tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8705225186937375752024-03-18T12:29:14.369-07:00Funky First Grade FunThere's somethin' funky about first grade fun!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.comBlogger475125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-40064609146777009962016-02-13T08:24:00.001-08:002016-02-13T08:24:16.410-08:00Leadership Lessons<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">What I’ve
learned…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">For the past year
and a half, I have been working as an instructional coach in my district. I’m
responsible for providing instructional support for our K – 12 teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, I am part of an instructional
support team, which includes a data coach, a technology coach and our
director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together, we are a strong
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We brainstorm, vent, offer support
and plan together constantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
experience of this position has taught me many things, mostly some important
lessons about educational systems and leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Lesson #1 – Sometimes we focus so
intensely on the needs of students that we forget about the needs of the adults
in our system. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Teachers pour
their hearts, souls, money and time into their classrooms each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amount of energy that it takes to make it
through a school year is draining no matter how much experience a teacher has.
Like students, teachers have basic needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They need to feel safe, secure and valued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need to know that their opinions are not
only heard, but considered seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
leaders, we need to inspire, motivate, appreciate, recognize and honor the
teachers who make it all happen every single day for our students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People matter and we need to spend more time
building and maintaining the relationships in our buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Lesson #2 – “What is best for students”
has very different meetings at different levels of education and that’s ok.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">As an early
childhood educator, I am constantly defending what is best for students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time well spent in my opinion. Of
course, we all know that what is best for a kindergarten student is different
from what is best for a 10<sup>th</sup> grader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, district leaders often discuss the broad picture and focus on a
vision of what is best for all students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In my K – 12 position, I spend a significant amount of time with the K –
12 leaders in our district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
frequently talk about “what is best for students”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each person in our group defines “what is
best for students” a little differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m learning that it’s ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of
us brings a variety of experiences, passions and responsibilities to the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us works toward our vision
of “what is best for students” in the way that best suits the needs of our
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as those don’t work
against each other…it is ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Lesson #3 –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should all do some deep thinking about our
efforts to make everything “consistent” and “aligned”.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Sometimes I think
we spend so much time trying to make everything the same, aligned, consistent,
that we end up limiting the possibilities for our students and teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We end up discouraging innovation and creativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong, I value the power of
knowing what was covered within the curriculum from one year to another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I believe that our time would be
best spent focusing on the needs of each student and helping them move along a
continuum, rather than keeping the learning of each group of students in a the
tidy box that we call “the grade level curriculum”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Each day I learn something new about myself, the people around me, the system and how I need to adjust in order to grow. Carpe diem!</span></div>
Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com365tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-22338709876005373062016-01-01T17:53:00.003-08:002016-01-01T17:53:50.381-08:00January Currently!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy 2016!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so grateful for this time to be able to join back in with Currently to start the new year!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxRs7x4Sgwo/Vocnitw1jOI/AAAAAAAAFLc/-0T6lkyDzNs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B8.24.45%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxRs7x4Sgwo/Vocnitw1jOI/AAAAAAAAFLc/-0T6lkyDzNs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B8.24.45%2BPM.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Listening</b> - I'm listening to football bowl games, but I'm not really watching now that my favorite team finished winning for the day.</div>
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<b>Loving</b> - The family time over the break has been a huge blessing for me. Being a full time grad student, working full time and being a full time taxi for kid activities at night made for a crazy fall. So, I have enjoyed every single minute of this "grad school free" break.</div>
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<b>Thinking</b> - I'm ready to take on 2016! When you are a goal setter each year is an opportunity to work toward those goals, to learn and to grow. My husband and I spent a lot of time over the break talking to our kids about setting goals, taking risks to try new things, focusing on doing the right thing, celebrating your own personal growth and respecting the goals and hard work of others.</div>
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<b>Wanting</b> - We need a new couch. Our couch is fine if you only have 2 people sitting in the room. We've been looking for new couches, but I'm picky (and so is my husband). We're practicing patience while we search for exactly what we want. Then our old (perfectly fine, but not big enough couch) will be moved to our lake house.</div>
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<b>Needing</b> - Notice I said "practicing" patience above. Some people are naturally patient. Some of us have to practice it. Some people have none and don't know that they should try to get some. I'm in the need to practice category. I'm a get things done kind of person, who practices patience on a daily basis. Some days are more successful than others, but every new day is another opportunity for practice.</div>
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<b>One Little Word</b> - Faith is my one little word for this year. Faith was my one little word a few years ago. However, that year I was asking for faith. Now, I am going to let my faith help me with the patience thing while I listen to the lyrics of Bob Marley's, <i>Three Little Birds</i> in my head.</div>
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<i>Cause every little thing gonna be alright!</i></div>
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Sending Farley well wishes, since she has been sick for a few weeks. </div>
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Visit her to join in the fun!<br />
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/04fallingstar/Custom%20Blog%20Design/Meghan%20Farley/3am_MF_button2_zps7f6923d7.png" height="auto" width="200" /></a></center>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Carpe diem!</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-70722714807121982692015-09-02T02:38:00.000-07:002015-09-02T02:38:55.274-07:00Writing Workshop Wednesday - Week 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGtVALxgLPI/Vd2iP7wWKMI/AAAAAAAAFKU/WavPQX76XKQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-25%2Bat%2B5.14.06%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGtVALxgLPI/Vd2iP7wWKMI/AAAAAAAAFKU/WavPQX76XKQ/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-25%2Bat%2B5.14.06%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Young writers learn to plan their writing because we teach them to plan. Storytelling is part of the planning for narrative writing. You can read my post from last week about storytelling <a href="http://funkyfirstgradefun.blogspot.com/2015/08/writing-workshop-wednesday-week-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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These are the steps I use to help writers learn how to plan a story. Whether your writers are early elementary or later elementary students, they probably need reminders and extra practice planning their stories. This is another one of the mini anchor charts that will be in a pack that I'm working on s-l-o-w-l-y. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPKERoURc-w/VeZVVbvieDI/AAAAAAAAFKw/eInpRZ4BQcs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-09-01%2Bat%2B9.47.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPKERoURc-w/VeZVVbvieDI/AAAAAAAAFKw/eInpRZ4BQcs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-09-01%2Bat%2B9.47.40%2BPM.png" width="475" /></a></div>
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I start by showing students an example of how I planned in the same way to write a story of my own </div>
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(my real adult writing in my real writer's notebook). Then I ask students to practice thinking of a true story from their own life. I <strike>struggle with the silence</strike> sit patiently, while I give them plenty of time to think. Next, I ask the students to turn to a partner to either tell the story across their fingers or we use a blank pre-made book and ask them to tell across the empty pages. </div>
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I also created a graphic organizer to help my students sketch across the pages. You know, so their story doesn't end up all on one page. My <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sketch-Across-the-Pages-1125565" target="_blank">Sketch Across the Pages</a> is a freebie in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sketch-Across-the-Pages-1125565" target="_blank">Tpt store</a> if you'd like a copy.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sketch-Across-the-Pages-1125565" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trZvvsEesEg/VeZXxYWA0UI/AAAAAAAAFK8/78qTLes4HyA/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-09-01%2Bat%2B9.57.48%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This tired girl has to be at school at 6:45 in the morning to finish setting up for professional development. So, that's all for now...</div>
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Happy writing!</div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-31260476800783632902015-08-19T10:03:00.000-07:002015-08-19T10:03:05.755-07:00Writing Workshop Wednesday - Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNECmXyf2Xc/VdOZ2Q9azaI/AAAAAAAAFJY/BPKYUxo7v3U/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-18%2Bat%2B4.46.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNECmXyf2Xc/VdOZ2Q9azaI/AAAAAAAAFJY/BPKYUxo7v3U/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-18%2Bat%2B4.46.36%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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My brain is overflowing with ideas that I want to share with my teachers after attending the Summer Writing Institute at Teacher's College two weeks ago. I will be posting about the things I learned a few times each month on Wednesdays for a while. If you missed the first post, you can find it <a href="http://funkyfirstgradefun.blogspot.com/2015/08/writing-workshop-wednesday-week-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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One of the things I learned is that writers need more opportunities to practice storytelling. If they can think can it, then they should say it, before they write it. We need to teach our writers that it is part of the planning process. </div>
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Young writers benefit from the strategy of telling their story across their fingers. This helps them define the beginning, the middle and the end of the story before their words hit the paper. </div>
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I have been working on creating small versions of the anchor charts I use with students, since my job requires me to be in several buildings each week. The chart below is one example that will help me prompt students for storytelling. All of them will be included in one product that I'm hoping to finish to add to my Tpt store soon. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQIF_-7Oh7o/VdS1xcPyk3I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/mUx983bnCGI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-19%2Bat%2B12.58.04%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQIF_-7Oh7o/VdS1xcPyk3I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/mUx983bnCGI/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-19%2Bat%2B12.58.04%2BPM.png" width="317" /></a></div>
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Another strategy in the planning process is to sketch the story. The sketches of the story can be used as a tool to help a child verbally tell their story to a partner before they begin to write the words.</div>
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Storytelling is a strategy that helps our writers form narrative stories in their mind and clarify the details for their audience. During my week at the Summer Writing Institute, many teachers asked if it was necessary to start with narrative units for writing. The experts at Teacher's College agreed that you should start with narrative writing.</div>
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Here are a few of the reasons to start with narrative writing...</div>
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1. It values student experiences.</div>
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2. It helps build a community of writers because stories are personal.</div>
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3. The ability to retell a story in a sequence is a foundational literacy skill.</div>
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4. Narrative writing is a building block for other types of writing.</div>
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Happy writing!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-10499014720683897102015-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:002015-08-12T05:00:07.821-07:00Writing Workshop Wednesday - Week 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tJnahdmUU8/VckDAbOoFWI/AAAAAAAAFIU/NF81nk5ob5o/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-10%2Bat%2B4.00.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tJnahdmUU8/VckDAbOoFWI/AAAAAAAAFIU/NF81nk5ob5o/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-10%2Bat%2B4.00.17%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last week, I attended the Teacher's College Summer Writing Institute at Columbia University. It was an amazing experience full of learning on so many different levels! Each day was jam packed with things that I want to share with the teachers in my district. That is part of the plan, but I decided to also blog about some of it here. It may be just the next few Wednesdays or it may continue...in an effort to seek balance in my life I won't make any promises to myself or others about that.<br />
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On the first day of our time at Teacher's College, we talked about the importance of teachers being writers. The presenter said if you want your students to be writers, then you have to be a writer yourself. A real one...who writes adult things. Apparently a grocery list and a thank you note don't count. <br />
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Earlier this summer, I began journaling. I think it started because I splurged on a new set of my favorite pens. They are Frixion erasable gel pens...DREAMY. It was also an effort to help me reflect and sort through my reflections. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-FriXion-Erasable-Assorted-LFP312FN-24C/dp/B003R7ZVF2/ref=sr_1_3?&ie=UTF8&qid=1439239256&sr=8-3&keywords=frixion+erasable+pens" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoYqE-grpd8/VckK-3kZbqI/AAAAAAAAFIs/IQgPC7GJZCQ/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-10%2Bat%2B4.33.54%2BPM.png" width="297" /></a></div>
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As a classroom teacher, I did a good job of modeling being a reader. Daily, I shared my love of books and enthusiasm for reading with students. My shelves were overflowing with stories that were inviting the little people in my room to love books as much as I do. <br />
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Modeling being an adult writer was different for me. I frequently wrote newsletters, blog posts and samples of things I wanted to model for my students. Bravely, I will admit that my students didn't really see my adult writing. Well, there wasn't much to see at the time. On the hamster wheel of life, I didn't make time to practice writing as an adult. I wrote things for other people more than I ever wrote for myself. <br />
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Now, I am on a mission to change that. Inspired by the writing workshop experts at Teacher's College, I now realize that I can jot my thoughts, release a story that I've been wanting to tell on paper, write a bit about something I learned, brainstorm my own ideas and share some of those with students. I want my students to get to know me as an adult writer. I want them to know that I'm developing my craft and bravely sharing it with the world...just like I want them to do.<br />
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Here is one of the journals that I have been filling up this summer. At times, I fill a page with things I love. Other times, I use the space to reflect on my goals. Most of the pages have lots of writing, but below you'll see a few of my brainstorming pages. Now that I'm back from Teacher's College, I'm going to attempt a story that I've been wanting to put in words.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-criR87k1Sd0/VckLfjPG7SI/AAAAAAAAFI0/p6BI_7HfunY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-10%2Bat%2B4.34.06%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-criR87k1Sd0/VckLfjPG7SI/AAAAAAAAFI0/p6BI_7HfunY/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-10%2Bat%2B4.34.06%2BPM.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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Grab a journal or a notebook that inspires you and your favorite writing tools! </div>
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Write for yourself.</div>
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You'll be better prepared to share your love of writing with your students if you do!</div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-85821973202606955402015-08-01T19:17:00.002-07:002015-08-01T19:17:20.861-07:00Currently - AUGUST!<div style="text-align: center;">
Seriously, how did this happen?</div>
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It's August and I'm trying to cope, while I link up with Farley for Currently.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSXfG0tGrzw/Vb154Y9JwEI/AAAAAAAAFH4/qXitPbsFCf4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-01%2Bat%2B9.58.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TSXfG0tGrzw/Vb154Y9JwEI/AAAAAAAAFH4/qXitPbsFCf4/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-08-01%2Bat%2B9.58.36%2BPM.png" width="475" /></a></div>
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Oh, summer - I love you. Hearing my kid laugh, staying up late to watch someone build Tiny Houses, having an empty schedule...oh, I love summer!</div>
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I'm leaving tomorrow for Teacher's College in New York to attend the Summer Writing Institute. I'm excited to learn as much as I can to share with the teachers in our district. I'm also freaked out that my suitcase might burst open on the scale at the airport. </div>
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I took 2 grad classes this summer. I'm working on a educational leadership certification. Both of the classes were jam packed with interesting learning and encouraged me to reflect on some improvements I could make personally as a leader and that the district could make in general. However, cramming what is usually a semester long 600 level class into 6 weeks is no joke. My brain is not feeling refreshed. It's feeling kind of full. Let me just tell you the major victory related to this summer of intense learning is that I did not drink Diet Mt. Dew once. In fact, I have not had a drop since January 1. Go me!</div>
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I don't really want to learn to mediate, but I keep reading about how good it is for busy people to meditate. If someone could just hit the off switch on my hamster wheel brain, then I could get started. Focus on my breathing...I read that in a brain research journal this morning. I haven't tried it yet.</div>
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This will be the first time in 17 years that I have not "set up a classroom" in August. I thought I would feel kind of "free" from the mountain of laminating and open house packets. But, my random act of back to school kindness this year is going to be to offer my "Slide on the Side Laminating" services to a few of my teacher friends. Truth be told...I love cutting out laminating. I also love to write on name tags. My SOTSL business will be opening at the end of August and I can't wait to surprise a few of my best teacher pals!</div>
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Check out what everyone else is CURRENTLY doing on Farley's blog!</div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-69693933872020976422015-07-22T07:01:00.002-07:002015-07-22T07:01:34.562-07:00Time for Tieks!<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh happy day! </div>
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I'm talking about the day the mailman delivered a package </div>
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from <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a> and <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> on the same day! </div>
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I confess that sometimes I let other people try trendy things out first (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kgillow/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/funkyfirstgradefun/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/kimberlygillow" target="_blank">Erin Condren</a>, <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>). I'm not even ready to talk about Periscope yet - unless it would help me spend more time with my kids somehow. I'm a review reader. Eventually, I get on board if the reviews are good enough. <br />
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That's how I ended up ordering my first pair of <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a>! I'll admit, I struggled with the both the price and the color choices at first. Since I have never met an unhappy <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a> owner, I decided to go for it!<br />
Then came the color drama. There are so many beautiful colors to choose from at the <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks Boutiek</a>! My husband laughed when I whined to him about being torn between pop pink and cobalt blue. He actually suggested that I just buy both if I really like them, which means he was unaware of the price.<br />
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Sensible me appeared right after I put pop pink in my shopping cart and I ended up buying matte black instead. There are only so many days I can wear pop pink, right? That's what I keep telling myself. <br />
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The folks at <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a> know how to do things right! From the fancy box to the handwritten note inside, it is clear that customer service is a priority. My daughter tried to snatch the "headband" off the box before I could take this picture. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KX_AbeYCqp0/Va-ejVjqDMI/AAAAAAAAFHU/R0XEtchopts/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-07-22%2Bat%2B9.45.10%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KX_AbeYCqp0/Va-ejVjqDMI/AAAAAAAAFHU/R0XEtchopts/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-07-22%2Bat%2B9.45.10%2BAM.png" width="474" /></a></div>
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So here they are, my new matte black <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a>!</div>
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Dreamy... </div>
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Almost too pretty to wear...incredibly soft leather, a carrying case for when I pack them in my suitcase and a cute little card!</div>
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Let me just tell you - yes, they are really as comfortable as everyone says they are!</div>
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I tried them on with jeans, a skirt and a dress - LOVE them!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kUmGBUsdyQ/Va-eNFdA6II/AAAAAAAAFHM/siLZyBa_iLE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-07-22%2Bat%2B9.43.19%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kUmGBUsdyQ/Va-eNFdA6II/AAAAAAAAFHM/siLZyBa_iLE/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-07-22%2Bat%2B9.43.19%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm picky about my shoes and comfort is a priority. I rarely wear heels, but dress up daily for work. I've been searching for a pair of flats that had enough support and was comfortable enough for me to walk in all day. Cha-ching!<br />
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I'm going to really put these <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a> to the test when I travel to New York for a conference later this summer. I'll let you know how that goes in a few months.<br />
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For now, who knows where these <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a> will take me?<br />
(Please excuse my <strike>rolled up yoga pants</strike> summer uniform.)<br />
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I do know that I think pop pink might be callin' my name...<br />
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The answer is YES - <a href="http://www.tieks.com/" target="_blank">Tieks</a> are worth it!<br />
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-632558565603544812015-07-16T09:51:00.001-07:002015-07-16T09:51:18.060-07:00Get Your Fix!If you have not tried <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>...maybe it's time!<br />
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Last summer, I tried <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> for the first time. For busy, working moms like me it is dreamy. I do like to shop, but finding time to do it is a problem. <br />
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It's simple and easy.<br />
You sign up and fill out a profile to help your stylist get to know your preferences.<br />
You pay a $20 styling fee, which is applied to anything you buy.<br />
You choose a delivery date and wait for your surprise package to arrive.<br />
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Here are some snapshots of the things in my most recent <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> delivery.<br />
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I must confess, that when I opened the box I was not going to try on the jeans with the 1980's zipper ankles at first. However, I've learned to try on everything Marisol (my stylist) sends me. She rocks! So, I tried on the skinny (even though I'm not) jeans with the funky zippers. They were sooooooo comfortable and they actually looked nice on my under 5 ft body. The looked super cute with the shirt above (which happens to be Detroit Tiger colored). The neckline on the shirt was a little low on me, which would mean that I would have to find a navy high necked tank to wear underneath - another short person problem I suppose. </div>
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<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9L5y9t-Uhc/VafarNBx8LI/AAAAAAAAFGE/7l6LzafCPy4/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-07-16%2Bat%2B12.00.58%2BPM.png" width="516" /></a></div>
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When I ordered up this fix, I asked them to help me find a cargo jacket. Yep, you can do that and they will try! Marisol sent this cargo jacket, which fit really well. However, I avoid ironing at all costs and since the box turned it into this wrinkly mess...I decided this one wasn't for me.</div>
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<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j_zkl6a2eFE/Vafa0YXO5jI/AAAAAAAAFGM/ZRBEyqsjUNc/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-07-16%2Bat%2B11.58.53%2BAM.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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The last two items in my box were this super cute dress and the necklace. I am definitely keeping both of these! The dress is perfect for work meetings and or presentations and the necklace is exactly what I've been looking for (although I never shared that with Marisol). </div>
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Very rarely do I ever go into a store and try on 5 things that fit, so having a box delivered with 5 things that fit for me to choose from is completely refreshing. I am still trying to decide if I am going to keep the super comfy funky zipper ankle jeans. They are expensive...but soooo comfortable. Do I even care if my <strike>pajamas</strike> jeans have zippers on the ankles when they snap, zip and I can breathe when I sit down in them?</div>
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Another successful delivery for me! You can click on any of the images above if you'd like to try <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> yourself. If you order a fix after clicking on my link, I earn a referral credit. However, you don't have to order if you just want to visit and find out more about the <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> craze.</div>
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Dear Marisol,</div>
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You rock!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Kimberly</div>
<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-79319435348516443752015-07-14T16:44:00.001-07:002015-07-14T16:44:16.363-07:002 Types of Readers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I reflect on my years as a classroom teacher, I think about my students as individual learners. I spent a lot of time reflecting about teaching and learning this summer. It became clear to me that 2 types of readers have passed through my life.<br />
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The 2 types include those who get lost in books and those who read until the timer goes off. In fact, the two different types of readers are represented in my own house as well. <br />
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My daughter read over 100 books in 6th grade last year. Big books. She has her nose in a book while she walks around the house. I frequently find her reading under the covers with a flashlight long after her bedtime. She has stacks and stacks of books waiting to be read in her room and frequently runs out of things to read.<br />
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My 9 year old son is a good reader, but he reads approximately 25 - 30 pages a day with a timer in his hand. When the timer goes off, he happily drops the book. He won't pick up another book until I remind him about what research says about summer lag the next day. <br />
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This summer, I'm collaborating with some of our 5th and 6th grade teachers and our Instructional Support Team to re-read <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470372273/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=31920211050&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11158513637031486756&hvpone=18.89&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_7h5jmqtch9_b" target="_blank">The Book Whisperer</a></u> by Donalyn Miller. I have read this book six times and each time it leaves me reflecting on different ways to reach our young readers.<br />
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The first step for me (although I'll admit that it is painful) is accepting the fact that not all readers are born with a natural love for books. The second step as a teacher (and a mom) is to let what we know about the reader and the books they choose "whisper" (as Donalyn Miller says) to us so we can support them as readers. The third step is to never give up hope.<br />
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I'm hopeful that my son will soon fall in love with a series or genre so much so that he no longer feels the need to read for only 20 or 30 minutes. Until then, I'll keep modeling a love for reading. I'll keep exposing him to different authors, genres and series. Most importantly, I'll let the choices he makes whisper to me so I can support him even if it is for only 25 - 30 pages a day (for now).<br />
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-56534061507395095452015-07-01T08:31:00.001-07:002015-07-01T08:31:24.930-07:00July - Currently!It's July 1st - How did that happen? I'm pretty sure I have not posted since June 1st, but I'm scared too look. Either way, today is a new day (and a new month).<br />
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The last day for students in my district was June 5. My summer officially started this week, because of extra training and projects I was working on for my position. We enjoyed a visit with my college roomie and her family at the lake and had dinner with friends last night. This morning, I worked on my grad work inside while I <b><i>listened</i></b> to a conversation that a family was having on a fishing boat about 350 feet out in the lake. I'm sure they have no idea that I can hear every single word they are saying. Note to self: sound travels differently on the lake. Yikes.</div>
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I <b><i>love</i></b> having time with my own kids (and husband) in the summer. Focusing on them and us is so important. Staying up late to talk, taking long walks together, teaching them new things, practicing things that get pushed aside during the school year and laughing together fill our summer days and I am so grateful for this time.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Thinking </i>- no Vegas for me. Last year, I felt a little left out (and slightly annoyed after a while) when social media seemed to be completely taken over by Vegas posts. Let there be no misunderstanding that I am happy that so many educators, bloggers, Tpt'ers have the opportunity to enjoy this time together. It is a powerful networking opportunity! I'm super grateful for the blogging friends I've connected with over the years. I'm also ok with being one of the few people who are not going to Vegas again this year. I have two full weeks of training this summer, plus several other days to work. I'm also taking 2 grad classes this summer. So, the rest of the summer is family time and that's ok with me. I do hope ya'll have a great time! </div>
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I've been <b><i>wanting</i></b> to find more time to read and write. I do a lot of professional reading for my job and for my grad classes. I need to make more time to read and write. I recently started a journal. However, I quickly discovered that when you are super, super busy the journal that you intended to be a place to let ideas flow freely turns into another giant to do list. </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Needing</i> to refocus is a little tricky. I really need to do that since I have so many things going on. I'm sure this time at the lake will help. </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">All Star </i> - I'm really good at taking on challenges. I talk about the challenges I face to help me gather feedback, vent about things that are not going well, reflect about things constantly and try and try again. Staying the same is frightening to me. Change is an opportunity to improve. </div>
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It feels so good to be "off the hamster wheel" for a bit. Make time to relax and enjoy your family and friends today!</div>
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Please visit Farley to read about what others are currently doing! Thank you, Farley, for hosting! You will have a great time in Vegas! I'll pray for you to be able to relax on the flight. :)</div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-77085708945804844222015-06-01T19:31:00.002-07:002015-06-01T19:31:33.260-07:00Currently...It's June!<div style="text-align: center;">
It's June and it is time for Currently!</div>
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Hosted by <a href="http://http//ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/">Oh Boy 4th Grade</a> as always.
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I've been doing a ton of reflecting lately. This June is different from any other June I've experienced in the past 17 years. Since I am working as an instructional coach this year, there are no children to say goodbye to, no memory books, no CD's of pictures to burn, no report cards, no field day, no ice cream sundae parties, no reading celebrations, no grandparent tea, no Camp Read A Lot, no students who will "miss me so much they don't want to get on the bus to go home" and no waving at the bus as they drive out of the parking lot. Honestly, that part is kind of depressing.<br />
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Instead, I am up to my eyeballs in school improvement planning, summer work coordination, professional development planning and scheduling madness. Do I like my new job? Yes, because it brings new challenges each day and I actually like challenges. I love my new team! I enjoy having the opportunity to work with team members who are focused on change to make a great place even better. All that doesn't change the fact that I miss the little ones like crazy.<br />
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And currently...<br />
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Head over the visit Farley to read the word on the street for June! If it's not your summer yet, it will be soon. Time to recover, relax and recharge. You deserve it!<br />
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-17896099155592510782015-05-28T02:17:00.000-07:002015-05-28T02:17:21.927-07:00Good Teacher, Bad MomSometimes being a teacher makes you feel like a really bad mom. At 4:15 this morning, I put my daughter on a bus to Toronto. She is going on an overnight field trip with her 6th grade class. Many of the moms I know from dance, soccer, church and baseball were there with clipboards ready to chaperone the trip.<br />
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My daughter was super excited about the trip and I'm excited for her to have this experience. When we arrived at her school, I signed my daughter in, found her chaperone, snapped a picture of her and her friends and kissed her goodbye. On my way out the door one of the moms who knows me said, "Kimberly, aren't you glad you don't have to do another field trip? Teachers probably dread field trips." I said nothing. Isn't that what you are supposed to do when you don't have anything nice to say? I cried on the way home and sat in the dark on my front porch thinking about the truth.<br />
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The truth is that I have never been on a field trip for either of my own children. Since I'm a teacher, I've taken hundreds of other children on field trips over the past 17 years. I have only been able to go to 2 class parties for my own children. As teacher, I've hosted several class parties each year for the students and families in my class. My own kids don't ask me anymore if I can come on a field trip or to a special event that is hosted during the day, because I'm a teacher and they know I can't.<br />
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Since I am working as an instructional coach this year, I could have gone on this trip. I have more leave days than I'll ever need to use. My boss would certainly let me go since I am not directly responsible for students. So, I volunteered when the chaperone forms came home. I didn't get chosen. The moms who held the clipboards this morning are the same moms who have been the volunteers on my daughter's field trips since Kindergarten.<br />
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Sometimes the chaperones send me pictures of my own kids on their field trips. They almost always say something like, "Wish you were here" or "Thought you might like this since you can never come". While I'm grateful for the pictures that I can't take myself, it is still a reminder that being a good teacher sometimes makes me feel like a really bad mom.<br />
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My daughter won't know that I was upset on the way home today. When my son wakes up I won't share it with him either. I'll pretend I wasn't crying for an hour on the front porch and I will wait for my pictures. I'll silently be the teacher mom who does not dread field trips with her students (for the record), but that wishes somehow I could enjoy all of these things with my own children too.<br />
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-82848104132452285212015-04-08T02:00:00.000-07:002015-04-08T02:00:01.045-07:00Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! Blog Tour and Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXVks_clKvs/VSPOpMbAJnI/AAAAAAAAFCs/qYSIpNWqfVo/s1600/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXVks_clKvs/VSPOpMbAJnI/AAAAAAAAFCs/qYSIpNWqfVo/s1600/unnamed.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Extra! Extra! Read All About It!</div>
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My favorite author released her newest book, <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Milk-Por-Favor-Celebrating/dp/0984855831/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428412643&sr=8-1&keywords=Chocolate+Milk+Por+Favor" target="_blank">Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!</a></u></div>
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Maria Dismondy is an award winning author, a former teacher and a mom who writes books that empower others and encourage us to celebrate diversity. I've known Maria for a few years and have had the pleasure of hearing her presentations several times in my school. My own children have also been empowered by her message when she visited their schools. She is a fabulous presenter and I can tell you from experience that her positive message sticks with children and adults.</div>
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I've read and enjoyed all of Maria's books in my classroom and at home with my own children. Her new book is the story of a two boys, Gabe and Johnny. Gabe speaks a different language than the other students in his new school and Johnny struggles to accept Gabe at first. Throughout the story, Johnny learns to celebrate diversity with empathy. Chocolate milk plays role in the story as well!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Milk-Por-Favor-Celebrating/dp/0984855831/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428412643&sr=8-1&keywords=Chocolate+Milk+Por+Favor" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gw2TJaYAH1U/VSPUEJqHf9I/AAAAAAAAFC8/yhC8a8mPvyU/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Milk-Por-Favor-Celebrating/dp/0984855831/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428412643&sr=8-1&keywords=Chocolate+Milk+Por+Favor" target="_blank">Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!</a></u> sparked conversations at our house about important topics like ways we can make people feel welcome, getting to know more about people to honor the differences among us, celebrating diversity instead of pretending we are all the same and having empathy for others. In our family, we want our children to do more than accept others. We want them to learn from each others differences, accept each other without the expectation that we should all be the same and encourage others to be the best they can be. I tried to teach the same to the children in my classroom. <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Milk-Por-Favor-Celebrating/dp/0984855831/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428412643&sr=8-1&keywords=Chocolate+Milk+Por+Favor" target="_blank">Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!</a></u> is a book that I will definitely be recommending to teachers and parents for years to come.</div>
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I have a great deal of respect for Maria Dismondy's work and the positive messages she shares. I am honored that she asked me to create a <a href="http://mariadismondy.com/books/6/chocolate-milk-por-favor/" target="_blank">reader's guide</a> for <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Milk-Por-Favor-Celebrating/dp/0984855831/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428412643&sr=8-1&keywords=Chocolate+Milk+Por+Favor" target="_blank">Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!</a>.</u> The <a href="http://mariadismondy.com/books/6/chocolate-milk-por-favor/" target="_blank">reader's guide</a> includes activities that are aligned with the common core standards (but will work with any standards) for teachers and parents to use as they enjoy the story together. You can read more about this book (and her other books) and download the <a href="http://mariadismondy.com/books/6/chocolate-milk-por-favor/" target="_blank">reader's guide</a> for free on Maria's website by clicking on the image below.</div>
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<a href="http://mariadismondy.com/books/6/chocolate-milk-por-favor/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAzq9CblMmw/VSPcbjxfm6I/AAAAAAAAFDU/bRfY2cFXycY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-04-07%2Bat%2B9.31.53%2BAM.png" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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As part of the blog tour, Maria is allowing me to giveaway a signed copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-Milk-Por-Favor-Celebrating/dp/0984855831/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428412643&sr=8-1&keywords=Chocolate+Milk+Por+Favor" target="_blank">Chocolate Milk, Por Favor!</a> to one lucky winner! The giveaway ends on April 11th at midnight.</div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="04cef88c2" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/04cef88c2/" id="rcwidget_nkel1ia9" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Congratulations, Maria!</div>
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Another fabulous book!</div>
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Another powerful message!</div>
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Looking forward to filling our shelves and our hearts with more of your stories in the future!</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-52025868941579009922015-04-01T19:01:00.002-07:002015-04-01T19:01:30.163-07:00Currently April<div style="text-align: center;">
No joke - it's time for Currently!</div>
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I received a call toward the end of the day today saying my son got sick at school. Poor thing! I would much rather be sick myself. This time we are both sick with different things. <br />
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Our spring break begins on Friday. We really, really need a week to slow down and disconnect a bit for some family time. I opened the windows the get rid of the germs today. That's what we do when it hits 45 degrees in Michigan. Ha!<br />
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I need to pray more. I'm not sure if it's because I went to a Catholic school or because I sometimes struggle to focus my attention, but I need total silence to pray. A nun told me when I was little that you need to "be quiet, so the big guy can hear your prayers". Total silence doesn't happen often enough, so I need to work on that.<br />
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Fingers crossed that my son feels better soon and that my daughter stays healthy. In the meantime, I'm bringin' out my Windex! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hello - Windex Marketing Department, I am your biggest supporter! It's time to contact me.)</span><br />
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I lost my voice last night. It was nothing more than a whisper all day today. I am pretty sure the folks I work with enjoyed the peaceful day. However, this chatty gal is hoping to be able to talk again very soon. <br />
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Ha! I decided on a name before I was sure I was going to start a blog. That was years ago...and now I work as an instructional coach. I miss 1st grade and especially my students, but love the collaboration in my new position. Changing the name of my blog seemed like too much work... so I didn't.<br />
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Head over to visit Farley to find out what the rest of the world is Currently doing!</div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-52533818502333173712015-03-31T15:57:00.004-07:002015-03-31T15:57:39.742-07:00Good Comprehension, But Not So Great Accuracy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is one question that people ask me about teaching reading that is more frequent than any other question. It actually usually starts out as a statement.<br />
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"He has great comprehension, but he makes lots of errors with word accuracy on the assessments."<br />
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Here are the steps I recommend for addressing this problem.<br />
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1. <b> Name It</b><br />
Talk to the student about what you are noticing about his/her reading accuracy. Name the problem by telling the student that you notice they are having difficulty with word accuracy. As teachers, I think it is important for us to give purposeful feedback to students to help them improve. I am definitely from the camp that believes that it is hard for students to improve something if they do not have specific feedback.<br />
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2. <b>Explain It</b><br />
Explain why word accuracy is important to the student. Even though some students may have good comprehension with decreased word accuracy at first, their comprehension will likely decrease when they encounter more complex texts in the future.<br />
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Some struggling readers are used to being challenged by word accuracy. They constantly need to use strategies to decode words. Around 3rd and 4th grade, the children who tend to struggle with word accuracy are often those who had no trouble learning to read in previous grades. These are the children who did not necessarily have to use strategies at first. Words just came easy to them and when they begin to encounter multisyllabic words in 3rd and 4th grade, they have difficulty decoding the words. They often tend to only focus on the beginning portion of the word. <br />
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3. <b>Check for Discrimination</b><br />
It is important to determine whether or not the student can discriminate when someone else makes errors as they read. If they can't tell when someone else makes an error, then it will be hard for them to self correct their own errors.<br />
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To work on this, I give the student a copy of a book at their level and I read a few paragraphs (or pages if the text is short) from another copy of the same book. I ask the student to track the print and either knock on the table or ding a bell (just because that is more engaging) every time they "catch Mrs. Gillow" reading a word incorrectly. Taking the focus off the reader, but asking them to focus on my reading accuracy helps me determine if they are able to discriminate the correct vs. incorrect words that I read.<br />
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I practice this for the first few minutes each day during small group instruction with students who have good comprehension, but reduced word accuracy. Then I simply remind them about the importance of word accuracy and continue on with their small group instruction for the day.<br />
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4. <b>Reverse Roles</b><br />
Once I know the student can discriminate word accuracy in someone else's reading, I reverse the roles and practice the same routine with the student doing the reading and me knocking quietly on the table. Competitive students often beg me to ding the bell, but I only use the bell if the student requests it. <br />
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5. <b>Try Tracking </b><br />
Over the years, the single most effective strategy that my readers have used to improve their word accuracy is tracking the print. I encourage my students to use their finger (since it's always with them). From time to time, I give students a color overlay bookmark to help them track the print. <br />
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I disagree with the folks who have recently recommended that students should stop tracking print at level D. As an adult, I sometimes track my print to help focus my attention. If it works, you are never too old to track the print.<br />
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Now off to walk my doodles!<br />
<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-77830459351251534342015-03-01T20:19:00.001-08:002015-03-01T20:19:13.558-08:00March CurrentlyMarch - what?!? How did that happen?<br />
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March is an exciting month at our house! Here is what is happening...<br />
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It seems like every month when I finally have time to sit down to work on my currently post someone is snoring by my side. This time it is Kalli, my youngest goldendoodle. She is 4 years old and sleeps on my feet every single night.</div>
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March is birthday month at our house and it is full of family fun! Within the next two weeks, we will celebrate my son's birthday, my daughter's birthday and my husband's birthday (and his twin's birthday). His twin does not live with us (anymore). Ha!</div>
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In January, my husband and I did Whole30. At first, Whole30 was something that I figured I might as well try because nothing else seemed to work. Now, I am a firm believer in the benefits. It really worked and we are still eating about 90% clean as a result.</div>
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Between my new job, lost of presentations, grad school, baseball, soccer, dance and a few big projects that I'm working on...I'm looking forward to crossing a few things off my list this month.</div>
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It's been extremely cold in Michigan. I actually like winter, but I am looking forward to the days when I can take a nice long run with sunshine and warmer temps.</div>
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We're staying local this spring break for the most part. I am planning a visit to the Vera Bradley outlet sale with my mom and my daughter. Other than that, we're staying here to take care of something top secret. I'm one of those people who thinks it is a bad idea to announce big things...just in case something doesn't work out in the end. I am hoping to be able to share more in April.</div>
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Now, I really need to go to bed. Looking forward to reading through the Currently posts as always.</div>
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Head over to Farley's blog to check out the party!</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-87695620213403772212015-02-20T17:11:00.002-08:002015-02-20T17:11:57.894-08:00Finding the Good in AssessmentWith the temperature at -26 degrees (and a windchill even lower) my district had "cold" weather days for the past two days. Our instructional support team (which I am now part of as an instructional coach) braved the cold to attend the annual Michigan Assessment Conference. The conference covered the changing face of state assessments, common assessments, formative assessments and growth models.<br />
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A new teacher in one of the sessions I attended told me that she was shocked to learn that assessment can be useful to teachers. I was shocked by that statement, at first. Then came the realization that in general the majority of our new teachers are coming out of teacher prep programs with a negative feeling about assessment.<br />
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Since I doubt our state governments or the federal government are going to ease up on testing anytime soon, I choose to accept whatever useful information the results give me to improve instruction and ignore the negativity.<br />
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It would be sad to me if the negative press around testing prevented our teachers from opening their minds to using formative assessments in their classrooms. The information we gather about student learning from formative assessments can and should be used to guide our instruction. As teachers we need to do everything we can to work smarter. Working smarter maximizes student progress and that progress is faster when we've developed clear learning targets based on assessment.<br />
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As a teacher, I often thought about why the nuns always gave me a pre-test and a post-test in elementary school. Turns out that even "back in the day" they were working toward specific learning targets. I sure wish they would have told me what the learning targets were...but that is another post.<br />
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By comparing formative assessment results and summative assessment results, we can identify student learning trends and adjust our instruction in ways that address the real student learning problems.<br />
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There are two purposes of assessment: enhancing student learning (ex. formative assessments) and verifying achievement (summative assessments). In my mind, this kind of eases some of the negativity. The tests that are being required by so many states are simply a snapshot in time that help us identify student learning trends. Based on those trends, we can do additional assessments to help us identify the student learning problems and adjust our instruction accordingly.<br />
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from <u>Improve Assessment Literacy Outside of Schools Too</u> by Rick Stiggins</div>
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If you look hard enough, you can find the good in anything. Assessment can be powerful and so can the way we use it to improve our instruction and student learning.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-2461688016832492372015-02-10T16:17:00.003-08:002015-02-10T16:22:55.504-08:00Why Do You Love Teaching?<div style="text-align: center;">
Our state department of education is encouraging teachers to share what we love about teaching this week. Please consider sharing what you love about teaching too! If you have a blog you can post about it there, share it on Instagram, tweet it or post about it on Facebook.</div>
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The number one reason I love teaching is simple...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">kids</span>!</div>
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When your day is filled with this kind of enthusiasm, it is hard not to love your job.</div>
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It is easy to feel lucky.</div>
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It is easy to feel loved.</div>
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It is easy to feel like you have a chance to make a difference.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2eV5Mz7OF4/VNqKXyxOPoI/AAAAAAAAE-k/-4vFAH-PwDo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.35.55%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2eV5Mz7OF4/VNqKXyxOPoI/AAAAAAAAE-k/-4vFAH-PwDo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.35.55%2BPM.png" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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Education is a gift.</div>
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We give and receive the gift of learning each day as teachers.</div>
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Since I started a new job as an instructional coach this year, </div>
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I am able to collaborate with teachers about instruction and student learning every single day.</div>
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<b>working together = more brain power = increased learning for adults and kids</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RTdX8X-uV5g/VNqK_Gxct2I/AAAAAAAAE-0/4nDKunh1OqY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.36.59%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RTdX8X-uV5g/VNqK_Gxct2I/AAAAAAAAE-0/4nDKunh1OqY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.36.59%2BPM.png" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not gonna lie. I also love organizing things, which is a constant process for this teacher.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4CDLOjx5pE/VNqPuILR18I/AAAAAAAAE_U/TktMCSvI85Y/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.09.21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4CDLOjx5pE/VNqPuILR18I/AAAAAAAAE_U/TktMCSvI85Y/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.09.21%2BPM.png" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
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As a teacher, my world is full of words. Some people love numbers. I love words.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BfGvnYVlpgM/VNqLpzPjEiI/AAAAAAAAE-8/owPx3SU6h-8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.37.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BfGvnYVlpgM/VNqLpzPjEiI/AAAAAAAAE-8/owPx3SU6h-8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.37.58%2BPM.png" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
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As a teacher, I can share my love of schedules with students (and now teachers).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CB6iAsLCRY/VNqM2nyfjyI/AAAAAAAAE_I/zYOf18N7qVM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.56.11%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CB6iAsLCRY/VNqM2nyfjyI/AAAAAAAAE_I/zYOf18N7qVM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.56.11%2BPM.png" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
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"Is that lady reading a book in her kayak in the middle of the lake?"</div>
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It's easy for my family to explain - "She's a teacher. She has a book with her everywhere she goes."</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToYnaOdpqIQ/VNqQxdCl9EI/AAAAAAAAE_c/LIGuLH_XneI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.11.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToYnaOdpqIQ/VNqQxdCl9EI/AAAAAAAAE_c/LIGuLH_XneI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.11.40%2BPM.png" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another reason to love being a teacher...</div>
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you get to purchase a back to school outfit and an open house outfit.</div>
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(My personal stylist from <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> chose these for me.)</div>
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<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMaKqHV5Cvs/VNqWLJRtWFI/AAAAAAAAE_s/0mtp-BawpZQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.27.58%2BPM.png" height="400" width="313" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXa7R-vG7dI/VNqWjUyUshI/AAAAAAAAE_0/Ny4tT4iN0vw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.27.13%2BPM.png" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
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When you are a teacher, your days and your life (and your goal spreadsheet) are filled with...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWJRY34BOe4/VNqXWyJ0a6I/AAAAAAAAE_8/SNRbVZnPoh4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-27%2Bat%2B9.40.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWJRY34BOe4/VNqXWyJ0a6I/AAAAAAAAE_8/SNRbVZnPoh4/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-27%2Bat%2B9.40.00%2BPM.png" height="165" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year, I am part of the Instructional Support Team in my Dexter. </div>
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I love my new team!</div>
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I am learning so much from each of the talented members of our team. </div>
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One is a data expert, one is a technology expert and one is the dynamic leader of our team.</div>
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I love teaching because now I have this opportunity to learn from my team.</div>
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Together we are excited, challenged in a positive way</div>
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and on a mission to be as supportive as possible.</div>
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There is so much for teachers to celebrate at the end of each year!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtPCVRfRri8/VNqK7o5Q95I/AAAAAAAAE-s/ZKC_p-JVFYk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.39.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtPCVRfRri8/VNqK7o5Q95I/AAAAAAAAE-s/ZKC_p-JVFYk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B5.39.07%2BPM.png" height="317" width="400" /></a></div>
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And...still we feel like this when someone says that summer is almost over.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzAd3zJ0vis/VNqX7eHYmMI/AAAAAAAAFAE/ML2TfP5Zsu8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.44.04%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzAd3zJ0vis/VNqX7eHYmMI/AAAAAAAAFAE/ML2TfP5Zsu8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.44.04%2BPM.png" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
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Then...the backpacks fill up. </div>
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Buses arrive.</div>
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The bell rings.</div>
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We welcome back the little ones </div>
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who count on us to LOVE teaching </div>
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and LOVE each of them </div>
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as we learn together.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_p9AOyi-Us/VNqfAbytpFI/AAAAAAAAFAU/igrPEsORwf8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.54.26%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_p9AOyi-Us/VNqfAbytpFI/AAAAAAAAFAU/igrPEsORwf8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-10%2Bat%2B6.54.26%2BPM.png" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#loveteaching</span></div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-55863354108015322812015-02-08T19:11:00.001-08:002015-02-08T19:11:40.574-08:00March is Reading Month ThemesFebruary is the time to do 2 important things. <br />
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Eat chocolate and prepare for March is Reading Month, right?<br />
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Two of my favorite themes to do with my students for March is Reading month were the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Information-Highway-Informational-Text-Reading-Month-Theme-Unit-1098417" target="_blank">Information Highway</a>, which my whole school did last year. I made this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Information-Highway-Informational-Text-Reading-Month-Theme-Unit-1098417" target="_blank">Information Highway</a> unit to guide my students through a month of focusing on informational text.<br />
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Here are a few pictures from our month long journey on the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Information-Highway-Informational-Text-Reading-Month-Theme-Unit-1098417" target="_blank">Information Highway</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-TrWVNRSFs/VNgjB98kVJI/AAAAAAAAE9c/SI_OJYm5STY/s1600/hallway%2Bgraphs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-TrWVNRSFs/VNgjB98kVJI/AAAAAAAAE9c/SI_OJYm5STY/s1600/hallway%2Bgraphs.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PKch1D5gSU/VNgjKDLKyNI/AAAAAAAAE9k/RSGtU86B7VY/s1600/read%2Bwith%2Bcare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PKch1D5gSU/VNgjKDLKyNI/AAAAAAAAE9k/RSGtU86B7VY/s1600/read%2Bwith%2Bcare.jpg" height="320" width="279" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NCBZN_ZAsA/VNgjPt_Aj1I/AAAAAAAAE9s/-uibjmTMboU/s1600/stop%2Band%2Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NCBZN_ZAsA/VNgjPt_Aj1I/AAAAAAAAE9s/-uibjmTMboU/s1600/stop%2Band%2Bread.jpg" height="320" width="289" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Information-Highway-Informational-Text-Reading-Month-Theme-Unit-1098417" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKv6EryiTAg/VNgcv5yDkWI/AAAAAAAAE9E/BJByTbCznw8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-02-05%2Bat%2B12.08.21%2BPM.png" height="302" width="400" /></a></div>
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My all time favorite March is reading month theme is <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camp-Read-a-Lot-Classroom-Campout-Fun-672306" target="_blank">Camp Read a Lot</a>!</div>
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It was a student (and parent) favorite as well. I liked it so much that last year I did the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Information-Highway-Informational-Text-Reading-Month-Theme-Unit-1098417" target="_blank">Information Highway</a> theme for the whole month and we still visited <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camp-Read-a-Lot-Classroom-Campout-Fun-672306" target="_blank">Camp Read a Lot</a> for a week. Over the last couple years, many teachers have sent me pictures of my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camp-Read-a-Lot-Classroom-Campout-Fun-672306" target="_blank">Camp Read a Lot</a> unit being used as an end of the year unit as well.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzAQB3ouzxI/VNgjqqvwduI/AAAAAAAAE90/s5fppYlvDSE/s1600/IMG_4776%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzAQB3ouzxI/VNgjqqvwduI/AAAAAAAAE90/s5fppYlvDSE/s1600/IMG_4776%2B(1).jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4ZDT7-FOQQ/VNgkLk-empI/AAAAAAAAE98/awTYxN6TYLc/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b4ZDT7-FOQQ/VNgkLk-empI/AAAAAAAAE98/awTYxN6TYLc/s1600/IMG_4778.JPG" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEFx2jyVF9M/VNgkcEjklaI/AAAAAAAAE-M/YRlBachhN9A/s1600/registration%2Btable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SEFx2jyVF9M/VNgkcEjklaI/AAAAAAAAE-M/YRlBachhN9A/s1600/registration%2Btable.JPG" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Camp-Read-a-Lot-Classroom-Campout-Fun-672306" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmYx8Vg-WXM/VNgc8lYqYpI/AAAAAAAAE9M/lpIE3QUp6PM/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2013-04-27%2Bat%2B8.10.54%2BAM.png" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back to the grad school assignment that I've been avoiding while I watch Downton Abbey.</div>
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Have a great week!</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-24602661343639789532015-02-01T05:49:00.001-08:002015-02-01T05:49:05.645-08:00Currently FebruaryLinking up with Farley from <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/01/currently-february.html" target="_blank">Oh Boy Fourth Grade</a> again this month for her monthly Currently party.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70pK_nXczjc/VM4sC42c7LI/AAAAAAAAE80/cQsW3JT4UCo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-01%2Bat%2B8.36.55%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70pK_nXczjc/VM4sC42c7LI/AAAAAAAAE80/cQsW3JT4UCo/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-02-01%2Bat%2B8.36.55%2BAM.png" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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I love snow, so I'm not worried about the forecast of 10 - 14 inches today. But...I like to stay home when it snows that much. So, I'm not excited about driving to campus for my graduate class this afternoon.</div>
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I'm about to finish up a round of Whole 30, so I will not eat a whole tube of chocolate chip cookie dough...but it sure sounds yummy. You can read about my Whole30 experience <a href="http://funkyfirstgradefun.blogspot.com/2015/01/seriously-folksi-dont-even-like.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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As for my pageant title, I'm not really a pageant kind of girl (heels = disaster and grumpy girl). But, if they had a pageant for progress I would be the queen, the princess and the biggest promoter. I like to set goals and make progress. I like to aim for progress and share it. I like to measure progress and encourage everyone around to make their own. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Progress = change = move forward = happy girl</span></div>
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Please stop by to visit Farley to read the other posts this month.</div>
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Thank you, Farley, for hosting and keeping us laughing each month!</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-54277890628153266682015-01-27T16:28:00.002-08:002015-01-27T16:28:30.172-08:00Seriously, folks...I don't even like vegetables!<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year, my students did a research project about eating healthy foods. </div>
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My students made these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fruits-and-Veggies-in-Your-Bag-Writing-Craftivity-1152945" target="_blank">Fruits and Veggies in Your Bag Writing Craftivity</a>.</div>
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Here are a few pictures of the writing,</div>
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which we published on the back of grocery bags.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fruits-and-Veggies-in-Your-Bag-Writing-Craftivity-1152945" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWjoYD_7TSY/VMgjS9utpzI/AAAAAAAAE74/WtVwg_wk-AA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-27%2Bat%2B6.45.25%2BPM.png" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fruits-and-Veggies-in-Your-Bag-Writing-Craftivity-1152945" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxk19aT5z8g/VMgkoAakUUI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/84FWAVH0To0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-03-09%2Bat%2B8.27.38%2BPM.png" height="400" width="311" /></a></div>
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And...here is the truth.</div>
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I hate vegetables and leftovers.</div>
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So, why would I person who hates veggies and leftovers do the Whole30?</div>
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Because, sometimes we have to do things that we don't like. </div>
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And...it turns out that it helps you button your pants!</div>
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When my co-workers see my lunch, they ask me what kind of diet I am on.</div>
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I tell them the same thing every single day.</div>
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The Whole30 is not a diet, it is a healthy lifestyle change.</div>
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There are tons of rules that go with the Whole30.</div>
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Basically it means for 30 days, you eat only meat, veggies and little bit of fruit.</div>
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No preservatives.</div>
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No sugar.</div>
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No Dt. Dew. (I'm still trying to get over that reality.)</div>
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You're also not allowed to weigh yourself during the 30 days.</div>
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I don't believe in that...so I weigh myself once a week.</div>
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It's working.</div>
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I am currently on day 23 of the Whole30.</div>
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I joined a support group of teacher bloggers </div>
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and we are all doing Whole30 together this month.</div>
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The teacher support group has been super helpful!</div>
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Even more helpful is the fact that my husband (who is our resident chef) </div>
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agreed to do the Whole30 with me.</div>
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Most people who do the Whole30 say they have a burst of energy a few days in.</div>
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Some folks claim they slay the "sugar dragon" within these 30 days.</div>
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Most people who do the Whole30 say they are inspired to learn to cook new things.</div>
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Most people who do the Whole30 say they have the best workouts ever.</div>
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People even claim to get "tiger blood" during the Whole30.</div>
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My reality is a little different.</div>
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I did not have a burst of energy.</div>
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But, do mom's who work full time, take grad classes, have a history of sleep issues,</div>
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have kids in travel soccer, travel baseball and dance </div>
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with a husband who is currently coaching basketball </div>
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really have bursts of energy outside the month of July?</div>
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I like to bake. I make great chocolate chip cookies, cakes and desserts. </div>
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I still hate to cook - especially veggies.</div>
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And I feel like I might be the only one in the world who hates leftovers.</div>
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I also have not worked out once during my Whole30, </div>
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unless you count my dog walks several times a week.</div>
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I have a gym membership, </div>
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but I refuse to feel guilty about not using it this month because if</div>
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I have to choose between sleeping or waking up at 4:00 a.m. to fit it in...I choose sleep.</div>
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I don't know what tiger blood is...so I'm sure I don't have whatever that is. Ha!</div>
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I'll get back into my running routine when life settles down, </div>
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but guess what?</div>
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The Whole30 is still working.</div>
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I sleep better.</div>
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I no longer have acid reflux.</div>
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My frequent headaches are gone.</div>
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I feel like I am in control...instead of chocolate controlling me.</div>
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And my favorite pants button!</div>
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I WILL NOT DRINK DIET DEW WHEN THIS IS OVER.</div>
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I wish I could. But, I won't.</div>
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Being healthy makes me happy.</div>
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After the Whole30, I hope to continue my healthy eating adventure</div>
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with not so many rules and a whole lot more self control than I had before.</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-43239074527582081462014-12-31T23:56:00.000-08:002014-12-31T23:56:09.243-08:00January Currently 2015!!It's currently January!<br />
It's currently 2015!<br />
Both seem unbelievable to me...<br />
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It's also time to link up with Farley from <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2014/12/currently-january-20015.html" target="_blank">Oh Boy 4th Grade</a> for her monthly Currently linky party!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EpKqUbhsNU/VKT8KauWVwI/AAAAAAAAE7k/WCef9Sgyza0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-01%2Bat%2B2.46.47%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EpKqUbhsNU/VKT8KauWVwI/AAAAAAAAE7k/WCef9Sgyza0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-01%2Bat%2B2.46.47%2BAM.png" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
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It's a quick post since I'm writing at 3:00 a.m. while the whole house sleeps.</div>
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Yes - grad school again. I'm starting classes to add another certification.</div>
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Maybe - I'll survive the Whole30 in January. I think I can. I think I can.</div>
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I wish - I could shop at Farley's store if/when she opens it! :)</div>
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You can visit the link up at Farley's blog, <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2014/12/currently-january-20015.html" target="_blank">Oh Boy 4th Grade</a>!</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-46719726891980529232014-12-27T18:49:00.004-08:002014-12-27T18:49:50.924-08:00Fourteen in '14 A post...an item on my to do list...something that I love to do but never seem to have time for these days...call it what you want. Isn't winter break amazing?<br />
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<a href="http://www.miss-kindergarten.com/2014/12/14-in-14-linky-party.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPdG4LK27ws/VJ9WOaqjFiI/AAAAAAAAE3k/sH6hO2JMYzQ/s1600/header.png" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love my <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> surprises! </div>
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This jacket and the pants are from my last fix and my next one is one the way!</div>
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You can click on the image to check out <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank">Stitch Fix </a>for yourself.</div>
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<a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3940981" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYgEZP-SsgQ/VJ9coxNxrCI/AAAAAAAAE4M/5v8J6Z8PSdA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-27%2Bat%2B8.27.06%2BPM.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I don't really watch movies. (for real)</div>
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However, I just bought this one because I read the book this summer.</div>
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Does that count?</div>
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I might watch it with my daughter this week...maybe.</div>
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I honestly don't really watch TV much either. </div>
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My parents bought season 1 - 4 on DVD and I am guilty of having </div>
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Downton Abbey marathons with one of my goldendoodles.</div>
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My FaVoRiTe restaurant is Casa Rio in San Antonio, Texas. </div>
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I would love to be able to surprise my husband with plane tickets to fly there for dinner.</div>
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It's that good!</div>
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Someday...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">skiing</span></div>
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Yes. Only it has not happened yet. </div>
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I'm going skiing for the first time in a couple days.</div>
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I'm trying to pump myself up.</div>
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Did I mention that I'm scared of heights?</div>
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And that sliding down a slippery mountain on skis that I don't know how to control </div>
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after a terrifying ride on a flimsy swing is </div>
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12 kinds of SCARY!</div>
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But, I will be brave.</div>
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I will try it.</div>
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I will not let my kids see my crying on the </div>
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<strike>not very safe, </strike></div>
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<strike>probably has not been inspected properly, </strike></div>
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<strike>swinging from a rusted cable,</strike> </div>
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lift.</div>
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Yes, I enrolled in the kids Learn to Ski class for my first day on the scary slopes.</div>
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My family gave me a few things to use in my new job...</div>
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One of the things my husband bought me is carrying case for my iPad </div>
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that I can carry in and out of all the buildings I visit each day. </div>
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If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/funkyfirstgradefun/" target="_blank">Instagram,</a> then you've seen this pic already.</div>
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My parents gave me these giant post it notes to use during my presentations.</div>
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Oh how I love post it notes and these giant ones...dreamy!</div>
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You can visit my <a href="http://instagram.com/funkyfirstgradefun/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> feed <a href="http://instagram.com/funkyfirstgradefun/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/funkyfirstgradefun/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3Wr1CIBlps/VJ9lRCB9PUI/AAAAAAAAE5k/Bu1Mc_Ix2rE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-27%2Bat%2B9.04.04%2BPM.png" height="320" width="307" /></a></div>
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We almost bought a lake house this year (twice). </div>
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Not kidding. 2 under contract. 2 deals fell through.</div>
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Someday, I'll hang a cute sign like this at our lake house (maybe).</div>
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You can click on the image to go to the Etsy shop where these cutes signs are sold.</div>
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You can check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kgillow/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> boards <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kgillow/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103268052/lake-rules-sign-handpainted-wood-sun" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSFaA9kgla8/VJ9nbZ0qMyI/AAAAAAAAE54/9RBb1i63IE0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-27%2Bat%2B9.13.11%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://funkyfirstgradefun.blogspot.com/2014/08/chop-chop-chop.html" target="_blank">Chop, Chop, Chop! (my favorite teacher tip)</a></div>
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My new job as an instructional coach.</div>
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Big goals, big changes, big growth...</div>
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My heart and my life are so full.</div>
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My favorite boys.</div>
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My favorite girl.</div>
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Our annual trip to Petoskey, Michigan.</div>
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Grad school...again.</div>
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I'm starting classes in January to add another certification.</div>
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Excited. Nervous about time. Determined. Grateful.</div>
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Shut the front door! I finished a post!</div>
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Thanks for visiting today.</div>
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Please stop by the linky to read Fourteen in '14 posts by other bloggers!</div>
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Thank you to Hadar, Kristin and Traci for hosting the party!</div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-29033206935014744692014-11-23T14:17:00.000-08:002014-11-23T14:17:56.446-08:00Gratitude is an Attitude<br />
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This morning at church, our pastor gave a sermon about living a life of gratitude. He said gratitude is unselfishly appreciating what you have, instead of focusing on what you want. I think it's easy to say that we are "grateful", but living a life of gratitude is really not that easy. Or maybe it's just not very easy for me.<br />
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I know that I am lucky. I thank God each day for the health and safety of my family, the nice life we have, our home, our friends and my amazing job. But here's the problem...I am a goal oriented person. I set goals for everything. I set goals for how much sleep I will get, how many emails I will answer, how many minutes I will exercise for the day, how many loads of laundry I will do in a week, how many things I can add to and check off my to do list each day and how many people I can help. When you are the kind of person (like me) who constantly looks to the future to figure out how to improve myself and how to make the things I am involved in better it is easy to forget to live a true life of gratitude.<br />
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I am grateful for...</div>
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My children, who are generally kind to others.</div>
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My husband, who knows how to have fun everywhere we go.</div>
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My parents, who taught me to work hard and to care for others.</div>
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Friends, who listen, advise, trust, share and care for our family.</div>
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My home, which is simple and safe.</div>
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The leaders in my district, who trusted me to have a new position this year.</div>
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The teachers I work with who are curious and passionate about making a difference.</div>
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Nature, which is usually a peaceful gift and a sometimes a powerful reminder.</div>
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God, who reminds me that he is in control </div>
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and that I should take time to enjoy the things on my "gratitude" list each day.</div>
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This week as we talk about the things we are grateful for in our lives, I realize that I need to work harder to show that I am grateful and make time to reflect and pray about the amazing things around me.</div>
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After all, gratitude is an attitude...not just a goal on my list. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and lots of time to reflect about what you are grateful for in this crazy busy life!<br />
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870522518693737575.post-41677745305728668352014-11-15T06:57:00.000-08:002014-11-15T06:57:26.907-08:00Professional Books for Small Group Reading InstructionSince I started my new job as an instructional coach, it's been a little tricky for me to figure out how to keep blogging. I've been super busy, but I love my new job. We have a fabulous instructional support team and here I am posting about something that I love. So, all is good with my little world.<br />
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One of the projects I've been working on this year is facilitating discussions, providing training and leading reflection groups about small group instruction for reading. During this process, I gathered my favorite resources for small group reading instruction.<br />
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As teachers, we often provide small group instruction to meet our students needs in writing, reading and math. Guided reading is a model of small group instruction, but not the only model. During traditional guided reading, students participate in a book talk introduction, spend time reading at their instructional reading level (either at or away from the table depending on their level) and participate in a group discussion based on teacher led questions about the book. It is recommended that students who fall within the levels for grades K - 2 (levels A - M) also participate in word work during this time. In Irene Fountas' model of guided reading, students also write about reading. The recommendation is that students who are level N and above write about reading daily. It is also recommended that students below level N write about reading as much as possible. Many teachers are using post it notes and/or reading notebooks for this purpose.<br />
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The pros of this traditional model are that it allows teachers to learn information from student discussions/responses that they can use to plan their instruction for individual students or the group for the next week. In my opinion, a con is that the students have a limited amount of time to read at their instructional level when the teacher is doing so much teaching/talking during their small group time.<br />
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Less traditional models that I've tried and observed working well in classrooms over the years include groups that are more flexible in classrooms that are using the reading workshop model. With focused mini lessons in a large group setting, independent reading practice time and teachers taking notes on specific things each student needs to work on instructionally, students tend to have more actual reading time during small group instruction. Flexible groupings are sometimes based on reading level and sometimes based on strategy focus. Word work is sometimes done at the table for struggling readers in this model. Students who are on or above grade level tend to do this word work away from the table. Many teachers are using post-it notes and/or reading notebooks for writing about reading in this model as well.<br />
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Another option is students visiting the small group instruction table in a staggered way (not necessarily by strategy focus or level), because one student is called at a time to get started. The seats at the table fill up in this model in a staggered method that allows the teacher to have a quick (1 minute kind of quick) discussion about today's focus with each individual student as he/she calls them to the table. After quickly talking to the student about what he/she noticed the student needs to work on, the student gets started and continues reading while the teacher repeats the process with another student. Within a few minutes, the table is filled and the teacher can take notes, prompt students as needed, ask questions with individual students while everyone else keeps reading. Word work is sometimes done at the table for struggling readers in this model. Students who are on or above grade level tend to do word work away from the table. Many teachers are using post it notes and/or reading notebooks for writing about reading in this model as well.<br />
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Nontraditional models of small group instruction take some time to get used to, but they tend to increase the actual reading minutes in a big way. I found this extremely helpful to build reading stamina. It doesn't work for everyone, but I find that I learn more when my students spend more time reading and I can spend more time listening, noticing and noting how to plan instruction to meet the needs of each individual student and the class. As a teacher, my goal was to aim for each student in my class to be reading (actually practicing reading at their level) for 90 minutes a day. My goal was based on the recommendation of the work that Richard Allington did with the International Reading Association. When I first heard that recommendation, it caused me to reflect on how many minutes my own students were spending actually practicing reading (not me instructing them for reading) in my classroom. I was shocked to discover that I was no where near that goal and worked for the next several years to include more actual reading practice time for my students. Adjusting my small group reading instruction time was one of the things that really helped me reach that goal.<br />
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Here are my favorite professional resources for small group reading instruction.</div>
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This book is a great resource for getting organized for small group reading instruction.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Most-Small-Groups-Differentiation/dp/1571104313/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416061474&sr=1-1&keywords=making+the+most+of+small+groups&pebp=1416061475913" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5yKgd7Svc2k/VGdZ6sbrLxI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/p4ZIDVDHRmY/s1600/photo%2B3-1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you use Fountas and Pinnell leveling (A - Z), </div>
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this is a fabulous resource for ideas of things to work on at each level. </div>
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This is my old copy of the K - 2 version, </div>
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but the new version has a white cover </div>
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and has several different grade level combinations including a K - 8 version.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Continuum-Literacy-Learning-Grades-PreK-8/dp/032502880X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416061413&sr=1-1&keywords=the+continuum+of+literacy+learning&pebp=1416061415239" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSLAjI3wZ7U/VGdbh66BdzI/AAAAAAAAE2c/wwlma4g4Njs/s1600/photo%2B1-3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is my favorite reader's workshop resource, </div>
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but it includes lots of information about small group instruction as well. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Readers-Units-Primary-Classroom/dp/1571103732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416061371&sr=8-1&keywords=Growing+Readers&pebp=1416061373965" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJOyYg9hN1I/VGdb3DrKowI/AAAAAAAAE2k/BlLGxP-sn6c/s1600/photo%2B2-2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I purchased this book after participating in a webinar by the author, Jennifer Serravallo. </div>
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Her webinar was about conferring and she also has a book about conferring. Two friends who participate attend the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project in NY each year recommended this book as well. The focus of this book is using assessment data to drive instruction. </div>
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My copy is grades 3 - 6, but she has a K - 2 version as well.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Literacy-Teachers-Playbook-Grades-Goal-Directed/dp/0325043531/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416061337&sr=8-1&keywords=the+literacy+teachers+playbook+grades+3-6&pebp=1416061339242" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9A3iBXimm3c/VGdc5gexgvI/AAAAAAAAE2s/9IsQOQw6-mA/s1600/photo%2B2-4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This book has sample planning templates, ideas for working with students at different levels and ideas for scaffolding instruction at each level.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Guided-Reading-Assessments/dp/0545133610/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416061280&sr=8-1&keywords=The+next+step+in+guided+reading" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-085r-3ChCr0/VGdgoWOEaRI/AAAAAAAAE24/24nONlPIv_k/s1600/photo%2B1-2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'd love to hear about your favorite models of small group instruction and/or favorite resources for small group reading instruction.</div>
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03674839240571072551noreply@blogger.com1