tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177387502024-03-12T21:21:45.997-04:00Literacy CoachingReflections and stories about teaching and learningSusan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-40124688355306714342013-02-07T13:50:00.001-05:002013-02-07T13:50:05.570-05:00Three-Minute Video Explaining the Common Core State Standards<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5s0rRk9sER0" width="480"></iframe>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-46434170316825487002012-11-06T16:52:00.000-05:002012-11-06T16:54:02.127-05:00Guided Reading Glogs Recently I created two Glogs for a workshop. Thought I'd share them here.
Intermediate
<iframe src="http://edu.glogengine.com/view/4NPrp1hTyGw73gGLvh3l:6l5svkt7hr41q6mstvcjga0" width="450" height="620" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" style="overflow: hidden;"></iframe>
Primary
<iframe src="http://edu.glogengine.com/view/4NPrp1hTyGw73gGLvh3l:6l5sl5r7mderjo0k60609a0" width="450" height="620" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" style="overflow: hidden;"></iframe>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-56188344480201799462012-02-13T18:36:00.000-05:002012-02-13T18:36:29.209-05:00And from the New York Times....What a fabulous story in the N<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/nyregion/for-poorer-students-an-attempt-to-let-new-experiences-guide-learning.html?pagewanted=1">ew York Times today about using field trips </a>and hands-on learning to build background knowledge. The walking field trip that is highlighted is right down the street to a local parking garage because many of the students in this particular 2nd grade classroom have never been inside a car. <br />
<br />
In light of my last post about the principal removing crayons and scissors for the K-1 classroom, consider this principal's response for her impoverished children: <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">"While many schools have removed stations for play from kindergarten, Ms. Levy has added them in first and second grades. One corner of Ms. Krings’s room is for building blocks, another for construction paper projects. There are days when the second grade smells like Elmer’s glue."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Imagine that? Adding play to help negotiate the world and build language! In the long run, I believe these are the interventions that will make a difference in the lives of students. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">I love this quote from the head of the school network in that part of the city: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">"Daniel Feigelson heads the network of 30 schools that P.S. 142 belongs to. He said that he wished more principals would adopt the program but that they were fearful. “There is so much pressure systematically to do well on the tests, and this may not boost scores right away,” he said. “To do this you’d have to be willing to take the long view.”</span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">"The long view" is critical! We cannot expect to make quick fixes in these students' lives. We have to see every piece of the puzzle and start putting the missing pieces in place. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I was sharing more about the banning of arts classes for struggling learners at lunch today and my colleagues were outraged. As we talked, I was reminded of a time many years ago when I sat in a workshop with a teacher of SIXTH grade struggling readers. This particular teacher worked with a college professor and doctoral student to find out where the developmental gaps were for these students. They found the students had never experienced dramatic play. Guess what they did? They brought the kitchen and dramatic play into the sixth grade and they noticed a marked difference for students from behavior to academics. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Yes, Ms. Levy and Mr. Feigelson, I do hope that more schools (and education departments and government officials) will start looking at the long view. Maybe then we can make a real difference in the lives of some very special students. </span></span></div>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-81644532744537635272012-02-12T19:33:00.001-05:002012-02-12T19:34:09.773-05:00Let's Talk Arts Integration<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently a Harvard professor spoke to administrators in our district. He was a guest of the local college of art and design and was talking about the arts in education. Someone asked him to speak about those who are struggling in reading and math and what they should receive in arts education/integration. Basically, the principals that attended reported that this gentleman said, "no arts until they can read and do math". In other words, struggling students need to do MORE reading and math to get better at it. And arts should not be crowding out the opportunity for more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have to tell you I wish I was at the presentation so I really had a fuller picture. BUT from this little snippet, it makes my skin crawl! I have spent the last 13 years in a school FILLED with struggling readers and mathematicians. And I agree they need more reading and math opportunities to improve. In fact, that was the very essence of my job the past four or five years of my time there. But I believe we can utilize the arts to make the difference for those who struggle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's my unofficial observation and "research" that leads me to think that many kids who struggle with academics ARE very artistic. They can often draw what they heard in a story far better than they can write it. They can act out a story to internalize it. They can even learn basic skills better through music (oh the number of times I've "rapped grammar rules" or information to help it stick in their minds!). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know the job at Title I schools is huge. It's downright overwhelming and frustrating at times. Kids and teachers are drained as they try to find one more magic bullet that might make a difference for a struggling student. I know that Principals are trying the best they can to improve their scores so that they can achieve whatever status the state or federal government will bestow upon those who are high performing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But these are still kids! They are young. They have stuff filling their lives that many in the middle class will never understand. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some schools in our district are responding by putting kids into more computer assisted instruction programs. For some students they are on the computer listening to an automated teacher for more than 90 minutes in the school day. One teacher asked me recently if there is research that shows it will make a difference. I am pretty sure that anything done for 90 minutes daily might make a difference. What I do know is that it may not be a sustainable difference. And how very impersonal it is in my mind to put headphones on them and take away the human element that I believe can make such a big difference for the struggling learner. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why not give kids something to latch onto? Why not fill their lives with music, dance, drama and images that might help bridge their learning gap? Why not allow them to utilize the right side of the brain to help enhance the left? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would argue that we are robbing them if we expect them to only read more and solve more math problems. And I think we are robbing them by expecting a digital miracle via the computer. Perhaps they could read a song or a poem and suddenly get it. Perhaps they can look at art and see the shapes, patterns and spatial placement to finally understand a word problem. Perhaps they could learn to dance words and letters and emotions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the bottom line is there is no magic bullet; not the computer and not even the arts. No one has one. But I think this quote by Peter Senge is important to remember: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">'Many children struggle in schools... because the way they are being taught is the way is incompatible with the way they learn." If they learn best by computer, fine. But if its another way, by all means let's find it and give it to them. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">It's the professional thing to do! And, in my mind, they all deserve to be under the care of true professionals. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #202020;"><br /></span>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-37032275283698277472012-01-01T08:58:00.002-05:002012-01-01T08:58:23.529-05:00A New Year Give AwayHappy New Year!<br />
<br />
One of the new blogs I'm following is "Little Literacy Learners" and she has some great resources over in her little corner of the blogosphere. It's always fun to find new blogs, new ideas and those who share a passion for teaching and learning. She is hosting a give away for New Year's that ends today! Don't delay head on over to find out how to enter and possibly win some new teaching resources for 2012!
<br />
Click the button below and you'll find the information you need to join in: <br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.littleliteracylearners.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Little Literacy Learners" border="0" height="125" src="http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i366/dreamlikemagic/button-1593.png" width="125" /></a></center>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-84235034601921841672011-12-29T10:02:00.001-05:002011-12-29T10:02:42.324-05:00The End of Another YearHere we are facing the end of another year. It's a time of reflection. A time of new beginnings. For me, this was the year that I went back to the classroom after almost 15 years as a resource teacher/Literacy Coach. And I count myself privileged to be back in Kindergarten after 17 years! Seventeen! And boy have things changed in that time. <br />
<br />
I've been blogging most of my classroom experiences over here at The Learning Garden. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a border="0" href="http://www.mrsnationslearninggarden.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiOGf8okEBk5EnFvhTz7KrgJxVLZ9i0qCNwQgDKmF0Fyzzfl5qyvjK9TY9OjU9U9ZsQtsvoCX2cbdsXK0zs213TajW3OeAUfxHr_JRQGH4iaicvjVF1uXeOObOvlfVAz6lahO0A/s1600/Button2small.png" /></a></div>
I have to say that being back in the classroom has birthed ideas for at least two or three new books for teachers in my head. So I really want to make it my new year's resolution (or at least a really strong attempt) to blog in both places! Teaching and learning is ever-changing. It's filled with challenges like always, but they are different today. The classroom is a busy place filled with activity and occasional chaos. The curriculum is jam packed with things to be taught and learned. And time is at a premium to get it all done. <br />
<br />
As I head into the new year with my Kindergarten students and my colleagues I really want to explore how we accomplish it all and still stay sane! <br />
<br />
Here's to a new year filled with reading, writing and thinking!Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-30086324066142551022011-09-03T19:13:00.002-04:002011-09-03T19:13:23.520-04:00Week 3 is approaching...I have loved my first two weeks back in full time Kindergarten! I have to say that one of the biggest blessings (above the sweet kids) are their parents! I love it that I have parents who WANT to be involved in their child's education. Actually, no child should have to "go it alone". It's just that the years I've spent in Title I made me know that so many do! Honestly, it's refreshing to be surrounded by supportive parents. <br />
<br />
I always wondered about those teachers who didn't like incorporating the parents into the classroom ebb and flow. I love it! I feel like we're all on a team and it only makes the team stronger. <br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to using my volunteers this year for some new things...blogging and creating presentations. Should be great fun! <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I blogged over at my classroom blog about our busy week. Hop on over there and read some of the fun things we've been doing in our amazing "<a href="http://www.mrsnationslearninggarden.blogspot.com/">Learning Garden</a>" this week! <br />
<br />
<br />Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-58206324136500326902011-08-27T16:56:00.000-04:002011-08-27T16:56:28.210-04:00First Week Re-capOur first week back in K was amazing! I have some of the sweetest kids on the planet. They are eager to learn and happy to be in school. Each day they get a bit more comfortable with each other and with our classroom. Oh sure, I have those who still aren't quite sure what a cubbie is and those who really don't care to be a part of a circle time. But they are learning and starting to participate, which I LOVE! <br />
<br />
Academically speaking: we learned letters Aa through Hh, started a book of our friends' names, we painted twice, played with shapes and objects to sort and classify in math, and read a lot of GREAT books! <br />
<br />
Socially speaking: I know that one child knows all about raccoon poop, another collected special crystals from his seawall, and still another loves going to eat out at fine restaurants with the family! And we celebrated two birthdays already complete with cake and singing. <br />
<br />
On the "keeping it real" front: I've already tied at least 2,000 shoe laces, put wet towels on several bumped knees, hugged away a few sets of tears, peeled a couple off their parent in the morning, cleaned up pee, blood and barf, and opened several gogurts, fruit roll-ups and other lunchbox treats. <br />
<br />
And all I can think is "Early Childhood friends, you wear me out...but I've missed your general zest for life and learning!" Because of this, I know that for me this return to my teaching roots (in primary) is going to be a powerful learning experience. I'm excited to see where the road leads this school year and I couldn't be happier to share it with these sweet youngsters! Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-81542590240681930422011-08-19T06:48:00.001-04:002011-08-19T06:55:16.204-04:00Before and After Classroom<br />
OK, the classroom is (mostly) done! I still have odds and ends to do and things to tighten up...but Meet Your Teacher was yesterday and it was pretty ready. My "before picture" looked like this: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqDmmH2TuWVX0SYe5nkXgCnwyxghW4LiD2jS_NytJ4ZwlYvW5w5TLFe-QtlHLaGly07oCvfsS0jMvvmeMbCzrW1wpSmCLuFEQQI92oMgW_F5c3EgEfc1h9dPv6NbK2BQlVV676Q/s1600/IMG_9934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqDmmH2TuWVX0SYe5nkXgCnwyxghW4LiD2jS_NytJ4ZwlYvW5w5TLFe-QtlHLaGly07oCvfsS0jMvvmeMbCzrW1wpSmCLuFEQQI92oMgW_F5c3EgEfc1h9dPv6NbK2BQlVV676Q/s320/IMG_9934.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Now, that same shot looks like this: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pEAzxrYMIz10m-QWkOZKb-fJd6md8PU0Qc3JwILc78efvtbYe73CCrChUtoLdlpLuU3x-G_YCmC3ZksDM2bmyE4KlkZ5l7W7VbXEIyZ2V42dXXcRUpYtkZuyW8_rivItDykU9Q/s1600/415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pEAzxrYMIz10m-QWkOZKb-fJd6md8PU0Qc3JwILc78efvtbYe73CCrChUtoLdlpLuU3x-G_YCmC3ZksDM2bmyE4KlkZ5l7W7VbXEIyZ2V42dXXcRUpYtkZuyW8_rivItDykU9Q/s320/415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here's a quick tour around the room. Starting with our "welcome area". This will be where kids sign in every day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NAKpMy89C1knPv5-M98eMzqkU2ReMbtNB6p0JmZcFJm_QZ3rmNqcpqV6XH4ZXiD8nxQX9FYDp2rj6hbn1FHMa_qlp_ppnNiTQTJIE7uTMH7QQhA5hz6DARSx2Ba4Fda5yu4CKg/s1600/414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NAKpMy89C1knPv5-M98eMzqkU2ReMbtNB6p0JmZcFJm_QZ3rmNqcpqV6XH4ZXiD8nxQX9FYDp2rj6hbn1FHMa_qlp_ppnNiTQTJIE7uTMH7QQhA5hz6DARSx2Ba4Fda5yu4CKg/s320/414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the Behavior Chart and Rules that I've been seeing all over the Internet. I love it and tweaked it with my own graphics to match our "Learning Garden" Theme. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HJwcAy_l7t4bsCYahJktpL987BAOSdkpKNIr-ZocHHROpM0HwFKLK-fBMlVUygdax98AAnaEbUzkOVl83C44W-6gIOf1I8WQLaH8veOE_lKuNDwbJ1X0arrFcwvuvx4ZBPLeVA/s1600/413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HJwcAy_l7t4bsCYahJktpL987BAOSdkpKNIr-ZocHHROpM0HwFKLK-fBMlVUygdax98AAnaEbUzkOVl83C44W-6gIOf1I8WQLaH8veOE_lKuNDwbJ1X0arrFcwvuvx4ZBPLeVA/s200/413.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsawOTyZFbTOIT90N5HN7V5kbwXqDuw1-N-r-YAtCrrb2B6VIZ6PJp-mwwncaB1Pmd0VsU3wIKVtM3ILfp8ePupunFW05VOUKUpMuaQXJOIHWHeARITw55bxQOj_aj2bFP_ZF9A/s1600/412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsawOTyZFbTOIT90N5HN7V5kbwXqDuw1-N-r-YAtCrrb2B6VIZ6PJp-mwwncaB1Pmd0VsU3wIKVtM3ILfp8ePupunFW05VOUKUpMuaQXJOIHWHeARITw55bxQOj_aj2bFP_ZF9A/s200/412.JPG" width="150" /></a>Unfortunately, I can't remember the links for the GREAT teachers that shared these two tidbits. I found both while blog surfing this summer. And I tweaked them a bit with my own clipart. If you know the link, please add it and I'll add it to this post. Otherwise, I'll dig through my stuff and find them to give credit where credit is due. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, in my opinion, the MOST important part of any classroom is the well-stocked Classroom Library. Here it is for now. I need to fix up the basket labels and I REALLY want to put that Learning Garden Tree in the corner...so I'm hoping to find some artists in my group of parents who can help us get that done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpgqQXzIucRq4BEZsFRSyOcDCHqCopHa2RnVDJ34jHBNhEecEO7-M3xa2XS-qNgVOXnb_lcL5SrdxA2yNMZVduSH_9HTGPxKlVt5m1PXpMFI6O0jQQHlioKWG_Aa4gl7JH9ghxA/s1600/419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpgqQXzIucRq4BEZsFRSyOcDCHqCopHa2RnVDJ34jHBNhEecEO7-M3xa2XS-qNgVOXnb_lcL5SrdxA2yNMZVduSH_9HTGPxKlVt5m1PXpMFI6O0jQQHlioKWG_Aa4gl7JH9ghxA/s320/419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> More updates later. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-64900280876237611762011-08-15T01:57:00.000-04:002011-08-15T01:57:52.295-04:00Classroom UpdateMonday is a "Furlough Day" in our district--so no classroom prep will happen that day. It dawned on me while talking with some teacher friends this weekend just HOW MUCH free labor we give in the summer. Many of my friends are in classrooms that were being repainted this summer. They have been unable to get in their rooms due to delays in the painting schedule. Some were just moving into those rooms (a la my <a href="http://literacycoachingservices.blogspot.com/2011/07/oh-carpets.html">carpet cleaning feeling</a>). And they are frustrated. Many wanted to really spend time just putting the room together for the kids. <br />
<br />
Now, I wonder...will their rooms look just as beautiful and inviting come "Meet Your Teacher" next week? My guess is the answer is "yes". Because that's the kind of teachers these are. To quote Larry the Cable Guy, They "Get 'er done!" No matter what. They'll spend longer hours next week making up for lost time. <br />
<br />
So, yeah, back to the furlough day. It's a day we're not getting paid. It's a day the campus is closed. Yet, teachers will more than work those hours in the next week alone. Free. I don't mind volunteering any more than the next person. Maybe, though, it's time for those at the state level to really see the amount of time teachers give. Could it make a difference? I don't know. At least having someone in power acknowledge it might be a start. Furlough or not. Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-52607376654159146502011-08-11T20:41:00.000-04:002011-08-11T20:41:48.017-04:00Hooray!I FINALLY got to move the REST of my stuff into my room today! We got new windows...and they ARE gorgeous...but it's impeded moving. And those carpets finally got cleaned yesterday. Now they are gorgeous as well. <br />
<br />
Anyway, this morning, my trusty crew...three of my kids (DSs 2 & 3 and LG), my FIL and my dear friend Sandy helped load up cars (FIVE of them to be exact) with all my other stuff and headed over to my new school. Now, you know it's rainy season here in (ahem) "sunny" Florida, and this morning we had a DELUGE right upon arrival at the school parking lot. My crew waited a bit hoping it'd stop. And it sort of did. There was simply this huge LAKE where we had to walk to the stairs. Anyway, with shoes a'sloshing they trudged EVERYTHING up TWO flights of stairs and into the room. I am a BLESSED woman! <br />
<br />
Here's a picture of what it looked like after all five carloads were added to the two van loads DS 3 and I already dumped in there: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqDmmH2TuWVX0SYe5nkXgCnwyxghW4LiD2jS_NytJ4ZwlYvW5w5TLFe-QtlHLaGly07oCvfsS0jMvvmeMbCzrW1wpSmCLuFEQQI92oMgW_F5c3EgEfc1h9dPv6NbK2BQlVV676Q/s1600/IMG_9934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqDmmH2TuWVX0SYe5nkXgCnwyxghW4LiD2jS_NytJ4ZwlYvW5w5TLFe-QtlHLaGly07oCvfsS0jMvvmeMbCzrW1wpSmCLuFEQQI92oMgW_F5c3EgEfc1h9dPv6NbK2BQlVV676Q/s320/IMG_9934.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieeR0Wfcwx9tI-h3Pk6L9NiXwP5hfvgVz9AV33tDCbHW53KaJPNBTrynISOWr1f5FKIrsgXKyCId6sTOeyG5pJLRFyn-g-rXjQOWSuPzn7oc4Cg_awwhBuUqzaV5SXxlsfRWJwg/s1600/IMG_9936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieeR0Wfcwx9tI-h3Pk6L9NiXwP5hfvgVz9AV33tDCbHW53KaJPNBTrynISOWr1f5FKIrsgXKyCId6sTOeyG5pJLRFyn-g-rXjQOWSuPzn7oc4Cg_awwhBuUqzaV5SXxlsfRWJwg/s200/IMG_9936.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnhyphenhyphenJpcKSEd2SndCZOO_o6D_gPFjrUMTHjrV2OuxOsZdUpWX5jYoJ-Ane7tfIoNXkd2EhVcepsdDhsUrEhtWOUsH12eYs57k4OyuGULqJERfQhCRbd51lMxWb_G-26on3sFKHsA/s1600/IMG_9937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnhyphenhyphenJpcKSEd2SndCZOO_o6D_gPFjrUMTHjrV2OuxOsZdUpWX5jYoJ-Ane7tfIoNXkd2EhVcepsdDhsUrEhtWOUsH12eYs57k4OyuGULqJERfQhCRbd51lMxWb_G-26on3sFKHsA/s200/IMG_9937.jpg" width="200" /></a>Sandy helped me start positioning furniture and we schlepped several pieces to a couple sides of the room to try them out. As I told her, I think this is something we female teachers get. Not so sure about our male counterparts. Anyway...on we went figuring out where that sweet little classroom library was going to go. And the corner that won is shown over here at the right.<br />
<br />
Next I started unpacking those boxes that seem to be multiplying as we watch! My daughter stayed and helped me sort and organize and clean from the window installation dust. She was a REAL trooper and kept saying, "Mommy, you have a fun job!" I'm glad she thinks so. (I couldn't bear to tell her that it was free labor all around today!) <br />
<br />
Anyway, we worked just about eleven hours total and here's a small snippet of what we accomplished: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyOBdd4FFVkPcdRTRPTrVyVMAO1yl_2_2HFxHAh05k-BRkB-gBHrrMmISmFuivyUr4KqS7RmPjwuaW3wUBGKwYS0mYn6aHouAnpyttNCtY3YZWn1DICnR5vfn41BWNUU_WAwKnQ/s1600/IMG_9938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyOBdd4FFVkPcdRTRPTrVyVMAO1yl_2_2HFxHAh05k-BRkB-gBHrrMmISmFuivyUr4KqS7RmPjwuaW3wUBGKwYS0mYn6aHouAnpyttNCtY3YZWn1DICnR5vfn41BWNUU_WAwKnQ/s320/IMG_9938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The classroom library is starting to come together. I am excited to put in a "Reading Pond" to go with the garden theme. I found the CUTEST stuffed turtle and frog to go inside it! (I'll take a better picture of that when I go back in.) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AqOcVCLsLsluV_0jurgMjSJy-PURNNkPP8Ems1M5pc2CibaOEEW5MmxvwzEuzs9H6Rq_wVoS4f5Iimu0xFE8vHNAzRGC9_0WTWzUNonXbxX8YGmp-F0FJOqgmQRZ8BXbGFEGKg/s1600/IMG_9940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AqOcVCLsLsluV_0jurgMjSJy-PURNNkPP8Ems1M5pc2CibaOEEW5MmxvwzEuzs9H6Rq_wVoS4f5Iimu0xFE8vHNAzRGC9_0WTWzUNonXbxX8YGmp-F0FJOqgmQRZ8BXbGFEGKg/s320/IMG_9940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Sorting out school supplies is a must. Why is it the school supply aisles just call my name like a bad addiction? I love buying them and having them ready to go. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpBdR9p2Ed6pxkqYRfUZJHQMcwCrVQ_aFqsflPPK4an8dWBGEbuHTCe8ZGfPp3Kv4ijf90VhoAWv0zjfY_F6VOx767WjWfD0TeifrGqS2ujVN1sUNnpkORYu49avifjFC2S82Og/s1600/IMG_9941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpBdR9p2Ed6pxkqYRfUZJHQMcwCrVQ_aFqsflPPK4an8dWBGEbuHTCe8ZGfPp3Kv4ijf90VhoAWv0zjfY_F6VOx767WjWfD0TeifrGqS2ujVN1sUNnpkORYu49avifjFC2S82Og/s320/IMG_9941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Over half the boxes are unpacked and broken down! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14lXlm6jvJL5bk6hKeTfh_cmRtso5DHRF8b9jh5c24TiOrntTEuLJHIvqaLunMIesSDWxcHgvEAE1cX2ZatodywZIXYfw59BxDOkQoFu0czcF3zJ3ZofHzXeU62W3QAdm-0s68w/s1600/IMG_9943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14lXlm6jvJL5bk6hKeTfh_cmRtso5DHRF8b9jh5c24TiOrntTEuLJHIvqaLunMIesSDWxcHgvEAE1cX2ZatodywZIXYfw59BxDOkQoFu0czcF3zJ3ZofHzXeU62W3QAdm-0s68w/s320/IMG_9943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> And...CHECK out my salvage yard find! I got the four letters there. (They are from old business signs)...added the cute little book characters and am now happy as a clam with THAT little display! <br />
<br />
I love it when things start to shape up. Of course, I'm gonna need a miracle to find places for everything that has yet to be unpacked. BUT I will prevail...even if it means PURGING. <br />
<br />
Happy 2011-12 Everyone!Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-81635519219220504732011-07-31T08:50:00.000-04:002011-07-31T08:50:05.166-04:00Oh Carpets...I am reading a ton of educator blogs and hearing how people are going in to dabble in their rooms. Since I moved this year, I really need to do more than dabble. I need to get it all in there! Still, it's been a little exercise in patience since we are waiting on the carpets to get cleaned. I don't want to put all my stuff on top of the carpet and get in the way of that process, you know? <br />
<br />
But...<br />
<br />
I'm anxious to get in there and get started! We moved about half my stuff in last week and put it all in the little tiny bathroom and on the tiled floor (which has been cleaned and waxed). There's just no room for anything else! I guess I could go in and get some bulletin boards done. Still, even that requires me digging in to my stuff! <br />
<br />
Sooo...<br />
<br />
I keep blog surfing. Keep "pinning away" on <a href="http://pinterest.com/susannations/">Pinterest</a>. And I keep looking for the next great thing to make my little "Learning Garden" a fun place to learn and grow! <br />
<br />
Here's hoping this week brings me different news and I can start to get in there and whittle away at the pile of stuff!Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-13241802367734312402011-07-30T18:26:00.000-04:002011-07-30T18:26:17.010-04:00Another Give Away<center><a href="http://ateenytinyteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="A Teeny Tiny Teacher" border="0" src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc410/kristinoldham/blog/teenytinyteacher150.png" /></a></center><center><br />
</center><center>Head on over to Kristin's blog at <a href="http://ateenytinyteacher.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-first-giveaway.html?showComment=1312064622142#c6781501446756954063">Teeny Tiny Teacher</a> to check out her give away of a $20 gift card to Teacher Heaven, I mean Barnes and Noble! </center><center><br />
</center><center>Just another great teacher blog sharing great ideas from the classroom. </center>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-17742024237094212772011-07-29T09:35:00.003-04:002011-07-29T09:38:44.308-04:00Come Meet Some Bloggers!Hop on over to the FB Linky Party....It's a great way to connect and meet bloggers. If you haven't connected with us on FB, head on over to the box in the right sidebar and join us! <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://mrsayalaskinderfun.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeq_452G1bee4xvmeiHTO4TqBkhZwtGjDNr_eAIcDzRn1-UYqcRhJUS_0wOghqXQ5-sbX9B_GcuY3yM9tQDLhfe-lBm9UAaY6Urx5JvyNxUBpjdWhWKAORb8fUhsGNsWI6JTWLQ/s400/Facebook+Mixer2.jpg" width="400" /></a></center>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-85116943551647634012011-07-28T20:36:00.000-04:002011-07-28T20:36:53.295-04:00Another Give AwayHead on over to Sunny Days in Second Grade for an awesome give away opportunity to celebrate 600 followers. It's easy to enter and there are some great products you could win! If you register over there, be sure to tell her you were sent by Susan @ Literacy Coaching so that we can BOTH win! <br />
<center><a href="http://sunnydaysinsecondgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Visit Sunny Days" src="http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww74/jeffboehm/sunnydays.jpg" /></a></center>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-55025273418021616552011-07-28T16:00:00.000-04:002011-07-28T16:00:14.532-04:00TeamsI went to my first "team meeting" this week with my new team! How sweet it was of them to have a get together to just visit and get to know each other prior to the frenzy of the school year. They gave me a great pacing calendar they have created and answered a bunch of my questions. <br />
<br />
It's been a while since I've been the "new person" on campus...so I have to say I've been reflecting on this transition and what we can do when OTHER people are in that position. If you have a new person coming to your team this year, why not hold a meeting just before the actual back to school days? It could be as simple as inviting them for coffee at Starbucks or lunch out somewhere. Trust me, this simple action goes a long way toward easing some of the "first day jitters"! <br />
<br />
And in other "team news"...I have another team who will NOT be with me physically on my school campus next year. But I have friends who are in my network that have been sharing their best and brightest ideas with me. It feels GREAT to know that I am only a phone call or an email away from a whole bunch of support during my transition!Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-18947766358153504682011-07-18T16:45:00.000-04:002011-07-18T16:45:10.269-04:00<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anna at <a href="http://fun-n-first.blogspot.com/">Crazy for First Grade</a> teaming up with </span><span style="color: #7fccff; font-size: large; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://kinderglynn.blogspot.com/">Donna from </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1331921202">Kinderglynn</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://kinderglynn.blogspot.com/"> </a>and </span><span style="color: #7fccff; font-size: large; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/">Jodi from </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1331921207">Clutter-free Classroom</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/"> </a>to throw a HUGE jungle themed giveaway!!! </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Head on over to her blog to get the directions and get signed up! </span></div><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://fun-n-first.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/caralesley/AnnaBrantleyButton-1.png" /></a></center><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Schoolbell; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"></div>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-72755639415182524982011-07-18T09:14:00.000-04:002011-07-18T09:14:28.525-04:00Love this quote:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">“Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” (Not sure the source...but this is well worth consideration) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/790059?wid=180&hei=180&op_sharpen=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kohl's Cares Clifford Plush" border="0" src="http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/790059?wid=180&hei=180&op_sharpen=1" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Did you see that Clifford is on sale at Kohl's? LOVE the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/home.jsp;jsessionid=K2W7Tjvd8pgyT0yNFBRPtn9d0nY1PnK8n8P1m1bc62ly0w2MQ6tN!1226200380!-1460067435">Kohl's Cares for Kids</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> campaign. They have some great literacy materials for kids. I have acquired some great characters and books at a very low cost through this program. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">We are off to find a "Brown Bear" for a great activity that I found over at <a href="http://krazyforkindergarten.blogspot.com/2010/08/first-week-fun.html">Krazy for Kindergarten </a>. I think I'm going to use this as our "Back to School" activity for week 1. It's a great way to incorporate so much learning and assessment in a fun way. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">My new addiction is <a href="http://pinterest.com/susannations/">"Pinterest". </a> I am loving this tool for storing great ideas and projects that I find on the Internet! If you have a Pinterest account, let's link up! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Happy Monday!</span></span>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-26509795709662177002011-07-17T17:26:00.000-04:002011-07-17T17:26:08.052-04:00In with the new...As I said in my last post, I am switching schools. This is something I haven't done in 12 years. In fact, this is the longest I've worked anywhere. So it's a little strange. BUT EXCITING! In the past two Sundays, I have run into two of my new teammates. I have to say this has been interesting (and has gone a long way towards settling my nerves). The person I met (or reaquainted with) today had actually sent a team email this morning, so it was quite timely! It made me consider just what I've done to reach out to new teachers who have stepped into our school in the last 12 years. <br />
<br />
If you have new people joining your staff--either seasoned or brand new--why not find ways to reach out and extend a connection to them? It may be that they are sitting home a little nervous about stepping foot into that new classroom this fall. Simply knowing that someone else cares that they are coming can make such a big difference. It can be a simple email or handwritten note (if you have access to their address). Or you may even make a phone call to invite them to lunch before the hectic activity of preplanning week begins. <br />
<br />
What do you do to ease the transition for a new teacher to your school?Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-86706513305489041642011-07-14T17:31:00.000-04:002011-07-14T17:31:29.389-04:00My Wheels are TURNING!This Fall I will be returning full time to the classroom! Not just any classroom, but the Kindergarten classroom. I could go into the reasons for it here, but I won't. Still, I couldn't be more excited to be making this move! The thing is, my head is SPINNING! <br />
<br />
I've set up a classroom website. <br />
<br />
I've been visiting blogs like CRAZY and am blown away at all the FABULOUS blogs that I see out there. In fact, it is a reminder that it's time to step up the game here on Literacy Coaching! <br />
<br />
I've been finding treasures galore in stores, thrift shops, goodwill and online. So, needless to say, we may be BROKE by the time school starts again. (Just kidding!)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've just discovered "Pinterest" where you can organize all the things you find on the Internet that are of interest to you. So I'm starting to store some things there. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I thought I'd share a little of my handiwork thus far. I decided to have a theme for the classroom, so here it is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOQYBRhqPl902wMDQxHYfJPzZ25v5xrhDx6-6EEGMaxoZarB32lEB_zBHejiXPnZjAF-HFPzKmQtbY4O7vLK6x2JlgDdVsmop7Lo5zpxeSfC4AqVuQi4vWCSc4XLTt4U0rihPmg/s1600/KindergartenHeaderresized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOQYBRhqPl902wMDQxHYfJPzZ25v5xrhDx6-6EEGMaxoZarB32lEB_zBHejiXPnZjAF-HFPzKmQtbY4O7vLK6x2JlgDdVsmop7Lo5zpxeSfC4AqVuQi4vWCSc4XLTt4U0rihPmg/s320/KindergartenHeaderresized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And, along with that theme, I created my very own classroom website (thanks to the coaching of one of my colleagues). The site is <a href="http://mrsnationslearninggarden.weebly.com/">"Mrs. Nations' Learning Garden" </a> and can be found over at http://www.weebly.com<br />
If you're looking for an easy and FREE way to create a website for yourself...head on over there now. It's a great user-friendly site! <br />
<br />
While planning for the garden theme, I discovered this little gem in one of our local children's bookstores: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1-nWFOtDCHxx1lC814O08Q6Kh01wFfKwhalgLj9-GAWHSbqabkKnraohJGGx0ToIlSSXi7UEqbkkAjAd_3rAoyFsAxZUh2Z5vcuIqlJEmIqwxSXzAiLe4g84qqY4AhTRj1H7Dw/s1600/Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1-nWFOtDCHxx1lC814O08Q6Kh01wFfKwhalgLj9-GAWHSbqabkKnraohJGGx0ToIlSSXi7UEqbkkAjAd_3rAoyFsAxZUh2Z5vcuIqlJEmIqwxSXzAiLe4g84qqY4AhTRj1H7Dw/s320/Tree.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>So I started collecting flowers for it and am now praying for an arts-inclined parent to be connected to one of the kids in my new class! <br />
<br />
My Mother-in-Law has been a Godsend as she has started printing out some of the resources we've discovered on the Internet for K. <br />
<br />
Here are a few center activities that are already done and ready for this Kindergarten class: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2Z4NGH2RApbZi_0fx_NefYuOj4_RMZca8VQiLQTbv3XudtFzC2z68ghgl5d78nWtC8XFGP78LVNdU0CiV0cLR9VRg-W-jNHcp05ZIUE8MVLnKmKg6X7_p-KF9Rqp7B7uk5mX6w/s1600/0Spbrk+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2Z4NGH2RApbZi_0fx_NefYuOj4_RMZca8VQiLQTbv3XudtFzC2z68ghgl5d78nWtC8XFGP78LVNdU0CiV0cLR9VRg-W-jNHcp05ZIUE8MVLnKmKg6X7_p-KF9Rqp7B7uk5mX6w/s320/0Spbrk+066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Attach the mouse with ribbon so he can run up the clock. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG_rcfu_sghLbRG_k2PT-RIsG_IX5h7zUSlKDx7TIc5KiJ5hIcm2Yo37wRnuPsXvCg0HUwGNWk3mKzIaKB09Szi0D6cHhcHn6QV7UzXNbmitQHNoqyVoluSMyETQ97VwWgmKW3Q/s1600/0Spbrk+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG_rcfu_sghLbRG_k2PT-RIsG_IX5h7zUSlKDx7TIc5KiJ5hIcm2Yo37wRnuPsXvCg0HUwGNWk3mKzIaKB09Szi0D6cHhcHn6QV7UzXNbmitQHNoqyVoluSMyETQ97VwWgmKW3Q/s320/0Spbrk+109.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Use oven mitts to clap and sort picture cards. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFh8yVL-kDwGxmpzk70_VapbcIC6t77L_r87wfnK8hN1ZyxhH32cD6ZctM9rAkjZ8cmV1YVdIVVW1YqSDeIRawdjW1P47YHFpfP_4AUmjPFGInL578_wTmQjDALfBiHSZijT9KA/s1600/0Spbrk+069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFh8yVL-kDwGxmpzk70_VapbcIC6t77L_r87wfnK8hN1ZyxhH32cD6ZctM9rAkjZ8cmV1YVdIVVW1YqSDeIRawdjW1P47YHFpfP_4AUmjPFGInL578_wTmQjDALfBiHSZijT9KA/s320/0Spbrk+069.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDku8TuUTfBAq-U3tswF-LIwLLGKY0n21TAJuMSD0vj_9-HeGXiZD7F_-qASrPLBOiIvXcrp_lWi0MgsCkx-lv_uKkbapROW1f492GmJ8EXAPxmXTtreAjrCzfg2Ig32umBbsMNw/s1600/0Spbrk+070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDku8TuUTfBAq-U3tswF-LIwLLGKY0n21TAJuMSD0vj_9-HeGXiZD7F_-qASrPLBOiIvXcrp_lWi0MgsCkx-lv_uKkbapROW1f492GmJ8EXAPxmXTtreAjrCzfg2Ig32umBbsMNw/s320/0Spbrk+070.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Manipulate the word cards and the flies to say this fun poem! <br />
<br />
Hopefully when I get into the room, I can do some before and after photos. And people think teachers take "off" in the summer!Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-81019001658290774092011-03-20T16:52:00.000-04:002011-03-20T16:52:53.432-04:00Did You Know?<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Highly effective teachers make incremental change throughout their career? Usually this is includes collaborating with other peer professionals and administration with the intention to see student achievement gains. Here are the hallmarks of this "Deliberate Practice":</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* Continually</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>self-assess</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">and seek</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>feedbac</u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">k on performance, particularly about proficiency on the research based practices linked to student achievement</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">* Focus on "thin slices" - work on mastery of a small quantity of skills each year rather than doing too much at one time..steady growth over time</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">* Identify areas of weakness and/or interest</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">* Select focus area for improvement..a research based practice that is of interest (I want to be able to do that) or where improvement is needed (I need to be able to do that)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">* Determine current level of performance in focus area</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">* Set goal and time frame for improving performance</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">* Seek mentors in area where they are working</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> These habits form a life-long learning process that results in continuous improvement, quality collegial relationships, and higher student achievement. Effective school leaders support teachers' efforts to engage in deliberate practice.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Excerpted from Florida School Leaders Website: http://www.floridaschoolleaders.org </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-33144671641507151602011-03-12T09:48:00.002-05:002011-03-12T09:48:34.986-05:00A GREAT Recycling Idea...Saw this on Facebook today and thought it was worth sharing: <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">" I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">have the best new idea for recycling. Have an old, broken umbrella? Remove it carefully from the wire brackets until you just have a circular piece of material. Cut off the closure string. Now you have a FREE small parachute to use with children. Depending on the size of the umbrella, 4-6 children can use it for parachute play with or without balls! Clever?" </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-12352585059727576442011-03-11T08:55:00.000-05:002011-03-11T08:55:04.757-05:00A Great ChuckleIf you've ever had to help kids get boots, hats, mittens, and such on during the school day, then you'll love this little laugh. I am not sure who to credit with it, as I received it in an email from my 90 year old Grandmother: <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><u style="line-height: 20px;">The Cowboy Boots</u></b> <br style="line-height: 20px;" />(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this one!) <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots? <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />He asked for help and she could see why.. <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet. <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.' <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My mom made me wear 'em.' <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again. <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?' <br style="line-height: 20px;" /><br style="line-height: 20px;" />He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.' </span>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-74537412685069808782011-02-02T06:21:00.000-05:002011-02-02T06:21:55.252-05:00Did You KNOW???<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">"According to a recent international survey of 2,200 mothers, 81% of children under the age of two currently have some form of online presence — ranging from photos uploaded and shared by their parents, to a full-fledged profile on a social networking site. A full 92% of children in the U.S. have an online presence by the time they are two, compared to 73% in western Europe." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">And...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">AVG CEO J.R. Smith said he found it “shocking” that most 30-year-olds have an “online footprint stretching back 10 to 15 years at most, while the vast majority of children today will have online presence by the time they are two years old — a presence that will continue to build throughout their whole lives.”"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/10/07/baby.pictures/index.html?hpt=Sbin">Here's a link to the info on CNN. </a> </span></span>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17738750.post-8723557667951726852011-01-29T15:05:00.000-05:002011-01-29T15:05:34.016-05:00Music + Arts + Literacy = ENGAGEMENTWe just returned from presenting at the <a href="http://www.faae.org/">Florida Alliance for Arts Education</a>'s West Coast Symposium. It was a great day filled with many ideas for integrating arts into core subject areas. Our presentation is called "Music + Arts + Literacy = ENGAGEMENT" and describes how we use all forms of visual and performing arts along with books to help students with their comprehension strategies. This approach to our reading intervention came began from our work with <a href="http://www.heinemann.com/authors/4292.aspx">Tanny McGregor</a>, author of one of our favorite books: Comprehension Connections. <br />
<br />
Using Tanny's book as a springboard has led us to discover some fabulous picture books based on music and, in turn, artwork that supports our teaching. Here is a partial bibliography of books, art prints/paintings, music, and poems to teach each of the seven key areas of comprehension: <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>SCHEMA-<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOOKS/TEXT:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Piggie Pie</u> (T-T connections) Margie Palatini</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The Ghost Eye Tree</u> (T-S connections)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>SONGS:</u> “Whistle a Happy Tune” (The King and I)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Monster Mash”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Popular” (Wicked)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (Toy Story)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><u>ART:</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Scream</i> (Edvard Munch)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>POETRY:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">Poems: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><u>Monster</u></st1:placename><u> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Motel</st1:placetype></u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:placename w:st="on">Doug</st1:placename></st1:place> Flourian </div><div class="MsoNormal">Poems:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>A Little Bit Scary</u> by Gill Davies and Illus. by Gill Guile<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Ghost Train)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>INFERENCE-<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOOKS/TEXT:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Day is Done<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u>by Peter Yarrow<u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">An internet synopsis of the Broadway musical “Annie”</div><div class="MsoNormal">Song lyrics from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tomorrow<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Zoom </u>books by Istvan Banyai</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>SONGS:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Tomorrow” (from Annie)</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Day is Done”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Peter, Paul, and Mary)<u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Cat’s in the Cradle” (Harry Chapin)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>ART:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Artwork of Horace Pippin-<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Examples- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christmas Morning, Breakfast; After Supper; West Chester; Fishing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through Ice; The <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wash</st1:place></st1:state>; Domino Players<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>QUESTIONING-<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOOKS/TEXT:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The Story of Ruby Bridges </u>by Robert Coles</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Through My Eyes</u> by Ruby Bridges</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*Use with Norman Rockwell’s print, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Problem We All Live With</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><u>Frederick</u></st1:city></st1:place> by Leo Lionni</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Grandfather Twilight</u> by Barbara Berger </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>SONGS:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” (Pete Seeger)</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Blowin’ in the Wind”</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Part of Your World” (Disney’s The Little Mermaid)</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Why Not”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hilary Duff)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><u>ART:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where Have All the Flowers Gone?</i> etching by Laura Chassy</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Where Have All the Flowers Gone? </i>by Ladija Ivanek<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(SILA) This work is abstract<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>expressionism.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Problem We All Live With </i>by Norman Rockwell (use with the story of Ruby Bridges)</div><div class="MsoNormal">The work of Jan Vermeer is very appropriate for questioning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>POETRY:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>It’s Raining Pigs and Noodles </u>(Jack Prelutsky)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Examples- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What Oinks?<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why Do I Have to Clean My Room?<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>DETERMINING IMPORTANCE-<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOOKS/TEXT:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The Coat of Many Colors </u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Dolly Parton</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lyrics to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Simple Gifts”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>SONGS:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The Coat of Many Colors </u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Dolly Parton</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Simple Gifts</u> by Jewel</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>ART:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Simple Pair<u> </u></i>by Norma Wilson</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Simple Gifts</i> oil painting by Kimberly Applegate</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>VISUALIZING-</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOOKS/TEXT:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Grandma’s Feather Bed </u>adapted by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Christopher</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Canyon</st1:placename></st1:place> <u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Take Me Home Country Roads </u>adapted by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Christopher</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Canyon</st1:placename></st1:place><u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>SONGS:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">“Grandma’s Feather Bed” by John Denver</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Take Me Home Country Roads” by John Denver</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Thank God I’m a Country Boy” by John Denver</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>ART:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">American Gothic</i> by Grant Wood <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>POETRY:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The New Kid on the Block </u>by Jack Prelutsky-<u> </u>“Michael Built a Bicycle”<u><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>SYNTHESIS-<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOOKS/TEXT:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The Littlest Matroyska</u> by Corinne Demas Bliss<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>For Baby for Bobbie<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>SONGS:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">“<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sunrise</st1:place></st1:city>, Sunset” (from Fiddler on the Roof)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>ART:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sunrise</i></st1:city></st1:place><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> and sunset paintings</i>. One source: <a href="http://www.alloriginals.com/"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.alloriginals.com</span></a>, impressionistic paitings by Daniel Haney</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: green; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.yapespaints.com/.../trees/sunset-sunrise.jpg"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;">www.yapespaints.com/.../trees/sunset-sunrise.jpg</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>METACOGNITION-</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOOKS/TEXT:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Don’t Laugh at Me</u> by Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The Red Book </u>by Barbara Lehman </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">(*Any wordless book is a great tool to develop metacognitive skills.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><u>SONGS:</u></div><div class="MsoNormal">“(Feeling Groovy)</div><div class="MsoNormal">By <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alabama</st1:place></st1:state></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>ADDITIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOKS IN SONG (some with audio cd)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Over the Rainbow (</u>cd performed by Judy Collins)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Colorful World </u>(cd performed by CeCe Winans)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What a Wonderful World</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Goodnight, My Angel- A Lullaby</u> (with cd of Billy Joel)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><u>New York</u></st1:placename><u> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></u></st1:place><u> of Mind (</u>with cd of Billy Joel)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Let’s Sing Together- The Peter Yarrow Songbook</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Love Me Tender (</u>with cd of Elvis Presley)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Say a Little Prayer for You</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>This Land is Your Land</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Puff the Magic Dragon</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Take Me Out to the Ballgame</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div>Susan Nationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17847459982621972361noreply@blogger.com22