tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28748984324856361442024-03-26T09:55:51.556-04:00RCLRettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-30816647390926447072024-03-15T14:25:00.006-04:002024-03-16T17:37:21.095-04:00Create a Zen Classroom<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wkqvl_9fO_0f8bJFzvKoJVajCM48tgWYi8ybVVJMmbN3cziiOzEUfTO2XYRuE97oF8in36AmETtq4V2-KJzX44Y_xq5VGoIPhEJXsnshDyZgw9fI6A9QoxkIy73VhT0pzQ8qU7PyeKkt/s1600/Zen+Classroom.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wkqvl_9fO_0f8bJFzvKoJVajCM48tgWYi8ybVVJMmbN3cziiOzEUfTO2XYRuE97oF8in36AmETtq4V2-KJzX44Y_xq5VGoIPhEJXsnshDyZgw9fI6A9QoxkIy73VhT0pzQ8qU7PyeKkt/s320/Zen+Classroom.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Full Moon ahead? Major school break coming up? Too much excitement for students in the class before yours, or on the bus ride to school? Yikes! That could mean that your day is set up for major headaches, much waiting for quiet and attention, and a constant struggle to get through the lesson plan.<br /><br />But what if you could bring an atmosphere of calm and peace to your classroom each and every day, no matter what may be happening just outside your door? Welcome to the Zen Classroom! Here are some easy-peasy ways to bring back the calm and get on with the learning:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6WLkCWjiqv4odCprj5pDEw3M-9vgPy_Oy74hwy5o7vk-O260d1IVK7QMzty65Ded0QJ1Iv3uQo3NvS-qCMWtVZfnpLwELRyQJwvGqug6SOvje_glCsKKIcyQpcS6nPWys2fr7x7CSWu9/s1600/Zen+Classroom.002.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6WLkCWjiqv4odCprj5pDEw3M-9vgPy_Oy74hwy5o7vk-O260d1IVK7QMzty65Ded0QJ1Iv3uQo3NvS-qCMWtVZfnpLwELRyQJwvGqug6SOvje_glCsKKIcyQpcS6nPWys2fr7x7CSWu9/s400/Zen+Classroom.002.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, we all have heard of brain breaks, and many teachers are already making great use of brain breaks and brain gym activities on a regular basis. I'm wondering if you've tried just breathing at the start of a lesson, after a transition, or when things get a little out of control. You can bring your class right back to center and focus with just a minute or two of focused breathing. Have a sign ready that says, "Breathe". Have a pre-agreed posture that kids automatically get into because they've learned it. It can be sitting up straight in their chair, criss-cross applesauce on desktops, or on a pre-designated spot on the floor. My students often enjoyed taking a seat on the floor under their desks to find a quiet personal spot.</div><br />When the sign is displayed, students can engage in one of several types of breathing. Simple and slow in through the nose and out through the mouth, one of many yoga breaths than can be learned and at the ready for these moments, or whatever breath helps each child to slow down and get calm. Different kids will have their favorites, and one or two that will work best for them.<br /><br />Just a minute or two spent breathing in this way will restore peace and calm to each student in your class. Because I love you, and because I really want you to try this, here's a free poster for you! Just click, download and print!<br /><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Breathe-Poster-3056750"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-TgvbjvGGMMKsaWPGj1-smog6aXOcOcjopqpPzH1AIGH2Tlpjt40okGoM3UheyDX04MEPBdug8TFhIc8miQKFk_URH0t0BkrVGi4iMAicLevm4h4BUhDIzifQDmQki39MG8Z1RRcZXpX/s320/Breathe+Poster.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSYsLkDgqPdNm6OafBJ-mG8iR1ioqEZJ6CVTuofHXg4pYygzvTrB8I9GOfwHAO78VAyBVmihA9Sb-_Rm-aW4506eEjUS0BmHZsWGEoSF_6gl2uG4WtNgMZeBMB1lO2YEa1EyN5xpD_bdH/s1600/Zen+Classroom.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSYsLkDgqPdNm6OafBJ-mG8iR1ioqEZJ6CVTuofHXg4pYygzvTrB8I9GOfwHAO78VAyBVmihA9Sb-_Rm-aW4506eEjUS0BmHZsWGEoSF_6gl2uG4WtNgMZeBMB1lO2YEa1EyN5xpD_bdH/s320/Zen+Classroom.003.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Try setting up a yoga poster or two at each of the stations (math, writing, etc.) in your class. Set up a routine with kids that before attempting each academic station, they will practice a pose and/or a breath. Kids and you will see a definite upswing in success, I promise! It's just a great way to clear your head and to save a space in your brain for the learning to sink in. Try it with those dreaded times tables or even a passage from Shakespeare! You just may be surprised!<br /><br />The most wonderful benefit of starting some of these practices with your kids is that they are truly life practices. Kids will remember and even automatically start breathing or assuming certain positions in stressful or difficult situations or even when preparing for a test, first date, or job interview in the future. You will have given your students a gift for a lifetime by starting some of these habits now in your classroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMAeZ_ScJlDiaLSuM5ObSPzQRjpROZ6TpHSU8XwgWPt6vs69c4mxBZaCcXiUpy7ZtOM9bSh2QSC0zMSYdrrIghOTiFOopNUceHAYxOsa0U5Bjsqg6QFDnvWYSY9L_-OsFZrktMCOMjiX0/s1600/Zen+Classroom.004.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMAeZ_ScJlDiaLSuM5ObSPzQRjpROZ6TpHSU8XwgWPt6vs69c4mxBZaCcXiUpy7ZtOM9bSh2QSC0zMSYdrrIghOTiFOopNUceHAYxOsa0U5Bjsqg6QFDnvWYSY9L_-OsFZrktMCOMjiX0/s320/Zen+Classroom.004.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Here's another great use for those yoga posters or yoga cards!<br />Set up a series of yoga mats, or bath/beach towels, or just areas marked off by tape around your room (or playground!). Place a yoga card/poster at each area. connect the course with yoga straps stretched out (or tape) or yoga blocks laid in a row (can also be stepping stones from the garden or paper stepping stones). I love to use paper stepping stones with messages written on them like, "Just Breathe!" or "Find Your Focus!" or "Be Calm!" or even "Chill!" Laminate them and tape to the floor or ground. Instruct students to follow the paths you have set up from station to station where they will spend from three to five minutes practicing the postures and/or breaths posted there.<br /><br />If you make setting up the obstacle course a class job, it will be a very easy and short setup for you, and a yoga obstacle course can be done as frequently and easily as a brain break. Definitely try it outdoors in the Spring for a calm and organized recess with a purpose!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikynyqfV8EB957HuSM2P7fbcIwKu0KZvQAS8-C-wCotTTN5jOU6PcxmjnvBuWWaHmkX1Iy1yi5gU2GTB5UZW4YLmjnNABBCVq-D3TkV8rAoNeoiTl6-73IoT3wDTU7aNNWMj5E5f4slrPW/s1600/Zen+Classroom.006.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikynyqfV8EB957HuSM2P7fbcIwKu0KZvQAS8-C-wCotTTN5jOU6PcxmjnvBuWWaHmkX1Iy1yi5gU2GTB5UZW4YLmjnNABBCVq-D3TkV8rAoNeoiTl6-73IoT3wDTU7aNNWMj5E5f4slrPW/s400/Zen+Classroom.006.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Individual sets of yoga pose and breath cards in each student's desk make it possible for individuals to use these relaxation techniques whenever the need arises. That might not be at the same time for every student! When students have quick access to visual cues, they can try out some new or trusted poses or breaths whenever they need them. A new way of redirecting behavior for you just might become, "Try a card!"</div><br />Try hole-punching and adding a "ring-it" to individual decks. Kids can cut out the cards, hole-punch, and assemble themselves in third grade and above. Don't make more work for yourself by creating all the decks yourself when kids can give some zen back to you by doing it themselves. (Of course, cutting and assembling does have its rewards. Try binging on Netflix while cutting!)<br /><br /> In my classroom, a very popular volunteer position was "CPA Parents". These wonderful (usually full-time working) parents would check their kids' backpacks each night for bags of materials from me to "Cut, Paste, Assemble" (CPA). All the work would usually be completed that evening and returned to school the next day. It's like having a team of fairy godmothers and godfathers just waiting for you to make a wish! Bibbidy-bobbidy-boo! It's an easy way for parents who must work, but want to volunteer in the classroom to take part.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffnkcr9wd4yhtRqTNM1I6RoN7h1u7fU5UOz5NqJ6j56Z6_JwhnR6JGTnazgHAQSOF4N_piDHzKmmVWR__28hZ-rq2-6oTh15lgYU59Nl4DKZoq0yujESYDqSscEqhLAv_ZTRiLNKIETEk/s1600/Zen+Classroom.005.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffnkcr9wd4yhtRqTNM1I6RoN7h1u7fU5UOz5NqJ6j56Z6_JwhnR6JGTnazgHAQSOF4N_piDHzKmmVWR__28hZ-rq2-6oTh15lgYU59Nl4DKZoq0yujESYDqSscEqhLAv_ZTRiLNKIETEk/s320/Zen+Classroom.005.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Coloring books and zentangles of all kinds have been increasing in popularity for several years now, and it's no wonder! Focusing in on coloring changes your breathing and is a calming and restorative practice for kids and grownups alike. Using different colored pencils, crayons, markers, and even touches of watercolor adds to the experience. I love using coloring pages with a message. Kids will internalize the message as their fingers make strokes inside and outside the lines. Try printing posters (your choice - make them yourself or make it easy and purchase some) in black/white or grayscale for kids to color in. You can add to your classroom decor with posters personalized by your students. A win for all!</div><br />I hope that some or all of these suggestions will help you to create the kind of space in your classroom that will make you feel peaceful and happy while traveling to work to each day, looking forward to teaching and learning as you have always hoped it would be!<br /><br />You might find some of the resources in these two bundles helpful in your journey to zen:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yoga-Bundle-3043334"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFMeQcDi1SgB8r-FSLRpOAWLUQ9PldCHAh_maEO-Ruk1YK5vnz78rdByHOzIypVTKjUlU7Af6myIoY9B58rkjpGfj89bcs8CSMB9GWSSfanaGZSwd1o7XPuPMWQKAoARJYohhtkSxuAZk/s320/Square+Covers+Feb+1.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zen-Coloring-Pages-Bundle-2628676"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTa0uikmM0K_mHpzIdACZLN-SSaLDH_L-qSvTUXdgow9VpuEYw6ymC36142bmsqk1rA_w-HklRWuvHpiV5wkz5e7ZQamXpkAMZl8i_c27R3NvQxiXzljD96IzMopKii6ocJ1hcTzTxBu4f/s320/Square+Covers+Feb+1.022.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDijKkxRN0hEru02wLRdkUJuT6_x_e5ASZe_ypkuKutp4BHQOIWs6asC97-HpC1Wt0lPvW11ybjDE0Xp0Jl59UOo7qBNArzyHq498NI2_by8Q5Stg_Zpgs56HwtpblN5YrrGxM4CuFUCm/s1600/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDijKkxRN0hEru02wLRdkUJuT6_x_e5ASZe_ypkuKutp4BHQOIWs6asC97-HpC1Wt0lPvW11ybjDE0Xp0Jl59UOo7qBNArzyHq498NI2_by8Q5Stg_Zpgs56HwtpblN5YrrGxM4CuFUCm/s200/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For more Spring classroom ideas, don't miss these great posts by our awesome members of Teacher Talk! <div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions.</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3hiLuN1xCIiSeS9Myw6pJM6Bjyp85ZDTtDNmtTcFX-3gre0hDA65lQWRDpf_GQEIgTAFiX4F4OpAQGBZcZ4aW1WJmLsos0uejxHIKu6Df0qxu6FryKwfE-6OsSmTeUGroct43h5GGoLTUNTNoeRKC66mfmlgNyiTzJkeeu5Fz4sqT9Y4NlxgzQRPQvmn/s2000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3hiLuN1xCIiSeS9Myw6pJM6Bjyp85ZDTtDNmtTcFX-3gre0hDA65lQWRDpf_GQEIgTAFiX4F4OpAQGBZcZ4aW1WJmLsos0uejxHIKu6Df0qxu6FryKwfE-6OsSmTeUGroct43h5GGoLTUNTNoeRKC66mfmlgNyiTzJkeeu5Fz4sqT9Y4NlxgzQRPQvmn/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a data-uuid="1411c5f096ed4c0db24a3e8b583ef812" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C5Mvloa51AHSgu6HfTNlhXyJlDPNM0DWYdxMWeHWYd-GvFBiZvcYJH44FcWAwcc3HmeWdhyns_dLp_2R_mGPIyi4WP3QXlbx86SXYfxPz7LZu4sL4djhMQaQRTu5KFvDuc_AOF2Cu-
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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-28315751055497895582024-02-17T11:48:00.002-05:002024-02-17T11:52:46.648-05:00Celebrate Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm_UwemiGQ_0L5HldUqzAeqxZuimIH3XUEIxsImw7mpBiMmA41fKF6Z_YAYD7k6LqdBelzM6KvvpDjJmvkeqCkOmOGhAFwt4x7UDz3t3SRSkeYZ6YVKnvJYUlX3MofefrOiOTFGUutWgQ/s1600/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="How do you celebrate reading?" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm_UwemiGQ_0L5HldUqzAeqxZuimIH3XUEIxsImw7mpBiMmA41fKF6Z_YAYD7k6LqdBelzM6KvvpDjJmvkeqCkOmOGhAFwt4x7UDz3t3SRSkeYZ6YVKnvJYUlX3MofefrOiOTFGUutWgQ/w320-h240/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" title="Celebrate Reading" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Bringing back a favorite post to help you plan ahead for "March is Reading Month".</div><div><br /></div>"It's always something." (Gilda Radner as Roseanne Rosannadanna) Every day that we show up at school, ready to learn, is a cause for celebration. "...and everywhere was a song and a celebration." (Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. Woodstock, baby.) Seriously, teachers, we can find something to celebrate in class every single day. The biggest celebration, of course, is when the imaginary light bulbs flash with new learning, with a newly converted reader for life, budding author, artist, mathematician, researcher, or maker. As teachers, we are part of those amazing moments all year long. And yet, if we seek other celebrations to bring a learning theme to our students, the calendar is filled with them. Here's a year-long resource for an <a href="https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collections/teaching-content/author-and-illustrator-birthdays-entire-year/">author birthday focus every month</a>.<br /> <br />Read Across America Day was originally conceived to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss. You might have been wearing out your "Cat in the Hat" striped chapeau for all the Marches for as long as you've been teaching. Maybe your school focuses on Dr. Seuss, or maybe you just enjoy that celebration in your classroom. Maybe your own teacher tied a red bow around her neck every March, and the memories are filled with warm fuzzies. Or...maybe...you are ready for a new idea?<br /><br />Did you know that Leo Dillon's birthday is March 2 also? With his wife, Diane, Leo Dillon was the author/illustrator of forty beloved children's books. Many of the books will bring the concepts of diversity and world peace into your classroom. What a beautiful segue from February is Black History Month! Why not kick off March is Reading Month this year with a fresh focus?<br /><br />A favorite Dillon book of mine is <u>If Kids Ran the World</u>. My students were so fortunate to have the chance to meet this gentle and lovely couple before Leo's death in 2012, when they visited our school. The mentoring for our future authors and illustrators was off the charts! <u>If Kids Ran the World</u> was the book they were working on at the time of Leo's passing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Ran-World-Diane-Dillon/dp/054544196X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H328AOPSDRQ4&keywords=if+kids+ran+the+world&qid=1550594756&s=gateway&sprefix=If+kids%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1#customerReviews"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaBFvbQcKqgwr-0jcdV-N438oup5WzLo_hD6v0gFeYWxbQuni0DZCxaYklYbS8OOk4Y-sSEoq49x9hF-MofPcUIikxcyMRuLZcAaU3uLhNPnDTJ-IdyXqoDjBT_itIqeFyVNuChUCIdeB/s320/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.002.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In addition to the beautiful illustrations and words showing how the world would be a better place if we all cared for others in the way these children do, this book effortlessly becomes a mentor text. Click below to learn more:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/If-Kids-Were-in-Charge-4405196?st=e9603831bd9d06f062a40b9907ca58a2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaZYuq6q3ySVa8gt6u-3TaqWyBqRZB7JDh2JsOegT5BbWNr3oD3QwDjVhs12i7xsSymNqTUfgrR1_l0jyJvltDyIEkeu5odZ7wC2OxagOshUAvfh2LrTn9eF_tt5Im7VuvTW80Vhi_wiO43h-Ct4ngUrIkDaH5mNWAGjmO1BL59Ea0eV4medq3cZ-z9Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some other authors whose work will make for great sharing and inspiration any time of the year: Patricia Polacco, Eve Bunting, and Jacqueline Woodson. These are a few of my favorites, and my students have enjoyed many lessons for reading and writing led off by the works of these writers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Try <u>The Bee Tree</u> by Patricia Polacco to see how the author's own mother was encouraged to love reading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Share a read-aloud of <u>The Wretched Stone</u> by Chris Van Alsburg to prompt a discussion of all the things we might enjoy if we give up a little screen time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDiRHU-GPPZ3DGyCTWqDpCUplDDyIdsT2FqsCEUr_GUK3exOZCUjRoFYR08lbpta7L9rknDgvbApPx9gFuBSz-71ZyOv1gc2Y2c5JiIZxsTqvSjD1AcILeFz5wFvyFrtt_WEllUBEDAXf/s1600/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="797" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDiRHU-GPPZ3DGyCTWqDpCUplDDyIdsT2FqsCEUr_GUK3exOZCUjRoFYR08lbpta7L9rknDgvbApPx9gFuBSz-71ZyOv1gc2Y2c5JiIZxsTqvSjD1AcILeFz5wFvyFrtt_WEllUBEDAXf/s320/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, no month-long celebration is complete without a few official school-wide or grade-wide or even class-wide activities. Some of my favorites:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Hold a Read-In</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In no way should this be confused with a clean your desk, grade papers, and enter data day. Wipe that thought from your mind. It's tempting for sure, but a read-in day where you participate right along with the kids is a golden opportunity to encourage a lifelong love of reading (like yours!). Only you can be the role model for that in your classroom. Sleeping bags, blankies, jammies, and pillows optional! My kids always liked making little fort areas under the desks for uninterrupted reading bliss!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love a Parade?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ask your students to bring in their Radio Flyer or Little Tykes wagons to use as float carriers for a Parade of Books! (Think Macy's Thanksgiving or Disney any day, or The Rose Bowl Parade, but with books!) Kids work in teams to create a float display (think giant diorama!) of a book. The team members dress as some of the characters as they accompany their float in a parade for school and community!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Spotlight on Books</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Create a display with a fun place to leave comments/reviews about a book that the class shared as a class novel, book club choice, or read-aloud. Place a book cover in the center of the display, and kids write comments all around. Examples of fun places to leave comments: black construction paper with colored chalks, small white boards with wipe-off markers, plexiglass with window markers, fabric with glitter pens. I know your kids can help you think of more! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Recommended in Rainbow City</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's what we called ours, anyway! Start a weekly or monthly newsletter or blog section where kids can review books they have read and loved. It's a great resource for your students to clip and keep on hand for when they are browsing for new books to read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Book Trailers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Use your technology (iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, or your favorite movie creator) to have your students create exciting trailers to "advertise" their favorite books. So many resources, directions, and examples of book trailers for kids in this post. (Just click on the director below!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://imaginationsoup.net/how-to-make-your-own-book-trailer-kids/"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="447" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBWpbyrzR_OIh6siFDLjlz29pu2pJuapYdDh7YQSAfVqWE8qErB_oCckUCNDxebVuswFC0aiSi7WBKZkt-yczO1hd3gh0cIyfr_Sin_inW5SDGQEdjz3Oi4WWh0_k6o2-JLYDgjFZWRLg/s320/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.004.jpeg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both;">I loved sharing ideas for March is Reading Month with my podcasting friends, Tracy, Deann, and Kathie. Tune in to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/we-teach-so-hard/id1420471827">"We Teach So Hard"</a> Episode 28 to hear what we came up with!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy, happy March! Hope you get to read something you love this month, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If I can do anything else to help make your job easier this year, please let me know in the comments below! If I use your idea for a new blog post, you will win a TpT $10 gift card. If I create a new resource for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Frainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com%2F2021%2F07%2Ftake-stress-out-of-this-years-teacher.html&utm_campaign=Offer%20for%20Comments%20on%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning </a>based on your idea, you will win a free copy of that resource to use in your classroom! (Note: all comments are reviewed before appearing on my blog. It may take a few hours for your comment to appear! Thanks for your patience!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfWU3rEtihAZdoOdmvbXQ7jTCP9b4sJRKyaUL7zh6EbrgquSlETjtrxK9W-wnVuKE4P5tKqpLXmneF32HT_l1aRKK22AgSQZBiUXP0jMLynJ3PzXvrLnxFXzEd_dAKBnsNu7fM2CjFwy-/s1600/Signature1+copy+2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="312" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfWU3rEtihAZdoOdmvbXQ7jTCP9b4sJRKyaUL7zh6EbrgquSlETjtrxK9W-wnVuKE4P5tKqpLXmneF32HT_l1aRKK22AgSQZBiUXP0jMLynJ3PzXvrLnxFXzEd_dAKBnsNu7fM2CjFwy-/s200/Signature1+copy+2.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfWU3rEtihAZdoOdmvbXQ7jTCP9b4sJRKyaUL7zh6EbrgquSlETjtrxK9W-wnVuKE4P5tKqpLXmneF32HT_l1aRKK22AgSQZBiUXP0jMLynJ3PzXvrLnxFXzEd_dAKBnsNu7fM2CjFwy-/s1600/Signature1+copy+2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfWU3rEtihAZdoOdmvbXQ7jTCP9b4sJRKyaUL7zh6EbrgquSlETjtrxK9W-wnVuKE4P5tKqpLXmneF32HT_l1aRKK22AgSQZBiUXP0jMLynJ3PzXvrLnxFXzEd_dAKBnsNu7fM2CjFwy-/s1600/Signature1+copy+2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For more thoughts on teaching as we wait for Spring, don't miss these posts by our awesome members of Teacher Talk! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. 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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-62147316207126741842024-01-21T11:12:00.009-05:002024-01-21T11:19:49.310-05:00A Read Aloud for February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqnmRdDZXTrrB0UFMtgSqwaZb-Nou-rejV-Sy9SUsnWtxvD22ogvB4upXkT1mdE81L9SZ-XmFuMoG24pSV_itNK-_McJGj5BkuWyIsughHzX66M4fxe5hImwx8NoRtIllzEIsPxEBHnya/s1600/Have+I+Ever+Told+You+Blog+post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="February Read Aloud" border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1024" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqnmRdDZXTrrB0UFMtgSqwaZb-Nou-rejV-Sy9SUsnWtxvD22ogvB4upXkT1mdE81L9SZ-XmFuMoG24pSV_itNK-_McJGj5BkuWyIsughHzX66M4fxe5hImwx8NoRtIllzEIsPxEBHnya/w320-h226/Have+I+Ever+Told+You+Blog+post.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>She climbed in my lap, her fluffy curls tickling my chin, and grandsweetheart #6 and I began to devour our latest new book, <u>Have I Ever Told You?</u> by Shani King. What a delicious and inspirational read for home, with your own precious babies, or at school with your also precious students. (No longer an affiliate. I recommend this book purely from the depths of my heart!)</p>As we turned the pages, each one beginning with the words, "Have I ever told you..." or "Have I told you...", and she answered in her sweet and bell-like voice, "Yes, you have!" or "No." or "Just now!", my mind was buzzing with the reach of this idea far beyond a bedtime story. What a beautiful read for February, the month of love, this month of remembrance, of honoring the achievements of African Americans, of looking forward to honoring the achievements of women in March. If I still had my classroom, I would definitely be dancing down the hall with this one this week, ready to share with my class! Yeah, I love sleeping late and not even worrying about snow days, but I would give it all up to share this with some kids! As many as possible, so teachers, please help me out with this!<br /><br />Each page reaches deep within your soul and far beyond your own existence to all the possibilities that just being human can offer. It lets the child know that he/she is special, loved, can be anything, and should reach out to others on so many levels. It reminds with each new page that as teachers, as parents, and grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers and keepers of kids in any way that rings true for you. that we teach what we are.<br /><br />We teach what we are. The kids are always watching and listening. The best things we can model are love and compassion for others. No fancy props or complicated lesson plan is ever necessary for this. You don't need to write notes or start your class valentines with, "Have I ever told you?" (although what a great mentor text lesson you might do with this book!). Some key management decisions that you might make for your classroom could easily send that message.<br /><br />Simple things like letting your class plan the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Valentine-s-Day-122478">Valentine party</a> and how <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Glittery-Teacher-Valentine-Cards-Whole-Class-Pack-549100">Valentines</a> might be distributed and shared would send the message, "Have I ever told you what great ideas you have?"<br /><br />Establishing a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Community-With-Economy-PLUS-1992020">class government system</a> in which every child has a voice and a personal stake says, "Have I ever told you that you can make hard choices and live with them?"<br /><br />Infusing <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEMSTEAM-Through-the-Year-Bundle-2855052">multicultural studies</a> throughout the year, not just during a designated month or week or holiday, will be sending the clear message, "Have I told you how important it is that we all feel honored, loved and respected? All of us!"<br /><br />Showing students the future career possibilities of work that they are doing right now will say, "Have I told you that you can be anything you choose as you prepare for life as an adult?" Letting your kids <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Notebook-for-Any-Subject-2742316">respond to lessons in multiple ways</a> or to craft responses using their current strengths will tell them that you value their strengths and make them unafraid to try new things and respond in other ways as well.<br /><br />This is a perfect time to stretch our wings with some additional modeling. If we are teachers who respect others, show compassion for all, and truly believe in our kids as learners now and citizens in the future, let's teach it through the opportunities we provide. Love is in the air in the days ahead. Let's sprinkle in some positivity, compassion, belief in each other, and trust with what matters. The air has plenty of room and can hold all that and more! Start with a great read-aloud!<br /><br />Click on links above for ideas from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning">Rainbow City Learning</a> on adding more to the air than love next month!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ngHmIVaDE1Q2_vDpSnwMkqyw_01jF5QR7AKIDjtyvq1PcnyEl6eTwXSvUJcrnA7EStIJvk2UOgk5rcrtYQ_FzB1AiiBMSPhLUp6XHJjIDt51IQADxwHB4Pm5hVx6xDTNRfMUoI0e-NAi/s1600/Signature1+copy.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="312" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ngHmIVaDE1Q2_vDpSnwMkqyw_01jF5QR7AKIDjtyvq1PcnyEl6eTwXSvUJcrnA7EStIJvk2UOgk5rcrtYQ_FzB1AiiBMSPhLUp6XHJjIDt51IQADxwHB4Pm5hVx6xDTNRfMUoI0e-NAi/s200/Signature1+copy.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For more great ideas for the month ahead, be sure to visit all the blogs of Teacher Talk!<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials (to make your teacher life easier) at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUIhxnbSTtDaX3LecXLLiLDyeyseBjJEhNgnXwj6m1FSlIjbDLfscDHRYckKXxSpMk8YuF4Q_Sow1VfcG8FAmgQVZ6SMArwTQNqBhERf36IPEMOyHpuHNrZQgaYaVd7lADoCctomuP_PSkk-Ya2b1CQWl2W3M2FImazL2CsM9Wkqwl8IYPCYvSh7oxOPd/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUIhxnbSTtDaX3LecXLLiLDyeyseBjJEhNgnXwj6m1FSlIjbDLfscDHRYckKXxSpMk8YuF4Q_Sow1VfcG8FAmgQVZ6SMArwTQNqBhERf36IPEMOyHpuHNrZQgaYaVd7lADoCctomuP_PSkk-Ya2b1CQWl2W3M2FImazL2CsM9Wkqwl8IYPCYvSh7oxOPd/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<!--end InLinkz code--></div>Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-66830514984116984062023-12-16T14:45:00.001-05:002023-12-16T14:48:49.225-05:00Read it Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRJhbsOzA3BPkU9Q-kT48Js8I3M-AsusBnHtfcEmG4cj9wU10a8R1wQdlhsmcUBzQWUokDHTx_DBPF2_XPountskMBGwY_wZw8ehPK9r8d6ybmn83x1whRnuSh_fzcl5fJg1WTHg9PY32olVlqsV39ugkEaqJimJ8PN1dH1msdjoKhclT-CJufx7oJTDt/s1920/Read%20it%20Again%20Images.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRJhbsOzA3BPkU9Q-kT48Js8I3M-AsusBnHtfcEmG4cj9wU10a8R1wQdlhsmcUBzQWUokDHTx_DBPF2_XPountskMBGwY_wZw8ehPK9r8d6ybmn83x1whRnuSh_fzcl5fJg1WTHg9PY32olVlqsV39ugkEaqJimJ8PN1dH1msdjoKhclT-CJufx7oJTDt/s320/Read%20it%20Again%20Images.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Season's Readings! It's cold and stormy here, and I can't wait to take my insulated mug of tea and climb under a fluffy blanket with my new book, <u>The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store</u>. My book club will be discussing it next week, and I am hoping that it will transport me away from the memories of the book I finished just this morning. I haven't stopped longing for the fantasy world inside that last one.</p><p>My mind is wandering back to all the read-aloud, class novels, and lit circle (book club) books that have filled my teaching life for so many years. When I open a copy of <u>Tuck Everlasting</u> or <u>Gifts From the Sea</u>, I am immediately transported back, not only to the world of the story, but also to my painted rocking chair and the engaged and precious faces in front of me. We felt all the feels together, and made some precious reading memories.</p><p>Everyone must have at least one book or story that never gets old, and is a different pleasurable experience every time it is reread. When I was ten years old, my little brother was an insatiable fan of Dr. Seuss. To this day, I can still recite <u>Green Eggs and Ham</u> and <u>The Cat in the Hat</u> by heart. As soon as the book ended, my brother would joyfully shout, "Again!" I won't tell you how many times I've reread <u>Second Star to the Right</u>. Ok, ok, at least 12 times. Maybe more. Really, do you ever tire of visiting Disney Land or World? The familiar feels like home, and there is always something new that you may have missed or forgotten. My copy of <u>The Velveteen Rabbit</u> is worn and loved as much as the tattered main character. The images of the rooms in the ancient rooming house of <u>Second Star to the Right</u> can be called up at will, especially the top floor. (You'll just have to read it. I hear you have a little vacation time just ahead<u>.</u> Since there's more than one book with this title, here is a link: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Second-Star-Right-Alice-Monroe-ebook/dp/B00GM24PBU/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2RVQC91BKCHFB&keywords=second+star+to+the+right+book&qid=1702751036&sprefix=Second+star+%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-4https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggaXi9c8iCQ2G4TWoezmWxRdB_ATI2NpPVsZl6gwGz7fuN9ohqBMAtWapmdlLFk9UeAwkzGma7LvIN3_2nLGRor3D03uPe_paH51IjHFjw0IrQCvxbPGxvD_DacL9j5Wh4NIxIs4hBqGfAiShFeCPbvztBSD_qK6-S-Aiu7_y_KLM-5QCcnsM8nyQlN41/s768/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-16%20at%201.24.34%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="498" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggaXi9c8iCQ2G4TWoezmWxRdB_ATI2NpPVsZl6gwGz7fuN9ohqBMAtWapmdlLFk9UeAwkzGma7LvIN3_2nLGRor3D03uPe_paH51IjHFjw0IrQCvxbPGxvD_DacL9j5Wh4NIxIs4hBqGfAiShFeCPbvztBSD_qK6-S-Aiu7_y_KLM-5QCcnsM8nyQlN41/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-16%20at%201.24.34%20PM.png" width="208" /></a></div><p></p><p>My classroom application of all this reminiscing would be to have a "sweet memories" book club. (Create your own title if that's a little too sugary for you.) Ask your students to write on a ballot the titles of three or five or whatever number of books that they would love to reread and discuss in a book club with classmates. Tally the ballots and put a few groups together. I can't imagine a more delicious lit experience than this! My head is literally spinning with the idea of discussing my all-time fav (above) with others who have read and loved it! </p><p>If you decide to have a sweet memories book club experience, please please please comment below or email me and I'll enter you in a drawing for a $10 TpT gift card! I would love to hear all about how it went!</p><p>For resources to help you make this happen in your classroom, try these resources from Rainbow City Learning!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Book-Clubs-38290/Page:2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xjfwZZd0hhUVBrH1Mrfgsjavaj297LPau4_qktrdJgXHB2nHEHT8c4mtF_wi3aHmLGzoKnfSUfZR7tl6fAbT1deI8fO4RIKLj1kqumYISvln_J65-uuEXqsTnuPORnLNfXUNRKBqx3RmxaREJrPMlLQegUxeTSkxj8rql70JEWFyl3KH8XSb4lnrOzd_/s320/Read%20it%20Again%20Images.002.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Wishing you and your students Season's Readings, and a sweet holiday season!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOaXoKbmCOifv-PbzaqqQPTX1yu_XaP-tERXmUtuZBXPsG3Ptpz77_BfaqdrOFlzE1-8FjEuw9-vPazyJ_Ji_lzOTLoPXStXSCo-qPNnyZgsr8cmnxpJjQ-vF3hVxXohvSFRECc55LEpem6AuxT0tVWLqUpXmjYwBoxdcyUf5RUgH0rGTqedxIbi8u7hK/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOaXoKbmCOifv-PbzaqqQPTX1yu_XaP-tERXmUtuZBXPsG3Ptpz77_BfaqdrOFlzE1-8FjEuw9-vPazyJ_Ji_lzOTLoPXStXSCo-qPNnyZgsr8cmnxpJjQ-vF3hVxXohvSFRECc55LEpem6AuxT0tVWLqUpXmjYwBoxdcyUf5RUgH0rGTqedxIbi8u7hK/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>For more December thoughts and tips, be sure to check out the posts of my blogging friends.</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials (to make your teacher life easier) at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-8766113822611762062023-11-18T16:05:00.001-05:002023-11-18T16:10:24.699-05:00Enough at Holiday Time<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEhKwsorRsqySWS9NXoAsh-4CylgGRVQqie0O7JsILpEDo9kga88OcnDcl_ULE0zpWl-ymY2AS6pfk-1ySMlNWs_xmRaWFDoYIMUOS9H8LNy3jfN0jsTfKJu2DqlqB9nP4JaV6GAtunsu/s1600/Enough+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEhKwsorRsqySWS9NXoAsh-4CylgGRVQqie0O7JsILpEDo9kga88OcnDcl_ULE0zpWl-ymY2AS6pfk-1ySMlNWs_xmRaWFDoYIMUOS9H8LNy3jfN0jsTfKJu2DqlqB9nP4JaV6GAtunsu/s320/Enough+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />Our family has a reunion every year at Thanksgiving time. We are scattered all over the country (actually all over the world) now, but each year as many as possible try to meet up for a banquet cooked by professional chefs (yay!) rather than by any of us. We meet in a hotel back where I grew up and spend several days just enjoying each other and loving on our newest generation. It takes me back to my childhood, when most of the meals were home cooked, certainly at Thanksgiving, and when most of my extended family hung out together all the time. We were there for so many of the milestones in each other's lives, sometimes because they were official and came with an invitation, and sometimes because we just happened to all be there. We were all always there, either at my parents' house, or my grandparents' house, known simply as "down the house" (In Pittsburghese, "You gon' dahn the hause?" Or, "See ya later dahn the hause.") We never said yinz in our family, but we sure pronounced words like dahn and hause just that way. It brings a tear. Sigh.<br /><br />Our Thanksgiving celebrations through the years always included the long table for adults and the kids' table. I believe I sat at the kids' table until I graduated from college and was married with a tiny apartment table of my own. It was a good place to be, and a great place to grow up.<br /><br />We hosted a brunch at our house recently, and my favorite grandson (aka only grandson) asked if we could move the kids' table to the end of the adult table so that it would be just one long table and we all could sit together. What a brilliant idea! I wish I had thought to ask my grandmother the same question. Her kids' table was seriously all the way in the living room. We always felt that we were missing something over there! Brunch was so much fun that day, and the furniture arrangement just might have had something to do with it!<br /><br />Thoughts of Thanksgivings past and future also brought me to the thoughts of the season of excess, which seems to start earlier and earlier each year. I thought I had finished all of my holiday shopping yesterday, but thought of several items that I wanted to add today. A tiny voice in my head said, "Enough!" The voice was right. I took some time tonight to think of all the things that I have enough of. I certainly have enough clothes to last forever. Six bags are ready for donation right now. I have a precious family to love, and I know they love me, so enough love. I have probably far more friends than any one person deserves, so enough friendship. Since I've rekindled my love for dancing and exercise, I am mostly blessed with good health. I do request that you stay away from me though if you have not had your flu shot. Learned that the hard way. Enough food? Probably too much, given my never-ending struggles with the scale.<br /><br />Yes, enough. I am so sure that I have enough that I have no holiday wish list of my own. The days ahead might just be a good time to consider with your students and children or grandchildren, nieces, and nephews - whoever is important in your life - what exactly each of you has enough of. And then, you might want to extend the conversation to ways you can reach out and share with others who might not have enough. Some examples (some that I've talked about in previous blog posts) might be:<br /><br /><ul><li>Adopt a family to gather and wrap holiday gifts for.</li><li>Pack winter comfort bags for the homeless.</li><li>Visit an elderly residence and play board games or sing. </li><li>Plan an act of kindness to do every day (or even once a week) for someone else.</li><li>Share your holiday spirit by learning more about winter holidays celebrated by others in your community and around the world.</li></ul>An amazing book that I've just discovered is <u>I am Enough</u> by Grace Byers. It is a lovely way to remind our children that each of them is a precious gift to the world.<br /><br />For resources to make your teaching life a little easier in the days ahead, and to learn about winter holidays celebrated by others, click here! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Winter-Holidays-183676">Winter Holidays with Rainbow City Learning</a><br />For resources to emphasize Gratitude, click here! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Gratitude-Resources-401311">Celebrating Gratitude with Rainbow City Learning</a><br /><br />In the days ahead, I wish you a seat at the table surrounded by those you love, and the most precious of gifts to open: friendship, caring, and awareness of the needs of others.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGyM1U_GOe3P4cjULE6Ws1wph9YkWTunTEEQImTDw5FcviZ8rkm1fH58fMFwo25d3weD1T8TmpWRqlDyRs_xpdTKXHrJB9_0qVG51cXLmPNxL2TFhST4r961CXWnAZDntiURxb-gmiLDd/s1600/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGyM1U_GOe3P4cjULE6Ws1wph9YkWTunTEEQImTDw5FcviZ8rkm1fH58fMFwo25d3weD1T8TmpWRqlDyRs_xpdTKXHrJB9_0qVG51cXLmPNxL2TFhST4r961CXWnAZDntiURxb-gmiLDd/s200/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For more November thoughts and tips, be sure to check out the posts of my blogging friends.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div></div><div><div style="padding: 8px;"></div></div></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-85621379097478383622023-10-13T12:44:00.003-04:002024-03-25T19:03:18.699-04:00The Beauty of the Buddy Bench<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2UPTTMiO7zZ9uiyYwoD2x0p5Oo_wDIRlX5w9ejOxBgeo2NNhtSPcGDOkMMWhuzrJvgqHrQda68vMLS0TW4TBeNyy_bHrYWl_0yf6ou5JI4M8BU-0-YElYQf68TnCpTdfqqOivYvx40RDRfmsto75YLFd9yAFS5v7JSSHwUjxsRb_AuRZ8iEqs-nVAHMr/s1920/The%20Beauty%20of%20the%20Buddy%20Bench.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2UPTTMiO7zZ9uiyYwoD2x0p5Oo_wDIRlX5w9ejOxBgeo2NNhtSPcGDOkMMWhuzrJvgqHrQda68vMLS0TW4TBeNyy_bHrYWl_0yf6ou5JI4M8BU-0-YElYQf68TnCpTdfqqOivYvx40RDRfmsto75YLFd9yAFS5v7JSSHwUjxsRb_AuRZ8iEqs-nVAHMr/s320/The%20Beauty%20of%20the%20Buddy%20Bench.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>When I was six years old and walking to my new school where I didn't know anyone, I heard a voice from across the street: "Hi! My name is Gloria! Will you come to my birthday party tomorrow?" My new very outgoing little friend introduced me to all of her friends, and all the anxiety of starting at a new school vanished! We became fast friends for many years following.</p><p>When I was a junior in college, my sorority decreed that we ALL needed to attend a fraternity party that we were invited to as a group. Nervous and somewhat annoyed at being forced to attend, I walked into the party with my friend Susan. The most adorable boy greeted us, took my arm, and said, "Didn't I meet you before?" It was a corny beginning, but we celebrated our fifty-first wedding anniversary this year!</p><p>Each time I began teaching at a new school during my teaching career, there was always a smiling face in the next classroom, or across the hall, ready to become a lifelong friend, and to teach me the ropes of a new, unique situation.</p><p>Entering a wedding shower for my friend's daughter, she told me to "sit anywhere". I looked around the room, and whispered (I thought) to her, "I don't know anyone here." Immediately, a sweet and adorable cousin of my friend (someone I had hadn't met yet) appeared at my side and said, "I'm Terri. Now you know me. Sit with us!" Terri is one of my favorite people to this day!</p><p>At funeral this week for a dear friend, my husband and I were sitting alone and really feeling the sadness. The man in front of us turned around and started making jokes with us. I said, "Do we know you?" He said, "You do now. I'm Jack, and this is my wife Pat. Now we're friends."</p><p>This week's funeral encounter made my mind travel back to all the other times in my life when I was sad or alone, and a stranger became a friend. As a teacher, I always tried, and sometimes struggled to make this magic happen for my students. I knew that, for kids, friendship doesn't always come just by getting them together at recess or in collaborative groups. That's where the Buddy Bench reports for duty.</p><p><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">The Buddy Bench</span><br />What is a Buddy Bench? This concept has been around since 2013, when a second grader came up with an idea for lonely kids at recess time. The Buddy Bench doesn't even have to be an actual bench, but it does have to be an agreed upon meeting place. When a child sits on a Buddy Bench, it sends a signal to others that he/she/they would like to interact with someone. This could mean just talking or joining in a game. It's a great way to promote inclusion and to build empathy. I'm all for anything we can do to build kids up from the inside out. The Buddy Bench is relationship and SEL magic!<br /><br />The secret to success with your Buddy Bench is to discretely teach what it's all about and to model using it. When we installed one at my school, I discovered that the very kids who needed it most in order to find companions at recess were the kids who lacked skill in interpersonal communication. (Anyone surprised?) That's when I developed a set of cards that could be laminated and left at the Buddy Bench to serve as conversation prompts. You can make your own or find them for outdoor use <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Distance-Learning-Buddy-Bench-Ice-Breaker-Talking-Prompts-3206711" target="_blank">here</a> and in classroom use <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Buddy-Bench-Ice-Breaker-Talking-Prompts-Print-and-Digital-7078408?st=76ab06c307ca406ab7102c95ef924103" target="_blank">here</a>, but the important thing is to practice using them. Select a topic and try a model discussion. The topics on my cards all center on finding some common ground on which a friendship may be built. What are your favorite kind of movies? Music? Ice cream? What do you like to do best at recess? What's your favorite joke? You get it!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/springdeals-Buddy-Bench-Ice-Breaker-Talking-Prompts-3206711" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftYC6NqGfYcVWvJ3aHfxnOP4qSuwiJugK9NM_cku95DnUj-fOK1uKTYxlTlTnipPY7uBxIbUvlKyIpf9bmJ0q-yPJpiQNCV2DkSnjk-nBP4DUvY0wb5sLhDdgxLzOp-ODYXRR4mGSOOoDMTaBCA6okCFZ3lA0CMF61d8tpPTjow6xBUyaGuU2LbW2wRjN/s320/original-3206711-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/springdeals-Classroom-Buddy-Bench-Ice-Breaker-Talking-Prompts-Print-Digital-7078408" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg2U9-FG_DfSDGiPG45u417ttzuCRjOVrzTZIbHkgl9lQlbhgvqK9L_F58eyWtSx6TlSeqte6cpWxdbIz0nSYbFtMEJm7jAm9iUzco7YIQeeqS0GZYc24ygKHw91DXtzt4b7zHUxgBONegcmRVjJhhXzenOncJ_III1PgX6WDtpggXZVIyT6k2T27ZMPj/s320/original-7078408-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">The Permanent Buddy Bench </span><br /><p>Your Buddy Bench will be a fixture on your playground. Our PTA even added a second one right outside the office for indoor recess. Kids will use it to signal that they would rather not spend recess alone, and other kids will join them. They will find something something to chat about, and may move on to a soccer match, a jump rope game, or a race around the track. They may even find a quiet place under a tree to read a book together. As a teacher (or recess supervisor), you need to kind of watch the bench out of the corner of your eye. If a kid has been sitting there for too long, either encourage a child (that you have pre-arranged a buddy position with) or go and sit there yourself. Start up a conversation. No one wants to put himself/herself out there as being all alone, and then stay that way.<br /><br />My favorite nine year old told me today that the Buddy Bench at his school is just a place to throw your coat if you get too warm at recess. He went on to say that since everyone at his school is already such good friends with everyone else, the Buddy Bench isn't used anymore. My dad had an expression for that which, in translation, means, "It should always be so." I swear I heard his voice telling me that when I heard about this repurposed Buddy Bench! My wish for you is that yours becomes a coat holder as well!<br /><br />In any case, your Buddy Bench should become a familiar sight and a familiar concept to your students. It's their signal to be good people and to include others whenever possible. How lovely to sit on the Buddy Bench on a perfect Spring day and chat with a new found friend! Sigh.<br /></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b>From an unknown source, here is a testimonial to the beauty of the Buddy Bench:</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OirQsp9h-rkKCXTINfPktc9Fi4O-pE4RDKFOFbz80348bHhAr-jDDFU8qygLf8K4Q4Q8Hg49bj7wI67TxfwvNPdrxkLAsvmFuc3yTSwmh9-M8EVyo_jBq5HVp5Uzg-FwbA0e2fRkSCIMGv5suIDrhJETN-7e4sxdpFWawJvIcvT4bCyZzFq1766BKAdq/s837/IMG-2165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OirQsp9h-rkKCXTINfPktc9Fi4O-pE4RDKFOFbz80348bHhAr-jDDFU8qygLf8K4Q4Q8Hg49bj7wI67TxfwvNPdrxkLAsvmFuc3yTSwmh9-M8EVyo_jBq5HVp5Uzg-FwbA0e2fRkSCIMGv5suIDrhJETN-7e4sxdpFWawJvIcvT4bCyZzFq1766BKAdq/s320/IMG-2165.JPG" width="317" /></a></div><br />Wishing you peace, friendship, and a classroom full of good people!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKftsa14nQZE43OZyELFQiqeu3GOpoHPKiffd6tlTJEvaBWBTWFPr4astf241atuiPhyphenhyphenB_RcxcvIZvGSGrtR5jEHZkMsC4t_79_XAQs75INTtFPYWNSnzJDO4_tYLRQXG1k5UZsrZ2515sYcXjHToTMxplbUE8j8tpXxBUA5X7Ns_1KoZqcR3RpTf3zxn/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKftsa14nQZE43OZyELFQiqeu3GOpoHPKiffd6tlTJEvaBWBTWFPr4astf241atuiPhyphenhyphenB_RcxcvIZvGSGrtR5jEHZkMsC4t_79_XAQs75INTtFPYWNSnzJDO4_tYLRQXG1k5UZsrZ2515sYcXjHToTMxplbUE8j8tpXxBUA5X7Ns_1KoZqcR3RpTf3zxn/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more fall ideas, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><p><br /></p>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-29482983779241691542023-09-12T21:08:00.002-04:002023-09-12T21:13:49.458-04:00Five Tips for a Smoother September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9l3Vm98MtDR6GXSFBP4uOIU85YhIM6uoKXxmozrSVewcIr8ybjEvlJKFEsXjdnGxEpDroxNPT4NO2Z-VUaqEU16N2yKAYrJ-yjp4uIqLuCvUh5cKyMAirWZ8iuQTDZ5jdFv_sBZ_W-crr/s1600/Smoother+September+blog+post.002.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1009" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9l3Vm98MtDR6GXSFBP4uOIU85YhIM6uoKXxmozrSVewcIr8ybjEvlJKFEsXjdnGxEpDroxNPT4NO2Z-VUaqEU16N2yKAYrJ-yjp4uIqLuCvUh5cKyMAirWZ8iuQTDZ5jdFv_sBZ_W-crr/s320/Smoother+September+blog+post.002.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Did you blink? Summer is over! Everyone I know is finally back to school. The last round went back to school in Michigan this week! So many changes, new expectations, and new habits for a new school year! If you can stand one more piece of advice about smoothing out your September, mine would be to add just one new procedure at a time. Here are a few that I believe will make a difference in your year!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTCNleuGzDL7T57x0UxnuXsNEJOHnZOgdPxfIyzKdyCyEbqQkVnqVI-hjpih-9thvbCmwIVoa311efgoiU7hD7HjZx7vvDlob_bHf2YfrUeeTLjeY84GoaOqioUjdewCR0F4v3hnfAemD/s1600/Smoother+September+blog+post.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1010" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTCNleuGzDL7T57x0UxnuXsNEJOHnZOgdPxfIyzKdyCyEbqQkVnqVI-hjpih-9thvbCmwIVoa311efgoiU7hD7HjZx7vvDlob_bHf2YfrUeeTLjeY84GoaOqioUjdewCR0F4v3hnfAemD/s320/Smoother+September+blog+post.003.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Start with the one that tells your students: Welcome! You are in a safe and accepting place, and everyone here is glad that you are here with us. Here's how I would get that started. (It's not too late to add this in for the current year, even if you've already started. Revised script follows here!) Close the door after all are seated and busy with whatever your morning work is. You: "Ok, I have something to share with you. The office has just discovered that they made a mistake. They placed all the BEST students in our grade right here, in this room, with me!" Them: "Gasp!" (Gazing at you with wide-eyed wonder, as if to say, "How'd that happen?") You: "I know! Right? So how are we going to keep them from figuring it out?" Them: (Offer some ideas.) You: "Well, the key thing is to remember not to tell anyone in any of the other classes that this has happened. We have to kind of keep it low key and just act like we usually do, which is pretty close to perfect!" Them: (Looking around room, and knowingly smiling.) This is not a fantasy. I have done this and it works. You are telling your students that they are the best, and in most cases, they will try to live up to your faith in them. Want the best class ever this year? Just believe in that idea together. Send that idea out into your school, community, and the universe!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwU7lrljib2IZpSRbgn91e_dJg1XpovqSeSxwj4lg6DeWpShkFMidGOus8uJVZtpFvY9yjHiXmDQE_14NnsrghaweY6uJ5ITl9-yjMnbjDRZWKQGFur445U1bFV7C9PNtOU43_fLm6EfC/s1600/Smoother+September+blog+post.004.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="953" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwU7lrljib2IZpSRbgn91e_dJg1XpovqSeSxwj4lg6DeWpShkFMidGOus8uJVZtpFvY9yjHiXmDQE_14NnsrghaweY6uJ5ITl9-yjMnbjDRZWKQGFur445U1bFV7C9PNtOU43_fLm6EfC/s320/Smoother+September+blog+post.004.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Use music for transitions, entering, exiting, and some of your writing time. Have certain songs that you play for lining up, for coming to morning meeting, for coming to the carpet for mini lessons, for starting center activities, and for cleaning up. Try keeping a playlist on your computer desktop for easy access when needed. Kids will respond by falling in step with the desired activity as they learn the music that is directing them to begin. I used <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pop-Songs-that-teach-Kindness-Courage-Team-Spirit-Mindfulness-511462">a few of the Bullyproof Music tunes</a> for most activities, but Seger's "That Old Time Rock n Roll" was a favorite cleanup song. "Got Your Back"(Bullyproof) is a great one for entering and lining up to go to specials, lunch, recess, etc. We loved "Gift" (Bullyproof) for coming to carpet for lessons because it made us think about how special the time we had together really was.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvQYsaH3xvqRsVxFKr8zNBS0FfIuJ4TlvFm60g84-SPJRNzbiuKy_S9VP3Rv6F0O21n8QZksWIWvuEJo-7yoBDNKn2GHivHV80GC-JHmCmHCodWcrP6eW0f0EV0RJM0g8W3xMF2oI4Nf7/s1600/Smoother+September+blog+post.005.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1008" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvQYsaH3xvqRsVxFKr8zNBS0FfIuJ4TlvFm60g84-SPJRNzbiuKy_S9VP3Rv6F0O21n8QZksWIWvuEJo-7yoBDNKn2GHivHV80GC-JHmCmHCodWcrP6eW0f0EV0RJM0g8W3xMF2oI4Nf7/s320/Smoother+September+blog+post.005.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Try some tinker time. I have ALWAYS been a fan of project based learning, invention, and just plain old tinkering with stuff, long before STEM, STEAM, and saving Fred. Long before Genius Hour too! I would love to see you carve out a block of time wherever you can manage it each day where kids can interact with ideas and stuff and just set their imaginations free. Every classroom, science or not, can and should have a Maker Space, in my opinion. Here's a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Maker-Space-FREE-Guide-to-Getting-Started-1800197">free Guide to Getting Started,</a> if you're ready! The experiences that kids have with tinkering in a leisurely way will spill over into writing, discussions, and even test taking. It's great exercise for their brains. Try it and see!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXf7iZ_pn_g0vb5Jso-xsPKFZthh3cHe_NxUcrHplnrCRrChi5aN0ldKwgnv4-_0Axla1Yy5gnP80i5r3FTSX6GBXuGMeot2gixaENrgydspAYZgIX6F4F4dtUNQruMvveyY0eyxgGcXF/s1600/Smoother+September+blog+post.006.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1010" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXf7iZ_pn_g0vb5Jso-xsPKFZthh3cHe_NxUcrHplnrCRrChi5aN0ldKwgnv4-_0Axla1Yy5gnP80i5r3FTSX6GBXuGMeot2gixaENrgydspAYZgIX6F4F4dtUNQruMvveyY0eyxgGcXF/s320/Smoother+September+blog+post.006.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Write every day. Journals, Interactive Notebooks note taking and responses, math word problems requiring longer answers, quick writes, or just free writing in a writer's notebook to be used at a later time. Students should write in the company of others, and they should see you writing too. Try writing your own journal using whatever projection method you use (I used Elmo, and in the olden days, an overhead projector). The writing that you model should be pen to paper though, not keyboarding into a document. Show that you are happily putting the same effort into your writing that kids are putting into theirs. They will learn much more from watching what you do than from just listening to what you say about writing. As you develop a new Interactive Notebook lesson, be sure to project what you are writing so all can see it. Writers who write in the company of other writers have far fewer cases of writer's block.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjag-iaLhwt7og2Sxe6U8QPnsyu3PYGyE22OMzkrNZlME8YfX4mAz0X5zkZf8DOnIE_sMk_WqI4QWmjXMbOUN0QT_AXfpmI6l1kaJBTP_op-qxgmEi01tja2rQURFoSqPnQZ2FEKlWaCnfo/s1600/Smoother+September+blog+post.007.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1008" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjag-iaLhwt7og2Sxe6U8QPnsyu3PYGyE22OMzkrNZlME8YfX4mAz0X5zkZf8DOnIE_sMk_WqI4QWmjXMbOUN0QT_AXfpmI6l1kaJBTP_op-qxgmEi01tja2rQURFoSqPnQZ2FEKlWaCnfo/s320/Smoother+September+blog+post.007.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Read together every day. Have a read-aloud going, no matter your grade level. Humans love to be read to. Don't just assign reading to be done at home. Let your kids read in the company of other readers. It will raise those reading levels much quicker! They will notice new books they'd like to try, see examples of others enjoying reading, and enjoy it themselves more and more each day.<br /><br />Five habits for September. If these five things are in place by the time you and your students arrive at October, I'm guessing that you will say it's been a good month! Happy sailing through the days ahead! Take care of yourself, and enjoy these fresh new moments with your new friends!<br /><br />For some fresh October ideas from Rainbow City Learning, just click below!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/October-Super-Bundle-with-a-Theme-of-Caring-7443853" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0ZNbGNyuKqzpec0wuX3aEj1-XwFb-q7PglPC-SDFK1mKlhURMUkkH-I6sg641ctwD3XNqBdfCPfYlwnuhuwlRZXscBpMhbkdQQ28t4eDlgCOthaVdMNODUNK6lMFFjwKNmQwL-C6WoTnpOYHZdpH4osu2TfNAkr4xhzEIq_3LLpTWST2jeQ0ZEMdK5zC/s320/original-7443853-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGyM1U_GOe3P4cjULE6Ws1wph9YkWTunTEEQImTDw5FcviZ8rkm1fH58fMFwo25d3weD1T8TmpWRqlDyRs_xpdTKXHrJB9_0qVG51cXLmPNxL2TFhST4r961CXWnAZDntiURxb-gmiLDd/s1600/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGyM1U_GOe3P4cjULE6Ws1wph9YkWTunTEEQImTDw5FcviZ8rkm1fH58fMFwo25d3weD1T8TmpWRqlDyRs_xpdTKXHrJB9_0qVG51cXLmPNxL2TFhST4r961CXWnAZDntiURxb-gmiLDd/s200/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more ideas as you dig into your new school year, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div></div></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-67049143281581740082023-08-20T13:13:00.002-04:002023-08-20T13:18:43.435-04:00How is it August Already? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_55IcwxB02ZOAxKlBpnbfTWkXuGK2qNUHLLBNYlOrenQRh_MwReKDhC9gwV7xMUkbdfDLvCpUHX0c3MfYMpDcrhNbg1mK0lwIWlXJgwVxq6hyphenhyphenre96PO-0AssPI_M9niOJWUzorF7zf-Fd/s1600/August+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Start Your Teacher Year Right" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_55IcwxB02ZOAxKlBpnbfTWkXuGK2qNUHLLBNYlOrenQRh_MwReKDhC9gwV7xMUkbdfDLvCpUHX0c3MfYMpDcrhNbg1mK0lwIWlXJgwVxq6hyphenhyphenre96PO-0AssPI_M9niOJWUzorF7zf-Fd/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" title="August for Teachers" width="320" /></a></div><p> This post has been featured on the <a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/august-the-sunday-night-of-your-teaching-year/">TpT Blog</a>! That was soooo exciting for me, and I hope that you may have noticed it there! The blog fairies have been here and thought that I should write a post about how to ease into the new school year, but honestly... Today is a huge wedding anniversary for my sweetheart and me, and I told the blog fairies to kindly visit someone else today. I decided to take my own advice as detailed below, and squeeze every last drop of summer pleasure into my heart and into my memories. I hope you enjoy reading this oldie but goodie post, and get a little more summer under your belt to last all year long!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Aaaaahhh....August! August is the Sunday night of a teacher's year. We are looking forward to our learning and teaching days to come, yet longing for just a little more summer. We are making plans, thinking about setting up our classrooms, and yet feeling the need to sink our toes in the sand once more, watch just one more Netflix binge, or read one more beach book. It's a feeling that I still get as a retired teacher. I feel the butterflies in my stomach, find myself wondering who is on my class list, and when I can finally get into my room to work. Those feelings never go away, even as I realize that those days are over for me.</div><br />So teachers, as we move through August together, I think I know a little of the approach-avoidance feelings you are experiencing. As memories of August past flood my brain, I hope I can offer a few ideas to make your transition back to class easier! Of course, if your district has already returned for the new school year, you probably have a tip or two to offer us already. I hope you'll share in the comments!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIadH2admSrHmGhT1HBgGHqPNBMigv_CMGJShdLFWGKJgLmtK86TM6i1yghCFsGWRF1hDCaWJwj9vT-7_1TxZg8MriDvq3aZdG6ND6FNvrncht13-WIS0Y21MvEjV3yv5ElNuklPXywfsXrAad5dZSCJQpRv9n5qMEnKIHzRG2Hbvnk5QNjfMylDjZP9R/s1024/August%20Blog%20Post.002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIadH2admSrHmGhT1HBgGHqPNBMigv_CMGJShdLFWGKJgLmtK86TM6i1yghCFsGWRF1hDCaWJwj9vT-7_1TxZg8MriDvq3aZdG6ND6FNvrncht13-WIS0Y21MvEjV3yv5ElNuklPXywfsXrAad5dZSCJQpRv9n5qMEnKIHzRG2Hbvnk5QNjfMylDjZP9R/s320/August%20Blog%20Post.002.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Just because the stores are shelving school supplies earlier and earlier each year, that doesn't mean that you have to spring into action and start gathering. The shelves will be restocked and more and better deals will appear as we get closer to the actual opening of school.<br /><br />Don't be so anxious to get into your room. It will still be there if you choose to spend a few extra vacation days with friends and/or family. It's usually a struggle to gain access early in August if you are a Labor Day district like ours, so why not wait until the school is actually ready for you to dig in and transform your space?<br /><br />For years, I stayed away from Labor Day gatherings, choosing instead to make my desk name tags, type up my revised class list for the twentieth time, and pack <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1321672874"></span>"Welcome to my Class"<span id="goog_1321672875"></span></a> bags. Looking back, I think I could have enjoyed the Labor Day fun and still had a great first week. Savor every last delicious moment this year and then retrieve it to recall on a long and cold winter day.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzLjvbJJW3CHB79HwlwVup_sImPv_7HC-bsT55LAP5AAWwJoU9_h-v5_-utpNlZByUy9u_UjnG3s66IVHHzOb20XzWMvQTHmiqQLLogyLntzZG8MGKzc7cfK3sSoTxOG5pLEj4BaBnub2/s1600/August+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How will school be different this year?" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzLjvbJJW3CHB79HwlwVup_sImPv_7HC-bsT55LAP5AAWwJoU9_h-v5_-utpNlZByUy9u_UjnG3s66IVHHzOb20XzWMvQTHmiqQLLogyLntzZG8MGKzc7cfK3sSoTxOG5pLEj4BaBnub2/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" title="What would you change this school year?" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: #38761d;">AT HOME</span></b><br /><br />Have you stressed out over what to wear to school each day? Consider spending a little August time cleaning your closet, donating items you never wear, and shopping for a "capsule wardrobe". The idea of a basic wardrobe of fewer pieces that can be mixed in multiple ways really isn't a fad. It's been around under many names since the 70's. You can trust me. I was there. I didn't heed the advice, but I heard it. Looking back, I realize how much easier my mom life and teaching life could have been with this teeny tiny change in habit. If you have a sparse closet filled with mix and match pieces that you love love love, getting dressed in the morning will be snap!<br /><br />Will you miss your summer gym time? Bike rides? Long walks? Yoga class? Make a plan now on how to make exercise a part of your school day. A lifestyle modification that worked for me was to go to sleep an hour earlier than I would have liked to so that I could get up an hour earlier to work out. When my children were really young, I made this a two hour difference so I could be up in time to exercise for an hour, shower and shampoo, and be dressed and ready to leave for work before waking my girls. Decide what you would like to accomplish in the morning and work backwards to adjust your bedtime. Adjusting to an earlier bedtime is a life-changer!<br /><br />Worried about having great family meals ready after working each day? The Instant Pot is a miracle machine! Dinner ready in no time at all! (Unless you choose a recipe that uses the Instant Pot as a slow cooker. I did this once - the first time I used mine. We ended up waiting 3 hours for dinner instead of 30 minutes! Hahaha! Now I check the cooking times before getting out the ingredients!) Use a lazy August evening or two gathering recipes to try in the fall.<br /><br />Stressful to pack lunches in the morning? Make a plan to batch pack those meals in a quick weekend hour. Snack boxes, bags, mason jars, and bento boxes make great containers for pack ahead meals.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #38761d;">AT SCHOOL</span></b><br /><br />Does your room have to be Instagram perfect before the students arrive? Why not ask for their ideas on furniture arrangement and groupings? Have some basic bulletin boards to set the stage for students to contribute their work. I have found over and over again that students who feel a sense of ownership in their classroom will show much more respect for the rules, materials, and equipment.<br /><br />Would you like your <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Curriculum-Night-Presentation-for-GOOGLE-Drive-2715788">Meet the Teacher </a>event to run more smoothly? Have a few activities ready for kids to complete, like an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-as-a-Learner-Interactive-Notebook-First-Pages-1332379" target="_blank">All About Me</a> page to display for the first day of school. Have a brochure ready for parents describing your philosophy and plans for curriculum, along with contact information. Keep it as simple as possible. I loved using a trifold brochure. Try really hard not to plan a heavy room setup work day on the same day as Meet the Teacher.<br /><br />Here's a bulletin board idea: Make signs with FAQ and answers and post them all around your classroom. Very helpful for parents and for students. Less for you to explain over and over as the first days roll on.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7T5eGC4EtNa6n54x8BZnBX7yu3b2ZlNU2JCy0_t-hrN9TkQ5uo0aWClquzymZoDBXVMw49uhCxXs2KwS43UyBPSgEfM_phTZNWm4BuNoze8VWbHysGITwrTlnd-bX2o5oS5px1jYW5ye/s1600/August+Blog+Post.004.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make your teaching practice better this year." border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7T5eGC4EtNa6n54x8BZnBX7yu3b2ZlNU2JCy0_t-hrN9TkQ5uo0aWClquzymZoDBXVMw49uhCxXs2KwS43UyBPSgEfM_phTZNWm4BuNoze8VWbHysGITwrTlnd-bX2o5oS5px1jYW5ye/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.004.jpeg" title="Change your teaching practice" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>Will you use more <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Maker-Task-Bundle-2079291">Project Based Learning</a>? Would you like to try <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Math-Rotations-Cards-Posters-and-Student-Pages-1490245">Math Centers</a> or a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Maker-Space-Start-Up-Kit-Bundle-1800155">Maker Space</a>? What's your plan to build your <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Community-With-Economy-PLUS-1992020">classroom community</a>? All of these ideas and more are soooo much easier to contemplate away from the scene of all the excitement. Do a little reading about the top item or two on your list. Subscribe to a professional journal or blog related to the topic. Join a Facebook group of like minded teachers who are going to try out the same new practice. Start small and grow your practice as you feel more comfortable.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZfku2gjN461Vj44_XKuwB0DbGlsXuQtD1tePukYadUji8UhCEgTYAm5igECggUrHlLP7s6k_lXkgIaQAhRnqc9O-Rixlr2mRrr6JYACDRXnFhyphenhyphennYEsnkTnCmBh8b9tqaqp4K5mEPgoln/s1600/August+Blog+Post.005.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Journal your teaching day" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZfku2gjN461Vj44_XKuwB0DbGlsXuQtD1tePukYadUji8UhCEgTYAm5igECggUrHlLP7s6k_lXkgIaQAhRnqc9O-Rixlr2mRrr6JYACDRXnFhyphenhyphennYEsnkTnCmBh8b9tqaqp4K5mEPgoln/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.005.jpeg" title="Journals in class" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>I can't say enough about how the simple act of writing quietly for fifteen or twenty minutes each day will bring balance and serenity to your life. It will provide insight later to what happened on a frustrating day and will provide memories that will bring a smile to your face for years to come. <br /><br />When I started my journal writing at the very end of each school day, my students were wondering what I was up to. Was I writing about them? Was it good stuff? You could hear a pin drop and minds working as my sweeties got all reflective in their own journals too!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-OmcPfhkKS9E9I7v7mKFbOywdIPgOl2TVDzFcljyjv-kyhRpigxphYRbIwyOmCpCoJs4_pi55v0swmL4_4pF5DAfHsHYm0cuU5558ZpUiYBq6Ara02OOuJVyuTwRkR7lAuEmiILAanhW/s1600/August+Blog+Post.006.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make teaching fun" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-OmcPfhkKS9E9I7v7mKFbOywdIPgOl2TVDzFcljyjv-kyhRpigxphYRbIwyOmCpCoJs4_pi55v0swmL4_4pF5DAfHsHYm0cuU5558ZpUiYBq6Ara02OOuJVyuTwRkR7lAuEmiILAanhW/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.006.jpeg" title="Find the humor in every teaching day" width="320" /></a></div><br />Get together with your teaching besties at lunch or at the end of the day to just laugh out loud at some of the outrageous, cute, or even challenging things that will be a part of every day. Try laughter instead of commiserating as often as you can. Humor feels much better than frustration and anger every time!<br /><br />Some teaching besties and I have started getting together (from across the country by phone) each Sunday night to laugh about some of the things that have stressed us out as teachers. It's the best cure ever for the Sunday night butterflies. We have had so much fun laughing at ourselves and the overwhelming tower of things we have taken soooo seriously that we decided to start a podcast! We hope you will join us by listening and by interacting with us on our Facebook page We Teach So Hard. Because we know that you teach so hard too! I hope this teaching year is the best one ever for you!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmPB_6TvkVz3FGJNiP-YLY4i83etoDPHBvftEWjM6wIgy6rAhkGZQjxKb3xtBmBLmk10OMFufjakn-4B5ahmZV6hb-180TMdaKL-665GwYJwFYXs82ElE5ik0QDc7jNOOzuYSpu5tsrRj/s1600/38279393_1071191013055561_6943545938065489920_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmPB_6TvkVz3FGJNiP-YLY4i83etoDPHBvftEWjM6wIgy6rAhkGZQjxKb3xtBmBLmk10OMFufjakn-4B5ahmZV6hb-180TMdaKL-665GwYJwFYXs82ElE5ik0QDc7jNOOzuYSpu5tsrRj/s320/38279393_1071191013055561_6943545938065489920_n.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />We Teach So Hard is currently available on several platforms. As an iPhone podcast addict, I of course am THRILLED to see it on iTunes. Meanwhile, meet up with us here:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/we-teach-so-hard/id1420471827?mt=2&i=1000417016109">Podcast on iTunes</a> <a href="https://anchor.fm/weteachsohard">Podcast on Anchor</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/497555223992033/">Facebook Group</a> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDKMk6Kam5UiBE2nL1LNWhn0TKQNHJD3kHvO-I46gKHPSOdl-iiRJwKRF3xMAoXBRBovUrIXdMkiwun8pWi8iH1QVxi0N8B5q7SzFm2GQGImvLYLozS5ZtLAxLLAsdrCvSXEFrBQ2u7f/s1600/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJDKMk6Kam5UiBE2nL1LNWhn0TKQNHJD3kHvO-I46gKHPSOdl-iiRJwKRF3xMAoXBRBovUrIXdMkiwun8pWi8iH1QVxi0N8B5q7SzFm2GQGImvLYLozS5ZtLAxLLAsdrCvSXEFrBQ2u7f/s200/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more ideas as you start your new school year, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYXyVC3aZXUZK4X6jGdiWeZR0nSxQFjVIA5o__b9x4JUl7llfj8Cb-yh61hS1GOjjk3cSgWvnpMGS7G7Tu7VCsa_CxRypSu0YZz6f3UNw4z_zMUQavVg6j7P9pOz7hUW4rs10bNqrZCmp8Tekd_Lq2WyvJZd81ORZu3nPj99FW5iBfuUkpFZSNXZNDQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><!<!--start InLinkz code-->
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<!--end InLinkz code--></div></div>Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-62586130852890005322023-05-21T15:00:00.004-04:002023-05-21T15:00:00.143-04:00Summer is Almost Here<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKFMHuptxQj6UJUBhTt7V4m7nM10xb7gxE-XDHc-z-keXFXewRlXeztmRKatX2Qpvrdn1UKq7hMfaACwD_To91yMXff2S1CrAtZoSWMXlNgbzGC18gQX7v-1nNhoiwoCd0PZH9GEISy49gIxd2Q_imDi3FIVyV7d50Hg5JQrYAvW-ilx6aY0EAD99DQ/s1620/Summer%20is%20Almost%20Here%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKFMHuptxQj6UJUBhTt7V4m7nM10xb7gxE-XDHc-z-keXFXewRlXeztmRKatX2Qpvrdn1UKq7hMfaACwD_To91yMXff2S1CrAtZoSWMXlNgbzGC18gQX7v-1nNhoiwoCd0PZH9GEISy49gIxd2Q_imDi3FIVyV7d50Hg5JQrYAvW-ilx6aY0EAD99DQ/s320/Summer%20is%20Almost%20Here%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Summer is almost here! Can you feel it just ahead? This is the time to pack up your room, pass out your Super Summer Kits, collect your fabulous teacher gifts, and collect lots of hugs, smiling through your tears. Don't cry. I'm here to tell you from the other side of your teacher life that your students loved you and appreciated all you did for them this year. When they look back on their school years, the older they get, the more they will realize what you did for them. Many of them will even find ways to tell you. I promise. <p></p><p>As teacher-astronaut Christa McAuliffe once said, "I touch the future. I teach." As<br /> you close up shop for this year and start to plan for next year, never forget that in all you do and say and plan, you touch the future every day. What an awesome superpower to have!</p><p>Reaching out into the future, you may find an idea or two in this bundle from Rainbow City Learning. The Summer Activity Calendar is a must! Lots of ideas for other add ins. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What was the Super Summer Kit? It was simply a large ziplock bag or white 8 1/2 x 11 envelope filled with an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Fun-Activity-Calendar-2019-with-Lifetime-Updates-3139548">activity calendar,</a> a list of books "Recommended in Rainbow City" by other students, a goodbye letter from me filled with memories of our year together, and hopes I held for them as they grew up and away, fun writing suggestions like nature observations and different ways to make fun books and journals, a list of fun local day trips and summer field trips, and a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Bucket-List-Posters-Book-and-Bucket-Pages-2560565">summer bucket list</a> brainstorming activity called "I Would if I Could". Kids used these throughout the summer with no future deadlines or pressure. Some even took them to camp for some downtime suggestions to share with bunkmates. I made a colorful and personalized cover page for each one, and loved having this unique gift to greet them on the last day of school as important as the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Welcome-Bags-1998917">backpack bags</a> I greeted them with on the first day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Since I have now have evidence that so many are hugely successful adults, and since those who looped with me or returned to a classroom of a teaching friend that I could check in with came back refreshed and even smarter, I have to conclude that the Super Summer Kit was enough. The thick worksheet books that parents used to clamor for at our local book shop every May and June seemed daunting and uninteresting to me. What kid wants an assignment to complete every day all summer long, in the interest of "keeping skills sharp"? Kids need their vacation and down time just as much as we adults do to refresh, recharge, and renew our interest in learning. I always found that the activities that I selected for that kit (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Super-Bundle-8043435" target="_blank">most found right here in this bundle</a>) were a "just right" approach to summer learning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, if you are lamenting the end of the school year, even while looking forward to your own summer plans, and want to send your babies off with a fun and learning filled kit for their summer, I hope you'll check out these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Summer-Resources-379505">summer resources</a> from Rainbow City Learning for a happy slide through summer and into the next school year. And don't worry, they're still making more! (Love and kisses to Joanie, now in Heaven. She always told me not to cry on the last day because they were making more (kids) and when they were ready, they'd send them!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qodZmRoqZCbvxYT0mLfOC8deA6iPlF-GhFQFuZQCP9Y6X4UHdycw912vPiGgV8o6T9sRgPfUMBpy3k2UhTxdGDA18Zd8EsbdwaBUyOcnka_oCPucqiBVDrOZGXnehkptZHQhFAcdmAgORgF1yfEvbYq6qMsmVBoQqYAKl1yAd81rY_Z8Yp3ImQHDFw/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qodZmRoqZCbvxYT0mLfOC8deA6iPlF-GhFQFuZQCP9Y6X4UHdycw912vPiGgV8o6T9sRgPfUMBpy3k2UhTxdGDA18Zd8EsbdwaBUyOcnka_oCPucqiBVDrOZGXnehkptZHQhFAcdmAgORgF1yfEvbYq6qMsmVBoQqYAKl1yAd81rY_Z8Yp3ImQHDFw/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p>For more summer inspiration, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! This is our last linkup until August. Posts in this linkup are limited to Teacher Talk member bloggers only.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TPT. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-46850132503006362762023-04-16T15:00:00.004-04:002023-04-16T15:00:00.204-04:00Spring is Blooming in the Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49FRP4dQ-yAWjfYsvWUi8dkXGESPdX-R9LfK6C5NrU2cLxG4Ch2hv0dKxPpueOVXx8vXjV6db951aOIYJv3lxRp6s4Mo79J7MtVpgajPx7wAHoR59C03XxFFQRW7m0IfThNg9hJcobWApCwL7-V3VaWjGH1TdjnWM9N3_uRoD_NvYJdq4tXzhQ913Iw/s1100/Spring%20is%20Blooming%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1100" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49FRP4dQ-yAWjfYsvWUi8dkXGESPdX-R9LfK6C5NrU2cLxG4Ch2hv0dKxPpueOVXx8vXjV6db951aOIYJv3lxRp6s4Mo79J7MtVpgajPx7wAHoR59C03XxFFQRW7m0IfThNg9hJcobWApCwL7-V3VaWjGH1TdjnWM9N3_uRoD_NvYJdq4tXzhQ913Iw/s320/Spring%20is%20Blooming%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Spring has arrived in Michigan y'all! Ok, so it's going to snow next week, but right now, I'm lookin' at eighty degrees and lovin' it! </p><p>"When the flowers bloom, so will the children!" was a favorite piece of advice offered by a favorite principal of mine! She always promised us that success will come for even the most frustrated or frustrating student. For many of them, all that is needed is the gift of time. </p><p>While you're watering and encouraging those tiny sprouts all year, did you ever wonder what it's like to be a student in your class? I often mused over that question. Sometimes I would sit in a student desk after they had left for the day to get a different perspective on our learning community. It was a very interesting activity, and I highly recommend it! Sometimes it takes walking around a block or two in the sneakers of a student to begin to understand, and hopefully to come up with a change in teaching strategy. (One more reason that it's IMPOSSIBLE to submit lesson plans for the full year in advance. Teaching is as much art as science, but you already knew that!)</p><p>As you consider these blooming possibilities, I'd like to suggest a few ways to watch yourself bloom this spring, right alongside your students. Could be humbling, and exhilarating all at the same time! </p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Have some reluctant writers?</span> Try writing in your own journal right here in class, during journal writing time for students. I wrote in my journal and projected what I was working on right up on the SmartBoard in real time. My students loved it! I had lots of markers, glitter pens, and stickers to add illustrations as I went, and could really see growth in my students as they tried to do what I was doing. </p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Reluctant readers on your roster?</span> Try reading something in a genre that you yourself don't normally pick up. For me, it was <u>Caste</u> by Isabel Wilkerson. I don't usually read nonfiction with quite so much detail when I select books for pleasure reading. My usual choices are romance, thriller, science fiction, and a sprinkling of historical fiction. <u>Caste</u> was much stickier to wade through, and helped me to see strategies that I needed to use to get myself from one chapter to the next. The same encouragement can be given to students who need a gentle push to keep up with their book group.</p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Word Work avoiders in your midst?</span> Try some word games like Scrabble, Perquackey (vintage, but you can still find this amazing game in some online selling sites), or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wordle-Plus-Scrabble-SCWORDLE-Game-8895430?st=ecd8dd39798c6790e30bf50acb783af8" target="_blank">SCWORDLE (find it here at Rainbow City Learning!)</a> When we associate working with words with game playing, our interest in the work that follows increases! Have you tried online Wordle yourself? Humbling, I promise!</p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Attitude issues? </span>Try something new that makes you feel a little awkward or unsure. Then use what you learn to help smooth out the edges of some of those in-class attitudes. Sandra Bullock tells us that "The rule is that you have to dance a little bit in the morning before you leave the house because it changes the way you walk out in the world." We dance in the mornings in my house, and you might be dancing in yours, but can you say for sure that all of your students are doing the same at home? Of course not! So when you have a brain break, don't just turn on the music and sit down. Get up and dance! Everyone, including you, will have a whole new attitude about learning when the music stops! </p><p>Hope you have found a little inspiration for springing into the last quarter. Here's another favorite post of mine packed with spring ideas! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/2019/04/spring-activities.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="964" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTVptUjI5Hq1YX30WzlQ5deJFjwuRoMsABMEneev-ZgyKS-CozJ_Ijf42kZYkKB-q6kNTjNbFGgSCviwXwIA0vsGg3MJUU5Jz3l0wu4djRXfmfSS9hiPKcr6sQkmtuAP4LhfzUgiNaGUp83_j6cF75fzjgvNd69Giz9g4Lkcaj-W2hQs90-8SBbVvkA/s320/Spring.png" width="320" /></a></div>Happy Blooming!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HehcazmbaovTf2TVqzKRNsre7i-m29S_KrhwfcJ3HGAy1qFD44H_0MJDafd3BFKIVhBAMTz8T0uN31S362qdTNtLAQtg5TVhh1XR_87Q1FzLZMrVinAc21Bg3T_-SedehzUj6Q4jXSasYHAaSlXrlJLepfI7qkCUFh5d0S5nLwC_s3mdrLgIpfJA6w/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HehcazmbaovTf2TVqzKRNsre7i-m29S_KrhwfcJ3HGAy1qFD44H_0MJDafd3BFKIVhBAMTz8T0uN31S362qdTNtLAQtg5TVhh1XR_87Q1FzLZMrVinAc21Bg3T_-SedehzUj6Q4jXSasYHAaSlXrlJLepfI7qkCUFh5d0S5nLwC_s3mdrLgIpfJA6w/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p><p>For more April inspiration, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! Posts in this linkup are limited to Teacher Talk member bloggers only.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TPT. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-77198092211974841692023-03-26T15:00:00.002-04:002023-03-26T21:42:25.925-04:00Waiting for Someday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ2sPxSNvD8w0yqAkoibSex3_ATEoyNIMJXginegZDm_nHSgvAo0NOWIMcITJuMUiV4cuPUhFXSeSSPE6X-tgB6SM-Pp7leKO0oTWasfhPxtxNzNDJpQdYhyBg9wn6BTs2CgY0MgDLi8H258fNzXvZUldQ4w1BK1_Iy5exAR5wrFUe_fkJHz1vGAnPw/s1654/Waiting%20for%20Someday%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1654" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ2sPxSNvD8w0yqAkoibSex3_ATEoyNIMJXginegZDm_nHSgvAo0NOWIMcITJuMUiV4cuPUhFXSeSSPE6X-tgB6SM-Pp7leKO0oTWasfhPxtxNzNDJpQdYhyBg9wn6BTs2CgY0MgDLi8H258fNzXvZUldQ4w1BK1_Iy5exAR5wrFUe_fkJHz1vGAnPw/s320/Waiting%20for%20Someday%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever tell yourself "someday" when thinking about something you'd love to do, or should do? </span></p><p> <span style="color: #323333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">How many times have our students heard, “Someday” when they ask, “When”? Max, a little anthropomorphic beaver in the picture book <u>Someday</u> by Denise Brennan-Nelson, wants to spend some special times with different members of his family, but keeps hearing, “Someday”. He checks his calendar to sadly find no “Someday” anywhere. </span></p><div style="color: #323333;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Here's a lesson that I loved creating, loved teaching, and loved even more when I saw the results of the student responses! This lesson is perfect for grades 3 through 6. My friend Cindy and I, two newly retired elementary teachers, were so lucky to still have contact </span></span><span style="color: #323333;">with</span><span style="color: #323333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> kids every week, thanks to our wonderful teaching friends who invited us into their classrooms. We used this lesson with fourth graders. It met the standard for </span></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Writing: Text Types and Purposes (</span></span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details,</span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">and clear event sequences.)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> <span style="color: #323333;">It met a much higher standard too - absolutely melted our hearts when the responses were shared!</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #323333;">The plan:</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #323333;"> 1. Read and discuss the book <u>Someday Is Not A Day of the Week</u>. </span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kyibUToU-Y9ZSLPsw_SyZMrOo0qgajnxgNabKfr0YRYfzbgql1UyPJiGOwC37zBsXxpCOajKLJO3kU5itqToWhCJnDTApWh04oXNNzPVIOUEX_QYA7YxYBjWdyqoGDLgXusJTWVc5hQA/s1600/somedayisnotadayoftheweek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kyibUToU-Y9ZSLPsw_SyZMrOo0qgajnxgNabKfr0YRYfzbgql1UyPJiGOwC37zBsXxpCOajKLJO3kU5itqToWhCJnDTApWh04oXNNzPVIOUEX_QYA7YxYBjWdyqoGDLgXusJTWVc5hQA/s1600/somedayisnotadayoftheweek.jpg" width="319" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">2. Talk about the special people in our lives and some of the special moments we've shared with them. Encourage students to discuss in groups, adding lots of description and details about how that special time felt to each of them.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">3. Use a graphic organizer for each student to brainstorm for the narrative writing piece. We compared that special time together to a gift that can be wrapped up and saved forever (the gift of time!). Here's the organizer we used, but your students can also draw their own:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDeiPF_au70UM5ABwka9zS0leA8zpTkGO8wmegPlVOmvrK9fAtkfm_aXz9KY4rH4KF7YNaOO6sJ3gvWVKkT1htAQnQID8HeGinyYsqlBifklo3g9HHmYetYJ7w8MzyLNNgr68dTZOM2Or/s1600/Gift+Organizer.001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDeiPF_au70UM5ABwka9zS0leA8zpTkGO8wmegPlVOmvrK9fAtkfm_aXz9KY4rH4KF7YNaOO6sJ3gvWVKkT1htAQnQID8HeGinyYsqlBifklo3g9HHmYetYJ7w8MzyLNNgr68dTZOM2Or/s1600/Gift+Organizer.001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">4. Using the graphic organizer as a guide, students write a narrative about that special time with that special person. The narrative can be between one and three paragraphs. It's meant to be a "snapshot" of a time, not a long writing piece. The most important part to stress here is the way the child felt during this time, demonstrating how much the experience meant to him/her. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">5. Students cut, decorate, and fold a little box to contain the memory writing piece. Here's our template, but actually any small cardboard box from home would work. Students can decorate the box or wrap with actual wrapping paper and ribbons. (When you see our results below, I think you'll want to use a card stock template and let students decorate with their own drawings!)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8LSkhWcA8qUHOIJvItM6PIpcWTRJ9_GLj8g0KBUehq2laOA_4rqTMJ4ddDGXbyCGe7sxtF6JSklVOLsp_6VLAleSUkTX6fgHVXS7mAFTOo8-12gMpxERoo63lMmndF1ITKiyPrknCRjT/s1600/Box+Template.001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8LSkhWcA8qUHOIJvItM6PIpcWTRJ9_GLj8g0KBUehq2laOA_4rqTMJ4ddDGXbyCGe7sxtF6JSklVOLsp_6VLAleSUkTX6fgHVXS7mAFTOo8-12gMpxERoo63lMmndF1ITKiyPrknCRjT/s1600/Box+Template.001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">6. Students fold the writing piece small enough to fit in the box, holding the top closed with a sticker or very small piece of tape. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">7. If you decide to share responses in class, have some tissues ready! (for you!) </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">Tissue Alert:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">In two of the three fourth grade classes we visited, a child told us that the story was about a special time with Grandpa, who has since passed away, and the box containing the story was going to be a gift for Grandma! (Are you crying yet?) Melted my Grandma Heart!!! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">Cindy and I looked at each other, and our eyes filled with tears. We told each of those sweet grandchildren that we could imagine how that is going to be the best gift in the world for their grandmas. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;">Some pictures from our lesson:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ILYdYN70nMBx-8ZUgDCusLPb-o7SYrof0hArdhk7kEZEvXd-2AOZ8Y5Pa-qWAY8oWzOcxnxpMOFhJ1QirY_elsrjgFNsXa4oRnlq_OLPhAlCly1nU0iVfVHIvpQTQbCR4p4aUyCI_uI3/s1600/IMG_1486+copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ILYdYN70nMBx-8ZUgDCusLPb-o7SYrof0hArdhk7kEZEvXd-2AOZ8Y5Pa-qWAY8oWzOcxnxpMOFhJ1QirY_elsrjgFNsXa4oRnlq_OLPhAlCly1nU0iVfVHIvpQTQbCR4p4aUyCI_uI3/s1600/IMG_1486+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNgYS5_NMLyyLFBD_GqcNHg3_wAZ6jyfO2yPaM5kD2LQbY6MaDJ4nSWO0AyjiaYiNH8LSGWQfu189QKGYVqeigvPUvPy14gnVqwFp1fFwlGl9UGGLeMFxIfAb1ru43XK96BkjXT4oRSYl/s1600/IMG_1487+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNgYS5_NMLyyLFBD_GqcNHg3_wAZ6jyfO2yPaM5kD2LQbY6MaDJ4nSWO0AyjiaYiNH8LSGWQfu189QKGYVqeigvPUvPy14gnVqwFp1fFwlGl9UGGLeMFxIfAb1ru43XK96BkjXT4oRSYl/s1600/IMG_1487+copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDzAvI3ldnCgaL5awm0p2TrudnIn55dT78XMoXsqSkOSA46X6vUyDL4hO_GfHj604EC0lCSAks7TUGjgG122bh5wEJkc_hxTPwWEPGZ7vNh42YT0ppkHOKPctmm4Q1AYKyvN9DyT2bHP3/s1600/IMG_1533.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDzAvI3ldnCgaL5awm0p2TrudnIn55dT78XMoXsqSkOSA46X6vUyDL4hO_GfHj604EC0lCSAks7TUGjgG122bh5wEJkc_hxTPwWEPGZ7vNh42YT0ppkHOKPctmm4Q1AYKyvN9DyT2bHP3/s1600/IMG_1533.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQFYqLumTLBlzCI18RqXFCjFNfE09uWc7wvWpwYK5ctnaknkbgrZ_WPDsh-70elTUYCoee9FkyQSPDUm7tHdiPQbXw5nHTS8kZl_fqwoPymeHv0aasP9SC_XoDfcZ4UHAnlYS-HMzm81o/s1600/IMG_1532.jpg" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQFYqLumTLBlzCI18RqXFCjFNfE09uWc7wvWpwYK5ctnaknkbgrZ_WPDsh-70elTUYCoee9FkyQSPDUm7tHdiPQbXw5nHTS8kZl_fqwoPymeHv0aasP9SC_XoDfcZ4UHAnlYS-HMzm81o/s1600/IMG_1532.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtedQ9YyYPrnC0TfUL1wyJUj6l5LnryXh8wzE2j5Sr3d0xpAScAeOAEv6OCFi_7LNJa6r8bQxtVYBqSTufmju6o6ZB_haElQs5g5sU3tg0JoCLMAlWl-xTnXB5-aEKycPwzLqSqzVTaj9F/s1600/IMG_1534.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtedQ9YyYPrnC0TfUL1wyJUj6l5LnryXh8wzE2j5Sr3d0xpAScAeOAEv6OCFi_7LNJa6r8bQxtVYBqSTufmju6o6ZB_haElQs5g5sU3tg0JoCLMAlWl-xTnXB5-aEKycPwzLqSqzVTaj9F/s1600/IMG_1534.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDb8RoNksvO1N-mCDy89CLuLBEzZxvGxvv082iDz_Wf1dyBEKuq9Qny_eq0IzMhyphenhyphenSAD-hW97pJA6bJqFiCcuPRCtUyse0mBCcm-RXO87VO2sbdxfj_A89edBwkRSkyLpl_Ibj6KKENkUa/s1600/IMG_1535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDb8RoNksvO1N-mCDy89CLuLBEzZxvGxvv082iDz_Wf1dyBEKuq9Qny_eq0IzMhyphenhyphenSAD-hW97pJA6bJqFiCcuPRCtUyse0mBCcm-RXO87VO2sbdxfj_A89edBwkRSkyLpl_Ibj6KKENkUa/s1600/IMG_1535.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #323333; font-size: large; text-align: left;">This lesson is a small part of a Bullyproof Rainbow unit all about</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #323333; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Gratitude. The amazing song "Gift in This Present" by the gifted Lessia Bonn is part of the unit. You might want to take a look at the unit if you loved this lesson!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #323333; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gratitude-Rocks-Craftivities-Narrative-Writing-Song-1550114" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOUsdTJ3IWx6VVwP9RhJCArCfsc1dyvKqdqeMhMh4T87z3ET-IngxRv-EhMnaU9pRu8pQ-DoOv2d1G-wggzKKXwc6-fN0TBZ4tfpd9fTvKZWjHnQzOpVfn5U6a5Mdc4S48YTMZe1bLB7-/s1600/Gift+in+This+Present+Final.001+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't wait until "Someday" to stock up on some great resources from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning on TPT</a>! If you click on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Bullyproof-Rainbow-Products-170210" target="_blank">"Resources that Build Character and Bring Success"</a>, you will find all of the amazing Bullyproof Rainbow Resources that I worked on with Lessia Bonn of "I Am Bullyproof". </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The TPT Spring Sale will run this year on March 28 and 29. All of Rainbow City Learning will be on sale for 20% off - even already reduced bundles! Use the code FORYOU23 to save up to 25%! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you spring happiness and sunshine ahead!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdMQ-GGSXW5O8AZvD6hWKOnV-Lh7GWUeizd54gBYljEHAK5UkDFPskDaWXprjNgRGDnalcjCkfvdPAj_QFNCGLnoRJLt7UlwAVcbRHIHiOZFFK7XaLc8EsM-jhZpPlpCxSAJQBYtNmH54PjW917BQK33jN1mPmoB94GZJMDRELXL5Vqp038nK7io8eA/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdMQ-GGSXW5O8AZvD6hWKOnV-Lh7GWUeizd54gBYljEHAK5UkDFPskDaWXprjNgRGDnalcjCkfvdPAj_QFNCGLnoRJLt7UlwAVcbRHIHiOZFFK7XaLc8EsM-jhZpPlpCxSAJQBYtNmH54PjW917BQK33jN1mPmoB94GZJMDRELXL5Vqp038nK7io8eA/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #323333;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>For more ideas to try this month, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! Posts in this linkup are limited to Teacher Talk member bloggers only.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TPT. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-78402203418090889252023-02-19T15:00:00.011-05:002023-02-19T15:00:00.184-05:00Brain Breaks Bring More Effective Learning<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzBCXb3P9pgkfsG5sODPsJpwDhTL04BhgJK1iwi2pbirlOEcphCP86fOAJc2oUPccfidoVdN3gNLWox0cY0qIkHcdY50fLBmcI4i9DEiKnI57pEf1n2ergWsMekipXjfb0qdfJQHmE_hIP2VmOP87zB1e5o57lObc0NdDVqsrAuAEbIJ8hAcmGdLehw/s1100/Brain%20Breaks%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1100" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzBCXb3P9pgkfsG5sODPsJpwDhTL04BhgJK1iwi2pbirlOEcphCP86fOAJc2oUPccfidoVdN3gNLWox0cY0qIkHcdY50fLBmcI4i9DEiKnI57pEf1n2ergWsMekipXjfb0qdfJQHmE_hIP2VmOP87zB1e5o57lObc0NdDVqsrAuAEbIJ8hAcmGdLehw/s320/Brain%20Breaks%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I'm sure that you've heard of brain breaks, and may be using them right now in your classroom, but do you know why they are so effective as a learning tool? NIH (National Institutes of Health) scientists have found that during periods of wakeful rest, like the time spent doing a brain break activity, the brain actually replays the last new learning experienced over and over in a process called neural replay, making sure that it sticks. They found that wakeful rest is just as important as repeated practice in acquiring new learning! Seriously, I was today years old when I learned this! I've always known that kids need brain breaks throughout the day, but was not aware of the huge impact that these wakeful resting activities actually have on learning. Sign me up as an even bigger fan of brain breaks now!</p><p>Armed with our increased understanding of the importance of brain breaks, I thought it would be fun to review a few of my students' faves in this post!</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">The Conversational Opportunity</span></p><p>This, by far, has always been the top choice of my students when they are asked to vote on brain break activities. It's simply a chance to talk with others. Easily implemented, it can be a followup to something new that you've just been teaching, or it can be a remedy when students appear to be restless and start talking on their own. You can hold up a sign or just announce that it's time for a conversational opportunity. Set a timer or just say, "Take five!" and you time them for five minutes. Three to five minutes has always been the perfect interval in my classroom. </p><p>I like to ask for volunteers to share what they talked about during this opportunity, and have been surprised and delighted to hear that many times the kids have been discussing the new learning! Just another way to lock in that learning!</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Take a Deep Breath</span></p><p>Sometimes, just stopping to focus on breathing for a few minutes is all we need! Try standing up and breathing in for a count of five and breathing out for a count of five. You could use a count of two for the inhale and a count of four for the exhale. Try my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yoga-Cards-with-Poses-Breaths-and-Motivational-Thoughts-for-SEL-3043319" target="_blank">Yoga in a Snap Cards</a> for several more breathing techniques.</p><p>You can announce your stop and breathe session with either of these two free posters from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning!</a> </p><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A-7CU3JZRQ3MvKdviwcuP8dIsvTHbeaO/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1100" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFD6_q1HrAL5daKQSML55TAVR5hO8KSSxffZvKiWfRmpQHbQIrAimlYJWbkKegCMSy-urqlz0EcW6S0FOA0S5vzaRkrAcRC3e6x1wSSvSb3uC-kzB7qm_-E3OsY9xjaHYtaNpI0pQeZBgW10MWvm6z21eo6C7nTN4Y6yTrw1IzLOJfoUMy9pTBemv6rg/s320/Just%20Breathe.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A-7CU3JZRQ3MvKdviwcuP8dIsvTHbeaO/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1100" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JrhHsGjw0puKEYnoHd45ZwVawRtj9pyeLAamTpC_TaLTsqA_gLWCDnToAb1glDYBwneKv2oIHCFAHXKm93jNT3yt0UdJUk95dRV_iKIVLlZPQAGM0bONTdjVAeTRot0eVBmQQhXMCu3TlXGOTrRjuuzxZwHvFP9_1MNl1gaZ1m8jSTXgccxEq33FZQ/s320/Just%20Breathe.002.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Strike a Pose!</span></p><p>Getting into a Yoga pose and holding it for a minute or two is a great wakeful rest for your brain. Try a pose that all of your students may be familiar with, such as downward dog or tree pose, or choose a card from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yoga-Cards-with-Poses-Breaths-and-Motivational-Thoughts-for-SEL-3043319" target="_blank">Yoga in a Snap Cards</a>.</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Dance Break!</span></p><p>This one works great as a conflict resolution technique as well as a brain break. Just announce, "Dance Break!" and start a favorite song on your playlist. Have that playlist ready on your teacher computer our your phone. No one can stay angry when they are dancing. Smiles will spread, tension will disappear, and the most recent learning will be playing on a repeat loop in the resting brains of your students.</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Compliment exchange</span></p><p>Hand out some compliment cards and give students five minutes to choose another student to compliment by writing on the card and then delivering it. Afraid that some will be left out? Have some pre-addressed cards ready to go!</p><p>A compliment card can be on any scrap of paper, or you can find some fun printables here:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Community-Compliment-Cards-for-the-Whole-School-Year-2573241" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1awr0cm5jUzqF9sXiryQjghBLg6k2Yi2hFITqE2hcANLzE_ePHQ9Mmd9Pe85iYsLs6nJYPjfffv3HnfUKIzbZt7xOABbDReQT9r3c73dOua2E6hQ8ILg8tAET5-cQu7EtyXDSo9kc20BDxPzxGthU5hXo6VctxZ0AObQ2JgiosoJZPKtp7LfAOxh1Hg/s320/original-2573241-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you will enjoy trying some of these brain break ideas to make learning more fun and effective every day! I would love to hear about other brain breaks that you already have in use. Please use the comment section below to tell me about your practice! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVukFUliDFjMzYvVs_zWGDjS0iewFpyb8w9Zh2Kg1EMeAOU0_2Pou9rqaiz9vFjFdsYRunlyHxkR385NB9cd-K-mofTjy31PTabW099BKneRKB-WRjiKlbivpVPGOZNMQ5Y6LPwKIIkbNp4Jd2tPQiVjgCO3Epmzr20YZq0CxGZwnbc-VsiC-goktJw/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVukFUliDFjMzYvVs_zWGDjS0iewFpyb8w9Zh2Kg1EMeAOU0_2Pou9rqaiz9vFjFdsYRunlyHxkR385NB9cd-K-mofTjy31PTabW099BKneRKB-WRjiKlbivpVPGOZNMQ5Y6LPwKIIkbNp4Jd2tPQiVjgCO3Epmzr20YZq0CxGZwnbc-VsiC-goktJw/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>For more ideas to try this month, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TPT. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-29742015239241034322023-01-15T15:00:00.009-05:002023-01-15T15:00:00.191-05:00Getting Kids to Write<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEoMFw7HLvyPZpJCQh1KuO9lSizoFY33BqScvwPzsF2ilSPoymrSnFgFi_If-IiaXIEzTBQ6FUNePDPuVo4HX5P67JPfa2wSnsZ2HEc8d_Ymg2h7Yj8oEs7yQa0snETjuAbfv8X0KIlRML7hSigXwhGNWSyqgHIStgUOEmmsbSk8hGReQAwLTTtgShg/s1920/Getting%20KIds%20to%20Write%20Blog.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ideas for Kids Writing" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEoMFw7HLvyPZpJCQh1KuO9lSizoFY33BqScvwPzsF2ilSPoymrSnFgFi_If-IiaXIEzTBQ6FUNePDPuVo4HX5P67JPfa2wSnsZ2HEc8d_Ymg2h7Yj8oEs7yQa0snETjuAbfv8X0KIlRML7hSigXwhGNWSyqgHIStgUOEmmsbSk8hGReQAwLTTtgShg/w320-h180/Getting%20KIds%20to%20Write%20Blog.001.jpeg" title="Getting Kids to Write" width="320" /></a></div><p>I've joined a new book club, and the discussion this week was mind-blowing! We were discussing <u>The Secret Keeper of Jaipur</u> (sequel to <u>The Henna Artist</u>) by Alka Joshi, and our leader informed us at the end that this author's first book was written when she was fifty-one years old! Given that our group was comprised of women of that age and older, that information caused our discussion to veer in a new direction. When the member seated next to me pointed out that there are "so many ideas floating around out there", I grabbed her arm (gently, of course...), and said, "<u>BIG MAGIC!</u>" All was suddenly quiet. All eyes on me, the new girl. Undaunted, I repeated, "<u>Big Magic</u> by Elizabeth Gilbert!" Blank faces. "You know," I went on. "The author of <u>Eat,Pray,Love</u>. She also wrote a book about imagination and how ideas find us." A little more interest. (Several teachers in the group.) I continued, "She said exactly what Christina just said, that ideas are free-floating in the universe, and they find us if we are open to it. If we allow the ideas to find us, we can do or write about almost anything. My friends know that I call this phenomenon 'Blog Fairies' whenever I sit down to write a blog post." </p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Where Do Ideas Begin?</span></b></p><p>I love to read about and listen to interviews with my favorite writers. The common element that I have found in all of this drilling down on their creative process is the quiet surroundings and sitting with their thoughts. Just being quiet and allowing the ideas to find you. If you do research about a favorite author of yours or of your students, you will find a regular person who stood still long enough for an idea or two to find them. </p><p>I currently have two hardcover copies of <u>Big Magic,</u> a Kindle edition, and an audio version. I refer to them alllll the time. If you only read one chapter, try the one about the time that the very same idea had approached both Elizabeth Gilbert and Ann Patchett. Elizabeth ignored it because she was busy with something else, and Ann wrote the book! Read about how they discovered this secret of the universe as it affected them both. The chapter is titled "WTF?" because you know... how could this be? It happened! </p><p>Teacher friends, this concept can so easily be applied to our classroom practice. Even the most reluctant writers can be drawn in with this magical idea. Believe what you will, but something in the universe or within each of us as humans, offers ideas and opportunities on a regular basis. We choose, whether consciously or unconsciously, to tune in or tune out. We can bring this idea into our classrooms to get the writing started and to keep it going. This is no cookbook plan on how to teach writing step by step, but rather some suggestions for creating a community of writers within your classroom.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Authors Lead the Way</b></span></p><p>Author Kristen Hannah today on her FB page: "Honestly, it's always kind of a surprise to find that I can write a book!" </p><p>Author Jodi Picoult on what to write: ".<span style="font-family: inherit;">..<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(65, 67, 72); color: #414348;">for many years, I had to squeeze in my work around child care schedules, and that made me develop a very firm discipline. I write quickly, but I also do not believe in writer’s block, because once I didn’t have the luxury of believing it. When you only have twenty minutes, you write - whether it’s garbage, or it’s good… you just DO it, and you fix it later."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #414348;">Natalie Kinsey Warnock, author of <u>Gifts From the </u></span></span><span style="color: #414348;"><u>Sea</u>: "</span>Every family has stories that are too good to be forgotten, stories that need to be written down and told and passed on to the next generations." My favorite memory of an author interview with this author was when she held my students and me spellbound with her sharing of how she came to write <u>Gifts From the Sea</u>. She was in her studio, working on another book. Quila, a character in </span><u>Gifts From the Sea</u>, kept showing up as a voice in her ear saying. "Tell my story. Tell my story." Over and over, until she could ignore it no longer. As she put down her other work, closed her eyes, and sat with the quiet, Quila's story was revealed to her and became a longtime favorite book for the middle grades. </p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Beloved children's author Patricia Polacco <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(55, 62, 62); color: #373e3e; white-space: pre-wrap;">describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #373e3e;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(55, 62, 62); white-space: pre-wrap;">From</span></span><span style="color: #373e3e;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> my </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">current literary obsession, </span><u style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Black Cake:</u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Author Charmaine Wilkerson created this novel from thoughts about a cow shaped potholder, a blue pie plate, and an old family recipe given to her by both sides of her fractured family situation growing up. <span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One’s sense of family and home may shift over time, but it remains embedded in our hearts and our sense of self wherever we go." </span></p><p>Author Joyce Maynard leads writer's retreats several times a year at her beautiful home on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. These are memoir writing workshops for people who have never tried to write a book, but want to explore what they have inside them. When asked in an interview about the sequel she's currently writing to her newest book, <u>Count the Ways</u>, she said that she can't wait to find out what's in store for one of the characters in the first book! What?!? She can't wait?!? Isn't she the author? But what she is telling us is the same thing others have said, that the characters reveal themselves to the writer much like they do to the reader. Jodi Picoult describes it as a movie playing out in her head.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Lessons for Our Young Authors </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could go on and on (</span>probably<span style="font-family: inherit;"> already have!) about thoughts from my favorite authors, but here are some takeaways that I think will be helpful in our classrooms:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Be still and quiet and allow ideas, floating around like butterflies, to land on you. </li><li>Start with a word, a drawing, or even a scribble. Just touch a pencil to paper or place your fingers on the keyboard, and begin.</li><li>Tell your own stories and stories you've heard in your family.</li><li>Start with a favorite favorite family recipe or artifact like a quilt and tell its story or a related one.</li><li>Let the story lead you, and let the characters take you where they want to go.</li></ul><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Get the Party Started</span></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shhhh.... It's a quiet party! Try creating an oasis of peace and quiet when writing time arrives. </span>Play<span style="font-family: inherit;"> some soft music as an </span>invitation<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to gather materials and find a quiet writing space. Some days, just give </span>kids<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a quiet room, a favorite spot, and then the gift of some time to write. Some days, try an </span>activity<span style="font-family: inherit;"> or game to get the juices flowing. Some activities to try:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The never-ending story. Start with a first sentence and pass a talking stick or ball or whatever around as each kid in turn adds the next line. You will want to video or record these! Many are keepers!</li><li>The quick write. Give a prompt and and allow a timed response time. Anything from 4 to 10 minutes. As Jodi Picoult says, just write! Even if you think it's garbage. It can always be revised later. It's fun to record the number of words written each time, and see the growth! </li><li>A picture or quilt square about a family story or tradition.</li><li>Start with sharing a favorite food or recipe. </li><li>Allow kids to talk about all of this at times. No writing. Just talking. It will inspire later attempts!</li><li>Free write time. Only rule is that you have to keep writing, no matter what you are writing.</li><li>Daily journals. I can't recommend this enough. So important! Kids can mine these for story ideas later on. When they don't feel that they can write, let them draw!</li></ul>Don't forget to have a peek at Rainbow City Learning on TPT for some <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Writing-Units-38302" target="_blank">writing units</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Games-for-Brainstorming-177183" target="_blank">games</a>, and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Search:Notebook" target="_blank">conferring notebooks</a> to help on this journey! Click below for a fun brainstorming experience!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Writing-Prompts-Task-Cards-Posters-SCOOT-Game-and-Mini-Journal-4271689" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Kids Ideas for Writing" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOZg-57lyThgjS9HlNANN00-t1xyIqwDy3vhbKfxElu3axnLZC9FXMOSSijok_J5Dqs1PajvtozG0ZUzR-xJe8FP4nobjZP2aUXhQ9pe_9zqDSAM68kCbLUShOurFGvIqga_-2PL1IjKsu7bKFb1Ym-SeP2M4NRgo6Lgjqpk-xGgxlWvOy0N64CcN-w/w320-h320/original-4271689-1.jpeg" title="Getting kids to Write" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>If I can do anything else to help make your job easier this year, please let me know in the comments below! If I use your idea for a new blog post, you will win a TpT $10 gift card. If I create a new resource for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Frainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com%2F2021%2F07%2Ftake-stress-out-of-this-years-teacher.html&utm_campaign=Offer%20for%20Comments%20on%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning </a>based on your idea, you will win a free copy of that resource to use in your classroom! (Note: all comments are reviewed before appearing on my blog. It may take a few hours for your comment to appear! Thanks for your patience!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPg1BHEWSXg46qE9hBNX1JZ7_zcHkPvdPdQECJlwXYJe6e6Wx03--rPSvL0oQMFMSLdyaLatTQqDl_5__YPio-m7U1AfxeijOTrDZFwyqDNL82hJVEP048RL7ihTtH57Ov7CpWpcp08xU_lfKh6EJC2ifJBVUbYItkuK2cYYqD38OhYKktNPrJS0-nyQ/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPg1BHEWSXg46qE9hBNX1JZ7_zcHkPvdPdQECJlwXYJe6e6Wx03--rPSvL0oQMFMSLdyaLatTQqDl_5__YPio-m7U1AfxeijOTrDZFwyqDNL82hJVEP048RL7ihTtH57Ov7CpWpcp08xU_lfKh6EJC2ifJBVUbYItkuK2cYYqD38OhYKktNPrJS0-nyQ/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7sFONaUeCiq0n3mD5c_UEQ18xM4-Ky7hycVFJRu0284NOXOs4yvYDpeDkr4twEjnP8ojLHIPwuzb076b3OqprEOhPSS2ClnjckllyZ5JVoAm7BrY_5St8UXRJmkAoVQallTTPf-2H_CJYITLKwG1fwwUdnJSc7sqeUi-gopcBSf6e3C189yxP8hMVQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>For more ideas to try this month, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TPT. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div>
<!--start InLinkz code--><div class="inlinkz-widget" data-uuid="67eedaa58b6c4ac7b69ddba4ca55881e" style="background-color: #eceff1; border-radius: 7px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 30px 0px; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 15px;">You are invited to the <strong>Inlinkz</strong> link party!</p><a href="https://fresh.inlinkz.com/p/67eedaa58b6c4ac7b69ddba4ca55881e" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: #209cee; background: #209cee; border-radius: 4px; color: #efefef; padding: 5px 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Click here to enter</a></div></div><span style="display: none;"><script async="true" src="https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef"></script></span><!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-5541212690842052812022-12-18T14:06:00.000-05:002022-12-18T14:06:39.725-05:00Games in the Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf575o78S-_2Y97UVi6GZ6kjksabWTkphtfXDEPQGSaz0NBZ3bkcX73j0zDtS1nvxEirMyGHc8_tl2FRRcz1sguM9CCykq1NWKjJcBGFg4W_jRh0yTVRdwyJrw66MvCnqY4bNtIrPxS9XxUA4Pfe88dA6hIYFHJ0YKsgBTKKINPWX6WdgzGEICyS_Ng/s1920/Games%20in%20the%20Classroom%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLf575o78S-_2Y97UVi6GZ6kjksabWTkphtfXDEPQGSaz0NBZ3bkcX73j0zDtS1nvxEirMyGHc8_tl2FRRcz1sguM9CCykq1NWKjJcBGFg4W_jRh0yTVRdwyJrw66MvCnqY4bNtIrPxS9XxUA4Pfe88dA6hIYFHJ0YKsgBTKKINPWX6WdgzGEICyS_Ng/s320/Games%20in%20the%20Classroom%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Here we are, right in the middle of holiday prep, and looking forward to celebrating New Year's Eve! When my daughters were young and still celebrating New Year's Eve at home with us, I planned a menu of appetizers only along with Shirley Temple cocktails, starting at 3 pm and extending until we carried the little partiers off to bed. Generally, we "dropped the ball" (in our imaginations) around 10 pm. Between 3 and 10, we had a conga line once per hour and danced all through our house, a family tradition started long ago in the house where I grew up. We also played games while we munched on our tiny plates of apps. </p><p>We went through almost every game in the house on those New Year's Eves, but spent the most time on Monopoly and Scrabble, our all-time favorites. We were expanding our language skills and sharpening our economic understandings without even realizing that was happening. We were interacting with each other, laughing together, and totally enjoying every minute of the celebration. If you have young children at home this holiday season, I can't recommend New Year's Eve Game Night highly enough! So many precious memories were made on those nights together!</p><p>Game playing holds as much magic in the classroom as it does at home. Games can be used to introduce new lessons, review and reinforce concepts already learned, and to develop skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. My first experience with game playing in the classroom started when I was in Miss Brooke's fifth grade class. Miss Brooke had many games available to us in her games center, but my favorite was a bulletin board US map, where a blue light bulb would light up when you touched wires matching the state outline with its name. The learning I acquired there is still with me today. Go ahead, show me any state outline and I'll name that state! </p><p>I carried Miss Brooke's torch and love for games into my own classrooms throughout my teaching career. In the early years, I made card games for vocabulary and math practice and stored them in empty Pringle's potato chip cans. I created board games for every Social Studies unit and dice games for reading. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm86g2VUFhu3IbHJcG2xHzzIrXTO4yxWl9Uf5Xbuemj4bXzcc_TX-ZYu3yyZosxQvz0owiUNlttQnWxjKCUXexokgEvCtZQgjVRtB9oPF8Myy7FxPYDvdV_sdCmomNBZ_ZlaojkMKM3MWVgMGqJcrVyWRDm5gblIwxN-TDLMTqC6bSuznWmyohmqEPvA/s1920/Games%20in%20the%20Classroom%20Blog%20Post.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm86g2VUFhu3IbHJcG2xHzzIrXTO4yxWl9Uf5Xbuemj4bXzcc_TX-ZYu3yyZosxQvz0owiUNlttQnWxjKCUXexokgEvCtZQgjVRtB9oPF8Myy7FxPYDvdV_sdCmomNBZ_ZlaojkMKM3MWVgMGqJcrVyWRDm5gblIwxN-TDLMTqC6bSuznWmyohmqEPvA/s320/Games%20in%20the%20Classroom%20Blog%20Post.003.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It's so easy to incorporate game playing into your teaching practices. I developed a review game with my students when the game show "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader" was on TV. Everyone watched it. It was part of the culture of our community. What fun to see fifth graders triumph over grownups! It showed that kids are smart, they pay attention, and have a lot of knowledge to share. I made a fairly simple power point with a slide for each subject and then inserted a question from a lesson we had learned that week. The question slide was linked to an answer slide. Three of my class jobs involved being the "Game Show Host", "Technician", and "Awards Committee". The whole class played every Friday in the time slot before lunch. Because what are you going to do then anyway, right? The host read the question as it appeared on the screen. The technician played a song loop on on our boom box. (Subliminal messaging works great here. The song we used for our peppy thinking music was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012462UA/ref=dm_ws_tlw_trk1">"It Takes All Kinds of People" from <u>Thanks and Giving</u> by Marlo Thomas and friends.</a> It took me forever to find this now long hidden gem on the internet, so I am linking it here for you. You're welcome! Make it your favorite ear worm. I can still hear it right now!) While the music played, kids wrote their answers on individual white boards (or laminated white card stock) with a wipe off crayon or marker. Each student kept an old sock in their desk to erase with. When the music stopped and the host said, "Show me!", each student held up his/her answer. Everyone with the correct answer received five rainbow city dollars. (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Community-With-Economy-PLUS-1992020">Class Economy secrets here.</a>) This simple review game became part of our class culture for years after the TV show failed. It was simply "what we do here" to remember and celebrate what we've learned and to get ready for tests.</p><p><br />S<span style="font-family: inherit;">COOT games are another way to introduce or reinforce learning in a responsive way. Kids need to move! This game approach gets them up and moving. An important piece of SCOOT gaming, though, is the followup. It's important to give students time for debriefing and a little conversation with their peers. As they present their responses, watch their learning success soar! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/SCOOT-Games-95332">Look here for a little SCOOT inspiration!</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> My favorite game of the moment is Wordle. I literally can't get out of bed in the morning before I solve the Wordle of the day! <span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">In convo recently with my favorite seven year old, she said that she’d like to play Wordle, like the grownups do. That put my teacher brain in motion, and this is what I came up with: Scwordle! It's a combo of Wordle and Scrabble. Scwordle is a scaffoldable, challenging, multilevel and scored way for kids to play a Wordle inspired game using their spelling lists, vocabulary practice words, word wall words, words associated with a class novel or shared informational article, or words of their own choosing. Kids can play alone with word lists that you have suggested, or challenge their friends and classmates with word choices of their own.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Learning to play this game will require some instruction at first, but students in grades 3-6 should be able to learn the rules quickly. Playing with partners is a great scaffolding hack! Remember that the goal of this game is to have fun with words. I promise that the learning will follow. Any changes in play that you and your students agree on are acceptable! If you try this board game version of Wordle, I promise that it will become the new favorite in your classroom. Playing this version has made me a much better online player too!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A final note about game-playing in class: </span>Try<span style="font-family: inherit;"> setting up a game creation center in your class with some simple materials, such as </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">cardstock, markers, dice, playing cards, bingo chips, spinners, and player pieces from discarded board games like Monopoly. You will be amazed at the games that your students produce to reinforce concepts they are learning in your classroom!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">You can find my new Scwordle game here. I recommend making an extra set to play at home! Make it part of your New Year's Eve celebration!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Wordle-Plus-Scrabble-SCWORDLE-Game-8895430?st=b1b9e7d73e687d0eaacabf3920a80fe8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxiG7p03LEzHlQsGi0Eza8ObyFNiRQgY9Kaz6qjlCaGjhgy76HmkYtAy_vSCrON5Fza9VHC_a7q79pdOkCTjqj4Rb6JAd_Z4zdkmZII9zBRQFTr0J4f8mLp2uV8wl8H8a0R73tS8ee-f4aMwHQBJVHN2bxJov-bVl3OQv9RBptrNEQ_Z5sXyLBHfYqA/s320/Scwordle%20Thumbs%20Grouped.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Happy New Year, and best wishes for lots of game-playing fun and learning in the year ahead!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gWTmeqiGvw_V_JHnUnuYDwo0HME-kDCPQzvErvorXQpIS7-hT4diAFoZIp9r5PIcKIrf4q5mkZHtaPIH_QODTCugaT3u0BzzwAKYqc-LqCvkHifG17VjUsrvYXl8gcAJX9QyOZf4IL1hSlSWemzvmDLe7PLvwa6tDJITJ4dCWkt4nDShhtmD3cCMrA/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gWTmeqiGvw_V_JHnUnuYDwo0HME-kDCPQzvErvorXQpIS7-hT4diAFoZIp9r5PIcKIrf4q5mkZHtaPIH_QODTCugaT3u0BzzwAKYqc-LqCvkHifG17VjUsrvYXl8gcAJX9QyOZf4IL1hSlSWemzvmDLe7PLvwa6tDJITJ4dCWkt4nDShhtmD3cCMrA/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For more holiday season ideas, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7O20iJIih1gaFqpSPIxgBi0ddG2V83tqnlk-ATMczcGZKkc8RDAwyGLuK-K6Ni69SrNKLghGSEdgcao6iGOnweSw0cpzGH_Hwrocdqfu9g62nECE9JekMQOS5JEm0lteUfcCBpwKhFdsXnvH2MGHSSP8OmTCKGITAU_RbLoK6j72bxscHxi0U0cj9Q/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7O20iJIih1gaFqpSPIxgBi0ddG2V83tqnlk-ATMczcGZKkc8RDAwyGLuK-K6Ni69SrNKLghGSEdgcao6iGOnweSw0cpzGH_Hwrocdqfu9g62nECE9JekMQOS5JEm0lteUfcCBpwKhFdsXnvH2MGHSSP8OmTCKGITAU_RbLoK6j72bxscHxi0U0cj9Q/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div></div>
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Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-5282816953463679372022-11-20T15:00:00.027-05:002022-11-20T15:00:00.192-05:00Recipes for the Holiday Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22_q8Oxly9BgFdA68gZK6Q3TZBtg4hfkdCVbp7gTiLLyKzoQkGYC6_YPHHJQE75aGdeJyp8pCIWvGoPaNXmLB0js_UmXsQHNeMKpIMMiUqF7Mgcqg3avNx2FWA81tAwXZg4aibQUeGKQ02OxX-nGi0DTFVpOzmFGNCd8g0xI0Wfdj7eOz9NphUqbQtA/s1020/Recipes%20for%20the%20Holiday%20Season%20Blog.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1020" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22_q8Oxly9BgFdA68gZK6Q3TZBtg4hfkdCVbp7gTiLLyKzoQkGYC6_YPHHJQE75aGdeJyp8pCIWvGoPaNXmLB0js_UmXsQHNeMKpIMMiUqF7Mgcqg3avNx2FWA81tAwXZg4aibQUeGKQ02OxX-nGi0DTFVpOzmFGNCd8g0xI0Wfdj7eOz9NphUqbQtA/s320/Recipes%20for%20the%20Holiday%20Season%20Blog.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>My family is taking another break this year from our annual Thanksgiving reunion. The pandemic sidetracked our celebration, and this year we just couldn't get it together in time. No recipes were needed for this particular holiday, as we had it catered in a hotel ballroom in the town where we all grew up. We will be Zooming for another year, and hubby and I are planning what to cook for just the two of us. <div><br /></div><div>My insomnia, aided by the helpful blog fairies, has my brain spinning this morning with recipes of all sorts: recipes for each of the upcoming holidays this year, recipes for self care, and recipes for a happy and successful classroom. I'm also in search today of ingredients for my newest kitchen passion, Korean cooking. Looking for bean paste and chili crisps for some culinary fun before turkey prep begins in earnest!</div><div><br /></div><div>I love love love to cook! Adding that as a fun ingredient used to be an integral part of my classroom. The rise of peanut allergies and warnings about viruses put an end to that. Any good cook knows that ingredients can be subbed out and that recipes can still be shared with students and their families to be tried at home. I coauthored a book with my forever friend Fay, and we used to cook up a storm in sessions at conferences. Our lesson plan recipes combined Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math long before anyone had ever heard of STEM, STEAM, or STREAM! Maybe you attended one of our packed sessions! It was a fun time! </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few recipes to get you through the holiday season with your energy, humor, and love of family and teaching intact!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">A recipe for teacher self care:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Gather up a few hobbies or things that you just enjoy doing, and deliberately put them into your schedule. I would choose reading and knitting. give them a value of one hour or 30 minutes each day, and make them as important as a doctor's appointment. They ARE as important!</li><li>Spend some time with friends. Lunch or coffee, shopping, long walks, whatever you enjoy doing together. Again, give it a spot on the schedule and honor its value.</li><li>Add a new practice to your self-care routine: yoga, meditation, bubble baths, audiobooks or podcasts. Find a quiet, inward-facing thing that you like to do.</li></ul><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">Some recipes to use this holiday season:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPtiJX4N6_LakqnXddhSMzufFDYjEm4Kmi2tU-hykFk93IKhidVB7-Mm3tvQe7rAFkQ5GFyjbhPZxqhTQul7QbkMInxVhnwZFJHTnp0u9vInrj7i4neD4s6OxWrk01I62AknTc0ZcewAmig1nxdhzMTaGRcvj8BA2LAvfsuKX-Yw2Ducrvmz5ZMIaLQ/s1100/Turkey%20Scrapple.001.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="850" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPtiJX4N6_LakqnXddhSMzufFDYjEm4Kmi2tU-hykFk93IKhidVB7-Mm3tvQe7rAFkQ5GFyjbhPZxqhTQul7QbkMInxVhnwZFJHTnp0u9vInrj7i4neD4s6OxWrk01I62AknTc0ZcewAmig1nxdhzMTaGRcvj8BA2LAvfsuKX-Yw2Ducrvmz5ZMIaLQ/w211-h274/Turkey%20Scrapple.001.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div></div><div><div style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="850" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhpKt8hlJC8U-Gz8aB7R1rRiYGGa4qQJBMokTNrFwknaCKDzgsFV7nzF886nhTYte8QrLO1DMXnLYiS0o9WTC7eClklFg-sxYTMs0i9tProvis1fLsSvQJgnBQ8xHktlJnI8UZvsyh_FD7YLrL1hw1N6-eJ2QrKXYi9Xd-RYJ-hZ405l_qIniu88Dlg/w211-h273/Chocolate%20Truffles.001.jpeg" width="211" /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="850" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j6t5zESukXuuEgJoimaNubLGRhTsRrZvwtZpuF2MEZPXH0eAQ3MekUVGDsHe7Pisdts5XhzUNzFPaugm76-NJ8HnIlBE1vszQCEw6b9CJeNEFPK8XyUbomcnkyrp2dwbcZ8_C_ctmpHa63ct7ccwItvzQOdQJVyRtwx0NVFS8HQEQ1JavDhvixOUlg/w215-h278/Eggplant%20caviar.001.jpeg" width="215" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j6t5zESukXuuEgJoimaNubLGRhTsRrZvwtZpuF2MEZPXH0eAQ3MekUVGDsHe7Pisdts5XhzUNzFPaugm76-NJ8HnIlBE1vszQCEw6b9CJeNEFPK8XyUbomcnkyrp2dwbcZ8_C_ctmpHa63ct7ccwItvzQOdQJVyRtwx0NVFS8HQEQ1JavDhvixOUlg/s1100/Eggplant%20caviar.001.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">A recipe for a Calm and Successful Classroom:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Try these resources from <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning</a>.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Zen-Classroom-394747" target="_blank">ZEN CLASSROOM</a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Bullyproof-Rainbow-Products-170210" target="_blank">RESOURCES TO BUILD CHARACTER AND BRING SUCCESS</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wishing you a peaceful, calm, and fun holiday season! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqwyx_LIm_l3AMVwHzf_bdn_eOT1V1xlJRDM8TZfh3mKAig7aXvwxbLvyvneWkbvI3DD8g5ckPR6xkOEMcrGH9EdQUMDBp_RqP6SwI9QQYojXfaaZP3P7-r0q5FaXrkmztBwBHum6SJXMEqYdPteREI4TbLxUt2xgvoKsGeJsvTdLcE2r7Wi2TRwI9g/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqwyx_LIm_l3AMVwHzf_bdn_eOT1V1xlJRDM8TZfh3mKAig7aXvwxbLvyvneWkbvI3DD8g5ckPR6xkOEMcrGH9EdQUMDBp_RqP6SwI9QQYojXfaaZP3P7-r0q5FaXrkmztBwBHum6SJXMEqYdPteREI4TbLxUt2xgvoKsGeJsvTdLcE2r7Wi2TRwI9g/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more November ideas, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. 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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-10805433764072072252022-10-16T15:00:00.006-04:002022-10-16T15:00:00.180-04:00I'm So Glad I Live in a World Where There Are Octobers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvHd5vbjxyUHvFQiLcYxmrvCvYd532eel5cag-qG2WDLahcooBe_4CcbRM1g0PoVaqcffvJTYq3IWjCgQrDEQQLzcW6XoJ4G8SMlXNgaFLpqo9Trw_JoCuvQigjeHIjMM9V9-UDqhEiy_qYPeseSr7TU0_3lOWpp4jMqrjaw1YbMl8Eilp0iPsQ3QTw/s1620/October%202022%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvHd5vbjxyUHvFQiLcYxmrvCvYd532eel5cag-qG2WDLahcooBe_4CcbRM1g0PoVaqcffvJTYq3IWjCgQrDEQQLzcW6XoJ4G8SMlXNgaFLpqo9Trw_JoCuvQigjeHIjMM9V9-UDqhEiy_qYPeseSr7TU0_3lOWpp4jMqrjaw1YbMl8Eilp0iPsQ3QTw/s320/October%202022%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." (Lucy Maud Montgomery in <u>Anne of Green Gables</u>) A longish title for a blog post, and yet a perfect thought to begin each day in October. To Anne, October is a clear message from nature that things change, and change is a good thing. Your new-in-August-or-September class should just be settling into routines by now and realizing that every day brings new adventures in learning. Maybe you have changed grades, or subject focus, or schools. This year, in any case, should be an adventure in building relationships with your students. Even a looping class shows up on the first day very different than they were when they left for summer break. We change every day as long as we keep living.</p><p>What does October make you think of? Pumpkin spice everything? As a non-fan of pumpkin spice, I am always up for other new flavors from my favorite coffee place. The caramel apple one called to me this month, although I have pretty quickly returned to almond milk flat white. Decaf. I'm much too exciting already for caffeine. In my part of the country, October never disappoints with the fiery displays of color from trees all around my community. And best of all? The mosquitoes are gone. I know many of your students have Halloween and the planning of their costumes on their minds. You might even be planning your own costume and those of your family.</p><p>October is a cozy kind of month to me. I dream of long lazy stretches of time, knitting and reading. I can still walk outdoors, but the time spent inside when I return is much more enticing. This October, I have a fresh new novel from each of several of my favorite authors to explore: Jodi Picoult, Ellen Hilderbrand, Jamie Ford, Celeste Ng, and Colleen Hoover. <a href="https://readingmiddlegrade.com/fall-2022-middle-grade-books/" target="_blank">Here's a list</a> of new books for middle grades that you might want to explore as you have reading conferences with your students this fall. </p><p>Nothing suggests fall coziness in the classroom more to me than a read-aloud. In my opinion, kids are never too young or too old for a good read-aloud. For October, I recommend <u>Anne of Green Gables</u> and the more contemporary <u>Each Little Bird That Sings</u> by Deborah Wiles. Comfort Snowberger is a character that your students and you will not forget. </p><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Some suggestions to try out in your classroom before October ends, and to continue into the rest of Autumn:</span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Around the Campfire</span></p><p>Try this idea for Morning Meeting, Read-aloud time, Author's Chair, or Poetry Share. Build a "campfire" on a paper plate base from empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls and crumpled tissue paper. Sit in a circle around it. Students could have their own individual "logs" to add to the fire when they add a reading of their own work or when they add an observation, compliment, or suggestion to the conversation. I purchased an electric "campfire" from a local fireplace shop, but here's a picture of one that you could easily build:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdb3zezoCSRrjinfDjsATbywJl_AYVnnTBI4kG2qNR-blFM2XHrBcCKyFFKMfxAuulOj7zkaQ52H9-qc-xhLuSeCvsX5UNBWwMwVOc01qfOijiaCGmwo0ZBcFBJ9rdtQnEtnd9eZaPLORzPa7GrUmI8dh1rXuzzIOodSiGdI5-CWAj9bNps4ToEdwRQ/s192/toilet%20paper%20campfire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="192" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdb3zezoCSRrjinfDjsATbywJl_AYVnnTBI4kG2qNR-blFM2XHrBcCKyFFKMfxAuulOj7zkaQ52H9-qc-xhLuSeCvsX5UNBWwMwVOc01qfOijiaCGmwo0ZBcFBJ9rdtQnEtnd9eZaPLORzPa7GrUmI8dh1rXuzzIOodSiGdI5-CWAj9bNps4ToEdwRQ/s1600/toilet%20paper%20campfire.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">October Stations</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stations Day was always a time my students looked forward to. As a fourth grade team, we had a stations day each week, with a special one each month. Of course, our October Stations addressed our curriculum standards, but with a focus on Fall. Try a liquid measurement station with apple cider as the liquid. Try a STEM/STEAM activity using miniature candies <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEAM-Challenge-Activity-Posters-SCAMPER-Posters-and-Scaffolded-Journal-3711704" target="_blank">like the one found here</a>. For Halloween-focused stations during Halloween week, don't miss this bundle from Rainbow City Learning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Bundle-with-Math-Literacy-Art-Writing-and-STEAM-Activities-7167155?st=2daf7910182a3c44171c893126d1148c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGSyjD-pyj6J4qP66QZZlBGsObsgSa5BziXwDgSSHtvssx3AiUwzqW_55GiKJ16bz1vdx2VNjquNLzwwSieKLpgugWbRT4gUr-3UduFrcwJCuGfIXLztAkFTQlz72XYhy6ETlY8R1mwysbrKt3hMBq20275ajq6eXpLR7SdJZ_W5kk2RdTeeVZ4t0yw/s320/original-7167155-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stations are much like Centers, but with the addition of volunteer helpers at each Station. I like using parent or community volunteers to run the Stations, but older students from other classrooms can also do a great job. Volunteers help when supply management is a little more challenging. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Explore Change as a Theme</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been said that the only one who actually likes change is a baby with a soiled diaper. I disagree. IMO we all can learn to embrace change. Change means that we are growing and learning and becoming (hopefully) better versions of ourselves. There are so many ways to focus on change in your classroom. Explore the states of matter, chemical and physical change, and the way characters change from beginning to end of a book/story. Look at the ways other characters become a force for change to the main character. Begin to look at the changes each of us goes through during the school year. We are like beautiful butterflies, emerging from a gloppy pile inside the chrysalis. Journals, time capsules, and portfolio collections can help us to save and savor the beauty of change. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This resource can help your students to document and then look back on the changes they see in themselves during the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mlyIWiijRNFCKsFLruyxV-Uma45B8VitAWVDx4d1VOZCKmIZzMicrODCOaXGllxz0TJVodEat-rC68i05shxcVEn2gselkn-dyyjE2eeu9Pm0R9E9rKCTmb8hXm4DcBHUWEF02QJPoVJmvx8pCnS9ZTMtGeWp5XHGp-nT-u3E0o7OnK6AixBu7yt7Q/s350/original-5855579-1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mlyIWiijRNFCKsFLruyxV-Uma45B8VitAWVDx4d1VOZCKmIZzMicrODCOaXGllxz0TJVodEat-rC68i05shxcVEn2gselkn-dyyjE2eeu9Pm0R9E9rKCTmb8hXm4DcBHUWEF02QJPoVJmvx8pCnS9ZTMtGeWp5XHGp-nT-u3E0o7OnK6AixBu7yt7Q/s320/original-5855579-1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>I hope you'll use the rest of your October to lead your students on their journey to embracing change. Introduce them to new scientists, authors, artists, and poets this month! And introduce them to my actual favorite quote from <u>Anne of Green Gables</u>: "The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and storytellers; but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland." <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My wish for you is that you never forget the way to fairyland. Just as working with young people all day will keep you young, remembering the way inside your own imagination will accomplish that as well. I'm so glad I live in a world where there are teachers like you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZjCBD0EWTcdrlpWrK8MNMv9OcttzzV-dlOrYsGrt2H4JNf1f-tH0wf9TuU4rF_hMySG464d6NphXNkchbzX8srnibAzkdzyawBYxVujT0cUZTnZP4XR6LyvGpZ_lv5qwl8kmuzMBbp0KzoDU2QZMzmgqbSwQon8fA82QvzVXt8V_7NTclKLMmih9LQ/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZjCBD0EWTcdrlpWrK8MNMv9OcttzzV-dlOrYsGrt2H4JNf1f-tH0wf9TuU4rF_hMySG464d6NphXNkchbzX8srnibAzkdzyawBYxVujT0cUZTnZP4XR6LyvGpZ_lv5qwl8kmuzMBbp0KzoDU2QZMzmgqbSwQon8fA82QvzVXt8V_7NTclKLMmih9LQ/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(64, 64, 64); color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans", serif; letter-spacing: 0.5px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more October teaching inspiration, be sure to take at look at some of the posts below. If you are a blogger and interested in joining Teacher Talk, please contact me at retta.london@gmail.com and I'll explain how to get started!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVocrDPDtsSj9H7O8_bYyQ4SiII4MKiQWuO991Kprjdd5rMeRHEO8EWRuofDA8mLfyB0ECsTETl1g0tKOtwcP6GpbVl3OO6eDJSBInOkikYiDehYeCtSSRft-VR3XGPO8H8JqrpRati4T6HHvJgmvP_ZXI4BmRuYIhdzyUURWaP-Z7G9aHpfOBvEI5A/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVocrDPDtsSj9H7O8_bYyQ4SiII4MKiQWuO991Kprjdd5rMeRHEO8EWRuofDA8mLfyB0ECsTETl1g0tKOtwcP6GpbVl3OO6eDJSBInOkikYiDehYeCtSSRft-VR3XGPO8H8JqrpRati4T6HHvJgmvP_ZXI4BmRuYIhdzyUURWaP-Z7G9aHpfOBvEI5A/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div></div>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-935596953940148932022-09-18T15:00:00.015-04:002022-09-18T15:00:00.173-04:00Finding Life Mentors in Mentor Text<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The post below is another blast from the past, and it's been on my mind lately. As my honey and I have been setting up our home for the next chapter, we sink exhausted into the couch each evening and have been binging on "Atypical" on Netflix. As we watch, we often pause the show and discuss. (We do this with most shows we watch - he's been married to a teacher for too long!) We ask each other if we can identify at all with each of the unique characters in this brilliant portrayal of a neurotypical family living with a family member who is on the Autism Spectrum. </span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our favorite character is Sam, who is the family member on the Spectrum. I have always had students who were on the spectrum mainstreamed in my classroom. This was not because I had specialized training, but because I had the heart to connect with every student. Making a personal connection has always been job one for me. Sam is a life mentor for me as I watch "Atypical". As someone with an over the top reeling imagination, I love the clearly black/white manner in which Sam views the world. He reminds me to slow down and realize that different people react to the very same situations in very different ways. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Watching "Atypical" each evening has also reminded me of the many forms that Mentor Text can take. Characters in TV shows and in movies, even in songs, can all be life mentors for us in so many ways. I hope you will enjoy reading the post below, and will find something useful to take back to your own classroom this year! <br /><br /></span><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here it is:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been thinking a lot about mentor text lately. Mentor Text. Another piece of education-speak. Sounds official, important, and perhaps a bit daunting for a new teacher or a seasoned one like me, who may not have attended a training or researched the term. <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first time I heard the term, it sent me running to Google for a definition. I found that mentor text is a piece of literature that teachers and students can study, imitate, and apply to other texts and for different purposes. </span></span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wait! What? So using mentor text is the same thing that I (we) have been doing for years: teaching a reading or writing strategy by using a picture book or short piece of text as a model or example. So my favorite mini-lesson practice of starting with a picture book or a passage from a favorite author is using mentor text? Yes! Got it! </span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As with all trends in education and in life, this idea of using mentor texts in the upper elementary classroom has me asking once again.... What if? What if, as we work through a text to determine a character's motivation and emotions, to learn more about a character, might we also learn a little more about ourselves. I think we might! Think back for a minute to some of your all-time favorite characters from your own reading and/or movie and tv viewing. What if we could apply the positive character traits and emotional intelligence that we find in character study to our own lives?</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My greatest personal life mentor was my Aunt Harriet. I was born three days before her eighth birthday, a fun birthday present for a little girl. She gave me countless gifts as my guide through life as we grew up together. She was out-going, chill, fun, and loved to learn and try new things. She was beautiful and a great dancer and baton twirler, to name just a few of her talents. We went to the library together every week and she helped me to pick out books, some of which I remember to this day. I joined her many friends at her house every day after school to dance to American Bandstand, making me most likely the world's youngest teenager at the time! (I'm now probably the world's oldest one!) She continued to serve as an example to me as she raised her family and volunteered so often to help others in her community. She passed away so young, leaving me without her guidance for as many years now as the years that I was lucky to spend with her. I miss her more than I can say, and hope that some of who I am as a human can be traced to her mentoring.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyYwVvAhq7B-D2Nw8ZBmWk11k-wY18kiaqeztcjmIuGkFdMybQymul8LefcmTXiqY452uYtM67Sl-P8yN-1yNE1yL_qHu-OVS8dhC6fSA0GRc27qXDjLcYklgDVEBlBPvcLDuJHgufiCa/s1600/Finding+Life+Mentors+in+Mentor+Text.002.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Using Mentor Text in Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyYwVvAhq7B-D2Nw8ZBmWk11k-wY18kiaqeztcjmIuGkFdMybQymul8LefcmTXiqY452uYtM67Sl-P8yN-1yNE1yL_qHu-OVS8dhC6fSA0GRc27qXDjLcYklgDVEBlBPvcLDuJHgufiCa/w320-h240/Finding+Life+Mentors+in+Mentor+Text.002.jpeg" title="Literary Life Mentors" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of my personal literary life mentors are Francie from </span><u style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A Tree Grows in Brooklyn</u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (placed in my hands by Aunt Harriet)</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, who can find joy in the smallest and most ordinary seeming things, Professor Dumbledore from (you guessed it- <u>Harry Potter)</u>, whose famous words hung on my classroom wall from the first day that I read them ("It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."), and Professor John Keating (played by Robin Williams in "Dead Poets' Society"), who encouraged his students to find their own voice. This serendipitous mentoring that occurs when we find a richly drawn character who touches our soul is, to me, the best kind. It's the way a book or movie that you have fallen into stays with you forever. It's the reason you ask yourself at times of emotional duress what that mentoring character would do in a similar situation.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECASLDQaIuI_2DxYYK9X12awgZoZRMBakXBPSrSeah9OwRGunypzUPw3cTrYsHA2kvQ73RXlKxeKL1Me-Mjwmcv0vl6MrZAb0mPl3taWNUCQLymwmP-Z9HO4HWY5LAYYNs7DxpL1M2BVn/s1600/Finding+Life+Mentors+in+Mentor+Text.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mentor Text Discussions" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECASLDQaIuI_2DxYYK9X12awgZoZRMBakXBPSrSeah9OwRGunypzUPw3cTrYsHA2kvQ73RXlKxeKL1Me-Mjwmcv0vl6MrZAb0mPl3taWNUCQLymwmP-Z9HO4HWY5LAYYNs7DxpL1M2BVn/w320-h240/Finding+Life+Mentors+in+Mentor+Text.003.jpeg" title="Recognizing Mentors Throughout Discussion" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are endless opportunities in our Reader's Workshop lessons to set up a character as an emotional mentor at the same time that we are teaching specific reading and writing skills. As teachers, we have minds on, heart touched moments to explore how a character is feeling in a particular situation, and to closely watch how that character responds and gets on with life. It's something to recall over and over with your class throughout the year. Along with internalizing a character's emotions and responses, some of those strategies naturally find their way into our own emotional tool boxes. </span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite grades to teach have always been grades 3-6. My suggestions here will be focused on reading that will most appeal to students in those grades, but all can be used in other grades as well depending on your lesson focus, reading levels in your class, and whether it will be read-aloud, partner reading, or independent. I hope this list will inspire you to make one of your own, listing life mentoring examples that might be found in some of the texts that you are already using. It can slip into your lessons and conversations as smoothly as fudge slides down the side of a sundae. </span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite characters for a little life mentoring (no affiliate links - just making it easier for you to find these):</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Quila from </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440419700/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0440419700&linkId=ef2c480cae114be203f66ecee6ae9057"><u>Gifts From The Sea</u> </a> (strong under pressure, nurturing, mature)</span></span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Zoe from </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/015206608X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=015206608X&linkId=6be2d9c762216bbf4b5f423b4c623891">A Crooked Kind of Perfect</a></u> (flexible, looking at life with humor)</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Brian from <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416936475/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1416936475&linkId=339c15d0a4bd82dd3bd3206916bdc0d6">Hatchet</a></u> (resourceful, innovative, strong under pressure, self-reliant)</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Rob and also Sistine from <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763680877/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0763680877&linkId=9acb93c9f98d881cfd69372a2a47d422">The Tiger Rising</a></u> (owning your feelings and dealing with bullying)</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Claudia from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689711816/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0689711816&linkId=a0c454e22b3a4a6ab4eda699ecee35d1"><u>The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler</u> </a>(adventurous, lover of learning</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Meg (of course) from <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250004675/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1250004675&linkId=3d8a2411f41891864ffd0f9ee35727c0">A Wrinkle in Time</a></u> (persistent, brave, caring)</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Rosie from <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K00QEA/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000K00QEA&linkId=761f9228e388cdb14ff6dc18cd781f0c">Granny Torelli Makes Soup</a></u> (valuing friendship, empathy)</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Opal from <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763680869/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0763680869&linkId=5bc18018f3f827ad728a89ed8c1ec140">Because of Winn-Dixie</a></u> (developing understanding, nurturing friendships, learning to let </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> go of emotional baggage)</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Comfort from <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152056572/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rcl096-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0152056572&linkId=e2594b8fa8c63501a712a9ab46ddfff6">Each Little Bird that Sings</a></u> (dealing with the unexpected, having a positive outlook)</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I could add ten or twenty more to the above list, but you get the idea. Life mentors can be found in countless books. When I've added life mentoring to our discussions of read-alouds and book club choices, I have found over and over that my students start to identify the life lessons in their own reading. They bring those discoveries to reading conferences, making that discussion even richer.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you like the idea of adding life mentoring to your readers' workshop and would like a little more direction on how to do it, I have placed some of my favorite lessons doing just that into this year-long program for character development and behavior improvement! Hope you'll click and explore!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Community-Year-Long-Bundle-Part-One-September-through-January-2080795"><img alt="Lessons for Life Mentoring" border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="350" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJybNBD_46ZrKKUKMdUugW2lyMIfFq80pzQLHx_E-_wFE3fw5ZluwWvAaD3jFMKZvuJhgPaP30PNV9MPQhwGT6ZAAG9cvHIQjQiVzh0bqbx3D7uNOAFYlzE9A6n9zkbSyNfGgO8pTpsBF/w320-h319/BUllyproof+bundle.jpg" title="Mentor Text Lessons" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Conferring-Notebook-for-Reading-Writing-and-Math-Workshops-6992045?st=241423fd2df2712dfc72ee1a0f46551f" target="_blank">For some easy to use forms to keep track of your Reader's Workshop results, check out Rainbow City Learning's Conferring Notebook! Just click here!<br /></a></span>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For more September teaching inspiration, be sure to take at look at some of the posts below. If you are a blogger and interested in joining Teacher Talk, please contact me at retta.london@gmail.com and I'll explain how to get started!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNJQpfER2ARNAc5t3DVycwHwkM-YL9s-2tSf3GapPt94NwN0xBw8kf-s-dbrJvG7nt5HcKHWbWU8n-9ahi3z46XXLZBdDglj8okwRU_2J4Ejq42Ylx1DyvnVMXtqwzhPcHmCAHRvmWCLkK-DVs8PK7LdwqD0eAshX-3z6bqOcGanZ5nIndF2QvPn68Q/s1000/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNJQpfER2ARNAc5t3DVycwHwkM-YL9s-2tSf3GapPt94NwN0xBw8kf-s-dbrJvG7nt5HcKHWbWU8n-9ahi3z46XXLZBdDglj8okwRU_2J4Ejq42Ylx1DyvnVMXtqwzhPcHmCAHRvmWCLkK-DVs8PK7LdwqD0eAshX-3z6bqOcGanZ5nIndF2QvPn68Q/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20NEW.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
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Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-17732318007503178262022-08-20T13:17:00.003-04:002022-08-20T13:17:58.732-04:00Start Your Teacher Year Right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_55IcwxB02ZOAxKlBpnbfTWkXuGK2qNUHLLBNYlOrenQRh_MwReKDhC9gwV7xMUkbdfDLvCpUHX0c3MfYMpDcrhNbg1mK0lwIWlXJgwVxq6hyphenhyphenre96PO-0AssPI_M9niOJWUzorF7zf-Fd/s1600/August+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Start Your Teacher Year Right" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_55IcwxB02ZOAxKlBpnbfTWkXuGK2qNUHLLBNYlOrenQRh_MwReKDhC9gwV7xMUkbdfDLvCpUHX0c3MfYMpDcrhNbg1mK0lwIWlXJgwVxq6hyphenhyphenre96PO-0AssPI_M9niOJWUzorF7zf-Fd/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" title="August for Teachers" width="320" /></a></div>
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This post has been featured on the <a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/august-the-sunday-night-of-your-teaching-year/">TpT Blog</a>! That was soooo exciting for me, and I hope that you may have noticed it there! The blog fairies have been here and thought that I should write a post about continuing that summer reading feeling into the new school year, but honestly... Today is a major milestone anniversary for my sweetheart and me, and we are about to embark on a new adventure tomorrow morning! I need to start packing! So, I decided to take my own advice as detailed below, and squeeze every last drop of summer pleasure into my heart and into my memories. I hope you enjoy reading this oldie but goodie post, and get a little more summer under your belt to last all year long!<br />
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Aaaaahhh....August! August is the Sunday night of a teacher's year. We are looking forward to our learning and teaching days to come, yet longing for just a little more summer. We are making plans, thinking about setting up our classrooms, and yet feeling the need to sink our toes in the sand once more, watch just one more Netflix binge, or read one more beach book. It's a feeling that I still get as a retired teacher. I feel the butterflies in my stomach, find myself wondering who is on my class list, and when I can finally get into my room to work. Those feelings never go away, even as I realize that those days are over for me.<br />
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So teachers, as we move through August together, I think I know a little of the approach-avoidance feelings you are experiencing. As memories of August past flood my brain, I hope I can offer a few ideas to make your transition back to class easier! Of course, if your district has already returned for the new school year, you probably have a tip or two to offer us already. I hope you'll share in the comments!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-TzEBmkGb51P4Fgh4wUHAhmAOVBHgHOKhbBLCt_VMQJ0O6a-wugJnzkDs7MOE_fnqdUDlq_CFXeb7K8Dx61BoAGTYblWP4RXwwREtuaRh1KOTFB4vfLtiCBehAljY9BDP82PWrug14Ip/s1600/August+Blog+Post.002.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Steal a little more summer" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-TzEBmkGb51P4Fgh4wUHAhmAOVBHgHOKhbBLCt_VMQJ0O6a-wugJnzkDs7MOE_fnqdUDlq_CFXeb7K8Dx61BoAGTYblWP4RXwwREtuaRh1KOTFB4vfLtiCBehAljY9BDP82PWrug14Ip/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.002.jpeg" title="Don't let school steal your summer" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just because the stores are shelving school supplies earlier and earlier each year, that doesn't mean that you have to spring into action and start gathering. The shelves will be restocked and more and better deals will appear as we get closer to the actual opening of school.<br />
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Don't be so anxious to get into your room. It will still be there if you choose to spend a few extra vacation days with friends and/or family. It's usually a struggle to gain access early in August if you are a Labor Day district like ours, so why not wait until the school is actually ready for you to dig in and transform your space?<br />
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For years, I stayed away from Labor Day gatherings, choosing instead to make my desk name tags, type up my revised class list for the twentieth time, and pack <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1321672874"></span>"Welcome to my Class"<span id="goog_1321672875"></span></a> bags. Looking back, I think I could have enjoyed the Labor Day fun and still had a great first week. Savor every last delicious moment this year and then retrieve it to recall on a long and cold winter day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzLjvbJJW3CHB79HwlwVup_sImPv_7HC-bsT55LAP5AAWwJoU9_h-v5_-utpNlZByUy9u_UjnG3s66IVHHzOb20XzWMvQTHmiqQLLogyLntzZG8MGKzc7cfK3sSoTxOG5pLEj4BaBnub2/s1600/August+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How will school be different this year?" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzLjvbJJW3CHB79HwlwVup_sImPv_7HC-bsT55LAP5AAWwJoU9_h-v5_-utpNlZByUy9u_UjnG3s66IVHHzOb20XzWMvQTHmiqQLLogyLntzZG8MGKzc7cfK3sSoTxOG5pLEj4BaBnub2/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" title="What would you change this school year?" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">AT HOME</span></b><br />
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Have you stressed out over what to wear to school each day? Consider spending a little August time cleaning your closet, donating items you never wear, and shopping for a "capsule wardrobe". The idea of a basic wardrobe of fewer pieces that can be mixed in multiple ways really isn't a fad. It's been around under many names since the 70's. You can trust me. I was there. I didn't heed the advice, but I heard it. Looking back, I realize how much easier my mom life and teaching life could have been with this teeny tiny change in habit. If you have a sparse closet filled with mix and match pieces that you love love love, getting dressed in the morning will be snap!<br />
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Will you miss your summer gym time? Bike rides? Long walks? Yoga class? Make a plan now on how to make exercise a part of your school day. A lifestyle modification that worked for me was to go to sleep an hour earlier than I would have liked to so that I could get up an hour earlier to work out. When my children were really young, I made this a two hour difference so I could be up in time to exercise for an hour, shower and shampoo, and be dressed and ready to leave for work before waking my girls. Decide what you would like to accomplish in the morning and work backwards to adjust your bedtime. Adjusting to an earlier bedtime is a life-changer!<br />
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Worried about having great family meals ready after working each day? The Instant Pot is a miracle machine! Dinner ready in no time at all! (Unless you choose a recipe that uses the Instant Pot as a slow cooker. I did this once - the first time I used mine. We ended up waiting 3 hours for dinner instead of 30 minutes! Hahaha! Now I check the cooking times before getting out the ingredients!) Use a lazy August evening or two gathering recipes to try in the fall.<br />
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Stressful to pack lunches in the morning? Make a plan to batch pack those meals in a quick weekend hour. Snack boxes, bags, mason jars, and bento boxes make great containers for pack ahead meals.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">AT SCHOOL</span></b><br />
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Does your room have to be Instagram perfect before the students arrive? Why not ask for their ideas on furniture arrangement and groupings? Have some basic bulletin boards to set the stage for students to contribute their work. I have found over and over again that students who feel a sense of ownership in their classroom will show much more respect for the rules, materials, and equipment.<br />
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Would you like your <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Curriculum-Night-Presentation-for-GOOGLE-Drive-2715788">Meet the Teacher </a>event to run more smoothly? Have a few activities ready for kids to complete, like an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-as-a-Learner-Interactive-Notebook-First-Pages-1332379" target="_blank">All About Me</a> page to display for the first day of school. Have a brochure ready for parents describing your philosophy and plans for curriculum, along with contact information. Keep it as simple as possible. I loved using a trifold brochure. Try really hard not to plan a heavy room setup work day on the same day as Meet the Teacher.<br />
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Here's a bulletin board idea: Make signs with FAQ and answers and post them all around your classroom. Very helpful for parents and for students. Less for you to explain over and over as the first days roll on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7T5eGC4EtNa6n54x8BZnBX7yu3b2ZlNU2JCy0_t-hrN9TkQ5uo0aWClquzymZoDBXVMw49uhCxXs2KwS43UyBPSgEfM_phTZNWm4BuNoze8VWbHysGITwrTlnd-bX2o5oS5px1jYW5ye/s1600/August+Blog+Post.004.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make your teaching practice better this year." border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7T5eGC4EtNa6n54x8BZnBX7yu3b2ZlNU2JCy0_t-hrN9TkQ5uo0aWClquzymZoDBXVMw49uhCxXs2KwS43UyBPSgEfM_phTZNWm4BuNoze8VWbHysGITwrTlnd-bX2o5oS5px1jYW5ye/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.004.jpeg" title="Change your teaching practice" width="320" /></a></div>
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Will you use more <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Maker-Task-Bundle-2079291">Project Based Learning</a>? Would you like to try <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Math-Rotations-Cards-Posters-and-Student-Pages-1490245">Math Centers</a> or a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Maker-Space-Start-Up-Kit-Bundle-1800155">Maker Space</a>? What's your plan to build your <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Community-With-Economy-PLUS-1992020">classroom community</a>? All of these ideas and more are soooo much easier to contemplate away from the scene of all the excitement. Do a little reading about the top item or two on your list. Subscribe to a professional journal or blog related to the topic. Join a Facebook group of like minded teachers who are going to try out the same new practice. Start small and grow your practice as you feel more comfortable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZfku2gjN461Vj44_XKuwB0DbGlsXuQtD1tePukYadUji8UhCEgTYAm5igECggUrHlLP7s6k_lXkgIaQAhRnqc9O-Rixlr2mRrr6JYACDRXnFhyphenhyphennYEsnkTnCmBh8b9tqaqp4K5mEPgoln/s1600/August+Blog+Post.005.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Journal your teaching day" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZfku2gjN461Vj44_XKuwB0DbGlsXuQtD1tePukYadUji8UhCEgTYAm5igECggUrHlLP7s6k_lXkgIaQAhRnqc9O-Rixlr2mRrr6JYACDRXnFhyphenhyphennYEsnkTnCmBh8b9tqaqp4K5mEPgoln/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.005.jpeg" title="Journals in class" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't say enough about how the simple act of writing quietly for fifteen or twenty minutes each day will bring balance and serenity to your life. It will provide insight later to what happened on a frustrating day and will provide memories that will bring a smile to your face for years to come. <br />
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When I started my journal writing at the very end of each school day, my students were wondering what I was up to. Was I writing about them? Was it good stuff? You could hear a pin drop and minds working as my sweeties got all reflective in their own journals too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-OmcPfhkKS9E9I7v7mKFbOywdIPgOl2TVDzFcljyjv-kyhRpigxphYRbIwyOmCpCoJs4_pi55v0swmL4_4pF5DAfHsHYm0cuU5558ZpUiYBq6Ara02OOuJVyuTwRkR7lAuEmiILAanhW/s1600/August+Blog+Post.006.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make teaching fun" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-OmcPfhkKS9E9I7v7mKFbOywdIPgOl2TVDzFcljyjv-kyhRpigxphYRbIwyOmCpCoJs4_pi55v0swmL4_4pF5DAfHsHYm0cuU5558ZpUiYBq6Ara02OOuJVyuTwRkR7lAuEmiILAanhW/w320-h212/August+Blog+Post.006.jpeg" title="Find the humor in every teaching day" width="320" /></a></div>
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Get together with your teaching besties at lunch or at the end of the day to just laugh out loud at some of the outrageous, cute, or even challenging things that will be a part of every day. Try laughter instead of commiserating as often as you can. Humor feels much better than frustration and anger every time!<br />
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Some teaching besties and I have started getting together (from across the country by phone) each Sunday night to laugh about some of the things that have stressed us out as teachers. It's the best cure ever for the Sunday night butterflies. We have had so much fun laughing at ourselves and the overwhelming tower of things we have taken soooo seriously that we decided to start a podcast! We hope you will join us by listening and by interacting with us on our Facebook page We Teach So Hard. Because we know that you teach so hard too! I hope this teaching year is the best one ever for you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmPB_6TvkVz3FGJNiP-YLY4i83etoDPHBvftEWjM6wIgy6rAhkGZQjxKb3xtBmBLmk10OMFufjakn-4B5ahmZV6hb-180TMdaKL-665GwYJwFYXs82ElE5ik0QDc7jNOOzuYSpu5tsrRj/s1600/38279393_1071191013055561_6943545938065489920_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmPB_6TvkVz3FGJNiP-YLY4i83etoDPHBvftEWjM6wIgy6rAhkGZQjxKb3xtBmBLmk10OMFufjakn-4B5ahmZV6hb-180TMdaKL-665GwYJwFYXs82ElE5ik0QDc7jNOOzuYSpu5tsrRj/s320/38279393_1071191013055561_6943545938065489920_n.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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We Teach So Hard is currently available on several platforms. As an iPhone podcast addict, I of course am THRILLED to see it on iTunes. Meanwhile, meet up with us here:<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/we-teach-so-hard/id1420471827?mt=2&i=1000417016109">Podcast on iTunes</a> <a href="https://anchor.fm/weteachsohard">Podcast on Anchor</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/497555223992033/">Facebook Group</a> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more ideas as you start your new school year, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div></div>
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<!--end InLinkz code--><br /></div>Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-79596879035429797702022-05-22T15:00:00.001-04:002022-05-22T15:00:00.184-04:00Welcoming the Summer Slide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktHU4igHdUcWX3Km_J0tA6Sx9bnMYEcQjH8Bi0R_rhlqvxMagaPoE19nfYdncQO0EfbMF-xR5Kcab_pvqkm3ZyM9wc2KLUfhBI0XONpAkNpIISxyN6gVdNGa7muClWXTjrsv78S0CpXkn/s1600/Sliding+into+Summer+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Welcoming the Summer Slide" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktHU4igHdUcWX3Km_J0tA6Sx9bnMYEcQjH8Bi0R_rhlqvxMagaPoE19nfYdncQO0EfbMF-xR5Kcab_pvqkm3ZyM9wc2KLUfhBI0XONpAkNpIISxyN6gVdNGa7muClWXTjrsv78S0CpXkn/w320-h240/Sliding+into+Summer+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" title="Sliding into Summer" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's an exhilarating time of the year! Testing should be over by now (Pleeeease tell me that's true for you!), classrooms are getting packed up and summerized, and we're celebrating all the learning that has happened for our students in this important piece of their childhood. Still so much to do and so much to ponder. </div>
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I cried at the end of all but one of my classroom years. (That one year is another loooong story. I'll save that for now.) I was sure that I would never see these precious children of my heart again once they ran out the door into the summer sunlight (or rain! We live in Michigan, where the weather is never guaranteed.). My teaching friend, Joanie, always told me not to cry because, "They're making more. And when they are ready, they'll send them!" But what about this group? What about these kids who have become a kind of family with me this year? </div>
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The good news is that so many of them have come back as adults as our lives have crossed once more, whether in real life or on social media. Hearing them say to their own children that I was their third or fourth or fifth grade teacher fills my heart. Surprisingly, more than a few have remembered and reminded me of the "Super Summer Kit" I once sent them out the door with on that last and bittersweet day of our year or years together. (Lots of looping years!)</div>
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What was the Super Summer Kit? It was simply a large ziplock bag or white 8 1/2 x 11 envelope filled with an <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Fun-Activity-Calendar-2019-with-Lifetime-Updates-3139548">activity calendar,</a> a list of books "Recommended in Rainbow City" by other students, a goodbye letter from me filled with memories of our year together, and hopes I held for them as they grew up and away, fun writing suggestions like nature observations and different ways to make fun books and journals, a list of fun local day trips and summer field trips, and a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Bucket-List-Posters-Book-and-Bucket-Pages-2560565">summer bucket list</a> brainstorming activity called "I Would if I Could". Kids used these throughout the summer with no future deadlines or pressure. Some even took them to camp for some downtime suggestions to share with bunkmates. I made a colorful and personalized cover page for each one, and loved having this unique gift to greet them on the last day of school as important as the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-Welcome-Bags-1998917">backpack bags</a> I greeted them with on the first day!</div>
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Since I have now have evidence that so many are hugely successful adults, and since those who looped with me or returned to a classroom of a teaching friend that I could check in with came back refreshed and even smarter, I have to conclude that the Super Summer Kit was enough. The thick worksheet books that parents used to clamor for at our local Borders Book Shop every May and June seemed daunting and uninteresting to me. What kid wants an assignment to complete every day all summer long, in the interest of "keeping skills sharp"? Kids need their vacation and down time just as much as we adults do to refresh, recharge, and renew our interest in learning. I always found that the activities that I selected for that kit (<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Super-Bundle-8043435" target="_blank">most found right here in this bundle</a>) were a "just right" approach to summer learning.</div>
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So, if you are lamenting the end of the school year, even while looking forward to your own summer plans, and want to send your babies off with a fun and leaning filled kit for their summer, I hope you'll check out these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Summer-Resources-379505">summer resources</a> from Rainbow City Learning for a happy slide through summer and into the next school year. And don't worry, they're still making more! (Love and kisses to Joanie, now in Heaven.)</div>
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For more ideas as you slide into summer, please check out the fabulous bloggers of Teacher Talk! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdOmW32hedLdxZ1Y-PJYqGtK1rfRCeX3ghZC488Lswzi8iejzUxjPb8EkTp3cEQ7a8CynHms5yNPRYs659mUhkGacoYniLH2ehWd2BJB2b0YWwEvpORxiLw5EuXY0nopXeG2Eq-kf8Ef3Cyi1NnRErFFttnybc5fGrP-k1X-k7t5ZmMp1zlZrlVOEFg/s614/Teacher%20Talk%20new%20image.001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdOmW32hedLdxZ1Y-PJYqGtK1rfRCeX3ghZC488Lswzi8iejzUxjPb8EkTp3cEQ7a8CynHms5yNPRYs659mUhkGacoYniLH2ehWd2BJB2b0YWwEvpORxiLw5EuXY0nopXeG2Eq-kf8Ef3Cyi1NnRErFFttnybc5fGrP-k1X-k7t5ZmMp1zlZrlVOEFg/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20new%20image.001.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="inlinkz-widget" data-uuid="4e8954e59dd94e3e959e2ace736a2f32" style="background-color: #eceff1; border-radius: 7px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 30px 0px; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><p style="margin-bottom: 15px;">You are invited to the <strong>Inlinkz</strong> link party!</p>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-1145169165602958182022-04-24T15:00:00.003-04:002022-04-24T15:00:00.214-04:00Read Aloud Magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnrgu41R87siLeW_grWOUEXv0dGDi9yRVtSnJaEVVIlCToJ_1WDcgMSj-7da4YkCq_17S3iVpo0iNiL-yaFaqjwkEftvhUm5j7Fbsed3GWLhCqC5n0v1Vy4xJWibochbVknbYu47l8fTdA3YNecBnKacgKmol_RXsyX0hp1OcU9PuVNW8q8UlbHNcMg/s1200/Read%20Aloud%20Magic%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Magic of Reading" border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1200" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnrgu41R87siLeW_grWOUEXv0dGDi9yRVtSnJaEVVIlCToJ_1WDcgMSj-7da4YkCq_17S3iVpo0iNiL-yaFaqjwkEftvhUm5j7Fbsed3GWLhCqC5n0v1Vy4xJWibochbVknbYu47l8fTdA3YNecBnKacgKmol_RXsyX0hp1OcU9PuVNW8q8UlbHNcMg/w320-h164/Read%20Aloud%20Magic%20Blog%20Post.001.jpeg" title="Read Aloud Magic" width="320" /></a></div><p> Ready to add some magic to your read-aloud? Reading plus gifts. What could be better? This post is a followup reveal to something that I teased in my last post! Who loves reading? Well, almost everyone. Who loves gifts? EVERYONE!!! By adding class gifts to your read-aloud, you can offer your students a magic portal to the world inside the book, as well as encouraging them to love reading just a little more than they already do. </p><p>It all started on Mother's Day several years ago. My daughter gifted me a subscription to a book box club that would send a new book to me each month, along with four gifts that are mentioned in the book. As I read the book, I would reach a page with a sticky note that said, "Open Your Gift!" The gift, wrapped with a label showing the corresponding page number, was always a perfect way to hold a piece of that book in my hands. Example, in that first book, a "flower child" of the seventies approached the main character. She was wearing huge hoop earrings with fringes and a scarf in her hair. Inside the gift for that page was THOSE earrings and THAT scarf! Love, love, love! Right? In another book, the main character stepped out of her usual personality and stepped up to try karaoke. My gift for reading to that page? A karaoke microphone! The microphone was also rose gold - definitely speaking to my very soul! </p><p>Sweetheart number six in my family has seen my book boxes in process and some of the gifts. She asked for a book box of her own for her recent seventh birthday, and I created two of them for her! She loved her gifts! <u>Clementine</u> by Sara Pennypacker is one of the books that I gave to our sweetheart. As I've also used this in the past as a read-aloud for third graders, it occurred to me that this open-your-gift magic could also be done as a read-aloud experience in the classroom. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhgx1Qjb1BdeEKmatG3ttQRXKoCqO5_GdFlnrvwVJ6MgyrEHVDnf6jUISONOetS4WqvlqiMdZuOPoKJcBC3f3an-LWHI7AbxUDkZSHT7ya0At3389qmvIq0Y8QEjWb7mbQpK_VgmbvggbxrYS9MemKzhTCuNRwKZVKfvJeDKJY1019FHzkj74maI5xg/s1006/Once%20Upon%20Sticky.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Once Upon a Birthday Book Box" border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="755" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhgx1Qjb1BdeEKmatG3ttQRXKoCqO5_GdFlnrvwVJ6MgyrEHVDnf6jUISONOetS4WqvlqiMdZuOPoKJcBC3f3an-LWHI7AbxUDkZSHT7ya0At3389qmvIq0Y8QEjWb7mbQpK_VgmbvggbxrYS9MemKzhTCuNRwKZVKfvJeDKJY1019FHzkj74maI5xg/w240-h320/Once%20Upon%20Sticky.001.jpeg" title="Read Aloud Magic" width="240" /></a></div><p>Yes, of course there was glitter on each sticky. Have we met?</p><p>I'm sharing here ideas for two read-aloud books that you could try this with. The first is recommended for grades 2-4 and the second would work with grades 4-6. The second one is my all-time personal favorite for an upper elementary read-aloud. I'm listing individual gift ideas, and then classroom "moments" (gifts suitable for a group). This idea would also work in small book club groups in your classroom. A great followup would be to ask students to select four stopping pages and four corresponding gifts for the next book they read. </p><p>I hope you and your students will enjoy stepping through the portals into the story of your next read-aloud! I would love to hear from you in the comments below after you try this! Email me if you'd rather share your results that way!</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u>Clementine</u> by Sara Pennypacker</span></p><p>Page 18: "grabbed the box of markers from where my mom had hidden them"</p><p>individual gift: new permanent or paint markers</p><p>class moment: new markers added to community boxes, or an art break to paint a "flaming sunset".</p><p>Page 83: "The following students are excused from recess so they can catch up on their journal writing"</p><p>individual gift: new fun journal</p><p>class moment: extra time to add art, stickers, and other embellishments to journal entries, or time to share the reading of journal entries in small groups</p><p>Page 114-115: "Because I am so good at paying attention, I know all the things Margaret likes. So I ran around the apartment gathering them up."</p><p>individual gift: red Barbie shoes, a blue feather, or M&Ms</p><p>class moment: Stop and talk about collections that each student personally has. Could also plan a collection display as part of the celebration for completing the book.</p><p>Page 130-131: </p><p>individual gift: stuffed kitten</p><p>class moment: cupcake decorating party - adding frosting, sprinkles, etc. Alternative: design and draw cakes that celebrate events other than birthdays</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u>A Crooked Kind of Perfect</u> by Linda Urban</span></p><p>Page 20-21: "...he would hand me a velvet box, and in it would be a diamond tiara..."</p><p>individual gift: tiara</p><p>"And the second thing is that she likes ginger ale..."</p><p>class moment: ginger ale tasting (Compare Vernor's to Canada Dry, Schwepp's etc.) </p><p>Page 43: "And she gets socks." </p><p>individual gift: unusual socks</p><p>class moment: wear (or draw) your favorite socks to class. Have a "wear your socks" day in class.</p><p>Page 76 -77: "So what's it going to be?" asks Mabelline Person. </p><p> "'Forever in Blue Jeans', by Neil Diamond," I say.</p><p>individual gift: USB Flash drive with the five songs mentioned on page 76; doll-sized blue jeans </p><p>class moment: dance break with the five songs mentioned above, vote for class favorite</p><p>Page 116: "My cake is beautiful." "'It's perfect," I tell him." "'It's a crooked kind of perfect,' I say."</p><p>individual gift: cake mix, frosting mix, cake decorating accessories</p><p>class moment: design the perfect birthday cake for you (start with an art activity, but maybe choose one to actually create and bring in to share at a later time. </p><p>Page 184: "'Wouldn't that be funny if everybody wore shirts with true stuff on them?' Mona laughs."</p><p>individual gift: white t-shirt and fabric markers</p><p>class moment: design a t-shirt with "true stuff" about you </p><p>For a complete unit on <u>A Crooked Kind of Perfect</u>, click here:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Crooked-Kind-of-Perfect-Novel-Unit-for-Interactive-Notebooks-1016131" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Reading Unit for Upper Elementary" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxDzV8RIS6Ol8PTMevsNAWIg9_2Ir7iQtuRwONTc2PsRnz2RbZgFML-tcgblel61IIsnwcntdM6pM7AZvkdPphOpk1tcU0purTwZDliCC2Nc0fIDwUS0ozxZY2Fwa8onzAJygjO1QglZZszlIgG4PnEGdqOopuXzSSvUN7UrVjewbtwxxYNLHvVfI7g/w320-h320/original-1016131-1.jpeg" title="A Crooked Kind of Perfect" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Book-Clubs-38290" target="_blank">For more Book Club ideas from Rainbow City Learning, click here!</a><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If I can do anything else to help make your job easier, please let me know in the comments below! If I use your idea for a new blog post, you will win a TpT $10 gift card. If I create a new resource for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Frainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com%2F2021%2F07%2Ftake-stress-out-of-this-years-teacher.html&utm_campaign=Offer%20for%20Comments%20on%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning </a>based on your idea, you will win a free copy of that resource to use in your classroom! (Note: all comments are reviewed before appearing on my blog. It may take a few hours for your comment to appear! Thanks for your patience!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRIYU3D8yAZSuLEWPbOO47VfojCX-3Hsn0DQkhZLVOBKE9LxdD8naExrLtWacR8X536RyjRdb-GLlgNDFQQJ2Yi62bvld-wD04tqwqsjlqCbvlTUpz2q5vRqKuoQ1xYaXUbHzU8aiCv-r72JSmLWT6Ds_pI4f2qrBpcUJES6dguDe2p2ITgjZ2892wg/s548/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRIYU3D8yAZSuLEWPbOO47VfojCX-3Hsn0DQkhZLVOBKE9LxdD8naExrLtWacR8X536RyjRdb-GLlgNDFQQJ2Yi62bvld-wD04tqwqsjlqCbvlTUpz2q5vRqKuoQ1xYaXUbHzU8aiCv-r72JSmLWT6Ds_pI4f2qrBpcUJES6dguDe2p2ITgjZ2892wg/w200-h116/Blog%20Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div>For more thoughts on teaching as we head into the homestretch of the teaching year, don't miss these posts by our awesome members of Teacher Talk! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXtqtgEsoqakL637bnN7155ry-KK0WhuUFqBVT65awuWB-hkryG7zMiYVbMoH7MtkeR4RJI9HS2iANv8bcth3ZsO6-YfrX4kA31i3mjUaDapKQ9symmoVQQqlbOTUqYUemohWBjt85nrIadFSGYrK4cJ--tQ-nwT9mGnCoZpWPBNdB2kQAKOQICp8fQ/s614/Teacher%20Talk%20new%20image.001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXtqtgEsoqakL637bnN7155ry-KK0WhuUFqBVT65awuWB-hkryG7zMiYVbMoH7MtkeR4RJI9HS2iANv8bcth3ZsO6-YfrX4kA31i3mjUaDapKQ9symmoVQQqlbOTUqYUemohWBjt85nrIadFSGYrK4cJ--tQ-nwT9mGnCoZpWPBNdB2kQAKOQICp8fQ/s320/Teacher%20Talk%20new%20image.001.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-59107716862939032792022-03-20T15:00:00.004-04:002022-03-20T15:00:00.191-04:00Starting With a Scribble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv2JaDPg0I_1Ls8YLs0EWcy2n9yL1LgvwC8V0YEGHQXLcEMbbeKUqTtcmbLwWYrZROUpFsgRg5bh1YTqIbY42fgPGrvB78OBgsOHcVymjEDGsi429ITynd6vW5X1PEH8f736l_oVP2nnj2caaTcSpA1agRILOVwDRVSU_HurqWN02b2rYA5CdL6GetPQ=s1620" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv2JaDPg0I_1Ls8YLs0EWcy2n9yL1LgvwC8V0YEGHQXLcEMbbeKUqTtcmbLwWYrZROUpFsgRg5bh1YTqIbY42fgPGrvB78OBgsOHcVymjEDGsi429ITynd6vW5X1PEH8f736l_oVP2nnj2caaTcSpA1agRILOVwDRVSU_HurqWN02b2rYA5CdL6GetPQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Sweetheart #6 has a birthday this month, and she's made a special request. Filling that request has led me down the rabbit hole of TPT creation, and it's not ready yet. I promise that you will love it, and I hope that you will check back here for an announcement when it is ready! (Better yet, make sure that you are on my mailing list. It will definitely be announced there!) Hint: It will really raise the bar on your read-aloud practice. Okay, enough - I can't keep a secret. Need to stop writing about it!</p><p>Since I can't write about what I've actually spent hours this week working on, I decided to check out the National Day Calendar and discovered that our sweetheart's birthday is also National Scribble Day! I love it!!!</p><p>Here's the <a href="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-scribble-day-march-27/" target="_blank">link</a> if you'd like to check it out. Watch the embedded video for some bulletin board ideas! There is a totally precious book that goes with this special celebration, and I have already ordered one as a bonus birthday gift (along with some crayons and paper so we can start scribbling immediately). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NOT-just-Scribble-Diane-Alber/dp/0991248244/ref=sr_1_1?crid=T531ZODEZWQN&keywords=I%27m+not+just+a+scribble&qid=1647638210&sprefix=i%27m+not+just+a+scribble%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Starting With a Scribble Rainbow City Learning" border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="348" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglaeJCqrAL_eq1qUqVyAhdK0O4IrEFk9UhJ7fMkA2GdI__83xV-4hRqE1Dgabs_sNIG665VafRWaJv7ISeSfX1Vu1AnePxjzbdqTwyHfk9MYEZ0Li-z37M1S8QcPcarZ0rmRdOGkanSTIHtvnhqMgnv_HUj4sZZpPuMLNsMglZtVazwjPK0DBe_wZXMw=w320-h309" title="I'm Not Just a Scribble Rainbow City Learning" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Speaking of scribbling...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And speaking of scribbling, Tyler Henry has a new show on Netflix. I had heard of him, but never had seen any of his tv work. Last night, while scrolling through Netflix to find something that hubby and I could watch together, his new series popped up. As only one of us is interested in psychic mediums in the least, I found myself alone with the remote. If you have never heard of Tyler Henry, he is quite an accomplished psychic medium and previously worked with many Hollywood stars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I found most compelling about Tyler's practice is the way he constantly scribbles while he is doing a reading. He carries a notebook and it is filled with page after page of what looks like aimless scribbling with a black ballpoint pen. Here are some examples of his scribbling, and I LOVE how they are framed as art! This picture is courtesy of Netflix, where you can binge his new show!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAnINZNll0XtOa5Lte5_TgvzhV-j8NdGti4ZIC6MmwZbPHVTnr-NibxvYAjubMjaw6KL4ezKKwYoazuamxX2cS6r0YHuU5Njs3WxhlhzNRgr6Jwjdmux-eISqmzSd3rvy7XVqEuokFyBWF9CTosPIrLfT6AxmhCQXmV0J3As-k2J6mhOhVt1maFBSB9w=s980" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tyler Henry with HIs Scribbles Rainbow City Learning" border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="980" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAnINZNll0XtOa5Lte5_TgvzhV-j8NdGti4ZIC6MmwZbPHVTnr-NibxvYAjubMjaw6KL4ezKKwYoazuamxX2cS6r0YHuU5Njs3WxhlhzNRgr6Jwjdmux-eISqmzSd3rvy7XVqEuokFyBWF9CTosPIrLfT6AxmhCQXmV0J3As-k2J6mhOhVt1maFBSB9w=w320-h230" title="Starting With a Scribble Rainbow City Learning" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When questioned about his scribbling during readings, Tyler shares that he has done this since he was a student, and that the repetitiveness of scribbling frees his mind to receive messages. As my teacher brain kicked in, I could really see the usefulness of this as a tool for studying, or for listening to a lesson. I've always encouraged students to draw and doodle in their journal while writing daily entries, taking notes, or revisiting a notebook or journal entry. But aimless, seemingly mindless scribbling? Never occurred to me. Now, I want to dive back into someone's classroom and try this! I also see this as a great tool for anyone of any age for meditation and relaxation. A cup of black ballpoints and some paper could be a great addition to our calm down corners!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please, please, please come back and comment below if you add scribbling to either your classroom or personal practices, and tell me how it's working for you! I plan to try this myself and will come back to edit this post when I have some results!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Calm Down Corner</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are looking for other resources to use in your Calm Down Corner, I hope you'll check out what Rainbow City Learning has to offer! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning/Category/Zen-Classroom-394747" target="_blank">Click here for 40 ideas</a>, or just click below for these popular posters!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zen-Watercolor-Posters-for-Your-Calm-Down-Corner-4703252" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="162" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhld9CGn_V494lt3STxDsoWq6pgBec6ELU8GTct1iqhA6MTQdC3vE_yHpP1zfTcuLCqfdb0JkQwYDZpveB9pRxGkZDjkWfaYYx6UvnqnYvp9oJioqK_LHlY2IzKmgKNvu0uIt1pzp_MI0ccasqQJZyg2M06Oslx5gorK0f2Kt3FWw_P1qJWETBR4f_pgg=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Wishing you peace and calm in the days ahead, and inspiration to start with a scribble!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6Rp9D5GnVP65-MLD8AVzf7QoOYzdH6akQOjx9XcGZtw6S782sEncVF74EnRwUzbWbJ9c5dvmb4Cb3v66Mos8alaDkx8KJSsFjeWz4tOqoMPZCghumAzClkSUMZuceOFVs5-04M4UfaicVt6Ow_e-l0Eyqad8IHJsJN30AtVaJ6TwFe_OLB27JY3vNkQ=s548" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6Rp9D5GnVP65-MLD8AVzf7QoOYzdH6akQOjx9XcGZtw6S782sEncVF74EnRwUzbWbJ9c5dvmb4Cb3v66Mos8alaDkx8KJSsFjeWz4tOqoMPZCghumAzClkSUMZuceOFVs5-04M4UfaicVt6Ow_e-l0Eyqad8IHJsJN30AtVaJ6TwFe_OLB27JY3vNkQ=w200-h116" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If I can do anything else to help make your job easier this year, please let me know in the comments below! If I use your idea for a new blog post, you will win a TpT $10 gift card. If I create a new resource for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Frainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com%2F2021%2F07%2Ftake-stress-out-of-this-years-teacher.html&utm_campaign=Offer%20for%20Comments%20on%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning </a>based on your idea, you will win a free copy of that resource to use in your classroom! (Note: all comments are reviewed before appearing on my blog. It may take a few hours for your comment to appear! Thanks for your patience!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>For more thoughts on teaching as we head into Spring, don't miss these posts by our awesome members of Teacher Talk! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyB3vFepMPCH7MzClpyhKbaAecLHifSjNEjmPU1k6kF2hbeqRo3YomSAEPD8x2nGCGe7qgH7Jy5v0TJBWm71MFuQ_hbR5oON0yTfp-w9AGbUfD8iN0hDQlrvUBUXlv7Z6VxbJBybUh1_sI2QoaMkO6QatCM-3XOwB0YD9lMyQNOdn21nMTvrGwinCO_A=s614" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyB3vFepMPCH7MzClpyhKbaAecLHifSjNEjmPU1k6kF2hbeqRo3YomSAEPD8x2nGCGe7qgH7Jy5v0TJBWm71MFuQ_hbR5oON0yTfp-w9AGbUfD8iN0hDQlrvUBUXlv7Z6VxbJBybUh1_sI2QoaMkO6QatCM-3XOwB0YD9lMyQNOdn21nMTvrGwinCO_A=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div></div>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-2695968292085396122022-02-19T14:01:00.000-05:002022-02-19T14:01:53.472-05:00Celebrate Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm_UwemiGQ_0L5HldUqzAeqxZuimIH3XUEIxsImw7mpBiMmA41fKF6Z_YAYD7k6LqdBelzM6KvvpDjJmvkeqCkOmOGhAFwt4x7UDz3t3SRSkeYZ6YVKnvJYUlX3MofefrOiOTFGUutWgQ/s1600/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="How do you celebrate reading?" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm_UwemiGQ_0L5HldUqzAeqxZuimIH3XUEIxsImw7mpBiMmA41fKF6Z_YAYD7k6LqdBelzM6KvvpDjJmvkeqCkOmOGhAFwt4x7UDz3t3SRSkeYZ6YVKnvJYUlX3MofefrOiOTFGUutWgQ/w320-h240/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" title="Celebrate Reading" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"It's always something." (Gilda Radner as Roseanne Rosannadanna) Every day that we show up at school, ready to learn, is a cause for celebration. "...and everywhere was a song and a celebration." (Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. Woodstock, baby.) Seriously, teachers, we can find something to celebrate in class every single day. The biggest celebration, of course, is when the imaginary light bulbs flash with new learning, with a newly converted reader for life, budding author, artist, mathematician, researcher, or maker. As teachers, we are part of those amazing moments all year long. And yet, if we seek other celebrations to bring a learning theme to our students, the calendar is filled with them. Here's a year-long resource for an <a href="https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collections/teaching-content/author-and-illustrator-birthdays-entire-year/">author birthday focus every month</a>.<br /> <br />Read Across America Day was originally conceived to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss. You might have been wearing out your "Cat in the Hat" striped chapeau for all the Marches for as long as you've been teaching. Maybe your school focuses on Dr. Seuss, or maybe you just enjoy that celebration in your classroom. Maybe your own teacher tied a red bow around her neck every March, and the memories are filled with warm fuzzies. Or...maybe...you are ready for a new idea?<br /><br />Did you know that Leo Dillon's birthday is March 2 also? With his wife, Diane, Leo Dillon was the author/illustrator of forty beloved children's books. Many of the books will bring the concepts of diversity and world peace into your classroom. What a beautiful segue from February is Black History Month! Why not kick off March is Reading Month this year with a fresh focus?<br /><br />A favorite Dillon book of mine is <u>If Kids Ran the World</u>. My students were so fortunate to have the chance to meet this gentle and lovely couple before Leo's death in 2012, when they visited our school. The mentoring for our future authors and illustrators was off the charts! <u>If Kids Ran the World</u> was the book they were working on at the time of Leo's passing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Ran-World-Diane-Dillon/dp/054544196X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H328AOPSDRQ4&keywords=if+kids+ran+the+world&qid=1550594756&s=gateway&sprefix=If+kids%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1#customerReviews"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaBFvbQcKqgwr-0jcdV-N438oup5WzLo_hD6v0gFeYWxbQuni0DZCxaYklYbS8OOk4Y-sSEoq49x9hF-MofPcUIikxcyMRuLZcAaU3uLhNPnDTJ-IdyXqoDjBT_itIqeFyVNuChUCIdeB/s320/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.002.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In addition to the beautiful illustrations and words showing how the world would be a better place if we all cared for others in the way these children do, this book effortlessly becomes a mentor text. Click below to learn more:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/If-Kids-Were-in-Charge-4405196?st=e9603831bd9d06f062a40b9907ca58a2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaZYuq6q3ySVa8gt6u-3TaqWyBqRZB7JDh2JsOegT5BbWNr3oD3QwDjVhs12i7xsSymNqTUfgrR1_l0jyJvltDyIEkeu5odZ7wC2OxagOshUAvfh2LrTn9eF_tt5Im7VuvTW80Vhi_wiO43h-Ct4ngUrIkDaH5mNWAGjmO1BL59Ea0eV4medq3cZ-z9Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some other authors whose work will make for great sharing and inspiration any time of the year: Patricia Polacco, Eve Bunting, and Jacqueline Woodson. These are a few of my favorites, and my students have enjoyed many lessons for reading and writing led off by the works of these writers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Try <u>The Bee Tree</u> by Patricia Polacco to see how the author's own mother was encouraged to love reading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Share a read-aloud of <u>The Wretched Stone</u> by Chris Van Alsburg to prompt a discussion of all the things we might enjoy if we give up a little screen time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDiRHU-GPPZ3DGyCTWqDpCUplDDyIdsT2FqsCEUr_GUK3exOZCUjRoFYR08lbpta7L9rknDgvbApPx9gFuBSz-71ZyOv1gc2Y2c5JiIZxsTqvSjD1AcILeFz5wFvyFrtt_WEllUBEDAXf/s1600/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="797" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDiRHU-GPPZ3DGyCTWqDpCUplDDyIdsT2FqsCEUr_GUK3exOZCUjRoFYR08lbpta7L9rknDgvbApPx9gFuBSz-71ZyOv1gc2Y2c5JiIZxsTqvSjD1AcILeFz5wFvyFrtt_WEllUBEDAXf/s320/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, no month-long celebration is complete without a few official school-wide or grade-wide or even class-wide activities. Some of my favorites:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Hold a Read-In</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In no way should this be confused with a clean your desk, grade papers, and enter data day. Wipe that thought from your mind. It's tempting for sure, but a read-in day where you participate right along with the kids is a golden opportunity to encourage a lifelong love of reading (like yours!). Only you can be the role model for that in your classroom. Sleeping bags, blankies, jammies, and pillows optional! My kids always liked making little fort areas under the desks for uninterrupted reading bliss!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love a Parade?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ask your students to bring in their Radio Flyer or Little Tykes wagons to use as float carriers for a Parade of Books! (Think Macy's Thanksgiving or Disney any day, or The Rose Bowl Parade, but with books!) Kids work in teams to create a float display (think giant diorama!) of a book. The team members dress as some of the characters as they accompany their float in a parade for school and community!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Spotlight on Books</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Create a display with a fun place to leave comments/reviews about a book that the class shared as a class novel, book club choice, or read-aloud. Place a book cover in the center of the display, and kids write comments all around. Examples of fun places to leave comments: black construction paper with colored chalks, small white boards with wipe-off markers, plexiglass with window markers, fabric with glitter pens. I know your kids can help you think of more! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Recommended in Rainbow City</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's what we called ours, anyway! Start a weekly or monthly newsletter or blog section where kids can review books they have read and loved. It's a great resource for your students to clip and keep on hand for when they are browsing for new books to read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Book Trailers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Use your technology (iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, or your favorite movie creator) to have your students create exciting trailers to "advertise" their favorite books. So many resources, directions, and examples of book trailers for kids in this post. (Just click on the director below!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://imaginationsoup.net/how-to-make-your-own-book-trailer-kids/"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="447" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBWpbyrzR_OIh6siFDLjlz29pu2pJuapYdDh7YQSAfVqWE8qErB_oCckUCNDxebVuswFC0aiSi7WBKZkt-yczO1hd3gh0cIyfr_Sin_inW5SDGQEdjz3Oi4WWh0_k6o2-JLYDgjFZWRLg/s320/March+is+Reading+Month+Blog+Post.004.jpeg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both;">I loved sharing ideas for March is Reading Month with my podcasting friends, Tracy, Deann, and Kathie. Tune in to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/we-teach-so-hard/id1420471827">"We Teach So Hard"</a> Episode 28 to hear what we came up with!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy, happy March! Hope you get to read something you love this month, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If I can do anything else to help make your job easier this year, please let me know in the comments below! If I use your idea for a new blog post, you will win a TpT $10 gift card. If I create a new resource for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Frainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com%2F2021%2F07%2Ftake-stress-out-of-this-years-teacher.html&utm_campaign=Offer%20for%20Comments%20on%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning </a>based on your idea, you will win a free copy of that resource to use in your classroom! (Note: all comments are reviewed before appearing on my blog. It may take a few hours for your comment to appear! Thanks for your patience!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfWU3rEtihAZdoOdmvbXQ7jTCP9b4sJRKyaUL7zh6EbrgquSlETjtrxK9W-wnVuKE4P5tKqpLXmneF32HT_l1aRKK22AgSQZBiUXP0jMLynJ3PzXvrLnxFXzEd_dAKBnsNu7fM2CjFwy-/s1600/Signature1+copy+2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="312" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfWU3rEtihAZdoOdmvbXQ7jTCP9b4sJRKyaUL7zh6EbrgquSlETjtrxK9W-wnVuKE4P5tKqpLXmneF32HT_l1aRKK22AgSQZBiUXP0jMLynJ3PzXvrLnxFXzEd_dAKBnsNu7fM2CjFwy-/s200/Signature1+copy+2.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfWU3rEtihAZdoOdmvbXQ7jTCP9b4sJRKyaUL7zh6EbrgquSlETjtrxK9W-wnVuKE4P5tKqpLXmneF32HT_l1aRKK22AgSQZBiUXP0jMLynJ3PzXvrLnxFXzEd_dAKBnsNu7fM2CjFwy-/s1600/Signature1+copy+2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfWU3rEtihAZdoOdmvbXQ7jTCP9b4sJRKyaUL7zh6EbrgquSlETjtrxK9W-wnVuKE4P5tKqpLXmneF32HT_l1aRKK22AgSQZBiUXP0jMLynJ3PzXvrLnxFXzEd_dAKBnsNu7fM2CjFwy-/s1600/Signature1+copy+2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For more thoughts on teaching in March, don't miss these posts by our awesome members of Teacher Talk! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ5qf1tPtwA4XenvaoIzcp5lsc4_TZhGz2sneV-9Cc32y_Q62AhQizjYygIH_a3NHuWU3s9KA5jbo3M5mjUGyamiV7cWux4Xb2sZCMEY6yJ_B0iSO54efPdaNG40fDBp1mKIbGsvTrak3/s1600/Teacher+Talk+new+image.001.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJ5qf1tPtwA4XenvaoIzcp5lsc4_TZhGz2sneV-9Cc32y_Q62AhQizjYygIH_a3NHuWU3s9KA5jbo3M5mjUGyamiV7cWux4Xb2sZCMEY6yJ_B0iSO54efPdaNG40fDBp1mKIbGsvTrak3/s320/Teacher+Talk+new+image.001.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div>
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-71058613269029150622022-02-02T11:00:00.000-05:002022-02-02T11:00:04.069-05:00What's Saving Your Life Right Now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-VKQ_updT3PkTDoHEypUH3B32dBSi_y6ik7wJOdnhlr_VKPh187UtADW_HwMykosuzwi2iunlBUmEaAZws9llJF98m1aSMKc_X8KyUQCTm5uCdG7Kg-b32D85ar_8QS8v1hIwZ-zYmWpAGRVRShHGxcZC4VS4t8WCtBpstgcMl6cOrejfPZZeJnESeg=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-VKQ_updT3PkTDoHEypUH3B32dBSi_y6ik7wJOdnhlr_VKPh187UtADW_HwMykosuzwi2iunlBUmEaAZws9llJF98m1aSMKc_X8KyUQCTm5uCdG7Kg-b32D85ar_8QS8v1hIwZ-zYmWpAGRVRShHGxcZC4VS4t8WCtBpstgcMl6cOrejfPZZeJnESeg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>What a great idea for the middle of winter! On February 2, we will be at the midway point of winter, and The modern Mrs. Darcy (a favorite blogger of mine!) has a tradition each year of writing down all the books and other things that are saving her life right now. It's easy to make a giant list of all the things that are absolutely killing us in the middle of a long and gray winter, but the idea of turning those thoughts from negative to positive is intoxicating to me right now! </p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Here's my list of books that are currently saving my life:</span></p><p><u>Wintering</u> by Katherine May uses examples from nature, history, and legends to show how retreat and relaxation can really get us through difficult times. Winter can be hard. It is especially hard during these pandemic times. Reading this book let me know that it's very ok to slow down, cuddle up under a soft quilt, and read. Even as a busy teacher, you don't have to be constantly involved in preparation, planning, doing, and assessing. It's ok to take some quiet time for yourself.</p><p><u>Wish You Were Here</u> by Jodi Picoult is a tale born of the isolation that the author experienced during the pandemic, as so many of us have experienced. Without giving too much away, this book has encouraged me to fall asleep more easily at night, looking forward to dreams. Since finishing this one, I do sleep better even if it takes an extra sweater and two pairs of socks! I also find it interesting to remember my dreams. </p><p><u>The Stranger in the Lifeboat</u> by Mitch Albom has renewed my spiritual faith. It has also caused me to reread his earlier book, <u>The First Phone Call From Heaven</u>. With so many now missing from my life, the idea of such an occurrence brings me joy and gives me hope that someday we will meet again.</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">Books for kids that I love to share, and that save my life when I do so:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Each Little Bird That Sings</u> by Deborah Wiles</div><p><br />This is an old favorite from my personal and class bookshelves. I've always asked for parent permission first because the main character, Comfort Snowberger, lives in her family's funeral home and has attended 247 funerals. I always thought that might be considered too intense or scary for some kids, but I have never had a parent say that their child could not participate.<br /><br />Even the first line resonates, " I come from a family with a lot of dead people." Don't we all?<br />Comfort says it so beautifully herself:<br />"...death is hard. Death is sad. But death is part of life. When someone you know dies, it's your job to keep on living.<br />So...we did. We adjusted. We did what we always do when death comes calling:<br /> We gathered together.<br /> We started cooking.<br /> We called the relatives.<br /> We called our friends.<br /> We did not have to call the funeral home. We <i>are </i>the funeral home.<br /> I wrote the obituary."<br /><br />And Comfort eventually takes over writing the obituaries for her local newspaper. She call them "Life Notices" rather than "Death Notices". She writes the most unique obituaries you will ever read, truly celebrating the life of each person. Comfort teaches each of us to find gratitude in the sweet, funny, and even outrageous events that make up a life. I met Comfort as a reader in my 50s, and she changed so much about my outlook on life. I like to think that she has done that for many of my students too!</p><p><u>Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs</u> by Betty G. Birney<br /><br />More than a century ago, on a fictional farm in Sassafras Springs, Missouri, Eben McAllister has been fascinated by reading about The Seven Wonders of the World in school. He wants to take his first trip away from his "boring" home to visit relatives in Colorado. Eben's dad challenges him to find seven wonders right at home in Sassafras Springs that can rival the real Seven Wonders. Eben sets off on a journey of knocking on neighbors' doors to discover the origin stories about some ordinary seeming items. He hears magical tales about a doll that saved a life, a musical saw, an ordinary table, and an incredible wonder at the end that I won't spoil for you!<br /><br />As Eben says:<br />"Sometimes extraordinary things begin in ordinary places. A fancy-dancy butterfly starts out in a plain little cocoon. A great big apple tree grows from a tiny speck of a seed. And the wonders started right on our own front porch on a hot summer night I would have forgotten on the spot if it hadn't been for what got started then and kept on going."<br />Once you start looking for the beauty in and finding gratitude in ordinary things, it's hard to stop. Eben sets a great example for all of us.<br /><br />This book has held a special place in my heart for so many years. It was a favorite read-aloud for my students. We all loved how each chapter was its own little story. I based my writing lessons on it for a unit on memoirs. Each student created a "Wonder of Farmington Hills" story. (The location of our school.) Every story was a touching closer look at something that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. One particular story still in my heart was the story about a rose that blooms each summer in one family's yard on the anniversary of the death of a favorite uncle who left them at a young age. Another was the story of how the Rainbow City (my classroom name - but you knew that, right?) Rocking Chair came to be. It was a special chair, painted and repainted every year by each new class, but of course the story of how it came to be was nothing like the real one!<br /><br />We sent our collection of "The Wonders of Farmington Hills" to Betty Birney and she loved it! She sent us a beautiful letter to share with families and our school community as a celebration of our writing!<br /><br />The best lesson here though, is the same as above - finding beauty and feeling gratitude when looking at simple everyday things. "Fancy-Dancy butterfly". I still love that!</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">What saves my life as I move through the world:</span></p><p>Strolling past my grandchildren's home in our neighborhood (when it's not too cold) and seeing that they are home makes my heart so happy! As I approach the door and hear our two littlest sweethearts literally shreik, "GRANDMA'S HERE!!!!!" saves my life for sure every time!</p><p>I have some grandchildren who live around the corner, and some who live on the other side of the world. Zoom and FaceTime have saved my life by allowing me to have long visits with each of the sweethearts that I've been unable to see in person since 2019. </p><p>As I move through the snowy days in Michigan, I've been fortunate for the past few years since retirement to get away to warmer places for a little while. Although I discover new things about my Michigan neighborhood every time I go for a walk, warm weather walks such as a recent one in Venice, Florida, are definitely life saving! Although I have taken this walk last year and the year before, this time I noticed the most beautiful and colorful sculptures of seahorses and mermaids scattered throughout the downtown area. They made my walk even more of a dream! The photos and memories should keep me going throughout the second half of this snowy winter!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho0eJLTcffyWxQ5T31b2O45TgHNDuVYyw6ubrjQZf6Gt2PJi9CjtdeSdYDZeiwrte0kuJ86Ksp5cnZA85gDN1fLEY253QlNGEHy8WTy9pw79PGcx-XMhMjajISR39w1a5-dfP2kqMNgkLDwVJnIbFl_UNdgcaQk6V2MjXDTR9Gl6SY-VIaAGDWanpMXw=s960" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho0eJLTcffyWxQ5T31b2O45TgHNDuVYyw6ubrjQZf6Gt2PJi9CjtdeSdYDZeiwrte0kuJ86Ksp5cnZA85gDN1fLEY253QlNGEHy8WTy9pw79PGcx-XMhMjajISR39w1a5-dfP2kqMNgkLDwVJnIbFl_UNdgcaQk6V2MjXDTR9Gl6SY-VIaAGDWanpMXw=s320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqbqzmm2WOegR1zYMzdtZbe5fRQDxoUJ2F0We5hF0xukn5Chdt1aOpusK-omSDsQmGGmzv-fi9R4Xw-TycnQWAAqpqbb9h0fXssV3NY_RhKO35rhAUHBn_q9GjkYerw8qMnUyNRdKqg1wLsd_8vn5UxDGS96fMFzGICYjbKoFKMCPejz3CN2WMAepqow=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqbqzmm2WOegR1zYMzdtZbe5fRQDxoUJ2F0We5hF0xukn5Chdt1aOpusK-omSDsQmGGmzv-fi9R4Xw-TycnQWAAqpqbb9h0fXssV3NY_RhKO35rhAUHBn_q9GjkYerw8qMnUyNRdKqg1wLsd_8vn5UxDGS96fMFzGICYjbKoFKMCPejz3CN2WMAepqow=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;">What saves your life? I would love to hear about it all in the comments below!</span></p><p>To save your teacher life and make your work easier in the days ahead, check out all the new resources at <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p>For the original post, go to <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/saving-my-life-2022/" target="_blank">The Modern Mrs. Darcy's post</a>!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcudi3jkQxguhFJlWA5ORtVQM4AhUgMA0PioTRib16aDniRiCxcKpQbY15E2OMw8_6PTz_tAfVe7JZ_WnsCAultf1GZc5JUHdigWikyE-8ezK-lKZtiUgxeKXu7rDqQnDYtCr_pMTGQeg/s1600/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcudi3jkQxguhFJlWA5ORtVQM4AhUgMA0PioTRib16aDniRiCxcKpQbY15E2OMw8_6PTz_tAfVe7JZ_WnsCAultf1GZc5JUHdigWikyE-8ezK-lKZtiUgxeKXu7rDqQnDYtCr_pMTGQeg/s200/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-47524954187572283212022-01-16T14:12:00.001-05:002022-01-16T14:19:27.909-05:00Goals and Dreams<span><br /></span><span><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRXw7r2Ra_cWNHWgs3FujrvYdMoqtFUjFBaBjClKzutXAU7yi3nKgLre1Snw9OpM9DBInPF-6DjG4o9uJeVY0DXouHacdo7Z3nduFJjMJ0ZNP55F1wS9UQAZc_0YyXJINI1apCLefvzBg/s1600/Maya+Reflections+Winner+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRXw7r2Ra_cWNHWgs3FujrvYdMoqtFUjFBaBjClKzutXAU7yi3nKgLre1Snw9OpM9DBInPF-6DjG4o9uJeVY0DXouHacdo7Z3nduFJjMJ0ZNP55F1wS9UQAZc_0YyXJINI1apCLefvzBg/s1600/Maya+Reflections+Winner+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span><br /></span><span>An oldie but a goodie, in my opinion. Back in case you missed it!</span> <span>It's January, and our annual celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is today. Martin Luther King Day has not always been a national holiday, and during all the years when school districts were sorting through whether they would observe by having school or by not having school, Dr. King's family has always reminded us to "Make it a day ON, not a day OFF."</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>So what are you doing in your classroom to commemorate the life of this American legend? In case you are still looking around for a few ideas to add to your lesson plan, here are some you might like. The Martin Luther King unit has always been my favorite one to teach because it reaches my students at their core. I love watching them search deep inside of themselves for who they are and what they stand for, and then find a way to share that with all of us. Isn't that just what Dr. King did: reach deep inside himself to find what really mattered and then try to share it with the world?</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>Of course, my fourth graders know about the "I Have a Dream" speech long before they reach their year with me, but not many are aware that Dr. King carefully chose the Lincoln Memorial as the place to deliver that speech and why. The </span>second line of this speech begins, "Five score years ago...", referring to the Gettysburg address, which of course begins, "Four score and seven years ago...", referring to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.<br /><br />Wait.... What's going on here...could there be some connection across time and history between people who tried to make things better for all of us? Of course there was. Here's the sequence I present to my students:<br /><br />1. Read the Declaration of Independence together. (You can even do a CLOSE READ of it if you must!)<br />2. Discuss how the Declaration was kind of like a letter from the Founding Fathers to England that "This is how it's going to be around here from now on."<br />3. Read the Gettysburg Address together. I use a beautifully illustrated picture book for that reading by Abraham Lincoln, of course, but with illustrations by Michael McCurdy.<br />4. Discuss how the Gettysburg Address was really a letter from Lincoln to the Founding Fathers on how it was going 87 years after the signing of the Declaration.<br />5. Next we get to the famous Dream speech. There are so many illustrated versions of this speech. Wasn't this speech meant to be a letter informing President Lincoln that we as a people had not really come as far along as his vision for us? That's precisely why it was delivered right in front of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963.<br /><br />For children (and many of their teachers!) who were not here when the Civil Rights Movement was happening, when Dr. King made his speeches, or when he was assassinated, I have found this sequence to be a pretty effective way of placing King Day in its proper historical perspective.<br /><br />To add personal meaning to each child, I challenge my students to write a letter to Dr. King, telling him how we're doing today as the beneficiaries of his dream. How is that vision working for each of us?<br /><br />My complete lesson plan, which adds a craftivity, poetry, literature and video resources, along with student samples and a rubric which makes grading a snap, is available by clicking here:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Unit-Letters-to-Martin-455527"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPBoEuyk81GWTLQQ_np98ztwnNZIfJooY3BwEBDZmJqcCJFY4DhGcm6ZL7QaAWvhsEimC8zZrtqb0VMteeOm09pOAiJ0v_BLodWz9Y9hqQFiPWUdALC3gnqBttBR3GD0S65T2Dnhx7AtS/s320/Letters+to+Martin+New.001.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><div><br /></div>New for 2022: For a grounded approach to the "I Have a Dream" lesson, try this new resource which ties influential learnings to practical action in order to reach those dreams!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Goal-Setting-Activities-Poetry-and-Poster-7635780a/AVvXsEim6AGWxN_IxN1gl4RGuNrjidHVMi_t-bigiVp3Zlxrj1BGcYGk0MJNWQK1Q8XTuQKr8LuzgKALW2NlPS01BxNp-dNX9taUnDOHFeYm8S0nz-qaVHRQUDJiEhYbH6hwhnWXGvjr_ixMcgFRjrtKx6KnbeFis6KAjhMqJke-z71eFYpeza16zwzephU3cA=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim6AGWxN_IxN1gl4RGuNrjidHVMi_t-bigiVp3Zlxrj1BGcYGk0MJNWQK1Q8XTuQKr8LuzgKALW2NlPS01BxNp-dNX9taUnDOHFeYm8S0nz-qaVHRQUDJiEhYbH6hwhnWXGvjr_ixMcgFRjrtKx6KnbeFis6KAjhMqJke-z71eFYpeza16zwzephU3cA=s320" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You might also like this free download to keep the love flowing through Acts of Kindness the rest of the year:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Acts-of-Kindness-and-Justice-Build-a-Wall-468952"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zXXAUxrHIar5YfXgx0ToSn9zb0FrQmGrKk4dV8Zc-vBft1cBKc5S3KjtggreqRchC-qlEekvoqHT7gPnjzbJfnCgVA-Q6x4dV3ufsM9F5gtC7VamtlIG346iCQfcNwhfkPIN05lp22ZY/s1600/KJ-1.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Who will make the difference to finally bring peace to all of us? Those sweet children sitting in all of our classrooms right now! The dream lives as long as people believe in it and believe that their actions will make a difference!<br /><span><br /></span>Artwork at the top of this page by Maya, one of my sweet students, keeping the dream alive!</div><div><br /></div><div>If I can do anything else to help make your job easier this year, please let me know in the comments below! If I use your idea for a new blog post, you will win a TpT $10 gift card. If I create a new resource for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Frainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com%2F2021%2F07%2Ftake-stress-out-of-this-years-teacher.html&utm_campaign=Offer%20for%20Comments%20on%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning </a>based on your idea, you will win a free copy of that resource to use in your classroom! (Note: all comments are reviewed before appearing on my blog. It may take a few hours for your comment to appear! Thanks for your patience!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcudi3jkQxguhFJlWA5ORtVQM4AhUgMA0PioTRib16aDniRiCxcKpQbY15E2OMw8_6PTz_tAfVe7JZ_WnsCAultf1GZc5JUHdigWikyE-8ezK-lKZtiUgxeKXu7rDqQnDYtCr_pMTGQeg/s1600/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="548" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcudi3jkQxguhFJlWA5ORtVQM4AhUgMA0PioTRib16aDniRiCxcKpQbY15E2OMw8_6PTz_tAfVe7JZ_WnsCAultf1GZc5JUHdigWikyE-8ezK-lKZtiUgxeKXu7rDqQnDYtCr_pMTGQeg/s200/Blog+Signature.004.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />For more teaching ideas for this month, be sure to check out the other blogs of Teacher Talk! </div><div><div>For more great January teaching ideas, be sure to check out these Teacher Talk bloggers! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. 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<!-- end InLinkz code -->Rettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014106471207348655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874898432485636144.post-73028045961866095082021-12-19T15:00:00.015-05:002021-12-19T15:00:00.216-05:00A Celebration of Values for the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9vPJue1VcvNeYaklfbyiWPq6wWgcxoLto1CNitslifMABG0btpnyXGmRCK8M0hAZGVpxV3dIVycxKewTK0biNqpooNeQgZORVwdgH5ZfvpbA2_2kfiSl_KFsHF2ZGNplX0s3bUYOvZSm/s1600/Values+Blog+Post.004.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas and New Years" border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9vPJue1VcvNeYaklfbyiWPq6wWgcxoLto1CNitslifMABG0btpnyXGmRCK8M0hAZGVpxV3dIVycxKewTK0biNqpooNeQgZORVwdgH5ZfvpbA2_2kfiSl_KFsHF2ZGNplX0s3bUYOvZSm/w320-h217/Values+Blog+Post.004.jpeg" title="A Celebration of Values for the Holidays" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />How do you celebrate "The Holidays" in your classroom? I have been seeing tons of pictures online, and honestly, most seem to be geared totally toward Christmas. Teachers dressed as elves, Ugly Christmas Sweater Days, Elf on the Classroom Shelf, and Christmas decorations everywhere. This always makes me pause and wonder if all the children in the classrooms whose posts I see are from Christian homes: homes that actually celebrate Christmas. <div><br /></div><div>I can tell you from my own childhood experiences that it is hard to be different during Christmas. It feels so lonely and alone. Even if they are not expressing this, many children are feeling this at this festive time of the year. </div><div><br /><div>For me, the celebrations at this time of the year are all about the values they instill in our hearts, not about the specific names or even specific religious practices. As a teacher of mostly diverse populations over the years, I have loved learning about the diverse celebrations that actually occur at this time of the year. The similarities have always amazed me. For one, the presence of candles in the rituals associated with so many of our winter holiday celebrations. Candles can symbolize so many different things, but they all succeed at bringing light and love into our hearts. Each of the winter holidays we have studied in our Rainbow City classroom has also come complete with lifelong values tidily wrapped up to reaffirm during the holiday season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhN_Jqc78WIOhiSw3SdGsAs5izA3vaiPV6HNzXrMWCZirMpVuL_fuNtmMLkW3Qb861n7W4s2wOPy65_GLnOQm9_rkfgqofO1UP1g8WfnRm4DAA8kbYLWxuavWhovQoorwXTGd8c6QorbCq/s1600/Values+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Celebrating Christmas" border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhN_Jqc78WIOhiSw3SdGsAs5izA3vaiPV6HNzXrMWCZirMpVuL_fuNtmMLkW3Qb861n7W4s2wOPy65_GLnOQm9_rkfgqofO1UP1g8WfnRm4DAA8kbYLWxuavWhovQoorwXTGd8c6QorbCq/w320-h247/Values+Blog+Post.001.jpeg" title="Christmas Values" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexWw-UcOOnX6mUGxzffDWcW4eQppNMwPvefSERWm8QBA_Hf707KuK4nXCzJYxP_P1VWNWiY2Uc1_got2e2hsVFUM_Gn1_cXSEfoC50F1fh2DEX8DB4pl9uFHuNqoxdngBDwBS0uyQ2clx/s1600/Values+Blog+Post.002.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Celebrating Hanukkah" border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexWw-UcOOnX6mUGxzffDWcW4eQppNMwPvefSERWm8QBA_Hf707KuK4nXCzJYxP_P1VWNWiY2Uc1_got2e2hsVFUM_Gn1_cXSEfoC50F1fh2DEX8DB4pl9uFHuNqoxdngBDwBS0uyQ2clx/w320-h247/Values+Blog+Post.002.jpeg" title="Hanukkah Values" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTg2gzxHbAXFzoLQpbOyj1j96FmIU2V0jYfBvqszYTwcNHou9CPG3iKsBAaQktgWQQE1S5TXSqijcVJ-bD1mG1vfzRo9Glsu31Vh6eDjd0_ePhJyDOfHbTjqo11UaPYuQuZplJjGAN_aiK/s1600/Values+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Celebrating Kwanzaa" border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTg2gzxHbAXFzoLQpbOyj1j96FmIU2V0jYfBvqszYTwcNHou9CPG3iKsBAaQktgWQQE1S5TXSqijcVJ-bD1mG1vfzRo9Glsu31Vh6eDjd0_ePhJyDOfHbTjqo11UaPYuQuZplJjGAN_aiK/w320-h247/Values+Blog+Post.003.jpeg" title="Kwanzaa Values" width="320" /></a></div>
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And so, as we sing, wrap, greet, feast, and otherwise make merry during these winter months, it's also a great time to address values education with our children. What do we stand for? What's most important to us? What really lies beneath the shiny ribbons and glorious boxes? Unless we teach in a religious school, we probably shouldn't be teaching religion at any time of the year. But values? Solid, character-building values? Of course we can address those!<br />
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In my opinion, Kwanzaa is a perfect holiday to address values that many of us hold dear already. This just may be the perfect year to get a Kwanzaa celebration going in all of our homes and classrooms, or at least in our homes in preparation for considering Kwanzaa as a more universal holiday to celebrate together in class next year. It is cultural rather than religious, and is filled with lights, colors, gifts, togetherness, and joy. <br />
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If you prefer not to put a label of a specific holiday on your celebration of values, it will still work. Who could argue with celebration of unity in your classroom community? Or a celebration of the creativity that dwells within each of us? Responsibility? Self-determination? Purpose? Of course! All of these are so connected to what we try to instill in students every day in every lesson!<br />
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You might want to start by introducing a value each day (or each week) in your Morning Meeting discussion. Or start with journals. Start somewhere this year, and build on it next year. I have blogged about this before, but a favorite activity in my classroom for years was a carousel of holidays, where we shared the values, foods, and fun of each of our own special holidays. Here's a post you may be interested in:<br />
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<a href="http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/2015/12/our-homes-have-stars.html"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtWncRzimYzNw1n5m3w8KcUMFbjM2_CQeM5dPL33F2W78v4Xh5ByAwX3uTwC4DdCpEZjXr0A89-NochavonOQKlrzlBF-5h8Blgm67VldaChDFACFMxmf6uGJroLg2WpDXAdQFrcJNyU5/s320/Our+Homes+Have+Stars.001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For an actual Kwanzaa celebration or lesson, you might like this bundle I've put together for you!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kwanzaa-Bundle-2913503" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1021" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL4vkFBjgHMn4RoQs-xss_h1Ly-QCtX49Hq-X6t9Hh9b-Fw6q2n8rXFvGZQ0mggOJTBjV4DT7Edv4HdtzbVhrBNIp_KNtPPgmaYW4eGKrkIfGuo-NafIeXlbBlIKA3dem5uPhZ3h6rBjc1E5hiiI2usEdHo4eIS-uvi30fd3-ezsswdzhOovF0NBG_DQ=s320" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Studying Christmas around the world may be fun and enriching for a homogeneous classroom, where all families celebrate Christmas. (Are you sure that EVERYONE in your class celebrates Christmas? Have you asked? Just asking again for a friend...that lonely child that I once was.) Even if you're positive that you stand before a truly homogeneous Christian class, taking a look at the values and celebrations of others can't hurt, and may be enlightening! <br />
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Wishing you all the peace and joy that you seek in this holiday season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div>I hope you have found a few ideas here to make this season of reflection more meaningful this year in your classroom. Please know that I am grateful for each and every one of you who reads this blog! </div><div><br /></div><div>If I can do anything else to help make your job easier this year, please let me know in the comments below! If I use your idea for a new blog post, you will win a TpT $10 gift card. If I create a new resource for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-City-Learning?utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Frainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com%2F2021%2F07%2Ftake-stress-out-of-this-years-teacher.html&utm_campaign=Offer%20for%20Comments%20on%20Blog%20Post" target="_blank">Rainbow City Learning </a>based on your idea, you will win a free copy of that resource to use in your classroom! (Note: all comments are reviewed before appearing on my blog. It may take a few hours for your comment to appear! Thanks for your patience!)</div><div><br /></div></span></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9QWpRpJtAqavwbGS1yW4LqW-bbAQWn-4FKurxK_qWD_POqk36zq9hBFUc6ZFOPEKJLyzA0lgXri9-Z9x4_ozStvz38TGAXMIFbkb-7fH3OlhdrODtk2HPUJMf7QkA3K4szmp3XugV992T0EEaB8ZMK8gHqLgDvqbi6W-6xE7DGfxh673l1ZCp7ZKwRQ=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Celebration" border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1080" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9QWpRpJtAqavwbGS1yW4LqW-bbAQWn-4FKurxK_qWD_POqk36zq9hBFUc6ZFOPEKJLyzA0lgXri9-Z9x4_ozStvz38TGAXMIFbkb-7fH3OlhdrODtk2HPUJMf7QkA3K4szmp3XugV992T0EEaB8ZMK8gHqLgDvqbi6W-6xE7DGfxh673l1ZCp7ZKwRQ=w320-h219" title="Kwanzaa Celebration" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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For more great December teaching ideas, be sure to check out these Teacher Talk bloggers! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">If you would also like to be a part of Teacher Talk, we are a group of teacher bloggers who share posts that are heavy on the ideas with just a little selling of our educational materials at TeachersPayTeachers.com. For more information about joining The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative, go to </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv&source=gmail&ust=1603291881064000&usg=AFQjCNGTMRX1t8mYUp07g9wkTJXfuBPiSg" href="https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3o7D1Dv</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">. Feel free to email me at </span><a href="mailto:retta.london@gmail.com" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">retta.london@gmail.com</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"> if you have any questions. </span><br />
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