tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41155473139239134512024-03-24T03:11:07.368-04:00Hanging Around In PrimaryI'm Christina, a first grade teacher blogger and curriculum designer. You can find me at Hanging Around In Primary. On my website you will find lots of practical ideas, kid tested and approved activities and helpful tips for your classroom. My goal is to motivate students by providing engaging activities to help them learn. Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-10349446694716325282023-07-27T14:37:00.003-04:002023-07-27T15:25:25.459-04:00Morning Tubs vs. Traditional Math Worksheets: Why Hands-On Wins!<div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-fc94facf-7fff-9a4f-cdd3-dd81bac93691" style="font-family: inherit;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">How do you start each day in your classroom? Morning work is a popular approach, but there are differing views of what morning work should look like. Hands-on learning is best, especially with math morning tubs that my students beg to use each morning. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgRPTOYYMfPK2Y9qTzjCVyB2GXGMMDpn7yjujS7ktgm05jXmuz-PUZ8CHswpq3KSoEMTWnPlL6Yz_L4QvfmPEli7ohftcN0S_zlDDBzjw8OglOgGbATQqfy3MM3glqQ1B3co3gnh_DoRqequklAInvNuBwpDQxXTekfNBJObvG2F8_nshyhpZpP3gjVwR/s1200/post%20header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="morning tubs vs math worksheets. why hands on learning wins" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgRPTOYYMfPK2Y9qTzjCVyB2GXGMMDpn7yjujS7ktgm05jXmuz-PUZ8CHswpq3KSoEMTWnPlL6Yz_L4QvfmPEli7ohftcN0S_zlDDBzjw8OglOgGbATQqfy3MM3glqQ1B3co3gnh_DoRqequklAInvNuBwpDQxXTekfNBJObvG2F8_nshyhpZpP3gjVwR/w640-h335/post%20header.png" title="morning tubs vs math worksheets. why hands on learning wins" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you team worksheets or hands-on activities for morning work to start the day? Both approaches have their merit, but I believe in a hands-on approach to kickstart each day. I will explore the advantages of hands-on learning with </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-Fast-Finishers-Hands-On-Activities-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ENGAGING%20MORNING%20TUBS%20POST" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Math Morning Tubs</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and why it beats the conventional method of using worksheets. Morning Tubs can revolutionize students' learning of math, promoting active engagement and deeper understanding.</span></div></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Why use Traditional Math Worksheets?</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Traditional math worksheets have long been the go-to in classrooms because of their ease of use and familiarity. They offer a structured format for practice and assessment, making them convenient for teachers. Worksheets are often designed to align with standardized testing, providing a measurable benchmark for student performance.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Why use a Hands-On Learning approach?</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There has been a significant shift in education towards a more hands-on learning approach. Educators and researchers have recognized the power of experiential learning in engaging students and enhancing their learning experience. Hands-on activities let students actively explore concepts, using multiple senses that lead to a deeper understanding of abstract ideas.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-Fast-Finishers-Hands-On-Activities-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ENGAGING%20MORNING%20TUBS%20POST" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Use hands on math activities to start your day like measuring area with tiles or using counting bears to make combinations of a number for addition problems." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qUF9R35_9taQbp2H3u2aodJaKvxMOVQwjXjz8ZRaR7UzDngXDWVE7db269nGoTKoSkzDx_hZvzWVyncpaGZOVdYJmGGewjNfWAtfVGV-60hZMbT5pmLa0Ozi3s8e8Gg0AL4i7boS_pYvIcQ7RZyIyxIq0LLlLozsfyH_HmFGOXGXS7tV8v1_ykY7CPg9/w640-h334/image%201.png" title="Use hands on math activities to start your day like measuring area with tiles or using counting bears to make combinations of a number for addition problems." width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Start with Morning Tubs Instead!</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Morning Tubs are a dynamic and versatile resource that offers much more than math worksheets. These tubs provide hands-on activities catering to various learning styles and abilities. Unlike worksheets, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-Fast-Finishers-Hands-On-Activities-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ENGAGING%20MORNING%20TUBS%20POST" target="_blank">Morning Tubs</a> encourage social interaction, playfulness, and exploration, creating an engaging and joyful math learning environment. My students look at this time of day as play and fully engage in the activities. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-Fast-Finishers-Hands-On-Activities-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ENGAGING%20MORNING%20TUBS%20POST" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Use hands on activities with popsicle sticks and counting bears to work on basic math skills like spatial awareness and ordinal numbers." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jquWm-5P36W5N2NUwGlXVYSO31vX8_ClFJ7lGN_eccYNo3J7mFuQG8SIQNB0IIjIVEbSdMRlCwPmApB2IsYpQ_gtWgWdLsqEiTa7B9popve7wEsGRjukZ38UjW6hkwFQ6-jif7NEOvUJV6kaR7h7Eb7bnyADMeKIfR0HPdxpSCMmHqikh_FPEl-seu0-/w640-h334/image%202.png" title="Use hands on activities with popsicle sticks and counting bears to work on basic math skills like spatial awareness and ordinal numbers." width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">What are the advantages of using hands-on morning work? </span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-Fast-Finishers-Hands-On-Activities-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ENGAGING%20MORNING%20TUBS%20POST" target="_blank">Morning Tubs</a> promote active learning and exploration. By incorporating tactile, visual, and kinesthetic elements, these activities immerse students in the learning process, making math come alive. Rather than passively filling out a worksheet, students actively interact with manipulatives and collaborate with their classmates, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Morning Tubs offer a more holistic learning experience. They help students see connections between abstract ideas and practical applications. This deeper understanding boosts students' confidence in their math abilities and leads them to approach tasks enthusiastically. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Studies show that Hands-On Learning is Best! </span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Studies have shown that students engaged in hands-on activities demonstrate improved retention and comprehension of subject matter compared to traditional methods. Hands-on learning has been linked to increased student motivation and overall academic achievement.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><h4 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #800180; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“This bundle has revolutionized the way I approach my morning routine. My students love our "soft entry" of exploring math bins and these activities have allowed us to approach our learning in a hands-on, targeted, and differentiated manner! “</span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-Fast-Finishers-Hands-On-Activities-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ENGAGING%20MORNING%20TUBS%20POST" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Hands on math activities are a great way to practice math skills like addition, symmetry, money and area. Using math morning tubs is an fun and effective way to practice math skills." border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtp6qoYTf48SDYhO-2-0n2kuz5fFtnCmLh8Hiws68iPZb8IlF686avybI9QLaGZSX1wGLZGxjWsGEHlJnU2Cqdpvvr2Bh6VjvzHXYrqx5sKywzXK0xOnB9YkI-DFIXBbDj-IUAHdu7mXmpDAy7FEP2fnqhYhdJniVyr65S_Yo0KYcFts5EQVZRkR_qDql/w640-h640/mtt%20collage%208%20links%20dice%20cubes%20money%20cr%20pb%20tiles%20pent.png" title="Hands on math activities are a great way to practice math skills like addition, symmetry, money and area. Using math morning tubs is an fun and effective way to practice math skills." width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It doesn’t just work in my classroom! So many teachers have shared how starting their day with Morning Tubs has changed their classroom mornings. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #800180; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Fun and engaging. My young scholars love using these as a way to start out their morning as well as during center rotations. I love that they have hands-on practice with manipulatives to help them learn concretely.” </span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">Would you like more information about what kinds of tasks are included in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-Fast-Finishers-Hands-On-Activities-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ENGAGING%20MORNING%20TUBS%20POST" target="_blank">Math Morning Tubs</a>? Download this free guide that outlines every one of the activities included. </div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1HO0zmrtw6oLqpSnqlsE5PvAU7wpMYFYt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhu2GVoJrg4WU1xCTVs1of-lsxnfrKemftjzmLAqzcSAbGfXw7gKXVBfnAcBrbL1WE4PhsboTuowMB8JlCw_WCw8tuqPL7XPrJgDrnHOpoQH2M1kOzrdpKXMf21nKFFTXiERNyKOWAKO8jRvuhdKHk2jEUZ96NO_UafR8zA2zdDAUNo4mL5k2oDwixYcL/w640-h334/opt%20in%20for%20morning%20tubs%20guide.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Do you want to try a set of pattern block activities for FREE? Download these now to try. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/m8s9h3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="600" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q_xJoSMV8TXF746zGsZCpS-KWHaenbWGoxB9kCGQYIgTaooRnloEqzc6uWb7tCk_S7_njz3Sy2G2HU5EIIEr3VmUF5YLxOMnTY7TZtnpKEzm8h-etiV-ZvWD9VY7r6vilgOfrzLAm1vVGK6bE-cNQCk_4u6wn2VhPO6UyQEHSFslie4pudiiGt6uLY2r/w640-h324/new%20mtt%20funnel%20freebie%20image%20in%20blog%20posts.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope I have convinced you to give hands-on Morning Tubs a try as a way to start your day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="68" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gUBZ8kOPGlqhpjCpiUtKefWOUuFPDcUo10msyN25H0BCyTaSGucZF2_KQdpSjxnq1OmLAEsNLgiyclH6IzeHMl_oXLueU_dmq8B2nH7S0uzon90CHuxCpXTGpcZpWWA7wDukssBIiG_q/s200/signature.png" width="200" />
</div>Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-88313150405488385412022-08-11T14:16:00.028-04:002023-07-12T17:59:37.644-04:0015 Strategies to Effectively Manage Simple Tasks in Your Classroom<div class="separator"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Managing your classroom environment is a must for your sanity and to make classroom management more effortless. There are many things to think about, but today, I will share more about managing simple classroom tasks. Read on for 10 ideas, and check the end of the post to find out how to get 5 more hacks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Managing Simple Tasks In The Classroom</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAauHryPV6FANjKLiQ-FMUF_3mKO05uoPrYcglSXEsvGLgUkBmOeeIHok7kobsoChYaRbiQxlZIdFk9uHtOvxhCEGMYJJQMbIjX_uuIt0nEMxf-mXh_iAPvnwC90cFcWwc-NqsNxfgLnEqwa9jL9mYOIGkHT906CDybsOXo2xxH0l5bho2U6tUjp0ASg/s1200/15%20strategies%20to%20effectively%20manage%20simple%20tasks%20in%20the%20classroom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAauHryPV6FANjKLiQ-FMUF_3mKO05uoPrYcglSXEsvGLgUkBmOeeIHok7kobsoChYaRbiQxlZIdFk9uHtOvxhCEGMYJJQMbIjX_uuIt0nEMxf-mXh_iAPvnwC90cFcWwc-NqsNxfgLnEqwa9jL9mYOIGkHT906CDybsOXo2xxH0l5bho2U6tUjp0ASg/w640-h334/15%20strategies%20to%20effectively%20manage%20simple%20tasks%20in%20the%20classroom.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It happens to me every year. I start the year strong with all my routines and management in place, and then I realize I have completely overlooked how to handle something. There are always simple tasks that need to be thought out for things to run smoothly. I hope these ideas save you from a bit of grief when planning your classroom environment management. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Managing and organizing materials in the classroom.<br /><br /><br /></h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">1. Sharp and Dull Pencil Cups</h4><div style="text-align: left;">It may seem like a no-brainer but having a place for kids to trade out pencils is a must. I do not allow my students to use our electric pencil sharpener, so I ensure they are waiting for them. You will never need to deal with the "I can't find my pencil" or "my pencil broke" problem ever again. Click on the picture to grab this freebie for yourself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/pencil-cups-label-teacher-hacks" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi8k3IaApCEBHFZRkdIrWDGHPfYMfhqfnOgdxu6xhmWMLvRZ2UsMIWYp5DOdoS0fRoEI4_rQGLYOeHdUeeuRODdrCz83VmVHzRrpoNhsqo9zFDMIYSXiX1bWOf-5m6l6pacn-JmtMkHQktcn2oUYP6dVskjyj61APwprosQsl2Kp5Ma5qpT2KKHojnw/w640-h360/Slide1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">2. Extra Crayon Organizer</h4><div style="text-align: left;">My first graders are constantly losing crayons, and it drove me crazy. When missing a crayon, they go to the drawer and grab a new "used" one. The drawers are filled with previous years' cast-offs and a few new boxes to get us started. As the year goes on and kids get new boxes of crayons, they add their old ones to the drawers. This system works like a charm. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOPkNSLPJfxbLjuTpT8uKZpHbG-746GC4_8RMhYQuLzZA5LjEq6o0PcaPXO8QVvucKhVe6KQU1-v50rO83qeY2PJb9WxC6sRpt3AgGlYo5rDIV0M-kHvJxocG1VSS5aohTZwJiQbtm87bP--n59jtfm3qQb4JkHrkMX8R5ag5eD0gi7Gg4F-TWIvNmg/s4032/IMG_1895.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Storage for extra crayons in your classroom" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOPkNSLPJfxbLjuTpT8uKZpHbG-746GC4_8RMhYQuLzZA5LjEq6o0PcaPXO8QVvucKhVe6KQU1-v50rO83qeY2PJb9WxC6sRpt3AgGlYo5rDIV0M-kHvJxocG1VSS5aohTZwJiQbtm87bP--n59jtfm3qQb4JkHrkMX8R5ag5eD0gi7Gg4F-TWIvNmg/w480-h640/IMG_1895.JPG" title="Storage for extra crayons in your classroom" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">3. Book Hospital</h4><div style="text-align: left;">I love our book hospital; I don't love all the repairs I need to do. It is an excellent addition to your library for all the books that need repairs and ensures your students aren't interrupting your groups to come and show you. Click the image to get one for your classroom, too! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/book-hospital-teacher-hacks-post" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjousNMhyF2COEVP-HvfI8TKzTe414hBvkr4TrsDv7MmPndzUCYzY_dTcNhtuYBatY3M7XQjcuzYdsJ8Bhir7uR1ZnVdLMhc6Z4SIgpEf0nAolx128pDI-2xcmJ7z2LOzALXzMeGywzavg0kStfmn_72kyUnZn6yS0rI8IhvbQlLQ4TOF1NQpNNhUy00g/w640-h360/Slide2.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">4. Pocket Folders</h4><div style="text-align: left;">I teach first grade and have for many years. I have students store papers in two-pocket folders - no duotangs (3 prong folders) ever! Yes, they can get messy, but the papers have a home for the short time they are on their desk, and students can manage independently.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Managing and Organizing your students</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">5. Line Up Dots</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Line-up dots are one of the best things I have done for my sanity in the last few years. I use vinyl from Michaels and a circle punch and put dots on the floor with adequate space for a child wearing a backpack to line up. I don't have a particular order, although I know many people who do. I love that it helps kids with personal space and ensures I have a straight line (sort of)! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">6. Name Sticks</h4><div style="text-align: left;">When calling on students, it is easy to pick the ones who always have their hands up and let the others sit back and be passive observers. To help with this, I use name sticks, just popsicle sticks with their names. I have seen many fancy alternatives, but I prefer function over fancy. I tell kids I will use name sticks in advance so they are prepared to be called on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfzZD5y_lTlzgovEuReL6ioyuDbhfIXgiEsHmioF7V7XZxGCnff-qWIIpZsrYtrl6TvfvQ1ZaO2bKZMTE6S3tZG5KdH6vCkjBu_4Lj5q2aYXcfjjO3nDDt6IBu0YrjuRHN-3bo9Du5_m74ot80a9r8qvwiMEM-SctkbvULrp7eXjUPdRH1xSw3D31TQ/s3024/name%20sticks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfzZD5y_lTlzgovEuReL6ioyuDbhfIXgiEsHmioF7V7XZxGCnff-qWIIpZsrYtrl6TvfvQ1ZaO2bKZMTE6S3tZG5KdH6vCkjBu_4Lj5q2aYXcfjjO3nDDt6IBu0YrjuRHN-3bo9Du5_m74ot80a9r8qvwiMEM-SctkbvULrp7eXjUPdRH1xSw3D31TQ/w640-h640/name%20sticks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">7. Zip Tie Those Desks Together!</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing is worse than desks constantly shifting or kids getting their fingers pinched between desks. I solved this by initially using bungee cords to tie the desks, but zip ties work much better and don't slip down. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">8. Classroom Jobs</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Delegate, delegate, delegate! I use classroom jobs to help with many of the little things that need to happen during the day. Students love to help, and by implementing jobs, you will have a team of little managers to help you. This is the system I created and used. You can take a closer look at the resource by clicking on the image. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bright-and-Colorful-Classroom-Jobs-Display-3300343?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=CLASSROOM%20JOBS%20HACKS%20POST" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="926" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzcWdyCDSFqS99GKK4qUIw_k6iiPIA-8wlclMxvYJR-B8GamH84j-2E_xVGrXyMQ-bxmOATQTTdZOpbQsWA7UnnD6e2-dJdt3Pep94gOSfzFzYLjREM8YZfkvmpIACokE0R8Ti3ybC2lZjVGUQbM4eA9PDU2Vb3vSO3BVILJ8vOMA5MGU1kpm3Bn2Sw/w464-h640/h=jobs.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Organizing Technology</h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">9. Organizing Ipads</h4><div style="text-align: left;">I have 6 Ipads for my classroom. I have found this modified dish rack is the best kind of storage. The students can quickly put them back when done. I have a teacher's only rule for plugging and unplugging the devices. If you want a copy of my stop sign, you can grab it by clicking on the image below. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcffv-YGD8yCyMgSgZxv5wRlnTnwjJKuxjG7v6PQoG9Hamb8-J8_-DK5d6LrvgCaiNLrMtcD3sz2Gk9qX3wUu7cj1c2Nw2RfOjz4-5qsTJkUGKkPUbZJBYQccvL8NhEe94R0wwhq_4dLSEjbHa5Rn1wsf5bCCu5YfX7UDafGj3FM6pnpXRurQLeRPpw/s4032/IMG_1938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use a dish drainboard to store ipads in the classroom" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcffv-YGD8yCyMgSgZxv5wRlnTnwjJKuxjG7v6PQoG9Hamb8-J8_-DK5d6LrvgCaiNLrMtcD3sz2Gk9qX3wUu7cj1c2Nw2RfOjz4-5qsTJkUGKkPUbZJBYQccvL8NhEe94R0wwhq_4dLSEjbHa5Rn1wsf5bCCu5YfX7UDafGj3FM6pnpXRurQLeRPpw/w480-h640/IMG_1938.JPG" title="use a dish drainboard to store ipads in the classroom" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">10. Organizing Chromebooks</h4><div style="text-align: left;">I have 4 Chromebooks in my classroom and found that these mail sorters are perfect for standing the Chromebooks up to store and charge. It makes it so easy to charge them. It's a very inexpensive storage option if you only have a few devices. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Hopefully, there are a few ideas that you can try out in your classroom. Are you ready for more tips? I have 5 more ideas to share with you. <b>Simply click on the image below to get 5 more strategies to manage simple tasks in your classroom. </b></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/hacks-for-managing-your-classroom" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="1015" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd9WISH523qfilDdbCEgUV7QqTA4sRI1c4QkGk7Z35-yr3IQQVEjwDETUrfe6I2zlfB_j-bPEIcSjzKsnoR76T8ndh1Fao3jGiEzPmh7RSWzsoQSD02VboC4Ivel556UnAIQRQu7zaDUO/w640-h308/OPT+IN+TEACHER+HACKS.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Do you have any tried and true hacks to share? Drop them in the comments below, or shoot me an email. I would love to hear them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Until next time, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxjBodPt7c-U6m6cFpwItVHhphrwHoYf0pS-OGq7UFvY9pwOrFDhxJhXqoH8145I888oX1A_jrGMTMSQaG0tzPoRAbGO2yx6U44mJToJquRP242CaaxS_TJ40aC8UfSUQ48dZGqJByjfS/s286/signature+from+paint.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="286" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxjBodPt7c-U6m6cFpwItVHhphrwHoYf0pS-OGq7UFvY9pwOrFDhxJhXqoH8145I888oX1A_jrGMTMSQaG0tzPoRAbGO2yx6U44mJToJquRP242CaaxS_TJ40aC8UfSUQ48dZGqJByjfS/w200-h73/signature+from+paint.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<div class="hs-body-level-container" strategyname="Blogger"></div>Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-40051350368907844162021-04-18T07:00:00.005-04:002022-04-18T23:01:40.314-04:00Purposeful Fast Finisher Math Activities Your Students will LOVE!<div class="separator"></div><div style="text-align: left;">
Every classroom has them; students who are fast finishers! As teachers, we need to plan for our lessons, but we also have to plan in place with additional fast finishers' activities. Better yet, how about planning purposeful fast finisher activities. This does NOT need to be a lot of work and stress. <br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTsX9wmy1Z-CPxxTsJxm_yEy_ewfCB5CyLOZDE-2nPYGUm0LI8Dsn6JOX_bF12XFjdHRYWmY6lPvM5XgyTrPIHmngdWsdLHGo5SXZUr6LWYp670bXqRDtEGPLWZJCRJMymaWNy5w8PXhH/s2000/purposeful-fast-finisher-activities-your-students-will-love.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Purposeful fast finisher math activities that your students will love" border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="2000" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTsX9wmy1Z-CPxxTsJxm_yEy_ewfCB5CyLOZDE-2nPYGUm0LI8Dsn6JOX_bF12XFjdHRYWmY6lPvM5XgyTrPIHmngdWsdLHGo5SXZUr6LWYp670bXqRDtEGPLWZJCRJMymaWNy5w8PXhH/w640-h330/purposeful-fast-finisher-activities-your-students-will-love.png" title="Purposeful fast finisher math activities that your students will love" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span><a name='more'></a></span>Managing Students who are Fast Finishers</h3><br />Before thinking about how you will manage the students who finish work, ask yourself these questions: </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Have they really finished the task to the best of their ability? </li><li>Have they checked their work to ensure it is complete?</li><li>If they are always done their work early, is the task too easy? </li></ul><div><br /></div>The first and second questions can be easily answered by checking in with your student and setting expectations for what "done" looks like. Perhaps they are rushing to the "first one done," as is the case in my first grade classroom. There is never any prize for finishing first, but first graders feel so much power in saying "I'm done" before anyone else. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NCEBpRSbM6xxRE5dLALwo919kv0EU4DcMK1fiJ3Z2VHS1LlC3es-PzUUvuv_6DVu8oCPPvZAiveMkrrnxMc3RZxLdQxBgM3mpr2xDo13y2z1xixsL76VY7eQ9SjY4NE4wZEHB-0_52QB/s795/what-to-do-with-fast-finishers-in-the-classroom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Take care of your fast finishers by keeping them engaged with math activities that promote skill practice." border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="795" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NCEBpRSbM6xxRE5dLALwo919kv0EU4DcMK1fiJ3Z2VHS1LlC3es-PzUUvuv_6DVu8oCPPvZAiveMkrrnxMc3RZxLdQxBgM3mpr2xDo13y2z1xixsL76VY7eQ9SjY4NE4wZEHB-0_52QB/w640-h414/what-to-do-with-fast-finishers-in-the-classroom.png" title="Take care of your fast finishers by keeping them engaged with math activities that promote skill practice." width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If your students complete the task thoroughly and to the best of their ability and are still whizzing through the work, then perhaps the work is too easy. If this is the case, it is time to make sure you differentiate for your higher achievers. Making a change to a more challenging task will keep them working longer and reduce the need to have other activities available to them. <br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">I'm Done. Now What? Traditional fast finisher activities.</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">My go-to activities for fast finishers for first grade have been the standard: read a book, draw in your doodle books or write in your journal. None of these tasks are overly engaging, but they all have merit. Students practice reading and writing, but wouldn't it be better to practice math skills when they finish early in math (or any other subject).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Purposeful Fast Finisher Activities</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My fast finisher activities are math tubs that I use for centers, morning tubs, and fast finishers. Each tub is filled with the necessary manipulative and several activities to go with it. All of the material needed is in the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-BUNDLE-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG%20&utm_campaign=Fast%20finishers%20MTT%20link">tub </a>so students can take it to a spot to work and get busy right away. There is no lost time collecting manipulatives etc. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-BUNDLE-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG%20&utm_campaign=Fast%20finishers%20MTT%20link" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Math fast finisher activities that are grab and go. Put the manipulatives in a pencil box and add the activities to a bin and your are ready to go." border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="800" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavh_q8bHYCo5c-W9kuVU0iPv3iRVGRFwhrJuaG5sVkZJXWrWXmb_e0NmZsxFZK-Xhm7mg7UN6GV668jZ8vQHoa0n5FO_7-SyLF9ZVGvrNmtaKvRPDeQjJ1F2uMISCOTKb8AWJGsTuvWPE/w640-h334/fast-finisher-bins-with-math-activities.png" title="Math fast finisher activities that are grab and go." width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The benefits of using activities like this over traditional fast finisher are many; Students are more engaged in what they are doing - it is not another worksheet or page in their journal. It is a hands-on activity. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Students are practicing current unit math expectations or reviewing previously learned content which is beneficial for retention of the content. Finally, students are encouraged to finish early because these tubs are highly desired tasks that they want to use. <br /><br />Try out one of these activities with your students and see if they like it! Click on the image below to join my email list and access this free activity to use with your fast finishers or as a morning tub or math center. The beauty of these activities is that they serve many needs in the classroom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/m8s9h3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Pattern block activity cards that are perfect for your fast finishers." border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="801" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-NODC3G_S7fFBWczaVcrgexYOQdG03hnktj16tJr8aZyLTurvVsL9j8ZdTgLp6KiVfBvoAxuz4T1W2Wr7VmV8CXobu1JDCVMmahOuM-JcVNPJJfTXOi6MrXa7qKOcNJUdoggMiPCrWhs/w640-h364/Free+Pattern+Block+Activity.png" title="Pattern block activities cards for fast finishers." width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Are you interested in learning more about how you can use these activities in your classroom? Check out this blog post that highlights how these activities can be used as part of your morning work or math center time. </div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2018/11/5-reasons-why-you-should-use-morning-tubs.html" target="_blank">5 Simple Reasons Why You Need to Switch to Morning Tubs.</a></h4><div>Before you go, take a minute to pin this post so you can return to it later! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RVshUD9TG4ZvvWCO94YHWgkUP2MAC6iF4rmfIh2wvqkVQkMoz71EvWtts4ApZxjW3H81pJubYsDuJCGuckOTECrGqmYpWL-PyAiatsr332u8BooH5bzCXhQe8W7cUWLsDVfC0YHDsB6_/s750/pink+fast+finisher+pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Try purposeful fast finishers activities that promote skill practice in math rather than the go-to activities of reading and writing in a journal. It's a better use of your student's time." border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RVshUD9TG4ZvvWCO94YHWgkUP2MAC6iF4rmfIh2wvqkVQkMoz71EvWtts4ApZxjW3H81pJubYsDuJCGuckOTECrGqmYpWL-PyAiatsr332u8BooH5bzCXhQe8W7cUWLsDVfC0YHDsB6_/w427-h640/pink+fast+finisher+pin.png" title="Purposeful fast finisher math activities that your students will love" width="427" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Until next time, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmQcnlv1TJ_J550OOadLOGvhbvj-kMBXPcWgbAdnpG0yns5bsM_4VYT23MKhM6W1bxwL6y65-S1IOnW7dg3e1vEqhRTyq-51lMnA8eiXovAST_SFxUKluKUXXX1Nl5BJO-PPfWJmXsKMU/s286/signature+from+paint.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="286" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmQcnlv1TJ_J550OOadLOGvhbvj-kMBXPcWgbAdnpG0yns5bsM_4VYT23MKhM6W1bxwL6y65-S1IOnW7dg3e1vEqhRTyq-51lMnA8eiXovAST_SFxUKluKUXXX1Nl5BJO-PPfWJmXsKMU/w188-h68/signature+from+paint.png" width="188" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
<div class="hs-body-level-container" strategyname="Blogger"></div>Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-64652598728109458332021-03-29T11:15:00.026-04:002022-04-18T23:01:59.232-04:00How to Effectively Teach Phonemic Awareness Skills Online<div class="separator"></div><div style="text-align: left;">
Teaching phonemic awareness skills can be a challenge, but what if you are trying to teach phonemic awareness skills virtually? How does that work? Keep reading to learn more about some things I tried while teaching phonemic awareness skills online. <br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrZ8r_cfzdCccqcDoRSUT8w7gFk6kSmyYU7nNsxeQMifCOOGE1nah8rhKl6iKs6FTPOrKZf31a9Une5ak0VUNG8ewf0apIdFhhlicQuQd1omr6VtnJexzH8HKzGp93QhYV802oIWzHFWI/s1200/PA+virtual+header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to effectively teach phonemic awareness skills online and helpful resources to use." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrZ8r_cfzdCccqcDoRSUT8w7gFk6kSmyYU7nNsxeQMifCOOGE1nah8rhKl6iKs6FTPOrKZf31a9Une5ak0VUNG8ewf0apIdFhhlicQuQd1omr6VtnJexzH8HKzGp93QhYV802oIWzHFWI/w640-h334/PA+virtual+header.png" title="how to effectively teach phonemic awareness skills online and helpful resources to use." width="640" /></a></div></h3><span><a name='more'></a></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">First things first... Knowing what Phonemic Awareness Skills Are</h3><div>Perhaps you need a refresher on what phonemic awareness skills you should address with your students. Well, you are in luck. I have a handy quick reference guide that lists all the skills and examples. You can grab it by clicking the link below. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/phonemic-awareness-reference-sheet" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1024" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToa70IgklZ2O60FN9eeZGjNl1ZHjaMuwaUBhLSvsCs-cKp5rMYOGZyugx6W-Qx6ko8dRUpUieEzXfIL3d6UtLtY89HyxWU55TtL_ie3Am6l1JXwwvHdIC_OcDphL3jn-q9dJVvkZzQseN/w640-h367/pa5m+cheat+sheet+image+opt+in+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Sorting out the Logistics</h3></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just like in the classroom, there are things to sort out before teaching, and it works the same way in a virtual environment. First and foremost, your students need to know how and when to use the mute button. Phonemic awareness is all about listening, so they need to be muted so they can hear you and not speak over you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Another consideration is deciding when you will do your phonemic awareness instruction. Will it be during your whole group teaching time or during small group time? It can work in both situations, but I prefer working on this in a small group. Here is how I handle both scenarios:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Whole group instruction: </h4><div style="text-align: left;">All students are muted, and I let them know I am looking at their mouths to see their responses. I say a word related to the skill I am working on, and, just like in the classroom, I pause to give students a chance to think and then answer. I am looking at their faces during that pause time to see them moving their mouths in response. I then say the answer and compliment a few students each time, so they realize I am watching them even though I can't hear them. <br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Small group instruction: </h4></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is my preferred method. I can work on many more skills in different ways in small groups because the students can unmute themselves to respond. I have had students take turns and unmute to share, and I have had all students in the group unmuted, and I call on them one by one. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can work on more skills in a small group, especially early skills like rhyming and beginning, middle and end sounds. You can show them pictures of things and ask for words that rhyme or you can ask them to identify the beginning, middle or ending sounds. You will have more opportunities to cover more skills in a small virtual group. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/FBPA5M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Using phonemic awareness word lists online with your students is a good way to provide practice." border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1859" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wkQMGf_cQR3qf5o1tKUjwfe6bz91Et3Ae2uXl92qcrrFQ3KfaeeX4MfCr4LU8PBkdbBHZhC9PIHU6lg3TOtUBLrFpQqoX6DnZyQ1HCDmhNZoYmUZ3H2jieVWk4kkcF959D2ESKHzBqZz/w640-h338/rhyme+card+image.png" title="Using phonemic awareness word lists online with your students is a good way to provide practice." width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What resources can I use? </h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I use the same resource in my virtual classroom as I use in my face-to-face classroom, phonemic awareness word lists. My phonemic awareness word lists can be easily used to teach phonemic awareness skills virtually. Since it is a listening skill, the word lists work just fine virtually because you still need to provide words for students to respond to and manipulate. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/c8w2f9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Get a free set of phonemic awareness word lists to try with your students online or in the classroom." border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="940" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7_tTQMB7NCCk8gNMaLIj_6puvRFvDiELtTxe3jOdEllYVLU73G2S51Mg-PwCFSIP0aR7H7tyXvRFPWZNsrrdATUGKiJWXJvtxoB-kewGUZ4VY8G-tAyrZZSCS9uWZHsdimgP1wnqWoQq/w640-h336/word+lists+opt+in+image.png" title="Get a free set of phonemic awareness word lists to try with your students online or in the classroom." width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Using digital activities is another way to teach phonemic awareness skills virtually. My favourite for this is Boom Cards because students get immediate feedback about whether they are correct or not. I am more likely to assign boom cards to my students to practice for asynchronous learning time than during our live meetings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='475' height='395' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwfBQLLmmownQNW_EX5wnWurpsSI1j7hNSFYqxrBKABxymI6LCRJCfTVMDi64ww49ae0aOQNOuJd5YaVfFafQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Teaching virtually is challenging, but having a solid plan and resources that work makes a huge difference in the success of your instruction. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are looking for more information on phonemic awareness, you can check out these posts: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2017/07/what-is-the-difference-between-phonological-and-phonemic-awareness.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="phonemic awareness vs phonological awareness - what is the difference?" border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="940" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkFP0EOG1rk8tS9mOYPj5XQoqBocqB6MNfA48HpaxGF15UxePtaek1-Hs4jTpoA7O5qLu91v8Enz4mb7zcQBQogq8UjrBfS9plT556ss88wNTBUYd7PE-RxtCfhUPMZMg0iZtAIWfBoHm/w400-h210/PA+header+for+blog+post+with+screener+opt+in.png" title="phonemic awareness vs phonological awareness - what is the difference?" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2017/07/how-to-use-data-to-drive-phonemic-awareness-instruction.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Phonemic awareness - using data to drive instruction." border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="940" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaFt0mdLqfT0Zy0lnQQ38VFMrw26Htpfv5XOAC9aA_UH0Hc2gGYfOk7jBHWFoNmvi41uYvs_HnwgjYQNNvFD-mowRt8LzmygtMSYs-wVr5lZNBAvWoY86paU5ViWjfWor0KvKS3ocXCmq/w400-h210/PA+post+2+resized.png" title="Phonemic awareness - using data to drive instruction." width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I hope this post helps you navigate teaching phonemic awareness skills online. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Until next time, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxjBodPt7c-U6m6cFpwItVHhphrwHoYf0pS-OGq7UFvY9pwOrFDhxJhXqoH8145I888oX1A_jrGMTMSQaG0tzPoRAbGO2yx6U44mJToJquRP242CaaxS_TJ40aC8UfSUQ48dZGqJByjfS/s286/signature+from+paint.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="286" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxjBodPt7c-U6m6cFpwItVHhphrwHoYf0pS-OGq7UFvY9pwOrFDhxJhXqoH8145I888oX1A_jrGMTMSQaG0tzPoRAbGO2yx6U44mJToJquRP242CaaxS_TJ40aC8UfSUQ48dZGqJByjfS/w174-h63/signature+from+paint.png" width="174" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmy2CbNT8pRpYW6aTTpCABaAyLdLF2a-fwfnhePYUxjGoZsDV7Hk0if2XoaAaNunPtP4ZsV64bJfYY6MUdj2R_stsS04MwGWM4N1XOaAlAdflOn2oYzay7bqT5_5CRNDTmqIln_8tlHv-0/s1500/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to effectively teach phonemic awareness skills online and the best resources to use to be successful." border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmy2CbNT8pRpYW6aTTpCABaAyLdLF2a-fwfnhePYUxjGoZsDV7Hk0if2XoaAaNunPtP4ZsV64bJfYY6MUdj2R_stsS04MwGWM4N1XOaAlAdflOn2oYzay7bqT5_5CRNDTmqIln_8tlHv-0/w266-h400/1.png" title="How to effectively teach phonemic awareness skills online and the best resources to use to be successful." width="266" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="hs-body-level-container" strategyname="Blogger"></div>Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-83503111581552614112021-01-16T23:09:00.003-05:002022-04-18T23:02:34.470-04:005 Helpful Google Extensions for Stressed Out Virtual Teachers<div style="text-align: left;">
Pivoting to virtual learning has not been a fun experience! Kudos to all of the teachers who have been running virtual classrooms for quite some time now. It is a totally different way of teaching! Not only do you need to teach, but you need to be a tech expert in navigating platforms, websites and extensions. I am not claiming to be an expert, but being thrust into the world of virtual teaching has meant that I have spent a lot of time looking for ways to save my time and my sanity. I am sharing 5 extensions that I am using and finding helpful. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-XBGvm8zJ6ghdY2YWoc1-82Ju9-Ba-qmNrF3llatX0mHJaA4br2RjClXKDuX6EgGOWy87PxnJk17lEbkBexC_L3GNPXJiOLLLwedsWATJVCHQWfRMGwhEGZAcu1scPTXxPa_t9igCzuQ/s1688/google+extension+header+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1688" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-XBGvm8zJ6ghdY2YWoc1-82Ju9-Ba-qmNrF3llatX0mHJaA4br2RjClXKDuX6EgGOWy87PxnJk17lEbkBexC_L3GNPXJiOLLLwedsWATJVCHQWfRMGwhEGZAcu1scPTXxPa_t9igCzuQ/w640-h376/google+extension+header+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span><a name='more'></a></span>Let's Talk Extensions!</h1><h2 style="text-align: left;">1. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/dualless/bgdpkilkheacbboffppjgceiplijhfpd">Dualless</a></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Dualless gives you the capability of having 2 screens when you only have one. They call it the "poor man's dual monitor solution." You can view two pages side by side. It's a fantastic extension that enables you to see your students and present to them simultaneously. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKc8kdwtJ5K_o2_FHXGytzcRBPh0HL_rjXzaDMwaZrHoHwPHFnKRh56T6qd8_IwVWke7hGJkIO5iJBfbb0F-dOsSOJmAw8IN7vDmmTjYYWH1ejElFS3putGHWmlTCtvRGFYSc_XIW959-/s1608/Slide2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Try dualless to make a single screen into a dual monitor" border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1608" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKc8kdwtJ5K_o2_FHXGytzcRBPh0HL_rjXzaDMwaZrHoHwPHFnKRh56T6qd8_IwVWke7hGJkIO5iJBfbb0F-dOsSOJmAw8IN7vDmmTjYYWH1ejElFS3putGHWmlTCtvRGFYSc_XIW959-/w640-h334/Slide2.PNG" title="Dualless extension: the poor mans dual monitor" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">2. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fullscreen-interactive-go/fcdbimocephnflhcladjelkceaefdcjh"> Fullscreen Interactive Google Slides</a></h2><div style="text-align: left;">This extension allows you to present your slides full screen and edit at the same time. To do this, you don't click present but the extension icon, and it mimics the page in presentation mode. The only drawback I notice is that when you're sharing your screen, it decreases the screen's size, but you can still edit it. I love that it takes away the sidebar, so it's not distracting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8IjTLlbGroMCaq0XiyDOW014SEjuRKa78flILR6cPPue6neyiJNImmfaZLs4q0fv_05DvLEiKPzK07iZgf7KSfsE_Ta3lCJpSOM3fu6qj8KNCvEW3sMkucN9_XWg-1SPspIbxYGj3hyphenhyphenw/s928/Slide5.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fullscreen interactive google slides lets you move and edit slides in present mode." border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="928" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8IjTLlbGroMCaq0XiyDOW014SEjuRKa78flILR6cPPue6neyiJNImmfaZLs4q0fv_05DvLEiKPzK07iZgf7KSfsE_Ta3lCJpSOM3fu6qj8KNCvEW3sMkucN9_XWg-1SPspIbxYGj3hyphenhyphenw/w640-h454/Slide5.PNG" title="Fullscreen interactive google slides lets you move and edit slides in present mode." width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">3. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/annotate-web-annotations/gdojjgflncpbcfmenbkndfhoamlhajmf">Annotate: Web Annotations with Screen Sharing</a></h2></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love this extension! I highlight text and instructions I want to call student's attention to during instruction. The laser pointer is also a cool feature to make sure students know where to look on the slide. I've found this extension extremely helpful when doing reading groups virtually. It helps me guide the student's attention to words or sections of text I want them to pay attention to. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbPgvyiXe8SXMYJOPqf2AXQrgpxHbAiS4CZXS5MgegZneyWnSpXGcwZT9Kat3btjRFzZtF7Ahm9lfPw7MUAMYHic6fxDWVcbl3L1xfj8uwdNZCp__aaQlqEQnJTWtjw7pSZBjfh43x4JW/s1472/Slide3.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Annotate in present mode - highlight and use a laser pointer to draw attention on your slide" border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1472" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbPgvyiXe8SXMYJOPqf2AXQrgpxHbAiS4CZXS5MgegZneyWnSpXGcwZT9Kat3btjRFzZtF7Ahm9lfPw7MUAMYHic6fxDWVcbl3L1xfj8uwdNZCp__aaQlqEQnJTWtjw7pSZBjfh43x4JW/w640-h496/Slide3.PNG" title="Annotate in present mode" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;">4. <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/annotate-web-annotations/gdojjgflncpbcfmenbkndfhoamlhajmf">Mute Tab</a></h2></div><div style="text-align: left;">This extension comes recommended by a colleague who is running breakout rooms. She shared that it solves the problem of audio coming from multiple tabs. She mutes the tabs of rooms she's not checking in on and then hops from room to room, unmuting as necessary. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7plYgoG1PGc4gcL1eoBdfZKx7mu0Q5PiBk-iyWR7fBqwm1Y7rCQU9NG4QgNaadyTUss6Hz8s1imGevflJ55vq01cbnE55cVZl_pkcl1XzEWgEnYI7CITBnhiOqNvSIeMbpL0YgFgEgr1/s848/Slide6.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mute audio on tabs in your browser" border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="848" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7plYgoG1PGc4gcL1eoBdfZKx7mu0Q5PiBk-iyWR7fBqwm1Y7rCQU9NG4QgNaadyTUss6Hz8s1imGevflJ55vq01cbnE55cVZl_pkcl1XzEWgEnYI7CITBnhiOqNvSIeMbpL0YgFgEgr1/w640-h124/Slide6.PNG" title="mute audio on tabs in your browser" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div><h2 style="text-align: left;">5. Just for fun options: <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/confetti-confetti-all-ove/alnpfmeemhhcfephffidoflphgnneeld">Confetti</a> & <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/custom-cursor-for-chrome/ogdlpmhglpejoiomcodnpjnfgcpmgale">Custom Cursor</a></h2><div style="text-align: left;">Confetti! Confetti all over! is a fun extension that you can use to celebrate right on the screen. I have used it when students answer a question correctly or at the end of a great online session. If you're looking for something fun, check it out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Custom Cursor is another fun one with a different purpose - keeping the kid's attention where you need it on the screen. Change your cursor to a crayon, pizza or any of many other options, and I guarantee the kids will be looking where you want them to look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxxOT_yZRCoT9mydFGxoZGCYfIJ-Nrk4E1dXQGJAldgT6eEQPoad2NZmLYbm7nAqtaF6sBnIP5eFW7cP_vKy306JPYYMgVgyD_zlNZB0ZD71a3Tm-AkDi2oA2HroBgSuMbmTFec5Smrps/s1739/Slide4.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fun extensions like confetti and custom cursors keep students engaged in virtual classrooms" border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1739" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxxOT_yZRCoT9mydFGxoZGCYfIJ-Nrk4E1dXQGJAldgT6eEQPoad2NZmLYbm7nAqtaF6sBnIP5eFW7cP_vKy306JPYYMgVgyD_zlNZB0ZD71a3Tm-AkDi2oA2HroBgSuMbmTFec5Smrps/w640-h254/Slide4.PNG" title="Fun extensions like confetti and custom cursors keep students engaged in virtual classrooms" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you find some inspiration for your virtual classroom! Stay tuned for another post that shares 5 FREE websites that I have found super helpful for planning my virtual classroom content each week. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Until next time, </div><div style="text-align: left;">
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</div><br /><div class="hs-body-level-container" strategyname="Blogger"></div>Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-84109635081542663202020-08-12T21:24:00.138-04:002021-01-10T00:07:46.433-05:00How to Use Morning Tubs When You Can't Share Manipulatives<div style="text-align: left;">
<span></span><span></span>In the age of COVID, so many things have changed, especially how children can participate in hands-on activities like morning tubs. Despite these changes, you can still get those morning tubs and manipulatives into your student's hands, and I'm going to share with you exactly how! <br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_WBicmH2nJRWAyI3ZazgiFmwCp_MRzTrn9WrtmvRqaxbc_qxncJwkRIO7IELC2ek-bTsOAJ4SsvtYymYoT370IARs2VZXG5CxPIPVKVFA6zCCUdgYbqqT7Vov0a3sQ1gurFU1ep6qIty/s1200/how-to-use-morning-tubs-during-covid.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="You can use morning tubs in a socially distanced classroom during Covid. Learn how to set up morning tub kits so kids can still have some hands on fun." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_WBicmH2nJRWAyI3ZazgiFmwCp_MRzTrn9WrtmvRqaxbc_qxncJwkRIO7IELC2ek-bTsOAJ4SsvtYymYoT370IARs2VZXG5CxPIPVKVFA6zCCUdgYbqqT7Vov0a3sQ1gurFU1ep6qIty/w640-h335/how-to-use-morning-tubs-during-covid.png" title="How to Use Morning Tubs When You Can't Share Manipulatives" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span><a name='more'></a></span>Pencil Box / Plastic Pouch Morning Tub Storage</h1><div style="text-align: left;">
I always have plastic pencil boxes on hand in my classroom for students who need them. They are a perfect size (and cost) for personal math manipulative collections. I'm setting up individual kits for each of my morning tubs. If the manipulatives/task cards are too big for a pencil box, I will use a plastic pouch instead. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are uncertain about starting the day this way, be sure to check out this post that highlights <a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2018/11/5-reasons-why-you-should-use-morning-tubs.html" target="_blank">5 reasons why you should use morning tubs to start the day</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have morning tub activities for 15 different math manipulatives, and almost all of them will fit easily in a pencil box. Each plastic box will be filled with the manipulative and the task cards (if they fit) that a student will use. Within each manipulative set, there are generally 5 - 7 different activities. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">But how will this work because kids can't share...</h3><div>Here is my plan: </div><div><br /></div><div>Student 1 is working with pattern blocks all week long. Each day they will have a different activity to do with the same manipulative. I think this will provide enough variety. In the past, students have loved starting the day this way and revisiting tasks over and over. It really is a <a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2017/11/ideas-for-Morning-tubs-not-morning-work.html" target="_blank">joyful way to start the day</a>. This is what it might look like: </div><div><br /></div><div>Day 1 Duplicate My Design </div><div>Day 2 Cover the Creation</div><div>Day 3 Symmetry Strips</div><div>Day 4 Cover up Challenge</div><div>Day 5 Pattern Puzzlers</div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the week, the pencil box contents can be sprayed down and disinfected. Another option is to wash them and lay them to try. I am thinking about using a mesh bag and putting the manipulatives in the bag to wash. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSSgUwQZbW_nCDAGp1Pw7QY5mjVHyc1qq0BW9_gtUSktrTKuJI4zLwVElH3CeVztj60a6ZERIBjERZzFQWuJvuX-3qNhZH1qqJ7oMdp0md1xUG-JZu2dLOLu4GF50JTGZcCb_Bhx8n-yP/s2048/how-to-clean-math-manipulatives+%25281%2529.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use a mesh bag to clean math manipulatives. It will keep them together when you wash and you have to scoop by the handful from the sink when washing." border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSSgUwQZbW_nCDAGp1Pw7QY5mjVHyc1qq0BW9_gtUSktrTKuJI4zLwVElH3CeVztj60a6ZERIBjERZzFQWuJvuX-3qNhZH1qqJ7oMdp0md1xUG-JZu2dLOLu4GF50JTGZcCb_Bhx8n-yP/w512-h512/how-to-clean-math-manipulatives+%25281%2529.HEIC" title="Cleaning math manipulatives" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I am unsure of protocols but wonder if the materials were left to sit untouched from Friday afternoon until Monday morning if it would be fine without sanitizing. I will adhere to whatever protocol, but if leaving it untouched for 2 days works, then I am happy to do that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-with-Pattern-Blocks-with-GOOGLE-SLIDES-option-4128560?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=PATTERN%20BLOCK%20COLLAGE%20FOR%20COVID%20POST" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Using morning tubs with pattern blocks is an engaging way to start the day with your students." border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1618" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH7PYQ4yo9MugcGsVNw9PdpVtCkWrLC5KTmXkfR3_9x6cjfwo9m7Y4FhYrNhO-rrvseRBBj0uwo5dgdQx9RuBTmR1R6q8mLq3Byy6NqgKhU15GSX2MHxiAA90b6yziVspFZ0DILXd9HGp/w640-h379/morning-tubs-math-centers-with-pattern-blocks.png" title="Morning Tubs with Pattern Blocks" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have enough manipulatives that I should be able to make about 4 pencil boxes of each type of manipulative. That leaves me extras if I need them. I plan on making kits for all of these manipulatives to start: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Counting bears</li><li>Tangrams</li><li>Dominos</li><li>Colored Tiles</li><li>Popsicle Sticks</li><li>Links</li></ul><div>Using all of these manipulatives, I will have 24 boxes for a class of 23 or less, so I am confident I can make this work. I most likely will do other activities to start the day on occasion, too, so I won't need these morning tub kits every day. </div><div><br /></div><div>To get the boxes ready, the cards in these boxes were printed a smaller size. When printing in Adobe, choose "multiple" and choose either 2 or 4 to a page. An alternative would be to put the bigger pieces of paper in a Ziploc that goes with each case. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hanging-Around-In-Primary/Search:DIGITAL+MORNING+WORK/s1392/morning-tubs-in-plastic-pencil-boxes-for-individual-learning-kits.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Create morning tub kits with plastic pencil boxes and math manipulatives. Each kit has a case of manipulatives and task cards that can be switched out as necessary." border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1219" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQUuM_ZUJk_TuTv_IUSFCAprVweoDanVOu3BL3sFer8Y5F7rzCRRJrgwJZ8_JWJTocy0QCbVX3IqIB15HEkNMNtzqoG8JNeV-seDTgRRiDKiWxL29zxx39Qli5zYOmMPRS-PzVhQlNVb1/w560-h640/morning-tubs-in-plastic-pencil-boxes-for-individual-learning-kits.png" title="Create plastic pencil box kits for morning tubs with your math manipulatives." width="560" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWPFDuEhx15bkO1mAZC3KzgbeLPn9wutppMiBXfbvPFVou2e8-0e0nre6Dp9AI6Nk6RRRjKAUXqmoC4ZyKAzefQ9HXrMTPRQfwIsImuCp2bYrazxFp4EEuZEUHl_C9UNPAPvnEvGHe1xG/s1908/4+pic+sets+with+bins+and+pencil+boxes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1908" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWPFDuEhx15bkO1mAZC3KzgbeLPn9wutppMiBXfbvPFVou2e8-0e0nre6Dp9AI6Nk6RRRjKAUXqmoC4ZyKAzefQ9HXrMTPRQfwIsImuCp2bYrazxFp4EEuZEUHl_C9UNPAPvnEvGHe1xG/s640/4+pic+sets+with+bins+and+pencil+boxes.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">But I don't have enough manipulatives to share among my entire class, or I'm teaching virtually... <br /><br /><br /></span></h3></div><h1 style="text-align: left;">Digital Morning Tubs!</h1><div style="text-align: left;">This isn't a truly hands-on experience, but it allows your students the opportunity to work on your morning tubs digitally. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2lXHAcfjC4s" width="320" youtube-src-id="u9t22p7D_iA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These digital morning tubs can be used in many ways. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><h4 style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Morning work - My students work on them before signing into our live meeting. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>As part of a lesson - I have used them to demonstrate a concept, such as symmetry or number comparison.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Independent Math Centers - assign as a math activity. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fast Finisher - Even in the virtual classroom, some students finish and need something else. These activities work perfectly for that too. </li></ul></h4><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Click on the image to check out all of these digital morning tubs! </h3></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hanging-Around-In-Primary/Category/-DIGITAL-RESOURCES-430142/Search:digital+morning+work?utm_source=MTT%20DIGITAL%20MORNING%20WORK&utm_campaign=FILTERED%20SEARCH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVAjflWcXWpBtT20K-STl0HMRpg2pZLVGzU2Yx9oJXTa673Uu7uO9HQVrRzftOaOtdGeL9RrZ0yVU6OV0_ELQZihEQ9lfFqwuUvteq2OsAwUlGp_tl5ddXIXIZqq1SlGLO6ga8o8SXnVp/w640-h480/digital+morning+tubs+promo+image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Would you like 2 free activities to use with your students? I created 2 more google slides activities not found in any of these resources. Click below to join my mailing list and get the files sent to your inbox. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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I know that none of this is ideal, but I am happy to use one of my favourite resources during this time. They are a hit every year with students, and although they won't be able to partner up to work on them, I am sure they will enjoy doing the tasks independently. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH5IzzXT2BC_oh8FdRZvUTdSE2VM0onCz9Zg2PoFK2oSnuffxtJeYWaJbEo_p-fiXFp-xwPQHtLH5aV34yzVzJd0NPEm6JtC0-bMqXVOXdkBZxyvZJIiylYd5lOvT8Ln40JtcLr7ai_oG/s1128/how-to-use-morning-tubs-when-you-can%2527t-share-math-manipulatives+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="You can still have morning tubs in your classroom this year even though you probably can't share manipulatives. Find out how to set up individual kits to run your morning tub program." border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="737" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH5IzzXT2BC_oh8FdRZvUTdSE2VM0onCz9Zg2PoFK2oSnuffxtJeYWaJbEo_p-fiXFp-xwPQHtLH5aV34yzVzJd0NPEm6JtC0-bMqXVOXdkBZxyvZJIiylYd5lOvT8Ln40JtcLr7ai_oG/w418-h640/how-to-use-morning-tubs-when-you-can%2527t-share-math-manipulatives+2.png" title="How to use morning tubs when you can't share manipulatives" width="418" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Until next time, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="68" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gUBZ8kOPGlqhpjCpiUtKefWOUuFPDcUo10msyN25H0BCyTaSGucZF2_KQdpSjxnq1OmLAEsNLgiyclH6IzeHMl_oXLueU_dmq8B2nH7S0uzon90CHuxCpXTGpcZpWWA7wDukssBIiG_q/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></div>Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-42139169533782360372020-04-15T09:34:00.007-04:002022-04-18T23:03:24.158-04:00How Digital Task Cards Can Keep Kids Learning At Home<div style="text-align: left;">
Distance learning, online teaching, distance education. Call it what you want, but millions of children are learning from home. As teachers, we have been moving rapidly from teaching our children in our classrooms to trying to provide instruction to them through the computer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIPLGXmMO22l_vLu6_iLX1HonZdvwk-1UIM_f3dGreqOj47m9o4BCg1_s89saaDLbBxj51ahT2i1TZQW7A6Vm8OlKNGiYBFyqOmek4_PFNHsYEFgw_EdA3ZPa-k2NgTaowf-cLsUmjTG1/s600/BLOG+POST+HEADER+IMAGE.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use digital task cards, like boom cards to keep student engaged and learning while at home." border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIPLGXmMO22l_vLu6_iLX1HonZdvwk-1UIM_f3dGreqOj47m9o4BCg1_s89saaDLbBxj51ahT2i1TZQW7A6Vm8OlKNGiYBFyqOmek4_PFNHsYEFgw_EdA3ZPa-k2NgTaowf-cLsUmjTG1/s16000/BLOG+POST+HEADER+IMAGE.png" title="How digital task cards can keep kids learning at home" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span><a name='more'></a></span>I recognize there are many models out there. Some teachers conduct online classes via video streaming platforms, while others send out content for parents to access. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, I want to share with you a resource that will help.<br /><br />
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Boom Cards! </h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTLnxrrqIsD6Ygpdj7BCIvXaH2hL4nFONdFzJ_fxdkntig5GLQwRg-tiNWOkRmRBW9nsPED0laO6-g7R8hNqFgqTGytHvvg_CBtY_eTtfE2lAQUmjdDK0bYa3H4rEp03h9jwZyg22YO3G/s600/boom+collage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="There are boom cards for many math and language skills including number recognition, addition, sight words and spelling." border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTLnxrrqIsD6Ygpdj7BCIvXaH2hL4nFONdFzJ_fxdkntig5GLQwRg-tiNWOkRmRBW9nsPED0laO6-g7R8hNqFgqTGytHvvg_CBtY_eTtfE2lAQUmjdDK0bYa3H4rEp03h9jwZyg22YO3G/s16000/boom+collage.png" title="Use boom cards for self checking concept review and practice." /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h3>Why Boom Cards for Teachers?</h3>
Boom Cards are digital task cards. They are available on the <a href="https://wow.boomlearning.com/search?collection=Decks&keyword=hanging%20around%20in%20primary&sort=score&order=-1" target="_blank">Boom Learning website</a> as well as <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Sellers-Im-Following/Add/Hanging-Around-In-Primary" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a>. </div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Boom Cards give teachers the option to provide <b>individualized practice </b>for their students online in an easy-to-manage way. You set up your class with Boom Learning. You can set up your class by manually adding each student or by importing a class from Google Classroom. Assigning cards (or decks as they are referred to) is straightforward. You can assign different decks to different students.<br />
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The reports inside of Boom Learning give insight into which questions students got wrong. It shows their wrong answer so you can see if there are trends with their errors. The reporting options are available to everyone now but only available with a paying account after June 30. <br />
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<b>You can check out a set for free by clicking on this image. </b></h4>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Distance-Learning-Addition-to-20-Digital-Task-Cards-Boom-Cards-5391111?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=FREE%20ADDITION%20BOOM%20CARDS%20SET" target="_blank"><img alt="free boom cards for addition" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM-6Xrdak5afgwJ7uVK_tqKOo1Pj_uoGfI-CoSi0r6ux49Iwz4M1N86qTTMTij3FMMLsXVhAthRCVJrkqe1xrY-k2Vubm8Uks_6_bDyM6q56fNvEcoSCsP_Z9_P1UnbcWkROvzbVyODw0/w320-h320/Slide1.PNG" title="free boom cards for addition" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Why Boom Cards for Students?</h3>
It is easy for students to log into their accounts. They can log in a few different ways:<br />
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<li>Teachers can create a username and password for students to use when they log into Boom Learning. </li>
<li>They can sign in with Google by using their sign-in for Google classroom. </li>
<li>NO sign-in is necessary if students are given a fast pin to play. </li>
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They are fun! Students get immediate feedback about whether they are correct or not when answering the question or completing the task on the card. Many decks have students manipulate something on the card, listen for instructions or type in their answers.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5y5ujZ0WxTE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5y5ujZ0WxTE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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There are Boom Cards for every skill! <b>I have Boom decks for sight words, word families, blends, spelling, addition, subtraction, money and phonemic awareness skills.</b> You can find all of my boom cards and digital resources here:<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Hanging-Around-In-Primary/Category/-GOOGLE-SLIDES-BOOM-CARDS-430142?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=ALL%20DIGITAL%20RESOURCES%20IN%20BOOM%20CARDS%20POST" target="_blank">Boom Cards and Digital Resources</a></b></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSyuhheEPUjexihk9CKmCId9NSiYwbFUkfgBh7ecHGE0pLstKOjKX2sUZftVhZXLskf9k9nWTA3w2uO_ElUMRJjuvMPjWgPoD5OZ7A0ReKjvGtSoIqLS6DYGdMnKmzivj4T1pRM0Mv6pN/s1128/pin+for+blog+post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Distance learning has become the new norm for teaching right now during the pandemic. Use digital task cards or boom cards to have students practice important skills. Boom cards are fun for students and provide informative reports for teachers." border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="737" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSyuhheEPUjexihk9CKmCId9NSiYwbFUkfgBh7ecHGE0pLstKOjKX2sUZftVhZXLskf9k9nWTA3w2uO_ElUMRJjuvMPjWgPoD5OZ7A0ReKjvGtSoIqLS6DYGdMnKmzivj4T1pRM0Mv6pN/w418-h640/pin+for+blog+post.png" title="How digital task cards can help keep kids learning at home" width="418" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
Good luck as you continue to embrace distance learning.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
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<div class="hs-body-level-container" strategyname="Blogger"></div>Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-31624121274609510222020-01-12T20:30:00.001-05:002020-01-13T19:43:47.774-05:004 Tips to Help Manage Transitions in the Classroom <div style="text-align: left;">
Transitions in a classroom are always a challenge, especially in a primary class. Some of my first graders are super speedy, and some are like sloths! I am here to share a few tips to help speed those kids up when you are trying to transition from one activity to another.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxrA5kBiQu9dLCz2xkCSoubLifBgI2kRdzN6mijoKrKjTTw7pfGbJeOvEGDQjduX_TLCNWoJD4m0utzMaP23kq7SznO9Sb1XgndKE1O1MPwrEZx_Am2NEVtBagglZRwhzMM_spe3kZ4zY/s1600/4+ways+to+manage+transitions+header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4 tips for managing transition times in your classroom" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxrA5kBiQu9dLCz2xkCSoubLifBgI2kRdzN6mijoKrKjTTw7pfGbJeOvEGDQjduX_TLCNWoJD4m0utzMaP23kq7SznO9Sb1XgndKE1O1MPwrEZx_Am2NEVtBagglZRwhzMM_spe3kZ4zY/s640/4+ways+to+manage+transitions+header.png" title="Managing transitions in the classroom - 4 simple tips" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a name='more'></a>First off, consider these simple steps BEFORE you transition: </b></h3>
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<li><b>Get their attention</b>: use a consistent signal to tell them it is time to stop before you transition - a call and response like hands on top, that means stop. </li>
<li>Once you have their attention <b>tell them precisely what to do</b>. You can't assume everyone will know.</li>
<li><b>Start your transition</b>. </li>
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Keep on reading for ways to manage your transitions to avoid the chaos!<br />
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1. Music! </h3>
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<b>Every major transition in my day happens with music.</b> When we clean up from morning tubs, math and literacy centers or free time, it is always with music. I use the same song because the kids get used to how long they have to tidy up.<br />
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My favourite song is by Mr. Steve and Miss Katie, which is available as a download on iTunes. I have a Bluetooth speaker in my classroom and pair my phone and play the song that way.<br />
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I have embedded this video into my substitute teacher's smartboard file so that it can still be accessed even when I am away. </div>
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My students know that everyone keeps cleaning up until everything is finished. If you complete your tidying before the song ends, you find a friend to help out. Teamwork! </div>
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2. Shout Outs! </h3>
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At any time in the day when we are tidying up, <b>I like to continually shout out the kids that are doing precisely what they are supposed to be doing</b> rather than calling attention to the behavior I don't want to reinforce<br />
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As soon as the child hears the praise, they light up, and the kids around them take notice and get back to the task of cleaning up and moving on to the next thing. It works, it works really well!<br />
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I do the same thing with table groups, I notice which table groups are on task and tidying up and make sure to mention it.<br />
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I occasionally give stickers to the students or table groups I shout out, but I do it very sporadically because I don't want to make it about earning a prize, but instead about following directions quickly.<br />
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3. The Quiet Game</h3>
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Sometimes you just need them to stop talking and do what is asked. Occasionally, if we are having a tough day, I will tell them just before we transition that we are <b>playing the quiet game while tidying up</b> to cut down on the social time and focus on the task of cleaning up and moving on. <br />
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This is a staple when we are dressing for recess. Some of my kids would spend the entire time dressing and socializing and NEVER get out for recess.<br />
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4. Whole-Class Incentives</h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Strategy-Behavior-Bingo-1396023?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=BEH%20BINGO%20IMAGE%20IN%20TRANSITIONS%20POST%20" target="_blank"><img alt="Behavior bingo is a tool to help manage your transition times while rewarding teamwork." border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Eyf3v5-h-oAqg8i8Ip9NN2l332JKeCcIpdxm2FTtoNrfJdMexZKNPPwdT4RWUPR4vNVDWVV0zK0CgOXjaFVFlEMrphwxM0Bu7TckukiL78bbZ-3YNOhGSHDCxVxDSqnu5gYZBo08ktP/s1600/behaviour+bingo.jpg" title="Use a whole class incentive program to help manage your transition times." /></a></div>
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<b>Bingo! Everyone loves Bingo.</b> <br />
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Another way I encourage speedy transitions is to offer a bingo number if we beat the music during our big transitions or if we beat the bell at recess. The key is that <b>EVERYONE </b>has to beat the music or bell. I find this definitely encourages teamwork.<br />
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If you are interested in checking out the resource, click on the picture above or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Strategy-Behavior-Bingo-1396023?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=BEH%20BINGO%20MENTION%20IN%20TRANSITIONS%20POST%20" target="_blank">Behavior Bingo - A Whole Class Management System</a>.<br />
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Do you have any tips for speedy transitions? I would love to hear them. Add a comment below or send me an email at <a href="http://christina@hangingaroundinprimary.com./">christina@hangingaroundinprimary.com.</a><br />
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How would you like some ideas for ways to use that time that you get back with efficient transitions? Check out this post that shares 5 ways to fill up 5 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2016/11/5-ways-to-fill-5-minutes-in-classroom.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLJbJAsgs7Gm9VxJeMTF7RXXhI3ikTqwsTxjGls9JLbo_jjhqIp07JnL-aOnMVhn2pxfewbS3WwoQVqE8khqjF41tai_r_StJCV5NqOwEeXuuAdHLqBzBSwVUQvNpV6agpFXXQI4gKmk_/s400/5+ways+to+fill+5+minutes+image+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Take a moment and pin this post! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-iuX4pAO2f8knDRCrRyzU17CIrqy9ulJymtmskgiwb1EscLMMxEui3vBivmBcNeKm1ang0MMFrSODnCbqogs9zPKmAd0AL2XiU8qX6YQMqW7nthTF09yo4T3gRIfBv_szOXEozzi9nsC/s1600/Slide1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Manage transitions in your classroom with 4 simple tips that you can implement tomorrow" border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-iuX4pAO2f8knDRCrRyzU17CIrqy9ulJymtmskgiwb1EscLMMxEui3vBivmBcNeKm1ang0MMFrSODnCbqogs9zPKmAd0AL2XiU8qX6YQMqW7nthTF09yo4T3gRIfBv_szOXEozzi9nsC/s640/Slide1.PNG" title="" width="433" /></a></div>
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Until next time,<br />
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-82328713935423363902019-12-31T15:07:00.001-05:002020-01-13T19:44:03.268-05:00Free New Year's Resolutions Flipbook for Students<div style="text-align: left;">
New Year's Resolutions are a hard thing for small children to grasp, but setting goals is possible if you approach it the right way. I will show you how to break it down and have your students set goals for school, home and themselves using a FREE flipbook to record their resolutions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwBRCWCmjpfikRfcESEfBWP1eFHtxh_nm9964Mgq3f0wQqbENRlQDwUzTCiBSZ5CZpd1LNCQTIUaulIMJej-mJ5gvdjS8PXc36SHBicbtF0GfIE5CzVhkCU6AL9XFvLzCQbDJcWFKykm2/s1600/new+years+resolution+post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="550" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwBRCWCmjpfikRfcESEfBWP1eFHtxh_nm9964Mgq3f0wQqbENRlQDwUzTCiBSZ5CZpd1LNCQTIUaulIMJej-mJ5gvdjS8PXc36SHBicbtF0GfIE5CzVhkCU6AL9XFvLzCQbDJcWFKykm2/s640/new+years+resolution+post.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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When we return to school in January, I like to think of this time as a totally fresh start. It is time to restart the school year. I share my top 3 tips to make the return to school successful over here in the post <a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2017/01/3-tips-to-ensure-smooth-transition-after-a-school-break.html" target="_blank">3 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Transition After a School Break. </a><br />
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I introduce the idea of resolutions with the book <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Squirrels-New-Years-Resolution-Miller/dp/0807575925/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E83QJ88OZGAD&keywords=squirrels+new+years+resolution&qid=1577760994&sprefix=squirrels+new%2Caps%2C1065&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Squirrel's New Year's Resolution.</a> It is a simple book that explains resolutions perfectly to small children.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-2020-Activities-New-Years-Resolutions-or-Goal-Setting-2241811?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=New%20Years%20Resolutions%20post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="800" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKc9YdHWuLP1q-AIFY5UyNg-gHMayTkmQfKamivhLK5JiDC16CUHN7u08GTA3JSoRx_-9CviaTUuVekhn_d3atyl0EwhZxi6CWZkss-RnzMOWX66002-YjSIuNgllldsA2V9_ytLeoBlf_/s640/new+year.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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We talk about resolutions as goals. What do you want to get better at or learn to do? When you phrase it that way, the kids are full of ideas from wanting to learn to ride a two-wheeler to learning to read chapter books!<br />
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The school and home goals are usually pretty easy for them to come up with. Many students make a resolution to be better listeners or better in a particular subject. I often hear goals like I want to be a better reader or to learn more word wall words.<br />
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Home goals are much the same. Resolutions that I hear year after year usually involve listening to parents better, picking up toys and getting along with a sister or brother.<br />
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Once they are complete, they make a great bulletin board display. I hope you enjoy this FREEBIE with your students!<br />
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You can find this FREE New Year's Resolution flipbook in my TPT Store.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-2020-Activities-New-Years-Resolutions-or-Goal-Setting-2241811?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=New%20Years%20Resolutions%20post" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="763" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jiyYndmy126P3PFCwTAX8bqNOmTP3SAXAGpHHszpFkUbepjWbpAshx7hGNdI71b7eHCVKE7MORr8AhX-AkLblGm5OVGUPqbrG3T4b2YaShX2d6IP_3CfeXSOe1z-2qNTAlSrhf7ewAj2/s320/NYs+freebie+cover.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-84442605514115794372019-08-01T00:41:00.005-04:002022-04-18T22:47:11.968-04:00How to get started with Morning Tubs - The Ultimate Guide! <div style="text-align: left;">
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Are you considering starting your day with morning tubs but unsure where to start? I'm here to spill EVERYTHING about morning tubs, from how they are chosen by students each morning to how often to switch them up. This is what I do with my first graders, so you know that it works! Read on for your ultimate guide to getting started with morning tubs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb_aTBfPcPseZZS_tPOvRoukl22mD6ZEQ0g-bRgbfOf1DAKoV2ei8APoSakoo5j5xm-HU4pRwYrOLQm44ovpLKfVYf9bEIypQtExp8EizFyLReV0cVloYmipMdbowf-sGb5H5dWyHwbXV/s1600/how+to+get+started+with+morning+tubs+blog+post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCb_aTBfPcPseZZS_tPOvRoukl22mD6ZEQ0g-bRgbfOf1DAKoV2ei8APoSakoo5j5xm-HU4pRwYrOLQm44ovpLKfVYf9bEIypQtExp8EizFyLReV0cVloYmipMdbowf-sGb5H5dWyHwbXV/s1600/how+to+get+started+with+morning+tubs+blog+post.png" /></a></div>
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What does a typical week look like?</h2>
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First off, I use these morning tubs 4 days out of 5. On the first day of the week, I use for my students to choose new books for their book boxes for Read to Self and to share any new morning tubs I'm going to have them use that week.<br />
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<b>Monday's are the teaching day for morning tubs. </b> We gather together on the carpet, and I choose a student and then we use/play with the morning tub. Sometimes I project the gameboard, task card, or whatever I'm showing on the smartboard and talk it through there. I find using it in front of them is the most effective way to teach them. I know at least half of the kids listen well enough to understand! LOL<br />
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Tuesday through Friday, kids use the morning tubs. I have 10 tubs out per week. 6-8 of them will be my morning tubs with math manipulatives, and the others may be loose parts or puzzles.<br />
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What do I put out each week?</h2>
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The tubs I have out each week are organized in one of two ways:<br />
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<li><b>Same manipulative - different skills or activities.</b> I might have counting bears out, and kids will use them to make patterns, graphs and practice non-standard measurement. </li>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-with-Counting-Bears-5923861?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ULTIMATE%20GUIDE%20COUNTING%20BEARS%20PDF%20ONLY" target="_blank"><img alt="Use counting bears to practice so many math skills during your morning tubs time, math center time. Practice patterning skills, graphing and non-standard measurement." border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopvhzRJ8Onhh-LUUoqRSnvTcGnyQb0LAjqCCj0mHkDQLfOC4u98DWvcaB_vD5tCGPQ2l_-gbZZFsElwOT0AJGD3ulwclZvrgCBHsDUT9kQ_Yt5qEJdJZpsZjsY2Orq2GB-37yd7yANxF6/s16000/Counting+bears+Morning+Tubs.png" title="Use counting bears to practice math skills like patterning, graphing and non-standard measurement.." /></a></div>
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<li><b>Various manipulatives - same skill.</b> For instance, we work on patterning at the beginning of the year. I'd put out pattern blocks, counting bears, linking cubes or popsicle sticks. All the tubs are practicing the same skills but with different manipulatives. I love having many other options, so the kids don't get bored. This is also a great alternative if you don't have enough of one kind of manipulative to run multiple tubs. </li>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-BUNDLE-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ULTIMATE%20GUIDE%20PDF%20BUNDLE%20SAME%20SKILL%20DIFF%20MANIP" target="_blank"><img alt="Are you students working on patterning. With these morning tubs there are patterning activities to go with so many different manipulatives. You can get all of yourn math manipulatives off the shelf during your morning tubs or math centers and students have lots of opportunities to practice patterning." border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUnihLazPgPYtXwDPhw1N6kzRi920q5ydo8KZpfxz92l_-ZbH_PPBdoRCyXgT34BXEGfLXeUPGc-n9oAtfU4MjBm_cRa_WiPLgw5Miwfv_YT4A3wCH_mTzwPLq0RjePyps86K7iXunmqT/s16000/morning+tubs+with+multiple+manipulatives.png" title="Practicing patterning? Use many of your math manipulatives and accompanying tasks during your morning tubs time for meaningful and fun practice." /></a></div>
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How do the kids access the tubs?</h2>
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I believe in the<b> power of choice, but I also thrive in structure</b>. I think it is the same for most students, too. Every morning when students arrive, they have several tasks to complete - unpacking their<b> <a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2018/07/mailbags-the-best-way-to-manage-home-school-communication.html" target="_blank">mailbag</a></b>, changing up their <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Home-Reading-Log-with-Editable-Parent-Letter-and-Tips-1419169?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=TAKE%20HOME%20READING%20MENTION%20IN%20MTT%20HOW%20TO" target="_blank"><b>home reading</b></a> book, putting a sticker in their log, and handing in their agenda and mailbag. Some kids finish this task in record time, and then there are the dawdlers. I'm sure you have them in your class, too. It takes them 15 minutes to do a task that should take 5. </div>
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I have students paired up to do a morning tub. My rule is that the first person done their morning jobs gets to pick first. Often times the student who is ready waits for the partner to be done, and they choose together. I use a randomizer on the web to pair students since the functionality is no longer available with Smart Notebook.</div><div><br /></div>
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The reasoning behind why I partner kids up and don't have them choose themselves is twofold. </div>
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<li><b>I don't like chaos</b> and kids running to get first dibs on a center because this ALWAYS happens in first grade. </li>
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<li>I would <b>like the children to get to know one and other</b>. Students naturally gravitate to familiar faces, and I want them to get to know everyone. The best way to do this is through play. Playing with someone new every day is an excellent way for kids to get to know each other. I rarely have complaints about partners, and a private discussion usually does the trick when they crop up. </li>
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How often do I switch out tubs? </h2>
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<b>Short answer:</b> That depends!</div>
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<b>Long answer:</b> I switch out a tub when I notice that kids are not choosing it, or I have seen that most kids have had a chance to use it, and it is not very popular anymore. I may also decide to switch tubs to match what we are currently working on in math or put out tubs that review concepts we have already worked on and need more practice. The choice is yours. I will also bring a tub back that is super popular after a break. </div>
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What if students fight over a tub?</h2>
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This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. If it is being fought over because it is very popular, I solve that problem by making a duplicate and adding a second tub with the same task. I have done this several times. Sometimes, if it is merely a squabble, I put the tub in timeout for the morning, and no one gets to use it. I have only had to do this a few times, and then kids realize that it is better to sort it out without fighting. </div>
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I hope this helps address some of your questions about how I run my morning tubs. If you are interested in learning more about them, you have a couple of options. </div>
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Go to my Teachers Pay Teachers store and look at the sets that are part of the bundle. Click on the link or image below to check it out. </div>
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<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-BUNDLE-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ULTIMATE%20GUIDE%20PDF%20BUNDLE%20TEXT%20LINK" target="_blank">Morning Tub Tasks Bundle</a></b></h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-Math-Centers-BUNDLE-7076056?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=ULTIMATE%20GUIDE%20PDF%20BUNDLE%20COLLAGE" target="_blank"><img alt="So many different math manipulatives are used for these math morning tubs. Make morning work exciting with dominoes, pattern blocks, geoboards and playing cards to name a few options. Use you math manipulatives all year with morning tubs with math manipulatives." border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFx1i0jQkNyBNeEI6OjF8YJAwNAYhKAx_fSgsBDuQyaW82K34pIiUbSso7Bv5JlayZokyH0C5KjNCagL1_QSOkR3TpHXw_39bhsaSceHfQRX9jWjwoeYLId-lZOslbPcFThcJFQcwzlze/s16000/collage+of+MTT.jpg" title="A collection of 15 math manipulatives for 15 different morning tubs. Use your manipulatives all year round with this set of morning tubs for math manipulatives." /></a></div>
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Another option is to get a peek at what standards and curriculum you can cover with each set. I have created a PDF guide that outlines exactly which skills are included with each set. This handy reference is excellent when you own the set because you can see at a glance what set you need if you want multiple manipulatives to review one skill. Click on the link or image below for an automatic download of the guide.</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1_gYoEXg15LlzVLwHTdyuGJ89Pyfc3jpI" target="_blank">PDF Guide to the Bundle of Morning Tub Tasks for Math Manipulatives</a></h3>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1_gYoEXg15LlzVLwHTdyuGJ89Pyfc3jpI" target="_blank"><img alt="This guide to morning tubs with math manipulatives outlines what is included with all of the different sets including how many tasks are included and what math skills each set addresses." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UqW9x3wSUo2no4EkLuNhcEPxcTaVO0NsVIGLj6CejeY94Kl06scEx_x-3s9P6sp3DCp6_ltlt4NW8DVXeOVC8kP-bOKNMZn5pk59mE9NK1q-sfLDasMgXjRoJyQMi3ZQrh0xD6jzs0D_/w640-h334/morning+tub+tasks+scope+email+download+image.png" title="download a free guide to all of the morning tubs." width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Finally, would you like to try a set for FREE</b>? If so, then drop your name and email below and then check your inbox for a message from me (be sure to check your other folder if you don't see the message in your inbox promptly)<br />
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<script src="https://app.mailerlite.com/data/webforms/1428874/i4z7d2.js?v15" type="text/javascript"></script>
Pin this post to come back and get reminders of those tips all school year long.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUBReNP1zfuEr-iRcacJ6duFqpYsb23WFysNHlCp1jGqKTqrg1kN72sYY-ITIzi8Z5B4kKdIg1J5C-MkNkxEyudu3qhGZaNnB_wx40u3KsT07F22z4CvA0Hny5bhhaYI4dqxgX6sjiJXF/s1600/how+to+get+started+with+MTT.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A pinnable image for how to get started with morning tubs - the ultimate guide" border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="737" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUBReNP1zfuEr-iRcacJ6duFqpYsb23WFysNHlCp1jGqKTqrg1kN72sYY-ITIzi8Z5B4kKdIg1J5C-MkNkxEyudu3qhGZaNnB_wx40u3KsT07F22z4CvA0Hny5bhhaYI4dqxgX6sjiJXF/w417-h640/how+to+get+started+with+MTT.png" title="How to get started with morning tubs - the ultimate guide" width="417" /></a></div>
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Until next time, </div>
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<img border="0" height="68" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gUBZ8kOPGlqhpjCpiUtKefWOUuFPDcUo10msyN25H0BCyTaSGucZF2_KQdpSjxnq1OmLAEsNLgiyclH6IzeHMl_oXLueU_dmq8B2nH7S0uzon90CHuxCpXTGpcZpWWA7wDukssBIiG_q/s200/signature.png" width="200" />
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<div class="hs-body-level-container" strategyname="Blogger"></div>Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-73051560316989932292019-07-19T21:26:00.000-04:002020-01-13T19:44:39.247-05:00Morning Tubs - morning work that IS NOT busy work<div style="text-align: left;">
I've talked a lot about my love for Morning Tubs. Since changing my daily routine and starting the day with Morning Tubs, my mornings have been much more fun for my students and me. This kind of morning work is way <b>more engaging</b> for my students and <b>gives me the freedom to do ALL THE THINGS I need to do as students enter</b>. But<b> morning work doesn't have to be busywork</b>. There are so many <b>math skills that can be reinforced </b>using Morning Tubs for morning work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uto8Mj3rlZPk3AtZwDCr2BlEZq3kJcv_5kCY7B08_b8dhyphenhyphenRoOcSIMtyGq1rmzx-Rk_XRI2L0jN8MLjTj4CGDRzRaxsz3WZ0PQRjsNiS2dNgmWpl0KH7GsAqDcwjlBMgj9dozzkGe_oGT/s1600/math+manip+morning+tub+image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get the most out of your math manipulatives by using them year round as part of your morning work with morning tub tasks. They are perfect for morning work for first grade and will work for kindergarten morning work too." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uto8Mj3rlZPk3AtZwDCr2BlEZq3kJcv_5kCY7B08_b8dhyphenhyphenRoOcSIMtyGq1rmzx-Rk_XRI2L0jN8MLjTj4CGDRzRaxsz3WZ0PQRjsNiS2dNgmWpl0KH7GsAqDcwjlBMgj9dozzkGe_oGT/s640/math+manip+morning+tub+image.png" title="Get the most out of your math manipulatives by using them year round as part of your morning work with morning tub tasks. They are perfect for morning work for first grade and will work for kindergarten morning work too." width="640" /></a></div>
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We all have shelves of math manipulatives, and we have our go-to resources depending on the unit we are teaching in math. Once the unit is done, then the manipulative goes back on the shelf. <b>I stopped putting away the manipulatives</b> and instead repurposed them and continued to them make them accessible to the kids and they love it.<br />
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Think about pattern blocks! Most primary teachers have a collection of pattern blocks on the shelf somewhere in the classroom but only use them during their patterning unit. However, with a bit of thinking, there are many more ways to use them for lots of different math topics. You might be asking...what else can I use them for?<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-with-Pattern-Blocks-4128560?utm_source=Math%20manip%20morning%20work%20blog%20post&utm_campaign=pattern%20block%20image" target="_blank"><img alt="Use morning tubs with pattern blocks for an engaging and hands on way to start the day. They are also perfect for math centers and as fast finisher activities." border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYIesvvMoGlZiipruVUZB1Zq34sZXn6kx4sAp1rVvMeTV20Zl0qIgYNH_kRV4YgwcQOtJLEIezmkjmiHgY6_OE9-wxccGKC0bmaX3qySOvwGUBonHoJ5VCuCC9MjBBnzhN4daEYvjwB94/s400/pattern+block+collage.JPG" title="Pattern block activities for Morning Work, Math Centers and More" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are a few of the ways I have used them. All of these are options in my Morning Tub Tasks for Pattern Blocks set.<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Patterning </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Geometry</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Symmetry</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spatial Awareness </b></span></li>
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<b>Are you interested in finding out different options for many of your math manipulatives? </b><br />
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<b></b>I have a <b>FREE SET of pattern block cover-up puzzles</b> you can try out, and I'll share with you everything I know about using math manipulatives to start your day.<br />
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Just click the image below to gain access to this free set and get all the info to make the start of your day easier.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/m8s9h3" target="_blank">A set of 16 FREE Pattern Block Cover-Up Puzzles.</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/m8s9h3" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvyS4IYD-vVo__7W-2hiFRehBc_lmcUVs8aNCBLgUgGTV8Mr1oIkPyM6LCRL31omvIkZg1u0ftJg7C91cEHzahrtGZjSXKRM0BsmsIGl09vjZIbPKqXmxVYKT46gO8qkKFE2YhhIxQNK9/s640/MTT+FUNNEL+IMAGE.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you want to check out my Morning Tub Tasks in-depth, then I've put together a handy PDF that shares all of the skills addressed using 12 different math manipulatives included in my morning tubs. Click on the image below to download the guide and to get more information on the morning tubs.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1HO0zmrtw6oLqpSnqlsE5PvAU7wpMYFYt" target="_blank">PDF Guide to the Bundle of Morning Tub Tasks for Math Manipulatives.</a> </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1HO0zmrtw6oLqpSnqlsE5PvAU7wpMYFYt" target="_blank"><img alt="Are you interested in trying Morning tubs for morning work but want to find out what math skills you will cover? Click here to download a PDF Guide." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclphXxnH7N3mqGkmEeaTjYLPPYZQs5ua_qMZCnzaMJMsckc8Mmi3_iFQoF1mgE79XpLk85sCNjJ_pO3z3JTz_5relSf27ZQClYb5lCMlhZwt1sdm4FnDRQp1VDo34LuMmd9NJERyNsiZq/s640/morning+tub+tasks+scope+email+download+image.png" title="Are you interested in trying Morning tubs but want to find out what math skills you will cover? Click here to download a PDF Guide." width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to let me know how you use pattern blocks or any other math manipulative in your classroom. I am always looking for new things to try.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBrajvxQSaQypZqQc3_rJQ2Pr5GQs5pgBFujdiMHrHNfPO1cOI5FDIdrQGK_uIrUOmPsB2KgFk3_INW3WLLxLCiGbAES_qUen0rRQ2l0sGXDfJj_ypFBMBoo9oLlvoOhrf_pVJllWZuII/s1600/MTT+pin+for+math+manip+blog+post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use math manipulatives for your morning work with morning tubs with math manipulatives. Find out how I use counting bears for morning work and sign up to get a free set of pattern block puzzles." border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBrajvxQSaQypZqQc3_rJQ2Pr5GQs5pgBFujdiMHrHNfPO1cOI5FDIdrQGK_uIrUOmPsB2KgFk3_INW3WLLxLCiGbAES_qUen0rRQ2l0sGXDfJj_ypFBMBoo9oLlvoOhrf_pVJllWZuII/s640/MTT+pin+for+math+manip+blog+post.png" title="" width="418" /></a></div>
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Until next time,<br />
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<img border="0" height="68" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gUBZ8kOPGlqhpjCpiUtKefWOUuFPDcUo10msyN25H0BCyTaSGucZF2_KQdpSjxnq1OmLAEsNLgiyclH6IzeHMl_oXLueU_dmq8B2nH7S0uzon90CHuxCpXTGpcZpWWA7wDukssBIiG_q/s200/signature.png" width="200" />
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-13342863978144399812019-04-16T17:31:00.001-04:002021-03-28T22:24:11.551-04:00A Quick and Easy Classroom Easter Egg Hunt<div style="text-align: left;">
The days in the classroom leading up to Easter are exciting, like any other holiday. The children in my class are counting down the days until the Easter Bunny comes, and I am trying to keep them engaged. Some days it feels like I am fighting a losing battle. So why not use Easter Eggs to keep them engaged? Read on to learn about a <b>FREE and straightforward classroom Easter egg hunt</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C3At1dr2hhgPzpziBhw08S7CbjMp_Xa2F19Y3SPJirB3n8bd_BKtD5hyphenhyphennVKfuowp5QdR-EOlchV0NXZZSQhaGTJzdWq9RT10IPeMHsVSI6Aidj5A5glk6TUQBe9n603LwQ4_GcLuZGH0/s1600/cover+for+egg+hunt+post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a quick and easy classroom easter egg hunt to practice your sight words or any other skill you would like to practice." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C3At1dr2hhgPzpziBhw08S7CbjMp_Xa2F19Y3SPJirB3n8bd_BKtD5hyphenhyphennVKfuowp5QdR-EOlchV0NXZZSQhaGTJzdWq9RT10IPeMHsVSI6Aidj5A5glk6TUQBe9n603LwQ4_GcLuZGH0/s640/cover+for+egg+hunt+post.png" title="a quick and easy classroom easter egg hunt to practice your sight words or any other skill you would like to practice." width="640" /></a></div>
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Step One: Get Plastic Easter Eggs</h3>
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Gather up 24 plastic Easter eggs to use for your egg hunt. </div>
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Step Two: Download this free resource</h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDITABLE-Easter-Read-and-Write-the-Room-1209097?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=cover%20image%20in%20Easter%20RTR%20blog%20post" target="_blank"><img alt="A free and editable easter egg hunt read the room resource to practice sight words." border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiCYBMa1io7_20qszYbo1h0wFFM0ANXvCCcj_CETyGWVUvH16WNXEefZKv3NCvSbLgDInDsNCL0xATCtIRqntJ25mVy99LQSq-cNib9rfqL89zetlNnxIlwz2X2C-JmMwMf5CY4qA9MCP/s320/new+8x8+cover+read+the+room1.png" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step Three: Customize the resource.</h3>
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The file included has a set of sight words that would commonly be found on a word wall in first grade. However, because all classrooms vary, <b>I have also included an editable file.</b> <b><span style="color: purple;">***Download the file and then open it up from your desktop into Adobe or your PDF reader.***</span></b> Here, you can type in any words you want to use: sight words, word family words, vocabulary words, math words. What you use is entirely up to you.<br />
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Print off the list of words you have created or the included list and put one inside each egg.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD35R5tzRq10aCbkMEZgN6WAWVO9FpbjmO1AL-SHL9ZhBfTMvwWkaqqwQB8fEtaYL618-iRxBxJq8hT6U_Z5as73H9ubU_z6p5VXr_wSfuAADazAtIFDn2r0N4UZtiSzmA80KQIcwfOKP/s1600/classroom+egg+hunt+for+sight+words+sight+words.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A free and editable easter egg hunt read the room resource to practice sight words." border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD35R5tzRq10aCbkMEZgN6WAWVO9FpbjmO1AL-SHL9ZhBfTMvwWkaqqwQB8fEtaYL618-iRxBxJq8hT6U_Z5as73H9ubU_z6p5VXr_wSfuAADazAtIFDn2r0N4UZtiSzmA80KQIcwfOKP/s400/classroom+egg+hunt+for+sight+words+sight+words.png" title="A free and editable easter egg hunt read the room resource to practice sight words." width="400" /></a></div>
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Step Four: Hide the Eggs!</h3>
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It is time for the egg hunt! I make a copy of the recording sheet for my students. Next, I hide my eggs and <b>give all my students 2 instructions</b> before giving them their clipboard and the recording sheet:<br />
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<li>Copy the word on the recording sheet beside the number written beside the word on the egg. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wq9o2Yr5KWnFlGQzcU-ryVUTlGOlh8evfiiLQhJASnGSuq18nSK17WFp9eAE4FkO7outnze5x3m79AxIErxdjH3Hj8CnqNV_95SbVqDpi_VHffF1lg1aOqggKM7foSlgOUr-JJKwKEIU/s1600/IMG_2550.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A free and editable easter egg hunt read the room resource to practice sight words for a quick and easy classroom easter egg hunt." border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wq9o2Yr5KWnFlGQzcU-ryVUTlGOlh8evfiiLQhJASnGSuq18nSK17WFp9eAE4FkO7outnze5x3m79AxIErxdjH3Hj8CnqNV_95SbVqDpi_VHffF1lg1aOqggKM7foSlgOUr-JJKwKEIU/s400/IMG_2550.PNG" title="A free and editable easter egg hunt read the room resource to practice sight words for a quick and easy classroom easter egg hunt." width="400" /></a></div>
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<li><b>You MUST put the egg back where you found it for someone else to find!</b> This one is super important because afterwards, you want to gather up all the eggs. Each year I have a few industrious bunnies who re-hide them, and I can't find them. </li>
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Step Five: Reward! </h3>
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After our egg hunt, I always have a little treat for them. You can decide what that might be. I usually do chocolate eggs, but mini erasers or pencils are a good substitute if you can't use candy. I hope you enjoy doing this with your class. It is a hit in my classroom every year! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are looking for more ways to use plastic Easter eggs in the classroom, check out these posts that share language and math specific ideas.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2017/04/5-fun-ways-to-use-plastic-eggs-in-math.html" target="_blank">5 Fun Ways to use Plastic Easter Eggs in Math.</a></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovc8SNOe0OB88FZnkjU0GSfenNsm0OGAHHUYmbMrs8gK7wEIYYVYITaxwo6bljKeQKwKHSsuYG1HCwef5k1NhCyAtNP4ngrYPR4g5hkOYAxBPVI7DwGy31sIE-qWfKGaf6M_WP62Sa7Ok/s500/bunny+addition+tummies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="use plastic easter eggs to practice addition" border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="500" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovc8SNOe0OB88FZnkjU0GSfenNsm0OGAHHUYmbMrs8gK7wEIYYVYITaxwo6bljKeQKwKHSsuYG1HCwef5k1NhCyAtNP4ngrYPR4g5hkOYAxBPVI7DwGy31sIE-qWfKGaf6M_WP62Sa7Ok/w320-h242/bunny+addition+tummies.png" width="320" /></a></div><h4><a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2017/04/5-ways-to-use-plastic-eggs-to-practice-literacy-skills.html" target="_blank">5 Ways to Practice Literacy Skills with Plastic Eggs.</a> </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvNV1KoPDjVb6INCJDTJGdGhI1GpjYte-gBuJDRfQD_7UKEqjOlPiNaXWgBQPoS0-JtG-tLmqkakIHHht9LmFKyE7Nxe7F0IrbKNv8dKhBV35vkSjiVMx-3zaxk5kUW3pmZwTtp3OH-c0/s500/easter+word+families.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="use plastic easter eggs to practice literacy skills" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvNV1KoPDjVb6INCJDTJGdGhI1GpjYte-gBuJDRfQD_7UKEqjOlPiNaXWgBQPoS0-JtG-tLmqkakIHHht9LmFKyE7Nxe7F0IrbKNv8dKhBV35vkSjiVMx-3zaxk5kUW3pmZwTtp3OH-c0/w320-h240/easter+word+families.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you can have some Easter related fun with your students.</div><div><br /></div>
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Until next time! </div>
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-29017513940846187212019-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:002019-05-20T18:25:21.901-04:00A Simple Way to Get Students to Add Details to their Writing<div style="text-align: left;">
Teaching writing in first grade is a huge job. Student ability ranges greatly. You will have some students who are not yet able to write at all and students that are filling pages. It is such a challenge to reach all these learners. I want to share one simple lesson that I have been using for a few weeks that is really working in my classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkWoT2EKp2Pqz7wgTXubQHxJcqJezTLnBAyZbPDODenXv2KIzwZ9DaRghuHqvcx5LMaqM0ytQZQUT0DZr-E6DhkvN18-u47YYJWBP44YJwqu7_B-AwDD3EBcC0VNqIej65AvXRy5MRM0q/s1600/writing+magic+words+blog+post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="teach your first grade students to add more detail to their writing" border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkWoT2EKp2Pqz7wgTXubQHxJcqJezTLnBAyZbPDODenXv2KIzwZ9DaRghuHqvcx5LMaqM0ytQZQUT0DZr-E6DhkvN18-u47YYJWBP44YJwqu7_B-AwDD3EBcC0VNqIej65AvXRy5MRM0q/s1600/writing+magic+words+blog+post.png" title="teach your first grade students to add more detail to their writing" /></a></div>
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I have already shared my philosophy about teaching writing in another blog post. You can read all about it by clicking on this image.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2018/04/a-simple-way-to-motivate-young-writers.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="940" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4fQPFvM0YQ0fHYtaeDmE3ioehlsOKDE0TZ2XQNxUsMeLjRnpD13wZJTAZr4cOR8MBdlySyaQmocfPKkuNitUUWJGPfciSiNmLz7VB5wgrdplqZkEFdTKihUV-0A3YAJWpvXng95tQ0z7/s400/simple+writing+strategy+post.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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In my classroom, we write every day. Students go to Smart Spots, which are my modified version of flexible seating (you can read more about that in this blog post: <b><a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2017/08/how-to-get-started-with-flexible-seating.html">Getting Started with Flexible Seating</a> </b>and they write! Those that aren't yet writing independently draw and those that can either draw or start right away on their writing.<br />
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When I looked at my student writing as a whole, I noticed that they all needed to work on adding details to stories and writing more descriptive sentences. As a result, Magic Words was born.<br />
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What are Magic Words in Writing? </h2>
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<b>Have you noticed that the language you use can really captivate first graders? As soon as I told students I was going to teach them how to use magic words in their writing, they were hooked</b>. I shared that some of them already used magic words and didn't even notice. I started by reading a few really simple sentences I made up, and then I reread them using a magic word. I asked them what they noticed, and it took a few sentences, but they got it: I was using AND or BECAUSE to tell more in my sentence. </div>
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<b>I have a dog -----------> I had a dog, <span style="background-color: yellow;">and</span> she is a girl named Moe. </b></div>
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Now, this is not new by any means but by simply phrasing it this way with my students they totally bought in. They went off to their Smart Spots and started right away because they knew at the end of writing time I would celebrate the writing and share a few student's writing pieces that used a magic word. </div>
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I worked at the table with my students who needed help, and they all formulated sentences using AND or BECAUSE which was not usually the case. For the most part, those students were writing simple sentences like I went to Nanas. It made my heart happy to see them push themselves too.<br />
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I created this poster to hang in our Writing Center area as a reminder. I printed it in a poster format!<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">You can grab a free copy for yourself by clicking on the image.</span></b> </h4>
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/m5c0w3_copy2_copy" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.subscribepage.com/m5c0w3_copy2_copy" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKC2p0KfiOQDRMcLZz1q0bHPhoCkRp4HglmXwJ4JZjtK1Dc8BoOfOIMd81SsMZINq6YBwR0Jntk62j6cEemB7lDKae7TYdaZkuYbGHj-7oOvWwuUSeabFVMInz8X9WzcI02aW6DOxKyzNs/s320/magic+words+in+writing.png" title="This anchor chart will remind your primary students about words they can use in their writing to add on to their sentences." width="240" /></a></div>
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The Power is in the Sharing</h2>
I am totally guilty of not leaving time at the end of writing to share, but I am learning the value of a 5-minute lesson revolving around a piece of writing. It is really powerful to project a piece of writing on the smartboard that a student just finished and use it to highlight the goal for the lesson. It validates that student's work and allows the students in the class to see that it is attainable. Make time for sharing if at all possible!<br />
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I Challenge you to Try It</h2>
My challenge for you is to consider how you can use language to hook your students and get them excited about writing. I could have said to them we are going to work on adding more detail to our sentences. I most likely would have got what I wanted from some of my students. However, by phrasing it the way I did I got my whole class excited. It was a definite win!<br />
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Take a moment to pin this post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgbOxkuPpU42jSMCYkbLXtp-squjFML6Jx8NKwLcAZwYxdHL3GShnbStVZFdrhKaWDIS2awLchoMrhyphenhyphenmR2KmS1weMp64dqDE2CkILu9eIEgB9RM8pnWXCvKUZ8vNkREBrUQeLG1PFHN6x/s1600/add+magic+words+pin+.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="720" data-pin-description="Get your kindergarten and first grade students to add details their writing by teaching them about adding magic words. Explicitly teaching them to use connectors like and, because and but will take their sentence writing to a new level." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgbOxkuPpU42jSMCYkbLXtp-squjFML6Jx8NKwLcAZwYxdHL3GShnbStVZFdrhKaWDIS2awLchoMrhyphenhyphenmR2KmS1weMp64dqDE2CkILu9eIEgB9RM8pnWXCvKUZ8vNkREBrUQeLG1PFHN6x/s640/add+magic+words+pin+.png" title="" width="433" /></a></div>
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-41911638142686230572019-01-12T22:30:00.000-05:002019-09-23T20:32:16.441-04:00Using WODB to get Students to Think Critically<div style="text-align: left;">
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Have you heard of WODB - Which one doesn't belong? If you are old like me (gasp) you might remember the song from Sesame Street... "One of these things is not like the others, one of these things doesn't belong" Which one doesn't belong now takes on a math spin. It is a great way to get your students to think critically.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4-OGAZUoJNVQd2nLoiPp3y22yrBR2nLtAQJfYvd7y4ncg3CKE2ZnASip3GI3eJhdiGvFlIN_Kz4gMrLRi-uWPpLLYKIvudONThqZHZXi32FQYbxcYv7ESGRycI14Hf7WqcRWQrtIgUBY/s1600/wodb+blog+post+header.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4-OGAZUoJNVQd2nLoiPp3y22yrBR2nLtAQJfYvd7y4ncg3CKE2ZnASip3GI3eJhdiGvFlIN_Kz4gMrLRi-uWPpLLYKIvudONThqZHZXi32FQYbxcYv7ESGRycI14Hf7WqcRWQrtIgUBY/s1600/wodb+blog+post+header.png" /></a></div>
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I first came across WODB through twitter. If you search the hashtag #WODB, you will find a treasure trove of images to use. I believe this is the brainchild of Christopher Danielson who wrote the book of the same name. Another fantastic resource for images is <a href="http://wodb.ca/" target="_blank">WODB.ca</a><br />
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How WODB works</h2>
What I love most about WODB is the thinking it provokes in young learners. Students are so concerned with finding the right answer and with this there ISN'T a correct answer. For my first graders, it took a few times doing this to understand that one person was not more right than another.<br />
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I use WODB as a math warm-up every Wednesday. It generally takes about 10 - 15 minutes. A typical session starts with me showing them the image and asking them to think but not to say anything. When they are ready to share their thoughts on which one doesn't belong, they put a thumb up in front of their chest. I have them do this rather than raising their hands because it is less visible to everyone who has an answer and who doesn't. My students who need more think time tend to shut down when everyone else starts to raise their hand.<br />
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WODB in Action!</h2>
Here is an image I created and used with my first-grade students. Below are some of the answers they had.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECh-OSO-mIjQARLq2C67sVScGHzk9lkPid-25XxlzPCBtmrZ97Gngll5bOqcazLJaZjFKroMq3QEf4jB4B4w-L7MsHntpzDDvVUVymHqLmD0N36_n7B6FTUKqGb2aiLc5uZA9sA6fkwsy/s1600/wodb+3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="981" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECh-OSO-mIjQARLq2C67sVScGHzk9lkPid-25XxlzPCBtmrZ97Gngll5bOqcazLJaZjFKroMq3QEf4jB4B4w-L7MsHntpzDDvVUVymHqLmD0N36_n7B6FTUKqGb2aiLc5uZA9sA6fkwsy/s400/wodb+3.png" title="Which One Doesn't Belong with dominoes" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. 2 doesn't belong because it is coloured.</div>
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2. 3 doesn't belong because it is a double. </div>
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3. 1 doesn't belong because it has one blank side.</div>
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4. 2 doesn't belong because it doesn't add up to 6, and all the rest do. </div>
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5. 2 doesn't belong because it has both an odd and even number. </div>
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6. 2 doesn't belong because it is a bigger domino</div>
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7. 4 doesn't belong because it is sideways not up and down. </div>
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As you can see, some students see the math in this (sums, orientation, odd/even) and others are seeing other things like colour and size. Either way, they are still looking closely and thinking. I do not praise one answer more than another, and I often find that kids notice things I had not even thought of. </div>
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There are so many WODB challenges that relate to shape and number, but there are lots of other ones too. My students love it when we do them and often ask if we can do them more often. If your school is invested in daily number talks, this is something else to add to your weekly rotation. </div>
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Here are a few more WODB that I have created. I will add more images here as I create them. </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQaRxX26JPy1uvP6GeaV_SnsFu_RepzhrcLEr_6S9UoeKo4tBCp0tL9RIRbI4jmH9o6S5_a9XBdgaUJofPTlpxjeIyL-fOp5oWTyvwadRXTLN3-lpHA7ycG4fHFqhY6uQyrA7sz5RpBcg/s1600/wodb+numbers.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQaRxX26JPy1uvP6GeaV_SnsFu_RepzhrcLEr_6S9UoeKo4tBCp0tL9RIRbI4jmH9o6S5_a9XBdgaUJofPTlpxjeIyL-fOp5oWTyvwadRXTLN3-lpHA7ycG4fHFqhY6uQyrA7sz5RpBcg/s1600/wodb+numbers.png" title="Which One Doesn't Belong with numbers (WODB)" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAEv1UDSbCkJ2lUUyedz7AurOrxCrYvkYx88lis1LLEELLo0fatFZT9hNoevyoL8x3HMg_NDIGycHenr3-b4FCevUA9YiATCL5eecXipqUVsG5PEKuNKh9IiQ9EVCHsjHArg_E-9lb8R-/s1600/dominos+wodb+1.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAEv1UDSbCkJ2lUUyedz7AurOrxCrYvkYx88lis1LLEELLo0fatFZT9hNoevyoL8x3HMg_NDIGycHenr3-b4FCevUA9YiATCL5eecXipqUVsG5PEKuNKh9IiQ9EVCHsjHArg_E-9lb8R-/s1600/dominos+wodb+1.png" title="Which One Doesn't Belong with dominoes(WODB)" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoYIL_MHWdEFj8IN5Q7W2yAsQE7xMlXRWNUT6KmsOeLce5joWQzfTMhBWU2gjsYOWxPhZZOxOYc7GMDl5WM_3K_C-Ayt621pe0c1g6KUSnjvPPVWrwYajBdXlPZ5arEbdoq7-B9IkCmow/s1600/dominos+wodb+2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoYIL_MHWdEFj8IN5Q7W2yAsQE7xMlXRWNUT6KmsOeLce5joWQzfTMhBWU2gjsYOWxPhZZOxOYc7GMDl5WM_3K_C-Ayt621pe0c1g6KUSnjvPPVWrwYajBdXlPZ5arEbdoq7-B9IkCmow/s1600/dominos+wodb+2.png" title="Which One Doesn't Belong with dominoes(WODB)" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFVpr0IR2ncgXqLibZrtmseMZNG5JRTRWYrx0E92FytTdpOaM2jcLjLomODRSoEfu6OcXqklLMULMdtjkFHp0kMvQAu-5Y7dzmYKEQB18_yo3VcxsGkZXq1K-QZtio9w1FURraj6dhxjB/s1600/wodb+numbers+2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFVpr0IR2ncgXqLibZrtmseMZNG5JRTRWYrx0E92FytTdpOaM2jcLjLomODRSoEfu6OcXqklLMULMdtjkFHp0kMvQAu-5Y7dzmYKEQB18_yo3VcxsGkZXq1K-QZtio9w1FURraj6dhxjB/s1600/wodb+numbers+2.png" title="Which One Doesn't Belong with numbers (WODB)" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_50m-a_ULy8OxAEnKPPzkFeQ_et27lnVgSiupDgV3ilVeTZEUrsORckb1KUf_-o0_n3yGi7BTBX0-CINFRZNLsxTF_mIarCodKWCd0_ss3Kipbepy_0RLyCr_laSpQctDyHDZdb093KD/s1600/Slide2.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_50m-a_ULy8OxAEnKPPzkFeQ_et27lnVgSiupDgV3ilVeTZEUrsORckb1KUf_-o0_n3yGi7BTBX0-CINFRZNLsxTF_mIarCodKWCd0_ss3Kipbepy_0RLyCr_laSpQctDyHDZdb093KD/s1600/Slide2.PNG" title="Which One Doesn't Belong with pattern block patterns (WODB)" /></a></div>
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-8560580058133541192018-11-26T22:41:00.001-05:002020-02-28T16:49:03.264-05:005 Simple Reasons Why You Need to Switch to Morning Tubs<div style="text-align: left;">
How do you start your school day? Would you like to leave morning work behind and switch to a paperless option? If you answered yes, then it is time to switch to Morning Tub Tasks. Morning Tubs will allow your students to practice all those crucial skills but without the papers to mark. Today I am sharing 5 reasons you should make the switch to morning tubs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHJDPKHSGsBn-cqWAw-iKe8_kszO46krI8_FwB8JuAyNekrtv58sK3SG9LsOgz1I-5bJ4DaBHmG6vlt65glgZLZ0OJm3XYfApADyQL5e4_DP-sylRYmmnffbkbVgl9AkGXs8MI9i1xXra/s1600/5+reasons+to+use+morning+tubs+in+the+classroom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5 reasons to use morning tubs for morning work in your classroom" border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHJDPKHSGsBn-cqWAw-iKe8_kszO46krI8_FwB8JuAyNekrtv58sK3SG9LsOgz1I-5bJ4DaBHmG6vlt65glgZLZ0OJm3XYfApADyQL5e4_DP-sylRYmmnffbkbVgl9AkGXs8MI9i1xXra/s640/5+reasons+to+use+morning+tubs+in+the+classroom.png" title="5 reasons to use morning tubs for morning work in your classroom" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in how to get started with Morning Tubs and the organization behind it, please check out this post by clicking on the image below.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2017/11/ideas-for-starting-your-day-with-morning-tubs.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2-XfuE-obApzk3KiDwsj17LOkheR39g5QcA0dm_pU0zfusn4mEHz6Hce2tRLYD1TgghBKjMaZG2sQKs_BTpugwz7J-vnrOyjethC-G_yEdxDlU2pTtUn2Ixi75Zf7cAhzsFy5BGq2tWR/s1600/good+morning+basket+blog+image.png" /></a></div>
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It Helps You Spiral Your Curriculum</h2>
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In math, in particular, we teach units - time, money, patterning, and then we move on to the next unit. <b>When you circle back to those topics, do you find that students have retained those concepts?</b> If your students are like mine, then the answer is "not always." Have you considered using morning tub tasks to keep revisiting those concepts? The idea is that your morning tubs reflect content that you have already taught or are going to introduce shortly.<br />
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<b>By using your morning tubs in this way, you are revisiting concepts to keep them fresh, and you are also able to see what students know about upcoming units by having them try out some activities related to the new topic. </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tub-Tasks-Growing-BUNDLE-4175347?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=morning%20tub%20tasks%20for%20base%2010%20counting%20bears%20pattern%20blocks#" target="_blank"><img alt="first grade morning work morning tubs" border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB4p9faMXY8asGf4cnio1OZtIZbLClFVkkOa25LLNJ4PkJpFWi8ebPVx7YgkxqfoK63EgbTfxNV22CPO1c6PPxVBYQIrs9Rj-23y18DPBgINV7m1CN2YgcLgPX1rluI1BgQD0TpYRbYQ_/s1600/morning+tub+tasks+collage+of+3+1.png" title="first grade morning work morning tubs" /></a></div>
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It Gets Students Using Math Manipulatives All the Time - Not Just When You are Teaching that Unit.</h2>
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I am guilty of having math manipulatives sitting on my shelves untouched because I was not teaching a unit where it made sense to use them, or I really didn't think about how to use them. <b>Those manipulatives are not doing a lot of good sitting on a shelf!</b> I got creative and really started to think about how many different ways I could my manipulatives in different math units. Now my counting bears are a hit for lots of things, not just patterning.<br />
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Document Digitally to Save Paper and Marking - Students can do it themselves! </h2>
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I am making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of paper I copy for my students. I am trying to be mindful and ask myself if the activity I am printing is a necessity or is there another way to teach/assess this concept. <b>I have definitely embraced the use of digital portfolios and students taking ownership over documenting their learning. </b> When they are busy at their tub tasks each morning, they are responsible for taking pictures of their learning. None of the tub tasks have a worksheet component. No marking for me! Instead, I log into their portfolios to see their completed work.<br />
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Engaged kids = Happy kids! </h2>
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This one is a no-brainer! Students love to play with these manipulatives, so morning tub tasks give them a somewhat more structured way to do this. They are engaged, and it allows me to get the jobs done that I need to do each morning.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tub-Tasks-Growing-BUNDLE-4175347?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=morning%20tub%20tasks%20for%20counting%20bears%20base%2010#" target="_blank"><img alt="first grade morning work morning tubs" border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxVXRB-4xE8PPiJr8bdvn7RzMBJcB71xLSBiVr8KyK_cRBeE6IiaZPQNKyg_ZXmIpRmzQuOqmkq3vTR3lkkGSRJA7VKsi1SqaFvuB0PmGS9S_Pnc5jKo1rC7k9ijf9Zkxlmf54bx5aBEO/s1600/morning+tub+tasks+collage+of+3+2.png" title="first grade morning work morning tubs" /></a></div>
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It Gives You Time to do ALL.THE.THINGS!</h2>
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<b>The beginning of the day is busy!</b> Parents stop in, students come to me with yard issues, I need to take attendance, check agendas, collect money... Whew! Just writing that reminds me of how crazy each day can be. <b>Starting the day with morning tub tasks means the kids are engaged, and I can do all of these things without being needed.</b> It is also the perfect opportunity to check in with kids before the start of the day.<br />
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Would you like to give Morning Tub Tasks a try? You can grab a free set of tub tasks for pattern blocks. Click below!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Morning-Tubs-with-Pattern-Blocks-4217574?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=MTT%20FREEBIE%20IN%205%20REASONS%20POST" target="_blank">Morning Tub Task for Pattern Blocks</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Morning-Tubs-with-Pattern-Blocks-4217574?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=MTT%20FREEBIE%20IN%205%20REASONS%20POST" target="_blank"><img alt="free morning work for first grade morning tubs" border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD3X4w-X-s-3qFr6S9CCEAHcyFqbYfqjaVYmCJmVc0RBdaZba1dp74QnEjoYp6cphpJU1gMe7p4a_ysRQQVLGBkyx8x_llJS9zabnZ0lhmycKnS8XOHUWBGytMnhlIIl3elpvpq1aPFdS/s320/morning+tub+tasks+8x8+free+sample+.png" title="free morning work for first grade morning tubs" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Perhaps you're ready to check out the whole set and jump right in!</b> If that is the case, click on the link or image below to see the BUNDLE.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tub-Tasks-Growing-BUNDLE-4175347?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=MTT%20BUNDLE%20mention%20in%205%20reasons%20to%20use%20MTT%20post" target="_blank">MORNING TUB TASKS GROWING BUNDLE</a></h4>
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-74196379015322134502018-07-27T23:19:00.000-04:002019-05-22T20:05:48.275-04:00Teach your Students to be Bucket Fillers - How to get started!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Have you heard about Bucket Filling? I first heard about it a few years ago when a colleague shared the book </span><u style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">How Full is Your Bucket for Kids.</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> I fell in love with the book. It is a great story that illustrates how much words and actions impact others but in a kid-friendly way. After sharing the book with them, they were eager to share about ways their bucket has been filled AND dipped. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBqzZeT4IErXtTh7A-E3XFLjBMeqMsreMXgGZZRc4hF0yzuZvBTZRnbp9wQCUk6iN3UvznXpn7zvZr9OwfuN1mlIizMfhti8-q9HACytCEnOXymmpkDWGb_4PnZmvj_j7WmIT2PZjv6LD/s1600/bucket+filler+post+new+header+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBqzZeT4IErXtTh7A-E3XFLjBMeqMsreMXgGZZRc4hF0yzuZvBTZRnbp9wQCUk6iN3UvznXpn7zvZr9OwfuN1mlIizMfhti8-q9HACytCEnOXymmpkDWGb_4PnZmvj_j7WmIT2PZjv6LD/s1600/bucket+filler+post+new+header+2.png" title="Getting Started with Bucket Filling in the Primary Classroom" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved the idea behind it and wanted to give it a go in my classroom. The first year I tried it, it was a total fail - a teacher fail. I teach first, and for those of you that teach that grade, you will realize the trials and tribulations of first-grade writing. I made bucket notes for them to fill out but the writing part was painful. Every time they wanted to write a note, it was a full-on event. I tried putting slips in the writing center so that they could fill them out then and have support, if necessary. Eventually, the writing portion completely fell off, and it was forgotten. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Fast forward to the next school year. I was determined to try this again and thought long and hard about how to make it work. I wanted students to be independent. I wanted the process of filling a bucket to be easy and not a complicated process. Did I mention I wanted it to be easy!?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-Activities-Be-a-Bucket-Filler-1471567?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=Bucket%20Filler%20display%20creation"><img alt="Assemble colourful buckets by using a library pocket on the back side as the inside of the bucket. " border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="981" data-pin-description="Launch character education and kindness with Bucket filling. This pack has lesson plans, anchor charts and an interactive bucket filling display that your students will use to fill each others buckets." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ7LN5SkyDtIv9-7YNESiuwN0wzwOayvJLQ19LvhO_oergFOJ30s_q8G9m3YrtBcyd6kAiwOGrNK2Kob-eUPFyG8Lu6CMK3ATZHzYMqfIUNdLILeLRbsmhvBT-Reln0qvy7IJjx8QPk8j/s400/collage+of+bucket+filler+buckets.png" title="Getting Started with Bucket Filling in the Primary Classroom" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-Activities-Be-a-Bucket-Filler-1471567?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=Bucket%20Filler%20display"><img alt="Display the buckets labelled with students names so students can put bucket notes into their friend's bucket" border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="353" data-pin-description="Launch character education and kindness with Bucket filling. This pack has lesson plans, anchor charts and an interactive bucket filling display that your students will use to fill each others buckets." height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5EUfTJV7qREpy4p1SjcN7S71oCW2dskeGJqSe9kwlNuo06kWyPOHjZHmscda5jDe7hKeSqf8zDv2QbIJ4DGfntSFqTk0FMR9-DOCx_y2XBcq3WeDM_S9rVsir3vEdjCLVBcGdjN1_4Ao/s400/cropped+bucket+filler.png" title="Getting Started with Bucket Filling in the Primary Classroom" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #8064a2; font-family: "hellofirstie"; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I recreated my display, and the kids were drawn to it immediately (thank you Astrobrights paper!). We read the book, and this class got excited talking about bucket dipping and filling. This time we took that discussion a step further and sorted some classroom scenarios to bring the message home.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-Activities-Be-a-Bucket-Filler-1471567?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=Bucket%20Filler%20anchor%20chart"><img alt="Create an anchor chart by sorting bucket filling and bucket dipping statements that are part of the Bucket Filling resource." border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1027" data-pin-description="Launch character education and kindness with Bucket filling. This pack has lesson plans, anchor charts and an interactive bucket filling display that your students will use to fill each others buckets." height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1MDorhXjuHB8dA-Zx3WMjF778hEtNa7Y7abu19ls03sAMdVCumOrBNRDJQZU5Q7SSKRpFUOZVUOzStpTRytQUenlDUPvIULq1mkcKwkN4tsBhcJWpNCam_y-hA9F_fqPb-snTEd-U-ya/s400/bucket+filler+anchor+chart.png" title="Getting Started with Bucket Filling in the Primary Classroom" width="365" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My new notes are super simple. A student writes their name on a bucket note and then puts it in their friend’s pocket. They can do that by themselves! Later on, usually at recess or other free time kids check their pockets and talk to friends who put a note in their pocket. Right now most of the pockets are brimming. I will be recognizing a few of those students who have pockets that are looking a little empty. I also have notes with space to write a note to the students that I am putting out now because most students can write a note on their own. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Be-a-Bucket-Filler-A-pack-for-Primary-Students-1471567"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Be-a-Bucket-Filler-A-pack-for-Primary-Students-1471567" border="0" data-pin-description="Launch character education and kindness with Bucket filling. This pack has lesson plans, anchor charts and an interactive bucket filling display that your students will use to fill each others buckets." height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePeO6mn4F6Oy9zmL5dXMa0Gvhfd40Jf9khTIT0pWu_LIorp9sRLf0CPRC6C4Tl_rPWAWs2cAk674WE-nO0vCc1KvnOaCv_fUPXHfCEdDwo_CnU_fmuvxbk3SzMz5NAFJ4wsKWkYKtZIsp/s1600/Slide11.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent more time talking about what bucket filling looked like during a series of lessons and activities. I have included 4 lessons in the package to help guide you in starting bucket filling in your classroom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Be-a-Bucket-Filler-Bucket-Filling-Activities-1471567?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=bucket%20filler%20lessons%20image"><img alt="The unit contains 4 lesson plans to walk you through how to set up bucket filling in your classroom. Fully scripted and ready to use. " border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="492" data-pin-description="Launch character education and kindness with Bucket filling. This pack has lesson plans, anchor charts and an interactive bucket filling display that your students will use to fill each others buckets." height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCNZm0F-xkAlCd_d9FP2JHxsQknizCkPszxcap6mLQLb1Q2it_o6I-RTM_OZW0BmEaWkuu40W1R_KvfEYJMXsRwuimMnyHH5PX6cwQMz0TjwLyTTSqJVY3N24sn5Ttto6qvjXx4rQoI5D/s400/bucket+filler+lessons+for+blog.png" title="Getting Started with Bucket Filling in the Primary Classroom" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt my students had a much better understanding of how to be bucket fillers and how it was supposed to be authentic - not you fill my bucket and then I will fill your bucket. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>If you are interested in checking out everything included in this resource click on the image below to check it out:</b> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-Activities-Be-a-Bucket-Filler-1471567?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=Bucket%20Filler%20Title%20in%20post">Bucket Filler Activities - Be a Bucket Filler. </a> </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bucket-Filler-Activities-Be-a-Bucket-Filler-1471567?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=Bucket%20Filler%20cover"><img alt="Find this Bucket Filling resource on TPT by clicking on the image. " border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" data-pin-description="Launch character education and kindness with Bucket filling. This pack has lesson plans, anchor charts and an interactive bucket filling display that your students will use to fill each others buckets." height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRYNNY4DrLQhOf9_XA8PEIL5DNlVfJaOLEVxP8Z6_lMUnEOOY8InGInEMX88QyLQeuSk-sVXiMTSJQ3NyUgdldoiGhZT4xvZ3wwQO2dFGuMUtXYaNcFwSSKgUNi2rFIsMQ5jdFaEjNWnL/s320/bucket+filler+8x8+.png" title="Getting Started with Bucket Filling in the Primary Classroom" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "hellofirstie";">Take a moment to Pin It! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG4Z9AaykPvt3ZTg6DmIfD-aiBixKNPfZxruaoqXlFmNkkaVWOxcpKkz9XoWQxf5Cl__7hjex2IZ443COBt4U5jF1ywh-aAi5RLQWJveKj-f5Ip3WLh_gQHf-mvkZceXuttxAMoo7k986/s1600/bucket+filler+blog+post+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get started with bucket filling" border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="737" data-pin-description="Launch character education and kindness with Bucket filling. This pack has lesson plans, anchor charts and an interactive bucket filling display that your students will use to fill each others buckets." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguG4Z9AaykPvt3ZTg6DmIfD-aiBixKNPfZxruaoqXlFmNkkaVWOxcpKkz9XoWQxf5Cl__7hjex2IZ443COBt4U5jF1ywh-aAi5RLQWJveKj-f5Ip3WLh_gQHf-mvkZceXuttxAMoo7k986/s640/bucket+filler+blog+post+pin.png" title="Getting Started with Bucket Filling in the Primary Classroom" width="417" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBtHP5cG4_ptevayVEjZ1mPPmN4hVcg6sxBexRYiX9SNu1s09bgo-qK9gCoyeeBuTHtJ8kIHF43shVUtzJNYCO_1BbL_LAe-nmrDWLhwIGA5MbiUr4K7EwWz0f94e0uGAu9VILjEMImmF/s1600/signature+from+paint.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="286" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBtHP5cG4_ptevayVEjZ1mPPmN4hVcg6sxBexRYiX9SNu1s09bgo-qK9gCoyeeBuTHtJ8kIHF43shVUtzJNYCO_1BbL_LAe-nmrDWLhwIGA5MbiUr4K7EwWz0f94e0uGAu9VILjEMImmF/s200/signature+from+paint.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-24307271838148749482018-07-21T22:10:00.000-04:002019-08-18T22:53:02.987-04:00Mailbags - The BEST way to Manage Home - School CommunicationAre you looking for a better way to deal with home/school communication and ensuring that everything gets to where it is going? <b>I am sharing what works and what DIDN'T work, from experience. </b> Read on to find the best way I have found to send things home as well as get important papers back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVARmVRTIKIhbBv3j4RTDE6IiJg45e7zR2uxjpM3LncWV1qWLX6oTdJu9W0VXP73eom9JNgzDXQQbpC9gaOPNzwEjMtHPEPBTcJ8HaNMvxnRoAZvcbUpBW0EJPFAAn7OqpWKg9a3-JSSs/s1600/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252817%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="using mailbags to manage home - school communication" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVARmVRTIKIhbBv3j4RTDE6IiJg45e7zR2uxjpM3LncWV1qWLX6oTdJu9W0VXP73eom9JNgzDXQQbpC9gaOPNzwEjMtHPEPBTcJ8HaNMvxnRoAZvcbUpBW0EJPFAAn7OqpWKg9a3-JSSs/s640/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252817%2529.png" title="using mailbags to manage home - school communication" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sending things home from school and getting them back can be challenging. Many times I have received ripped, wrinkled and wet papers dug out of the bottom of a backpack or had a child dump out their backpack looking for the coins for their milk order. I have tried it all and I wanted to share my system (and my previous fails) with you.<br />
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Way back at the dawn of my teaching career I used bags. I thought they were the perfect way to get everything home in one piece to a parent. I used the ones with the little zipper on top. However, it was soon very evident that these were not going to work as I had thought. The zipper thing broke off and then the bags would not close. So I moved on to Ziploc bag 2.0. These bags were the typical Ziploc bags (minus the fancy zipper closer) and I simply labelled them with a sticker. These bags worked a little bit better but they still ripped and were never big enough to fit everything.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxz1M-datdvxOjttm6ADMovABqOJq_789if2VDc2oNHB41iTYuzVIQGrrq5oMWDd798fGKBy4zaRtkl67WmX-7psjdy0a2NZuvEJ-5n5rQZtqhS-BKRxjt4aYNQ3OfY__wmAV7OvG0PcH/s1600/ziploc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="using mailbags to manage home - school communication" border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxz1M-datdvxOjttm6ADMovABqOJq_789if2VDc2oNHB41iTYuzVIQGrrq5oMWDd798fGKBy4zaRtkl67WmX-7psjdy0a2NZuvEJ-5n5rQZtqhS-BKRxjt4aYNQ3OfY__wmAV7OvG0PcH/s640/ziploc.png" title="using mailbags to manage home - school communication" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, I moved on to folders like the one below. I laminated them and put everything in the pockets inside to go home. I did like these but I needed to make a new one for everyone halfway through the year as they didn't hold up very well. These worked better than the bags but I still struggled with where to put bigger things. The other ongoing issue was how to deal with money that came in. There wasn't a good place for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_jE2mXA3WWuhUVWaJcBolRafzGWqHyig4NsWIdWXpEnkrGB65s40Hd8JoKjyG2M2yy5ZXpHSDM2HjAmOo2158sfWjFO3a_PbD8LyuwllZSyDdDwR5YqFJiKtaKlaoJ4uZzCs4Ry3rHpI/s1600/folder+option.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="using mailbags to manage home - school communication" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_jE2mXA3WWuhUVWaJcBolRafzGWqHyig4NsWIdWXpEnkrGB65s40Hd8JoKjyG2M2yy5ZXpHSDM2HjAmOo2158sfWjFO3a_PbD8LyuwllZSyDdDwR5YqFJiKtaKlaoJ4uZzCs4Ry3rHpI/s640/folder+option.png" title="using mailbags to manage home - school communication" width="640" /></a></div>
So I moved on to option number 3. <b> I found both these bags in a dollar store and instantly loved them. The mailbags are actually courier bags from Dollarama and the clear pencil cases are from Dollar Tree. The third time was a charm. </b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="color: purple;">THESE ARE WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR ALL MY TEACHING LIFE! </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtq_696U9-5G76v-3t1y0f-7a2gxIDaZWqsGMS2Rxa_OnLPalB7PMtJn2DdZwb-i3WvmwUJBFiA8T0PG4-ErNK3b6148uwn-ZSFAhTQVUPs5I7vDUXUtivf6zxmBvXGds_Gp5wMA8hoOG/s1600/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252818%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Free editable labels to use with mailbags to manage home - school communication" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="550" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtq_696U9-5G76v-3t1y0f-7a2gxIDaZWqsGMS2Rxa_OnLPalB7PMtJn2DdZwb-i3WvmwUJBFiA8T0PG4-ErNK3b6148uwn-ZSFAhTQVUPs5I7vDUXUtivf6zxmBvXGds_Gp5wMA8hoOG/s640/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252818%2529.png" title="Free editable labels to use with mailbags to manage home - school communication" width="640" /></a></div>
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I loved the size of the zipper bag and I loved that it closed tight. Now everything could be stored safely inside and it would stay inside. I had another a-ha moment when I saw the clear pencil cases. They were perfect to use for money pouches. Now I could almost guarantee that the money and the forms would get to me. I put this holder on the wall of my classroom for the pouches and the kids put them there if there was anything in them. It works like a charm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRUKllr5tRMs9Cusupwas9ykvARKRL46_4CqzMC6UnKXjMfGtY-l5BwF-hsA5euQE1keMohG_De3vnPkLmtJsSz9W-2pp-kwnBqYD6xxAWfW3CHr-T8_tlb4-8jNl49hzInyBjuPouNa7/s1600/pouch+holder.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="using mailbags to manage home - school communication" border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRUKllr5tRMs9Cusupwas9ykvARKRL46_4CqzMC6UnKXjMfGtY-l5BwF-hsA5euQE1keMohG_De3vnPkLmtJsSz9W-2pp-kwnBqYD6xxAWfW3CHr-T8_tlb4-8jNl49hzInyBjuPouNa7/s640/pouch+holder.png" title="using mailbags to manage home - school communication" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you find this tip useful. I have found the investment worth it as I have never had to replace one mid-year. The money pouches are actually on their third year. Every year I buy a few more to replace those with broken zippers or ones that have not stood up to the use.<br />
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You can grab labels for both the mailbag and the money bag too. They are in bright colours or in the rainbow that is shown. <b>Add your name and email below to get access to this freebie in my Free Resource Library.</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/m5c0w3" target="_blank"><img alt="Free editable labels to use with mailbags to manage home - school communication" border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1240" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInvzmhyOoOYawQPOBy8ZfC5mOCJ6DBjIImTDr0qKwD1tTdgrm6O-i1_yVO5dzvFAxw4OZUw2-q-3dC0OISpDI3uCJCZ0i4MWJresE7VVgnjNMNjzJ6i2dG2vYPJ5jcq0o8xj5xF6a4glf/s640/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252819%2529.png" title="Free editable labels to use with mailbags to manage home - school communication" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b>Don't forget to pin this post to come back to during BACK TO SCHOOL time.</b></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxMNGzXK2trGpnMGi7ORzyiH_G2D0uWAcV3Z3MX1-s8PTWFmDv_bJ_0tDXNxX-crePVNVkSUraTbyiDzUorQByQDq_y3KM3pz78CXic8WFlq1rVp63VBfniIhvQsIYrOLxqB4nYcNLF10/s1600/mailbags+pin+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxMNGzXK2trGpnMGi7ORzyiH_G2D0uWAcV3Z3MX1-s8PTWFmDv_bJ_0tDXNxX-crePVNVkSUraTbyiDzUorQByQDq_y3KM3pz78CXic8WFlq1rVp63VBfniIhvQsIYrOLxqB4nYcNLF10/s640/mailbags+pin+1.png" width="446" /></a></center>
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Are you looking for other ideas to get you ready for Back to School? Check out my Pinterest board for lots of ideas.<br />
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<a data-pin-board-width="600" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="100" href="https://www.pinterest.com/hermerc/back-to-school/"></a></center>
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<br />Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-4427606160614005552018-06-08T14:05:00.002-04:002021-05-17T09:58:09.209-04:006 Helpful Tips to Help you Conquer the Last Month of School<div style="text-align: left;">
How do you acknowledge the end of the year with your students? Are you feeling the end-of-year stress set in? Do you have a million things to finish up and submit? Are your students "done" and your classroom is too hot to work in? If you answered yes to any of these, you need these helpful tips to conquer the last month of school! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last weeks of school are a challenge! This post is for you! Read on to find out my tips for surviving this last month of school. I promise that it doesn't add to your already full plate and total teacher exhaustion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJxvjA36Fj3l5DSeBl4EufIaRwITI0SPMK46jWF9UUDPFk-U2qy_No8668wqGo0fXjagcH2GfKug9KeonZpxVSPEsr2AZTZ9jTwbOnVGbyEFP5hvaQDLJaq4-z72-68uB2SsEMZtvmEZx/s1600/tips+for+surviving+the+last+month+of+school+header+for+blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This post is full of tips to help you survive the last month of school. These ideas will help you enjoy your final weeks with your students while not adding to your stress or you constant state of teacher tired." border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJxvjA36Fj3l5DSeBl4EufIaRwITI0SPMK46jWF9UUDPFk-U2qy_No8668wqGo0fXjagcH2GfKug9KeonZpxVSPEsr2AZTZ9jTwbOnVGbyEFP5hvaQDLJaq4-z72-68uB2SsEMZtvmEZx/s640/tips+for+surviving+the+last+month+of+school+header+for+blog.png" title="This post is full of tips to help you survive the last month of school. These ideas will help you enjoy your final weeks with your students while not adding to your stress or you constant state of teacher tired." width="640" /></a></div>
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I know there are teachers out there that prefer to continue following the same routines, so the last weeks of school look the same as your regular routine. Then there are other teachers that start the year-end celebrations as soon as all of the marking and report writing is over. Where do you fall on this spectrum? Leave me a comment below and let me know what camp you are in! I would love to know. I would fall more on the celebration end of the spectrum, but I definitely don't set aside all of our daily routines and structure. <br />
<br /><h2>Take care of YOU first! </h2>
This first tip is <b>ALL ABOUT YOU</b>. Check out 5 tips I shared in this blog post to make your end of the year as easy as is possible. <span style="color: purple;"><b>Click on the image below</b></span> to check it out. Once you have your own sanity in check, you can think about having fun with your students.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2015/05/5-things-to-do-at-the-end-of-the-school-year-to-prepare-for-next-year.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="5 End of the year Sanity Savers to help you to prepare for the next school year." border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghm4fsFl_B7hWBue5-panFp45aM2wRPrlHEC8tyz89z0L9Fr7L2Mar5FUcqs0wXm0Lw-C3Bp6rKA3M3D9GarwlZ-blvDsMATmNQEOGW5nMiwTFJne0DxN-RJR86Lx1mkxAcFUVOlsiz2dD/s400/5+sanity+savers+new+pin.png" title="5 End of the year Sanity Savers to help you to prepare for the next school year." width="400" /></a></div>
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Theme days! </h2>
Check out this blog post with 5 suggestions for Theme days that will not be overwhelming to plan and won't break the bank either. They are fun and straightforward, two musts for this super tired teacher at the end of the year. <b><span style="color: purple;">Click on the images to check out the post! </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2016/06/5-cheap-easy-ways-to-make-the-end-of-the-school-year-memorable.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Make the end of the year memorable with free or inexpensive activities with your students such as playing with chalk and bubbles, using the outdoors as a classroom and have a board game or pajama day." border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gm2q40tqhLSiOZb98D81t8S7onZEGsLP-fXkFAQm25ppYZyBn6RgshRFejroT43tO-hLI2Bz8n4Ha46Xt_nEWZpwG2CpDi6_Bs0J6Nscxaqajyf3M0PJYMU7_FIeTjJJQC-mrGzPcHen/s400/memorable+year+end.png" title="Make the end of the year memorable with free or inexpensive activities with your students such as playing with chalk and bubbles, using the outdoors as a classroom and have a board game or pajama day." width="400" /></a></div>
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Enlist their help! </h2>
Let's talk classroom clean up. Do your kids help out in the classroom through a classroom jobs program throughout the year? Mine do and are thrilled when it is their turn to help out with a particular job. At the end of the year, there are LOTS of jobs your students can do to help out. Make a list of jobs to be completed and have them "sign up" to take on that task. You will be amazed at how quickly you can have your books sorted, markers tested, and manipulatives organized etc.<br />
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Take a vote!</h2>
Ask your students how they want to celebrate the end of their year together. They may very well have some excellent ideas of how to recognize the end of the year. When I do this, I always set a few parameters like it has to be something we can do in our classroom or on the playground. If I don't, then I get lots of wild and crazy suggestions like going to a water park! See what they come up with. You may be pleasantly surprised.<br />
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Reflect on your year together! </h2>
Did you take pictures of activities throughout the year? I am always taking photos to document learning. Print out some of those pictures and have students choose which of the pictures they want to write about. Gather all those photo stories together and create a class book that you can enjoy together. It also makes a great book to share with your incoming class so they get a taste of what the year holds for them.<br />
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Create a memory book! </h2>
Create your own class memory book to capture all the important events in the classroom. The best way to prep for making a memory book is to look at those pictures mentioned above. You can also create a slideshow of many of those images to remind students of the many things that happened during the year. This jogs their memory and helps them to record some of those memories in their books. Last year we did this fun movie-themed memory book, and my students LOVED it. <span style="color: purple;"><b>You can check out some of the pages below. You can take a closer look at it by clicking on any of the images.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thats-a-Wrap-Movie-themed-End-of-the-Year-Memory-Book-3180057?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=EOY%20memory%20book%20collage%20in%20Tips%20post"><img alt="Use a memory book as a meaningful way to remember the school year. Your students will love this movie-themed memory book where they are the star of the show." border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="500" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcuI8DFG7m8phZntEKG3ePgWBa_cfFbWh_o2pAUDiCfu7VF-vV6F_eQgNA4BWeMXupnqxm4GujihNwrLbIaADZlAMWu0vDLuAUPz7VB6t9qamzmwaBYmQIiWk_L78v3Y8wloZYfDMea6k/s640/memory+book+collage1.png" title="6 helpful tips to help you conquer the last month of school" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thats-a-Wrap-Movie-themed-End-of-the-Year-Memory-Book-3180057?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=EOY%20memory%20book%20cover%20in%20Tips%20post"><img alt="Use a memory book as a meaningful way to remember the school year. Your students will love this movie-themed memory book where they are the star of the show." border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0bTDkXnDwyUlHn2EAnGdFMCjCbvWq5sIvQYByyobzmJbZq6i1v6f3eYm_MPyu_TgkNdMoiTUOwjH2LAlLyAYPQS5gi30u1LYcm3c4iM-2BhnWhhRC7Mu-Vl1-0hmHgnyNZEhc9gZP0lt/s320/memory+book+cover+8x8.png" title="6 helpful tips to help you conquer the last month of school" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you found something to take away from this post. Take a moment and comment below on how you intend to celebrate the end of your school year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_7rV9cgEQL-ow-D8lzAv776F7Xk7_l_kNltux5Oj-fvzHJzpgY-xDRxBrHUBi8R9Kpq2dL2aQZ9eA_rMArDY64jbRjMCZq88a7lHNVRlK-6oM8PEEXs3kvHRIdjKdwal1Lp_eqDYNOuj/s1600/tips+for+surviving+end+of+the+year+pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Find tips to help you survive and thrive during that last month of school" border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="756" data-pin-description="The last month of school is HARD. Find tips here on how to survive that last month with your students. Find tips to help you wrap up the classroom and prepare for next year as well as ways to have fun with your students that won't break the bank or make you any more teacher tired than you already are. Finally why not make a memory book to capture those fun moments throughout the year." height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_7rV9cgEQL-ow-D8lzAv776F7Xk7_l_kNltux5Oj-fvzHJzpgY-xDRxBrHUBi8R9Kpq2dL2aQZ9eA_rMArDY64jbRjMCZq88a7lHNVRlK-6oM8PEEXs3kvHRIdjKdwal1Lp_eqDYNOuj/s640/tips+for+surviving+end+of+the+year+pin.png" title="6 helpful tips to help you conquer the last month of school" width="426" /></a></div>
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-15926788113294090132018-04-08T21:27:00.005-04:002018-07-27T22:48:33.144-04:00A Simple Way to Motivate Young Writers! <div style="text-align: left;">
If you are a primary teacher, then you know teaching writing to young children can be <b>HARD</b>. Writing is an elusive skill for many of our little ones, and they often lack the motivation to persist when it is hard. I want to share with you a writing activity I do around this time of the year that really helps to motivate my students and get them writing more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4Wzfb17m1buZmA_j-sFVP3IG1gkLya31QriPFS4LKHNMFX4jAumiZw2iBg7P73BQ6Jpv6Rh7griMHHF08G6LXJ_fzyGY_8FCxPBDU-OjMDGGWDCXOtb1LwflKnOqq7I-_XqgxLjfZSQh/s1600/simple+writing+strategy+post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="940" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4Wzfb17m1buZmA_j-sFVP3IG1gkLya31QriPFS4LKHNMFX4jAumiZw2iBg7P73BQ6Jpv6Rh7griMHHF08G6LXJ_fzyGY_8FCxPBDU-OjMDGGWDCXOtb1LwflKnOqq7I-_XqgxLjfZSQh/s640/simple+writing+strategy+post.png" title="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " width="640" /></a></div>
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First off, I want to share a bit about my philosophy about kid writing.<br />
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<b>1. </b> <b>Have them write, write, write and then write some more!</b> Kids learn by doing. We start writing at the beginning of the year during the first week - shared writing as a class and independent writing (that may not look a lot like writing initially).<br />
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<b>2. </b> <b>I DO NOT correct conventions at this point.</b> I don't worry about punctuation. I don't worry about sprinkling capitals in the middle of words. I don't worry about invented spelling. I want them to WRITE.<br />
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<b>3.</b> <b>I rarely have them write using an assigned topic.</b> Students are free to write about whatever they want. This helps with motivation in a big way.<br />
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You might be thinking <b>WHAT are you doing?</b>? These things are fundamental skills for students to learn as writers. You are right, they are essential skills, but none of these skills matter if they don't write. First and foremost, I believe kids need to write and by just letting them write I feel like they grow so much more. The minute I put constraints on their writing they tend to shut down.<br />
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Now that I have digressed let's get back to the topic. In March and early April, I ask my students to take out their journals and take a look at their writing. I have them go back and read the pieces they wrote at the beginning of the year and then continue to read all of the entries to the current time. The first a-ha many of them have is that they can't read their own stories that they wrote at the beginning of the year. They also notice things like there are no periods or that there are capital letters EVERYWHERE. This is just what I want them to see and leads me our next activity: <b>GOAL SETTING. </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/p/freebies.html"><img alt="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="437" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX9jC_9eB-RXNFqpjVVJRHeMZQuZdZtrCCHR2jolL_ESX-SmmeleQ3FPdKElCVxUrsb_FHe7s9xmetVhQyYDw0lkE4VWmEnCVgjWMda2NW4ET2KdCJCmPVYBYMUQvtr1cxwXSCc58zj2k/s400/bookmark.png" title="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " width="298" /></a></div>
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As a class, we talk about things we have learned throughout the year to improve our writing, and we make a list. My students take a look at their own journals and the co-constructed list to write their personal goals on the Writing Goals bookmark. This bookmark stays in their writing folder for reference.<br />
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The last step is having students select a piece they wrote in the Fall that they would like to improve. This step can be kind of tricky if they can't read any of the stories, but with a bit of support, every student was able to choose a piece of writing to work on and improve.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ3Bu1MeFchl3BH-oQyKWCC_np0O7hapo7brQd4s_bTRqCvXpIEnrXFXxZk9XVY_BggTxTDr6gzuPqobUVBC2hO8JbRbF-1j0ae4GX0fT3Ev-OWfGHeX-_JgDCnZ_Y0b1URztCQE1MK8W/s1600/writing+with+side+title.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Display work completed earlier in the year so students can see how much they have grown as a writer. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="940" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ3Bu1MeFchl3BH-oQyKWCC_np0O7hapo7brQd4s_bTRqCvXpIEnrXFXxZk9XVY_BggTxTDr6gzuPqobUVBC2hO8JbRbF-1j0ae4GX0fT3Ev-OWfGHeX-_JgDCnZ_Y0b1URztCQE1MK8W/s640/writing+with+side+title.png" title="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Display work completed earlier in the year so students can see how much they have grown as a writer. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN_snGGQZ92rwLemQkcQ4zJ2M8IDDv5IEG1QwCpD-f6QGAliN626RmXjyt3jRfW9fmhm01HWFNFzb7tjR2FNKn1Oxi-apNFWIfIAll3YiNw33XCuMdHp67hjWX515lUp-BthN5ZwiEYON/s1600/large+kid+writing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Display work completed earlier in the year so students can see how much they have grown as a writer. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN_snGGQZ92rwLemQkcQ4zJ2M8IDDv5IEG1QwCpD-f6QGAliN626RmXjyt3jRfW9fmhm01HWFNFzb7tjR2FNKn1Oxi-apNFWIfIAll3YiNw33XCuMdHp67hjWX515lUp-BthN5ZwiEYON/s1600/large+kid+writing.png" title="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Display work completed earlier in the year so students can see how much they have grown as a writer. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " /></a></div>
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This is the result: Students who were not writing at all in the fall are now writing several sentences. Students who wrote a sentence or two are now filling the page. Students are using conventions and adding detail and thinking about what they want to say. It is so wonderful to see. I make a big deal out of it by creating these "before and after" style displays and sharing them with families.<br />
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If you are looking for a way to motivate your students as the year is drawing to a close then give this a try. You can grab my Goal Setting bookmark for <b>FREE</b> by clicking on the picture below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/p/freebies.html"><img alt="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="940" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqo4Dj3Aw_zbAdDj4g2dAYXqKydef5nA2N0jh527cDEr8SisPxHcSByNhyphenhyphenpo7NmRhCgO0wsYN_19oFPv0fv68kjsbL9wNx_w_BBdh8Yp0uUy0rsn85PNFhI3nLSGQfpwqWrohBOsVuGi0/s640/writing+bookmarks+.jpg" title="Help your students set goals during writing. Work together to establish goals based on their own writing and then use this bookmark to help students keep track of their goals. Grab a free writing goal setting bookmark to use with your students. " width="640" /></a></div>
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Until next time!<br />
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-52393950788812833072018-01-02T21:13:00.003-05:002018-09-27T20:01:30.030-04:00Teach about Healthy Eating with the Health Heroes!Teaching your students about eating healthy food is super important. It is also crucial to make the learning fun and relatable. I haven't taught my health curriculum for several years (it was part of my planning time coverage), so when I started, I knew I needed something low prep and fun. This is how the Health Heroes were born!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVFcalg3ZVgwbrM0kqAsxwM0IThSdgc2n3RZ38jRGzLKtIK1D0KB6vSs7rSfvuAuHnTSFrHJNSXnboQkFK-5Qy3L3w2-o8K8Yjy5TG6cnPZJ2pa6ZeLZuRxxYSTB2NfYOJZAaQAdnpmH0/s1600/health+heroes+graphic+for+blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teach your healthy eating curriculum using the Health Heroes. Your students will learn all about proper nutrition, food groups, healthy and unhealthy foods and finally plan a healthy meal. " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVFcalg3ZVgwbrM0kqAsxwM0IThSdgc2n3RZ38jRGzLKtIK1D0KB6vSs7rSfvuAuHnTSFrHJNSXnboQkFK-5Qy3L3w2-o8K8Yjy5TG6cnPZJ2pa6ZeLZuRxxYSTB2NfYOJZAaQAdnpmH0/s640/health+heroes+graphic+for+blog.png" title="Teach your healthy eating curriculum using the Health Heroes. Your students will learn all about proper nutrition, food groups, healthy and unhealthy foods and finally plan a healthy meal. " width="640" /></a></div>
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The <b>Health Heroes are a boy and girl superhero</b> who will help you engage your students while learning about maintaining a healthy body and eating healthy. We start out by talking about ways we can be healthy. My students have lots of ideas - some that are true and some that are not. I find this the best way to start any unit, so you know where the learning has to begin.<br />
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Like most teachers, I love picture books and use them to launch most units and lessons. This is a collection of some of the titles I have used in the past. Our school has a series of books about the food groups that I like to keep on hand. The Grains book in the image is an example of the kind of non-fiction book I am talking about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17Yr_W5eah_PhI5k5BOx_AUWUMBNxW8RAJ4aRsENIDtNZHyfwyMyBRw4V1D8DY4C4veCpsIliXahHGuKsnJ8G3vxSDNSrp4TIW6E1rfUqTBdvQcyTFCP_ABzWtfeOLZerDrll1durWQS7/s1600/books+to+teach+healthy+eating.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use this collection of picture books to launch or supplement your unit on Healthy eating. " border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17Yr_W5eah_PhI5k5BOx_AUWUMBNxW8RAJ4aRsENIDtNZHyfwyMyBRw4V1D8DY4C4veCpsIliXahHGuKsnJ8G3vxSDNSrp4TIW6E1rfUqTBdvQcyTFCP_ABzWtfeOLZerDrll1durWQS7/s640/books+to+teach+healthy+eating.png" title="Use this collection of picture books to launch or supplement your unit on Healthy eating. " width="640" /></a></div>
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I especially love Gregory, the Terrible Eater and The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food. They are fun books, and the kids can really relate to them.<br />
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There are several videos that I have used as part of my healthy eating unit that are great to check out as well. This first one is part of a series called created by the Eat Happy Project. There are videos for all of the food groups.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mMHVEFWNLMc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mMHVEFWNLMc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Crash Course Kids is another great resource for all things Science and Health.<br />
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We start into exploring healthy eating by playing with and sorting play food. The students sorted the foods in some really interesting ways - when you eat the food, where the food comes from, and by food colour. With prompts, they were finally able to sort by food group groups.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/HAIPHealthHeroes"><img alt="Teach your healthy eating curriculum using the Health Heroes. Your students will learn all about proper nutrition, food groups, healthy and unhealthy foods and finally plan a healthy meal. " border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t9u3tTUvie7_IrQl82W-3kOV6AprXceuOIwVoDBFHWmfgD9-eYifFUswSK3dDNC6iRGN3zjwMYgdsL3_lqm9eaMb92auV_pUBIE_0LkDpRst0j28kc8CiDt9MYPpxnFVWJMw54LnQEnk/s1600/mingle+with+food+group+cards1.png" title="Teach your healthy eating curriculum using the Health Heroes. Your students will learn all about proper nutrition, food groups, healthy and unhealthy foods and finally plan a healthy meal. " /></a></div>
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We used the food cards included in the Health Heroes resource to play lots of different games. This one is Mingle. They had to find people with food in the same food group as them.<br />
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We did a lot of independent practice to show what we knew about our learning about healthy eating. We sorted food, wrote about food that was a sometimes food and created our own food group posters. In true first grade fashion, one of the daily highlights was to see if the activity page had a boy or girl health hero #itsthelittlethings.<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/HAIPHealthHeroes"><img alt="Teach your healthy eating curriculum using the Health Heroes. This full unit has lessons and an assessment task to ensure your students will learn all about proper nutrition, food groups, healthy and unhealthy foods and finally plan a healthy meal. " border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1600" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU_fvbBxUtWFCBPPvglMu3RFjsLbVtOjyTVMOuEMW10v-yZl8OuetyYfIItRk8MOFqVUINXnoutArrE696i2_WTp5-AsaoAdOZKvWIyNRmGXHrV9L-4BgzzZqJ4_BC0CdpyPctbGLnClp/s640/2+health+hero+worksheets+more.png" title="Teach your healthy eating curriculum using the Health Heroes. This full unit has lessons and an assessment task to ensure your students will learn all about proper nutrition, food groups, healthy and unhealthy foods and finally plan a healthy meal. " width="640" /></a></div>
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Just before our culminating activity for the unit, I wanted to see if the students could put into practice what we had learned about the food groups and sometimes foods. We gathered on the carpet and sorted our lunches. It is an eye-opening experience to have them actually look at what they have in their lunch and compare it to what they know they should be eating. You could see the wheels turning for some of the kids.<br />
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To wrap up the unit my students picked a meal they wanted to plan and then used grocery store flyers to find the food and show their meal. I also included pictures of food in the resource that they could use as well. I assessed their finished product with the rubric I created as part of the unit.<br />
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If you are looking for a fun and low prep way to teach Healthy Eating in 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade check out the line of Health Heroes units.<br />
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I hope you got some inspiration for your healthy eating unit!<br />
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Pin this post so that you can return to it when you are ready to teach your Healthy Eating unit.<br />
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Until next time!<br />
<br />Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-16524981061464038082017-11-24T23:58:00.002-05:002021-11-25T22:28:36.542-05:00How to get your Students Excited about Writing in December<div style="text-align: left;">
The holidays are just around the corner, and your classroom is probably becoming a hectic place. How would you like to simplify your writing instruction while at the same time noticing your kid's interest in writing growing? I will show you how I have done this the past few years and how much it has helped even my most reluctant writers soar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h4TRJoLB5gaiBt460M_AKQEjUtyXYjOudC8hBiYlrdUYAcxZKU8C7AQhjeWjEAuTUuAUdEx8S_Bcm75EEtO5bl5yyT-OSBQABSh6JZgWFx7ZCvAHZItVF6KnMnVaxNhqiWTu1QolzqOl/s1600/LTNP+header+image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8h4TRJoLB5gaiBt460M_AKQEjUtyXYjOudC8hBiYlrdUYAcxZKU8C7AQhjeWjEAuTUuAUdEx8S_Bcm75EEtO5bl5yyT-OSBQABSh6JZgWFx7ZCvAHZItVF6KnMnVaxNhqiWTu1QolzqOl/s640/LTNP+header+image.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I live and work in a community where the main holiday celebration this time of year is Christmas. For many years I have had a classful of children who celebrate Christmas, and all they can think about is Santa and the holidays and all the magic that is a part of this time of the year. I really wanted to capitalize on that, so I created Letters to the North Pole.<br />
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<b>The best way to get kids to write is to give them real reasons to write! </b></h3>
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My students write to Santa every year, and a class of Grade 8 students respond to their letters. Writing a letter to Santa is the most authentic writing task you can give a child this time of year, and that authenticity is the buy-in. Students write best when they have a real reason to write. All of the conventions we have been working away at (with varying levels of success) come to the forefront. Now my students really understand why they need to have finger spaces and the importance of using the word wall. What if Santa can't read their letter?!<br />
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<b>They finally start to use conventions because they KNOW they need to! </b></h4>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Letter-Writing-Center-More-than-Letters-to-Santa-1588981?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=LTNP%20anchor%20chart"><img alt="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="550" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVkjLtLl7-edpNE2xqnmWkK_U6TZmIL6VXfVLZDqfFoJ04EcOKezD7kaqYOJcO21oSvn5Xy5kEoXJ1FrZwrbyJYXEEO5GgGDUkdtp2Emo7LC3FOOziNC5evIPWk1vJOzhUQ0bv9dZnjCb/s640/LTNP+anchor+chart.png" title="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." width="640" /></a></div>
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To start, I work through a lesson and introduce the Anchor chart with our success criteria for writing. We look at the samples and build an anchor chart showing the parts each letter should include. Providing this structure definitely helps students to be more successful.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Letter-Writing-Center-More-than-Letters-to-Santa-1588981?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=LTNP%20sample%20letters"><img alt="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA834DAVDRsRcqx8REDRCyJeVp6yCPVlprYfce2nCS9_fzzk3bgvKZOyeMYOZx4jnC8VPTp7GgP8sbwUR24CMKCi7AfL3zyilq1PVrkOQdt5_WNNcaXvs_RuUusRYN4rpLFApzbkQFOch/s640/LTNP+sample+letters.png" title="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="text-align: left;"><b>However, their all-time favourite part is using candy canes as their holiday "spacemen."</b> </span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Letter-Writing-Center-More-than-Letters-to-Santa-1588981?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=LTNP%20writing%20letters"><img alt="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="550" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkGKWi19PCyBVUfmNMl7vYWYWtQ66b3Mr28YeeCGD2FYUgiJ7sn4bLuWr-CMVBB79pRd2zrvwmH6Z1ep9Nixu2QpNwqUuabOiNxSISbe81RARpIh104Dp0TotmZ-5crzf4EvPDAxHCE5h/s640/candy+cane+spaceman1.png" title="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>You might be wondering... How is this going to keep my kids writing all of December?</b> </h4>
<b>Well, Santa isn't the only one who lives at the North Pole!</b> There is Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, the other reindeer and the Elves. Once they realize they can write to everyone, you should see their eyes light up. The Writing Center is the place to be! I have a specific writing paper for each of these people/animals.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Letter-Writing-Center-More-than-Letters-to-Santa-1588981?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=LTNP%20word%20cards"><img alt="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWcY4-hIOuYyrg7jWt_4GQIp3zeOxy84yVYUbROPtGzvD-pF_7WRUDM0YjcXjTzvghJCo6tiaRrnLGZq_BQzG5mgDIeCurEXMLITx2gyk4Nhl9kf4puxBM52aTllPaTEKbzgw9-6xVuKK/s640/LTNP+word+cards.png" title="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UuNo32yuET2AOfM6tBI2xwOIjXaiKWTzFWZvqlLMnziqW9ebGqUZe-vyPTRPOAQPw4f1UlO-BlhsKPn-i-Ilm89g2yzwpBl13pBEz9xB_QinFMyQPX5UQ9bzvBOQHkmMheRueFD0uPUx/s1600/LTNP+storage1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="550" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UuNo32yuET2AOfM6tBI2xwOIjXaiKWTzFWZvqlLMnziqW9ebGqUZe-vyPTRPOAQPw4f1UlO-BlhsKPn-i-Ilm89g2yzwpBl13pBEz9xB_QinFMyQPX5UQ9bzvBOQHkmMheRueFD0uPUx/s640/LTNP+storage1.png" title="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>What do you do with all these letters? </b></h4>
We have an Elf on the Shelf in our classroom. The students write letters to him too. He is also our delivery elf. Each evening he checks the mailbox at the writing center and takes the letters to the North Pole. When the kids return to school the next day and see their letters are gone, they are super excited to know they were delivered to the North Pole.<br />
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<b>Do I need to respond to ALL.THE.LETTERS? </b></h4>
Nope, I don't have time to respond to all the letters that get "mailed," and believe me, there are many. I take time to answer several every week, and those letters magically appear on the writer's desks. I am sure you can imagine what happens next. You guessed it, more interest in the Writing Center and more writing happening.<br />
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<b>How do I know this is going to make a difference for my reluctant writers? </b></h4>
<b>I know it does.</b> Every year I have students who either don't write more than a few words or have writing that lacks conventions. Once I introduce our Santa letters and the Writing Center, I slowly see these reluctant students blossom. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>They WANT to write, and they WANT their writing to be understood, so they TRY to use conventions and include the details that have been lacking. </b> Often all these students need is the confidence and desire to write. <b>Every year it happens for a few of my students, and I feel strongly that it will work for your students too. </b><br /><br /><br />If you are interested in trying this resource, you can find it by clicking on the cover image below.<br /> <b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Writing-Letter-Writing-Center-1588981?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=product%20cover%20in%20LTNP%20blog%20post" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiernD64Hs0MWAmCaxYkCLb2pwWNCJQ82PoE__Mr_zgcJfRPzJl7nw0BvdvK0yY646u3wWLVGmOhec7bQZRmic61lPvN1njuVnQ8HjrZhJPXdzOGwpg3MUbmtEmqQD1zg7ohORTJ5nSEMLJ/w320-h320/NEW+8X8+2021.png" title="Get your students excited about writing in December with a Letter writing center that is Much More than just Santa letters. It includes a detailed lesson to introduce letter writing, an anchor chart and pieces to create samples to refer to as well as writing paper. It is guaranteed to keep your students writing all of December." width="320" /></a></div></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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If you want to keep the letter-writing going after the holidays, be sure to check out my Thank You letters resource. Students plan and write a thank you letter to someone for a gift they received.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-Activities-Christmas-Thank-You-Letters-1623833?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=product%20cover%20in%20thank%20u%20letters%20in%20LTNP%20blog%20post" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Instill an attitude of gratitude in your students by teaching them how to plan and write a thank you letter for a Christmas gift they received. This unit has everything you need from graphic organizers to writing paper." border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJGb-6KyMLWpbO14HTPKzYsETqWVd2DIDmTuE0ZYfa_pYc5L3qYpLeXy_YtWHXiRlBXuxj2B4Ds1xfldpbK2EtqyTUSe8sUWIa4zHUdQJIsbeGULyinBaA2TkH6h5gt7T9J5HEy1TfOZk/w320-h320/thank+u+letters+2021+8x8.png" title="Instill an attitude of gratitude in your students by teaching them how to plan and write a thank you letter for a Christmas gift they received. This unit has everything you need from graphic organizers to writing paper." width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-87850595184864612882017-11-12T23:48:00.000-05:002020-02-09T20:29:37.617-05:00Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!<div style="text-align: left;">
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Have you heard about Morning Tubs? How you start the day often sets the tone for the rest of your day. I've changed my thinking in recent years and have begun to embrace a more relaxed start to the day and have transitioned to using Morning Tubs in my first-grade classroom. It's definitely made the start of the day more joyful for my students and me!<br />
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<b>Read on to find out what the beginning of the day looks like with my first graders and how it got them excited about learning.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjqWebhritVAUQ_fVU_5mtgyXfY1ekLFmaMcTCyA5tQv1hlfG2SVOH2qCpZqoi3r1_k0h3Ad4T2ywFC3ZG7gzBXpy2gTeaIIpeU8scgoXub0L1f7_-sZOnSp8F2FkWzJxDn0QguM9glQF/s1600/good+morning+basket+blog+image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Try out a soft start in your Primary classroom with Good Morning Baskets." border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjqWebhritVAUQ_fVU_5mtgyXfY1ekLFmaMcTCyA5tQv1hlfG2SVOH2qCpZqoi3r1_k0h3Ad4T2ywFC3ZG7gzBXpy2gTeaIIpeU8scgoXub0L1f7_-sZOnSp8F2FkWzJxDn0QguM9glQF/s640/good+morning+basket+blog+image.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" width="640" /></a></div>
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In my classroom, we are now starting most days with Morning Tubs.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>If you are feeling hesitant about using Morning Tubs to start your day, then start with this post first. I share 5 reasons why it's the best way to start the day for both your students and yourself.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2018/11/5-reasons-to-start-day-with-morning-tubs.html" target="_blank"><img alt="5 reasons why you should switch to morning tubs for the start of your day" border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7S7_4gyGj0XW-Xs2cdgVOkjmjBIPPg4pb_meTkoJ4wWeXaHxx-PS3ru8BvlMrYbyKaYT8ps4jefb7R_laPRxyHWNrq5LKGu2tqGwHQNIh9KJzIY5JuE5Qm3U-_oUtu8wHHyqukfLaeRL/s1600/5+reasons+to+use+morning+tubs+in+the+classroom.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" /></a></div>
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I have Morning Tubs filled with Math related activities. Many of these activities are totally open-ended, while some have specific tasks to complete. <b> I found my students were coming in with lots of energy and wanted to talk, talk, talk.</b> My morning work and journal time weren't working because my students just wanted to be social.<br />
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I had read about this way of starting the school day, and I admit I was skeptical. <b>I figured that it would lead to more unsettled kids, but I was totally surprised when the opposite happened.</b> They were excited to find out who their partner was and to get to work on an activity. There was still a buzz throughout the room, but most of my students were focused and chatting and working and playing with partners. I was sold.<br />
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I have been busy creating my own activities after scouring Pinterest for ideas. I love to create things that are low prep, meaning all I have to do is make a copy or two and put out the manipulative. Is this your jam, too? These are a few of our favourites.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-with-Dominoes-4128828?utm_source=HAIPBLOG%20JOYFUL%20MTT&utm_campaign=DOMINOS%20COLLAGE%20PIC" target="_blank"><img alt="Use dominoes as a fun way to practice math skills such as addition, number recognition, subitizing and odd/even numbers" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzLM-mJYlgrFsk8hMqgCTkcyZ4IGY7EpRSYKAO_5ElVi6xJxIa1aCvJjs4GLZsKu1RGDYmNfQvnttr4x6_SxZ4vvhPce3iDUYAx98-8ShFqkEGKAOiFoT2M8ReJSqDn2dnjGayq4kon2k/s640/domino+collage.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" width="640" /></a></div>
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I put together 9 activities to use with dominoes. My students had a blast using them. You can take a closer look at them by clicking the image or by clicking here <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Tubs-with-Dominoes-4128828" target="_blank"><b>{HERE} </b></a><br />
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My students LOVE pattern blocks! They are the all-time favourite math manipulative in my classroom. Creating elaborate designs is their favourite activity but sometimes I like them to be a bit more directed. This is one of the sets that I put out for them to explore. <b>You can download it yourself and try it out for FREE.</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/m8s9h3" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="600" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlab-HMRhfocIU5-4XNypyZN32jChJSTr5GiNld0hGLN1yrzp-kK5JCqCA0VuAQ61TXuyK6JIRuvJcZVdf27Cg-gkHxMbGH9e-nC5gNGqx22AguSwIG8RbQltTqYJIkfirEedSCn6rf3kA/s640/new+mtt+funnel+freebie+image+in+blog+posts.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are a few ideas I have found while browsing Pinterest. I hope there is some inspiration here for you, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8gO-7UdalPkr_7fHnXlIUNNj6iVvGCr8FNQ0KWTgr8z1GqUciMkbcCCAK14bkZEMmthdGGr8rufHJIOjGTwZ8ZfIhMEt84_NJIIC4xLWvhbnHNlsEJQB3j-ONt4NPk2otimzZ5M4MMW7/s1600/pair+1.png"><img alt="Use maniputives to start your day." border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="550" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8gO-7UdalPkr_7fHnXlIUNNj6iVvGCr8FNQ0KWTgr8z1GqUciMkbcCCAK14bkZEMmthdGGr8rufHJIOjGTwZ8ZfIhMEt84_NJIIC4xLWvhbnHNlsEJQB3j-ONt4NPk2otimzZ5M4MMW7/s640/pair+1.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Use pattern blocks for a variety of things. I have these cards from a set purchased ages ago, but your students will love building their own designs too. Using plastic tweezers to pick up pom-poms to cover letters is excellent fine motor practice and suitable for letter recognition and counting also.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAnqFYoyIZ4daUqwkrjGvwLesqVuynbW9zcgxHEmlPbUfPymyx-vLr0CMRl1nPq_RLIHMFIm8f4uEDxkTuv-YLy7S6fUhizT379tIrru5uoPMC5DDK_yDQF5UmYy1KEl3C86Ym6Spk9t1/s1600/pair+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use math manipulatives for literacy skills such as building letters" border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="550" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAnqFYoyIZ4daUqwkrjGvwLesqVuynbW9zcgxHEmlPbUfPymyx-vLr0CMRl1nPq_RLIHMFIm8f4uEDxkTuv-YLy7S6fUhizT379tIrru5uoPMC5DDK_yDQF5UmYy1KEl3C86Ym6Spk9t1/s640/pair+2.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Building letters of the alphabet with snap cubes and pattern blocks. This helps with manual dexterity and for copying a model. Using the pattern blocks just as they are modelled is useful for developing spatial awareness too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDQJjHiw6g_ue9p1ZEPM74AsKytxyNt5bG-ft4g5rfhch_VqLk1dnMxOtyLpAgbMPrepL0WMcgwKdfd9WEa66E0jl0JJBqx_8PbTo0mUGGHS6QFlRzD7oqVA4uj4iXb_3iDY_VjdKa6uP/s1600/pair+3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Word building with lego or playdoh and stamps is a great morning tub activity that requires not paper" border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="550" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDQJjHiw6g_ue9p1ZEPM74AsKytxyNt5bG-ft4g5rfhch_VqLk1dnMxOtyLpAgbMPrepL0WMcgwKdfd9WEa66E0jl0JJBqx_8PbTo0mUGGHS6QFlRzD7oqVA4uj4iXb_3iDY_VjdKa6uP/s640/pair+3.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" width="640" /></a></div>
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Playing with Lego is fun, so adding letters to the blocks adds an educational twist. I have lots of stamp sets but do not like stamp pads at all (too messy!). I started having students stamp in play-doh. We usually use a placemat to work on, so it doesn't stick to the table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79jt3uV8f09kzAdjUirBDkxjjAMMBJkYhlMyT-i7L_rL3gNN6vWOKtHchwfNlZ5x3npGeptxE7tyblKzoCLLVlPHF-yMuENx9ZK3GDBDRjEw8tvTFgazAJl0MfeahyphenhyphenqET5ZWyjCRfpPAZ/s1600/popsicle+stick+patterns.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Use these free patterning cards and your students can make patterns with any material." border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="549" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79jt3uV8f09kzAdjUirBDkxjjAMMBJkYhlMyT-i7L_rL3gNN6vWOKtHchwfNlZ5x3npGeptxE7tyblKzoCLLVlPHF-yMuENx9ZK3GDBDRjEw8tvTFgazAJl0MfeahyphenhyphenqET5ZWyjCRfpPAZ/s400/popsicle+stick+patterns.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" width="300" /></a></div>
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My students love to pattern with everything. I added these simple pattern cards to a few bins of materials, and they do the rest.<br />
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<a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/m5c0w3" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="599" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-PzNjqqiGHxtoMtnCmWUyGVU0AOvx-lW4YeLql_6kUYz6HSCLl3Q2USv4WkivPCmLFFCv5E-BMBzKVz4SMYXHd4cDLzZo11Pe2qUxr8VO46lS7xDZcEQkj-ZNBYYsUb9MxvDe7I4_Nvf/s640/CONTENT+UPGRADE+PATTERNING+CENTERS+POST.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9T23x3davu4lsDq4sGa8HUzsrVPx0wS78r3ajsQm9sZfzaCAU84M8b_xR07TB9M2jclA2jqpG1WdvpyOUbvaSrgnp-hjLGkCJ74eLgTHe0NyuslvMi2tD8brxzWs1iIcRAZTXyKpAU9Z/s1600/pair+4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="You can use many materials for patterning. Get creative and see what materials you have to use." border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="550" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9T23x3davu4lsDq4sGa8HUzsrVPx0wS78r3ajsQm9sZfzaCAU84M8b_xR07TB9M2jclA2jqpG1WdvpyOUbvaSrgnp-hjLGkCJ74eLgTHe0NyuslvMi2tD8brxzWs1iIcRAZTXyKpAU9Z/s640/pair+4.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" width="640" /></a></div>
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We start our year with a patterning unit, so adding things to make patterns with the Good Morning Baskets is always a big hit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_XfRCv9864rylJAJYQcvGzkmKSUHehxvM0T4aGSqIv0d-ErqcF1C6K6mCayfRnjOKva8jB2QyUYC7SssbztiNg18BEKgOzB1i735VDQ23m7hyphenhyphenH2a3Nxg6vbCTsJeF5R3jyY0oIs0tjBX/s1600/playdoh+patterns.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Play doh is always a hit for morning tubs" border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_XfRCv9864rylJAJYQcvGzkmKSUHehxvM0T4aGSqIv0d-ErqcF1C6K6mCayfRnjOKva8jB2QyUYC7SssbztiNg18BEKgOzB1i735VDQ23m7hyphenhyphenH2a3Nxg6vbCTsJeF5R3jyY0oIs0tjBX/s1600/playdoh+patterns.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlxDzoFB1CQfJ5x4UGP8ZDyd2dtBsXfCMwaQnar_AzL4WnAv2Sf1pf05G6xdN9D6VS40_A5JLecWLfX8i0QjuMHebz9oXj3w3PkxQqiBN-hRIT9XGd5KdAPKf-Dt8b9qKGSLLJOnUL9gu/s1600/cuisinaire.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cuisinaire rods are great for inspiring building activities" border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlxDzoFB1CQfJ5x4UGP8ZDyd2dtBsXfCMwaQnar_AzL4WnAv2Sf1pf05G6xdN9D6VS40_A5JLecWLfX8i0QjuMHebz9oXj3w3PkxQqiBN-hRIT9XGd5KdAPKf-Dt8b9qKGSLLJOnUL9gu/s1600/cuisinaire.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" /></a></div>
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Building pictures with Cuisenaire blocks and patterning with play-doh are super simple activities to add to your Good Morning baskets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWnExtJ0bJUxaL5hJHqG_SPwVdcz05Q86exBluOoRrX-3KGrZ3HEI64kzMLUU3qQ10tXKKB60sdwjCdQHOs8ovhpkD8XT8YouODwgYJBUtJmKa-r2D84Zv5qn2nTtcKRoERTvtDkBPYyX/s1600/tiles+with+numbers+on+board.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="100 charts and tiles make an instant morning tub activity" border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWnExtJ0bJUxaL5hJHqG_SPwVdcz05Q86exBluOoRrX-3KGrZ3HEI64kzMLUU3qQ10tXKKB60sdwjCdQHOs8ovhpkD8XT8YouODwgYJBUtJmKa-r2D84Zv5qn2nTtcKRoERTvtDkBPYyX/s1600/tiles+with+numbers+on+board.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" /></a></div>
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I wrote the numbers to 100 on a set of plastic tiles that I had. By happenstance, they fit perfectly on this set of 100 charts I already had. Instant morning center. They love matching up the numbers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlTS3KN2EdOZmvQroqZNuVmN7UuiP473v7VXn0C_jjf1FFNfuj8vXSEOwHF9vdlgSbv2nrxXdrzS6UrupC5daVtU5gyhDSbvaFlA3szAUlhOX5m70vHiHW7P4sgSx-ZnZe-nP0O1pQflL/s1600/short+vowel+cases+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="create word building boxes with magnets and magnetic tape." border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlTS3KN2EdOZmvQroqZNuVmN7UuiP473v7VXn0C_jjf1FFNfuj8vXSEOwHF9vdlgSbv2nrxXdrzS6UrupC5daVtU5gyhDSbvaFlA3szAUlhOX5m70vHiHW7P4sgSx-ZnZe-nP0O1pQflL/s1600/short+vowel+cases+2.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" /></a></div>
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These word building kits are a hit with my girls, especially. I hot glued the magnet strip into the case and added a sticker to the bottom (it is barely visible in the picture), so I knew what letters were supposed to be in the case. Sometimes they grab some paper from the writing center and make a list of the words they built.<br />
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<b>You can get both the labels I use and the label for the Word Building cases by dropping your name and email below.</b><br />
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How I structure this time</h3>
Our Good Morning basket time lasts about 20 - 25 minutes. It gives my stragglers time to get organized for the day. Often those students end up missing out on this time, but it is better this than my literacy lessons.<br />
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I use this time to quickly look through agendas and then I usually circulate and chat with kids as they are working and gauge the mood of some of my students who sometimes have a difficult start to the day. This time is so valuable.<br />
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<b>If you want more details on exactly HOW the day/week looks with Morning Tubs, then check out this post for all those answers!</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2019/08/how-to-get-started-with-morning-tubs-ultimate-guide.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgY1ogJqHelmxVG_XVY-W3n2R4CaVcx6_oDYYwAFVtG4nWkh2rTuvyV2t0Xk1-NReKo_Vj0_1xZg1W-o0KM3vPJJmKzNN-MMkBaXJS49-GTQcc98ilwi7Qkr3vaHRhkPigsVOpl55IVIb/s1600/how+to+get+started+with+morning+tubs+blog+post.png" /></a></div>
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Pin this image so you can return to this post when you need inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR5ixO_-0znZEXfARxWDSny_IPBeHNZI0kHmeQDN2EXbXzBwhqX9KkJOqAzUzPP5dZSltbmz_HgZcYCtHKvdjPZAvEysK_QK9FmqkRBZZWa3E3vJenWvVJG_8UA_YtmnNxSQdHdi6o36x/s1600/joyful+start+morning+tubs+pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Find lots of inspiration for morning tubs that encourage review of many math skills like patterning, 2D geometry, money, base 10 and more!" border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="350" data-pin-description="Ditch the worksheets and give morning tubs a try. This post shares 12 ideas that give students a fun way to work on math and literacy skills as well as fine motor skills and spatial awareness. It is a social way to begin the day that really calms my class and sets the tone for the day. #morningwork #gradeone #centerideas #literacycenters #mathcenters #morning tubs" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR5ixO_-0znZEXfARxWDSny_IPBeHNZI0kHmeQDN2EXbXzBwhqX9KkJOqAzUzPP5dZSltbmz_HgZcYCtHKvdjPZAvEysK_QK9FmqkRBZZWa3E3vJenWvVJG_8UA_YtmnNxSQdHdi6o36x/s1600/joyful+start+morning+tubs+pin.png" title="Want the Most Joyful Start to Every School Day? Try Morning Tubs!" /></a></div>
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I have included resources I have found on other sites. Check out my Pinterest board to find those links.<br />
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<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.ca/hermerc/good-morning-basket-ideas/?eq=good%2520morning&etslf=6638"></a></div>
Until next time,<br />
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<img border="0" height="68" nopin="nopin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gUBZ8kOPGlqhpjCpiUtKefWOUuFPDcUo10msyN25H0BCyTaSGucZF2_KQdpSjxnq1OmLAEsNLgiyclH6IzeHMl_oXLueU_dmq8B2nH7S0uzon90CHuxCpXTGpcZpWWA7wDukssBIiG_q/s200/signature.png" width="200" />
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-11910823313068183712017-08-22T11:31:00.002-04:002020-05-21T11:01:09.423-04:00How to Teach Word Families in a Few EASY Steps<br />
In my opinion, word walls are a must in a primary classroom BUT only if you teach kids how to use it. Word families are an important part of the word wall as well. Teaching kids to read and spell words by learning patterns helps with retention and improves reading. How do you get this information to stick? Read on to see how I teach word families in a way that kids remember them and refer to them in the classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEiGHxGniNKTsBHrDBu3Njwz7UpmzgHqByMvykBWgdmD0x_eUEyViye7edygpwr0Z1uZzJ83c_plU4LwuOaq1NT4hF26tv9qODmwO8577Aga6d8wjg17bkD8TCRt9IZGMNui8w5QIznYM/s1600/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252831%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Learn how to teach word family words so that they stick - kids will learn to read and spell word families words if they are engaged in the process of building charts to use as anchor posters in the classroom." border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEiGHxGniNKTsBHrDBu3Njwz7UpmzgHqByMvykBWgdmD0x_eUEyViye7edygpwr0Z1uZzJ83c_plU4LwuOaq1NT4hF26tv9qODmwO8577Aga6d8wjg17bkD8TCRt9IZGMNui8w5QIznYM/s640/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252831%2529.png" title="How to Teach Word Families in a Few EASY Steps" width="640" /></a></div>
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In previous posts, I have shared about how I get started with a word wall at the start of the school year and how I teach difficult to read and spell rule breaker words. In my last post, I shared some daily routines to do with your word wall to make the words stick and get your students invested in using the word wall.<br />
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You can find Part 1 here: <a href="http://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2014/08/how-to-set-up-word-wall-that-students.html">Getting Started with a Word Wall.</a><br />
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You can find Part 2 here: <a href="http://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2014/10/word-work-block-in-grade-one-part-1.html">Teaching Rule Breaker Words Using a Word Wall</a><br />
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You can find Part 3 here: <a href="http://www.hangingaroundinprimary.com/2014/11/how-to-set-up-word-wall-that-your.html">Simple Ways to Practice Word Wall Words Daily</a><br />
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Monday is always the day I introduce all of the new words for the week (usually 5). Tuesday is usually the day of the week we work with our new word family for the week. We use that time to build a pocket chart with our word family together and then create an anchor poster that will stay up in the classroom.<br />
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When we are building the words in the pocket chart I add a kinesthetic component. Students hold their hands up, facing out and make a fist. When we say the initial sound or sounds they push the right hand out and then the left hand for the word family. When we blend together the onset and rime we push our fists together. I find getting them moving while we do this increases engagement.<br />
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After we complete the pocket chart we create a poster that stays up as a reminder of our word building for that word family. Students come up and write a word in the word family on the poster and the posters are displayed close to the word wall and are used as a reference for students.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Word-Family-Posters-2746392?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=word%20family%20post%20pic%20with%20directions"><img alt="Use a pocket chart to build each word family and the transfer the info to a word family poster to keep up in the classroom for reference" border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJPEeXw4uLSs13vi2I-mgUrpKJ2QC1O0d77m_CdncO_VF8nFeVewscedEXhqsf-uYJ6C2lMn3_9g2koEKs6NF4yOimceBwoGIz-8OupegBU4_q3Tmly9MAiGryF3ieATIHzudrec6tAyK/s640/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252816%2529.png" title="How to Teach Word Families in a Few EASY Steps" width="640" /></a></div>
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I start the year with short vowel word families and then move to long vowel word families. I do not teach every.single.one. Instead, I choose word families that are most common and we spend our time on those.<br />
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So for instance, when I have finished focusing on all the Short A word families we have a wrap-up activity to highlight the spelling patterns we did not cover. We do a partner write activity. I place all the remaining blank word family posters around the room and we do a SCOOT activity to add words to them with students working in pairs to add one new word family word to each poster.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Word-Family-Posters-2746392?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=word%20family%20posters%20with%20kids"><img alt="Use the laminated word family posters and fill in word families with a partner or on your own as part of a literacy center" border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="600" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsEAdJPiUAii4Oe-YEyCNaJo1eifEwPET4fpwx8XxigDMtPIL1JrwWt5AE1RvUEM5Gl0B7NajLXPrm1GNGwT3qwwHX_rwlha1tfsgoyspaM8Ik01Xjx1VWqonLqHySYKCBGr7mKqze0gb/s640/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252815%2529.png" title="How to Teach Word Families in a Few EASY Steps" width="640" /></a></div>
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You should notice that at every single stage of my word family instruction the students are involved in the process. Most everything that is placed on the walls in my classroom is created with students or by students. The only way to get kids invested in using the resources in the classroom is to involve them in creating them or explicitly teaching them how to use them.<br />
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Are you looking for a digital version of this to use with your students? It is now available in a Google Slides version<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Distance-Learning-Short-Vowels-Word-Family-Posters-for-Google-Slides-5568236?utm_source=HAIPBLOG&utm_campaign=WORD%20FAMILY%20GOOGLE%20SLIDES%20" target="_blank">Short Vowel Word Family Google Slides</a></h3>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3VeKywHIhkk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3VeKywHIhkk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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If you are interested in the posters you can find two different versions here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Word-Family-Posters-2746392" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-_PNYd8FYHKZ1N9ge2sosh6J5bkPejxlm_RJTCnK1uci-pnV9LjNEy9IpLu-EF3yVIEGrdEiP6d-rMXjJNTHa6NmIsNuLWYramGBWJdaI9NMil5sW0nngKbukwLtf6GE8Xo7GNlJ11EV/s200/short+vowel+word+families+8x8+.png" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-Vowel-Word-Family-Picture-Posters-2746276" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="756" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguU7VvZEjiUfwc6calpFwWMfCcQ45rbeVY0dfgRVR5GJfdVhcG6K1oke3SpYg8Z6WFp-3aA0CcZWZ9zo1mCU24jnwduJNUYyO9jG4jzDl6AqjA1I40PsK4g2wSvB-kFzv-ac2tpW4aWTu_/s200/pics+short+vowel+word+families+8x8+.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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My word family instruction continues during my Daily 5 instruction during word work. While I am focusing on Short A in my word family instruction I am also providing centers to practice spelling, reading, recognizing and building Short A words. These centers are very popular with my kids.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Short-A-Literacy-Centers-2723252?utm_source=HAIP%20BLOG&utm_campaign=SHORT%20A%20COLLAGE%20IN%20WF%20POST"><img alt="Use short vowel literacy centers that cover many of the short vowel word families to provide independent practice during literacy center time." border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="981" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaj7QjPKQL2wcyCYZDghAU734d3SaWjX8jOqeK3q5Z-o7pkK0XXdEPHSA-RM4FDGN2ZFzrKHEOs0Uxaw8of8yyIZqerAGNBJfKCrCNBIA_Vcs910bz_RIbFfy9WyKgQ2rHQB0Ef99EbuCJ/s400/short+vowels+watermarked.png" title="How to Teach Word Families in a Few EASY Steps" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to pin it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eat3FoIdTGBZLfPX-T6EIbsv4QfYtZU6X4khel3hoF4mn-1n2gSxp97f5Q9zF9e06HpKeJB1pClJy-BuXhcc70aYuF0888G_5sSs91QEP6uJ-48QR9q-3VYUhhzwcGZh8ipY2ayN1Rv9/s1600/word+families+blog+post+pin1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teaching word families is a great way to empower young readers to see that they can read lots of words. Having students build the words in each of the word families makes it a more meaningful way to create anchor charts that they will continue to use. Click to read about different ways to engage kids in learning to read and spell word family words." border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eat3FoIdTGBZLfPX-T6EIbsv4QfYtZU6X4khel3hoF4mn-1n2gSxp97f5Q9zF9e06HpKeJB1pClJy-BuXhcc70aYuF0888G_5sSs91QEP6uJ-48QR9q-3VYUhhzwcGZh8ipY2ayN1Rv9/s640/word+families+blog+post+pin1.png" title="How to Teach Word Families in a Few EASY Steps" width="412" /></a></div>
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Until next time,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r7lKm55WLiAcuC2tYBcN9rLJUfgZW-z2XdkqBy_cjqP3MVLN8S3-rRoRpwyxe3e4c2p5-hzg-9X39ghh3Gg6ORCxdZ7fPHPzo1RnNRPmBYqRS1x2tKocUJOUGDe9_tN0LAGZwUEFheto/s1600/sIGNATURE.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="290" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r7lKm55WLiAcuC2tYBcN9rLJUfgZW-z2XdkqBy_cjqP3MVLN8S3-rRoRpwyxe3e4c2p5-hzg-9X39ghh3Gg6ORCxdZ7fPHPzo1RnNRPmBYqRS1x2tKocUJOUGDe9_tN0LAGZwUEFheto/s200/sIGNATURE.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-15574294908985709902017-08-20T08:00:00.000-04:002019-07-14T15:11:23.295-04:00Cheap Flexible Seating Ideas that Will Help You Get Started<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span class="s1" style="font-family: inherit;">Flexible Seating. You have probably heard about it or seen it while scrolling through Instagram and seeing all those beautiful alternative seating options. You are probably also thinking, "OMG, I can't afford THAT!", just like I was. Well, y</span>ou CAN start with flexible seating options in your classroom right away without a lot of money invested. I am sharing how you can get started and 5 cheap, flexible seating options that you can try.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVAH5ZrofprRsG6C1aoPYSStx4Ywmu_nctlRNQGV8-54iRO_z7pkfJAAUaL2SH564W4pPfKBXWUul6tlT6Uxw7Z5rm5mkUVsZK-b7oCYtUrKl3LWnCFQraXrGD-ul2dPySd9sa75BsueD/s1600/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252826%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Have you wanted to try flexible seating in your classroom but don't what to spend a fortune? This post will show you how to get started with flexible seating in your classroom using inexpensive items you may already have. It also provides helpful tips about management strategies and an anchor chart to get started." border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVAH5ZrofprRsG6C1aoPYSStx4Ywmu_nctlRNQGV8-54iRO_z7pkfJAAUaL2SH564W4pPfKBXWUul6tlT6Uxw7Z5rm5mkUVsZK-b7oCYtUrKl3LWnCFQraXrGD-ul2dPySd9sa75BsueD/s640/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252826%2529.png" title="How to start with flexible seating without spending a fortune" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a name='more'></a>Why Flexible Seating? Questions to Ask Yourself</span></h3>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First off, before you decide to try something like flexible seating, which seems to be one of the newest trends (fads) in education, you need to ask yourself 2 questions:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Is this something I would like to try because I think it is best for my students?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Is this something I think I should try because it is the next big thing and I should do it too? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: purple;">I did start flexible seating this past year</span></b> in my classroom, and I'm happy to say that I'm really pleased with the outcome. <span style="color: purple;"><b>I do need to preface this by saying I did not go to Walmart and buy scoop rockers or order yoga balls or wobble seats. I didn't go out and spend money on new furniture for my classroom.</b> <span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I was able to start flexible seating in my classroom with what I had (and what you most likely have, too) and a few small purchases.</span><br />
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Where do you start once you have Decided to Try Flexible Seating? </h3>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The first thing I did was determine where my kids were going to work.</b> When I think of flexible seating, I'm thinking about <b>different seating possibilities</b> within the classroom and not necessarily different kinds of seating.</span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a class, we talked about different places we could work in the classroom aside from our own desks. My students came up with spots like working on the carpet, working under their tables, standing up at their tables, laying on the floor, and using the clipboards to work any place in the classroom.</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">I have no plans to give up our desks/tables - I consider that our "home base" where everything is stored and has a home. Many of my kids prefer a desk and chair, and I have a large room so I can comfortably accommodate my desks and other options.</span> </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Setting Expectations for Flexible Seating</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next step was to create an anchor chart that we could refer to when starting out using different workspaces. This is the most crucial step in the whole process. <b>You need to establish very concrete expectations about what it looks like to work in various places in the classroom.</b> If your first graders are anything like mine, they will pick spots based on where their friends are sitting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxfGQpEmLldTVwbmEZRhHbyST2GFeuiOBfq1E83itAFVSeQWl_zp47LHXgedIcnuHQFTCNOLojUg95ARG4auXclmGueHMD33AAj5o3AXxaG9Nt0g6DqqdOtRfNx4P0Bl6LRhY4gszzZ_d/s1600/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252829%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Have you wanted to try flexible seating in your classroom but don't what to spend a fortune? This post will show you how to get started with flexible seating in your classroom using inexpensive items you may already have. It also provides helpful tips about management strategies and an anchor chart to get started." border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="981" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxfGQpEmLldTVwbmEZRhHbyST2GFeuiOBfq1E83itAFVSeQWl_zp47LHXgedIcnuHQFTCNOLojUg95ARG4auXclmGueHMD33AAj5o3AXxaG9Nt0g6DqqdOtRfNx4P0Bl6LRhY4gszzZ_d/s640/Webp.net-resizeimage+%252829%2529.png" title="Have you wanted to try flexible seating in your classroom but don't what to spend a fortune? This post will show you how to get started with flexible seating in your classroom using inexpensive items you may already have. It also provides helpful tips about management strategies and an anchor chart to get started." width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">Well, let me tell you the anchor chart works! We call our spots our <span style="color: purple;"><b>"Smart Spots."</b></span> Some of the benefits I have seen with flexible seating.</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">Students know what the expectations are and know that they will lose their smart spot if they are not making good choices. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">My students were staying on task a lot longer than before. I believe this is due to the power of choice. Let them pick where to work, and they will stay engaged longer. </span><span class="s1"> </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cheap Flexible Seating Options!</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjbJe2bdVP6CRJpcgnIXtqiOgHzRH0_1P0XigM_Gb_LV1PxMrqrEABIoXb8x-5JFKufmHIkBiGgztZf8-bFzYysr6GVEG6YCFJnTOxmuZN4CWlyrDmJUOT0fi-oFVYO-Aox8PEA7c5eVR/s1600/flex+seating+options+collage+resize.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjbJe2bdVP6CRJpcgnIXtqiOgHzRH0_1P0XigM_Gb_LV1PxMrqrEABIoXb8x-5JFKufmHIkBiGgztZf8-bFzYysr6GVEG6YCFJnTOxmuZN4CWlyrDmJUOT0fi-oFVYO-Aox8PEA7c5eVR/s1600/flex+seating+options+collage+resize.png" title="You can find lots of options for flexible seating at thrift stores, garage sales and dollar stores. Start there when you are just exploring this in your classroom. " /></a></div>
All of the items pictured were super cheap or free! Some of the pillows I already owned, and the others are from a thrift store. The foam tiles were leftovers from my own children's playroom. <b>As you have guessed, thrift stores are a great place to start! </b></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>It is important to remember: </b></span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Flexible seating is about the options you give your students rather than the furniture you provide.</b> </span></span></h4>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My students were happiest when they could lay on the carpet or sit on the bench by the coat hooks with a clipboard. </span></span><br />
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<b>What are your thoughts on flexible seating?</b> Love it? Haven't tried it? I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment below with your thoughts.<br />
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Take a moment to pin this post!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsKYW8xftu-PWS00EvSrU5VjA1xAb_Hf6O6Mf5_dQOkFdUq3vCzVOGlhlBkVrA6r989hRvENmLcg34sXfl4azYPXmjFbC2oDkDbnxaA0fpLmBh9_QY4Nr87NM3By2Y7vZfbbedQLPtK9y/s1600/flexible+seating+pin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Have you wanted to try flexible seating in your classroom but don't what to spend a fortune? This post will show you how to get started with flexible seating in your classroom using inexpensive items you may already have. It also provides helpful tips about management strategies and an anchor chart to get started." border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="639" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsKYW8xftu-PWS00EvSrU5VjA1xAb_Hf6O6Mf5_dQOkFdUq3vCzVOGlhlBkVrA6r989hRvENmLcg34sXfl4azYPXmjFbC2oDkDbnxaA0fpLmBh9_QY4Nr87NM3By2Y7vZfbbedQLPtK9y/s640/flexible+seating+pin.png" title="" width="393" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time, </span></span><br />
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Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4115547313923913451.post-36000799447790525322017-07-26T01:32:00.002-04:002018-09-27T20:03:43.646-04:003 Ways to Maximize Learning for Busy Kids<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">Getting kids moving helps them learn! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">If your students are like mine, it is best to keep them active so they can use up all the energy they seem to have in endless supply. I have so many kids that seem to be in perpetual motion. So rather than working against that. I have found a way to embrace it.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://hojosteachingadventures.com/2017/03/maximize-learning-for-busy-kids.html."><img alt="Get students up and moving to maximize learning. Let them move by having them read and write the room, use flexible seating options and brain breaks. " border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1545" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXNIPgj9ewwc-fGQjBcFoBSV-k6jCVT_tFSXSXvEh0dS3s2bniDAC15kAScTZCFK4q5mnSMJ0PzF_M1RE5mn6FSYNRr-iQWGTtGuabGJQMQ_SW3nEYkY4OJUiWCPcjR-no-8WQbUqY-jC/s640/max+learn+busy+kids+header.png" title="Get students up and moving to maximize learning. Let them move by having them read and write the room, use flexible seating options and brain breaks. " width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">Click the image above</span></b> to visit Hojo's Teaching Adventures Blog where I am guest blogging. You will find 3 strategies I use in my classroom to maximize learning while keeping my students active.<br />
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Until next time,Hanging Around In Primaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02728878459376495016noreply@blogger.com0