tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63635090205169104542024-03-06T12:02:11.652-08:00 Mrs. Holder's First GradeChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-64525447358042343562016-12-29T13:35:00.004-08:002016-12-29T13:35:42.388-08:00Time SLOW down....PLEASE!!!A new year is approaching. Holy smokes.....I can't even begin to understand how time moves so dang fast. I really want to slow it down because I have been so blessed with 14 sweet Littles this year.<br />
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I know...14! It is utterly crazy to think that I have such a low class size this year. Last year, I had 24 almost all year long. That's overload in my district in WA. I got paid a little more for that 1 extra kiddo, BUT the scars that the class left behind overshadowed the tiny bump in pay. So, with 14, I just want to savor the ability to meet with each kiddo and live a less stressful existence. <br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-31215496410869956472016-07-21T15:56:00.002-07:002016-07-21T15:56:45.898-07:00July, please slow down!<br />
I swear that summer just started. <br />
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I think I just said goodbye to my 1st Grade Littles like <strike>a month ago</strike> yesterday.<br />
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Big Brother just started. Big Brother is synonymous with summer break.<br />
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And now summer is beginning to feel like it's going to leave me broken hearted. It's almost over. I am one of the lucky ones that don't go back until the very end of August, but obligations are starting to over shadow my lazy days of sweet summer relaxation. This is me...100%<br />
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I am getting excited about my next year as a teacher though. Summer break is that magical time where the anxiety about last years challenges just seem to dissipate and dreams of hope come forth. I hear childbirth is like that. I know not of this so I can only assume that is why people have more than one child :)<br />
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Anywho, I love lounging in my pajamas and sitting in my recliner (named Bessie) and pinning awesome, amazing, too cool, ideas to try out/make/implement for the following year. Here are some of my favorites. You can click each pic to go to the spot I pinned it from. <br />
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1. <u>Homework Club:</u> Each student's class number is a member of the club at the beginning of every month. When homework is skipped, their number is removed. At the end of the month, those that are remaining participate in whatever reward was designated. Cool beans!<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BD_ir_0SXLf/" target="_blank"><img alt="I like the QR code idea for those that don't complete their work on time - less paperwork white still keeping students responsible: " border="0" class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/29/3e/01/293e01a9ef63314462d9c1cb7f2247ec.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. <u>Bottle cap letters:</u> I can think of so many ways to use these in my classroom. Building words, sound recognition, partnering kiddos up are just a few. <br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/e6/f4/b6e6f4d6a2cc859aa2f43b23f9886bf2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Bottle Cap Letters (w/stickers): " border="0" class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/b5/6b/87/b56b871b3797fe94d2743cc8aa3dbaf9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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3. <u>Paper plate border:</u> Holy cow this is cute. </div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/43/27/4c/43274c444c5a39e9ccef2931153c2210.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Small paper plates cut in half and then patterned colors for 3D effect.: " border="0" class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/43/27/4c/43274c444c5a39e9ccef2931153c2210.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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4. Kindness Bulletin Board: I think I might make one of these for the staff lounge....cause the reminder is unfortunately necessary.</div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1f/af/bd/1fafbd8de62806729e2dc5f3b024930e.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Confetti Bulletin Board. So cute! Could add student work on top of the confetti.: " border="0" class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/1f/af/bd/1fafbd8de62806729e2dc5f3b024930e.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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5. Scissor storage</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/192599321539540052/" target="_blank"><img alt="Found scissors on clearance at Walmart for 25 cents and a miniature crate on sale for a dollar. It made a perfect scissor rack for my classroom!: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" height="298" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/97/cd/05/97cd05cc487f4b5f36f3124c577ad89b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-49471563574793860812016-03-02T21:54:00.001-08:002016-03-05T14:34:14.352-08:00Class DojoDo you Dojo in your classroom? I started this year with a clip chart and by about December it seemed that those same littles that needed reinforcement, where still my repeat offenders. My sanity was waning and I honestly was beginning to wish the year to be over. I still want summer to show up soon, but I have found a way to keep some "on task/ do your best work/I see that good choice" motivation going throughout our day. Class Dojo is pretty amazing and it's free! FREE!!! My Littles love to hear that DING throughout the day and love earning points. Also, it really gives me data on how my behaviorally struggling students are doing compared to their peers. I have 6 students that fit this category this year. 1/4 of my classroom! Here's the breakdown of how Dojo is used in our classroom.<br />
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*We earn points for a whole week.<br />
*At 20 points, we earn the choice of changing our avatar. I have read that you can basically change it to any picture, but my Littles love the Dojo monsters and I haven't mentioned anything beyond those. I try to save time where I can! When a Little reaches 20 points, they simply sign their class number on the board and when a time comes that works for me, I call them up to pick a new avatar. <br />
*At 30 points, they earn some sort of treat from me. It could be anything. This week 30 points earns a new pencil with a Dojo character flag (see photo below). But, the prize could be anything really. (candy, extra bathroom pass, homework pass, read with a furry friend during Read To Self, etc)<br />
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*On Friday, if the class has earned 90% positive points, we get a class reward. We love 10 extra minutes of recess and GoNoodle and almost always choose one of these. <br />
*On Fridays, we also see who the Dojo point champion is for the week. That student gets some swag to commemorate their accomplishment. They proudly display an award on their desk the entire following week, and their picture and name go outside our door. They love that their Kindergarten teacher or big brother/sister can see them in the spotlight! They also take a note home to share with their families along with a lollipop. <br />
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I love that families can join and see how their Little's day has gone. Dojo connects you to families with instant messaging. You can message all the families at once or correspond with one at a time. You can also post pictures to the whole group or personally to families. It really helps track times of when students are struggling and succeeding.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y9UTP344Fi3gIER_InxJHAYT3yFV7GjjB9O1TkGXkcU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Here is a link</a> to the pencil flags that I made. Make sure to note that I printed them on Avery Address Labels 5160. Class Dojo offers a classroom décor pack to download. I recommend utilizing their amazing FREE resources! I used them to create this resource for my own use. Please feel free to snag a copy if you want :) <br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-71367419894507629372015-07-25T10:46:00.001-07:002015-07-25T10:46:26.813-07:00Teacher Confessions...Rain! We actually had rain fall last night! Here in WA, we haven't had rain in months. It's been d..r..y, ya'll!<br />
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Crazy dry. <br />
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My pitiful little yard is a not-so-nice shade of khaki. <br />
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But, last night rain fell. According to the weather man, we are supposed to have some more today and tomorrow. This makes me excited. When it rains, the world seems right in WA. Don't get me wrong, I love sunshine. As a transplanted southerner, sunshine is necessary. But, part of the charm of the Pacific Northwest is the rain...drizzle, drizzle, drop!<br />
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Now, on to today's post...teacher confessions!<br />
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As a teacher, there are some days that feel like I have my shtick together and days where I wonder why what the heck I am doing. I love those days where:<br />
* Lessons go as planned. <br />
* Students are engaged. <br />
* The copy machine plays nicely.<br />
* Student growth is palpable.<br />
* Something sold on TPT.<br />
* Appreciation flows from admin.<br />
* etc.....<br />
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Yeah, I kinda love those days!<br />
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Those days make the others bearable!<br />
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Unfortunately, I don't live in Pleasantville 24/7 and reality isn't always glamorous. In an effort to keeping it real, I am going to share with you areas that I don't feel so good about....my Struggle Street issues!<br />
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* I am a perfectionist. This is my worst enemy! I am not a perfectionist in every way (Hello, extra poundage!), but I honestly think that I am insecure about so much of me that I try too hard to have some things seem perfect. It drives me bonkers to have a messy classroom. My skin crawls if I make a chart that isn't cute. Symmetry is important. Color coordination is a must. Lesson plans are detailed (imagine hours of planning!). I could go on and on, but let's just say that this consumes too much of my teacher brain. I do plan to work on this during this coming school year. It just causes stress. I have to learn to let go and just "be" more than not. <br />
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* I am an introvert. Please know that this doesn't mean that I don't like people. On the contrary! I love people...well most people....ok, some people. It does mean that I feel anxiety around a lot of new people. I don't like to be put on the spot. I love getting to know people, but I DON'T want to have to do that as a warm up activity at a meeting. I would much rather sit and have lunch with someone and get to know them. I love my co-workers and that really is what keeps me at my current school. Being an introvert means that I crave/need/require time to chill to recharge. I know that this isn't really something that I can change about myself, but it is something that I have to be aware of in order to work with others. Know yourself!<br />
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* Tracking data.....I know that this important. I know this. I just wish I was better and more consistent with this practice. I *KNOW* where my kiddos are, but I struggle with a system of keeping track. Every year, we have new curriculum requirement, testing methods, district mandates, Principal wishes, and what my heart says is best for kiddos. With all of that, I sometimes get lost. Honest!<br />
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* Balancing home and school is difficult for me. I tend to throw myself into one or the other. During school, I am all about school. During the summer, I am all about home. This is something that I MUST work smarter at this year. I work in an urban, low-socioeconomic, highly diverse, and transient school. We have major behavior issues....EVERY YEAR! My school has been considered low performing for several years. My colleagues and I are only there because we 1) Feel called there 2) Love our students and 3) Adore each other. It's a hard place to teach. Because of this, I invest myself. I know that won't change. Investing in my students is part of the reason I love teaching. I need to practice leaving school at a decent hour most days. Possibly dedicating one evening a week to stay later. I also want to lesson plan during the week so that my weekends can be for my hubby. He is so extremely patient and loving. He deserves me on the weekend.<br />
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I hope that you all have a lovely Saturday. I also pray that you find yourselves on Success Street more times than Struggle Street this coming school year. I want to end by sharing my current favorite artist and song with you all. Many times, I feel as if I don't understand things that are going on in my life. I can't see the BIG picture. I struggle with trusting God...I know it's sad and crazy to admit that....But it's true. Hopefully this song can minister to your heart if you are in the same boat as me.<br />
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Blessings Friends,<br />
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<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-78724809316883915652015-07-23T11:42:00.002-07:002015-07-23T11:42:20.217-07:00Sweet SummerSweet Summer, oh how I love you! Let me count the ways:<br />
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1. No alarm clock needed<br />
2. Bathroom privileges....all teachers know what I mean :)<br />
3. Movie matinees<br />
4. Lunch dates<br />
5. Big Brother, Food Network Star, and Rookie Blue<br />
6. Pajamas or comfy clothes ALL.DAY!<br />
7. Watching Periscopes from teachers that I adore..... @elementaryshenanigans<br />
8. Zero learning targets or criteria of success displayed, needed, or thought about<br />
9. Traveling<br />
10. Seeing my momma and daddy (I live in WA and they live in MS :( )<br />
11. Watermelon, plums, cherries, and peaches<br />
12. Crafting<br />
13. Netflix marathons<br />
14. Reading for pleasure<br />
15. Lesson plans are not needed<br />
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As much as I love the sweet little ones that I teach, I can honestly say that summer break makes me a better teacher. I tend to invest most of "ME" during the school year. I have trouble with balance.<br />
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I am SO THANKFUL for summertime!<br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-85276091244714656402015-01-03T18:33:00.003-08:002015-01-03T18:33:30.939-08:00Current inspiration and a *FREEBIE*I don't know about you but the Sunday blues are hitting me on Saturday...Boo....Hiss! I love my Littles, but I love being at home too. <br />
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I finally typed up my lesson plans. Even though I had planned out the gist of next week before winter break, it still took so.much.time! But, who am I kidding, it takes a while each time. I have the craziest schedule and piecing together what works takes time. Math is the only solid block of time that I have without an interruption. And, our principal has had a grand idea to switch that up at the end of January. I am trying to be positive about the change, but it's just "one more thing" in a long line of responsibilities. <br />
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Anywho, I thought I would share with you some things that have been inspiring or making me happy me lately on pinterest etc. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">1</span></strong>. This frame is adorable. I am a MS girl living in WA and this makes my heart happy (and a little homesick). I want to make one SOON! {original source: <a href="http://homeideasdeco.com/diy-picture-frame-i-love-this-going-to-make-frames-of-us-every-time-we-pcs-need-to-make-one-from-mo-and-germany/">http://homeideasdeco.com/diy-picture-frame-i-love-this-going-to-make-frames-of-us-every-time-we-pcs-need-to-make-one-from-mo-and-germany/</a>}<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>2.</strong></span> I tried this *super easy* recipe this week for crockpot country style ribs. It was delicious and the Mr. approved mightly :) {original source: <a href="http://whatsfordinnerfran.blogspot.com/2011/10/crock-pot-boneless-country-style-ribs.html">http://whatsfordinnerfran.blogspot.com/2011/10/crock-pot-boneless-country-style-ribs.html</a> }<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>3.</strong></span> This isn't an inspiration, but I love Taylor Swift and this mashup is crazy good! I *puffy heart* love it!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>4.</strong></span> If you stuck with me for this long, I turned my next inspiration into a freebie for ya. Such a simple idea. I plan to use this as an "I'm Done" activity. I am always looking for something easy and manageable for my fast finishers. {original source: <a href="http://www.wellnurturedplantsandpillars.com/2012/07/17/summertime-math/">http://www.wellnurturedplantsandpillars.com/2012/07/17/summertime-math/</a> }<br />
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And my Freebie version for you can be downloaded from my TPT store. Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Todays-Number-1629756" target="_blank">*HERE*</a> to go get it now.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Todays-Number-1629756" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Todays-Number-1629756" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fSAGyk6N_WSFY-8IZ-tMcd-5t1l2W80CT8U0p8JT2JWKNs5DIeCjStoMsEkrvUclG_mvpR7d6r-UznQMuWKBhd_OomHqfnVXr2_Nvw5xv0b94SPyqqESBVapY5YbSrnQjF8NSsw3EC0m/s1600/today's%2Bnumber.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-74284111697000552182015-01-01T20:25:00.000-08:002015-01-03T18:32:29.945-08:00New Year Currently!Happy New Year, Friends! I sure hope that your very first day of 2015 has been a little slice of awesome. My day was filled with lots of happy. Finally, the Mr. and I saw Annie. As a child of the 80's, Annie is a very fond memory of mine. The Mr. has been sick and finally his work schedule and his nose blowing, coughing, aching head was ready to see it. Better late than never. Don't let the face fool ya. He was excited too, but goofiness is a more predominate trait! He's a softie :)<br />
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We loved the movie! I had heard that it was "cheesy" and "not so good", but I must say that I enjoyed it! It was cheesy in the right spots and I happen to love most varieties of cheese. I think I will probably download a few tunes from the soundtrack to play in class. Cause in first grade you know it's a hard knock life...<br />
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It was a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest...Cold, Clear and GLORIOUS sunshine! The mountain was out and gorgeous! <br />
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I am a MS girl at heart and couldn't let the day go by without eating black eyed peas. My momma couldn't believe that I didn't have any "greens" on my plate for money in the new year, but I <strike>hate</strike> don't like them. The Mr. was a happy boy with his New Year plate :)<br />
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And now my CURRENTLY:<br />
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Listening ~ My hubby is a Crimson Tide fan. He grew up around family from Alabama and has loved them since he was wittle. Me on the other hand, I just love listening to him root and kick and cheer and grunt. It's all endearing.</div>
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Loving ~ I didn't love that the Mr. was sick, but I have loved being home. I love baking and crafting and watching TV and doing nothing. It's been pretty ding dang awesome! I am thankful that I have a few days left.</div>
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Thinking ~ I cannot believe that it is 2015! I honestly feel like time is set on super speed. I.don't.like.it.one.bit! </div>
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Wanting ~ I really need a new purse. I hope to rectify that want this weekend with some needed retail therapy. I'm picky. And cheap. Hopefully, I can find something that will fit the bill.</div>
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Needing ~ I need to type of my plans and make sure that I remember what my team and I discussed doing when we get back. I just don't wanna! I am procrastinating big time. </div>
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Yes ~ I will blog more. I will also eat healthier and move more. </div>
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Maybe ~ I will try not to stress about work, but it's hard not to. I am never done. The current situation at my school is stressful: low income families + low test scores + high stakes testing + changes to curriculum midway through the year....It makes for a less than desirable situation.</div>
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Wish ~ I would love to learn how to create clipart. I doodle all the time and would love to convert that into digital product. We shall see :)</div>
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If you made it though all of that, thank you! I pray that you and yours are blessed in this new year!</div>
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Happy Teaching,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-49646459159327976252014-07-17T21:19:00.001-07:002014-07-17T21:19:50.469-07:00Oops, I Didn't Do My Homework! (Freebie)I must admit that I am not ready for summer to end. I keep reading other blogs about setting up the classroom and I have to keep reminding myself that I have almost another month left of summer break. It is the perk of going through the middle of June. I am slowly beginning to think about next year and what I want to try with my new Littles. I think that is one of the biggest blessings about our job...the chance to be innovative on a regular basis. I love the feeling of possibilities. I love that we can reinvent what didn't work last year and keep what did work. <br />
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So, I wanted to share with ya'll a little freebie that just added to TPT tonight. It's something that works for me and I wanted to share it. It's a way that I communicate with students and parents that missing assignments have consequences. My Oops sheet helps me relay that to my students and their families. <br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Christy-Holder" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Christy-Holder" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswxRvo4klsgvp02-MlUSdMYj-gmRL5A3YHOOLESM5TwD13L9gUhaOwDTKqopTRCWOSkyId7Zzhc-ZMGE234OdqwibheEHX9_CReHE2J6sOsHXJYjzH_TJAbkLOLQL4jUYgMoNvM96x4HV/s1600/oops.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is a quick (yes QUICK) sheet that students complete before going to recess if they didn't bring their homework. I know some of you might be of the notion that students need recess and I do to. I just also believe that actions have consequences. I also understand that most of my students don't have active parents at home helping them with their homework each night. My school has over 75 % free and reduced lunch. My school has over 30 languages too. But, my Littles all speak "recess" and "get this signed by your mom or dad." And again, it is QUICK! You simply tell the student what number to add to the math facts on the sheet and have a copy of the spelling words handy. If you think that you would like a copy, visit my TPT store (click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Christy-Holder" target="_blank">HERE</a>) and snag yourself a free copy :)<br />
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Happy Teaching,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-8159514623119610722014-07-07T21:03:00.002-07:002014-07-07T21:03:15.184-07:00Email HoardingMy name is Christy Holder and I am an email hoarder. Admitting you have a problem is a step towards fixing it...right?<br />
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I just spent over an hour in my school email account. I went through over 2500 emails stretching back to 2011. Yep...over 2500 emails. Since 2011. I seem to always tell myself that I might need that email or I'll delete them later. Well, 2500 emails and 4 years later, I finally did it. I had kind of gotten used to the 4 Friday morning emails telling me that my mailbox was becoming to large. I mean 4 emails. To tell me that my mailbox was too large. 4 emails that added to the already overflowing mailbox. Emails like these: <br />
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Do you get these too? Sure, I deleted some throughout those 4 years, but clearly not enough. Or regularly. But, it's done now. My inbox is only showing 11 emails that seem (right now) pertinent to next year.<br />
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(11 feels so good!!!!)<br />
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I admit that it felt soooo good to push delete on some emails about certain students. You know the ones that made you question your calling. The ones that your spouse prayed for you to have patience to deal with on a daily basis. Those. It was like a cleansing :) Now, I need to go through my personal email account because unfortunately, I didn't leave my email hoarding at school each day :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-20151274881691819472014-05-11T23:09:00.001-07:002014-05-11T23:09:18.765-07:00Classroom Rug GiveawayFriends, Lori from <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2788937453&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=3754591&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">Teaching with Love and Laughter</a> is having a wonderful giveaway. Visit her site to enter to win a new classroom rug :) I have my fingers crossed cause Lord knows my classroom rug has seen better days. <br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2788937453&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=3754591&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://imageshack.com/a/img89/5450/gnl4.jpg" /></a></center>
Happy Teaching,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-49017962900674310662014-05-07T21:02:00.000-07:002014-05-07T21:02:00.418-07:00Mother's Day Candles I am in LOVE with the Mother's Day gift that my class did this year! A friend of mine teaches K and she shared a photo on FB the other night of the candles that her Littles were making. Instantly I knew that this was our craft for our moms too! I purchased small white pillar candles at Dollar Tree. You could possibly get them cheaper. I didn't have time to shop around for the best deal. Today the Littles decorated a small strip of tissue paper. It was very little prep work. :) I had already cut the paper to the size needed to fit around the candles. You will want to cut the paper smaller than the height of the candle. It's easier to maneuver that way. You will also want to make sure that they have paper underneath the tissue paper. The marker WILL bleed through the thin tissue paper! We used regular old Crayola markers to decorate our paper. Tonight, I wrapped the tissue paper around the candles and used my blow dryer to slightly melt the candle. This allowed the tissue paper to adhere to the candle. It was easy. I used the low setting and it worked like a charm. It did take a little bit of time, but it was worth it. <br />
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Happy Teaching,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-78017413648208393912014-01-11T19:44:00.000-08:002014-01-11T19:44:02.582-08:00It's been FOREVER... (winter freebie)Well, I just haven't been a consistent blogger this year! I have good intentions, but goodness gracious, I just have been lacking in the motivation department. <br />
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One of my Littles is quite the handful and after a day with him, I almost always feel like kicking my feet up and having a glass of wine. <br />
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I hope that I can be a more regular with my posts. I have a lot of ideas that I want to share. Some school related and some not. I will start with the not :) <br />
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I bought a frame at Goodwill for $3.00 a couple months back. I finally got around to making a bulletin board out it. After a little spray paint and attaching some free cork that I was given, my board is finished. I also have been into all things burlap lately. Here are a couple of my projects:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftZtVRgyHuMODfJGthvO6_X_6VxznJcX-3giZ72lWyVmyir6AuFiqnIp8U8cetc-kM3BcBaHwdlZAycCbLGcqQgKoxuVfjo0sxda5a-fV1UXfWuCXrpl1nhYdua9nrRBuXtWRJNg-NeTm/s1600/burlap+crafts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftZtVRgyHuMODfJGthvO6_X_6VxznJcX-3giZ72lWyVmyir6AuFiqnIp8U8cetc-kM3BcBaHwdlZAycCbLGcqQgKoxuVfjo0sxda5a-fV1UXfWuCXrpl1nhYdua9nrRBuXtWRJNg-NeTm/s1600/burlap+crafts.png" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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As for school, I created a Winter Word Bank for my Littles to access during Writing Workshop. Head <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Word-bank-1056051" target="_blank">*HERE*</a> if you want to pick up your copy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Word-bank-1056051" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Word-bank-1056051" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8dAeflusUK67C7QBS_EoSCmDpiUmRc6Grpz8m4BYBT8s-X_NY8YU1u2SZqKeo8ZGm1c9rhSj6wSNiIDESvqvLyVahYqJOirdmkTCAH1pwf24BlyMwzAO3QVA9EBNhemf5eXJH6GdNqfF/s1600/Slide1.PNG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Have a BLESSED day!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-75621511023667874512013-11-10T16:07:00.001-08:002013-11-10T16:10:09.344-08:00Counting On (math strategy) and a freebie.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
In my room, we have been spending a lot of time learning and practicing the count on strategy. Most of my Littles can do this, but I still have a few that struggle with holding on to the larger number and counting on. They are counting all. Here's something that we are doing to practice this skill:</div>
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The big number cards came with my Math Expressions curriculum and they have the number on one side and the dots on the back that correspond. I just used our whiteboards for the plus and equal signs. We start out by telling an addition story problems. Then 4 students create the equation with the cards. My Littles love to be the "one" chosen to solve the equation. They must:<br />
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We also have been using this little game in our math intervention time this week. It's called Odd and Even Sum Snakes. One partner has even numbers and the other has odd numbers. They take turns rolling 2 dice or 1 die and 1 number cube and add them. When they use the number cube it is easy for them to practice counting on :) Anywho, the idea of this game is to X-tinguish all your snakes with X's :) I laminate my boards and the Littles use dry erase markers. Grab you<span style="color: red;"> free</span> copy <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Odd-and-Even-Snake-Sums-969920" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Odd-and-Even-Snake-Sums-969920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Odd-and-Even-Snake-Sums-969920" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlqgkYhxZKyxWPYbPOelW3kkNM4MRvOVs7TmOMmZNa5n75Rb2AGYSCsKXwj2QxIPElx_EduQTP2kb0vg6uS9OGkv9UCWeH9S40O9b3rYs1Esc-qHKZ1IeamW7LgTHSpUFr3vo8c3o0Ij7/s400/Slide1.PNG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<img class="_4-od" data-reactid=".r[4ekhg].[0].[0].[1].[1]" height="480" src="https://scontent-b-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/1396587_10202245545081889_716370431_n.jpg?oh=a2a5476234371f57bbb4678575464695&oe=5281B779" width="640" /></div>
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And Lastly, here is our finished schema chart about pumpkins. After reading several informational texts about pumpkins, we added our new schema in the form of leaves. The Littles seemed most impressed that there are in fact BLUE pumpkins. They thought that was super cool.<br />
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<img class="_4-od" data-reactid=".r[214i2].[0].[0].[1].[1]" height="480" src="https://scontent-b-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/1464949_10202245543721855_1379227730_n.jpg?oh=433c5adcc42ceac83cb49e0147430326&oe=5282730F" width="640" /><br />
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Have a blessed week,<br />
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<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-1134918450102544952013-11-02T18:15:00.001-07:002013-11-02T18:15:34.801-07:00November Currently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's November! That means it's time for a new<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2013/11/november-currently.html" target="_blank"> Currently Linky party</a> hosted by Farley.</div>
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_self" title="Oh' boy fourth grade"><img alt="Oh' boy fourth grade" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/new%20album/farleybutton.png" /></a></div>
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Here's my Currently:</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Listening:</span> The wind has been blowing like crazy all day! I am so thankful that we haven't lost power. But, I live in western WA and it is that time of year that this (and rain) happens a lot. One of my facebook friends put it best: Goodbye sunshine. See you on July 5th. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Loving:</span> I love TV. My newest favorite is the show The Blacklist on NBC. James Spadder plays bad oh so good! He is a criminal mastermind that is working with the FBI to catch the worst of the worst criminals. <br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Thinking:</span> My sweet hubby's birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year. I don't know what I will get him. Ideas?</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Wanting:</span> Next week's lesson plans completed...no explanation need :) </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Needing:</span> Cooking breakfast on Saturday morning is a tradition in our house. I don't do it any other day unless it's a holiday or my parents are visiting. I also cooked lunch too. Now, my kitchen needs to be tidied up. I hate doing the dishes. My hubby usually does them if I cook, but poor thing had to work this afternoon. I'll get to it in a bit....</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">A Yummy Pin</span>: Chocolate Gravy...I know some of you might be thinking WHAT?!?! I grew up in MS and I love chocolate gravy. I love it on biscuits or dunking a doughnut into it. It is really delicious! This pin says that you could eat it with eggs...I wouldn't suggest it. That sounds gross! But, it is a great accompaniment to a wonderful carb of your choice. Here's the <a href="http://varmintbites.com/2007/10/21/chocolate-gravy-yes-chocolate-gravy/" target="_blank">link</a> to the pin :)</div>
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<a href="http://varmintbites.com/2007/10/21/chocolate-gravy-yes-chocolate-gravy/" target="_blank"><img alt="If you grew up in the south you (should) know about Chocolate Gravy. All it is: 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, 3 Tbsp flour, 3 Tbsp cocoa powder, 4 Tbsp sugar, 1 cup milk, 1-1/2 tsp vanilla. Drizzle this velvety, sweet sauce over a hot buttered biscuit, angel food or pound cake or over a bowl of strawberries. Delicious!" class="pinImage" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/03/1c/f2/031cf2ed8d99f6ddac0a5f62f97be7a7.jpg" style="height: 658px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 406px;" width="197" /></a></div>
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Have a blessed night and enjoy falling back :)</div>
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-34195959013569272942013-10-29T22:52:00.001-07:002013-10-29T22:53:07.493-07:00Classroom photos, bats, pumpkins, oh my!Wowzers! I dropped off the blogging train....hard! I have been a faithful follower of my favorite blogs, but I have been lacking in the "want to write" department.<br />
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My year is getting better with my class. I love them but they exhaust me :) As mentioned in my last blog, my year has gotten off to a rocky start. I am slowly finding my groove with my challenging Little this year. PTSD, RAD and possible Asperber's...no joke folks! But, we are hanging in there and riding the daily rollercoaster that changes directions...often!<br />
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I never showed any classroom photos this year so I am going to start with a few of those and then I will show some of our newer projects that we have been hard at work doing.<br />
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And my favorite spot...my small group area :) That tikki bar is the best $30 garage sale find ever!<br />
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Last week, we went batty. The Littles loved adding to their schema and learning about the mysterious creatures. We spent a lot of time using the book Stellaluna. We used it to make predictions, sequence, and practice writing about story elements. Here we wrote about the beginning, middle and end of the story. I saw this on another blog and for the life of me I can't remember which one.<br />
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Here's our display outside the classroom. It has our sequenced Stellaluna bats, our KWL chart and our bat facts writing. <br />
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This week, we are about all things pumpkin! Here are our <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: CreativeFonts1; font-size: 28pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: CreativeFonts1; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: CreativeFonts1; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FF6600; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">Crazy Pumpkins</span>
. The Littles thought it was hilarious that I kept telling them that their pumpkins were crazy as they were making them.
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Our Pumpkin Schema Chart:<br />
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We are also focusing on schema this week. Here is our class chart that we are adding to each day this week about our schema.<br />
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I sure hope your Halloween week is going great so far. I am feeling so blessed that our district planned a teacher workshop day on Friday....genius! <br />
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Lastly, here's my favorite guy cheesing it up like usual. I am so thankful for him!!!!<br />
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Have a blessed week!<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-62734014437355873882013-09-07T18:09:00.001-07:002013-09-07T18:09:12.512-07:00Rough Start to SchoolWow...I didn't mean to be gone from my blog for this long! I have been reading, but writing has been something that I am not motivated to do. To be honest, I have been a little depressed with the start of this school year. I keep reading about how everyone LOVES their classes and well...I am having a hard time.<br />
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This year I have 24 Littles. Well, so far at least I have 24 Littles. My school population has increased over 100 since last year and there are some talks of splits and other classes being considered to help our overload status. I am not in overload at 24. When #25 comes along, then I will be up for some paraeducator support. <br />
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One of my Littles has some extreme issues. The kind that require a one on one to help with <strong><u>immediate</u></strong> behavior intervention. I have known that I was that lucky teacher since the end of last year. I thought about switching schools if that lets you know the severity of what was to unfold this year! In the end, I came to a peace that I was supposed to do this. It was a supernatural, Jesus inspired peace because let me tell you, I WOULD NEVER HAVE CHOSEN it. <br />
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Loud and aggressive behavior are his norm and it makes the other Littles (and me) nervous. Lots of labels can be suggested for this behavior and believe me, I ache that someone has to live like that! <br />
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Last Friday was our second day of school and I left really questioning my career, my influence, my skills....my world. Saturday arrived and I slept almost all day. I have NEVER felt so defeated and unsure of myself. Thankfully, I have an AMAZING husband! He let me shout and vent and be a little ridiculous. Slowly over last weekend, I knew that I was focusing on 1 and neglecting to realize that I have 23 other Littles that need me too! I am not saying that I feel the need to neglect that 1, but I need to have a perspective that includes everyone! <br />
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So, by Tuesday, I start feeling like my normal self again and ready to inspire a younger generation. Tuesday was a great day. Wednesday was pretty good too. I even felt like going to community group that night. I am a part of a ladies group and we meet each Wednesday evening to pray, encourage and dig deeper into what our pastor shares each Sunday. I left feeling loved.<br />
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Now I don't know about you but I have conversations with myself in the shower. Sometimes I pretend to be bold and tell someone how I am *really* feeling. Sometimes, I hash out past conversations and sometimes I try to pump myself up for the day. I know I am weird :) Well, Thursday morning, I was trying to realistically look at how I handle my classroom and the thought occurred to me: "I am his teacher. I don't <em>have</em> to love him." For the whole morning, I just kept telling myself this and I actually <em>thought</em> I had had a revelation about how my year would be survived.<br />
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I got into my car that morning and began my short commute to work. I was feeling so proud of my "revelation" and had a serious case of "pat yourself on the back for being so smart!" Then, I flipped my radio on. In an instant, God reminded me of HIM. HIS MISSION. HIS HEARTBEAT. This song was playing:<br />
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I couldn't help but be completely awed by God' timing. He spoke so clearly that morning. I thought I had figured out a plan for survival...for myself. If I removed my vulnerable emotions, I might make it. I had completely forgotten that without LOVE, everything I do is NOTHING! The world is filled with sin and we are called to LOVE and to share His LOVE through it all! That means through. IT. ALL! <br />
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I know that my year will be challenging and I will learn a lot about myself. I hope through it all I am a living example of His love. <br />
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Have a blessed day,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-41924492608898633272013-08-17T19:56:00.002-07:002013-08-17T19:56:47.834-07:00Back To School TPT Sale 2013I can hardly believe that the beginning of school is here. My Littles don't officially come until the 26th so I have a little more time to <strike> go to meetings</strike> get my room ready. Pictures to come soon :) <br />
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I have only been to my classroom 2 times. With a late scheduled trip south to visit my sweet folks and the building being closed for summer cleaning, I haven't had the opportunities! When I walked in on Thursday, I thought I would see the typical classroom in August. You know, the one that I have seen for the past 7 years....OH NO...the summer cleaning crew had everything piled at the front of the classroom. PILED! More on my classroom progress later...<br />
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In happy news, TPT finally announced their Back To School Sale! I am also offering 20% off. That means you can save up to 28% by entering the promo code: <strong>BTS13 </strong><br />
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Here are a couple of my favorites:<br />
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My <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/And-The-Award-Goes-To-Desk-Awards-791258" target="_blank">Desk Awards</a> packet:<br />
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My <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CVC-Practice-Activities-691144" target="_blank">CVC Practice Activities</a> packet:<br />
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My <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Attendance-Pages-SMARTboard-571215" target="_blank">Interactive Attendance File</a> (16 different boards for smartboards)~ Awesome way to take attendance each day! <br />
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Have a BLESSED day and have fun shopping...I know I will :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-52678037068440883062013-08-01T14:06:00.000-07:002013-08-01T14:06:01.268-07:00August CurrentlyAugust...Yikes! I am linking up with Farley over at <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2013/08/currently-august.html" target="_blank">Oh Boy, it's Fourth Grade</a> for her monthly linky party.<br />
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<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: "MTF Sweet Cheeks"; font-size: 36pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "MTF Sweet Cheeks"; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #00B050; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">listening</span></span></span><div style="-ms-word-break: normal; direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; unicode-bidi: embed;">
I have my TV tuned to the local Christian Radio station. I love doing that during the day while I work on stuff. Matt Maher's "Lord, I Need You" is on. I love that song and the sweet reminder of my need for total dependence on my Savior! Don't even get me started about Audrey Assad who helps him out in this song. She is phenomenal in her own right too! </div>
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I am traveling soon to visit my sweet momma and daddy in Mississippi. My hubby and I try to visit during the summer each year. We would love to visit more often, but being a teacher and church planter are financially challenging sometimes. Plus, my sweet hubby works at Target to supplement our income. He is the student pastor at our church, but doesn't receive a salary. Anywho, we are super stoked to see our family and friends (and eat all that yummy southern food that you just can't get in the Pacific Northwest!). </div>
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I am nervous about this next group of Littles. One Little has some serious needs that I have never had to deal with as a teacher before. Pray that I will be a good fit for him and that I will know how to meet his needs!</div>
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I want this necklace: (click pic for etsy store :) <br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/106549043/sterling-silver-sideways-cross-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=sterling+silver+sideways+cross&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank"><img alt="Sterling silver sideways cross necklace" itemprop="image" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/005/0/5905878/il_570xN.364525289_nwg4.jpg" width="570" /></a><br />
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I want to get into my classroom and WORK, but we aren't allowed back just yet! The Littles don't come back until the end of August. I know I still have time, but goodness gracious I want to get in there! Right now, I am trying to do all the stuff I need to do at home.</div>
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1. New First Day Outfit ~ My school colors are black and red. Traditionally, the staff at my school try to wear those colors the first day. Gotta get busy looking :)</div>
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2. New teacher bag ~ I want either a new 31 bag or Vera Bradley. I haven't made my mind up just yet. <br />
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3. I love <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Decor-Mega-Bundle-Patterns-Galore-736764" target="_blank">this</a>. I want <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Decor-Mega-Bundle-Patterns-Galore-736764" target="_blank">this</a>. I need <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Decor-Mega-Bundle-Patterns-Galore-736764" target="_blank">this</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Decor-Mega-Bundle-Patterns-Galore-736764" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9beetYhwZQ3qbdbvwtgEjX-J5Oi2QXBwAbg6ipkUugkM_1ohCQ30dtau6JVML_6BJ5dhqmXynqRw8x-of8Evanhhh2LUEw22zon9Ba0OzNywHbub_IN13yUf7jwjkfu-NyJY5uhvpcBM/s640/Slide001.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is by <a href="http://shenanigansinsecond.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hope King over at 2nd Grade Shenanigans</a>. It's on my wishlist :)<br />
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Hop over to<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2013/08/currently-august.html" target="_blank"> Farley's blog</a> if you want to read more or link up!<br />
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2013/08/currently-august.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Oh' boy fourth grade" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/new%20album/farleybutton.png" /></a></div>
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Have a BLESSED day,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a><br />
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-6337468571823986042013-07-31T00:10:00.001-07:002013-07-31T00:10:41.727-07:00CVC Practice Activites (freebie)I love summer! The freedom it affords can't be beat. But, I have fallen into some habits that are going to be hard to give up when school starts. Like:<br />
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1. Staying up late and sleeping past 8 a.m.<br />
2. Drinking coffee in the afternoon. (This probably contributes to the 1st one)<br />
3. Lunch with friends at a real restaurant.<br />
4. Matinee movies with the hubby.<br />
5. Pajamas till I feel like it :)<br />
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I am already starting to miss these simple pleasures. I have to keep telling myself that I still have time. Me = worrier for no reason! God and I are working on that one :)<br />
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I updated my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CVC-Practice-Activities-691144" target="_blank">CVC Practice Activities Packet</a> tonight. It now includes a card game for partners or small groups and 2 CVC picture sorting worksheets. One of the sorting sheets is free in the download on TPT. So, head <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CVC-Practice-Activities-691144" target="_blank">HERE</a> and scoop it up :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CVC-Practice-Activities-691144" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEQaJPqAxlCq2syJvpVb-4X9fEroy2lfhUVP66R7woS3yIcOS7kruXQ6KRtA4SFiGy-imzF4UcpRDKSTzDfosXW85LqVtcdjOBWN5so1CkMaZiWG7glQmDMCJghXGNIEKwXumwLzBewWY/s640/Slide1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This one below is free!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CVC-Practice-Activities-691144" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJheiInjjEEZcaYhXzPEzKbswh61Z45sxMCPaXftg6IwIuq44YaGL0v1NyXlz4yluHGgWCma35My7nwO2beDg0j8uu-Qon2YRfw_CiZZNpoQf430QaqRBZqT3jouECPfrYTmRswT90DI0/s640/Slide20.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a BLESSED day,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-26650696334058993212013-07-26T14:44:00.001-07:002013-07-27T12:51:52.374-07:00Pinspiration!<br />
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Thanks for the comments! I am so happy to be able to share my Desk Awards with:<br />
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<span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: LittleMissFont; font-size: 24pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: LittleMissFont; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: LittleMissFont; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FF33CC; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: black; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">Roxanne
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<span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: LittleMissFont; font-size: 24pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: LittleMissFont; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: LittleMissFont; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FF33CC; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: black; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">Josie
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<span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: LittleMissFont; font-size: 24pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: LittleMissFont; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: LittleMissFont; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FF33CC; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; mso-style-textoutline-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textoutline-fill-color: black; mso-style-textoutline-fill-themecolor: text1; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: flat; mso-style-textoutline-type: solid;">Lindsay<a href="http://fortheloveoffirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">(For The Love of First Grade)</a></span></div>
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For those that are still interested, you can check them out <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/And-The-Award-Goes-To-Desk-Awards-791258" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/And-The-Award-Goes-To-Desk-Awards-791258" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5SoCt-yy-HWAwIJ74HRYq0_VoYCNs4ast0ltyPzW7IFvfoHML2kSW1UTo9e3cptlvkZyOK5BaMMzAKkMMqSx6VKLc0q4HCwDPfsgik-7Hjn2mlcFxsqK8zn_KPaWa7FieBFlQLzE6mcf/s640/desk+award+collage.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also wanted to share a few of my pinterest inspired projects from the summer. They are not school related but I thought you might still enjoy seeing them. If not, click the back button now :)<br />
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I hope the remainder of your Friday is AWESOME friends! I will leave with these wise words:</div>
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="294" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546873_10201650214596536_871002534_n.jpg" style="height: 294px; width: 420px;" width="420" /></div>
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I love this and feel this way about the blogging community (as well as my colleagues)! </div>
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Have a BLESSED day,</div>
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-40063269292677192512013-07-25T14:50:00.002-07:002013-07-25T14:50:21.795-07:00Behavior Managment~ Desk Awards<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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I have had good intentions to blog more this summer, but summer has been too distracting! The hubs and I just returned from vacation on the Oregon coast. It was BEAUTIFUL, but so different than the beach trips from my southern past. The Oregon beaches are cool and windy! I have never been to the beach in the summer and had to wear a hoodie, but I did this time! But again, it was gorgeous! Heck, even driving there was beautiful. Massive evergreens shadowing the road with intermittent glimpses of the Pacific--AMAZING! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCoLbTfS26Re4sADzYfiNinDooID7Fc-vXMik5qrPjd-aIdNDQQ_R_z1xW-bt2cG5WLtURSWwPQA3r6_ALcJDtSDgqUuMQycEgYx7BzyXb2oNUrEvtBZjZWkiV5elhgbP3BrV82H7jh22/s1600/oregon+coastline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCoLbTfS26Re4sADzYfiNinDooID7Fc-vXMik5qrPjd-aIdNDQQ_R_z1xW-bt2cG5WLtURSWwPQA3r6_ALcJDtSDgqUuMQycEgYx7BzyXb2oNUrEvtBZjZWkiV5elhgbP3BrV82H7jh22/s640/oregon+coastline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the hoodied hubs after finding supper :)<br />
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Now, it's back to reality. I can't believe that we are nearing the end of July! My Littles don't come back until the very end of August, but STILL! I still have lots of projects on my summer to-do list left. Hopefully, I will showing off some pinterest inspired projects soon! <br />
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For now, I will leave you with one thing I have finished,<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/And-The-Award-Goes-To-Desk-Awards-791258" target="_blank"> my latest TPT packet</a>! It's a great little positive behavior motivator that I have used in my classroom for the past 2 years. I refer to them as desk awards. <br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/And-The-Award-Goes-To-Desk-Awards-791258" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bvbRzkp__C7Ft91TdGKqZ-XNTaBnArlWwa4ne4Af_fgfk3PKlyy2nFDVf4UNqt-aSmym81CaxgrUJ5AlYyv66whsAezK1ZabKOBcnB2r4P4gaBPIJg1kcGiNWhU22Isx1AB22iJVBBec/s400/desk+award.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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After printing and laminating the awards, you need to find someway that your Littles can display them proudly on their desk. I picked up some $1 Target photo clips last summer, but you could use 2 bulldog binder clips or clunky paper clips. I purchased my gem clips last week at the Target dollar spot. Here's what they look like close up.: <br />
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To keep things refreshing for the Littles, this packet also has seasonal/holiday desk awards to mix in when appropriate. For kicks and giggles, I also made a few thematic desk awards too! There are 2 for each season/holiday/theme represented and they repeat the same 2 behaviors: "I am an AWESOME role model" and "I am a responsible learner." These behaviors are not specific and will allow you to define those with your students depending on classroom needs.<br />
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What I love about this is that it can fit with any existing behavior management program that you are already using. I use a clip chart, but I love bringing these out to mix things up. This also allows me to zero in on a specific behavior that we need to work on. Most of the time, I tell my Littles that I would like to hand out the desk award for _______ and that I am looking for someone that can do it. This allows me to gently remind about good behavior and classroom expectations but not in a nagging way. Anywho, if you want to check it out, click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/And-The-Award-Goes-To-Desk-Awards-791258" target="_blank">HERE</a>! I would love to give the 1st 3 people that comment this resource as a freebie :)<br />
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Have a BLESSED day,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-57484529774296104892013-07-23T10:26:00.001-07:002013-07-25T14:04:44.279-07:00Liebster Award~ Wahoo!Wow! I feel so honored to be nominated for my first ever blog award :)<br />
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. So, what is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. Isn't that sweet? Blogging is about building a community and it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and help spread the word about newer bloggers/blogs.</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;"><u>To accept this award I must</u>:</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">1. Link back to the blog that nominated me</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">3. Answer the questions posted for me by my nominator</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">4. Share 11 random facts about myself</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">5. Create 11 questions for my nominees</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">6. Contact my nominees and let them know I nominated them</span></b></div>
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Thanks <a href="http://mrfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mr. First Grade</a> and <a href="http://sweettea2ndgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Tea and Second Grade</a>! I feel so blessed to be a part of the blogging community and I can't imagine teaching without it! So, in fulfillment of the award I must answer some questions from the illustrious nominators. Here they are:<br />
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Questions from <a href="http://sweettea2ndgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Tea and Second Grade</a> and my answers ~<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. What is your favorite first day of school activity? <span style="color: magenta;">I love the clean slate that each new year brings. As crazy as it sounds, I love rehearsing classroom procedures....over and over (and over and over) again. I know the benefits of this practice and can appreciate my diligence in October! Plus, the Littles are usually on their very best behavior that day!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? If not, what did you want to be? <span style="color: magenta;">I wanted to be a private investigator as a child. I think I can trace the roots to Magnum P.I.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. What is your craving: salt or sugar? SUGAR~ doughnuts! Yummy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. How do you see your life looking in 10 years? <span style="color: magenta;">I hope to still be teaching!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. What is your favorite blog (teaching or otherwise)? <span style="color: magenta;">I love so many that it is hard to choose. I love First Grade Parade, Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits and Step Into Second Grade with Mrs. Lemons</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Coke or Dr. Pepper? <span style="color: magenta;">Coke, but in reality Coke Zero!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. If you could pick any city/state to live in, where would you life and why?<span style="color: magenta;"> I love WA, but I miss NC so stinking much! It's just a sweet pace of life that I enjoy there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Describe your perfect afternoon. <span style="color: magenta;">My perfect afternoon would be spent exploring Charleston, SC with my hubby. I love that city!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. What is the one beauty product you can't live without? <span style="color: magenta;">I don't know if this really counts but, I am gonna say my round brush. My hair needs taming every morning. It is straight, but left on its own it is a mess! Blow drying with a round brush is non-negotiable for me :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. Who do you admire most? <span style="color: magenta;"> My mom</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. When is your favorite time of day? <span style="color: magenta;">Dusk...pure bliss!</span></span></div>
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Questions from <a href="http://mrfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mr. First Grade</a> and my answers ~<br />
1. What's the last book you finished? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Summer Breeze</span><br />
2. When did you decide to become a teacher? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Senior in high school</span><br />
3. Do you have any advice for new teachers? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Yes, be extra nice to the janitor and office managers because they run the school :) Also, become familiar with Teachers Pay Teachers. It is an unmatched resource!</span><br />
4. How do you unwind after a day at school?<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> I crush candy. Yep, I'm a candy crush addict.</span><br />
5. What's your dream vacation? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Hawaii~ I want to tour all the places where LOST was filmed :)</span><br />
6. How do you stay on top of that pile of paperwork? <span style="color: #6aa84f;"> I learned early on in my career that not everything needs to be graded. Prioritize! I also make sure that my desk is clean before I leave on Friday. When Monday comes, I am always glad that I stayed on Friday to do it!</span><br />
7. Favorite sweet treat? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">doughnuts! (or ice cream)</span><br />
8. Favorite movie? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Goonies! The Princess Bride is a close 2nd.</span><br />
9. Favorite food? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">shrimp</span><br />
10. Why did you start blogging? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">I loved reading other teacher's blog and wanted to join in on the fun!</span><br />
11. What was the best advice you ever received? <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">11 Random facts about me ~</span><br />
1. I hate my middle name.<br />
2. I love reality television. (Big Brother, SYTYCD, Survivor, Amazing Race, etc)<br />
3. I adore Hello Kitty and my students often bring me presents that are HK themed.<br />
4. I had my nose pierced about 6 years ago but it didn't heal properly so I let it close...boo!<br />
5. I love my personal laminator and use it too much.<br />
6. I am a backseat driver...I can't help myself! Good thing my hubby loves me anyway.<br />
7. I don't like talking on the telephone.<br />
8. Angel Eyes by The Jeff Healey Band is my favorite song.<br />
9. I love college basketball (Go NC Tarheels!)<br />
10. I love crafting! Pinterest has only fueled this love!<br />
11. I'm a people pleaser...it's a problem!<br />
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So, my nominees are:<br />
1. <a href="http://myfirstlove123.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> My First Love</a><br />
2. <a href="http://mysillyfirsties.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Silly Firsties</a><br />
3. <a href="http://theteacherdiariesk4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Teacher Diaries</a><br />
4. <a href="http://mackeysclassroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mackey's Classroom</a><br />
5.<a href="http://thebendersbunch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> The Bender Bunch</a><br />
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My questions for the nominees:<br />
1. Do you have a theme for your classroom?<br />
2. What's your favorite picture book?<br />
3. What's your favorite back to school activity?<br />
4. What grades have your taught and which is your favorite?<br />
5. What are your favorite blogs (teaching related or other)<br />
6. What's your favorite subject to teach and why?<br />
7. What's your guilty pleasure?<br />
8. What's our favorite movie?<br />
9. Are you a salty or sweet kind of person?<br />
10. What's your favorite classroom management trick/technique?<br />
11. What's the best advice you have ever received?<br />
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Have a BLESSED day,<br />
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<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-58618037333832625432013-07-05T17:24:00.001-07:002013-07-05T17:32:18.287-07:00Favorite Pin Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow! It's been awhile Blogland! Summer vacation has taken over and I can say that I'm loving every second :) Summer vacation is not overrated....at all! I haven't been completely lazy. I am finally getting my house organized. We moved into our new home almost a year ago. It was right before a trip south to see our family, major church stuff that we were a part of, and right before school started. Oh, and I had thrown my back out....not fun! We have 2 extra bedrooms and a garage that have been the "holding" room for many things and this summer has been the perfect opportunity to declutter and organize. I'll post some pics when it's all finished.<br />
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<a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/2013/07/favorite-pins-friday.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgNlqXaw2pnVURbB1-8Dl24NqaSib5PA8hSMnk7yTqwwrVUQILckwx3kUkFT9hSBLs29To7M4gnmq0CD97Zbj0J_hTJIjVTPFvJbLsA4S_-HJ6s75csW_RDDPo67RPsUkCOJitwuL73AE/s200/FavoritePinsButton.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Onto today's post...I love <a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/2013/07/favorite-pins-friday.html" target="_blank">Cara's new Linky party "Favorite Pins Friday</a>." I am slightly addicted to Pinterest so this is right up my alley. Here they are: <br />
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<span style="color: #00b0f0; font-family: CreativeFonts1; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: CreativeFonts1; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: CreativeFonts1; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #00B0F0; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">School Related</span></div>
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<a href="http://firstgraderatlast.blogspot.com/2013/06/quiet-mouse-shhh-freebie.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Quiet Mouse. Shhh--Freebie!" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/cd/bb/fc/cdbbfc6b29584b11eabc017cbed10a12.jpg" style="height: 297px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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How adorable is this little behavior management tool from <a href="http://firstgraderatlast.blogspot.com/2013/06/quiet-mouse-shhh-freebie.html" target="_blank">First Grader At Last</a>!?! Basically, you start by writing a Little's name in the Quiet Mouse bubble. During transitions that Little looks for the next quiet mouse and so on for the rest of the day. I think I might change it up just a little bit for my room. We are the Pandas so mine might say Quiet Panda of the day.</div>
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<a href="http://www.chezlarsson.com/myblog/2009/08/introducing-my-shop.html" target="_blank"><img alt="060" class="at-xid-6a00e55224287c88330120a52574be970b " height="400" src="http://chezlarsson.com/.a/6a00e55224287c88330120a52574be970b-400wi" style="width: 370px;" width="231" /></a></div>
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I think I might do something similar outside my classroom to write down funny things that the Littles say. It comes from <a href="http://www.chezlarsson.com/myblog/2009/08/introducing-my-shop.html" target="_blank">Chez Larsson</a>. </div>
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<span style="color: #ff33cc; font-family: CreativeFonts1; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: CreativeFonts1; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: CreativeFonts1; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FF33CC; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">DIY Projects</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.refabdiaries.com/2012/05/upcycle-filing-cabinet.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+Candoodles+(CanDoodles.)&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank"><img alt="Upcycle A Filing Cabinet!" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/a1/74/5e/a1745e4ccbcd162eb69fd2a8fcee580a.jpg" style="height: 684px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 192px;" /></a><br />
I love upcycling! This piece is awesome and happy. I just purchased a sorta similar cabinet to make over and this is totally my inspiration. The source for this inspiration is from <a href="http://www.refabdiaries.com/2012/05/upcycle-filing-cabinet.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+Candoodles+(CanDoodles.)&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">ReFab Diaries</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/2013/05/room-service-atlanta-room-reveal.html#comment-form" target="_blank"><img alt="Too cute for a foyer!" class="pinImage" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/ac/15/c6/ac15c6c99850ad7df4422a5b92616663.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px;" width="266" /></a><br />
I love this print so much and plan to do something similar for my entry. The source is from <a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/2013/05/room-service-atlanta-room-reveal.html#comment-form" target="_blank">the HUNTED INTERIOR</a>. Lots of great ideas here. <br />
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<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: CreativeFonts1; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: CreativeFonts1; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: CreativeFonts1; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #00B050; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">Yummy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food</span></div>
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<a href="http://asmallsnippet.com/2011/03/spicy-thai-noodles.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Spicy Thai Noodles. Easy. Rave Reviews" class="pinImage" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/56/95/09/5695097a9f0419325d7af95fa76a8511.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px;" width="301" /></a><br />
This is one of my favorite recipes from Pinterest! It is super yummy. I do end of adding rotisserie chicken for the sake of the hubs. He needs meat in order to feel as though it's a meal...boys :) The recipe is from <a href="http://asmallsnippet.com/2011/03/spicy-thai-noodles.html" target="_blank">A Small Snippet</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.memoriesoncloverlane.com/2010/11/recipe-that-will-make-your-life-easier.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Feta Dip
This is that ONE recipe that I always get asked for the most. And it’s ridiculously, embarrassingly easy.... sounds good enough to give it a try!" class="pinImage" height="266" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/a8/b5/dd/a8b5ddb9b5ce0f4deef8c0696bf224d8.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px;" width="400" /></a><br />
This feta dip is super delish! I have made it a couple of times and it always gets rave reviews. Plus, it is super simple. This recipe is from <a href="http://www.memoriesoncloverlane.com/2010/11/recipe-that-will-make-your-life-easier.html" target="_blank">Clover Lane</a>.<br />
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I can't wait to wade through all the other Favorite Pin Links! Head over to <a href="http://thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/2013/07/favorite-pins-friday.html" target="_blank">The First Grade Parade</a> to look or link up :)<br />
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Have a BLESSED day,<br />
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<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-15878766990008204972013-06-25T19:43:00.001-07:002013-06-25T19:43:21.607-07:00Bloglovin :)<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5540929/?claim=dcrgwex352x">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6363509020516910454.post-7946156356231573952013-06-04T20:40:00.001-07:002013-06-04T20:40:32.533-07:00End of the Year Sanity Savers11 (school) days left! I don't count the weekends :)<br />
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I have been in full DRA mode at school. Our report cards are due to our principal 9 days before we get out and in order for those to be complete, I have to find the instructional and frustration level of all my 27 Littles. Thankfully tomorrow I will get some "guest teacher time" in my room so that I can try to finish! <br />
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If your Littles are like mine, they mean well. They really are trying to be independent and quiet. Mine have been troopers, but finding activities to keep them occupied is sometimes a struggle. Here are a couple of ideas that are easy, don't require copies and completely independently doable for ALL First Grade Littles. The best part, they enjoy them and don't get that they are practicing. They aren't revolutionary, but they saved my sanity today!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Stair Step Spelling</span><br />
Students write their spelling words/sight words on grid paper.<br />
Like this: s<br />
sh<br />
sho<br />
shoo<br />
shook<br />
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Then, after the word is completely spelled, they draw stairs around the word. Coloring it in is optional :) Here is an example from one of my Littles:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitipayGl1WosVOj8nJW2qCJv0Ww7E8jDDuNQXU9R_5ffY3p2IvPXNPx7EuRFbLg4XOon2Q6NSmDno3txRkwPafJIbu4a3FW8HFZRXm8hmyCylT6EHk1MD3m-gCKFVVpMAAa1joMOjfXCUP/s1600/stair+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitipayGl1WosVOj8nJW2qCJv0Ww7E8jDDuNQXU9R_5ffY3p2IvPXNPx7EuRFbLg4XOon2Q6NSmDno3txRkwPafJIbu4a3FW8HFZRXm8hmyCylT6EHk1MD3m-gCKFVVpMAAa1joMOjfXCUP/s640/stair+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodo0r_Ip5Z_QOiKAsEoMzekB4jGyM1smPvNJuW5LuzxSJo0KfF9m2zjGgxjDUaPcxJf5O_7QN2Rze8JrIiLDPuKoblBmTxHW_C6XRPmEm4eaYPE6NLouDQfU4LD_2R4VFinWhlaiv5L1O/s1600/stair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodo0r_Ip5Z_QOiKAsEoMzekB4jGyM1smPvNJuW5LuzxSJo0KfF9m2zjGgxjDUaPcxJf5O_7QN2Rze8JrIiLDPuKoblBmTxHW_C6XRPmEm4eaYPE6NLouDQfU4LD_2R4VFinWhlaiv5L1O/s400/stair.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"> Spelling Trains</span><br />
Students write the word and then draw a box around it. The wheels contain the first letter/blend and the final letter. Connect them with a line and voila, you have a train. The appeal for this one is that it wraps around the paper. They get so excited about it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97AhzCUa9pl3H3CPMsEjuYEPJTlVoCCL3U3UCg0PKZbsa1JVuwoEtjhrXJZ6Pi-NkObnFoJ_1prWbeZxCqfb1TKdh8zQn3H-3zv-j01zb-vKkJ2zREMSFRUVBIVkEiiSMumSwUXIed2zS/s1600/train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97AhzCUa9pl3H3CPMsEjuYEPJTlVoCCL3U3UCg0PKZbsa1JVuwoEtjhrXJZ6Pi-NkObnFoJ_1prWbeZxCqfb1TKdh8zQn3H-3zv-j01zb-vKkJ2zREMSFRUVBIVkEiiSMumSwUXIed2zS/s320/train.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, if you need 15 minutes, one of these activities might be something to consider :)<br />
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Have a Blessed day,<br />
<a href="http://www.mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1340.photobucket.com/albums/o727/christy_holder27/signature.png" /></a>
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00906995200383554882noreply@blogger.com1