tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70284630218538996212024-03-13T00:32:25.794-04:00Stapler's Strategies...for sizzling second graders!Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-12769431795652837642019-03-06T21:57:00.000-05:002019-07-21T06:14:55.238-04:00Wow!Is it really July 2019? I am amazed that I haven't posted since when?!?<br />
Thankful to see my blog is still here...<br />
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†~Melly~†Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-4533644280128853832016-03-10T20:14:00.001-05:002016-03-10T20:14:39.546-05:00Third Grade...Third grade this year (2015-2016) and I'm getting acclimated. I'll be back...soon, I hope!<br />
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†~Melly~†Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-57359514606166663262014-11-16T14:49:00.002-05:002014-11-16T14:49:17.446-05:00Parts of Speech Anchor Charts<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In second grade, we must teach noun, verb, adjective, and adverb in my county. So, we have anchor charts for each. Here are mine from my anchor chart journal. :) I also photographed my anchor charts and made 4 x 6 copies for those little photo albums. Students who struggle with transfer from the large charts can borrow a photo album to copy or use my anchor chart journal to copy if that's easier for them. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDV0u4lA8fH5nwzEBRNFjm4b2-TRlAc2QjKv9dYr0TzGK-87nm6P7cw38r9YRpW5_5lLg2rLuoqZykopC9nRtiHfVntNtOkbJptMqy9J6gyNggT9d09A54NqJOsXX3-_Khz967faCkoHk/s1600/nouns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDV0u4lA8fH5nwzEBRNFjm4b2-TRlAc2QjKv9dYr0TzGK-87nm6P7cw38r9YRpW5_5lLg2rLuoqZykopC9nRtiHfVntNtOkbJptMqy9J6gyNggT9d09A54NqJOsXX3-_Khz967faCkoHk/s1600/nouns.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftwXmbEQfFrVDM8dvI2p6ZImm0odmuep2NsFpsawO1s_5aQDgY_i8It2skGU3jx5SDhPk3vMgtzBwu_ocdLjVVDmgU3MUWE-OBx4W8s3gR7eku-dnYiSFzfKTKsNm_SG7568s2pghEho/s1600/adjective+anchor+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftwXmbEQfFrVDM8dvI2p6ZImm0odmuep2NsFpsawO1s_5aQDgY_i8It2skGU3jx5SDhPk3vMgtzBwu_ocdLjVVDmgU3MUWE-OBx4W8s3gR7eku-dnYiSFzfKTKsNm_SG7568s2pghEho/s1600/adjective+anchor+chart.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDV0u4lA8fH5nwzEBRNFjm4b2-TRlAc2QjKv9dYr0TzGK-87nm6P7cw38r9YRpW5_5lLg2rLuoqZykopC9nRtiHfVntNtOkbJptMqy9J6gyNggT9d09A54NqJOsXX3-_Khz967faCkoHk/s1600/nouns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtHJNEoK6iOZ1ip-u-ejXKatwKI6rnm3Azq8ussuXpkh8uaA3Qg9YuwU2-FI_QU2mBkbAXFG3kYedY6PrIcwquPtWJbxvYs1ImeyepjPjiB8GSeYuj_W9bWdy_9GWcitkr5Gr61U_zPg/s1600/Verbs+anchor+chart+journal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtHJNEoK6iOZ1ip-u-ejXKatwKI6rnm3Azq8ussuXpkh8uaA3Qg9YuwU2-FI_QU2mBkbAXFG3kYedY6PrIcwquPtWJbxvYs1ImeyepjPjiB8GSeYuj_W9bWdy_9GWcitkr5Gr61U_zPg/s1600/Verbs+anchor+chart+journal.JPG" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I copied the chart from various places. Some of the I tweaked to make my own, and then I took the photos and filled in my anchor chart journal for my students' use. I really am loving these anchor charts!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Do you have your students copy anchor charts into a journal? </span><br />
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†~Melly~†
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I am lovin' me some Anchor Charts! (Yeah, I know...bad grammar, but it fits.)<br />
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Here are some of the Anchor Charts we've done this year. I have created Anchor Charts in class with my students, using my phone to look at the ones I was trying to copy (to some extent, sometimes fully, sometimes not). Laila is always telling me, "You're cheating when you look at your phone, Mrs. S.!" So, the first one I'll share is mine. I saw something about Superhero SWAG, made one of those, then decided to add my own Super Sentences to our Anchor Chart collection.<br />
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This is my "Super Sentences" anchor chart copied into my Anchor Chart journal. Oh, yeah! That's the beauty of my anchor charts this year. My students have an ELA/Reading journal (those composition books that are sewn together) as well as a Math journal. In these, they copy Anchor Charts as well as write constructed responses to Math Problem Solving Cards, Math journal problems (in Math notebook) and write constructed responses in their ELA/Reading journals. The last 27 pages of the ELA/Reading journal also holds the child's individual Word Wall for words s/he needs to remember how to spell. </div>
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I just can't decide if I'll have one or two "journals" for my students next year. I suppose I'll know if they need one or two by the end of the year by how many pages are left over with this year's students. Here are a few more of my Anchor Charts...most ideas copied from someone! :D</div>
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The Author's Purpose was on our last benchmark (but not in the Unit), so our students needed this one! </div>
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We're working on story problems now, so this felt appropriate.<br />
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My team and I have noticed that our children write like ThIs aLL tHe TiMe...so we tried to "refresh" their minds on what needs capitalization and what doesn't! :) </div>
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I also found the cutest little picture of "Bb" like to go "walking" and "Dd" like to stay "talking" because I noticed one of my sweeties was writing capital B and D only due to confusion about the lowercase ones. She writes Bb walking and Dd talking each week on her phonics list to remind herself which one is which! Awesomeness!! </div>
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<img alt="Life in First Grade: My Week in Review" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/31/40/26/31402626a4c7e4b6ac7891fd90312b65.jpg" /></div>
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I'd like to give a shout out to Leslie Ann at <a href="http://lifeinfirstgrade1.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-week-in-review.html" target="_blank">Life in First Grade</a>. This picture is on her August 26, 2012 blog. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">†~Melly~†</span></div>
Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-18496506958146715182014-09-06T00:05:00.000-04:002014-11-16T15:19:51.548-05:00Singular & Plural Possessive Nouns<span id="docs-internal-guid-7df39055-491d-bcf4-6a1a-907b57f9304a"><span style="font-family: 'Princess Sofia'; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was written in our class today, singing the “I’m a single lady” part of the song repeatedly. My children</span><span style="font-family: 'Princess Sofia'; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> loved </span><span style="font-family: 'Princess Sofia'; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it so much, we had to invite the other four classes to come sing with us! We have a hit! :) I planned to video my students singing this afternoon for my blog, but we ran out of time(sigh). Maybe Monday…</span><span style="font-family: 'Princess Sofia'; font-size: 32px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=173118835" target="_blank">Change a Single Noun song</a></div>
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†~Melly~†Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-88849660401800191192013-11-21T03:13:00.000-05:002013-11-21T03:13:40.404-05:00Compare and Contrast<span style="font-size: large;">We've been learning using Thinking Maps for the past two years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My latest is Directions for comparing and contrasting </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">The Gingerbread Boy </i><span style="font-size: large;">and </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">the Gingerbread Girl </i><span style="font-size: large;">OR </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">The Wolf's Chicken Stew</i><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">My Lucky Day</i><span style="font-size: large;"> (both by Keiko Kasza). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To work toward this Common Core standard, ELACC2RL9: Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella stories) by different authors or from different cultures, I created a directions sheet to go with blank Double Bubble Maps for my students. Maybe I fudged a little by comparing two stories by an author from another culture...but the gingerbread boy and girl balance the scale, don't you think? My students loved </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">The Wolf's Chicken Stew</i><span style="font-size: large;"> and one of the boys in my class had </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">My Lucky Day</i><span style="font-size: large;"> at home. He said he had a story that was sort of similar. I asked if he thought maybe the books had the same author, but he didn't thinkso. When he brought the book to school the next day, we discovered they did have the same author and it grew from there. The children loved the stories, especially </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">My Lucky Day. </i><span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't read that one, you'll enjoy it. It has such a surprise ending! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Find the Compare and Contrast Directions <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TVnC5QLeLCV1J16aHsakPXpeG0AdEw1Fzf2-3RsI9bw/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> if you wish to use them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-46543702601895683052013-09-26T22:20:00.000-04:002013-09-26T22:20:17.959-04:00Golly Molly! Reflex Math, anyone?<span style="font-size: large;">Golly Molly! I can't believe it's September 26 and I haven't blogged since August 28! Let's see...team leader-check; healthy mom-in-love-check; CCGPS SEATS plans-check; Instructional Calendar for 2013-2014-check; busy second graders-check; student teachers-check; happy students-check; healthy parents-check; tired teacher-check! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Caddi that was such a deal has just about gone its last mile. It smokes like a freight train now. My Toyota RAV4 is ordered and soon to arrive (please pray it arrives TOMORROW!), and so much more is being done or needs to be done! Top all this with a friend having a Yard Sale Saturday and wanting me to join. Ha! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have also received a grant from <a href="http://www.reflexmath.com/" target="_blank">Reflex Math</a> that I think you should check out. Has anyone used <a href="http://www.reflexmath.com/" target="_blank">Reflex Math</a>? It is a computer program with games to teach Math Fact Fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). The website touts their success rate. I will definitely let you know if the results in my classroom back up their testimonials. It certainly looks like a fun game to me. I applied and received this online. You may want to check into it if you've not heard of it before. The company will grant two teachers per school to use the program free for one year. The website also says they have a limit per county or school district. I was gung-ho to get it in order to use the computer games for my students to practice Math facts! I'll keep you posted...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am going to have Reflex Math as one station, SumDog Math as another station, iXL (which my school purchases) as a third station, and then "Teacher Time" with myself and my student teachers (yes, two of them!) to practice skills using games and paper/pencil work. Whew!! What a busy classroom we have! I am thankful to have 10 nooks, a quad (one computer, four stations), a teacher computer, a laptop, and a Promethean Board in my class this year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm soooo thankful for all the blessings in my classroom for my students! God has been soooo good to us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-54049382299969154382013-08-28T14:55:00.000-04:002013-08-28T14:55:22.933-04:00I'm BAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK!!!<span style="font-size: large;">It has been an interesting Spring and Summer. I celebrated birthday number 50 in April. Our son moved into an apartment in July, so my husband and I became empty-nesters. Darling Hubby decided this was the time to put down the hardwood floors I bought at such a bargain after we sold my old car. What a way to spend the summer! YIKES! I haven't slowed down to get online lately. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Mom-in-Love had her second bought of breast cancer. She found out just before July 4th and had a mastectomy August 1. After her surgery, she had a "bleed" and almost bled out the following evening. Combine that with the beginning of school and you can imagine I have been one tired puppy. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm BAAAAAAACCCKKKKK!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-18725913529144769912013-04-08T21:19:00.001-04:002013-04-08T21:20:10.847-04:00A Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener in a BUSY Second Grade Class<span style="font-size: large;">Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! WOW!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener really does what it says it will do! Troy at <a href="http://www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com/" target="_blank">Classroom Friendly Supplies</a> was kind enough to offer me a sharpener for my classroom for my honest opinion on the sharpener. It is <strong><em>awesome! </em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V4T3UIt50ZSf1Mhg9YWGwL76cvz89IajOtqL4PnompsGtPGcbF6cSZZSCLJJKl1DqUoCzAMizH9aM7ZNtQRsZd9p1uH_PlcXxuCCtLW9F3lWd3gGU6IrO621ky2MvbuCR859PinIZok/s1600/Classroom+friendly+sharpener-blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V4T3UIt50ZSf1Mhg9YWGwL76cvz89IajOtqL4PnompsGtPGcbF6cSZZSCLJJKl1DqUoCzAMizH9aM7ZNtQRsZd9p1uH_PlcXxuCCtLW9F3lWd3gGU6IrO621ky2MvbuCR859PinIZok/s1600/Classroom+friendly+sharpener-blue.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> First, let me explain. I teach second grade sweeties (you already know this part). Sometimes they are a little rough on a pencil sharpener (I bet you suspected this, if you didn't already know it!). I've gone through many, many pencil sharpeners in my years teaching. I even refused to allow anyone (other than my appointed "pencil sharpener") to touch my electric pencil sharpener. I have gone so far as to <em><strong>HIDE</strong></em> (seriously, folks) my pencil sharpener (or at least the part that catches the stuff so it wouldn't work) when I had to be out and leave a substitute in charge. That was a result of previous pencil sharpeners being <strike>destroyed</strike> utterly annihilated by my lovelies when I was not at school!! >:( </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Woe be unto me the times I forgot to hide the parts and came back to a pencil sharpener that chewed and whirred and ground all day, but would no longer <strong><em>sharpen</em></strong> a pencil properly. The latest in a long line of pencil sharpeners was my $75.00 electric sharpener that I <strong><em><u>HID</u></em></strong> for the summer, only to come back and find that it <strong><em>chewed and whirred and ground all day, but would no longer sharpen a pencil properly!!</em></strong> Can you say ticked? (Yeah, I know, I said worse, too!) Let's just try to keep it clean here... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Then suddenly, on the horizon, the Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener is making all these promises...promises of 1-NO NOISE (very little!), 2-a perfect point every time (YEP!), and I quote "<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font: 13px/16px Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It will change the way you sharpen pencils in your classroom.<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">" </span></span>Well, I have to say...I was skeptical. I wanted to see this for myself and I'm not even from Missouri (the Show-Me state). So...the judge is in and the verdict is...this pencil sharpener delivers on its promises!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em><u>GET ONE FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR SCHOOL! </u></em></strong></span></div>
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-size: large;">HURRY! DO IT NOW BEFORE SUPPLY IS GONE!!</span></u></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Check this little baby out. It's pulled out so you just squeeze the black tabs on top together, insert your pencil, put your hand on top of the green barrel, and sharpen until the pencil stops. SOooo simple and easy, yet marvelous! Students can sharpener their pencils perfectly (2 at a time, please...then hurry back to writing!) without all the noise.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbdEyP7CCDpcmUSB0FiH2lHWdF3NGf4r4q6Nviz1y8QwVYWpOp_10dlltzC6A2_lhQCsGBKYHq5pODWE_WrWk_ip1R_jMlytYeACp_4EDCeq9U1-ZAd5moFp3DgvSrhSAxBak7HVeCd4/s1600/Classroom+Friendly+Sharpener-red.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbdEyP7CCDpcmUSB0FiH2lHWdF3NGf4r4q6Nviz1y8QwVYWpOp_10dlltzC6A2_lhQCsGBKYHq5pODWE_WrWk_ip1R_jMlytYeACp_4EDCeq9U1-ZAd5moFp3DgvSrhSAxBak7HVeCd4/s1600/Classroom+Friendly+Sharpener-red.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Seriously, I am going to forward this to my princiPAL and let her know that in my humble opinion, we can save mucho $$$$ by ordering at least one (preferably two for morning sharpenings) per class! At $25.00, the price of the Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener is about half what I usually spent on an electric sharpener. If I'd known about the <a href="http://www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com/" target="_blank">Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener</a> when I spent $75.00 for the big one, I could've had THREE! Count 'em and weep with me! With the teacher pack, I would have had enough left over to buy a burger, even! The school pack makes the savings even better, hence my suggestion to buy for the entire building. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I just wonder how durable this cute little car would be. Isn't that the neatest? I might get one of those for my grandbabies (if/when I am ever blessed with one/some)...think Troy would share one of those with me for another blog? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCek2HSkNTJwyICDkprtyY9xJhY6LE5MvB7suDgQO2zFeVRMuKDprOMH5A9KuiDAPHxpYPvbQErmsHOH6GcLAq5a_pVfJvEplJt00Z18vWUcwASTHGy2msKu8O6-PU_ZQB3KQCxtC5mI/s1600/Classroom+friendly+sharpener-car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCek2HSkNTJwyICDkprtyY9xJhY6LE5MvB7suDgQO2zFeVRMuKDprOMH5A9KuiDAPHxpYPvbQErmsHOH6GcLAq5a_pVfJvEplJt00Z18vWUcwASTHGy2msKu8O6-PU_ZQB3KQCxtC5mI/s1600/Classroom+friendly+sharpener-car.jpg" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Of course, now my dilemma is finding a way to 1-convince my princiPAL that this truly is the way to go as far as pencil sharpeners go, and 2-getting that cute little car. Hint, hint, Troy! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Hurry, order yours today at </span><a href="http://www.classroomfriendlysupplies.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Classroom Friendly Supplies</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">! You won't be sorry. Now, when are they going to create scissors that won't walk out of your classroom when your back is turned?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lovin' my Classroom Friendly Sharpener,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span></div>
Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-28758958361361370962013-02-13T20:38:00.002-05:002013-02-13T20:38:40.566-05:00Congratulations to our Carson-Dellosa Common Core Standards Kit Winner!<span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations to Raye W who is the winner of Carson-Dellosa's Common Core Standard Kit! I hope you enjoy it, Raye! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm lovin' it. Not only do I have standards posted in the pocket chart where my Essential Questions (EQs) are posted, but I have pulled out standards for my small groups. We are highlighting key words in the "I can" statements as well as reading and reviewing the standard written on the opposite sides of the cards. What an awesome resource. Thanks again, Carson-Dellosa!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-58153371164378859472013-02-06T21:49:00.000-05:002013-02-07T20:40:13.992-05:00My First Give-Away: A Carson-Dellosa Common Core Standards Kit<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.carsondellosa.com/cd2/default.aspx" target="_blank">Carson-Dellosa</a> sent me a </span><a href="http://www.carsondellosa.com/cd2/Products/TheCompleteCommonCoreStateStandardsKit/PocketChartCards/158170" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Second Grade Common Core Standards Kit</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> for review. It came with a <a href="http://www.carsondellosa.com/cd2/Products/DailyStandards/PocketChart/158174" target="_blank">Daily Standards Pocket Chart</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and Granny Smith apples! How neat is that? Carson-Dellosa, you ROCK! The <a href="http://www.carsondellosa.com/cd2/Products/TheCompleteCommonCoreStateStandardsKit/PocketChartCards/158170" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Second Grade Common Core Standards</span></a> kit is so easy to use and fits right in with our requirements of posting standards. Receiving the <a href="http://www.carsondellosa.com/cd2/Products/DailyStandards/PocketChart/158174" target="_blank">Daily Standards Pocket Chart</a> and apples were an added perk which I appreciate! Mucho gracias! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a photo of the pocket chart of Standards with Essential Questions. I posted this on my board where I had previously posted typewritten standards which weren't "I can" statements. The "I can" statements really fit in with my second graders. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwiuWJo164szQhwkMUu85P8ZDIjZFOKq3sof2rkzeG7qadatBPGN2KUO84SNwiASJSvJUZqGwjzpotn2uKwe6F8C2-BBBe5TZW0T65gkX8W8UgHPbwBOIdyAXCic2lEPCUxt6DrF_YEU/s1600/DSC_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwiuWJo164szQhwkMUu85P8ZDIjZFOKq3sof2rkzeG7qadatBPGN2KUO84SNwiASJSvJUZqGwjzpotn2uKwe6F8C2-BBBe5TZW0T65gkX8W8UgHPbwBOIdyAXCic2lEPCUxt6DrF_YEU/s1600/DSC_0650.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are close-ups of the Standards pocket chart...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAyC54ivfa-Mok1LCTDawND3ibIAJL256dvAX3PaqM38lhinnEhkVH7ZdEG_nXDN78nmekCJuKm8DIdijuKB3d6opPo95mj_BqpS4fSA32h-o3EIWY8Vd2LFLzoVo7lA-HaJKyeJILfg/s1600/DSC_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAyC54ivfa-Mok1LCTDawND3ibIAJL256dvAX3PaqM38lhinnEhkVH7ZdEG_nXDN78nmekCJuKm8DIdijuKB3d6opPo95mj_BqpS4fSA32h-o3EIWY8Vd2LFLzoVo7lA-HaJKyeJILfg/s1600/DSC_0651.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">and the Essential Questions I added...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am excited to share this neat little box of standards. I received it on Wednesday afternoon, so of course I took it to school Thursday morning and bragged to my teamies about my boon! Then, I <strike>hauled</strike> carried it with me to our faculty meeting on Thursday. I just sat the Standards box on the table with my notebook/calendar to see who would notice first. I can't remember who noticed first! :( Honestly, you'd think I would have paid closer attention...but <strike>that's my ADHD kicking in according to Debbie </strike>we had committee meetings and other important "stuff" which captured my attention. It <em>seems</em> that L was the first person to speak, "What you got there, Stapler?" At any rate, my goal of advertising this wonderful product at our meeting was successful. Several teachers saw it and were interested. I even shared that I'm blogging about it and they can enter to win a freebie! :D </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To win your very own Carson-Dellosa Common Core Standards Kit-a $19.99 value, enter below by following my blog and leaving a post telling me you're following. Don't forget to add your e-mail address so I can send you contact info for ordering your free kit! Thanks!</span><br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b9907f1/" id="rc-b9907f1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-14442382942954093642013-01-28T20:49:00.001-05:002013-08-28T14:19:38.746-04:00Carson-Dellosa & Student Teacher<span style="font-size: large;">Hello. It seems like forever... it's been an extremely busy time, but I see light at the end of the tunnel! First, Carson-Dellosa e-mailed me about their first Complete Common Core Standards Kit! I will receive two: one to blog about after trying it and one to give away! How exciting-my first giveaway ever! Hopefully I'll receive the kits and have everything ready to blog and do the giveaway around Valentine's Day...stay tuned! I</span><span style="font-size: large;"> am soo excited! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, my newest student teacher (fourth one since last January) is, in her words, not your typical college student. She is an experienced substitute teacher, married and mom of three boys. I am thrilled to have her in my class! Today went fantastically well. I just wish she were going to be in my class more than two days weekly. I'll take what I can get, though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stations went much more smoothly with two sets of eyes watching. She even commented on how well my students were behaved!! <strong><em>My students...</em></strong>the ones who cannot be still even if you sit on them! ;) Oh, what a lovely Monday it has been today! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to stayed tuned for more information on the Common Core Standards Kit which even includes "I can" statements written on the students' level! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings & peace,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-6117567951099295972012-12-31T21:06:00.003-05:002012-12-31T22:01:00.227-05:00HaPpY nEw YeAr! <span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It has been a busy first half of this year of second grade. I am looking forward to a slower pace. Let's hope I can do it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm joining Jen R. over at the </span><a href="http://theteacherscauldron.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Teacher's Cauldron</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> for a </span><a href="http://theteacherscauldron.blogspot.com/2012/12/new-years-linky.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">New Year's Linky Party</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. I like her idea of having one personal resolution and one for blogging. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My personal resolution is to SOAR...be on the look-out for every opportunity I can find to make the world a better place. More about that below...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My blogging resolution is to blog at least weekly and share something awesome! Of course, when there are wonderful things cookin' in the classroom, I'll blog more often...sometimes even daily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm joining </span><a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2012/12/currently-january.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Farley</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">'s linky party and sharing my Currently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so for my One Little Word...SOAR!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My biggest resolution this year is to trust God and honor Him for creating me the way He did. I am extremely hyper with a "bleeding heart"-as some folks say-who tries to fix everything for everyone! I know God created me this way for His Honor and Glory. It took me this long to realize it, so I am going to soar with eagle's wings this year by doing/being exactly who He created me to be...with His leadership and guidance, of course. I have been too worried about too much "stuff" for too long. That ends today! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Join me, please, in "soar"ing to new heights this year. Soar into your classroom. Teach your children to look for the adventure in every situation, everywhere they land, with everyone they meet. "Soar" by giving your best in everything you do...including R & R time, eating healthy, getting fresh air and exercise, and finding the glass half full. Be the optimist and the opportunist. See the positive and grab every opportunity you're offered. Lead the way in transforming every place in your circle of influence! :D</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span></div>
Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-16907098889372511222012-12-17T20:30:00.000-05:002012-12-17T20:30:07.604-05:00<span style="font-size: large;">I have no words in mymouth to tell what is in my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That is what a man touched by short-term missionary workers told our congregation. He said, "I never understood this king who would leave everything he had and come to me. Then you, who live here in the United States left all your riches and came to me. You brought clothes and left everything you had in your suitcases except the clothes you wore home. You gave us many things: food, medicine, a well, etc., etc. We have in my country a saying. When someone does something sooo wonderful for us, we say I have no words in my mouth." He knelt beside the pulpit as he was speaking and thanked us all for everything we had done...going to Burkina Faso, sending funds and supplies with those words: "I have no words in my mouth to tell what is in my heart." I cried like a baby at his gratitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This weekend, I cry like a baby for all those mommies and daddies whose babies are in the arms of Jesus now. I cannot understand their pain, but it breaks my heart as I try to imagine the emptiness in their hearts and lives. My humble prayer is that Our Father would send guardian angels to each and every school worldwide to guard and protect our innocent ones, so that this will never happen again. Specifically, I ask that anyone with intent to harm will lose all strength in his/her/their body/bodies, fall as dead in a faint, and be carried out of the school building by strong men. Amen! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go with God, my friends. He is our shield and our refuge, a strong tower in times of trouble. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> †~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-76443534545627867032012-11-22T13:19:00.002-05:002012-11-22T13:19:47.836-05:00Happy Thanksgiving, Bloggy Friends! <span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving! May the Lord bless and keep you and make His Face to shine upon you today and always! I am thankful for all your contributions to the bloggy world. I learn something new every time I read blogs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-86985616713372050342012-11-17T19:59:00.000-05:002012-11-17T19:59:27.056-05:00Sorry! Second Post...<span style="font-size: large;">I have a question...can you see the linked item? I keep getting requests to share. Am I doing something wrong? HELP! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-16070771428392267992012-11-17T13:40:00.002-05:002012-11-17T13:41:20.883-05:00Poem for Christmas gift...<span style="font-size: large;"> Last night my Mother-in-Love had a dizzy spell, so I went to pick her up and get her home (she is doing okay now, thank You, Jesus!). Well, she had a little gift in her gift bag from the ladies' meeting she attended. It has the cutest little poem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I have typed up the poem so my students can practice their handwriting (they want sooo badly to write cursive), wrap a little gift for their parents, grandparents, etc., and give it at Christmas. Four copies fit on one sheet...perfect for a writing station! I think it will be sooo precious because it's their handwriting (or printing) from second grade. They can even write "Christmas 2012" at the end. I think the children will enjoy wrapping the gifts themselves and tying the ribbon on the gift (and won't it be special that it was done by the child!) to give to their parents. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> To make the poem small enough to work as an ornament, I am going to shrink their writing on the copier. Does your copier have a special features button that will put two or four or 8 copies of the same thing on one page? I think doing four or eight on one page will make it just the right size to make a cute little ornament. Now if I can just find 20 tiny boxes... :D Any suggestions? Maybe Hobby Lobby? Michael's? Maybe I should ask for donations of tiny jewelry boxes from parents...he!he!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm sharing a <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1R2kIookUIKVVBSMlN4UHVPdUE" target="_blank">copy</a> of the poem if you're interested. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-56365934431956688852012-11-15T19:51:00.000-05:002012-11-17T20:16:23.624-05:00Thanksgiving already?!?<span style="font-size: large;">WOW! I am amazed that we are only 4 weeks away from being at the half-way mark for this school year. I have posted soo little! It's been overwhelming, but I have my groove back now. :) With the new Common Core, a new situation, and some extremely <strong><em>busy </em></strong>students, I neglected my blog. I'm back now with loads to say and loads of fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daily 5 is rocking the house! I have some super students...five are being tested for our QUEST program, and I think two or three more should be tested. Alas, their COGAT scores said otherwise. :'( </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just found <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1R2kIookUIKcWxDVGlTOUJHbkk" target="_blank">Spelling Battleship</a> which I think my students will seriously <strong><em>love</em></strong> in my WordWork station. I can't wait to try it out on them tomorrow. I made my own because the one I found was so simple and didn't have rules. My students are a little freaked when they don't have rules for the games...they make up their own and then argue to beat the band. I think I have too many chiefs, not enough braves. :D</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am sooo thankful to have an entire week off for Thanksgiving. How about you? Do you have the entire week off? I have major plans for my house next week as well as planning some cool lessons for the upcoming Christmas season! I can't wait to pull out all my Gingerbread man stuff. I think I'll make those Gingerbread head cookies I saw. They looked sooo cute! Maybe the children can decorate their own head. :D</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hallelujah! It's good to be back to me! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-89026125828996631452012-11-03T23:07:00.000-04:002012-11-03T23:07:50.074-04:00Currently NOVEMBER! (seriously?)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'CK Primary'; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I cannot believe it is already November. Wow! I am really feeling overwhelmed this year. I just can’t seem to get everything done in as timely a fashion as I have in the past. My family sees me less, my body aches more, YIKES! I need a shot of B12, or maybe seventeen shots of B12! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'CK Primary'; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I have loads of good ideas, but little time to implement them. We are “meeting” to death as well as being paper-worked to death! Anyone else found this to be so this year with the Common Core? A friend who teaches in another county said they’re not having the same problem. Another friend was talking with an “administrator friend” from another county and said they’re not being swamped like this, either. Hmmm...interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-85352347179390175582012-10-20T09:41:00.000-04:002012-10-20T09:41:04.197-04:00Praises...<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Wendy Sue'; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Golly! Does anyone else feel as overwhelmed as we do? My teamie and I agree that we feel like hamsters on wheels! I think things are calming down now, but it has been a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">busy</i></b> first two months. I am amazed at how long it has taken me to get acclimated to this year. Maybe part of the reason it has taken me so long is that two close teacher friends retired and gifted me with books, books, and more books! I think if I could be quiet I’d be a great librarian. I love books so much and I love sharing books with <s>children</s> people! Part of what keeps me teaching second grade is seeing the light bulb go off as the year progresses and my emerging readers have finally crawled out of that chrysalis and begun to fly! Is there anything that is more rewarding? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Wendy Sue'; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I have several projects going to add to my TpT store, but I haven’t finished and uploaded yet because I’ve been running. With PTSO monthly, Chick-fil-A Spirit nights, and the other added fun things we are doing I just haven’t been able to sit down and get my creative juices glowing and flowing for completion. (sigh) It will come, and I am excited at what God is doing for me right now. He is to be praised!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Wendy Sue'; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Last Sunday evening as I was talking with my teamie, I had a brain fog and asked her what Georgia Rivers we teach in second grade. I know those and more, so I have to be careful not to add in some extra ones. I said, “I know! I’ll Google it!” When I googled Georgia Rivers taught in second grade, I was <s>pleasantly surprised</s> ecstatic to see that a link to my blog was the first!! GOOGLE knows who I am! (He! He!) Seriously, that excited me to no end that God is opening doors. I just gotta walk through them. Hallelujah! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-86183280201194643462012-10-07T16:02:00.000-04:002012-10-07T16:02:50.666-04:00Hello! <span style="font-size: large;">Hi friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It's been a hectic beginning of the school year for me. I began the year with 22 students. Last Friday two of my little friends moved to their new homes and schools. We are teaching using Thinking Maps now and I know those <em><strong>must</strong></em> be included in my Georgia Regions activities...which I am working to rewrite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a new item to post to my TpT store soon as well. I hope you will like it. It is going like gangbusters in my classroom! My students love this reading practice activity. I should have it up by Wednesday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, how's your year? Please reply...I love comments! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-5820157975479678062012-09-03T15:12:00.002-04:002012-09-03T15:12:22.597-04:00Currently September<span style="font-size: large;">Golly, I think I missed August...where did it go?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span></span><br />
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Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-86018837900254416212012-08-15T23:04:00.001-04:002012-08-15T23:04:59.955-04:00Daily 5, setting goals...<span style="font-size: large;">Didn't I read in the Daily 5 that children need a sense of urgency and they need to know where they are in order to develop a sense of urgency? Did I dream that one? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anywho...today I was telling my students that my teamie's class always has more students who earn 100 points each on AR than my class and since AR is a big thing at our school (yeah, I know...sometimes it's overkill and leads to extrinsic motivation) I wrote a sentence on the board for the children to use to write in their journals. "I <strike>would like</strike> plan to earn _______ points each week. I <strike>would like</strike> plan to earn _______ points this year." I pointed out to my students that they need to do more than "hope" or "like" or "love" something. We need to plan so we'll be successful. I said if you fail to plan, you plan to fail but I think that went right over their heads. Of course, right now we're discussing I PICK, good fit books, and practicing reading to self correctly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think someone at my school did Daily 5 last year because some of my students seem to be old hat at D5. I wonder....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, Day 3 is a wrap and it was a wonderful day! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-6404922505573763832012-08-13T23:02:00.000-04:002012-08-13T23:02:22.323-04:00First Day<span style="font-size: large;">Today was an awesome first day! Of course, I didn't accomplish everything I had planned. I never do on the first day. It's necessary to overplan in my opinion. Daily 5 began with awesome and amazing results! Hallelujah! I am looking forward to the most marvelous year ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028463021853899621.post-51481172353005268992012-08-12T21:35:00.001-04:002012-08-12T22:47:45.736-04:00Fundraising, anyone?<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Be sure to check out Big Event Fundraising by clicking on the School Fundraisers link (just under the clock) in the right column on my blog. If you're interested in adding Big Event Fundraising to your blog, contact <a href="mailto:clay@bigeventfundraising.com">Clay Boggess</a> and he'll set you up. Tell him Melly sent you! ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I think this might be a way to raise money for Cancer Relay for Life since it's a big thing in our county. I'll pass on the info and let the powers that be decide. :) </span><span style="font-size: large;">They have lots of different fundraising ideas. Check it out when you can! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">†~Melly~†</span>Mrs. S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06340972326847556980noreply@blogger.com0