></b> to the giveaway. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(must be one of the 50 consultants who are sponsoring the giveaway and I am one of them). </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entry Options:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tdkw2_7l1E_qODgB2rwnIq2KbS2Tmb5mo2QOPP6YtzlCXZShppM9dmejtveP1wLhIAm7HuPa6Bybde_YfQSja-wn2AKHJuq8M5SAepUgwveHfHAlCr_x-CGTuSVdgnCVlG-gp8dmru78/s1600/November_wrapupgiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tdkw2_7l1E_qODgB2rwnIq2KbS2Tmb5mo2QOPP6YtzlCXZShppM9dmejtveP1wLhIAm7HuPa6Bybde_YfQSja-wn2AKHJuq8M5SAepUgwveHfHAlCr_x-CGTuSVdgnCVlG-gp8dmru78/s1600/November_wrapupgiveaway.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Requesting a sample and posting a 7-day challenge picture - worth 1 entry (no purchase necessary). </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can request your sample by filling out this form. When asked </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">about which party you are apart of, put "Jam Wrap Up" </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/q8mndwe">http://tinyurl.com/q8mndwe</a></b></li>
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<li><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Purchase a Holiday Gift Box - worth 2 entries (Currently sold out in less than 4 hours - check back Monday for more information on new ones!)</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Purchase a Buy 3, Get 1 Free - worth 3 entries</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Order the Stylebox for 3 months - worth 4 entries</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Host a party during that calendar month that has $150 in sales or more - worth 5 entries</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After you place your order at www.klyon.jamberrynails.net or submit your 7-day challenge picture to me at klyon78@gmail.com, you will go to http://jamwrapup.blogspot.com and put your valid entry in the rafflecopter. Be sure you have the following information to enter. </span><div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Consultant's Name so me - Katie Lyon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Order Number (if applicable)</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GeAeitT4UoBpvlr5n4CSB_OGX76jDxmBKx_YV0hcsSwtAUKBk-mbgujMaARBjDgGf7opL_DFk6114I6lGoTZ5SKHUx7UTe5HW2UEJSyDcaW5EWzrlfeWQniypH2bILYPla4yJorgpkcS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-20+at+7.11.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GeAeitT4UoBpvlr5n4CSB_OGX76jDxmBKx_YV0hcsSwtAUKBk-mbgujMaARBjDgGf7opL_DFk6114I6lGoTZ5SKHUx7UTe5HW2UEJSyDcaW5EWzrlfeWQniypH2bILYPla4yJorgpkcS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-20+at+7.11.39+PM.png" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Fine Print</span></i></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Open to U.S. Residents Only</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">No Purchase Necessary to participate in the sample and 7-day challenge picture</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Contestants can enter multiple times for each valid purchase entry</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Contestants who enter false information will automatically be disqualified</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Contestants MUST ORDER from one of the 50 participating independent consultants who are sponsoring this giveaway. I am one of them. :-) http://jamwrapup.blogspot.com</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt0kS679w-KfTmQ4QAm83vefMcmWRLC_iFBa4snPCGZdQCeDanLy5FsWgiXwbq8drHaKdhiejKDZ4BrpEgov_S-8LeqGI87Xz1yUoa_PANbMjVPvj6QKPJ2sSwZEq0iSY0EpreMk_HdeO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-12+at+2.36.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCt0kS679w-KfTmQ4QAm83vefMcmWRLC_iFBa4snPCGZdQCeDanLy5FsWgiXwbq8drHaKdhiejKDZ4BrpEgov_S-8LeqGI87Xz1yUoa_PANbMjVPvj6QKPJ2sSwZEq0iSY0EpreMk_HdeO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-12+at+2.36.51+PM.png" height="640" width="636" /></a></div>
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Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-18517900741353207642014-10-29T14:30:00.002-07:002014-10-29T14:46:16.758-07:00The Walking Classroom - The First Few Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xY3sMqPY2_e2rLriVhyoo7dY84k2UCSbcqJxKZWTlgDCVSI3q8azHFGA-BMvXcKwowYokvUFh1CDFyVauvUpjPOJmRAowh452L8iyc24X6pmWBoQ1-Efv7a3ZlTaELceVjSdVgwSB7i6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-29+at+2.25.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xY3sMqPY2_e2rLriVhyoo7dY84k2UCSbcqJxKZWTlgDCVSI3q8azHFGA-BMvXcKwowYokvUFh1CDFyVauvUpjPOJmRAowh452L8iyc24X6pmWBoQ1-Efv7a3ZlTaELceVjSdVgwSB7i6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-29+at+2.25.41+PM.png" height="220" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWZ3RT7VpWoJYisoVH8jjAsFmzQGFg7byT9dcxnyGVnqsT2lM-kpFVDLY9J2NX3KdwYhyjNrFXcsB7lf16H90mpvjXdPqYL2zzJ-bwA2YIUa9m7KrtIdP7LWZr63wS9g-K93JIXhT4Amy/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWZ3RT7VpWoJYisoVH8jjAsFmzQGFg7byT9dcxnyGVnqsT2lM-kpFVDLY9J2NX3KdwYhyjNrFXcsB7lf16H90mpvjXdPqYL2zzJ-bwA2YIUa9m7KrtIdP7LWZr63wS9g-K93JIXhT4Amy/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a>There was nothing more exciting this school year than announcing to my class and their parents that we would be participating in <a href="http://www.thewalkingclassroom.org/" target="_blank">The Walking Classroom</a> program this year. If you have never heard of this amazing program, I highly encourage you go to their website and check it out. The whole idea behind it is to get students out there doing aerobic activity multiple times a week to help build brain cells WHILE listening to a podcast on subjects ranging from language arts, science and social studies. The best part? Each podcast is tied into the standards, making it easy to justify spending this time.<br />
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I had been on the waiting list for a few years hoping (praying!) that I would be able to get a class set donated to my 5th grade. I was beyond elated when I got an email during the summer that my wait was over! The Walking Classroom Organization themselves, were providing a grant to my school and would send me the walk kits. I'm telling you the day I received that box in the mail it was like Christmas!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_trbWCqZtt8LkGTfxl98_1E0Njb1VavGM4VtmiOC45jgQMFLgZM8fnp2vSb2MgZImXS00fWbtln91vLBFv5GnHdsUoinoAPaCkrFhhpSB1_WZnnsvC9mAko96zd6UJrIfidHojx0hEWK/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_trbWCqZtt8LkGTfxl98_1E0Njb1VavGM4VtmiOC45jgQMFLgZM8fnp2vSb2MgZImXS00fWbtln91vLBFv5GnHdsUoinoAPaCkrFhhpSB1_WZnnsvC9mAko96zd6UJrIfidHojx0hEWK/s1600/IMG_0836.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
You get a binder full of lesson plans that go with each of the podcasts on the walk kits. Each of the lesson plans come with a comprehension quiz to go a long with it. The walk kits come preloaded with the content on them, so there is no extra work (with the exception of putting the batteries in and strapping on the lanyards!) Easy peasy! The Walking Classroom was developed by former 5th grade teacher, Laura Fenn, M.S., Ed when she saw there was a need for student activity during the day. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Os5zBPAGZFkKg_XxIIPvF2VMshDkQ4lswyQjcsorkOGrxDftgOEKu76jsVJ5okuwDZh5-ydCcHzmbj0EFO5oseUs6eU-MIhTb5YGwsSTp2zCRDA5Olp_2hpn4woEOYNiFdKa9WGQJxl2/s1600/IMG_0838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Os5zBPAGZFkKg_XxIIPvF2VMshDkQ4lswyQjcsorkOGrxDftgOEKu76jsVJ5okuwDZh5-ydCcHzmbj0EFO5oseUs6eU-MIhTb5YGwsSTp2zCRDA5Olp_2hpn4woEOYNiFdKa9WGQJxl2/s1600/IMG_0838.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
And student activity is what you get with this program! My students and I venture out into our neighborhood taking a the same 1.1 mile walk three times every week. Yes, you read that right! Three times a week my students and I are out there Walking, Listening, and Learning!! That is over 3 miles that I am working into class time EVERY SINGLE WEEK. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labeled and stored in cubbies in the classroom</td></tr>
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If you were to ask my students how they felt about the walking classroom you would get an array of answers. But the most commonly said phrase is, "I love it!" And they aren't kidding. My students have really come to enjoy this time of the day where we get to take a break from the classroom walls and get outside. <br />
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A couple of weeks ago, we were even featured on ABC 7 Los Angeles for our participation in this awesome program. It was exciting to see my students get their moment of fame for something so positive! Even better, is the support we get from our school community about it. Students who aren't in 5th grade are looking forward to participating when they are, and those who are past 5th grade in our middle school are sad they didn't get the opportunity. Even better is they have recently developed the curriculum for 4th grade, which our school is looking into purchasing. <br />
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So far, my class has walked over 25 miles this school year and it's only the end of October! Already, I am seeing a difference in my kids and their fitness level, as well as their attentiveness when we get back. This is a program I would recommend for every school!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KOZqyJWR-1rBFrDxYXO8Q-xBdUoF21rsgtwgjr81ELf9CQYt17fuN9T6-pVh2dmZyuiEcEFZrXUGFaFRfkgSDhI4DzKL0zKANzW7JGjyf7sbppstOufhaTnDYwsdznX5tUH75g7evsr0/s1600/IMG_0876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KOZqyJWR-1rBFrDxYXO8Q-xBdUoF21rsgtwgjr81ELf9CQYt17fuN9T6-pVh2dmZyuiEcEFZrXUGFaFRfkgSDhI4DzKL0zKANzW7JGjyf7sbppstOufhaTnDYwsdznX5tUH75g7evsr0/s1600/IMG_0876.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOarmCg8tTE3joZoTulcNIHb-rCFFFYhnL004GVBeeFyFzqFWTXXNdxz9Gw70YA4O_tPq7FQjcn4gNxFGAIsxaSrGydl0ctLvSHOZsZoAtgBkSRV_OlMBCkKSBj1fLLVlG5bJLLq5Ibfc/s1600/IMG_0868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOarmCg8tTE3joZoTulcNIHb-rCFFFYhnL004GVBeeFyFzqFWTXXNdxz9Gw70YA4O_tPq7FQjcn4gNxFGAIsxaSrGydl0ctLvSHOZsZoAtgBkSRV_OlMBCkKSBj1fLLVlG5bJLLq5Ibfc/s1600/IMG_0868.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36z3mmdZ1lPvS3BdixNEvNQ51F4WEkIm6P9rXf3a0BIb7IG5mg5Jx0G4Gb_mqHiT1FQKIkznsolkFF4h8NNyF4519aD5f-FTUCu9zQMG_NLWk1dWfAbas-3Nv63TzPu7sAcCwhDTA4Ijd/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36z3mmdZ1lPvS3BdixNEvNQ51F4WEkIm6P9rXf3a0BIb7IG5mg5Jx0G4Gb_mqHiT1FQKIkznsolkFF4h8NNyF4519aD5f-FTUCu9zQMG_NLWk1dWfAbas-3Nv63TzPu7sAcCwhDTA4Ijd/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.thewalkingclassroom.org/" target="_blank">Head on over and check it out! This program is definitely worth looking into. </a><br />
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Have you ever heard of The Walking Classroom? If you are interested in applying for your own grant or purchasing the program, check out this <a href="http://www.thewalkingclassroom.org/join.php" target="_blank">link.</a><br />
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<b><i>Katie</i></b>Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-43987765385746654342014-09-27T16:52:00.002-07:002014-09-28T20:31:30.643-07:00I'm Paid to Have Jammin' Nails<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPcMg-0Kg-4AaWKRfrmU0hDEv3O7r4JIa2kX6iaZSBOmZ-F7S1BfkGyVkPrqjuEWzK6uDuN_jLz51vrV-IYOcwKhsSwGQ4lR8YPBfhs66epq-s5mbXZHIaNE0dN6BQN-_JXGlaMTpt7c0/s1600/10653629_10152398467627881_7679180123322763647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPcMg-0Kg-4AaWKRfrmU0hDEv3O7r4JIa2kX6iaZSBOmZ-F7S1BfkGyVkPrqjuEWzK6uDuN_jLz51vrV-IYOcwKhsSwGQ4lR8YPBfhs66epq-s5mbXZHIaNE0dN6BQN-_JXGlaMTpt7c0/s1600/10653629_10152398467627881_7679180123322763647_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie's first Jamicure! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I first heard about <a href="http://www.klyon.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Jamberry</a>, I will admit I didn't jump on it. I wasn't huge on doing my own nails and with two little ones, I simply didn't have the time. It wasn't until my daughter, Kenzie, asked for my husband and I to paint her nails that I finally reconsidered checking out Jamberry. Kenzie seriously wouldn't have nail polish on her fingers for 5 seconds before she ended up smudging it....on everything. Me. The couch. My husband's legs. Everywhere! It was ridiculous. And I couldn't do it anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Enter <a href="http://www.klyon.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Jamberry</a>. I had a friend who had been selling and would occasionally send me a reminder about it. I asked her some more questions regarding it. When she told me the cost of the kit to become a consultant myself, I jumped on it. I knew simply by hearing about this product that this was something that I wanted in on. And if nothing else, I would enjoy the discount and use the product with ease of mind on myself and my daughters. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN-HPOv_DVK605qKcJKejw20uJkUGneYmEIIRUUvIl4vHDMWxs-168foZuLyRMKDzb16HZBiYdtE839vNebYQiLVe9P2ocd5V7-6DAXFAQTlBQjAAEDFfPhwInN7OygrZLZHmWXS25tIO/s1600/10447617_456290954510413_8900820693992503954_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN-HPOv_DVK605qKcJKejw20uJkUGneYmEIIRUUvIl4vHDMWxs-168foZuLyRMKDzb16HZBiYdtE839vNebYQiLVe9P2ocd5V7-6DAXFAQTlBQjAAEDFfPhwInN7OygrZLZHmWXS25tIO/s1600/10447617_456290954510413_8900820693992503954_n.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Deco wrap with Cardinal Lacqure</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczttJXS_qrM3UaBuctYAjQTYPXIovoJecM3ORd5iypWqbt7XbJTEwhqatP4C_FYfSnzGPtx7VwQH2R3JHrOzibrXNShH2bREVz22UvGin0QteBg5whJT2kYR_hRgbLpaKHjd5I5eN5zM-/s1600/10576955_10152413634102881_4844219992620597767_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczttJXS_qrM3UaBuctYAjQTYPXIovoJecM3ORd5iypWqbt7XbJTEwhqatP4C_FYfSnzGPtx7VwQH2R3JHrOzibrXNShH2bREVz22UvGin0QteBg5whJT2kYR_hRgbLpaKHjd5I5eN5zM-/s1600/10576955_10152413634102881_4844219992620597767_n+(1).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Strips with White French Tip (My 2nd application)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The company was started back in October 2010 by three sisters who wanted perfectly manicured nails but without paying expensive prices. They created Jamberry, which is a resilient vinyl-based formula nail wrap that can be applied at home with a simple heat and pressure technique using a standard hairdryer. They now have over 300+ designs and consultants and customers have the ability to create their own designs too! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YHEmYy19QTDKAojXr-52owqPUaxy7kN_YTEnzFP4DGAx6AnROv15Ab_yffbZGfmIWAIhxT3ZdNrNbvY8JpVX12EKH1Rszu-UgG55oVN-LpwPP48lGTPsFjLEtGaxQ53KTaak-UvGdoD8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-24+at+5.26.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YHEmYy19QTDKAojXr-52owqPUaxy7kN_YTEnzFP4DGAx6AnROv15Ab_yffbZGfmIWAIhxT3ZdNrNbvY8JpVX12EKH1Rszu-UgG55oVN-LpwPP48lGTPsFjLEtGaxQ53KTaak-UvGdoD8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-24+at+5.26.46+PM.png" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I created these for October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Contact me directly if interested in ordering a sheet. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Each sheet of nails wraps is enough to do 3-4 manicures/pedicures with extras left over for accent nails. The wraps last up to two weeks on hands and 3-4 weeks on toes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Here are some awesome facts about <a href="http://www.klyon.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Jamberry</a>. These alone make it a product that I am proud to stand by. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3jZejfG6GkTQZD5t8heSFsXxUM_pe-0mLqDw7wr5EddKuH_0ZpMlIAaWiwQNZOdlk35Y7jkxeWf8U-Ltjp_eDsBhOJvLCFrE2ZwCKz_xyYsdkQ_-2OQSUtNaSbg7M6P23KoGyUJvKuvq/s1600/10559948_10152694483171042_2459125230657669670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3jZejfG6GkTQZD5t8heSFsXxUM_pe-0mLqDw7wr5EddKuH_0ZpMlIAaWiwQNZOdlk35Y7jkxeWf8U-Ltjp_eDsBhOJvLCFrE2ZwCKz_xyYsdkQ_-2OQSUtNaSbg7M6P23KoGyUJvKuvq/s1600/10559948_10152694483171042_2459125230657669670_n.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love putting Jamberry nail wraps on. And I'm asked all the time about how difficult it is....and I love that question! It's not difficult AT ALL! All you need is the following to be able to accurately apply these wraps.</span><br />
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<strong style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Here is what you need:</strong><br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Jamberry Nail wraps</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">blow dryer or mini heater</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">nail polish remover</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">cotton balls</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">rubbing alcohol</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">cuticle pusher</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">nail clippers</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">nail scissors</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">tweezers</li>
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Watch the official <a href="http://www.klyon.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">Jamberry Nails</a> application video to see just how simple the process is. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KaykpuMe53w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Without a doubt, signing up was the best decision I made. I have been a consultant since late August 2014 and have already earned back my investment and then some! I'm able to advertise the product all the time simply by wearing it. And best of all - it's providing my family and I some financial freedom with the commission I am making. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a consultant or would like to earn free rewards from hosting an online or catalog party, be sure to <a href="mailto:klyon78@gmail.com" target="_blank">contact me at klyon78 at gmail dot com</a>. I'm h<span style="font-family: inherit;">appy to share my love of this product with you and show you how you can earn 30-40% in commissions PLUS bonuses!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently I am running some great specials until the end of the month and I'd </span>love<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to share them </span>with you<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjBK4UBeN0727IMdn2NAdDqr6TdZ32UJs_q1HFyiav16-YreXuGK5GEAxHQjvfA2OeS8RLzEO0uKRQRaiSlbMcC3ePKb2KxVjmeY5JuBaVtxXiqUW9bFsu_1iWO99o5a3bu7BquHSU8Ob/s1600/10514619_456177071188468_3096865004873435525_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjBK4UBeN0727IMdn2NAdDqr6TdZ32UJs_q1HFyiav16-YreXuGK5GEAxHQjvfA2OeS8RLzEO0uKRQRaiSlbMcC3ePKb2KxVjmeY5JuBaVtxXiqUW9bFsu_1iWO99o5a3bu7BquHSU8Ob/s1600/10514619_456177071188468_3096865004873435525_n.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Mail Day at my house!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">$84 Deal - Purchase this and I will give you a 5th sheet of wraps (your choice) for FREE</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It includes the following:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 4 sheets of wraps</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- mini heater </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Jamberry cosmetics bag </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- cuticle oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- alcohol wipes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- nail scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- nail clippers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- buffer block</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- rubber cuticle pusher</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- nail file </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Simply add 4 sheets of wraps into your cart, one application kit with cuticle oil, and a mini heater. After you order, send me a message and let me know which 5th sheet of wraps you want for FREE. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Halloween Accent Nail Sheet</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For anyone who places a buy 3, get 1 FREE, I will also send you a sheet of five halloween accent nails (designs may vary). Perfect for the upcoming month! Pair them with your other Jamberry wraps or with your favorite Jamberry Lacquer nail polish for a bit of fun! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBrY_wR_vHQRGX5V8Odu5EdKZvThhCVbN-9igrBZqsNO0KVk2x-NySQXgbtofzW9BMhsfSu9DgeIfuUI6ZUjtAfJKONNEqfLL21OnTZLhURCE5AFfTCbA0hjrkVUc4bN6KCC471FD0zbx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-27+at+8.37.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBrY_wR_vHQRGX5V8Odu5EdKZvThhCVbN-9igrBZqsNO0KVk2x-NySQXgbtofzW9BMhsfSu9DgeIfuUI6ZUjtAfJKONNEqfLL21OnTZLhURCE5AFfTCbA0hjrkVUc4bN6KCC471FD0zbx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-27+at+8.37.26+AM.png" height="352" width="400" /></a></div>
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Never tried Jamberry but want to give it a shot? Request a sample today! Fill out your information on this form and I will mail out your sample ASAP. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/krckkmy" target="_blank">Free Jamberry Sample Request Form</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you monthly box person? You know? Ipsy, Birchbox, etc? If so, it's time you checked out Stylebox!! Every month it <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">comes with one wrap from the current catalog and then an exclusive wrap that you cannot buy unless you order the Stylebox. In additio</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 20px;">n it comes with a nail file and a cuticle pusher. If you were to order all of this separately it would cost over $30 plus additional shipping and tax. However, you get it for only $25. The only con is that it comes only once a month. Order your October Box today!! </span></span><a href="http://klyon.jamberrynails.net/stylebox/Start.aspx">http://klyon.jamberrynails.net/stylebox/Start.aspx</a> </div>
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<b><i>Katie</i></b></div>
Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-22739336946451126222014-09-24T21:03:00.000-07:002014-09-24T21:03:20.515-07:00FarFaria - An App Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA78lckbrRVu2T2sIcza92JCCXReMuZC1ZTRSfmrr__bLPmlUqI6PUBmY2pfE2GDgj8WhGjDnXmxn_8I7q0ZjNXXZx2uC_7_MYFPCzbHqEVUBeA0DgUlN4oMWtO5WjTRocbuBmScvFSIif/s1600/farfaria-logo_gold_high-res.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA78lckbrRVu2T2sIcza92JCCXReMuZC1ZTRSfmrr__bLPmlUqI6PUBmY2pfE2GDgj8WhGjDnXmxn_8I7q0ZjNXXZx2uC_7_MYFPCzbHqEVUBeA0DgUlN4oMWtO5WjTRocbuBmScvFSIif/s1600/farfaria-logo_gold_high-res.png" height="148" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iyyQkU_7aBB8K9byoxl6DfbvFqif5g4YdOaI06OaBNIkChjSXu02p41FfqgUwehhiGZMu-HTHjrhtlZDNszMHoZ4H3Og6uVkfPtqzuvlv6dBR0iEcvRdKUHU9PN_AV9ANI0oTN8WZ4s6/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iyyQkU_7aBB8K9byoxl6DfbvFqif5g4YdOaI06OaBNIkChjSXu02p41FfqgUwehhiGZMu-HTHjrhtlZDNszMHoZ4H3Og6uVkfPtqzuvlv6dBR0iEcvRdKUHU9PN_AV9ANI0oTN8WZ4s6/s1600/image.png" height="300" width="400" /></a>I've been sitting on the app FarFaria for a few months now. In between family and school beginning, I never had a chance to look at it but it's never been too FAR (haha - see what I did there) from my mind. ;-) I'm so glad that I finally did sit down and check it out. My 3 year old daughter can't seem to get enough of it! <br />
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In case you haven't heard of it, FarFaria is an ebook app for children with hundreds of books for them to choose from to read. You have the option to pay for the year (only $39.99) or by the month ($4.99). They also have an amazing limited time offer going on right now - only $49.99 for LIFE!!! Well worth the money if you ask me. But let me explain why. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmVP12nryKrFgy1Z7mGoXHD9WkmjQCbp244as0Ic7qkd07u_9NfHDln15ITK3yF4fiudpG5RJSSqLCR4zOpcO9dreZkTMQQ3qvVmCfM9gZQeE20xWJd9YjifUwRG3zpajOkPlhwBQeRzp/s1600/image_4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmVP12nryKrFgy1Z7mGoXHD9WkmjQCbp244as0Ic7qkd07u_9NfHDln15ITK3yF4fiudpG5RJSSqLCR4zOpcO9dreZkTMQQ3qvVmCfM9gZQeE20xWJd9YjifUwRG3zpajOkPlhwBQeRzp/s1600/image_4.png" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dC_pdeZRh3NkVuvXVARczzylby8LR5yVO-Vw5F73ceiiD9KuExX5Fx-PZf0A13iWA8-USmU-0l-M_5twQ9sRqvYXSMAZC1h6QDPs8hFkiy4rachjHwMDyu-ZwS8ytjQnoDGd5bvz5yUy/s1600/image_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dC_pdeZRh3NkVuvXVARczzylby8LR5yVO-Vw5F73ceiiD9KuExX5Fx-PZf0A13iWA8-USmU-0l-M_5twQ9sRqvYXSMAZC1h6QDPs8hFkiy4rachjHwMDyu-ZwS8ytjQnoDGd5bvz5yUy/s1600/image_3.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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What makes this app so fabulous is the ability for children to follow along as the book is read aloud to them.....from the app! That's right! My 3 year old was able to easily use the app, choose a book and click on "Auto play" and the book would be read to her. How awesome is that? We can even put a certain book in our favorites for her to access again later on. In addition, the books show a reading level to make it simple to pick books that are right for her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaar-LQEws7P0kjT4NYi67EsAilcUHcA1GYHvKLoCtyYkbiNnhz1JbVD24V95ehWy41s8Ocx0JkLCcIdHjAp8j3vthxi9E3psKRLLEPKumxTonAppJpzuW9wU17FWlB_FAMfUNPSAAoaw/s1600/image_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaar-LQEws7P0kjT4NYi67EsAilcUHcA1GYHvKLoCtyYkbiNnhz1JbVD24V95ehWy41s8Ocx0JkLCcIdHjAp8j3vthxi9E3psKRLLEPKumxTonAppJpzuW9wU17FWlB_FAMfUNPSAAoaw/s1600/image_2.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This would be perfect for teachers to use in a center in the younger grades or for a parent who is looking for an app related to books for their child.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAdAMDp9USRCsuGtDBQAg8vIeGX-oNz-whPvpk7t6Bsi6EViO_MDi28FbOT0jqpk5TubOXBuuFbsMSblPdWjfXfP9ZaWmu4EGBvQyKDRRznQZgnHJFf5WvJRNuG_vCznnW-BPOStEmA2T/s1600/image_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAdAMDp9USRCsuGtDBQAg8vIeGX-oNz-whPvpk7t6Bsi6EViO_MDi28FbOT0jqpk5TubOXBuuFbsMSblPdWjfXfP9ZaWmu4EGBvQyKDRRznQZgnHJFf5WvJRNuG_vCznnW-BPOStEmA2T/s1600/image_1.png" height="240" width="320" /></a>I'm excited to be partnering up with FarFaria and to be able to give away a 3-month subscription to this app. This will allow you to check it out and see what a great addition it could be in your classroom or home. <br />
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How would you use this app?<br />
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<b><i>Katie</i></b><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7133aa6d5/" id="rc-7133aa6d5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-37997579106103091282014-09-12T21:04:00.001-07:002014-09-12T21:04:16.048-07:00A Letter to My Former Self Dear Former Self,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUvOlG1M_Cewe5WSfImtVM7rnS5sNqKSmCXAR5BMwK8WU6OEst1Si2OqScvystxXE72xHD2UImyIWzuQD9ktXuCmycPYNzk9kcjsKq3NIqSb7pXnfAGC79oGZhYF6cs3eMIYwce9F3Bo5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-12+at+9.00.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUvOlG1M_Cewe5WSfImtVM7rnS5sNqKSmCXAR5BMwK8WU6OEst1Si2OqScvystxXE72xHD2UImyIWzuQD9ktXuCmycPYNzk9kcjsKq3NIqSb7pXnfAGC79oGZhYF6cs3eMIYwce9F3Bo5/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-12+at+9.00.28+PM.png" height="155" width="320" /></a>I know it's your first year of teaching. I know you are super nervous. What you are about to experience this year WAS NOT covered in your higher education courses. But I'm here to tell you, it's okay. You are going to survive this year.....and many more to come. And remember how you said at your first Back To School night that you couldn't wait until you had been teaching for at least ten years? You know, because you thought it would be easier? Well I'm going to share some things with you.<br />
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You were right. Being a teacher who can speak of past experience to parents at Back to School night is easier. But the butterflies in your stomach that appear at least 4-6 hours before you know you have to present to the parents? No. Those don't go away. You still have them ten years later. And the parents and all their questions? No. They don't question you nearly as much as they did your first year. But let's be honest. You are a better teacher. You continue to become a better educator every single year. And those parents who seem to question every move and decision you make in your classroom....you still have them ten years later. You are just much better now at handling them. You don't take their questions as personally as you did your first year. And you take it all with a grain of salt. You <u><b>do know</b></u> what you are doing and your confidence shines through later in your teaching career.<br />
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And remember that parent that you swore was going to be the end of your teaching career during your this first year of teaching? Well honestly....you now look back on them with a sort of bittersweet fondness. They made you tougher. They made you better. They helped lay the foundation for you to become a super organized teacher. And you wouldn't be where you are now ten years later without them.<br />
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So while you are stressing about how you are ever going to get all the planning done, the grading completed, the meetings, and the never ending paperwork finished, I'm here to tell you that ten years later you are still doing it. And you are doing it with a smile. You love your job.<br />
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So stand up tall, first year former self. Because ten years later, you are going to be super proud of the teacher you were and have become.<br />
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Love,<br />
You - Ten years laterKatie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-63419419193049598562014-08-23T09:29:00.003-07:002014-08-23T09:32:01.420-07:00Fight for Your Write<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bicfightforyourwrite.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNz9kYm_h8T5qVw-DDlRgypS6E6PfI0dvc6w_lkkp58iF9vM5wVY-MOhfK1-dqTFoT21abnnNl0b3Nhoov-P6d4oinKfEZugcm1nSKkNfkQ7j0khPsS6lajwDa66_SwolZqsSIt1cBQup/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-23+at+8.38.22+AM.png" height="215" width="400" /></a></div>
It's no secret that the heart of a teacher is probably made up of sticky notes, colorful crayons & markers, whiteout tape, super sharp pencils, and a blast of glitter. We LOVE school supplies. So when I was contacted by Bic to see if I would like to receive some of their supplies and write about their newest campaign, I of course said YES! In addition to their awesome supplies they also have an awesome and inspiring campaign going on right now called "<a href="http://www.bicfightforyourwrite.com/" target="_blank">Fight for Your Write</a>". The goal - to keep encouraging students to WRITE....with their hands! The art of handwriting is slowly being lost in this day and age of digital technology. But isn't it still important?<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">"Writing is an important vehicle for communication </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">because it distinguishes us and promotes individuality."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">"Writing is also an important learning tool for children. Writing helps kids </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">become better readers, boosts their confidence and sparks their creativity."</span></div>
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These two statements are from the <a href="http://www.bicfightforyourwrite.com/" target="_blank">Bic's - Fight for Your Write site</a>. And I agree wholeheartedly. After all, when I first think of even just the 'act' of handwriting, I immediately think of my students. I can tell whose paper is whose simply by looking at their unique handwriting. Even in the digital world, we are SURROUNDED by handwriting aka fonts. No longer does Times New Roman fit all the needs of a person. Instead, people like <a href="http://www.kimberlygeswein.com/" target="_blank">Kimberly Geswein</a> (an amazing font creator) can take someone's unique handwriting and create it into a font used by millions. <br />
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If we move past just the act of handwriting, we then enter into the world of what we can do with the power of writing. It brings me back to an activity that I did with my class. There was a school district in another part of the country that decided that their high school students were "too busy" to recite the Pledge of Allegiance anymore. They just don't have time in their jam packed day. I showed my students the video of veterans who went to the school board meeting to plead with them to put it back into the school day. My students were very touched by the video and asked what could they do to help? I put the question back on them... After some brainstorming, it was decided that they would write the school board letters imploring them to put the Pledge of Allegiance back into the high school schedule. I was so proud of them! They offered suggestions on how they could make this work and asked the school board to think of the veterans. One student was concerned that their letters wouldn't be read, but another one said it didn't matter. His comment was "Just knowing we took the time to write on how we feel about this is good enough for me." :-) Yep....proud teacher moment.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kuJnPeT9zXv7QgO-gLl0PkqSrx6WhydXjT4bd-_2J5LRP980V5zUJ9LkcJmAUAKPhmUIUBWC3gmzqwJsbk__izEbPZ3PlmQJJCX5Y78hqB4JEGfZ9u2jpR4Ls3-EjuX0a8L0HREKMImI/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kuJnPeT9zXv7QgO-gLl0PkqSrx6WhydXjT4bd-_2J5LRP980V5zUJ9LkcJmAUAKPhmUIUBWC3gmzqwJsbk__izEbPZ3PlmQJJCX5Y78hqB4JEGfZ9u2jpR4Ls3-EjuX0a8L0HREKMImI/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
This year I'm going to encourage my kids to use the power of their writing again. We will find causes that are near and dear to them. Take time to write letters of appreciate to people and companies. Rediscover the lost art of sending a thank you letter. The options are limitless.<br />
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And of course, I will do this using my Bic supplies!! hahaha Their colorful selection of tools is exactly what will help begin the motivation to accomplish our writing goals. I know from my experience with students that if I give them the opportunity to write in color, their desire increases dramatically. Worried about mistakes with using tools other than pencil? Fear not, Bic has white out tape that is easy and mess free to use. They sent me a variety of tools to use but here are my top three favorites.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBeFwS7VXdm4dBcvjxssnRISC1_q3wdooVkS6SB1KJSpqI4PbOEB9aKq9nWpNXSYh-jG0-E-igbPlrs_MjXI4uqEPTnt3l-nLtgdW-Sp3NL304W9G0e3SzGW_H-KRxnjj86oWmJ-cD4f_/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBeFwS7VXdm4dBcvjxssnRISC1_q3wdooVkS6SB1KJSpqI4PbOEB9aKq9nWpNXSYh-jG0-E-igbPlrs_MjXI4uqEPTnt3l-nLtgdW-Sp3NL304W9G0e3SzGW_H-KRxnjj86oWmJ-cD4f_/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. The Magic Markers: These are great for using on your whiteboard. My favorite part? When I erased it didn't leave a residue of color. <br />
2. Wite-Out: I LOVE white-out tape. So much easier to use then traditional liquid white-out. And I'm not afraid to hand it over to my students to use. Plus it doesn't bunch up like other brands I've used.<br />
3. The multi-color ink pens. I LOVED THESE PENS AS A KID! And they are still awesome. They are going to be perfect for our editing sessions. With all four colors at hand, the students will be able to quickly click from one color to the next to mark up punctuation, capitalization, spelling and grammar. <br />
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Guess what?! Because Bic also knows how much a teacher loves school supplies, they have agreed to send you a package of their supplies too. Head on down below and enter to win a Back to School supply package from Bic yourself. :-)<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7133aa6d4/" id="rc-7133aa6d4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-34504539295934714532014-08-18T00:00:00.000-07:002014-08-23T13:38:47.687-07:00Classroom Set-up 2014-2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2014/08/teacher-week-my-classroom-digs.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhit2bAVdZvvvJkmwxxUrb2jr99RbmSh_H8m6l44kfJm7XvoAFknzcpiJDZuRYOtrazpcave4MtzRmdkbUAMszDE-NK04mEMFpZ19yXEMhZc0tRFQbfqc_wXfwL7k17aZ00b8tKkwTz_UTc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-19+at+9.28.56+PM.png" height="190" width="200" /></a></div>
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I have finally finished my classroom set-up for my 2014-2015 5th grade class and decided to link up with <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2014/08/teacher-week-my-classroom-digs.html" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin Back to School Tour</a>. <br />
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Here are some pics - I'll update as the year goes on, as I'm still missing my new rug and I have a ton of desktops in the back of my room that won't be there later. This year, I continued with my rainbow theme with a touch of technology (desk tags and binders). <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLFBxpnqZAAPct3IXVSuBxaRPTQRvUbm1AcffHvE-A5ViXDSrHSjhIcXAoYp-x7t1laY9-6rOoOUm1hLFZcjjghZVcOyFIHv3pzkqZTsHy24Ru1GWsgsdlUe09ghYj8XuzKxr-fTKlROP/s1600/IMG_0003_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLFBxpnqZAAPct3IXVSuBxaRPTQRvUbm1AcffHvE-A5ViXDSrHSjhIcXAoYp-x7t1laY9-6rOoOUm1hLFZcjjghZVcOyFIHv3pzkqZTsHy24Ru1GWsgsdlUe09ghYj8XuzKxr-fTKlROP/s1600/IMG_0003_2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calendar area by my desk. Around the calendar are all of the students' birthdays using my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Birthday-Tags-1396153" target="_blank">Free Birthday Labels. </a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCj8dbzn7RQOAuk2qTKMlj0isAigtHRZ9KlmdJAGPs-cJCZ41iTUdFhLeiO0HNYGxg4NHLcLRz9fsVNvylcY8K3c59LkVhRFDMnE7A6Z4DxrCMfkiaV1PlYYfv0N33roGyhWqq_ek2Iiiv/s1600/IMG_0004_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCj8dbzn7RQOAuk2qTKMlj0isAigtHRZ9KlmdJAGPs-cJCZ41iTUdFhLeiO0HNYGxg4NHLcLRz9fsVNvylcY8K3c59LkVhRFDMnE7A6Z4DxrCMfkiaV1PlYYfv0N33roGyhWqq_ek2Iiiv/s1600/IMG_0004_2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my desk area with my closet that holds all my teacher resource books, etc. I love my Monday - Friday cart that I got a few years ago at Lowes. Above my desk are my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Numbers-and-Colors-in-Spanish-Poster-Set-Chevron-Style-Combo-Pack-746749" target="_blank">Spanish posters for numbers and colors</a>. Our students have spanish three times a week. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEBoYsUay00pzzV5QhTF9bO5OGjPITngbcl3owInYZQ6NoDt1_d4wxYj8kHBSt9QIjqz6UnAioHPb7RRfp7w7GmwxejNzplIy6Q7LPs7wDAQ1CV6ate4N88QHp-WaINSA-wY3qc3gQcV9/s1600/IMG_0005_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEBoYsUay00pzzV5QhTF9bO5OGjPITngbcl3owInYZQ6NoDt1_d4wxYj8kHBSt9QIjqz6UnAioHPb7RRfp7w7GmwxejNzplIy6Q7LPs7wDAQ1CV6ate4N88QHp-WaINSA-wY3qc3gQcV9/s1600/IMG_0005_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of my desk area. On my door, I add all my class pictures. This year is year TEN for me! Crazy. :-) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbfnfyKUUud4Ut0oMjDCwWSfTuFvd2qvYt3PnFxaiLXIRoBxPmk8XOi9udZIHYxB-OqP6DpG0XU9-6skLYHufTh_Khd0co5t_ABtCZXZrJ8SLyMd0pXMH_UMtHNFQSMZ2oAPG1KPDleNo/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbfnfyKUUud4Ut0oMjDCwWSfTuFvd2qvYt3PnFxaiLXIRoBxPmk8XOi9udZIHYxB-OqP6DpG0XU9-6skLYHufTh_Khd0co5t_ABtCZXZrJ8SLyMd0pXMH_UMtHNFQSMZ2oAPG1KPDleNo/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since I teach at a Catholic School, we are required to have a prayer table area. Here is ours. Above it are my Ten Commandment posters. Right below the posters I have some hooks - my students create a class rosary each year. Below is a picture from last years class. It turns out beautiful and will follow them through 8th grade where it will eventually be raffled off to one of the students.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXx8HLV62Rk6FvB6pG83BwaLbEnXHzcHPsY3GuvV_b9drItKE0SfBTq5caDk_6aVtE_jQd-p33Av3RnztJjQ4CSOsbZsa-DSUqI_5mRBPu_gopNAsfcAHxNxkyDFaEPx6LIvKw5u8p6ks/s1600/26512619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXx8HLV62Rk6FvB6pG83BwaLbEnXHzcHPsY3GuvV_b9drItKE0SfBTq5caDk_6aVtE_jQd-p33Av3RnztJjQ4CSOsbZsa-DSUqI_5mRBPu_gopNAsfcAHxNxkyDFaEPx6LIvKw5u8p6ks/s1600/26512619.jpg" height="560" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosary created by my class last year. Each student had to decorate a few beads with markers and watercolors. Came out gorgeous!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXwaF54P455ywouLINF28GoT2MCEBvHHG4EIYq-SwUuGy1MyHSDTvAXRjdBz3E9a-Q4zKbhaFxT3RCFEDqTUQZhwYGGhjVP-rFryNRIEVivchalRZeQIZuCVZlMGJ0EX4lUynrZTF_3Ke/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXwaF54P455ywouLINF28GoT2MCEBvHHG4EIYq-SwUuGy1MyHSDTvAXRjdBz3E9a-Q4zKbhaFxT3RCFEDqTUQZhwYGGhjVP-rFryNRIEVivchalRZeQIZuCVZlMGJ0EX4lUynrZTF_3Ke/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Student community supplies. I reuse antibacterial wipe containers to hold pencil cap erasers, clothespins, BINGO chips, etc. You can download the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Editable-Full-Sheet-Labels-in-Colorful-Chevron-1397709" target="_blank">FREE labels here</a>. At the end of each year, I have students who don't want their old crayons and markers put them in my community pile. We check to make sure they work and now I have a full stash for anyone who might need them this year. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhAnDK7iiLaytwR5ZcNkobpq5l0GV56vUH5WXD35LDh8t-ipWalm4tkHZPxB7qeiXrpnLUQHMi-PmXAeoH8gLxEuG6aQb0wgvDBcXf9IG6yZHYjG4Cwuc239eJS4OKdlQGHWyvg2JfAjT/s1600/IMG_0008_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhAnDK7iiLaytwR5ZcNkobpq5l0GV56vUH5WXD35LDh8t-ipWalm4tkHZPxB7qeiXrpnLUQHMi-PmXAeoH8gLxEuG6aQb0wgvDBcXf9IG6yZHYjG4Cwuc239eJS4OKdlQGHWyvg2JfAjT/s1600/IMG_0008_2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where I keep the students' morning work folders and other supplies such as regular pencils, clipboards, absent folders, etc. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do with the open space above it all. Still deciding. On the other side of the bookcases is the library so this helps me separate it and create a "library space."</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZzPyq5Y6r-9iaPc5B1q9IL3gdS6XcNXGgTp6sEIn5Hg-4n4sPmMuD444_nUhazklDuNf4p68bPTUGzROVdA8BT0ltZMURUl2qYgAwWMRSij7oHizcDXvf5xk7x32s7EmPT_xLV8uVonn/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZzPyq5Y6r-9iaPc5B1q9IL3gdS6XcNXGgTp6sEIn5Hg-4n4sPmMuD444_nUhazklDuNf4p68bPTUGzROVdA8BT0ltZMURUl2qYgAwWMRSij7oHizcDXvf5xk7x32s7EmPT_xLV8uVonn/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the entry into the classroom library. I have almost 3000 books for my students to read and choose from. I also have ten stability balls in my classroom for students to use. <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/08/stablility-balls-in-fifth-grade.html" target="_blank">You can read about that here</a>. Hanging in my library are my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Genre-Poster-Set-in-Bold-Polka-Dots-779373" target="_blank">genre posters</a> and my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Book-Themes-in-Polka-Dots-Bold-779384" target="_blank">common book theme posters</a>. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcxhwGg85L7DDxtSJez0N59qiRBWxJdKA0XnOsj-nSQ1u2FaoptJ1pyHvpIVezrQ6ZefA22UjeBcuAm1_u2Pzhn3BxjpbTSqmHed2FKcKCdRv74Q8SiqcQHeFp8OMKHiL1owGmRLcXosn/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcxhwGg85L7DDxtSJez0N59qiRBWxJdKA0XnOsj-nSQ1u2FaoptJ1pyHvpIVezrQ6ZefA22UjeBcuAm1_u2Pzhn3BxjpbTSqmHed2FKcKCdRv74Q8SiqcQHeFp8OMKHiL1owGmRLcXosn/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEqHsQ6SNjvQtnPrUB75ycIlepejR7Dch3A5nEuIUYxJ5vhFbG7qOGVsRKPCtCJrtK9OPp26oR3H2a0wf1-_O5eol0KBbLFDlEG3Y596rrX9xb90JAjC96SbkSjNYoIIzzHhGIUvJF-rE/s1600/IMG_0011_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEqHsQ6SNjvQtnPrUB75ycIlepejR7Dch3A5nEuIUYxJ5vhFbG7qOGVsRKPCtCJrtK9OPp26oR3H2a0wf1-_O5eol0KBbLFDlEG3Y596rrX9xb90JAjC96SbkSjNYoIIzzHhGIUvJF-rE/s1600/IMG_0011_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a variety of seating options in our library, including this comfy little couch. :-)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ksdkis0TCKEX03IYtpkovtGECrCRQCRNJ-j0MKrd5Okgco4NfSUh3VhcJmkwlyg5YYYcOjwXMpyzHsUop3mKPYyDFs04tK1tTt29ury6btJ0-9cx89G0fLMgv7YQiBIHFvqpbqS_6H4a/s1600/IMG_0012_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ksdkis0TCKEX03IYtpkovtGECrCRQCRNJ-j0MKrd5Okgco4NfSUh3VhcJmkwlyg5YYYcOjwXMpyzHsUop3mKPYyDFs04tK1tTt29ury6btJ0-9cx89G0fLMgv7YQiBIHFvqpbqS_6H4a/s1600/IMG_0012_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEfsGHOxqB3zQ2BMzhQf_lVeixOByuTK9brMuyuZxD6R4vTdLPdk2asFAMhbwz6P6hHXD4ejifUByUUhHyYh34-Q9ySkbiwrsM2Ef8NVNjMCwLJ9LL7IAPS7vr2ofMMS1qMOxuJaf7ahH/s1600/IMG_0013_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEfsGHOxqB3zQ2BMzhQf_lVeixOByuTK9brMuyuZxD6R4vTdLPdk2asFAMhbwz6P6hHXD4ejifUByUUhHyYh34-Q9ySkbiwrsM2Ef8NVNjMCwLJ9LL7IAPS7vr2ofMMS1qMOxuJaf7ahH/s1600/IMG_0013_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a student work display bulletin board and the computer is for my librarians to handle book checkouts. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMgkLYP4ps1rHFjlyF7zuKj6hr0pWVu-sSFgeuSHwULeRyEHNh9XeI2zwvzootuTVg-7HTvhf5Ko2fWmIGOS6K85eT9buqf855Pqxb_6zVOn3Jl3GPCVMRxM81SXyHDt6fBMCAKdFYXq-/s1600/IMG_0014_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMgkLYP4ps1rHFjlyF7zuKj6hr0pWVu-sSFgeuSHwULeRyEHNh9XeI2zwvzootuTVg-7HTvhf5Ko2fWmIGOS6K85eT9buqf855Pqxb_6zVOn3Jl3GPCVMRxM81SXyHDt6fBMCAKdFYXq-/s1600/IMG_0014_2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My art supply closet and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Poster-Set-for-Authors-Purpose-536359" target="_blank">author's purpose writing posters</a>. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSZKEzE1tMl9hEQLjz_-Cx5r661eR3Xbe_Pact8UWx1295XcI2_SftcktaefRMsfEh-U0YXR12v5p8vhdDLAojYQOoxxnnP8Gu0xq4HwirZjCEpO2RquF-ZuZfTGMpEv9r4pHBGeK8mUL/s1600/IMG_0015_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSZKEzE1tMl9hEQLjz_-Cx5r661eR3Xbe_Pact8UWx1295XcI2_SftcktaefRMsfEh-U0YXR12v5p8vhdDLAojYQOoxxnnP8Gu0xq4HwirZjCEpO2RquF-ZuZfTGMpEv9r4pHBGeK8mUL/s1600/IMG_0015_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our back table (complete with stability balls all around it). It also doubles as my classroom bank when needed. Right now it is full of student supplies that are ready to be assembled and handed out on the first day of school for our iPod Binders. On the left is our art drying rack. Above that is where I display our schedule for the day in the pocket chart holder. And above that is the "May Do" and "Must Do" list for students. I do not display a homework board anymore since we are a 1:1 iPad school. All homework is now displayed on their <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/02/techie-thursday-myhomework-app.html" target="_blank">myHomework app</a>. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AfO4m-Tp61s7w00_HGfpxKnlpRJ75MC1zjdP9ac11EHevtlrnx1_8QoBu2xsw4IA9PE5t4mvYEmcb9nJ7gUpJ5I_ItXZLLptXZd60WfC_vgTYGX66tVXvQQ6I6mBTsn_hZQUSCwmy9Xl/s1600/IMG_0017_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AfO4m-Tp61s7w00_HGfpxKnlpRJ75MC1zjdP9ac11EHevtlrnx1_8QoBu2xsw4IA9PE5t4mvYEmcb9nJ7gUpJ5I_ItXZLLptXZd60WfC_vgTYGX66tVXvQQ6I6mBTsn_hZQUSCwmy9Xl/s1600/IMG_0017_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yFPDx7-cjMJwiGoLvjqLcy0eqlmR6QhyAJBTCFqUWvzYREi0JEzKGAaS1il0DE9xnTOE_20o-nwQNGUI2GFfooEoKO8QKQJUbpwtiIvmyRrUTdPRDsFhhslcQCf5GTq9aqrDnAJLKAxJ/s1600/IMG_0018_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yFPDx7-cjMJwiGoLvjqLcy0eqlmR6QhyAJBTCFqUWvzYREi0JEzKGAaS1il0DE9xnTOE_20o-nwQNGUI2GFfooEoKO8QKQJUbpwtiIvmyRrUTdPRDsFhhslcQCf5GTq9aqrDnAJLKAxJ/s1600/IMG_0018_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year I replaced my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/In-This-Class-We-252378" target="_blank">standard "We Do" poster</a> with this new<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/In-This-Class-We-Do-Bulletin-Board-Set-Classroom-Culture-Bold-Colors-1381933" target="_blank"> bulletin board set that I created</a>. It has over 40 printables for you to pick and choose from. Next to that on the left are our classroom rules. Below are my new cubbies that I got from Kohl's and the cubby holders from Amazon. This is where I am holding our new The Walking Classroom kits and some other odds and ends. On the right of the cubbies is my privacy folders that I got from Really Good Stuff. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12RRAOabI2a8GfarhmsOjks67JK21JMXLV5GcmXMYLb4mLzJo0tHRnCvmDXsEtMAkIo-KWMnFPDPOhyphenhyphenbs7lXmiZrOvaG1x3MVRCYmTv4lQri2RiAi30AlH2M6JQffjRb0YKttELXlBRl-/s1600/IMG_0019_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12RRAOabI2a8GfarhmsOjks67JK21JMXLV5GcmXMYLb4mLzJo0tHRnCvmDXsEtMAkIo-KWMnFPDPOhyphenhyphenbs7lXmiZrOvaG1x3MVRCYmTv4lQri2RiAi30AlH2M6JQffjRb0YKttELXlBRl-/s1600/IMG_0019_2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where students can get paper, math homework graph paper, correcting pens, staplers, and where they turn in their work. I have a system on how they turn in their work. <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2012/03/market-mondays-paper-trays-and.html" target="_blank">You can read about that here</a>. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwE3DnJdvcNnP0I19TNiI1RtMGb_TRrYjJvBChJTaDaJnEtULishJAJ_EErN_Ucci7keQ77NhNpJj8IM7DCy1r1u0pdI65u-ohBN4IU-ms5JAZZfxESOpXaUuhGW3fIXwtTgw2cv7jnKN/s1600/IMG_0020_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwE3DnJdvcNnP0I19TNiI1RtMGb_TRrYjJvBChJTaDaJnEtULishJAJ_EErN_Ucci7keQ77NhNpJj8IM7DCy1r1u0pdI65u-ohBN4IU-ms5JAZZfxESOpXaUuhGW3fIXwtTgw2cv7jnKN/s1600/IMG_0020_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my main white board. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTUsYM2qamMEVNlPgZBCfS8nDqhdTPLAxCmyouuUjx7RUjQBFsJlHMC5CQBgyP8epfvmyUW9-S5F1P7xxKwEJh0R3slnY0orSVFP10_GwdSex4EU5ZKiuIXHTfGGVPZZk8yZrfbugbgLf/s1600/IMG_0021_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTUsYM2qamMEVNlPgZBCfS8nDqhdTPLAxCmyouuUjx7RUjQBFsJlHMC5CQBgyP8epfvmyUW9-S5F1P7xxKwEJh0R3slnY0orSVFP10_GwdSex4EU5ZKiuIXHTfGGVPZZk8yZrfbugbgLf/s1600/IMG_0021_2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the classroom from the doorway. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC5akq6BzoF6E2zHYOuX0d6iKjo6Ja9LwzWRqfTP5WWoCkYCrxCAyCMGo8cMc8Ib5SMtnQS5D4Z4F9n-QhwgslSYycQiPZcDLHo6gine0854NC4xNhcm8PfMmsB8xvLrAAu01ILHfsK49/s1600/IMG_0022_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC5akq6BzoF6E2zHYOuX0d6iKjo6Ja9LwzWRqfTP5WWoCkYCrxCAyCMGo8cMc8Ib5SMtnQS5D4Z4F9n-QhwgslSYycQiPZcDLHo6gine0854NC4xNhcm8PfMmsB8xvLrAAu01ILHfsK49/s1600/IMG_0022_2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from the doorway. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiagpYwsIbi34_vp3_01JC3p0phcN0A9g_rZZAQ2TRxqB3MlARNTDckdIAMouxfSZt8y9byWAHQLxF4S_kmA76yRAEUYHCs-1Vj4ojsehZlsDWs8zpfMGuKs7YT508ReDkhTBGLmo1PwR/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiagpYwsIbi34_vp3_01JC3p0phcN0A9g_rZZAQ2TRxqB3MlARNTDckdIAMouxfSZt8y9byWAHQLxF4S_kmA76yRAEUYHCs-1Vj4ojsehZlsDWs8zpfMGuKs7YT508ReDkhTBGLmo1PwR/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfK2F4Hn5LrlhJH7aZXxwjJRKwcHYlH0rMrFMZJIp_c_uOzcBWUh62QeJV5BcMG6y9nKJwS6uPHTiZmCmwjEMQ7Km1ckUfCg69ZlUFqG_bZnxsJEKYlcdEfZg7hFxqSpDWrdJOlV4HwiN/s1600/IMG_0024_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfK2F4Hn5LrlhJH7aZXxwjJRKwcHYlH0rMrFMZJIp_c_uOzcBWUh62QeJV5BcMG6y9nKJwS6uPHTiZmCmwjEMQ7Km1ckUfCg69ZlUFqG_bZnxsJEKYlcdEfZg7hFxqSpDWrdJOlV4HwiN/s1600/IMG_0024_2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since we have iPads, I created the students name tags on iPad clipart. :-)</td></tr>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-39584162196300671122014-08-17T05:00:00.000-07:002014-08-17T09:59:08.220-07:00Old Containers = New Storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppMsiXU-qXsFAS97SQijwKtS0mFJfq7fEgQnhXwUZ8WkKBV6jF4cv5q-7ncHjC1ZiXtkjGPyTEZ-e45aDRVnyhaA6YSQh36dzceOo9lwWuH4MoVgLvmdve2YFWGx3DZFNnndoG9ysLvAS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-16+at+6.45.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppMsiXU-qXsFAS97SQijwKtS0mFJfq7fEgQnhXwUZ8WkKBV6jF4cv5q-7ncHjC1ZiXtkjGPyTEZ-e45aDRVnyhaA6YSQh36dzceOo9lwWuH4MoVgLvmdve2YFWGx3DZFNnndoG9ysLvAS/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-16+at+6.45.30+PM.png" height="200" width="146" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJ35JvBrGPaMg-FCCSpqof12kZ5tITwzXZuWxoSj4IkYPbIT-5E9jkQ5abo7AkIZocJfXDmRiNbw3DK30VaPOqYoT-KilplLET0cOKhqtA_t-1CG8uCZH5oV5ZAkGO-aIjr4quLwi1x43/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJ35JvBrGPaMg-FCCSpqof12kZ5tITwzXZuWxoSj4IkYPbIT-5E9jkQ5abo7AkIZocJfXDmRiNbw3DK30VaPOqYoT-KilplLET0cOKhqtA_t-1CG8uCZH5oV5ZAkGO-aIjr4quLwi1x43/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Part of our supply list at school are antibacterial wipes - each year students bring in 3-4 of these containers to help keep our classroom clean. It's great! However, when the container is empty the <strike>hoarder</strike> teacher in me hated to throw it away. So I saved them.... Soon I had a small stash of them. Eventually I had to start throwing some away because I had an awful lot but I continue to keep about ten of them.<br />
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Then last year, as my students were rifling through my basket of string an idea struck me. I HATE how the students would not pull the string from the middle like you are supposed to. And soon I end up with a mess of string where you couldn't find the end that would easily unravel it all. I tried sticking my string in a crate and putting the end of the string through the holes on the side and it still didn't work. One day I decided to grab one of the oversized empty Lysol containers and I stuffed a color of string in there. Voila! It worked! I soon put all my different colors of string in their own container and the students can easily pull the end of the string that they need to be able to get the correct amount.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia78-7O7w1Bdussju7XBNBIJ5RKTM1cNw-Xsc8Gw5BxkGAlL3zCSRjDEQwLOoHUwk4qwO9l7U1zveBd1TDqOZ2rwFq2N76ndsxR0sgzQz0hEjkCVj_1qKl-1nAo22_AsMw6KTefyjAJ1Ww/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia78-7O7w1Bdussju7XBNBIJ5RKTM1cNw-Xsc8Gw5BxkGAlL3zCSRjDEQwLOoHUwk4qwO9l7U1zveBd1TDqOZ2rwFq2N76ndsxR0sgzQz0hEjkCVj_1qKl-1nAo22_AsMw6KTefyjAJ1Ww/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
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Once I did that, I started to quickly find other uses for my containers. I now use them to hold a bunch of odds and ends such as:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwmU__bq-k5dRkEkHRkhC6Z-yNxOi2ZCnN5IzRI4uvlK8_Sc3AOk-Ep8ZDaw-pzMwM_xLi4fJBEnIhdfjipzw5PCvKNZXAXILT5US1KhYOtV0brYWRjVX8VsO-o-UaLUw0xCfe2Z1_TtB/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwmU__bq-k5dRkEkHRkhC6Z-yNxOi2ZCnN5IzRI4uvlK8_Sc3AOk-Ep8ZDaw-pzMwM_xLi4fJBEnIhdfjipzw5PCvKNZXAXILT5US1KhYOtV0brYWRjVX8VsO-o-UaLUw0xCfe2Z1_TtB/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li>clothespins</li>
<li>large erasers</li>
<li>small eraser caps</li>
<li>BINGO markers (chips)</li>
<li>Math manipulatives</li>
<li>Marbles</li>
<li>Use them to collect Boxtops</li>
</ul>
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These containers help me save space while allowing the students to get what they need easily. Plus, I love the colorful labels I created too. Which you can get for <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Editable-Full-Sheet-Labels-in-Colorful-Chevron-1397709" target="_blank">FREE at my TpT store here</a>. (Leave some feedback love.) :-)<br />
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Do you save these containers? What do you do with them? <br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<b><i>Katie</i></b>Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-63200831184071365782014-08-16T12:30:00.001-07:002014-08-18T19:15:32.728-07:00Tieks Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WT4rMufmGeNjDszCOChgIGklgEDFRcWI2ujvzz3CfmxSvBtGQFeyiDMiqKO66IxnlgdtuzUfpiM4qaNKhA2W010xXepSpzSO2Dh3NQ44ZlM-aKeJb5_YDZRhfWXkyU6eqGK16m_OjvWZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-14+at+5.01.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WT4rMufmGeNjDszCOChgIGklgEDFRcWI2ujvzz3CfmxSvBtGQFeyiDMiqKO66IxnlgdtuzUfpiM4qaNKhA2W010xXepSpzSO2Dh3NQ44ZlM-aKeJb5_YDZRhfWXkyU6eqGK16m_OjvWZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-14+at+5.01.13+PM.png" height="190" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever heard of Tieks?!? Well if you've been reading my blog for sometime, of course you have! You know....my favorite shoes ever!! As a teacher, we understand the importance of having a comfortable shoe on. We are on our feet ALL DAY LONG! So when it comes to picking a shoe, we need one that works. I am constantly asked if they are worth it. So I've decided to share my thoughts and story on Tieks for you all and perhaps some of you on the edge will give them a try. (Disclaimer - No, I don't work for them. I swear, I'm a teacher, living on a teacher salary just like you! But I believe </span>shout outs are needed when I see a good thing. Now back to our regularly scheduled blog post) ;-)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember the first time I heard about <a href="http://tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks by Gavrieli</a>. It was from my friend and co-worker, Pina. She came into my classroom raving about how awesome these ballet flats she got were, and how she was ordering at least two more pairs. I was intrigued! Quickly, I went on their site and researched the shoes. OMG! I was in love and hadn't even bought a pair yet. The colors, oh the beautiful colors are enough to make a teacher's heart beat fast!! Every color of the rainbow was there - and I wanted every color. But at that moment, I noticed the price. Bam! I was brought back to reality with the sticker shock.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0NhWp_zaZn0CGKYKDTqRJl1GbBa_xYGEckEjjHqbahfgDkal0jkMGhg2ubbmaZf5m4_QcAKSU5RmYJgxnzNpjx102NTCft4Wv63rNDvzkiF1eMBjUg_LFZTyFYv-5iQh6vYmbG_fkSPe/s1600/DSC_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0NhWp_zaZn0CGKYKDTqRJl1GbBa_xYGEckEjjHqbahfgDkal0jkMGhg2ubbmaZf5m4_QcAKSU5RmYJgxnzNpjx102NTCft4Wv63rNDvzkiF1eMBjUg_LFZTyFYv-5iQh6vYmbG_fkSPe/s1600/DSC_4215.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My newest pairs. :-)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Price</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me start by saying I don't EVER spend crazy amounts of money on clothing and shoes. I shop sales and consignment shops. I'm a Banana Republic snob, after all, I have their Visa Luxe card....but let's be honest. I reached that status by buying their clothes on sale. So for me to spend $175 on a pair of shoes, well at that time was just ridiculous. However, with Pina ordering a pair and another co-worker taking the plunge too - well I just got caught up in the moment. And to be honest, I've never looked back. I buy at least one new pair each year for back to school. This year I got two pairs because my class from last year gave me a gift certificate (SEE - I wear them that much that they noticed!). But I do get that spending anywhere from $200 - $300 for a pair of ballet shoes is a lot of money. However, my other shoes (when I do buy them) come from Payless Shoes...and they aren't nearly as comfortable. And when you really sit down and do the math.....it's not that much. Let's say on average, I wear a pair of my Tieks 60 days out of the year. That comes out to about $3 PER DAY. That's worth it to me.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Packaging & Shoes</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When your shoes first arrive, they come in a tiny box. You will find it hard to believe that there are a pair of shoes in this little box. When you open it, you are greeted by a beautiful Tieks blue box with a flower on top. Seriously - the packing is gorgeous! I once had a friend say that Tieks should save the money they spend on packaging and take it off the price of the shoes. I completely disagree! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTKeHObiH4OQVPNmXeK6QDxBsTP0n51QMcQuusMEiw3Xv53XADJxHPsADc8aS0dfsZS8FsGzPd6A0avCmXPhGP98up-9LngI_7a6cIppHso5k2gx4TOcGFxgHAGtip_mK6-WrnZXLWUCg/s1600/DSC_4217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTKeHObiH4OQVPNmXeK6QDxBsTP0n51QMcQuusMEiw3Xv53XADJxHPsADc8aS0dfsZS8FsGzPd6A0avCmXPhGP98up-9LngI_7a6cIppHso5k2gx4TOcGFxgHAGtip_mK6-WrnZXLWUCg/s1600/DSC_4217.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shoes and two carrying bags come inside the box.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I adore the packaging. When I buy quality shoes, I expect quality packaging and with Tieks, that is what I get. Besides, their flowers are adorable on my little girls' heads. ;-) In addition, they also give you two bags. One is for your Tieks if you are wearing another pair of shoes, like high heels. You simply put your folded up Tieks in the bag and throw it in your purse. The other bag is for when you take your shoes off and put your comfy Tieks on. I love this! Because there is no way I would put my shoes in my purse without a bag covering them up!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now the shoes themselves are beautiful. I own a pair of Cardinal Red, Black, Leopard Print, Silver Lake (Vegan), Tangerine, and Copperhead Snake. I love every single color I have and they each fit my personality to a T. My all time favs were the leopard print....until I got my Silver Lake ones last year. However, this week I just got the Copperhead Snake and they are simply gorgeous! The pictures on the internet don't do them justice. They are so unique looking!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2GJIQYuG32hpitf5iehJkREqoIE7We45fep5FA1uKgXloYppiB5XWYb76DFt_9jjWVu3jRkNwyyrhrad__rcZ8t_BiH9wLyM17aT3hDSknOQPwEz22Vt2gEVhQ0TWYwgG5SPt9ydGYdh/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-14+at+4.46.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2GJIQYuG32hpitf5iehJkREqoIE7We45fep5FA1uKgXloYppiB5XWYb76DFt_9jjWVu3jRkNwyyrhrad__rcZ8t_BiH9wLyM17aT3hDSknOQPwEz22Vt2gEVhQ0TWYwgG5SPt9ydGYdh/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-14+at+4.46.04+PM.png" height="157" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY3TktUaXtSVyZ_GPpo5QQbdO_t6oiTamwfzCDQ-6_gne3vlcA1CNgMvs__IdZX9heNpzPZXUjhTv_Bvc02mGhVfdXvIxcMRtyIflNoUivR6eFFWbj1Ol37JLbr0RxsganSbhytXDRbmn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-14+at+4.45.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY3TktUaXtSVyZ_GPpo5QQbdO_t6oiTamwfzCDQ-6_gne3vlcA1CNgMvs__IdZX9heNpzPZXUjhTv_Bvc02mGhVfdXvIxcMRtyIflNoUivR6eFFWbj1Ol37JLbr0RxsganSbhytXDRbmn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-14+at+4.45.18+PM.png" height="168" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you first put the shoes on, they are tight. No doubt about it....borderline a little uncomfortable but no different from any other shoe I've bought before. They just need to be broken in. I will wear them for a few hours at a time to do it slowly. Once they have been worn a few times, they fit fine. Thankfully I'm a size 7 and that is what I always get. However, my sister is a 6.5 and she also gets the 7. The fit fine on her too. Some people I know get the size up and they are too big. I heard a rumor that if you contact Tieks, they will send you the smaller size that has already been stretched. Not sure if that's true but if you are an in between size it's worth asking. Which leads me to customer service.... </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Customer Service</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupAwcldjjDMHLjBWSmwPOYpfn5QmU4PknLVADfzfKrGvftkwIEZ_-p-uIL7i9I5SsJhfSRjHVLAHs88VUETXI0VCAERFYYQWK4QLRmuSCPm1LSwiT5CMJRkRcp6zFLuTXn5-E468dSPhE/s1600/DSC_4218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupAwcldjjDMHLjBWSmwPOYpfn5QmU4PknLVADfzfKrGvftkwIEZ_-p-uIL7i9I5SsJhfSRjHVLAHs88VUETXI0VCAERFYYQWK4QLRmuSCPm1LSwiT5CMJRkRcp6zFLuTXn5-E468dSPhE/s1600/DSC_4218.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copperhead Snake - By far my most favorite pair ever!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have NEVER ordered something from online and have received a handwritten note from the company thanking me for my order. Never. Except with my Tieks in which I have received one every time. The shoe doesn't fit? No problem! </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">I had ordered my mom a pair of these shoes for Mother's Day a couple of years ago (she's a retired nurse so she appreciates a good comfortable shoe too) but I had ordered the wrong size. When the shoe came in, my mom called Tieks and they told her to hold onto the shoe and they would send the correct size and to just mail the ones she was returning in the box they were sending with prepaid postage. Say what?!? Most places you have to pay to send things back. Simply put - this company knows what they are doing and appreciate their customers. With their easy to return policy, they make it so simple to give these shoes a try. If you </span></span><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">don't like them, it's a pain free </span></span></span><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">return. What's not to like about that.? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><b>The Bottom Line</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">If you aren't sure about these shoes, I definitely recommend giving them a try. I think you'll soon be sold like I am. These are definitely my indulgences each school year and with how hard I work, I think I'm entitled to it (thankfully my husband thinks so too). As if I wasn't excited enough about going in and setting up my classroom and getting ready for the new year, I get an awesome little package on top of it all. :-) </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1HvNaNdRmzr-zxWgLPg6ZYv4YqOXZ_p3oJSoeI0t9cLO0OKHSIZ1tGwHG-WRRI-3ax5LEs9FJDB8LnrGmea4xggBruoUgGYR6Ugo7FeOuv6bbLMwLB9wQk_i0d361CuvCWsUz3pI5in6/s1600/DSC_4220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1HvNaNdRmzr-zxWgLPg6ZYv4YqOXZ_p3oJSoeI0t9cLO0OKHSIZ1tGwHG-WRRI-3ax5LEs9FJDB8LnrGmea4xggBruoUgGYR6Ugo7FeOuv6bbLMwLB9wQk_i0d361CuvCWsUz3pI5in6/s1600/DSC_4220.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="line-height: 23px;">What are you favorite pair of shoes? Share below. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"><b><i>Katie</i></b></span></span>
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I've been teaching for ten years and have been doing a classroom economy since my second year. I fondly remember my own fourth grade teacher having classroom cash and thinking how cool it was. As the years have gone on, my classroom economy has become more complex (not in terms of work for me) to imitate the real world for my students. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRLNPsYJ8rqYM9sYVutS5IKvnCMhOAjYi9lYzo8BtQaEQ5JE3vkk1JpuN9ajgRnvbAWynmMcYLVaMxG4c7f1W_sStrCLhAh7AbpcNJw0rEgmKOsWAR6K6yc1KPSWAbF8yvTKcwT4w1_uM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-04+at+3.30.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRLNPsYJ8rqYM9sYVutS5IKvnCMhOAjYi9lYzo8BtQaEQ5JE3vkk1JpuN9ajgRnvbAWynmMcYLVaMxG4c7f1W_sStrCLhAh7AbpcNJw0rEgmKOsWAR6K6yc1KPSWAbF8yvTKcwT4w1_uM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-04+at+3.30.41+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Classroom Bank</td></tr>
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One of their (and their parents!) all time FAVORITE elements of my classroom economy are the paychecks they earn. Yep, that's right. They earn paychecks that look like a real check! This allows me to add the element of banking to my classroom economy. We go over how checks work, what all those numbers mean, and I even invite a guest speaker into my classroom from a bank to answer the students questions. We use the online platform called <a href="http://mykidsbank.org/" target="_blank">My Kids Bank</a> which is FREE! You can easily create accounts for all your students, create bankers, do direct deposits and more. It is such as awesome resource that I'm in awe that it is FREE. <br />
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The paychecks that my students earn not only look like real checks but they also have taxes taken out....just like real life!! This adds a whole new teachable element which allows me to talk about with my kids. What taxes pay for, who gets the money, why do we pay them...etc. It's an eye opener for many of them. :-) <br />
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In the beginning, I would spend quite a bit of time doing payroll. It really became time consuming because I wanted my students to have accurate YTD information (especially for when tax season came around). After some <strike>wasted</strike> time, I knew I had to find a new way to do payroll that wouldn't take me more than 3 minutes. I searched high and low and was unable to find what I needed. So I finally sat down with a friend of mine and created exactly what I needed. Enter my mail merge and spreadsheet using Excel and Word! This handy tool allows me to easily input each students name, what pay period it is (which will automatically calculate the YTD information), and their pay. After I enter that information, the formulas automatically calculate the taxes that are taken out which is about 25% of their pay. :-) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoQERKlU1q5AzN3yqkN51HOOuGbDxqnwgJ6zLCDPPxQz4p7Y_rL_tXbsS1E9RdEkAtKGjd0hi2N0PRe799ck1tzb2y58ssUwoD-juIehf2qFtbDRBXpw_tmNYhMEQAc5KlJ9t1NxH6e6l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-04+at+3.20.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoQERKlU1q5AzN3yqkN51HOOuGbDxqnwgJ6zLCDPPxQz4p7Y_rL_tXbsS1E9RdEkAtKGjd0hi2N0PRe799ck1tzb2y58ssUwoD-juIehf2qFtbDRBXpw_tmNYhMEQAc5KlJ9t1NxH6e6l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-04+at+3.20.55+PM.png" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample Paycheck</td></tr>
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I'm happy to share this awesome spreadsheet and mail merge with you through my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Economy-Paychecks-852190" target="_blank">TpT store</a>! The zip file also includes an easy tutorial video to walk you through how to run your own <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Economy-Paychecks-852190" target="_blank">classroom payroll</a>. <br />
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Do you have a classroom economy? What are some special ways you make it more real?<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<b><i>Katie</i></b>Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-55328642788814058772014-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:002014-08-02T11:31:02.974-07:00Books, Beaches, and Summer<br />
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Hi Everyone! I'm super excited to be participating in this blog hop with my fellow California bloggers. Be sure to hit up each one and like their blog to be entered to win a one of four $25 gift cards to Teachers Pay Teachers!!! Pffftttt - that's right! You read that correctly - $25 can be yours just for going around and liking each blog and while you're at it - collecting some fabulous freebies. Well worth the effort in my opinion. :-) Especially since the Teacher Pay Teacher sale is going on when the winners will be announced.<br />
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I don't know about you, but I've been enjoying this summer and catching up on some reading. From pleasure reading to professional development, I've been getting it all covered.....in between running after my little ones of course. <br />
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My current book that I'm reading for school is called, <u>What's Under Your Cape?</u> and it's by a fellow blogger, Barbara Gruener. So far, I'm loving it! It's all about building character within your students. <br />
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I'm also enjoying <u>32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny</u> by Phillip Done. I've read this one before, but it's always fun to read again. So many funny stories I can relate to. <br />
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In addition to those books, I have a few more that I like to keep by my bedside. :-) Of course, with all those, I have to have a way to keep my place as I switch between each one. So I created these cute little beach themed book marks and I'm happy to share them with you all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beach-Themed-Bookmarks-1351736" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE2-637Qg_smKPQFX6kDLw_6WdMUcaLHNBb4SYB4yOTkQtzUtcM7io4qNPX41XTIDKgI85l3N_-mqA9Sbmi5d_6mPOZL9a672NkGa0Rqwmc1RHtj18LU3Jg9dvHRCH4dj8gbSwaJjqksV/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-27+at+5.40.59+PM.png" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.miss-kindergarten.com/2014/08/so-cal-blog-surf.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLaRPMrQ_1ernVfHeD6Jee-R9taLu7S0f9iSBMu5AM9IoFWEwA1EbKxn2x25pew5Z6_bLi2iorxoRSDlA-zlv6kKN781uZc8FRMgOQVIG99doiJs6mCNr8B0WVaPGfJFhvU0JE0Xa3TXu/s1600/SoCal+Blog+Surf+Hop+Button.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
Print out a class set and hand them out to your students! You can get <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beach-Themed-Bookmarks-1351736" target="_blank">them here.</a><br />
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Now it's time to Surf On! Head on over to Miss Kindergarten featuring my bloggy friend, Hadar. <br />
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<a href="http://www.miss-kindergarten.com/2014/08/so-cal-blog-surf.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzo2GeIvedgJ4i2ZZvEvV57VLOQVkUtpvlV8Oplx8AsqIY7Mw8rfJBHIy9PeFPx3mulLsBK9Vvw29BLaCZViVFBESfXCUdnxC9IXNaBt3yNNDaAnSYD9XAuezPbOQE-2p6BW2-3wgSIsay/s1600/miss+kindergarten+button1.png" /></a></center>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bbb3d31e3/" id="rc-bbb3d31e3" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-70846883371152986602014-07-27T11:18:00.002-07:002014-07-27T11:19:17.486-07:00Seven Tips for New Teachers<span style="font-family: inherit;">Often I hear from other people who are pursuing a career in teaching. Their questions are usually always the same.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">How did you become a teacher?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are there days you regret your decision?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you love about teaching?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have any tips for a new teacher?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love writing them back and sharing my story. I too, remember being that "person" who dreamed of becoming a teacher. I remember cruising through teacher forum boards (A to Z Teacher forum and Proteacher were my favs!) and looking at different teacher websites (this was before blogs were a hit). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As far as me and my story, I think I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was a child. I was the student who would beg my teachers for their old teacher manuals and play "school" at home forcing my younger brother to be my "student". I would set-up my desk in my room with all my </span>school supplies laid out. When back to school time came around, I LOVED looking at the ads. New school supplies gave me a thrill (and still do to this day!) <span style="font-family: inherit;"> I forgot about my desire well into my early 20's. I had a great job as a hotel sales manager (which I loved!) and was very happy doing what I was doing. But I knew I wanted to go back to school and get my degree. It wasn't until one day I was in an office supply store and happened to walk down the teacher aisle that I knew that was what I wanted! haha Seeing all the teacher supplies brought back all the old feelings I had when I was a kid. I've never looked back. I finished my degree (while working full-time) in 1.5 years and landed my first teaching job after completing my student teaching. A teacher had retired in late November and I was hired on to take over his 5th grade class. That first year </span>taught me more than I think a typical first year would have. Since I was taking over for a veteran teacher, that particular class' parents were all over me. I had one particular difficult one who would drag me into the principal's office multiple times that year. Thankfully I had a VERY supportive principal who backed me up. I learned many many things that year. Since then, <span style="font-family: inherit;">I have taught 9 years of 5th and 1 year of 4th. I love it. Of course you have hard days - I won't lie. Society attitudes towards teachers, parents behavior, and the amount of work that is put on teachers nowadays is unreal. But if it's your passion you can overcome that. I don't regret a single day that I switched my career from hotel management to teaching. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But if I could give some tips to the new teachers that I have learned over the years, this would be it.</span></span><br />
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<li>Document. Everything. If you are having issues with students (whether behavior or academically) you need documentation to back you up. It will make the meetings that you have to better assist the student much easier when you have concrete proof to match up with what you are witnessing in the class.</li>
<li>KEEP PARENTS INFORMED! Yes, you may think that your weekly newsletter is enough. Or perhaps your class website is sufficient. Or the fact that you send home all the work each week with grades listed, should keep parents up to date on their child's progress. But the fact of the matter is, it doesn't. I'm not knocking parents for this. Perhaps they are working full-time, have multiple children.....whatever. I don't care what their excuse is. The fact of the matter is, you will make your job MUCH easier if you just keep them informed. I'm lucky to work at a school where parents (and students) have access to the grade book. They can simply sign in and see what the grades are. I tell them in the beginning of the year, that they should be signing in at least bi-weekly if not weekly. That there should be NO SURPRISED come report card time. But perhaps you don't have that ability with your system. Find one that you can use to send home progress reports. I did so bi-weekly back in my first year of teaching and I will tell you, parents appreciated it. And not just with grades....keep them informed of behavior too. (<a href="http://www.classroomfreebiestoo.com/2012/04/weekly-packet-cover-letter.html" target="_blank">Here is a link to an old blog post that I did about my weekly cover sheets.</a>)</li>
<li>Add one new cool thing to your curriculum each year. When you first start teaching, it is beyond overwhelming when you are faced with teaching multiple subjects. You feel this need to try and make every lesson fun. But let's be honest. That is not necessarily realistic! Sometimes, you are going to have a very dry lesson. That's okay. But as the years go on, try to add at least one cool lesson plan into each subject. I love doing projects with my kids. And for the most part - they too love them. They help teach a regular concept but in a fun way. I don't necessarily do every thing I've created every single year. I look at my current group of students and determine what's best for them. But at least I know, I do have some fun stuff up my sleeve. Look for ideas on other teacher blogs (and of course, mine). ;-)</li>
<li>You will hear this piece of advice from practically every single teacher. And it is so true. MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE OFFICE STAFF AND JANITORIAL STAFF. These two groups of people run the school. No. Really. They do! And you want them on your side. Don't look down your nose at them. Because when the time comes and you need them, you want to know they are there for you. </li>
<li>Take time for you. Your first year of teaching (and second and third!) will feel like never-ending hours. And rightfully so. You will be planning, grading, communicating all year long. But make sure you take time for you. Mark on the calendar 3-4 nights AT LEAST that you will go home and not touch a single piece of work. It can wait. And you will get it done another day. </li>
<li>Know when to ask for help. Get volunteers in your classroom to assist with changing up bulletin boards, running centers - whatever! Don't be afraid to have someone in your room. </li>
<li>Find creative ways to get supplies for your classroom. Send out requests to parents - often they want to help out but don't know what you need. Have a wish list available to them all year long. Utilize websites such as <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/" target="_blank">Donor's Choose</a> (if your a public school teacher) or <a href="http://www.adoptaclassroom.org/" target="_blank">Adopt a Classroom</a> (they accept private school teachers). Share your needs with friends and family through social media. Ask companies - you never know what they can provide you. Hit up things such as <a href="https://www.freecycle.org/" target="_blank">Freecycle</a>, <a href="http://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a> and <a href="http://www.craigslist.com/" target="_blank">Craigslist</a> to find gently used items. (I have either bought or been given over 1500 books for my classroom library by using these resources at a fraction of the cost!) Don't be afraid to ask for discounts. Tell them you are a teacher. I have an awesome co-worker who hits up garage sales. She makes sure she tells them she's a teacher and more often than not, she gets many items for FREE or at a ridiculously discounted price. </li>
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What would you add to my list of tips? Share below.</div>
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<b><i>Katie Lyon</i></b></div>
Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-57414672011004008702014-07-01T21:12:00.000-07:002014-07-01T21:12:25.666-07:00Print Your Hanging File Folder Labels and Sticky Notes!<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3905845531593436441" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; position: relative; width: 578px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know it's a bit early to be thinking about going back to school. After all, July has just begun. And I'll be honest, during the day I'm hanging out with my beautiful girls and taking them to parks, science centers, classes - you name it, I'm doing it with them. After all, I work very hard during the school year and don't get this special time with them. So I'm going to take advantage of it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">HOWEVER, this does not mean I'm not thinking about school. Oh I am! The girls nap, and if I don't nap with them, I'm hanging out on Pinterest. Looking at handouts from the latest ISTE conference. Cruising teacher blogs to find the next great idea. And of course - thinking about my own classroom organization. I LOVE AN ORGANIZED CLASSROOM. Love it. Adore it. Need it. And because of this <strike>crazy </strike></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><strike>desire</strike> want, I have created a SIMPLE little template to help make life easier. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hanging-File-Label-Template-225618" target="_blank">Go here to download it.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG_Yadhw6yE4DHFwYvB1vV6xkDXiGfcj4TN420XI7xSFYAME5Tny37kas_GHN3zNGIE-0oYmdfmDqAnvsgyBwIeqeYR8yz-l0451yGTLluyEBD9Zoau6UGKQ-5WvCHC9p-RG3uJYX5Xt5/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #6699cc; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMG_Yadhw6yE4DHFwYvB1vV6xkDXiGfcj4TN420XI7xSFYAME5Tny37kas_GHN3zNGIE-0oYmdfmDqAnvsgyBwIeqeYR8yz-l0451yGTLluyEBD9Zoau6UGKQ-5WvCHC9p-RG3uJYX5Xt5/s320/before.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before - nasty crooked writing ;-)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Despite me going to mostly digital in many aspects, I still have a file cabinet or two in my classroom. Filled with hanging folders galore. And I'll be honest - I can't stand the handwritten labels. Either my writing isn't perfectly centered or it's not straight - whatever it is, I'll find an issue with it. I like things neatly typed. So Bam! Here you go - a template for you to type in and have perfectly neat hanging file folder labels. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span><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;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67h6DI_bEdXxkb8T9dFSjPlhja-qbk4n48U70vVqt8QiTq8l8fTTR6iXRCdj7Fmw2MApH6cL5uOA0Uk4mPpTQXgw1pLneVWe39vnYCM5UdyXe7uc6Yf1tTyFNuB2hT0SsdMzeyo0CG6GD/s320/after.jpg" style="border: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; position: relative;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Neat - typed - beautiful</span></td></tr>
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Now just when I thought things couldn't get better, I came across this little gem from <a href="http://tammyworcester.com/" target="_blank">Tammy's Technology Tips for Teachers</a>. She has a template for printing on STICKY NOTES! Oh my goodness. I can't wait to use these. <span style="color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span></div>
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<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3905845531593436441" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; position: relative; width: 578px;">
Her template, <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UsA2s-fpJp4Wtz1b45EJGeMuo0jMqrfvTSYipq_FZb4/edit?pli=1#slide=id.g2a0b1b779_00" target="_blank">which can be found here</a>, is for printing on standard 3x3 sticky notes. Follow these easy steps to be a Sticky Note Printing Fanatic.</div>
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1<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Using your Google Account <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UsA2s-fpJp4Wtz1b45EJGeMuo0jMqrfvTSYipq_FZb4/edit?pli=1#slide=id.g2a0b1b779_00" target="_blank">open the file</a> AND CREATE A COPY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Print one copy of the template - save this to use over and over again as your master template.</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pull down the File menu to “Print settings and preview.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the top of the “Print settings” page, choose: </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Handout – 4 slides per page</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Portrait</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
After you have printed your "master template" you can now go back in and edit up the file with whatever information you want on it. When you are done, take your template and place the sticky notes on the outlines. Place that paper into the printer and follow the same print instructions listed above. You should now have perfectly printed sticky notes. </div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://tammyworcester.com/sticky-notes-templates/" target="_blank">Tammy's page</a> for more sticky note templates, including Proofreading Checklists.</div>
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Hopefully you'll find the resources above useful when you do head back into the classroom to start the beginning of the year organization.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<b><i>Katie </i></b></div>
Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-77958609978290808302014-06-30T16:32:00.003-07:002014-07-01T13:56:47.942-07:00Market Mondays: Top Ten Dollar Deals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vxZXPIaE9ite7cCuzYkJifRD7aOxR8TeC4qncANO-VyuNhG15w03sHpRBsNqYsT-BaJzyidBMqPYn7QPJwhWfPOQ96lqYLXQizb60fzrLo7PELb4d35BOOTEF5HbKOoJt3wCGah20Wd1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.31.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vxZXPIaE9ite7cCuzYkJifRD7aOxR8TeC4qncANO-VyuNhG15w03sHpRBsNqYsT-BaJzyidBMqPYn7QPJwhWfPOQ96lqYLXQizb60fzrLo7PELb4d35BOOTEF5HbKOoJt3wCGah20Wd1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.31.42+PM.png" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't think there is a teacher alive that doesn't love a great deal.....and of course their local Dollar Store. I was <strike>happy</strike> ridiculously elated when a Dollar Tree opened up right down the street from me. It's so close, I could walk there. And I love it. I should work there. But I don't. But I do buy tons of things there for my classroom and my own kids. Here are my top ten favorites:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBZwyyq1j0UExO89CPlAYb5JVI1E-ywk0pg36Yr1Nr9S2VizpVjHErmKs6HTTNQS5hM4UKznF9tL-cs4tRRBfRD_-NvjmEM-Lzbaud1hhbYH-QIo6xcT84KQVb6tzHV-4x_Gj5_jnqcGT/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBZwyyq1j0UExO89CPlAYb5JVI1E-ywk0pg36Yr1Nr9S2VizpVjHErmKs6HTTNQS5hM4UKznF9tL-cs4tRRBfRD_-NvjmEM-Lzbaud1hhbYH-QIo6xcT84KQVb6tzHV-4x_Gj5_jnqcGT/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dollar Tree Mugs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDyLL9qnC7QTPJ1voRXTrTPQGyS36tZWoQuPRFk8CyYcGx4Bdw3wYF9XFtobVOzO7t9eN4hBzO0UyHvc_JCyRfJq__B5pDRDqnXRLtscxwBpxpaYFdW1nI1m6OH4Y0CDDLz0uQYxGSo5z/s1600/IMG_9992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDyLL9qnC7QTPJ1voRXTrTPQGyS36tZWoQuPRFk8CyYcGx4Bdw3wYF9XFtobVOzO7t9eN4hBzO0UyHvc_JCyRfJq__B5pDRDqnXRLtscxwBpxpaYFdW1nI1m6OH4Y0CDDLz0uQYxGSo5z/s1600/IMG_9992.jpg" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a>
<li><b>White Mugs:</b> These plain white mugs are perfect for decorating. This past Father's Day, I bought 20 of them and had my students go to town creating a one of a kind mug for their Dads. Using our array of Sharpies, the students wrote and colored them up. Prior to wrapping them up, I popped a little slip of paper that encouraged the Dads to handwash only and to bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees prior to using. The outcome = adorable! And the price - $1 each. Bam! You can't beat that.</li>
<li><b>Picture Frames: </b>So speaking of gifts, every year for <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2012/04/honoring-thy-mother.html" target="_blank">Mother's Day</a> I do my annual poem in a frame. I pick up a simple frame for each of my students, they write an amazing poem, and I snap a cute picture of them. Again, only a buck each for a gift they will remember. </li>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6iMvxqjyu_r_1bp9LWqgiEkVRk9Ue24Ldl2BlHM0amt6Qd9WrRnH161mjm1SmR9T5w0OC_oIUC9Ohh4xOylZo7sQAENW-dihU1w45C-e9oBJ2ORky1W27FR2yTnH7a9IgPsiNPI7Fkcu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.13.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6iMvxqjyu_r_1bp9LWqgiEkVRk9Ue24Ldl2BlHM0amt6Qd9WrRnH161mjm1SmR9T5w0OC_oIUC9Ohh4xOylZo7sQAENW-dihU1w45C-e9oBJ2ORky1W27FR2yTnH7a9IgPsiNPI7Fkcu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.13.48+PM.png" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Picture Frames</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><b>Baskets, baskets, and more baskets: </b> Teachers are addicted to baskets. It's a known fact. We love to use them for all sorts of things, including our classroom library, to store supplies, etc. I have NEVER paid more than a buck for my fabulous baskets that I use in my classroom. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuIYGuCtEXDsyOlpUpIUWctRQuym0gjexCWWkfNHE6jn7sf9BTeqmC72QsVA2_lQyfg71SIN8T9LZHnl_UznSWOa0aPRiLA3fw73OzEDuY9CShUknkc7OgznpJWqydB9YzwFb-_hbyyiE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.12.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuIYGuCtEXDsyOlpUpIUWctRQuym0gjexCWWkfNHE6jn7sf9BTeqmC72QsVA2_lQyfg71SIN8T9LZHnl_UznSWOa0aPRiLA3fw73OzEDuY9CShUknkc7OgznpJWqydB9YzwFb-_hbyyiE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.12.47+PM.png" height="117" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baskets from Dollar Tree</td></tr>
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</li>
<li><b>Art Supplies:</b> Pipe cleaners, puff balls, stickers, gems and more can all be found in your local dollar store. For only $3, I was able to fill up my <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2012/02/market-mondays-gumball-machine-without.html" target="_blank">PuffBall Machine</a>. I use pipe cleaners in my daughter's hair on crazy hair day. Stickers go on my students' awesome work. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyLwhJS44HzK-eRLZKBOpusvUKtNiLaxSKvsA1iGj_vJb5luLmkCMLVFez3YntCSRF3o9EB_aEfDs_bJRZZWX9vvIBfGEr016vbsJGWoLJF07uUYoq1JG746GoTI2OCeHYVrUk3ZBLJew/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.14.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyLwhJS44HzK-eRLZKBOpusvUKtNiLaxSKvsA1iGj_vJb5luLmkCMLVFez3YntCSRF3o9EB_aEfDs_bJRZZWX9vvIBfGEr016vbsJGWoLJF07uUYoq1JG746GoTI2OCeHYVrUk3ZBLJew/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.14.53+PM.png" height="320" width="144" /></a></div>
</li>
<li><b>Basic Tools: </b>I love to keep my own hammer, screw driver, pliers, and broom/dustpan in my classroom for those odds and end jobs that pop up. I even store the stuff in one of my colorful baskets!</li>
<li><b>Tissue Paper: </b>I buy all my tissue paper at the Dollar Tree. Seriously! This stuff is great for wrapping all the gifts my students give to their parents. Not to mention, all the birthday parties my own kids have to go to. (Which brings me to their gift bags - NEVER EVER PAY MORE THAN A BUCK FOR A GIFT BAG OR GREETING CARD!)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6Hodr-v8gSbVC6BCHA6-1v_nknNMoyezaTtwtscFKqIz7_oV5VMi7wIIlALMN-A8FMda7INPLXFeV6swOU9zdp-bsvuaro4UmFTJBpca71AB0J-euDCkdQye0VdH3iK8w45QwDwJBUVa/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.13.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6Hodr-v8gSbVC6BCHA6-1v_nknNMoyezaTtwtscFKqIz7_oV5VMi7wIIlALMN-A8FMda7INPLXFeV6swOU9zdp-bsvuaro4UmFTJBpca71AB0J-euDCkdQye0VdH3iK8w45QwDwJBUVa/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.13.59+PM.png" height="145" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Tissue Paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><b>Fun Pencils: </b>I hand out fun pencils to my students for every single holiday that happens throughout the school year. They love using them. State testing coming up? We crush it with a brand new pencil in our hands. Partner up a pencil with a free homework pass and you got yourself a very happy student. :-)</li>
<li><b>Nail Polish: </b>Everyone should buy nail polish here. It's cheap and perfect for some fun art projects in the classroom. (Plus nail polish remover is great to have in your drawer at work as well.)</li>
<li><b>Teacher Supplies: </b>The Dollar Tree has a great little teacher supply section just for us. They have borders, cut-outs, resource posters, stickers, etc. Seeing this section just makes my heart happy. </li>
<li><b>Holiday Decor: </b>I try to decorate my classroom accordingly for each holiday (and since I'm at a private school that includes Christmas and Easter). I love that for $10 I can get a ton of decorations to make my room festive. And not feel bad if I throw it out and buy new again the following year.</li>
</ol>
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These are just some of my favorite things from the dollar store. My daughter's favorite was this adorable apron we picked up for her and the makings for Cloud Dough. Provided quite a bit of fun! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_gQMwmHpAGjfGlcPgOgle75dB4alzzr7XzzqULbMTnBMpJpk1TdbE2o2GqrcDEWDhT-V6tDUnnQd4SxeSNs4F8laRQ1gkPOC1rECByFwVWBGQHqkJPJxqcVa4aHiENrMdor72iPyOFD8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.26.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_gQMwmHpAGjfGlcPgOgle75dB4alzzr7XzzqULbMTnBMpJpk1TdbE2o2GqrcDEWDhT-V6tDUnnQd4SxeSNs4F8laRQ1gkPOC1rECByFwVWBGQHqkJPJxqcVa4aHiENrMdor72iPyOFD8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-30+at+4.26.42+PM.png" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
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What do you get from your local dollar store?</div>
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<b><i>Katie</i></b></div>
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Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-85151619478460637742014-06-06T22:29:00.001-07:002014-06-06T22:31:53.925-07:00How to turn Wikipedia Pages Into eBooksDid you know that you can turn any Wikipedia page/article into it's own ebook? This past week I spent 5 days up in Cupertino, CA at Apple Academy. It was an awesome experience and I highly recommend my fellow educators to apply themselves and try to attend. I learned a lot and am ready to amp up my professional development training at my school. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfw8EbEMeLgU8g3sbKBv4QaZpYdwFV26AkYe5_mFAZ672QJQ-rF5loKv-FVM6hZFDpUXE_fhhb5_fcBH56YmIW90ZXXjSO4QI_UZApBTMsG25x77xV62jT29X1vuPG4GmRRS3VuzB4h9d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-06+at+10.30.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfw8EbEMeLgU8g3sbKBv4QaZpYdwFV26AkYe5_mFAZ672QJQ-rF5loKv-FVM6hZFDpUXE_fhhb5_fcBH56YmIW90ZXXjSO4QI_UZApBTMsG25x77xV62jT29X1vuPG4GmRRS3VuzB4h9d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-06+at+10.30.51+PM.png" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wikipedia page turned into an eBook</td></tr>
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While I learned so many things, one of the coolest was how to turn a Wikipedia page into an ebook. And the best part about it? IT'S SUPER EASY! I created a quick tutorial video for you below. Let me know if you have any questions.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Iy1nXJNN1cQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Enjoy!<br />
<b><i>Katie</i></b><br />
<br />Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-44596644845123714462014-05-31T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-06T20:03:13.567-07:00Surviving the End of the School Year<div align="center">
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It's that time of the year. The pencil bin is almost empty. The markers are about dried out. You are still trying to figure out what that stain is in the middle of your classroom is. But who cares?!?! It's almost time to pack it all up and start thinking about next year's class. I've joined up with 20 other bloggers to offer you some of our best end of the year advice and give you an opportunity to get hooked up with some great stuff!!</div>
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But I know we are all so desperately trying to get things finished up so we can move on. So I'm going to share with you my clean up tip. I always take one day during the last week of school and create clean up stations. First my students all clean out their desks. They pack in their backpacks what they want to take home and toss the rest. I ask them to donate their markers, crayons, etc. to my pile if they plan on not using them. After they have done that, I have different stations:</div>
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<li><b>Crayon Check: </b>In this stations, students go through my crayons. They put in a bin any broken crayons and neatly arrange the colors into their correct container. </li>
<li><b>Marker check: </b> Students check to make sure my markers are working. Again, they organize the colors into their correct container.</li>
<li><b>Colored Pencil Check: </b> Students sharpen and organize the pencils into their correct container. </li>
<li><b>White Board Clean-Up: </b>These students go through and completely clean off all my individual white boards. They also check the white board markers to make sure they are still working.</li>
<li><b>Library Clean-Up: </b>My librarians go through and clean up the library and put paper over my <span style="font-family: inherit;">bookshelves. </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: inherit;">Game Checkers: </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">These students go through my games and make sure all the pieces are intact and still there. </span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: inherit;">Desk Cleaners: </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite having students wipe down their own desk, I still have a few who do a very thorough job to do it again. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to these stations, I always have a puzzle station open for those who just don't want to do anything else. Very seldom is it used but I want them to feel like they can take a break from all the manual labor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for joining our end of the school year blog hop today. We had a great turn out of hoppers. The prize pack part of the hop is now closed. Stay tuned for blog excitement in mid July. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please keep hopping along to read our tried, tested and true survival tips. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Hopping!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Katie</i></b></span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-36022722162791807642014-05-14T12:12:00.003-07:002014-05-14T12:18:08.616-07:00Book Creator - An app for the writing classroom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/book-creator-for-ipad/id442378070?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt9pLIY2bKwNU1jdi75kLzOdO1ix5sW9EtRhJHv-DkjUuSe00Ul1eUNcnOxunqiVcMwE0VXFF1NybfUvWaM22LzASME7CCvjFsffo5H7YPN9ORzT_eipsY82_VU85eLjDCLfKScuqFFoL/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-14+at+11.40.08+AM.png" /></a></div>
Do you write whole class stories with your students? Do your students write their own stories or write papers? I'm sure the answer to at least one of these questions is YES! If so and you have access to either iPads or tables with Android, I highly recommend you check out the app called Book Creator. In my last post, I spoke about the <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2014/05/from-page-to-stage-hosting-poetry-cafe.html" target="_blank">Poetry Cafe</a> I did with my students and mentioned how I had them use Book Creator to create their final poetry books. Some of you emailed me with questions regarding this app, so I thought I'd be a little more detailed on how it works.<br />
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First, it's important to note that Book Creator has two versions - the Free one and the paid one. The free version limits you to being able to create only one book. Which is perfect to allow you to try it out first and see if you like it. I like how the free version just limits you that way and not on using all of the features that are available. The paid version is only $4.99 and if you get the education discount, you can get 50% off 20 or more licenses making it well worth it! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOHhGgdb11ckkUAKweHge-1qqACORj4hd876TTZCit-9jbi9xrWuH5Gqa3FNJ4BoZa0nSFU5aC-rVG0pBNl5axEF1gDn03tM_LPITwJMbgOf-AIHuhIx2_Q2iNThw28dUOyWLiaCvapnz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-14+at+12.10.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOHhGgdb11ckkUAKweHge-1qqACORj4hd876TTZCit-9jbi9xrWuH5Gqa3FNJ4BoZa0nSFU5aC-rVG0pBNl5axEF1gDn03tM_LPITwJMbgOf-AIHuhIx2_Q2iNThw28dUOyWLiaCvapnz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-14+at+12.10.19+PM.png" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
The features that are available on Book Creator are awesome! Way better than some of the other book creation apps I've tried. And it only took my students about a day to quickly get used to it and <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNvUBmOLzuY9NN2nd46lkyE5ZT9NxUNjgoOEikLK-F39EpJ16turBH8FeWw_5txvGMqpHgBm_D64oo0edS2ZgSJe68SZJu_kUKOJcLKXS8hpMWhGp8prJvcjXjtn9Af0mouP83Buoedry/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-14+at+12.10.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNvUBmOLzuY9NN2nd46lkyE5ZT9NxUNjgoOEikLK-F39EpJ16turBH8FeWw_5txvGMqpHgBm_D64oo0edS2ZgSJe68SZJu_kUKOJcLKXS8hpMWhGp8prJvcjXjtn9Af0mouP83Buoedry/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-14+at+12.10.25+PM.png" height="245" width="320" /></a>quickly become authors. Once you open that app, you choose to create a new book. You get the choices of choosing your book shape from portrait, square, and landscape. I found that when printing the book, that using portrait was the best choice. But if you aren't printing and just using them as e-books, any shape would work. You have the ability to add photos, text, writing, and sound. I was really excited about the sound feature! You can't currently do a highlighted with read along but that wasn't too big of a deal for me. I can see how in the younger grades that would be very useful though. Hopefully it's something the creators of the app are looking into. You can also adjust the background color of the pages. One feature that my students particularly liked was being able to move the pages after you created them. This allowed my students to work on their poetry in any order and then move them to the appropriate location when done. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLoc0gxSXQ_QlFEmDBFMIohHqWTjOXMoPKMy56Mz6PHrvp9XORTWFNz7APO5WLwIcQYMygkV18RqOLCTDEWC-8q-OvNuLtYeYZCZeIfYNGpu54mi_T1yzntkDVx0JoCLQlgzeRDNLbzES/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLoc0gxSXQ_QlFEmDBFMIohHqWTjOXMoPKMy56Mz6PHrvp9XORTWFNz7APO5WLwIcQYMygkV18RqOLCTDEWC-8q-OvNuLtYeYZCZeIfYNGpu54mi_T1yzntkDVx0JoCLQlgzeRDNLbzES/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.03+AM.png" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My students' poetry books.</td></tr>
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The best part was when my students were all done with their books, I was easily able to have them send them to me and COMBINE them into one large 5th grade <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2014/05/from-page-to-stage-hosting-poetry-cafe.html" target="_blank">poetry book</a>. At first I didn't really think about the possibilities of this until I came across this teacher (it's actually posted on the app creators webpage) <a href="http://www.redjumper.net/blog/2013/10/going-global-book-creator/" target="_blank">idea on creating a global book</a> where people all over the world create a page and you combine them all together. How neat would that be!?! I started to think about how I could have my students and their pen pals create books together and so much more. <br />
and her <br />
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Next year.... How would you use Book Creator in your classroom?<br />
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<b><i>Katie</i></b><br />
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****I took the screenshots right off their website. You can see just by looking at those how amazing and professional your books can look. :-)Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-75225755368227924102014-05-10T12:17:00.001-07:002014-05-14T11:41:36.557-07:00From Page to Stage - Hosting a Poetry Cafe<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOigXFWarvwd2ybKkTPybFD7BjrQEznYUsfT_5ZzFsvtgYxL_QvJsWO2AAutOQ_XvYuoPj3nVbcSnREjxegIN7fQCxyKC0CrbgYsp20KuZK4bck-kXG3omZzdOavDEfivBgCyJPNq4rj_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.47.25+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOigXFWarvwd2ybKkTPybFD7BjrQEznYUsfT_5ZzFsvtgYxL_QvJsWO2AAutOQ_XvYuoPj3nVbcSnREjxegIN7fQCxyKC0CrbgYsp20KuZK4bck-kXG3omZzdOavDEfivBgCyJPNq4rj_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.47.25+AM.png" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
Can I be honest with you all? I've been teaching for the past nine years and every year I would quickly introduce poetry to my students and move on....I did just the bare minimum. I was never comfortable with it and quite honestly found that my students didn't get excited about it. However, I know that my enthusiasm (or lack of) can bring on that of my students. So this year I made a point of doing a full unit on poetry and mustering up every bit of encouragement and excitement that I could. It began simply enough with me creating a UBD on the book <u>Tuck Everlasting</u>. As I continued to expand this unit, I found that it led itself perfectly to poetry. So I headed online to find something this would help me link up this awesome book to a poetry project of sorts. I ended up on TpT and came across <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Independent-Poetry-Unit-Poetry-Reflection-Website-Access-6-Week-Unit-Project-262931" target="_blank">Mrs. Renz's independent poetry unit</a>. The best part about it? It came with everything I would need (and so much more!) and there were parts that were editable! Say no more - I snapped it up and never looked back.<br />
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<a href="http://www.redjumper.net/bookcreator/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt9pLIY2bKwNU1jdi75kLzOdO1ix5sW9EtRhJHv-DkjUuSe00Ul1eUNcnOxunqiVcMwE0VXFF1NybfUvWaM22LzASME7CCvjFsffo5H7YPN9ORzT_eipsY82_VU85eLjDCLfKScuqFFoL/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-14+at+11.40.08+AM.png" height="189" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLoc0gxSXQ_QlFEmDBFMIohHqWTjOXMoPKMy56Mz6PHrvp9XORTWFNz7APO5WLwIcQYMygkV18RqOLCTDEWC-8q-OvNuLtYeYZCZeIfYNGpu54mi_T1yzntkDVx0JoCLQlgzeRDNLbzES/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLoc0gxSXQ_QlFEmDBFMIohHqWTjOXMoPKMy56Mz6PHrvp9XORTWFNz7APO5WLwIcQYMygkV18RqOLCTDEWC-8q-OvNuLtYeYZCZeIfYNGpu54mi_T1yzntkDVx0JoCLQlgzeRDNLbzES/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.03+AM.png" height="140" width="200" /></a>Between using Mrs. Renz's Unit and my very own <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Poster-Set-of-Literary-Devices-202745" target="_blank">literary device posters</a>, I was able to have students write their own poems. The goal was to write a minimum of three poems per type. The first poem was always the intro one we did in class and I would pick the theme. The second poem the students were required to write for each type was a theme of their choice, and the final third poem had to be a theme that we identified when reading <u>Tuck Everlasting</u>. Students wrote their poems and then using our iPads set to work to create the final draft. Using an app called <a href="http://www.redjumper.net/bookcreator/" target="_blank">Book Creator</a>, my students created their entire poetry book which they later ended up sharing the ebook with me so I could print a final copy for them. Book Creator (there is a free version but I upgraded my students to the paid one) allows the user to share their books in e-form. This was perfect, as my kids could email it off to family members near and far. The whole time they were working on their poetry book, they were also reading and reflecting on poems of published poets. Simply put - they loved it! I heard time and time again how much they enjoyed the project!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq2bXg8F6oD-a3jc7v82NhaAVeupnmpSIRhN8iO0Xd96evklPu0Ye911B-7nofmOxVbraFZz3yt_kcFzEpsEh2wouEDCqQV-qvThpMoaAHyweqoeeQgci6Qs0ROauFsoWQDSK4WoUJRlz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq2bXg8F6oD-a3jc7v82NhaAVeupnmpSIRhN8iO0Xd96evklPu0Ye911B-7nofmOxVbraFZz3yt_kcFzEpsEh2wouEDCqQV-qvThpMoaAHyweqoeeQgci6Qs0ROauFsoWQDSK4WoUJRlz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.28+AM.png" height="241" width="320" /></a>After I saw their final projects, I KNEW I had to find a way to share these books with their parents in a special event. And so the idea of hosting a Poetry Cafe was born, especially when I came across this teacher, <a href="http://www.polk-fl.net/staff/grants/pefgrants/documents/HughesRobbin.pdf" target="_blank">Robbin Hughes</a>, and how she did it in her own classroom. In order to prepare for the Poetry Cafe, my students were required to pick two of their poems that they would be reciting for the event. Soon, I had invitations go out inviting family members to come witness their children and the work they produced. I spent the past few weeks preparing for the cafe and sent home a request for donations for the cafe. Using the other teacher as a guideline, here is a list of things I asked for:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjzffr8QXkFB8YjOVe4qDBOgb73SAo1aiarF022KKy2dZ_PmeD4Grk1lwyI3zo385y1wdGyTc1pHuXNuJvUY92cjysFiAaIbIvQ9SK-1j81Ef7_thPGFdwZ27b0Jx24OmO0XzOIR_HgJw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjzffr8QXkFB8YjOVe4qDBOgb73SAo1aiarF022KKy2dZ_PmeD4Grk1lwyI3zo385y1wdGyTc1pHuXNuJvUY92cjysFiAaIbIvQ9SK-1j81Ef7_thPGFdwZ27b0Jx24OmO0XzOIR_HgJw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.38+AM.png" height="230" width="320" /></a>
<li>flowers</li>
<li>vases (I told them to hit up the Dollar Tree - you can get GREAT vases and only for a buck!)</li>
<li>flameless votives (again Dollar Tree)</li>
<li>Plastic black table clothes (I asked for one for each grouping of tables I would have, plus an additional two for my stage background)</li>
<li>Hot Chocolate and Hot Tea</li>
<li>Cups with lids</li>
<li>Biscotti and Cookies</li>
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Things that I had on hand or was going to create that I planned on using were:<br />
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<li>mic and stand (From my Garageband game) ;-)</li>
<li>stool</li>
<li>hot beverage container (borrowed it from our PTO) </li>
<li>program with author bios (each student wrote a quick author bio which I put in the program with their picture.</li>
<li>invitation</li>
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Finally the day of the even was upon us. I arranged it so my students (who usually have to wear uniforms) could show up dressed in what we called Poet Garb which consisted of all black clothing. They loved it! Some even came with artist hats (including myself). The students went to lunch and while they were gone I set to transforming our classroom into a cafe. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERtTMuqSKO9wAAtkfV9tO8iBdjZR6AJhW7-eCXvpWUrs8qtuj7AH1AdVcC-4HuKLWnlVES81hh83g-oWfOgy_ZwfoO0xRYHdeIAfHrOzlibZHGLzyFLAK3K-jzdExroo5atw7qAJpq5on/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.47.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERtTMuqSKO9wAAtkfV9tO8iBdjZR6AJhW7-eCXvpWUrs8qtuj7AH1AdVcC-4HuKLWnlVES81hh83g-oWfOgy_ZwfoO0xRYHdeIAfHrOzlibZHGLzyFLAK3K-jzdExroo5atw7qAJpq5on/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.47.04+AM.png" height="320" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Program I created - inside were Author Bios</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7HKY1-0V0F8zVbX20SPbnxCaEZxMGQYMninXtaC9pMPY74Qm5YjSdFkdea-sWjePPTsWjOSXniahZ5tRcqxL1x43N7ssZ5GPSCJxLzU8gpn8eblEuQTFZWqNhGlgfZf5u21duV97hZMw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.47.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7HKY1-0V0F8zVbX20SPbnxCaEZxMGQYMninXtaC9pMPY74Qm5YjSdFkdea-sWjePPTsWjOSXniahZ5tRcqxL1x43N7ssZ5GPSCJxLzU8gpn8eblEuQTFZWqNhGlgfZf5u21duV97hZMw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.47.14+AM.png" height="200" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Bios</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnTKR7VOJ6rhwzvM4IOCAdZNNGVc9oT3jD4JPO_-ry9HcmEZI8WqdKyi2f35_BD9Ct1a52Ik7FTM2i9MEC0PBMJZ-rvWCbVnd7A13a4Nnskbvwxodovtnpy6Micv1t9R7MM5XWUsbSlDc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnTKR7VOJ6rhwzvM4IOCAdZNNGVc9oT3jD4JPO_-ry9HcmEZI8WqdKyi2f35_BD9Ct1a52Ik7FTM2i9MEC0PBMJZ-rvWCbVnd7A13a4Nnskbvwxodovtnpy6Micv1t9R7MM5XWUsbSlDc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.57+AM.png" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgABQhjaUiVGGtvokbn_i07HQw3Ru_V6k8WwN_ubK62uMa3NE_2ANDqD-ou4Ju8nV1Nk7jeCiZZRhcF7h9AC1O7tz9K9uXwsIij4aZGsIp4-ekcgvQZq5EJxV8WZDfyyvd5atd7g20Xxw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.49.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgABQhjaUiVGGtvokbn_i07HQw3Ru_V6k8WwN_ubK62uMa3NE_2ANDqD-ou4Ju8nV1Nk7jeCiZZRhcF7h9AC1O7tz9K9uXwsIij4aZGsIp4-ekcgvQZq5EJxV8WZDfyyvd5atd7g20Xxw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.49.03+AM.png" height="261" width="320" /></a>I put the black tablecloths against my whiteboard and hung a spotlight from the top so the students on "stage" would be lit up. I had the stool in the front along with a the fake mic and stand. (In the future, I would take the time to figure out how to have some sort of real sound system for those soft spoken students.) I rearranged our classroom so I had a large open space in the front for the students to sit, and put our pillows on the ground. The students' desks were covered with a table cloth and I had a vase of flowers and flameless votives around them. And our back table had our hot beverages with cookies and snacks. I left the lights off and only allowed whatever light that came in from the windows and my spotlight be the only sources of light to give it a dark cafe stage feel. On my other whiteboard, I had put magnetic words with the poster below to encourage parents to write some poems. It looked awesome! The parents started to arrive and our show began. Here is small clip of one of my students reciting her awesome poem. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKTRPiZnFJ4vMR0NxsCf4emJp0ZkBw5GeAqL_bsROo1_8fdB9AJUAlXNtk7AlL04elqICIqPRdV3hvl1tslPoZOxHkU5gnc5OGXI1ZSrkHIJmFzgyo9uI-VrsjJHP63uk89lTpCPtqJa7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKTRPiZnFJ4vMR0NxsCf4emJp0ZkBw5GeAqL_bsROo1_8fdB9AJUAlXNtk7AlL04elqICIqPRdV3hvl1tslPoZOxHkU5gnc5OGXI1ZSrkHIJmFzgyo9uI-VrsjJHP63uk89lTpCPtqJa7/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-05-10+at+11.48.45+AM.png" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall the event was a success! Both parents, students and PRINCIPAL loved it. I received so many compliments (especially when they learned it was the first time I had ever done a poet unit of that size and this event.</div>
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Have you ever done a Poetry Cafe? How did you do it?</div>
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<b><i>Katie</i></b></div>
Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4167917079509199769.post-66970889947169399452014-04-24T13:45:00.001-07:002014-04-24T13:54:05.806-07:00Logic Links - Math Problem SolvingI recently broke out the Logic Links Puzzles for my kids again. And as usual, they love them! I am using them in my <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank">Morning Work Folders</a> for 4th quarter (which I encourage you to <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank">read about</a> as they save me so much time) but this year I am do an app smash (combining multiple apps) to have the students hand them into me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKbhzEmFBoW4zt3wL1Bc5lnVmNjUheUKXbJJmAeMvTD9sciwqyxSEwpy6Vr-fSEqJSUe_er8KQQS_5KQquQ2EjNeadDdhWOIbzEM9bh5kJBPIdXqmLB3T4Y2lb8FzpMKxlZgl993Uxp4Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-24+at+1.49.55+PM.png" height="128" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank">Morning Work Folders</a></td></tr>
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First, they start off with getting their <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank">morning work folder</a>. Inside, I have work for each day of the week for the entire quarter. So on Thursdays, the students do Logic Links. They look to see which color chips they need and then grab them from my chip organizer. I got this organizer from Amazon - it's perfect for keeping the different colors separate and it allows the students to easily grab what they need.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEpKpD6GWYmDtqv9okNsnDD1uI_W7NaAB1nUJxPP6QNg3RqdkFinoXqjg8kFTe7oruBpXEkKi-cJzMCAOJ95YWkRViEIE2m0Icu7JnglPndlIOzPc3v9aOAyLBUSu_YPBTWQBPLxJJvCA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-24+at+1.48.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEpKpD6GWYmDtqv9okNsnDD1uI_W7NaAB1nUJxPP6QNg3RqdkFinoXqjg8kFTe7oruBpXEkKi-cJzMCAOJ95YWkRViEIE2m0Icu7JnglPndlIOzPc3v9aOAyLBUSu_YPBTWQBPLxJJvCA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-24+at+1.48.36+PM.png" height="158" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White storage container holds the chips.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNAdD5fq129vQoVQZ-kxLKvfFZXV7FxQQRX8MhHwhlyog-k7BesZQh3hmSW-0XtxplUVgJKh9lbloYNw5aHMr-07bvppyWPza9QURYucX_nrH57xcuT2Nnndsun7cMbTNHjUpR9FRafJE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-24+at+1.47.51+PM.png" height="133" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank">Logic Links</a></td></tr>
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I always go over the first puzzle with my students and we work on it together. My rules for them is they need to: </div>
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<li>Read over all the clues first. </li>
<li>Place the dots where they go BUT before they color them in, they must read over each clue AGAIN and put a check mark next to it saying that it is true. </li>
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After my students have completed the puzzle they then take out their iPad. Using the Camera App, they snap a photo of their completed puzzle (complete with the clues so I can see the check marks) and then they upload it onto Edmodo using the Edmodo app. I always create an assignment for each Logic Link which allows my students to simply attach the photo for me to grade. I can quickly open each one, see if it's correct and issue a grade. This is perfect for me to grade their work, without them having to take the activity out of their <a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank">Morning Work Folder</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z9H_LguRMfc_q87y1bkIxGCJhg3Yt4m0W8rSp0KycVS-P6Wuclzp-V9ucBDpcZyxC4LdMVdRfd92wX5ldMbPTgb4J33JmLMxBFSKMhIjGkRj_ndO8Pc1sVWAclNg_xmeEGNP13QyiS_w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-24+at+1.47.43+PM.png" height="223" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://artofpossibilityforteachers.blogspot.com/2013/01/morning-work-folders.html" target="_blank">I can see and grade student's work in Edmodo</a>.</td></tr>
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If you haven't used these puzzles, I really encourage you to do so. The students LOVE them!</div>
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What's your favorite brain puzzle?</div>
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<b>Katie</b></div>
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Katie Lyonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11218690841575984870noreply@blogger.com0