tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62195738798483782812024-02-07T15:33:47.880-05:00Dragon's Den CurriculumDragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-72439518468366438602023-10-09T13:08:00.052-04:002023-10-10T12:31:20.295-04:00The Magic of Task Cards: Supercharge Your Teaching<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTI14RlghfuglRsqbijjOAoETQuwAqYYDWjiYGscBTMzztprEev4-0wajV5tYLW_UtSlh1AlPrQmOJ6uwkXU4icaIdRqy8nbDnBwtY1yF5qoi_YBI_INvoR51wEeHTuGFByEAeSkNMenToUg0TYARwLFWZ1DnGQBiEAkHuC1rSMUo8_ri1olP9EGPtY57r/s1841/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1841" data-original-width="1227" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTI14RlghfuglRsqbijjOAoETQuwAqYYDWjiYGscBTMzztprEev4-0wajV5tYLW_UtSlh1AlPrQmOJ6uwkXU4icaIdRqy8nbDnBwtY1yF5qoi_YBI_INvoR51wEeHTuGFByEAeSkNMenToUg0TYARwLFWZ1DnGQBiEAkHuC1rSMUo8_ri1olP9EGPtY57r/w426-h640/Slide1.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"" style="caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's been said that teaching is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. It's a whirlwind of lesson planning, classroom wizardry, and making sure students succeed. Fortunately, there's an easy tool that can make your life easier and ignite your students' learning. It's that simple tool called <b>task cards</b>. In this blog post, we're diving into the world of task cards and how they can sprinkle a little magic into your teaching routine, and make your life a lot easier in the process.</span></p><h2 style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; line-height: 1.333333; margin: 2rem 0px 1rem; white-space: pre-wrap;">Task Cards: Your Teaching Sidekick</h2><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Task cards may not wear capes, but they're superheroes in the classroom. These little cards pack a punch with specific tasks, questions, or activities that cover a wide range of subjects and levels. The best part? They're super versatile and can adapt to fit your teaching style and your students' needs.</span></p><h2 style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; line-height: 1.333333; margin: 2rem 0px 1rem; white-space: pre-wrap;">How Task Cards Save the Day</h2><ol style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Ready at a Moment's Notice:</strong> Task cards are ready to go and can zero in on any standard. PLUS they are versatile. They can be used in centers, for games, a quick review or even homework.</span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">A Quick Assessment:</strong> Checking task card activities is a breeze compared to traditional assignments. It's a quick way to gauge your students' understanding without getting bogged down in endless grading. That means you save time!</span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Student Independence:</strong> Once your students are task card experts, they can tackle them on their own or in groups. That means you get more one-on-one time with those who need it most.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>They're Not Worksheets:</b> Kids get fed up with another worksheet coming their way. Task cards cover the same standards and just as deeply, but they feel more like a game.</span></p></li></ol><h2 style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; line-height: 1.333333; margin: 2rem 0px 1rem; white-space: pre-wrap;">Boosting Student Achievement with Task Cards</h2><ol style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Engagement:</strong> Task cards are designed to be eye-catching and interactive, turning even the most reluctant learners into eager participants. They're like a classroom invitation to the ultimate learning party!</span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Differentiation:</strong> Task cards are your secret weapon for differentiation. Whether you need different sets or varying question levels, you've got the power to meet every student where they're at.</span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Teamwork:</strong> Group activities with task cards foster collaboration. Students can join forces to solve problems, discuss concepts, and become real-life superheroes of teamwork!</span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Self-Grading:</strong> Many task card activities come with answer keys or self-check options. Students get that sweet instant feedback, boosting their confidence and helping them pinpoint areas for improvement and become responsible for their own learning.</span></p></li></ol><h2 style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; line-height: 1.333333; margin: 2rem 0px 1rem; white-space: pre-wrap;">Task Cards in Action</h2><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let's peek at some real-world examples across different subjects:</span></p><ol style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; list-style: none; margin: 1.25em 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Math Marvels:</strong> Task cards make math actually fun! Students can tackle everything from basic operations to mind-boggling algebra. It's a math adventure, one card at a time. That's actually the key...It's one card at a time! They don't overwhelm kids!</span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Language Arts Fun:</strong> From vocabulary and grammar to reading adventures and creative writing prompts – the possibilities are endless!</span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box;">Science Sparks:</strong> Science task cards take students on a journey of exploration. They can experiment, research, and think critically while unraveling the mysteries of the universe – all thanks to task cards.</span></p></li></ol><h2 style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; line-height: 1.333333; margin: 2rem 0px 1rem; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unleash Your Teaching Superpowers!</h2><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the hustle and bustle of the modern classroom, every second counts. Task cards swoop in to save the day, making teaching more efficient and fun! They're the secret ingredient in the recipe for successful, engaging, and stress-free lessons. Task cards are your trusty sidekick, helping you unlock the magic of learning in your classroom. </span></p><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Dragon's Den is just the place for Common Core Aligned Task Cards for grades 2-5 in reading, math and science! Check out a few:</h2><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Main-Idea-or-Theme-Task-Cards-For-3rd-4th-and-5th-grades-2408091" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="922" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR8FhU1YBO3BFxh6eXkiUQKeXXE3zGSGcvm2o4xuJRh695if9a6DUXzHrLCU7Dt0WPiXiXIf_Ht6JP8TOdEkaEkWO5hL8CaUYb6WHTxjVjb1B8CypC44jlIaEyD4_RSOfFMCo-O6a09Zkd5n7mZPvjEs_Yl0C5uDPDPFHUmPSdzcqIPlivQOGHEwGH6Y7/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-09%20at%201.03.49%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3rd-Grade-Context-Clues-in-Fiction-Literal-and-Nonliteral-Text-Task-Cards-4941246" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="892" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uJIBTg3ICFQ57eiGYb1HfgW_UBxkvrXgyfzxymP_A5ig6OLcfrxitbRqzA2K27f-NgnB6sOnJ7TnuTTkpEdUKWVst1ObaK5uUHjn52RflakdNrewSRhnpaM6yNQqk3Z1qykvAnJl1pFtm2Q5C6CdUPpNc_J2WMWbSg_zEHFJkeXJn4wUmtitp7UT48wf/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-09%20at%201.05.04%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-1742713681678239912023-08-18T13:27:00.001-04:002023-08-18T13:27:27.770-04:00Homophones: Brain Food for Your Students!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ9WiU2jT0wgODE6vbRgsENq68U6osaAVAtIlLTv2YQK_TZQKoZ_3NlTnBl7PEkCtt6tDIyChjYvkc2pbgvhmSPhhv3rInlbBzAIsLjiXrO4CS7UYTnNBNhXR2Vgr2pFKDXC_kdPRRkGptF65Kybat8wtddHZChe7BlP_yqpjeWJ-S4621-0-Vv09mSBf/s1841/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1841" data-original-width="1227" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJ9WiU2jT0wgODE6vbRgsENq68U6osaAVAtIlLTv2YQK_TZQKoZ_3NlTnBl7PEkCtt6tDIyChjYvkc2pbgvhmSPhhv3rInlbBzAIsLjiXrO4CS7UYTnNBNhXR2Vgr2pFKDXC_kdPRRkGptF65Kybat8wtddHZChe7BlP_yqpjeWJ-S4621-0-Vv09mSBf/w426-h640/Slide1.png" width="426" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Did you know that mastering homophones is actually the <b>secret sauce </b>to supercharging language skills for your students, not just for today but for their lifetime? Think of homophones as "brain food", because those small words have a big impact!</span></p><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"></strong></span></p><ol style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; list-style: none; margin: 1.25em 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">1. Vocabulary Expansion</strong>: Learning homophones introduces children to new words and increases their vocabulary, giving them the ability to express themselves better.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">2. Language Play</strong>: Exploring homophones allows kids to engage in language play and experiment with sounds, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of phonetics.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">3. Critical Thinking</strong>: Telling the difference between homophones requires critical thinking as students must consider context and meaning to choose the correct word, sharpening their analytical skills.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">4. Contextual Understanding</strong>: Using homophones correctly helps kids understand the importance of context in communication, improving their comprehension skills.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">5. Spelling Proficiency</strong>: Learning homophones reinforces spelling skills as children need to differentiate between similar-sounding words and choose the right spelling for the given context.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">6. Enhanced Listening Skills</strong>: Identifying homophones requires attentive listening to subtle differences in pronunciation, enhancing auditory discrimination skills.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">7. Improved Reading Comprehension</strong>: Recognizing homophones aids in understanding text better, leading to greater reading comprehension and interpretation of written material.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">8. Language Precision</strong>: Understanding and using homophones correctly encourages kids to be precise in their language, promoting effective communication.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">9. Cognitive Flexibility</strong>: Grasping the nuances of homophones promotes cognitive flexibility, helping children adapt their communication skills in various contexts.</span></p><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);">10. Linguistic Awareness</strong>: Learning homophones builds an awareness of the complexities of language, fostering a lifelong appreciation for language diversity and structure.</span></p></li></ol><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-bold);"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have to add this one:</span></strong></p><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever noticed the wrong use of a homophone (there, their, they're is a big one) in a note a parent has sent you? It doesn't make a very good impression, does it? Mastering homophones in elementary school saves your students later...maybe when they write a note to their own child's teacher! </span></p><p style="border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(55, 65, 81); color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are looking for FUN homophone resources that are a guaranteed roadmap to homophone mastery for your students, check out these resources from Dragon's Den:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homophone-Worksheets-and-Activities-for-3rd-4th-and-5th-Graders-10026514" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1054" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVXcaI2pziIUI_qqCYCRS0l6qTXSQMIL4IgtHSQLEtqJRT9Wbv2TmEHZs5CVqNT-K4H2w5QHFwAdc8A1QEsIo1hB4OjNyTPV2dw9BE7X96QW-fkBrPIBG-WmTm2qdzRIzkZxens4i8mkP2lg2LnEwGLnMYEbs7n-Hkh4oNudeKdF8oDkgNJsHJEv-a5YX/w288-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-18%20at%201.21.46%20PM.png" width="288" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homophone-Exit-Slips-for-3rd-4th-and-5th-Grades-10005140" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1318" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYV3INP1sSTDkci78JDy8gpqjTYero1HzIu3lQyvjyHtBvvK0Aq2dhWe6XYTwDR0fGOHantmNQXbxO-Y9u9R64cjH5UrxlTEGxNvHGjv32oFlZ4ROXp1FfSsG-YP_EErouOV5Zxy5mWyiJtZD5_PRwOJZJzvS8NV_1DHNyCBvG7qDKQ52ksfK1dFVn2go/w289-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-18%20at%201.21.20%20PM.png" width="289" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-67098615647290317122023-08-03T13:31:00.007-04:002023-08-03T13:35:14.514-04:008 Slam-Dunk Activities to make Maps and Globes FUN!<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qTPXw6LbnGmnOALxWAPqJdK2VNJtCEyIAfHnkAVtnYhDSvlUMkV-szeG0AJqbriqZQbiKMAH-EVrj23HXgxz0csYMIA15b_y-KTjgj9zHZFA0JLzFJB4_M-wcA2kXw8jj_dw5NVKX3X0c7MxyyAoseobfAw2tWtsn8BsoPqADIVXJyaV6sLwEcQ8vXcw/s1322/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-03%20at%201.29.13%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="896" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qTPXw6LbnGmnOALxWAPqJdK2VNJtCEyIAfHnkAVtnYhDSvlUMkV-szeG0AJqbriqZQbiKMAH-EVrj23HXgxz0csYMIA15b_y-KTjgj9zHZFA0JLzFJB4_M-wcA2kXw8jj_dw5NVKX3X0c7MxyyAoseobfAw2tWtsn8BsoPqADIVXJyaV6sLwEcQ8vXcw/w434-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-03%20at%201.29.13%20PM.png" width="434" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Maps! It's time to put a unit together that will really grab your 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade students' interest. Where to begin? (heavy sigh here). Rest easy! Read on for a few ideas to really boost map skills for your students while putting FUN into your unit. There's more... download the included great freebie to get you started!</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Can't miss ideas to make your unit hit the mark!</span></h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Include storytelling: Learning for millennia has been through stories. Why? It works. It's the way our brain works. So use stories about characters that travel. Plot their paths on a map. For example, think about Alice in Wonderland. Making a map of her adventures really pulls in students! It puts map skills to work!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Create personalized maps: Once your students have learned about maps, give them the chance to make maps about their own world, or a fictional world from their favorite book.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Map-inspired Art: Encourage artistic expression by having your students create art pieces inspired by maps. For instance, paint a landscape from a map, design a map-themed mural, etc.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Create a community map with the class: Showcase points of interest in the community, landmarks, rivers and such. Don't forget the map key. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Map-based Storytelling: Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a map of a different imaginary world. Challenge them to collaborate and create a story based on their map, complete with characters and plot twists. It's a chance to use map skills in a fun a creative way.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Map-themed Snack Time: Have a map-themed snack time, students enjoy snacks from different countries or regions. Discuss the locations on a world map while enjoying flavors of the world. This would be really fun if students brought in a simple snack from their heritage.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Map Show and Tell: Have students bring in or draw their own maps of a place they'd like to visit. During a show and tell session, they present their maps and describe the locations and why they'd like to go there.</span></li><li><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Map Design Challenge: Challenge your students to design a fantasy map for a fictional world, complete with landforms and landmarks. This stimulates critical thinking and creativity...that's another way of saying they LEARN the curriculum. </span></span></li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Want a fun Freebie to drop into your unit? Check out:</span></h4><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Map-Grid-Lesson-Freebie-2136653#show-price-update" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="876" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZuDc-qS0kXrb-2hM8G3D4PzbEI1LGzwKGVi4VMcsaG5qhabkhccFKOQDfkuEPLMsrIFmnfyGDPKZzqgp4xWWuvDtXMLuwthYdnFTxBNIzabENhJLiS3VXuVB3Tu76uFXHZ01ufWmSixueY6K4d3TUB8er_4WHo74GZBMj6L47EEBkW-HsqWJezYd-4A6/w400-h394/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-03%20at%2012.27.41%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Map-Grid-Lesson-Freebie-2136653#show-price-update" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1227" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLsLCc4A9_IccI8VksfEPytZ2w60nrqbk7zbcF7uTeTzCsgKfFVQkSCb0Q5exFtj_r6VwNCjqrfn-3W7gzsM7jpvSO9NxDoGM7TBKO2FXFejK7XE_ya3EZAyczEi60kB1FVfbDstNMeKbdEuX6vBSylDebIm_7-IdZJBgU3A1mtaB-EPoCMdflbfWVpgj/w400-h400/Slide1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Map-skills-Unit-Print-and-Digital-2130299" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="1232" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqu7SvR9vsov9qg2IS0qQYqWXXF2f7iMTxJXSD0qhMM7_Se-foluRqoVbUFQjpt8Cke87zpCzRWjummfR8JK_gLWbwTO2sE_Zbs627CnW8mPayA5Tru-BKaqF6lW_BwPBPrI6VMfpaxswxrxhnQfKJDYq_P_BzlC5h1Jzp89V1ngVYzs2pvxTMKAEZ2Reo/w477-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-03%20at%2012.30.48%20PM.png" width="477" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></li></ul></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-41612925342306852092023-01-26T11:59:00.000-05:002023-01-26T11:59:37.992-05:00Make Dry Erase Boards for Pennies!<p> </p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8UT9PErzuGwY-QW0ZF7EudDLoIW_li30n0fT94OlTYWPTpcsleNdHGZSquPK-FzJ8HlaqFe9AKzfbsTFbS0mu1qvLq4KK8GyikSSysQWLGvpQ7w0Qswy-2zgRpb5aaDEj6-1V1wbbPMqnk6QKUTyMfkPJxBgBTMzMc0O7ZVLYQElokJ9Uxd-55F6Uw/s1252/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.30.15%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="856" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8UT9PErzuGwY-QW0ZF7EudDLoIW_li30n0fT94OlTYWPTpcsleNdHGZSquPK-FzJ8HlaqFe9AKzfbsTFbS0mu1qvLq4KK8GyikSSysQWLGvpQ7w0Qswy-2zgRpb5aaDEj6-1V1wbbPMqnk6QKUTyMfkPJxBgBTMzMc0O7ZVLYQElokJ9Uxd-55F6Uw/w438-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.30.15%20AM.png" width="438" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;">Dry-erase boards are the one pice of equipment I just can't teach without! They are easy to carry anywhere, allow me to check answers for everyone in the class at a glance, and kids love to use them. It's a win, win, win!</span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;">My problem was always the cost. They are pricy little devils. Then I found a quick and easy (and cheap) way to get a whole class set in only a few minutes. I always let the kids take them home at the end of the year, but NEVER during the year. I always have a few extra, but they are to replace boards that get beaten up for one reson or another. There aren't many that go bad, but when they do, they need to be replaced. </div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;">So, follow the simple directions below and you'll have your class set!</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Materials:</h4><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">I live near a Home Depot, so I go there. I'm sure other stores like it would also have everything you need. BUT, if you want a <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/l/search/3819">Home Depot</a> there are a lot of them out there! It takes one 4' by 8' piece of Eucatile. It sells for $13.97. That's 43 cents per board. It has a slick white surface, which is perfect for a dry-erase board. I've also heard it called "white board". </div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">Home Depot will cut it up for you at a small cost, BUT I have always told them I was a teacher, and it will be dry-erase boards for my students. They have always cut if for me for free, which I always appreciate! Each finished dry-erase board is 12" by 12".</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">This is what Eucatile looks like. It is found in the Millworks section of the store. You will recognize it because it is white, shiny and slick.</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><br style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;" /><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><br style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;" /><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJt_LK7SGfvb4GnUI_R227jur9tFwbonGE8gcvkrqa_eEyfTxCetrLNRcFSHvaVUD6DEvAcggOHnLsj2fO2eni5cDb1pEYrmMX9qH9HCsyif9xCrz09sPOzvJ2S4aJS7HGZZnognzrv8sQdphfcIdGHFV4m4LyNMwRgNGSS-2BrFbokX2Jig7S9UTDA/s640/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.30.30%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="640" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJt_LK7SGfvb4GnUI_R227jur9tFwbonGE8gcvkrqa_eEyfTxCetrLNRcFSHvaVUD6DEvAcggOHnLsj2fO2eni5cDb1pEYrmMX9qH9HCsyif9xCrz09sPOzvJ2S4aJS7HGZZnognzrv8sQdphfcIdGHFV4m4LyNMwRgNGSS-2BrFbokX2Jig7S9UTDA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.30.30%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="pinit-wrapper" style="cursor: pointer; left: 304px; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 1273.5px; visibility: hidden; z-index: 9999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2016/03/make-dry-erase-boards-for-pennies.html&media=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoEhwsMYB2-zLtduznc7vmhA-TUHhjnVnNJWoweqEw1JAeaQ-7yG5jyHprjCVKPGduzjACHRyrlGY9K4MlqjZEMizSz7izfJbrzC6sgaz8IGyeLdIrgvMiK1blkWMIOGPXGdefBe6xy4of/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-02+at+3.18.15+PM.png&description=Make%20Dry-Erase%20Boards%20for%20Pennies!" style="color: #5cc0c2; display: block; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img class="pinimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVR0uKF6CxGflBbBKXsey_FiF7exjO3jBkplvyA3_KAyZ6fFnJnjImGshyB1CSVksF8jOpQGKkcC3icv81Oh_vTpy1PPQiGPP6GQefP0M_cFvEb2SLSOPlA0M-V3a4UU9T0WC_FbbnOzG/s1600/pinterestx1_72.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" title="Pin on Pinterest" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">The first step is to get someone who looks friendly (you want it cut for free----right?) and he will take it to the cutting station. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpDq2qJlAzRpuPQ352toXoGz7EU-8FB8h4XUYmUBoVIvjd7S61aanDYsEdekhhmhUoPFARqWsjSqaQS4b6Br-Eu10ODotrJCvii28OQouoIiYekx0FeKV6VOizfQmcZAkAyKuOefCAVe5WujpOw1jp_VRzUk8F86_omFi1EvaqrN3UcYsULxewlwWaw/s642/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.30.45%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="642" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpDq2qJlAzRpuPQ352toXoGz7EU-8FB8h4XUYmUBoVIvjd7S61aanDYsEdekhhmhUoPFARqWsjSqaQS4b6Br-Eu10ODotrJCvii28OQouoIiYekx0FeKV6VOizfQmcZAkAyKuOefCAVe5WujpOw1jp_VRzUk8F86_omFi1EvaqrN3UcYsULxewlwWaw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.30.45%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="pinit-wrapper" style="cursor: pointer; left: 304px; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 1581px; visibility: hidden; z-index: 9999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2016/03/make-dry-erase-boards-for-pennies.html&media=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUQcUZpC9reSvbFb7aRK5ApW_TzGdr8hebiQwifTXb1eknOxeIt3qYPke10KvwK9oVhQJErK1DkQf78SvWuir5eHj0Wkp8dsIIJRFgkqmfO7p3zJdzQAn3wUCa7aUmOtuxjX1I_IXxrzY/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-02+at+3.18.06+PM.png&description=Make%20Dry-Erase%20Boards%20for%20Pennies!" style="color: #5cc0c2; display: block; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img class="pinimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVR0uKF6CxGflBbBKXsey_FiF7exjO3jBkplvyA3_KAyZ6fFnJnjImGshyB1CSVksF8jOpQGKkcC3icv81Oh_vTpy1PPQiGPP6GQefP0M_cFvEb2SLSOPlA0M-V3a4UU9T0WC_FbbnOzG/s1600/pinterestx1_72.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" title="Pin on Pinterest" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">I just tell them that I want it to be cut into one foot sections. The first thing they do it cut it into one foot by four foot strips. There are 8 of these strips.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIswAesQ61PaLdavfkbJYGLstHh_OBxqwMjTLFQpT16YAzAHjYgI1MfqrftKqZG2eHXlEJV-QKsVU7ibra8Adwj0obO70VlMHMw9eF9eT91oPRlVqcF-gq2fH16l0Uu3Vrf7ddP26MjBuSpAaoFFwf_0Cwa5Njb8FocAFnYwjRdMRjWsYRAgtuPP2xrw/s636/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.31.11%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="636" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIswAesQ61PaLdavfkbJYGLstHh_OBxqwMjTLFQpT16YAzAHjYgI1MfqrftKqZG2eHXlEJV-QKsVU7ibra8Adwj0obO70VlMHMw9eF9eT91oPRlVqcF-gq2fH16l0Uu3Vrf7ddP26MjBuSpAaoFFwf_0Cwa5Njb8FocAFnYwjRdMRjWsYRAgtuPP2xrw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.31.11%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="pinit-wrapper" style="cursor: pointer; left: 304px; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 1888.5px; visibility: hidden; z-index: 9999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2016/03/make-dry-erase-boards-for-pennies.html&media=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjhkjPrVmNZ_gswrGWAKdntRn2WkyHskj5p_DOh-ZuHxOpaoMFzFAODvF5gJmUchzrC0TvCKgHy08RUkpdzn29FWAG4iZejjYfKIe8bb1T2UR5prGjWaQFqJhTi1vv9QVBkev_CBMQEdE/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-02+at+3.18.27+PM.png&description=Make%20Dry-Erase%20Boards%20for%20Pennies!" style="color: #5cc0c2; display: block; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img class="pinimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVR0uKF6CxGflBbBKXsey_FiF7exjO3jBkplvyA3_KAyZ6fFnJnjImGshyB1CSVksF8jOpQGKkcC3icv81Oh_vTpy1PPQiGPP6GQefP0M_cFvEb2SLSOPlA0M-V3a4UU9T0WC_FbbnOzG/s1600/pinterestx1_72.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" title="Pin on Pinterest" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">Next he will take the 4 by 1 foot strips and cut them into one foot squares.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj_HaFX5jjQT7nQpxZkYf7RPfTOqK9iUtJ5WqY_hnHfSsvRokUIDyLa-u5iifRxMd8Fnw1wjeqleMgDBkLtfQNWmM9Znh6tNvbsbhiv-Craa4YAE9ds4-SbvQ5aX-rUPh66qEfM-hHUZOoihbgJTGb6UMQrdFBg3m1QDS88nc90-d2qTZUQwvT0wnRQ/s638/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.31.25%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="638" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivj_HaFX5jjQT7nQpxZkYf7RPfTOqK9iUtJ5WqY_hnHfSsvRokUIDyLa-u5iifRxMd8Fnw1wjeqleMgDBkLtfQNWmM9Znh6tNvbsbhiv-Craa4YAE9ds4-SbvQ5aX-rUPh66qEfM-hHUZOoihbgJTGb6UMQrdFBg3m1QDS88nc90-d2qTZUQwvT0wnRQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.31.25%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">When he is done you have 32 boards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmsXMhwcYqAlx2ce5qUhuoj_CA_SAl3ODHJrITVlkn4Uk0bJBAaVqFkP-b0ajc1T0f-lOt966wWxAw2fsnAFiWpgyVtIf2_rVSyRLbH7wdZwY8y95U5H__Hk32zE7g8sfN_xC_4PO2pdsFbrbpvduz59gMq_nOGerVjX-F4wuchEoXHNX-sJlLAMXeQ/s640/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.31.39%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="640" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmsXMhwcYqAlx2ce5qUhuoj_CA_SAl3ODHJrITVlkn4Uk0bJBAaVqFkP-b0ajc1T0f-lOt966wWxAw2fsnAFiWpgyVtIf2_rVSyRLbH7wdZwY8y95U5H__Hk32zE7g8sfN_xC_4PO2pdsFbrbpvduz59gMq_nOGerVjX-F4wuchEoXHNX-sJlLAMXeQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%2011.31.39%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="pinit-wrapper" style="cursor: pointer; left: 304px; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 2457px; visibility: hidden; z-index: 9999;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2016/03/make-dry-erase-boards-for-pennies.html&media=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8z7zDkbqr0KxwxtC49k68BArgDEenKeIDIYo-qQq8wn3LYHKKcGit3ph1EVG_hNep-m82WgG2mo21C6dDvVLPZwAukfkn8CYB-za6vvRCFcGjgAn2LceBtvrTGUN3upzMK9Q4xMEuz-L/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-03-02+at+3.17.58+PM.png&description=Make%20Dry-Erase%20Boards%20for%20Pennies!" style="color: #5cc0c2; display: block; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img class="pinimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVR0uKF6CxGflBbBKXsey_FiF7exjO3jBkplvyA3_KAyZ6fFnJnjImGshyB1CSVksF8jOpQGKkcC3icv81Oh_vTpy1PPQiGPP6GQefP0M_cFvEb2SLSOPlA0M-V3a4UU9T0WC_FbbnOzG/s1600/pinterestx1_72.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" title="Pin on Pinterest" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;">The whole process takes about 15 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">You don't have to tape the edges. I have never had a child get cut on an edge in over eight years. Have each child write their name on the back with a sharpie, and bring an old sock from home for an eraser. My school provided dry-erase markers, but with cut backs you may need to ask students to bring a couple of those as well. I only used black, since it was easy for me to see when they held up the boards. I told my students that the board was theirs, but they could NOT take it home until the last day of school. That rule came about after my first year of using them. Many, many, many never came back to school. Irritating, and not fun for me. The boards hold up amazingly well throughout the school year, but there are some that get pretty beat-up. Since 32 boards come from one sheet of Eucatile, I always had extra to replace boards with. </div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;"></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">How to use dry-erase boards in class?</h4><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">1. Reading: Answer question and hold up the board. You can see immediately see who needs help. They are perfect for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-Boot-Camp-349177">guided reading</a>!!</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">2. Math: Work together or alone, hold up the board for teacher to check. It's an easy way to check for understanding...very quick!</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">3. Spelling: Practice words, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homophone-Bundle-Boom-Cards-L33-L41g-L52e-3902267">homophones,</a> etc.</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">4. Writing: Practice hooks, better adjectives etc.</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">5. They are perfect fore groupwork, individual practice and centers. Honestly, I used them many, many times throughout the day!</div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;"></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(99, 60, 21); clear: both; color: #633c15; font-family: Cantarell; font-size: 17.6px;">The ways to use dry erase boards in the classroom are endless...and kids love them!</div>Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-52048108808310022732022-11-07T12:40:00.001-05:002023-01-26T12:02:57.100-05:00What is Guided Reading Instruction?<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr2hC5Iz7QDh48H1aXtcFKrcl_kZZJdqteiUGdZg0QOtJVJUen7i6ShS5eGbHpGXkFV-DOFXjWT0hXdYDpBr53bQmUXt-FDoaXS_Lhnyz4jLEU-qQ3qpRKxPc_fQbdc8BGLDuZ-J4MUQU4y56BZG7h6Ogcqb52nVZW9ivjEdtZKZddXOtioYnnP2e9Q/s1841/Slide1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1841" data-original-width="1227" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr2hC5Iz7QDh48H1aXtcFKrcl_kZZJdqteiUGdZg0QOtJVJUen7i6ShS5eGbHpGXkFV-DOFXjWT0hXdYDpBr53bQmUXt-FDoaXS_Lhnyz4jLEU-qQ3qpRKxPc_fQbdc8BGLDuZ-J4MUQU4y56BZG7h6Ogcqb52nVZW9ivjEdtZKZddXOtioYnnP2e9Q/w426-h640/Slide1.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> So! You're in the lion's den. You've been told to teach guided reading, given some materials and set free to create reading miracles. Cool. But as you sit at your desk, do you ask yourself, "How do I do guided reading anyway?" You are not alone!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I struggled for months trying to get it right. I went to workshop after workshop, read everything I had time to read about guided reading, (not a ton of time, I assure you) and set to work trying one thing and then another to find strategies that work with my reading groups. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>To answer the question posed by this post,</b> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-Boot-Camp-349177">guided reading</a> is small group reading instruction that uses a group of strategies to help students increase to higher and higher levels of difficulty and achievement. Sounds straight forward, but it takes knowledge about the process. It's not magic, it's teaching at its best. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Take a deep breath. Your guided reading program may be a little different from other teachers. That's ok. Like everything else in teaching, it's an art. There are basic principals that work, and elevate your instruction to a level that helps student learning not only take place, but soar. Guided reading really does work, and it works well. Below are links to five guided reading posts that take on five areas that will set you on the right path to guided reading mastery. There are <b>freebies </b>included with most posts, and lots of information you can implement today. So, if you are just starting your guided reading program, or if you are looking to make it run better and smoother, The posts below will take you step-by-step through the process.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Getting Started!</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/04/searching-for-guided-reading-materials.html">Searching for Guided Reading Materials</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/dont-run-away-from-running-records.html">Don't Hide from Running Records</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2014/10/guided-readingwhat-are-other-kids-doing.html">Guided Reading: What Are the Other Kids Doing?</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/creating-guided-reading-schedule-that.html">Creating a Guided Reading Schedule That Works</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/here-comes-guided-reading.html">Here Comes Guided Reading</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/take-closer-look-at-guided-reading.html">Take a Closer Look At Guided Reading</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you want a detailed resource that will lead you step-by-step through the guided reading process, check out:</span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-Boot-Camp-349177" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="882" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_vb0L44iEug56FYkXvkRgRxy62fxuK8R2PmZuPVDGHFolKkFVPFCOTZ9GcSU_14vt3xXnPS92fPctE9Laz_qkeWIs2_V_nvoH2agRBWqI28LCv3_XLZI0xp_rBfmkJRWNjkiY58OfIG-Z-pfl-qWBBNkThHYnDd0JLAQj57HqThy8dDDWZ-Vz9o-0A/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-07%20at%2011.57.16%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-30021738135223795132022-09-01T13:26:00.028-04:002023-09-20T13:50:52.604-04:00<br />
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Trying to find good math games for math centers or cooperative learning can be a time consuming prospect. I've found some really good ones for different areas of the math curriculum. One site has PDFs, and the IXL site is an amazing resource for Common Core activities. Hope you enjoy them!<br />
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This is a great game called "Ivy's Meadow". It's perfect for second and third graders to practice addition and subtraction. Click the lady bug to begin, then choose easy, difficult, or expert. Then start playing! Students can choose to add or subtract a particular number by clicking on the up and down arrows. Cute, colorful and good practice!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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This is a FUN way to practice those math facts in addition, subtration, multiplication and division! Enjoy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hoodamath.com/games/skatermath.html">Click Here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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If you are not familiar with IXL, don't waste another minute. This link goes to fourth grade, but you can click your grade level on the left hand side. Every Common Core math strand is listed, with a corresponding activity to use in the classroom. OHHH so helpful!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-4">Click Here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Defeat the Math Monster is terrific practice for grades 1-4 (you choose the difficulty, plus addition, subtraction, multiplication or division). It's great for math centers. Students get 15 answers right to defeat the monster. There is a video to watch that shows just what to do!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://mrnussbaum.com/monster/">Click Here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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I love this one! Kids drag and drop answers and the pictures are totally engaging!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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This site is FILLED with second grade math PDFs, activities and handouts for many strands of the math curriculum. (Great for 3rd grade review too). It includes penguin math, snowflake activities, snowmen and glyphs! Don't miss this one!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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OMG! I LOVE this one for fast math practice. Kids choose the pretzel they want to be, then arm wrestle another pretzel. To win they must answer a math question fast! It includes an instructional video on how to play the game…it doesn't get much better than this!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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Are you working on time? This fun game has four skill levels that include time to the half-hour, to the quarter hour, the minute and elapsed time. Be sure to watch the instructional video to learn how to move the clock hands. VERY nice game!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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Freebie Time!</h2>
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Mental Math is a vital skill for all students. Here's a little freebie to get them started on developing this important skill!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Freebie-Mental-Math-Thinkers-1646632" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="874" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJ9zqoHo1Fd9AWz_8UZTiZZoxJY6kdvpJ9T_an4kZ88WTcxzkQAzfrgN8GPv-6rRyMrVSsWLgGP3nEAHIDUZq2c64nABINU4T6h4-P6bcCnfmI0HPC3nW_UutXJ0KM3uILJtwD9SNGLtW3__Da2JvkwPqPU4Yc9Bbm49et6zwkq8znVluH7yzD_lneQzd/w400-h395/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-14%20at%2010.16.33%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Freebie-Mental-Math-Thinkers-1646632" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="864" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkrzHy27GJfTrlGM2XsBq1agpQF5dBu8L-wmjmDJumDRvaxqy7ELQmNmnYpkGOU-IFTSEmRbZGvAgifH108BRT6aAEwiPfJoWjD44tAV7crILeZcLlthNkyrTMT0_2eSG3jjOQowBwmZSLlqekYj3X-1siuzwxLJb9kj7jm72HH5Ww2aLxYF9SeEHHD9S/w400-h301/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-14%20at%2010.16.42%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Are you are interested in Math resources? If so, check out the resources below, just click on the cover.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Teaching-Unit-Print-and-Digital-for-2nd-3rd-and-4th-Grades-267590" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="872" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_tJurPrl_t9vvWiTEFA6zdxZEDMHjPAnyu9fuA3fHuM0Ec6jXBOUeA94gZIUxz3P5ZJwIZ2Ax7MrDwx5JOTUIO6HdE7wozls5KB6RZzR30qrNMiSU6WmfLwdQM5pV-6CquT8e1p3VHRvl3syvyPdVP7ztDkZYaoGDKQ6FdjOzQage9jUrRy58iNOWA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-30%20at%203.39.08%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/4th-Grade-Multiplication-Word-Problems-Task-Card-Pack-4OAA3-4OAA2-4NBTB-2789663" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="844" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2ZJM60LPCRO3Mvkp2OS8OKsW9svArtAUhHLDi8aRuEcoRPbpy5dXSduB4Qug1JpOjFcdkjPmJrWLqgm2dUKMjqFKXALT2xEYY921vejqaXKMTd0arFyJ2yb969TRQ4SDcobHQ_hjG5AhKmvajGYtvD8R1YjhulbwnyVoMmGN4aKBnq4hqBOzUcDJBW3G/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-20%20at%201.47.52%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Division-Games-and-Task-Cards-Rabbit-Race-602587" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="840" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dFtr59MR0ftSWKFN2HCcJDt5CNNP8omWhELrluyv5DMResTsvkr40XWsMRBGQL8x3I7C7xk0FoNolU2bnjANHO72_P8yTWlAqMIGg_4K9saT70NkfS5AiwFRv_fsTut7NsyID-40vWaHM_ObB7Ak0HO1pWqHbuxa5zFRQoM4pbYcf999rpYW9qY3pOjS/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-20%20at%201.49.57%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-77053122253626347492022-08-31T14:06:00.011-04:002023-09-14T10:25:25.259-04:00Text Features Freebies!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuQ1wuqCJAHTSZ6fn7objCjN6rXqePtnumII4ho1-0LN61zjFrarw_ZVdppXAEAudhhbpP1yoqDWPtqE7liNvRqSTz8Go87CMvQ0qn63BRyHb6TiRNr9ngWbD0QZYgMMRZFVt13MeOLq0O2okRKsJEEtE6yz8-c4Tg-Dm2K_lfX469nKaRQLbftMD4g/s2249/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2249" data-original-width="1227" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuQ1wuqCJAHTSZ6fn7objCjN6rXqePtnumII4ho1-0LN61zjFrarw_ZVdppXAEAudhhbpP1yoqDWPtqE7liNvRqSTz8Go87CMvQ0qn63BRyHb6TiRNr9ngWbD0QZYgMMRZFVt13MeOLq0O2okRKsJEEtE6yz8-c4Tg-Dm2K_lfX469nKaRQLbftMD4g/w350-h640/Slide1.png" width="350" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I may be crazy, but I love teaching text features! It's a great time to pull out the informational texts that kids love. Dinosaurs, bugs, monkeys, you name it! To make it even easier I've included in this post two of my favorite text feature teaching videos, plus a 14 poster text feature freebie. I hope you enjoy!</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This video gets straight to the point!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b0vbptjyW8M" width="320" youtube-src-id="b0vbptjyW8M"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Now for the Freebie! It uses emojis to grab your students' attention and keep them on the task at hand. It includes 14 posters that cover:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Below is an example of only two of the 14 posters included in the freebie!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0sbIV-fpBZzDuQ5IUTwaC9jXbC5zpKQTLS1EFBTmzqR1_8TyvkEIzH7yAOD3yI9DKXZM8DNiD-b2fyBKmMa6NwXSWV46LG6g0gXjdus0qtnfIKQKH7HaX8BL9p3FqMgOJguZOKNEwd6g7gIej9YJp7GucH6QojkW9L_nM6nj4euyV-Me6RXBt0_q7g/s1227/Slide11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1227" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0sbIV-fpBZzDuQ5IUTwaC9jXbC5zpKQTLS1EFBTmzqR1_8TyvkEIzH7yAOD3yI9DKXZM8DNiD-b2fyBKmMa6NwXSWV46LG6g0gXjdus0qtnfIKQKH7HaX8BL9p3FqMgOJguZOKNEwd6g7gIej9YJp7GucH6QojkW9L_nM6nj4euyV-Me6RXBt0_q7g/w320-h232/Slide11.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPbVfFN-r5j_4ye8l03v6CYFxhnTwM6HeL3KbNNYmR-FEpZeutAmcKWp3vkS7-Ro_pO5LwdiGHa6dDCXGG_5IZgcaenl6bgq07Cr16ekbXyihfLErdM9tacR6f53OaUunNMrC_4YtO8XHseB2WyE0Cop4tTimPlmApmJiL6jNxkcdECGQ-WDqibKIKg/s1227/Slide9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1227" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPbVfFN-r5j_4ye8l03v6CYFxhnTwM6HeL3KbNNYmR-FEpZeutAmcKWp3vkS7-Ro_pO5LwdiGHa6dDCXGG_5IZgcaenl6bgq07Cr16ekbXyihfLErdM9tacR6f53OaUunNMrC_4YtO8XHseB2WyE0Cop4tTimPlmApmJiL6jNxkcdECGQ-WDqibKIKg/w320-h232/Slide9.png" width="320" /></a></div> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you'd like the freebie, click on the picture below. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREEBIE-Text-Feature-Posters-8486707" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1227" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMHU_XNqEyQF_y_Kp9cn3g7jVJdk05ddNTsj4-ZhQp5bFCs7F5s6wb_iiHcZv2zlbT8F89qolpNT-XyDmv8ggrfK3GFV7EQndxPR3e1xJ4hVfvpt_HSNw02P9vd9JucNFIVu5oU5pEebiyTGVoDGtTuze0fitbjVSTFnqj-R9vjCSOC7LRNdi0zgYbw/w400-h290/Slide1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This Freebie comes from a second grade Task Card resource that addresses Common Core RI.2.5. If you'd like to check it out (It includes the posters) Click on the picture below:</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Using-Text-Features-for-2nd-Grade-Task-Cards-and-Easel-RI25-8465404" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1400" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46-H9c8WIEjg3XTR_T-HVRaqZu5TlHHZDo5OTLYEnmus8cvkmwOZC-6wJkdr08UgSJQq8QuBmf8pwu765_4NVMSCv7eQSAgYz_DYQdowgUkQ8P7ThFau0QMrVYKmcIYbftYXIaa-ALSVBXEF77gSma9TFO6XBXQw0R4sk2unYB6C7wUVCThGXGtDXug/s320/Slide1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-6466420785793566872019-05-02T14:19:00.003-04:002023-01-26T13:31:15.019-05:00Grab their attention with Movement!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGWJGj50z6TOAw_XGQzec0kO6bjRi8MpKGjL72RQbw5vKQF_tahHJURJzk5nzJpShd0Wls3fPfmguQ3ZKkci4Zkhh59zkBhkvy4TyvePHQeo_cdXR9g0lwQn6idYdr44ygCaSeNJaJAle/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" data-pin-description="If you want to keep your kids' attention, get them moving! Movement helps kids retain information and keeps discipline in check! Try out these 9 ways to put movement into your classroom, and be amazed with the results! #discipline #learning #attention" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGWJGj50z6TOAw_XGQzec0kO6bjRi8MpKGjL72RQbw5vKQF_tahHJURJzk5nzJpShd0Wls3fPfmguQ3ZKkci4Zkhh59zkBhkvy4TyvePHQeo_cdXR9g0lwQn6idYdr44ygCaSeNJaJAle/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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Our kids aren't little brains that come rolling in the door each morning, they have bodies attached to those brains! And those bodies need to MOVE, some more than others! In fact, movement "turns on" the brain! Sitting for too long hinders a kid's ability to learn, retain information, and control behavior. There are lots of ways to give kids the movement they need, without stopping the class for a 15 minute movement activity. Movement can be integrated into every part of your lesson to make learning and remembering easier for all kids! How to do it is the key! Below are just a few examples of how to bring movement (plus better focus, faster cognitive processing, and better memory retention) into your lesson plans.</span></div>
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1. Are you teaching grammar? Use body movements to represent punctuation marks. For example, when you read along and a period is needed, ask kids to stand up to show it's time for the period, clap hands for a comma and so on. The movement you choose isn't as important as the fact kids are moving. </span></div>
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2. Are you teaching multiplication? Ask groups of students to show a quick skit to demonstrate how to remember/do the problem.</span></div>
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3. Use rhymic call backs. As you may remember in the first installment of this series rhymic call backs are perfect for grabbing your kids' attention. Add clapping, a stand-up, sit-down, and you've got a terrific movement activity. To see the "Grab Their Attention with Small Celebrations" <a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2019/03/if-you-dont-have-their-attention-its.html">click here</a></span></div>
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4. Any work done in pairs or small groups automatically includes movement. (get up, find your group, etc.) In fact, working with other kids builds not only on their need for movement, but on their inborn need for social communication. <br />
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5. Bring recess back to your school! Tying kids to their seats is destructive to learning, and creates behavior problems. A 15 minute break helps kids tackle the rest of the day, plus it builds social skills all kids need.<br />
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6. Try Gallory Walks. Put paper to write on at different places in the room. Ask students to write what they know or want to learn about an upcoming lesson. Students can get into groups to answer questions you post around the room about a current topic, etc.<br />
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7. Include a midmorning snack. It's a great way to hold their hunger in check. Hunger is one of the biggest distractions to learning, plus eating is a physical activity.<br />
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8. Take a short stretch break. This can resharpen not only a kid's focus, but our own.<br />
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9. Take a brain break. There are lots of great websites for quick energizing brain breaks. Here are just a couple:<br />
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<a href="https://www.edutopia.org/blog/brain-breaks-focused-attention-practices-lori-desautels?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2NqCsrj94QIV0YZbCh1Mjw7EEAAYAiAAEgJCsvD_BwE"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Energy and Cal: Brain Breaks and Focused-Attention Practices</span></a></div>
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From Rachel Lynette</span></div>
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<a href="https://minds-in-bloom.com/20-three-minute-brain-breaks/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">20 three-minute Brain Breaks</span></a></div>
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To see the other two installments of this series check out:</span></div>
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<a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2019/03/if-you-dont-have-their-attention-its.html"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Grab Their Attention With Small Celebrations</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2019/04/grab-their-attention-with-music.html"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Grab Their Attention With Music</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Visit my store to get LOTS of resources for 2nd-5th grade that grab and hold your students' attention!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dragons-Den" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="1156" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqnpP99EGH9JiPv6JhH3g3-UxrkRW5uUOL-V2GcNfI5hvIYqcjj8VwY0iwiVUMbu3ngzgWp8sxhKc1bfUaq9Jkt9vMIBWOdERRRzwAY1SoYXaDpWMiJSFhUzFB9aSWf7KkhBC17jwsngOs74T-i-S3j5RgL_fd-G9l_fa_0kyGPzEJttlqSG7nbjgqQ/w640-h218/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.28.41%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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Happy Moving! (and better learning) to you and your students!</span></div>
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Follow my Pinterest page to get TONS of freebies!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/dragonsdencurriculum/boards/">Dragon's Den Curriculum</a> </span></div>
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<br />Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-47073349211756999122019-04-22T18:31:00.002-04:002021-04-29T13:14:39.215-04:00Mother's Day is Coming! Be Ready!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGpOCqkAE28xdbWQaH2MCPFEHuNe9tQJi82T1wlMKCpN0k1YzviBlauNi5WsBiu8lgEYfDvLuPCTVwfmkpdtYS5nWk1yCfYwBNP2pkIUBXwmNhQ7CqgLGKTlGA6h-o2vIRGHqtutcf1Dm/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="833" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGpOCqkAE28xdbWQaH2MCPFEHuNe9tQJi82T1wlMKCpN0k1YzviBlauNi5WsBiu8lgEYfDvLuPCTVwfmkpdtYS5nWk1yCfYwBNP2pkIUBXwmNhQ7CqgLGKTlGA6h-o2vIRGHqtutcf1Dm/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
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Every year Mother's Day has a way of sneaking up on teachers! Be ready this year with Mother's Day gifts that not only warm any mother's heart, but also use the curriculum standards as a super-duper bonus! Check out the great websites, projects and resources below, and help your students show their mom how very special they are!<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Setting the Stage</span></h4>
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A. Preparing students for their Mother's Day effort is half the fun. There are many Mother's Day books to read to students. My favorite is The Berenstain Bears and the Mama's Day Surprise, or The Berenstain Bears: Happy Mother's Day. Scout out your library and you'll find a bunch. When you are finished reading the book, ask students to make a four picture cartoon to show the most important events in the story. To make the paper for the cartoon, ask students to fold a sheet of paper in two, then fold it again to get four equal sections. For older students more sections can be added.</div>
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B. There are also many short videos for mother's day that students enjoy. (Again I love those Berenstain Bears!) If you do use a video, tell students you will be stopping the video at points throughout the presentation. When you stop it, the students are to jot down their prediction about what will happen next.<br />
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Now it's time for the gift!</div>
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1. This Website has 25 great ideas to use as Mother's Day gifts. Bring in language arts by giving directions in writing. Put the directions on the board, or even a recipe card and tell students to follow the directions carefully. Make sure you have written the directions so that your students will understand each step. As you circulate the room, check to make sure students are understanding the directions. <br />
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<a href="https://whimsyworkshopteaching.com/ideas/25-classroom-tested-free-mothers-day-fathers-day-ideas/">25 Classroom Tested Mother's Day Ideas</a><br />
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2. This one is FULL of great ideas. Once students have made their gift for mom, ask them get into groups and write their own directions on how to complete the project. They can draw pictures to help their reader. <br />
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<a href="https://educationtothecore.com/2015/05/29-mothers-day-gifts-for-your-students/">29 Mother's Day Gifts</a></div>
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Project Activities</h4>
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1. If you are short on time (who isn't!) and only have time for students to make a card, combine that card with letter writing. Ask students to write a letter to his or her mom, telling her what they appreciate most about her. They could also write about the funniest thing mom ever did.<br />
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2. One of my favorite projects for Mom is the treasure box. It's made of popsicle sticks. You can get a box of popsicle sticks at your local craft store or on line. It takes a good bit of elmer's glue, and also needs a bead of some sort to glue on top for the handle. They last for YEARS! The directions are included in each link below. I've included both to include different ways of finishing them off, but honestly, just makeing the box with a bead for the handle is cute enough....and takes less time. Some years students put a letter to Mom in the box as a special surprise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW2lVazhl3Il1mbZXCt1Yam7oU-navj5h_QdC96m5jYccXi7zHianPJdsYAy7tw2QdWY3yowpfajE0LYbXCwxDMkqc1rfpQmDIirUdYx7GQtaPwqNReSd_eWmXOnbRlFoLSZftYsf14Jt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-22+at+5.08.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1266" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlW2lVazhl3Il1mbZXCt1Yam7oU-navj5h_QdC96m5jYccXi7zHianPJdsYAy7tw2QdWY3yowpfajE0LYbXCwxDMkqc1rfpQmDIirUdYx7GQtaPwqNReSd_eWmXOnbRlFoLSZftYsf14Jt/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-04-22+at+5.08.19+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.savvyhomemade.com/how-to-make-a-popsicle-stick-box/">Directions 1</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.happinessishomemade.net/kids-craft-popsicle-stick-boxes-at/">Directions 2</a></div>
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Resource</h4>
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My Mother's Day resource, for sale in my store, is one I always had Moms thank me for. It makes them laugh, cry, and sometimes do both at the same time. It's a peek inside a child's head to see how they see their mom. Not only that, it includes LOTS of writing, drawing and thinking. To check out the Mother's Day Book, click below the picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFpDehNkw8VKx3kBsYnpZPFRrBIfwQu4IKQ_5uIWqrJpcKMf1KNvPuJW8TqPyhLhpLYJ9u6oBSxNqGhHO5X2DBqnCtwRCkRIs2_InOP8GhopY043tabKnbrELt0mDCFjKHNZbYtgxiVxS/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1170" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFpDehNkw8VKx3kBsYnpZPFRrBIfwQu4IKQ_5uIWqrJpcKMf1KNvPuJW8TqPyhLhpLYJ9u6oBSxNqGhHO5X2DBqnCtwRCkRIs2_InOP8GhopY043tabKnbrELt0mDCFjKHNZbYtgxiVxS/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Worlds-Best-Mom-240075">World's Best Mom</a></div>
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Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-48609521173855626822019-04-08T16:15:00.005-04:002023-01-26T13:32:39.597-05:00Grab Their Attention With MUSIC!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi6Wrse51IXcS4kErxBhHikTMXSIqBypTlLoum_rs3gT1wP-fHk4IFzJF3IQiimrFzxG63FKdo_TJXYb91YqDiukFFhg1TnK6Ib0iwvWphlVw1RvF8ZqwgUCPH7-GLWiQ7BIaQTw0jAPT/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="854" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi6Wrse51IXcS4kErxBhHikTMXSIqBypTlLoum_rs3gT1wP-fHk4IFzJF3IQiimrFzxG63FKdo_TJXYb91YqDiukFFhg1TnK6Ib0iwvWphlVw1RvF8ZqwgUCPH7-GLWiQ7BIaQTw0jAPT/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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Every teacher I know struggles with getting a rowdy class to quiet down, keeping kids calm when you despirately need them to be calm, and getting through those pesky transitions. Oh! and remembering all those fantastic lessons we have spend hours preparing! Me too, until I found my answer in music! In fact, muscic is just the ticket to make any teacher's day go more smoothly, and to help students be happier. It's a win-win!<br />
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Do you:</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Want to help your students remember content?<br />
Calm a noisy classroom?<br />
Make transitions smoother?<br />
Keep them quiet in the hallway?<br />
Keep seatwork time quiet and clam?<br />
Enter quietly in the morning and get right to the task at hand?<br />
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Music is the answer!<br />
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1. Using Music as Pattern Inturupters </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikX6bkilZkyUlMZf4vcEj3TkBxNmwHIOEjfS4PDSDB6CqxG9b5caKCTMrmSl0uZpnwwJnug2saxXvi9wt3dXDQ4g45rv7g6q2scxRmcWcrJ8Z6r7g_Htphy5F6xclzklT_oFQO0hFM6xIe/s1600/000014-0019-000026.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1244" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikX6bkilZkyUlMZf4vcEj3TkBxNmwHIOEjfS4PDSDB6CqxG9b5caKCTMrmSl0uZpnwwJnug2saxXvi9wt3dXDQ4g45rv7g6q2scxRmcWcrJ8Z6r7g_Htphy5F6xclzklT_oFQO0hFM6xIe/s200/000014-0019-000026.png" width="155" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Scenario: </b> You just turned your back (for a second) and all of a sudden all of that classroom control you worked so hard to achieve goes down the drain, as Katie yells at Jerod to stop touching her foot. Everyone laughs and the wild ruckus begins. Sigh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>SO:</b> If you haven't heard of pattern interrupt, (from Hypnoterapist Milton Erikson) it just means breaking a pattern of behavior with an unexpected stimulus.When kids experience even a small surprise, it breaks their pattern of behavior. It may be for only a few seconds, but those few seconds are a teacher's golden ticket. Think about a rhymic clap in which students respond. The clap is a small surprise (totally different from the sound of talking) and requires a response from the class. It doesn't matter that the clap has been done many times before, it is an interruption of the talking sound they were hearing. A sing-song call and response is a sure fire way to bring the class back. It's important to sing the call, as that breaks through the kid talk. You don't have to be a singer either. The best ones are short! Below are three that really work well:<br />
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(Teacher) Peanut, peanut butter (students) and jelly<br />
Dum Dum Dah Dah see it at: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294141419391874808/">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294141419391874808/</a><br />
(teacher) Who you Gonna Call (Students" Ghostbuster<br />
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You can take any song that is popular with your kids and use just a line for the call, and the next line for the response.<br />
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2. Using Music for Preparation (hallway, etc) </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGc7NxjBxUz1lr9ODYASMkMbPJmQSqD-woyrPL_HVoPUNcbrzixctKWW9b9m4M0Iu85RTNdGkMgtNR5WdsUfGzQvlBd9PCfekH-xy7yGHCTCQhmA2mjxqKKKs7creEvqBQv1yIad8Od8d/s1600/Tardy2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGc7NxjBxUz1lr9ODYASMkMbPJmQSqD-woyrPL_HVoPUNcbrzixctKWW9b9m4M0Iu85RTNdGkMgtNR5WdsUfGzQvlBd9PCfekH-xy7yGHCTCQhmA2mjxqKKKs7creEvqBQv1yIad8Od8d/s200/Tardy2.png" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Scenario:</b> You had the whole group quiet before going into the hall to P.E., but half-way there (while you lead in the front) the back of the line is going absolutely nuts. The principal just gave you a dirty look. (Lordy!)<br />
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<b>So:</b> The trick is preparation, and having a trick or two up your sleeve if you start to loose them. Music can solve the issue. Check out this song from Teacher Tipster.com.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn-wGrhb5d4&feature=relmfu">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn-wGrhb5d4&feature=relmfu</a><br />
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Teachers of younger kids may find these songs very helpful:<br />
<a href="https://teachingmama.org/hallway-songs-for-kids/">https://teachingmama.org/hallway-songs-for-kids/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7YRUNTA_2c">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7YRUNTA_2c</a><br />
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3. Transitions </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfoCo6LfcFHj2SiuygUpRAOhFfa7nz184r_bCfv-xQ2xVrqImNIset4pff8meQRmxbi_u4e8ucTskCUyV-PJmv__K0Dy-dM_bD5yc4XEwIfGT-gagGbY4KPhzlZxozm3q449IF5GBZHVN/s1600/schooldone.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1600" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfoCo6LfcFHj2SiuygUpRAOhFfa7nz184r_bCfv-xQ2xVrqImNIset4pff8meQRmxbi_u4e8ucTskCUyV-PJmv__K0Dy-dM_bD5yc4XEwIfGT-gagGbY4KPhzlZxozm3q449IF5GBZHVN/s200/schooldone.png" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Scenario:</b> You've just finished math. The kids did a project that involved scissors, paste and lots of paper. Moving to science means cleaning up the mess first. The headache starts to build. You know what's really next. Kids are all over the place throwing away paper, books thumping, and voices rising to a fever pitch. Getting out science material? No, that isn't happening until somehow your voice connects with the distracted brains doing any one of a hundred activities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>So:</b> A little preparation helps with transitions. Tell students you are playing a short song for one, two or three minutes, depending on what you feel is needed. When you stop the song, students must be in their seats with materials out, quiet and ready to go. Give a one minutes warning, I have a point system in which students earn points for good behavior. Students are in groups by tables, rows or however you organize your seats. I give points for being the quietest during a specific period of time, having homework done, anything you like. I also give a point for any table (row) in which all students are ready when the music goes off. At the end of the week there is a special activity for the group with the most points. Every class likes something a little different. Some years my kids want to come back during Friday lunch and watch a short movie (Reading Rainbow, whatever). Some years they want one homework assignment to just "go away". At any rate, there needs to be some "carrot" for being ready when the music stops. I like points because when everyone has done a good job, everyone gets a point. That puts a smile on their faces. The following link not only gives you a number of great transition songs to choose from, but includes music to play during writing, for subjects and more. It's a treasure!! More ideas for using this link below.<br />
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<a href="https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/brent-vasicek/mr-vasiceks-classroom-music-playlist/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/brent-vasicek/mr-vasiceks-classroom-music-playlist/</span></a></div>
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4. Calm in the Classroom </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4-qXV08u8JrnySvCem3JAVnX7B2DQkjciqXznoopvkodQnUF1WeFAQgk2RLClQTJ1v7jzvHGqxaa_bcwuybZZMP1H7O-diS3FO0Aa-aM3m-QifDu2ZicgAEkZBEBVM8UDncn2qIq-gFK/s1600/meditatelady.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="837" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4-qXV08u8JrnySvCem3JAVnX7B2DQkjciqXznoopvkodQnUF1WeFAQgk2RLClQTJ1v7jzvHGqxaa_bcwuybZZMP1H7O-diS3FO0Aa-aM3m-QifDu2ZicgAEkZBEBVM8UDncn2qIq-gFK/s200/meditatelady.png" width="104" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Scenario:</b> The morning bell rings and kids come running in the classroom with voices on LOUD. It takes at least five minutes to calm things down and get them busy.<br />
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<b>So:</b> Change one thing in the morning. Play restful or classical music in a low tone with the lights dimmed a bit. Write on the board what you expect students to do once they unpack and get to their desk. It's also is the perfect time to greet students, and make that early connection for the day. I found it not only amazing, but astounding what a difference having soft music and lighting made the first time I used it in the morning. I could almost hear the kids let out a sigh as they walked in the door, and calm right down. I used it every morning from that day on, and it made mornings SOOO much better for all of us!<br />
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5. Quiet Seatwork </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Scenario:</b> It's time for kids to work on an assignment (writing, reading silently) but the talking just keeps popping up. Just when you think you've got it under control, Sam and Eli are at it again.<br />
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<b>S0:</b> Add very soft music. It works the same way as adding music in the morning. As long as the music is restful and low, it does some kind of weird magic with kids. It keeps them quiet. I don't know why, but there won't be any complaining from me.</span></div>
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6. Retaining Information </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQOkq9hDizvgl8f1bLjlAlVWVjJn0dbyC7KUKvxZ4SwR4RDH2-Xv-iiL_z034OjVfrNLBm40KE-QzOREiLz0nmMbB0TdxxmYyY8uwB3MLRqj7RouQO_tRJ6zBrDgujJx5s75XFyXgNugr/s1600/Whistle.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1304" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQOkq9hDizvgl8f1bLjlAlVWVjJn0dbyC7KUKvxZ4SwR4RDH2-Xv-iiL_z034OjVfrNLBm40KE-QzOREiLz0nmMbB0TdxxmYyY8uwB3MLRqj7RouQO_tRJ6zBrDgujJx5s75XFyXgNugr/s200/Whistle.png" width="162" /></span></a></div>
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Have you ever noticed that the kid who can't remember anything you teach them, knows the lyrics to more rap songs than you even knew existed? There's a reason for that.<br />
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A study at UC Irvine showed that listening to music helps the memory of Alzeimer's patients. If it can do that, just imagine what it can do for our students! Chris Brewer, writer of Soundtracks for Learning, says music holds our attention, stimulate emotions and help create visual images. He finds that music helps students focus better on the task at hand, and puts them in a better mood to learn. Brewer calls the use of music throughout the school day, "Positive modd management". One of the reasons this happens is that stress can stand in the way of learning. Listening to restful music is very calming, even to kids (and adults) who have chronic stress. Calm them down, then they can learn.<br />
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Gaetan Pappalardo, a consultant at www.onkidwriting.com, stresses that pulling out the same ol' music just won't do with today's kids. Use lots of genres like movie soundtracks, video game songs as well as what they are hearing on their phone (radio...whatever). <br />
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These two researches have a few suggestions for using music to enhanse memory:<br />
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1. Play calm music while you lead your students on an imaginative journay in an academic topic. For example discuss the solar system while playing music from "2001, a Space Odyssey"<br />
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2. Tie songs to tasks. Kids memorize easily through rhythm and rhyme. Change the words from a favorite song to teach an academic subject. There are a number of these types of songs available for free or to purchase with a quick Google search. This is one of my favorite ways to use music. Kids just don't forget information learned in a song! Also the link given in the transitions section above has a number of good songs to use with this idea.<br />
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Here are a few links to great songs...all are free!<br />
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<a href="http://www.educationandbehavior.com/educational-songs-for-elementary-school-kids/">http://www.educationandbehavior.com/educational-songs-for-elementary-school-kids/</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.songsforteaching.com/">https://www.songsforteaching.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.science4us.com/science-songs/">https://www.science4us.com/science-songs/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.educationandbehavior.com/5-great-music-videos-about-science-for-kids-k-to-3rd-grade/">http://www.educationandbehavior.com/5-great-music-videos-about-science-for-kids-k-to-3rd-grade/</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.songsforteaching.com/socialstudiessongs.htm">https://www.songsforteaching.com/socialstudiessongs.htm</a><br />
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This is just a sampling of what is out there. A short Google search can give you just what you need!<br />
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I hope you find that music makes as much difference in your classroom as it did it mine!<br />Happy singing!</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
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To read the article #6 is taken from, see: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/boost-memory-and-learning-with-music/">http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/boost-memory-and-learning-with-music/</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
To read about How to Grab your Students' attention with Small Celebrations check out:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2019/03/if-you-dont-have-their-attention-its.html"></a><a href="https://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2019/03/if-you-dont-have-their-attention-its.html">Grab Their Attention With Small Celebrations!</a></span></div>
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To get tons of great ideas and free resources and lessons, check out my Pinterest page at:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/boards/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/boards/</span></a></div>
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If you are interesting in resources that grab your students' attention, be sure to check out my store below!</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dragons-Den" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="1156" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBvNtKqfWUw036kOAgXsar_4Yej3npnJZuRv-oqhAFBb5t5cpNXIadHQJot_5RUrtcIEShCJw0E5XOIAM7UwpcxrGEHC9bzJzMyi6eTVQyhAdU6ZGUImr8WE0Mh7n5KgnnMz3Fwt0X3xu6xrcc7GjgyOAgF-1x-MwPi3rpqCTt-LmoB64RxsgRGMq_w/w640-h218/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.28.41%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
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<br /></div></div>Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-29695781119495556252019-03-24T16:47:00.011-04:002023-09-14T10:30:10.660-04:00Grab Their Attention with Small Celebrations!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you don't have their attention, it's like teaching to the air. The thing is, getting kid's attention isn't really hard if you know the tricks! Once you have their attention, it's time for that great lesson you spent all night preparing! How do you do that? My favorite technique is using small celebrations, which means chants and cheers. Chants get everyone on the same page, and eager to learn. Cheers are used to celebrate a great answer, or following the rules. Everyone gets in on the fun, and it's a real ego-booster for the child who receives the celebration. Both cheers and chants are super quick to do, but dynamite in what they can achieve! </span></div>
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How do they work?</span></h4>
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Chants:</span></div>
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Chants are perfect to get kids (all of them) to do something you want done. It doesn't matter if it's cleaning up, taking out a book or whatever. Use a chant and everyone gets in on the fun. A few chant videos are included below. </span></div>
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Cheers:</span></div>
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Cheers are perfect for celebrating any small achievement. If the class is extra quick following a direction, have a cheer. If a student answers a difficult question, time for everyone to give him a cheer. It's extra fun if the student gets to choose the cheer the class will do for them. Trust me, it makes EVERYONE smile. It's important to have a class list somewhere, and mark off each child as they are chosen for a cheer. You don't want to skip anyone. It's a very powerful motovator, especially for that problem child who doesn't often get possitive reinforcement. An added bonus is that kids go home and tell their parents when they get a cheer. I can't even tell you how many of my parents have mentioned the cheers, and what a great idea they are. Some cheers can be a little loud ( We will, we will ROCK YOU!) Nothing like a little Queen added to the curriculum. But I don't really worry about a loud cheer. With a little modeling and practice the kids know that once a cheer is done, they quiet down. Now for a list of great cheer/chant sites. It helps to see them done.</span></div>
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Celebration Cheer and chant Links:</span></h4>
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Terrific chants demonstrated by a classroom:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tiM2EUCn2A"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tiM2EUCn2A</span></a></div>
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Great site with 10 cheer directions and videos: </span></div>
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<a href="https://sweetsugarblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/04/classroom-cheers.html"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://sweetsugarblossoms.blogspot.com/2013/04/classroom-cheers.html</span></a></div>
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This is enough to get you started! If you want more, just look on Google. There are LOTS of videos to choose from. These are just my favorites. Good luck bringing real joy into your classrooms!</span></div>
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To see how to use Music to grab your students' attention, check out this post!</span></div>
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<a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2019/04/grab-their-attention-with-music.html"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Grab Their Attention With Music!</span></a></div>
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Want lots of free ideas? Check out my Pinterest page at:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you are interested in resources that are sure to grab your students' attention, check out my TPT store!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dragons-Den" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="1156" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsNx7VtFRHwJcMR7c1oiN09i3runFmm7d2IPiiipwqzFlOC9aF1uPaZq5VWQ8zM81mYTWCsXhwq8rNpMrIdHp7a1uARix9GRm7IcAmZh13Pj46qnjhJWe8tXISFhFOAYGm9TyhVHbebasIuwXhzC3sKObU8t5-fJ8yUe5U5F-kV6-Qf9jkQ8Sl5YOXQ/w640-h218/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.28.41%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-86103788880215828692019-01-21T14:31:00.004-05:002023-01-26T12:19:31.210-05:00Discover the Magic of Games in the Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you want to make learning not only easy, but fun, don't miss out on how <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-Curriculum-Game-Boards-4149585">games</a> help students learn faster and easier. It's all about the brain!</span></h4>
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It about Dopamine baby!</span></h4>
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You can think of dopamine as the feel good hormone. It's involved with falling in love, winning a prize, and eating your favorite food. Here's the key....it's also a major compont of learning. Why? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. That means it carries information between different parts of the brain. What does that mean? It means dopamine cocnverts newly learned information into long-term memory. No dopamine, much less memory. </span></div>
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If students are stressed, or unhappy during learning, that learning has a very hard time making it into long-term memory. Dopamine levels increase when we learn new and pleasureable information. In fact, research shows that Dopamine levels increase motivation and goal-directed behavior. Happy students equal better learning.</span></div>
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That implies that the goal of education, before any education can take place, is to increase dopamine levels!</span></div>
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How do games increase dopamine levels?</span></h4>
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Games make kids happy. They get to socialize (which we all love), and they are constantly hit with dopamine every time they get a question right, or solve a problem. In fact, in a game-based learning environment kids grow to crave that rewarding moment when they solve a challenging problem. That builds the motivation to persevere, and seek out that pleasurable problem solving situation again. That's the golden ticket of education! </span></div>
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Does This Actually Work in the Classroom?</span></h4>
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A new study from Vanderbilt University shows that students who played educational games outperformed their peers on standardized tests. Teachers in the study said:</span></div>
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1. Content games helped to foster in-depth learning, developed critical thinking and problem solving skills</span></div>
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2. Quiz-style games reinforced lessons and helped review material</span></div>
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3. Different types of game play stimulated interest and engagement, particularly in students prone to being off-task</span></div>
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4. Games prompted student-led discussions, collaboration and the sharing of knowledge</span></div>
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5. Simple and complex games increased confidence and content mastery </span></div>
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6. Teachers reported increased engagement</span></div>
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7. Improved attention spans: students who normally were off-task became more focused on learning</span></div>
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92% of teachers who used educational games said they would do it again because of the impact on student performance and engagement. To me, number 3 is the key. </span></div>
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Resources:</h4>
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<a href="https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-03-06-new-research-proves-game-based-learning-works-here-s-why-that-matters">https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-03-06-new-research-proves-game-based-learning-works-here-s-why-that-matters </a></div>
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<a href="https://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/infographic-brains-games-and-learning">https://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/infographic-brains-games-and-learning </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.eschoolnews.com/2017/10/19/educational-games-teachers/2/">https://www.eschoolnews.com/2017/10/19/educational-games-teachers/2/ </a></div>
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TIME FOR A FREEBIE</span></h2>
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So! To get you started I have four free board games for you. They are designed to use with any task cards you may already have for reading and math, or with your own questions. Just add dice or a spinner and you're good to go. I use a dime and a nickel as place holders. Click on the picture below to get your freebie!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Game-Boards-4321206"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1097" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP05mFRMAcfPmhyphenhyphenqM1mwDTpk8GQlFDIk7t-dxsXim_D5pk8WDgVtQAxkZLb10pYnH7dVuPdOyvKtcHJ3p2-VBatVHnZWgHue2C7AtqEFos2ENatKtz2Ut6xX7IsTGmcc6iXwOysvMeUpm/s320/Slide1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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To get 65 full color game boards with themes from the curriculum, holidays and sports, plus 71 black and white boards check out the resource below by clicking on the picture.</span></div>
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<br />Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-25564924596075422172019-01-20T12:34:00.002-05:002023-01-26T12:21:25.274-05:00Use Figurative Language to Engage the most Reluctant Learners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Exaggeration, repeating sounds and playing with language grabs attention. It just does! That's why people use it. It's also why teachers use figurative language to dazzle students with listening, speaking, or reading language. So what's the key? How is it done? Will it really make that totally bored kid in the corner sit up and take notice? You bet it will! Just check out the suggestions below.<br />
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Be sure to check out the two free activity sheets on idioms at the bottom of the post. They include grading keys.<br />
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1. SUPRISE....POETRY</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Yup! I'm not "pulling your leg" or "spitting into the wind", Poetry can be the super-engaging way to reach even students who are struggling the most, or who think they are bored out of their minds. Start with Shel Silveerstein and you can't go wrong. He uses figurative language that plays with language in every poem. You can't niss it! Once students learn to recognize the basic forms of figurative language ( idioms, similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, personification, proverbs, hyperbole, and alliteration) It makes finding them in poetry even more fun.<br />
a. Use poetry to have a figurative language hunt in pairs or small groups<br />
b. Choose a poem and have groups of students replace language used with figurative language. Read together and enjoy.<br />
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2. For Reluctant Writers</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Focusing on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-10-Minute-Mini-Lessons-4318237">Figurative language</a> often helps reluctant writers get out of "writer's block" since they have something to focus on.<br />
a. Give students a well known figurative language saying (When pigs fly, etc) and asks them to write a paragraph using that saying in a way that makes sense. Doing this with a partner offers even more help and support to reluctant writers. Then get together to read the paragraphs and enjoy.<br />
b. Challenge students to use as many figurative language examples as possible in one paragraph. This one works great when done in small groups. It's also a ton of fun.<br />
c. Ask students to list something they would like to personify. (desk, pencil, shirt, car etc.) Then ask students to list ten words only a person would normally do. Next ask students to write a paragraph personifying the thing they choose, using words from their list.<br />
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3. To Encourage Fluency</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Someetimes it's really hard to get kids to read with better fluency. Often that means they have to learn how to read faster In cases like that, and to encourage reading in even the most reluctant reader, give students a long sentence filled with alliteration. Then challenge students to read the sentence as fast as possible and still be understood. It will get everyone laughing and accomplish the goal at hand. Some well known examples you might use are below:<br />
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1. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, where are the peppers that Peter Piper picked?<br />
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2. A big bug bit the little beetle, but the little beetle bit the big bug back.<br />
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3. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck would chuck wood? A woodchuck would chuck all the wood he could chuck, if a woodchuck would chuck wood.<br />
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4. Silly Sally swiftly shooed seven silly sheep. The seven silly sheep Silly Sally shooed shilly-shallied south. These sheep shouldn't sleep in a shack.<br />
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I Have a FREEBIE....in fact two freebies complete with grading keys! Click on the link below the pictures! If you are interested in the 103 page Figurative language resource the freebies come from, check out: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figuative-Language-Teaching-Pages-4318237">Figurative Language Teaching Pages</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Figurative-Language-Idiom-Freebie-4320453">Get Your Freebies Here</a></div>
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Are you interested in resources that teach, and reinforce the different types of figurative language? This resource includes worksheets, task cards and more! Click on the picture below to check it out!</span></div>
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<br />Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-73665183542104455532018-08-09T15:07:00.016-04:002023-09-14T10:39:24.633-04:00Teaching about Insects and Spiders: 10 Websites Not to Miss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I LOVE teaching about <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Insects-and-Spiders-Teaching-Unit-Task-Cards-worksheets-Tests-2570788">insect and spiders</a></b>. First, because they are facinating, plus the kids love learning about them! It's such a good time to teach about form and function, adaptations, and about predators and their prey! </span></div>
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The trick is to make sure to keep the unit exciting and interesting. Kids are natural nature lovers, so this is the perfect unit to use in integrating language arts skills too! As you start preparing for your unit, check out these fun sites that not only teach about bugs, but bring out the entomologist in every student!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.theschoolrun.com/homework-help/spiders">Spiders</a></div>
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1. All About Spiders from TheSchoolRun.com This site includes spider information, a video, and links to all kinds of spider activities such as building a spider web online, jigsaw puzzles online and even create your own spider!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/hubs/insects/">National Geographic Kids</a></div>
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2, You can't do better than National Geographic Kids, and this site about insects with blow their minds! This is a good one to send home....they'll be exploring (and reading) for hours!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.orkin.com/scienceeducation/kids-and-teachers/">Orkin for kids</a></div>
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3. I usually don't like sites from businesses (it's advertising after all), but this site from Orkin is absolutely amazing! It includes an insect safari, an insect guidebook filled with downloadable worksheets (or the whole book). It has games and coloring sheets, plus lesson plans! You can't do better than that!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.mrnussbaum.com/insects/">Mr. Nussbaum's Insects</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />4. I don't know who Mr. Nussbraum is, but he sure has some great information on the Internet! This site has online stories, a virtual butterfly garden and tons of information! It is so engaging even your reluctant readers will be pulled in!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://owlcation.com/stem/Amazing-Facts-About-Spiders">Spider facts/videos</a></div>
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5. This fun site from "owlcation" and is FULL of great videos from Anansi, to videos of spiders in webs. It is quite extensive, so I advise teachers scope out what they want their students to see on this site. This is particularly true of younger students. Some videos show spiders hunting, and can be a little scary. There's lots of information and LOTS of videos. The video of a water spider building an air bubble is pretty amazing. These videos woulld be great on a SmartBoard for sure! Be sure and check out the World's Weirdest Spiders from Nat Geo! </span></h4>
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<a href="http://thekidshouldseethis.com/tagged/insects">The Kid Should See This</a></div>
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6. "The Kid Should See This" is an amazing site filled with videos kids will be talking about to their parents at night! From butterflies and bees drinking turtle tears, to watching lightning bugs in the Iowa woods. If you're looking for a "hook" for your unit, it's here!</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlTGzEBdWLM">Grasshopper</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.simplemost.com/video-of-caterpillar-becoming-butterfly/">How a caterpillar becoomes a butterfly</a></div>
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7. I love videos of bugs. Kids do too! Here are a couple that are particularly good. The grasshopper is on You Tube, but with no commercial, the other is a website. </span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.learninggamesforkids.com/animal-games-bugs.html">Kids.com Insect games and videos</a></div>
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8<span style="font-size: medium;">. This site from Kids.xom is filled with insect games and videos. It includes word games, and videos of giant tarantulas....plus much more! It's a good one to use for centers, or when kids have free time. </span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson192.shtml">Education World, Arthropod Academy</a></div>
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9. It's always great to find some really good lesson plans...why reinvent the wheel? I love this site from Education World. It has 10 bug lesson plans for a variety of grade levels. Lots of hands-on goodies. If a worksheet is needed, it is provided. </span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBeeConservancy">The Bee Conservancy </a><br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b>10. This site from the Honeybee conservancy is really good! There are a number of short videos that are perfect for inserting into lessons.</b></span></div>
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If you would like to check out my resource on TPT that includes task cards plus 25 pages of teaching materials check out:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Insects-and-Spiders-Teaching-Unit-Task-Cards-worksheets-Tests-2570788" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8_1uoxidMWoyUsxJ3IJ6o7NK96hYde5omNyVqtQxFI69sPKRAjq4SdLSfZslHampj4hkEaM8z9F44pezcXc_keqdAnQZrVd9nDoQ8eFyimymDJDLdi2GKod_Yh1hOpMqrPpJL8RzA6R4ZF68erFdMzs2KA4rP6GzuIgEwZQeZK2qaf4gyM_i6yxOnw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.23.07%20PM.png" width="318" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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This resource is also available as a PowerPoint or as Digital Boom Cards. The link to these resources is on the page linked above.</span></div>
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I hope you will find the websites helpful, and will save you lots of time....plus really hook your students on bugs!<br /></span>
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Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-50816279873964995862018-06-07T13:29:00.005-04:002022-11-20T10:51:50.734-05:00Burst Through Reading Comprehension Barriers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzaqNm68U32GH3-_fwwHQ7blYEVWYbQ4HdV72p-uPFytAz40gEXjQ4ru1pUzAdzrV_bGcceHbIGmiapaX4kPkciIgHCKX-KBOKvImcu2PaFkB0CGMv9gfPZOMxN-99doK6zKTqpS2P_y5/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzaqNm68U32GH3-_fwwHQ7blYEVWYbQ4HdV72p-uPFytAz40gEXjQ4ru1pUzAdzrV_bGcceHbIGmiapaX4kPkciIgHCKX-KBOKvImcu2PaFkB0CGMv9gfPZOMxN-99doK6zKTqpS2P_y5/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
I'll never forget a student of mine, let's call him Jay, who could read words so well he could "read" at an eighth grade level in third grade. The problem was that he couldn't understand a thing that was going on! That's called "word calling" and isn't reading at all. Reading is understanding, so if the understanding isn't there, it isn't reading. Many times I have discovered that many students have variations of "word calling" that aren't as severe as Jay's, and have gotten away as being great readers because they sound like they know what they are doing. They may pick up just enough information to get by, but true understanding of what is going on in a story or article eludes them. <br />
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Comprehension can be greatly increased with three easy to use strategies that kids love, and give great results. Test taking time will tell the tale....comprehension, <i>real comprehension</i>, makes all the difference. <br />
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So, what are these strategies?<br />
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1. Draw a picture</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Start out by asking students to draw a picture of an important part of a story you are reading aloud to the class. I like to use dry-erase boards. If you want to read a blog on how to make them for just pennies apiece, check out: <a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2016/03/dry-erase-boards-are-one-pice-of.html">Make Dry Erase boards for pennies apiece</a><br />
Share some of the pictures with the class, and ask students to explain why their picture shows an important part of the story. Once you have done this a few times, ask students to draw a picture of a selection in the book they are reading independently, or at guided reading. Ask them to tell, or write why the scene they have chosen to draw is important to the story. Delve into the picture and ask why the student added details that are noted in the reading selection. Details such as how the character is dressed, or how she looks, or showing the setting all demonstrate understanding of details. Draw attention to the details the student has grasped, and used in the picture. Once targeted students can do this easily, move on to asking them to explain in words what is happening in a selection. If they still have difficulty, ask them to read the selection again, and then explain what is happening.<br />
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<b>Why this works:</b> This strategy works because students who skip over details, are forced over time to search them out and use them in the picture. This is why a discussion of the pictures is vital. Students have to undestand that things they have mmissed in their reading are important. They can understand this when seeing that other students have used details from the story to add depth to their pictures. Basically, this helps student reevaluate how he or she is currently reading.<br />
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2. Discuss with a friend</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
This can be done in two ways, either verbally or in writing. It is much easier to understand a text once it is discussed with someone. If written, it can be in the form of a book review or done as a reading critic. When using this strategy, I like to elicit from the students four or five things they should include in their discussion or written piece once the selection is read. If this is being done for a chapter in the middle of a book, for example, students might include what is going on in the selection, why is it happening, how are characters responding to what is going on and so on. I personally think it is important for students to have imput into this part of the assignment. It gives them "buy-in" and helps them focus on what is about to be read and discussed.<br />
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It's important to give students about ten minutes or so to discuss with each other what is going on in the selection, then turn it into a class discussion. During the class discussion students who have missed the point have the opportunity to reevaluate (again) what needs to be noted when reading.<br />
To vary this strategy, ask students to discuss a slection with an imaginary friend, toy or whatever. Younger kids may enjoy discussing their book with a rubber duckie (for example).<br />
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<b>Why this works: </b>Talking about what you know about a text can help clear up things that are confusing. It's a great way to work through lack of understanding.<br />
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3. Stop: Summarize</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Include in both oral reading to the class, guided reading and individual reading time to ask students to stop and summarize what is going on up to that point. For example, if you are reading to the class, stop at different points and ask a student volunteer to use one sentence to summarize what is going on. You will need to have a mini-lesson beforehand to demonstrate how to get the main idea into one sentence, but it is an important skill for kids to have. Stopping to summarize in a large group helps students who have gotten confused to get back on track again. It is important in a group to ask for volunteers to summarize, to get individual struggling students to summarize, go around privately during guided reading and ask students to summarize in a sentence what is going on. There's nothing more humiliating for a stuggling student than to be put on the spot. Once they feel more confident, he or shee will volunteer too.<br />
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<b>Why this works: </b>The more a student can re-contextualize the text in his or her own words, the better understanding will be. It also helps to "lock" the information read so far in their mind, so they can continue on with even greater understanding.<br />
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This will all take time. Comprehensiion doesn't come easy to many students. However, with practice and using these strategies over and over again, comprehension will increase not only for struggling students, but for good readers too!!<br />
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Want to read my six part blog series on guided reading instruction, plus get freebies? Check out:<br />
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<a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/04/searching-for-guided-reading-materials.html">Searching for Guided Reading Materials</a><br />
<a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/dont-run-away-from-running-records.html">Don't Hide from Running Records</a><br />
<a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2014/10/guided-readingwhat-are-other-kids-doing.html">What are the other kids doing?</a><br />
<a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/creating-guided-reading-schedule-that.html">Creating a Guided Reading Schedult that Works</a><br />
<a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/here-comes-guided-reading.html">Here Comes Guuided Reading</a><br />
<a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/take-closer-look-at-guided-reading.html">Take a Closer Look at Guided Reading</a><br />
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<b>Are you looking for a Guided Reading resource that walks you through the entire process, plus includes 100 guided reading worksheets for reading levels 1-5? If so, click on the picture below!</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-Boot-Camp-349177" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="874" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM9o7qwidpFIu23h1M3YqP6Wgqswuum2tz1GcasvUTSytZXk2Al8JCcF9R0T_3rvQt6l1kilPle5H3CSspPDvJ9MJchG_9FqrKV3e1IImd8J75JnDXWtRe2M8SRYZDsAEazUXz264Gn7wC4tbEIQfhHikrpsqxciLsyxFHT6qyAKzEgJ0rA7_83Xq5Q/w400-h400/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-20%20at%2010.48.58%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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There's all kinds on on-line games to help kids learn their <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Teaching-Unit-Print-and-Digital-for-2nd-3rd-and-4th-Grades-267590">multiplication</a></b> facts, but sometimes you just want a great, easy to play, simple game that you can give to kids to play at school or at home. Sometimes it may need popsicle sticks, dominos, or even a game board. They are perfect to play with a buddy, and help develop interpersonal skills as well as math skills. I've scoured the Internet and here are my top ten to download today! Enjoy!! By the way....there are more than ten games, some links have multiple games...even better!</span></div>
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1. This great game from "Fun Games for Learning" is super simple and tons of fun. All you need is a set of dominos! You can use this one for learning addition facts, or for multiplication. </span></div>
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<a href="http://fungames4learning.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/domino-math-games.html"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dominom Multiplication Game</span></a></div>
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2. This game from "Games for Learning" is one of my favorites! It includes the free game board as a download. it's great to schedule for the sub since it takes awhile to play. It can easily be played for half of your math block. It's also perfect as "homework" for multiplication math fact practice. What's better than a game to play with mom or dad? I have also included an answer sheet checklist to give to kids as well. One kid plays, the other checks his/her answer. </span></div>
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<a href="https://games4gains.com/blogs/teaching-ideas/multiplication-squares-game"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Multiplication Squares Game</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.timestable.co/times-table-list-1-12">Answer sheet for 0-1</a>2<br /></span>
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3. This site called Bloglovin' actually has three fun multiplication games with a freebie. The first is a Kaboom game with popsicle sticks, the second is multiplication sppons, and the third is headband multiplication. All are fun and easy to prepare. The freebie link is just above the last graphic picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/all-about-3rd-grade-14787743/3-multiplication-games-your-students-will-5267433511">Three Multiplications Games Your Kids Will Love!</a><br /></span>
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4. This game from "Suiper Teacher Worksheets" is a super fun game kids love to play...and it's free! It's fun to pull out when you have an extra five or ten minutes at the end of math! It's the first link at the top of the page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/multiplication.html">I Have/Who Has Freebie</a><br /></span>
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5. Ok, this is mine, but I love it! So do the kids! You can pull out and combination of multiplication cards that you happen to be working on. There are multiplication cards from 1 through 12. It is a free 18 page download. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Feed-The-Chickens-A-Multiplication-Math-Game-267615"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Feed the Chickens Multiplication Game</span></a></div>
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6. I have to admit that I love witches, it doesn't have to be Halloween either. Kids are that way too, so this fun game from "Teacher Take-Out" will become a quick and easy game favorite in no time!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.tes.com/en-us/teaching-resource/wicked-witch-multiplication-game-11749703"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Wicked Witch, A Thrilling Multiplication Game</span></a></div>
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7. This fun game from "Math Coach's Corner" is perfect for teaching the 2s, 4s, and 8s using the doubling strategy. Love this one!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mathcoachscorner.com/2013/03/multiplication-fact-game/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Double, Double, Double</span></a></div>
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8. Love the math games on this site, especially Multiplication War. All you need is a deck of cards and kids! They love this one! Other games here are equally as good!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lovetolearnandteach2012.blogspot.ca/2014/09/math-games.html"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Multiplication War and More!</span></a></div>
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9. Multiplication Spiral from "Math Geek Mama" is SUCH a great game! Kids will love this and it is wonderful math fact practice!</span></div>
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<a href="https://mathgeekmama.com/multiplication-for-kids-game/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Spiral Math</span></a></div>
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10. Lastly I wanted to share this great site that has 22 fun hands-on activities and games to help kids learn their facts. It's a good one and FULL of great stuff!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.weareteachers.com/22-fun-hands-on-ways-to-teach-multiplication/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">22 Fun, Hands-on Ways to Teach Multiplication</span></a></div>
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So that's it! I hope you find a bunch of great games that you and your students find useful!</span></div>
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If you are interested in a new way to teach multiplication that REALLY works, click on the picture below.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Teaching-Unit-Print-and-Digital-for-2nd-3rd-and-4th-Grades-267590" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSLXxYZ8a286BYoZlga57aCzR8-SmXjxO1IbUKW3bxJDzdJsjCa0GDQBytsV1J3FUq_pJN59IdwhGMGc9sxGxdLmBNpYXsf3SYVH4x1H3pXYwLMjaG1qj08367sczkRkFgqMFmBiaq4GwLeG5yq5eZc2H2kaZ1_P5rQvYzdbI-eDuGht34VvcBMlnHw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.35.24%20PM.png" width="317" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-72423981959444268552017-10-22T13:15:00.005-04:002023-01-26T13:40:48.246-05:00Is Someone Missing from Your Conferences?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What Do the Kids Think of Conferences?</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Think about this scenario. You're nine years old. You are well aware of how you are doing in school. You know multiplication is driving you crazy, but you work on it now and then. The last book you read was kind of hard. You're worried. Conference time is almost here, and you have no idea what your teacher is going to tell your parents. Will they be mad? Will you be in trouble. Then the big day arrives, your mom walks into the room to talk to your teacher while you sit outside the room worrying. What is going on?<br />
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I <b>know </b> that's what goes on in the head of most kids during conference time, because I've asked them how they feel about it. The overall comment is that they are really worried when parents walk into talk to teachers. "They're talking about me!" one child said, "and I don't know what they're saying!"<br />
My next question to students is to ask if they would like to be part of the conference, in the room and taking part in what is going on. To a child they almost yell, "YES!" That's when I knew I had to change how I did conferences. I just didn't know how to go about it. I didn't want a disaster on my hands!<br />
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As Luck Would Have it:</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
Luckily for me, I was in the same study group as a teacher new to my school, named Vicky, who moved from Oregon. She told us that her old school did student-led conferences in every grade level, kindergarten through fifth grade. To prove its effectiveness, Vicky gathered her fourth graders, prepared them for the student-led conference, and let them practice for it by allowing our study group to watch how it was done. One of the teachers stood in for the parent. My jaw dropped. This was exactly what I was looking for!<br />
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Every teacher in my study group, including the kindergarten teacher, tried student-led conferences that fall. It was amazing! Parents loved it, kids loved it, and best of all, the behavior we wanted to see changed, really changed. It changed not for a day, or a week, but permanently. Why?<br />
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To prepare for the conference students look through their own papers and choose the ones they want to share. Then they write why they think this work shows both their strengths, and those things they need to work on. They also comment about how they have improved over time. They fill out forms about each subject, behavior, and goals to work on. Then they practice the conference with their peers. At the conference I take their goal, include input from parents, and write a goal on a contract. Then we include in the goal exactly HOW the student will meet that goal. That's the key! When they sign it (and their parents, and I sign it too) I explain that they are making an important promise, and not to sign it, if they don't think they will actually do it. They all sign!</span><br />
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Results?</span></h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
I sent home a form for parents to fill out about their feelings concerning this type of conference. They loved it! I asked my students if they would like to do this kind of conference again in the spring. To a child, they all gave an enthusiastic "Yes!" Why? It was that hated time sitting outside the door wondering what was being said about them. This included my hardest working, best behaved children. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed just plain crazy to keep kids out of the process. After all, if we want them to change, shouldn't they be part of the process? Would I want my principal to talk to my husband about me, and how I was doing, while I waited outside the door. Certainly not! Why should kids be put through that?<br />
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The successes I have seen with student-led conferences are many, but one child in particular stands out. I'll just call him Sam. Sam was a very, very intelligent learning disabled child who struggled every day to read. Now, in third grade, he was sure he would never learn to read. He didn't think he was smart enough. I watched as he filled out his paperwork for the conference with a lump in my throat. He was negative about everything he did. Since he had just qualified for learning disability classes, I had everything I needed to show him how smart he really was. I told his mom what I would do during the conference, and she was more than on-board.<br />
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After Sam shared his work, and described how poorly he did in everything, it was my turn. I explained a bell curve and what would be seen in each quadrant. I asked him where he thought he would fall. He said he would be in the bottom quadrant. I went over again the qualities seen in people who fall in the third quadrant. After each quality, I asked him if that described him in any way. When he said , "no" his mom would remind him of something at home that showed exactly that quality. I showed him his IQ score (this is something I have never done, but he needed to know!). It was 134. It took a while, but when it finally sunk in that he actually fell into the gifted category, well, I wish I had a picture of his face. His mom told me that from that day forward his attitude about everything changed. We made a goal that he would read 20 minutes each night. It would be hard, but it would pay off. He followed his goal without fail, it did pay off. By the end of the year he had grown three grade levels in reading. Attitude is everything!<br />
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It was the conference setting, the support of his teacher and his mom, plus the conference format to talk together and set a goal that changed his life. Without seeing what he really thought about his abilities, and the format to address his concerns in an authentic way, I shiver at what would have become of him. By the way, the last I head of Sam, he was in medical school.<br />
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<b>Will I ever do conferences any other way? Not on your life!</b><br /></span>
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Responces from parents were overwhelmingly positive! In fact, I found out my parents were singing the praises of student led conferences to other parents. One key is, I always build in a short time for students to wait in the hall while their parents do something really nice for them. they write a short note on how proud of them they are, and the note goes on the student's desk for them to see the next day. BUT the real reason is to give parents the opportunity to talk privately with me about anything they don't want to discuss in front of the child. Parents want (and need) that time.<br />
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Would you like to see what a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Student-Led-Conference-Handbook-305529"><b>student-led conference</b></a> looks like? The first video is of a fourth grader, the second video is of a kindergartener. Yup, they can do it too! , and the last video is a look at how a second grader conducts her conference. Click on the videos below:</span><br />
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If you would like to read about the thoughts behind student-led conferences click on the links below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin112.shtml">Student-Led Conferences-A Growing Trend</a><br />
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This link concerns middle school kids, but is so true of every age!<br />
<a href="http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/apr96/vol53/num07/When_Students_Lead_Parent-Teacher_Conferences.aspx">When Students Lead Parent-Teacher Conferences</a><br />
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Would you like LOTS of great ideas and freebies? Check out my Pinterest page at:<br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/" style="font-size: large;">https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you are looking for a product that includes instructions and worksheets to help kids get ready for this very special kind of conference, check out:</span></b></span><br />
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Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-26518343376036601062017-09-23T12:01:00.010-04:002023-09-14T10:54:21.004-04:00Teaching Kids How to Create a Believable Villain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kids love to read about villains! Voldemort from Harry Potter, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, Ursula from the Little Mermaid, Scar from the Lion King and so many more! So, why do kids have such a hard time creating villains for their own stories? They can be the most fun to put into stories, they are the delicious ingredient that makes a story really pull us in, and care about what is going on in the story. </span></div>
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So, how can teachers help students build a villain for their story that is believable? It's like making soup.</span></div>
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Ingredients for "Villain Soup"</span></h4>
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1. <b>Give a backstory for the villain</b>. What event or events in his past turned him evil? This doesn't have to be pages and pages of backstory. Often a short paragraph or even a sentence or two does the trick. I'm thinking of Morgana, Ursala's sister in The Little Mermaid. There were only a couple of short statements (and nasty looks) about the fact that Morgana could never be as good as Ursula in her mother's eyes. It made her wild with jealousy. In other words, give the villain a personality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>To practice this: </b>Show a picture of an interesting person to your students. Ask them to get into groups of two to three and make up a back story for the person. Share with the class. A great pinterest page to use for this is:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/weigeltw/famous-pictures/?lp=true">Famous People</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePlRbL8996jiRjybdgEIGEKvGKxVDtblv-qEImhIrdZGfbN_chb9WrWvBBv-wIwy0xKVX9pX2IXPETAwapEWTGt42PGl-DMydePFYYFVO7zgKChINDF3NSK344L2Wecw7_p6MeQr2CbBdDpvhxN7lhrgx33yBQGnUgU6KQ_6GnZvfXP0FlUnj5NW8Gw/s1227/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePlRbL8996jiRjybdgEIGEKvGKxVDtblv-qEImhIrdZGfbN_chb9WrWvBBv-wIwy0xKVX9pX2IXPETAwapEWTGt42PGl-DMydePFYYFVO7zgKChINDF3NSK344L2Wecw7_p6MeQr2CbBdDpvhxN7lhrgx33yBQGnUgU6KQ_6GnZvfXP0FlUnj5NW8Gw/s320/Slide1.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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2. <b>Give the villain a good point or two.</b> No one is pure evil (except in monster stories). In fact, the villain sees herself as justified. Villains who are pure evil become boring and can bring a story down. Think about giving the situation from the villain's point of view. This helps the reader understand the villain better. For example, the villain loves his cat. After all, no one is a villain in their own eyes. Villains see themselves as justified. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>To practice this: </b>Make a list of as many villains from books and movies on the board as possible. Ask students to list something about each villain that was good. If they can't think of anything, ask students to make up a stuation in which the villain did something good. For example, fed and petted his cat. </span></div>
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3. <b>Use vivid description when writing about the villain.</b> How does he walk? Does she have any odd small habits? How does he smell? What does her hair look like? Are there any unusual marks on his face? Is he deceitful, jealous, vengeful, proud? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>To practice this:</b> Find pictures of interesting people (Internet, Pinterest, magazines). Have as many pictures as you have students. Assign a picture to each student, but make sure no one else knows who has which picture. Ask students to write a very descriptive paragraph about the person in their picture. The use of colorful adjectives is most valuable for this. Next collect the descriptive paragraphs, shuffle them, and redistribute one to each student. Their task is to read the paragraph and find the picture that the description goes with. To get the pictures (see the pinterest pages I have included here) I click on the picture I want, this takes me to the "save" page. I take a screen shot of the picture, and put it on my desktop. I then move all of the pictures I want to hand out to students in a word or PowerPoint document. I can size them as I choose. Then print. It works best to laminate them so they last a few years. Some pinterest pages I especially like to look through are: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/lgsnchz/disney-villains/?lp=true">Disney Villains</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/patmarvin/disney-characters-cartoon-characters/?lp=true">Disney Characters</a> You can also google "Pinterest Villain Images" and get a number of good pictures, however you have to be careful as some are inappropriate. That's why I like to make my own set of pictures. </span></div>
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4. <b>The villain must have a goal</b>. What is the villain after? This may not be apparent in the story right away, but the writer should know exactly what the villain is after. This will help the writer carry the story along. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>To practice this: </b>Choose a fairy tale villain and write a six to eight block cartoon describing, from the villain's point of view, what his goal is. For example, the wolf from the Three Little Pigs may tell why it is important to get pigs for the pig stew he is making for his friends. To get a number of choices for panel paper to use with students go to: <a href="https://www.printablepaper.net/category/comics">Printable Comic Book Paper</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Before Students begin</b> their story, another fun activity is to make a wanted poster of their villain. By doing this they must think about what the villain looks like, describe what he or she has done, and include why the villain is wanted. </span></div>
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Villains are SO much fun to create! I hope you and your students find these ideas useful!</span></div>
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For TONS of freeebies and ideas be sure to follow me on Pinterest at: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/">https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/</a></span></h3>
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<b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Do you need a resource to help you evaluate your students' writing according to the Common Core? The first is for third grade, the second is for fourth grade. </span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Assessment-Kit-for-3rd-Grade-Writing-Print-and-Digital-1025962" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="852" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeeWAFfUlUmOFk1MndO2VFO0xDOs-dhCwIHDQRNSMwR0_zqDL7o-Sj6F6io9-J6FJHK76skpp1k6GMZ-2Wjm9PvzxS7v-lkQPq4hKcFmY1aADZy7Ka9bqbSyJz5aRSHScVAjgFjJBl3Jo0p7xSJD9VKuNLdM4pwc49Xtz-fMOU7cJ9NE0cQCdqT4WMA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.42.18%20PM.png" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXCoKo76dZTVGgivQlTKxE8Gy9bW5-wvvl44srG99JMI3BQiPuzdsfQ4ZY6PQHtfFW0pkY-Mb1BsCa5JD8ymDCunbNUgxzKoqTf7w1MN2sGjuop-CbGeRhMBAO3mTT2Ju9SaRHUokV-oU/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXCoKo76dZTVGgivQlTKxE8Gy9bW5-wvvl44srG99JMI3BQiPuzdsfQ4ZY6PQHtfFW0pkY-Mb1BsCa5JD8ymDCunbNUgxzKoqTf7w1MN2sGjuop-CbGeRhMBAO3mTT2Ju9SaRHUokV-oU/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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The morning of the first day of school, every student desk is neat and tidy. Every crayon where it belongs, every pencil in its place. Ahhhh, Heaven. Two hours later half of the desks look like a tornado struck them. I was pulling my hair out. I looked, and used, many different techniques to help students organize their desks. After all, how could they ever find their math book if it was at the bottom of an overflowing pile of....well, junk. Nothing worked for longer than a day, if that. Then I discovered the "Desk Dragon" solution. Wow! What a difference!! It's very simple for grades 1-4. I'll get into older grades in a minute.<br />
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The first step is to find or purchase the coolest ink stamp you can find. I like this one from Amazon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBiCvBB8l6Jr1gSqhQApthJrShTQBuUg4yvynvWJMu-qTD9SxtOFPFhIIysRd3NfHgTxTSfUzh8cfe78U2VmG69eWZw8xzdTVAM_nWLPp_t0ujZb7JtJoBPBks034UnWTLyb4b6xPn8IC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+2.59.45+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBiCvBB8l6Jr1gSqhQApthJrShTQBuUg4yvynvWJMu-qTD9SxtOFPFhIIysRd3NfHgTxTSfUzh8cfe78U2VmG69eWZw8xzdTVAM_nWLPp_t0ujZb7JtJoBPBks034UnWTLyb4b6xPn8IC/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+2.59.45+PM.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fairytale-Dragon-Rubber-Big-eyed-Winged/dp/B00CYNV9ME/ref=sr_1_58?ie=UTF8&qid=1502045942&sr=8-58&keywords=fairy+rubber+stamps">https://www.amazon.com/Fairytale-Dragon-Rubber-Big-eyed-Winged/dp/B00CYNV9ME/ref=sr_1_58?ie=UTF8&qid=1502045942&sr=8-58&keywords=fairy+rubber+stamps</a></div>
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I have to admit, I have a HUGE preference for dragons. I have also used a fairy stamp and called her the desk fairy. What stamp you use doesn't really matter. Just make sure it's cute and something kids would like.</div>
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So, What's next?</h4>
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1. On the morning you are to begin your Desk Dragon program, tell students to take ten minutes to make their desk as clean as possible. Something special is going to happen for students who have a neat and tidy desk.</div>
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2. Once time is up, check each desk for tidiness. Be picky, especially this first time. For any student that has a satisfactory desk, put a sticky note (the square kind) on their desk and stamp it with the dragon (fairy, bear, whatever) stamp. Once you have finished, tell students that if they have a dragon stamp, that earns them one M & M. You can use anything as a small reward. M & Ms are cheap and as long as they get only one you escape sugar highs. If you don't want to use food, you could also allow students who get a stamp to take off their shoes for one hour (or for the afternoon). Kids LOVE going without shoes! At this point (the first time only) I give those who did not have a clean desk another opportunity to clean it up. If you have students that have a difficult time knowing what "clean desk" means, allow them to see a few desks that have earned the dragon stamp. </div>
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3. Tell students that at least once a week the Desk Dragon will be visiting, and only clean desks will earn the stamp. </div>
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4. Later in the week, before students arrive, check desks and leave a stamp on those that are clean. Keep a list of the students who get a stamp for M&M time after students arrive. Don't allow students to try a second time. The object is to help students get to the point that they keep a clean desk consistently. Allow the Desk Dragon to visit at least once a week. I usually say something before the dragon arrives like, "Hmmmm, it's been a few days since the Desk Dragon was about. You might want to be ready." That usually initiates a flurry of activity.</div>
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Ok! I know someone is freaking out about giving candy for this. I don't like giving it out either, but I make an exception for clean desks. Helping students become organized is vital to their success in school. Once kids learn how to keep desks clean, it speads to keeping assignment organized and so on. We all have to start somewhere. Besides, like I said, messy desks drive me nuts. </div>
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What about older students?</h4>
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For older students, do it less often, but offer a "no homework night" card, or any other privilege your kids like. </div>
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Seriously, kids love this! Just make sure that for the students who truly have a difficult time even knowing where to start when cleaning their desk, that they either have help from your class neatnics the first few times, or even take a picture of their desk when it's neat and tidy and attach it somewhere inside the desk to help that student see what is expected. For this kind of student, I usually have a desk cleaning time, and give him/her some help. I then make sure the Desk Dragon visits as soon as possible, so this child can feel that good feeling when they get a stamp too. </div>
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<b>Follow me on Pinterest for TONS of freebies and great teaching ideas!</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/">Dragon's Den Curriculum Pinterest</a></div>
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Visit my store to get LOTS of activities, task cards and more to put the FUN into every school day!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dragons-Den" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="862" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnJ_bN3CnRuew8ieFGYKRiWRCEkwpjO0uO3ayFZLbIQ7dBtE9YN7QkFBiCa8WCOyQ8AGw1fYtT3YmLDMD0TO3f84n4-qFjBpoCy3P-RYJ1rkYv5mGCwpqjfT1mzTqFyVzOYNr-bPr-T7z0kub9r6EnVww_600IfalatsCoX2MI-Mjpdn5UmQGSMTJjw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-27%20at%2010.31.53%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br /></div>Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-3829661845472413412017-05-14T18:43:00.003-04:002022-09-01T14:06:30.903-04:00How to Keep Your Sanity Until the Last Day of School!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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End of School? Sanity questionable?</h4>
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Testing is over, the weather urges kids to come outside, and we still have to make it a few more days until school is over. That can all lead to chaos in any classroom. Success lies in careful planning, putting lots of fun into lessons packed with content, and enjoying these last days with this years's kids. So....How? Below are a BUNCH of ideas, posts, Websites and even a resource to help make these last days as much fun for you, as they will be for the kids! Enjoy! Summer is coming!</span></div>
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1. To work on writing skills, and have a bulletin board done for next year, ask students to write a letter to the new third (second, fourth, fifth) graders. Ask them to include in their letter what the new students will learn in that grade, what they liked the best, and even give new students tips on their new teacher. Kids love to do this, and the results are wonderful! Not only that, they really do help next years new students know a little bit about what is coming. Stress to students that their writing must be clear and free of spelling errors. They will be posted on the bulletin board (or outside the door) and must be easily read. This is a good one to use for the last writing sample! Just make a copy of the letter, and include in each student's writing folder.</span></div>
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2. Coffee-House Jam. Explain to students that in the 1960's people would go to coffee houses to drink coffee and read/listen to poetry. Ask students to write two or three types of poetry that you have studied this year. Then ask them to choose their favorite. Group desks in tables of four desks each, cover with fadless paper, and prepare to serve iced tea. Put a stool at the front of the room and get a spotlight to shine on the stool (Could be just a lamp). Turn the lights down low or off (other than the lamp) and invite students to read their poem. Discuss that at coffee houses patrons would snap their fingers after a reading to show their approval. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKz1gkMytpYlU4QTz5c8KQje7xwYSAkE4gl4CM66Oug2jrXhWeMJ7EYmyqGYcUv8jdUgyvdue4V7umudrXPG-PYzulcdQJ4DI6BXmNYw2eIVARXbiDp-gv_fzyQmE2Q74ZiAietRjcytXTMLmxcdarghMq4Tlfh8EuQO1_cNLwp0A5FIJFs7iJHA2VA/s1227/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1227" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKz1gkMytpYlU4QTz5c8KQje7xwYSAkE4gl4CM66Oug2jrXhWeMJ7EYmyqGYcUv8jdUgyvdue4V7umudrXPG-PYzulcdQJ4DI6BXmNYw2eIVARXbiDp-gv_fzyQmE2Q74ZiAietRjcytXTMLmxcdarghMq4Tlfh8EuQO1_cNLwp0A5FIJFs7iJHA2VA/w400-h400/Slide1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>
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3. Pocketful of Sunshine...This is taken from TeachHub and is a terrific rememberance of the year.</span></div>
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Give each student enough index cards for each student in the class. If there are 20 students, each student will get 20 index cards. Next pass out small brown lunch bags. Students first decorate the bag with fun things they remember from the school year. Next pass out a list of all students in the class. Ask each student to write one nice thing they remember about each classmate on the index cards. As they write each card, they can cross off the name of their list. Then allow students to pass out their cards to all students in the class. This helps students look for something good in everyone, even students they don't particularly get along with. Don't forget to add a bag for yourself! </span></div>
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4. Need some help getting those desks clean? Just put a little shaving cream on each child's desk and they rub, and rub (make pictures, giggle) until the shaving cream disappears. Just set up rules beforehand about keeping the shaving cream ON the desk. </span></div>
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5. How about those other cleaning chores? Write all of the jobs you need done (make sure there is enough for each child) on index cards and put in a bag. Then allow students to pull out their clean-up job out of the bag. Play "Yakety Yak" while they work "Take out the paper and the trash, or you don't get no spending cash!" </span></div>
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6. Another way (see idea number 3) to give positive feedback to each other is to go back to back! With a safety pin attach a large index card to each child's back. Then kids go around and write nice comments on each other's back about positive memories they have about each other from the year. Stress the importance of positive comments. It gives each student a special thing to take home, and read over the summer. Yes, they read it numerous times! </span></div>
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7. Write thank you notes to the support personal in your school. You can ask the class to write one note a day to the secretary, janitor, food service workers, librarian and even the principal. They'll love a bundle of letters thanking them for their help. They are just the people who often don't get thanked nearly enough. </span></div>
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Great Websites with lots of great ideas:</span></h4>
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<a href="http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/activities_for_the_last_days_school.shtml"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/activities_for_the_last_days_school.shtml </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/100-last-day-of-school-celebration-ideas/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">http://www.thedatingdivas.com/100-last-day-of-school-celebration-ideas/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://kids.lovetoknow.com/child-education/fun-last-day-school-activities"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">http://kids.lovetoknow.com/child-education/fun-last-day-school-activities</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://busyteacher.org/11603-last-lesson-10-ideas-end-year.html"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">http://busyteacher.org/11603-last-lesson-10-ideas-end-year.html</span></a></div>
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To get loads of great ideas, freebies and goodies follow my Pinterest page at: </span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/</span></a></h4>
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Need a fun Freebie for those last days of school? Check out:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Graphing-Your-Way-to-Summer-242485"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="712" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FgXPHAI1C1NuDvuGv8R1eVu_NOD5c4H6R71QqIShC9lNZ0x7qxiX-4Ed6l-o5FOu2cNGxbDIq2cYLt8yjD8LXT0af_-_YnrcT1GNN5Yqbyxv_8s6LH_22vm_s5TYeiyEPSrQIFG4tYOT/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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Need a fun resource to use during those crazy last days? Filled with TONS of ideas!Check out:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ants-In-Their-Pants-Getting-Through-the-Last-Days-of-School-238509"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="712" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7buJTVQnNj07c_QySlzukLOgFu1DB8dzON0CtCW6Ken6x7rEF2YUvR7Cltv0u4EPsW0wjUgZobLo3sr4Dz4IT_V-gJrbYaf6mojMsLh-CEXDbImaTWqoQNdB4Jq9RcTydx_iEGRiVkmH/w283-h640/Slide1.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtb5ihcqhiJ09Dg-xk5TX5q_o_2K4Y91XH4oV73rQcEd5ru5YQCmZlFcVfZ3omtSe548QKCs6YQGSmfqWLY_0w7p1TTP0jRgif8cQnGc_LoCuxR2ULgMlBPndlqk15dbb7WZghCKc3fHT/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtb5ihcqhiJ09Dg-xk5TX5q_o_2K4Y91XH4oV73rQcEd5ru5YQCmZlFcVfZ3omtSe548QKCs6YQGSmfqWLY_0w7p1TTP0jRgif8cQnGc_LoCuxR2ULgMlBPndlqk15dbb7WZghCKc3fHT/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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Have you ever thought:</span></div>
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I can't do literature circles! They eat up too much time!</span></div>
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Literature circles are just too loud!</span></div>
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I wouldn't know where to start!</span></div>
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Yes, literature circles do take time, and it isn't a quiet classroom activity. That said, everything about literature circles taps into how people (especially kids) learn. Here are just a few things literature circle do to help students comprehend text better. </span></div>
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How Do Literature Circles Help Students tap Into Skills?</span></h4>
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1. <b> Literature circles put the fun into reading.</b> Humans are social beings, and the opportunity to talk comes naturally (a little too naturally for most!). Literature circles takes this human need, and uses it to promote learning. If it's fun, kids will do it gladly!!<br />
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2.<b> Literature circles give a framework for student centered inquiry. </b> Students take turns doing one of five jobs (tasks) in the group. This group of tasks model the strategies students need to learn and internalize as they read material on their own. </span></div>
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3. <b>Through cooperative learning, literature circles help students make sense of the text.</b> Students can begin to rely on each other for finding ideas in the text that they may have otherwise missed. Literature circles help kids learn how to use each other as a resource, and ultimately become independent learners. Students in a literature circle have an opportunity to participate in the conversation. Because it is a small group, and not the entire class, some of the stress of speaking out is taken away for shy students. </span></div>
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4. <b>Students can make their own choices about their learning.</b> Groups can choose their own book to read within a group of two to three books selected by the teacher. As students become more proficient in the process, many teachers may want to allow groups to choose their own book from all available. Students also choose the questions that will be discussed by the group after reading. This helps guide students' reading as they go through the text. At the beginning of the Literature Circle process, brainstorm with the class a list of questions that are appropriate for each genre of book. Copy this list and provide to students. Be sure to advise students that ALL questions cannot be asked, so choose the ones they feel are most important for the particular book.<br />
Choices are important! If students have some choice in the matter, it leads to greater engagement and higher motivation. This is particularly important for struggling or reluctant readers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWG81oyb1dJ8bDntkvvmi9fy56JL65iA9qEf6_Mgkjtnc3igxxtJ3RtOUa20J2kRmuoJQ7sCmbHRKT0jdHfKQCc7xlZFTmLPaeUOkhtxIqTKVPbAwQ3z931IV7iWN48oXiTUfKgluOJ6oHyqz_KlAXwEbSgbEAZOtoHnLeXFEqEmsKyEnva3eOK9kng/s1227/Slide1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWG81oyb1dJ8bDntkvvmi9fy56JL65iA9qEf6_Mgkjtnc3igxxtJ3RtOUa20J2kRmuoJQ7sCmbHRKT0jdHfKQCc7xlZFTmLPaeUOkhtxIqTKVPbAwQ3z931IV7iWN48oXiTUfKgluOJ6oHyqz_KlAXwEbSgbEAZOtoHnLeXFEqEmsKyEnva3eOK9kng/s320/Slide1.png" width="320" /></a></div><h3><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Where Do I Start?</span></h3></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>(Note-putting students into groups)</b>: At the beginning of the process I suggest teachers group students, however as time goes on, and students are more proficient at the process, teachers will find that students love the process even more when they can choose their own group. I have to say that many teachers just jump right in, and allow students to make all of the choices right away. I'm reluctant to do that, as I feel gradual release leads to greater success.)</span></div>
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a. <b>Introduce students to the concept of literature circles by explaining that literature circles are groups of people who read the same book, then meet to discuss what they have read. </b>Explain that each group decides upon their own book (I strongly suggest teachers choose two different titles for each group to vote on. If given too many choices at the start, it's a bit overwhelming). They then decide upon a group of questions that will be discussed about the text when they meet. Make sure each student has a list of these questions. </span></div>
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b. <b>Introduce the rolls (or tasks) used in literature circles. </b>This is the key. By using the rolls in Literature Circles, students begin to internalize the steps readers use to make sense of the text. You may call them different names, but the job should be the same. Allowing students to choose their task is helpful. I don't allow student to choose the same task twice in a row. If there is a conflict over tasks (they tend to like the drawing task) just do "rock, paper, scissors" as the deciding factor.<br />
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1. <i>Discussion Leader</i>: This person asks questions about the text that was read. If he or she decides to throw in questions not previously decided upon, that is fine.<br />
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2. <i>Investigator:</i> This person selects sections in the text that support answers. It is a good idea to stress to students that not every answer must be supported, but most should be. This is a big job.<br />
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3. <i>Summarizer</i>: This person writes a short summary of the day's reading after the discussion is completed.<br />
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4. The <i>connector </i>helps the group connect the ideas they have read about to the outside world, and to other books that have been read. <br />
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5. The <i>Word Wizard</i> looks up unfamiliar or important words in the text. He or she find the definitions to the words and reports back to the group. Only one or two words need to be looked up, or the word wizard will miss the entire discussion.<br />
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6. The <i>Illustrator</i>: This student can do a sketch, diagram, flow chart or a cartoon to show somethingfrom the day's reading.<br />
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<b>What Do Teachers Do During Literature Circles?</b><br />
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1.<b> Go from group to group listening</b>, taking notes and monitoring the ability of students to contribute to the discussion. This can be part of a daily assessment.<br />
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2.<b> Help students monitor their own learning </b>by giving them a premade form (or discuss) the following questions: What are the most important ideas you learned about in today's reading? How well did each member contribute to the group within their assigned roll? What did you think was the best part of today's Literature Circle? Is there some way you think today's group could have gone better?<br />
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<b>How does this all work? MODEL, MODEL, MODEL!</b><br />
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The first and second literacy circle sessions should be for demonstration purposes only. Choose six "guinna pigs" for each group and use a book all students are familiar with. Go through the process as the class watches. Since it is a book that has already been read (such as a read-aloud) all students can get the idea. As students run into difficulties, model how questions are asked, words are looked up and so on. During the modeling process, the teacher will actually preform many of the tasks, or talk students through the process. It is vital that students know exactly what is expected. I like to ask a student in the model group to act out in some way. Then we discuss with the group and class how to deal with a student who is not doing his/her job, or who is disruptive. Before beginning the process, have ideas ready for students to use. The key is to have students prepared, know the perimeters of the activity, and be ready to learn. Take the time needed to prepare students, and you will never teach without literature circles! They work!!<br />
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Are you interested in reading resources you can use in your literature circles? Click on the covers below to check them out. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100-Reading-Response-Task-Cards-for-Any-Fictional-Book-2820585" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="856" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvEmg-WQ45_a4Zw84cmHb9gwwspBCzwRCnr_uGcTQGe_b1bLX3_RoH5pkef3bfKjFhiDbNey8Ch9PAr7otHQxgGUM6raONEbI7R1j-49tEnUJwPpr2xLB9urZyoYAKzKPgNwClAx7lRdBoSm3rSbssCDECa2wX24LVGIopxcj69Irrhb9o55LxXwEifTz/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-14%20at%2010.56.33%20AM.png" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100-Reading-Response-Task-Cards-for-Informational-Text-2831315" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIpz682EKZdkK4VoScsMsGQcvYY6-MUM0m1vHF8Fm7abE-gHuE9gpYLjMYWFHZcHbh_VJiI309wWKrg8Hm5-vzdHAjoWrgwkXCi26fdMhKAEMLf4kCnBqzFDIRSwKDOG0-Ra_srjL0I0qXJnsUqj4aRhZATvjMpk4maU3Tsp34ErvlN6WS6V__M5b6dTw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-14%20at%2010.57.38%20AM.png" width="316" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Follow me on Pinterest for freebies and great ideas at:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/">https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ErmPXnuAktNiehF5YNb3vO9PBJZMKiPmb2RPGgjveHzGjlozoWaSG3qlZ9Eq1aOGsTjPsqnt6st_VlHYkNw31mRByNGREDRe2KEa81njGOGSh0XhhDU98RRxooQv9vJoUUd8RiCPH8Sb/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ErmPXnuAktNiehF5YNb3vO9PBJZMKiPmb2RPGgjveHzGjlozoWaSG3qlZ9Eq1aOGsTjPsqnt6st_VlHYkNw31mRByNGREDRe2KEa81njGOGSh0XhhDU98RRxooQv9vJoUUd8RiCPH8Sb/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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My Kids ALWAYS loved the solar system unit! I'm sure yours do too! It isn't just enough to read out of the book, they need hands-on activities to understand the tremendous distances in space, and games and videos to grab their attention and never let it go!! This is one unit that can ignite not only an interest for a lifetime, but a career in science as well! I hope you and your students enjoy the great resources below.</span></div>
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1. Scholastic<br />
<a href="https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collections/teaching-content/solar-system/">https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collections/teaching-content/solar-system/</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCuOypeYdugzXPriywu5htcD1pwMAuVm3GjY6yaye2RXHJHF17bI0udjhcaRRHh5s6xraeF7J5tuAJfC6c8j2uGBYEQY-chQARabxCYKbS9EJIx_OrNs2ilRW-D0wDkHZgncafNDJpbWv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-05+at+11.18.53+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCuOypeYdugzXPriywu5htcD1pwMAuVm3GjY6yaye2RXHJHF17bI0udjhcaRRHh5s6xraeF7J5tuAJfC6c8j2uGBYEQY-chQARabxCYKbS9EJIx_OrNs2ilRW-D0wDkHZgncafNDJpbWv/w320-h238/Screen+Shot+2017-03-05+at+11.18.53+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">
There are great lesson ideas here of course...it's Scholastic). Some are based on books, some are activities without a specific book.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
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2. More Scholastic!<br />
<a href="http://www2.scholastic.com/teachers/unit/solar-system-everything-you-need">http://www2.scholastic.com/teachers/unit/solar-system-everything-you-need</a><br />
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This site is FULL! Get study jams, activities for reading and writing, and much, much more!</span></div>
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For center time, or group work don't miss these great out space games and activities!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">3. NASA Space Place</span></div>
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<a href="https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/play/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/play/</span></a></div>
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Lots of great games that come straight from the source....NASA!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">4. Interactive Sites for Education</span></div>
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<a href="http://interactivesites.weebly.com/solar-system.html"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">http://interactivesites.weebly.com/solar-system.html</span></a></div>
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13 Terrific games/sites!!</span></div>
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I've saved the best for last!! The one thing that is really hard for kids to understand about space is the tremendous distances involved. I've done this activity with my third graders and they are absolutely amazed. We did it in a long hall, and to get to Pluto, we had to go right out the back door. This is my most favorite space activity...kids don't forget it either!! I didn't write it, by the way. It comes from Family Astro.</span></div>
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<a href="https://astrosociety.org/edu/family/materials/toiletpaper.pdf"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://astrosociety.org/edu/family/materials/toiletpaper.pdf</span></a></div>
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Hope you and your students enjoy these fun resources.</span></div>
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Follow me on Pinterest for <b>TONS</b> of other free ideas and resources:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Check out this fun resource about moon phases for 2nd and third graders by clicking on the cover below:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Moon-Phases-Story-Unit-and-Activities-plus-Easel-for-2nd-and-3rd-grade-309132" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="866" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkGXlZbL6T5C4aFUw0cnkElQqyv8svKWdEoArdzdX8ws-DWJarQ9mxXInzi3rYjTGwxl9CARKR69u9ZdgKL_BNDJdHVwrSdKVbRebgCkLzx8KaJaE9pPZjFr45hI4y9y9UAwRNy9DbltON3ztBgGqIXk4qaX8O2YCAU67WyTZBSIa4Krje9-njPWgTXrh/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-14%20at%2011.02.03%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Moon-Phases-Story-Unit-and-Activities-plus-Easel-for-2nd-and-3rd-grade-309132" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RpRzFmer-k3JeJ2AKlOcfn31zkzL_51onkltU8O-ZEvdIT_z8R6mNtodmLExCcnxxyAauRzWYIGdBna9DFKl5zHNdYlidKhUvZs7X0oT4GUGvfy0sIH9EMXo2tUIzI20_zjRWGeE5RqXyEnJ0MZTRjOLZa14677xeXN6Eab6uEjOFEm4rQupn2hd59Yl/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-14%20at%2011.02.15%20AM.png" width="316" /></a></div><br />
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The one science area that seems to give teachers the heebie jeebies is physical science! It doesn't have to be that way. There are so many great hands-on lessons, activities and games out there that will make not only learning more fun, but teaching too! Have a look at the great resources below, and take a deep breath. That force and motion unit could just become one of your favorites!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">1. PATTERNS OF MOTION AND FRICTION. This site has a great video, lesson plan, activity guide and much more! It's terrific!<br />
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<a href="https://www.generationgenius.com/videolessons/patterns-of-motion-and-friction-video-for-kids/?type=dynamic&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwsMGYBhAEEiwAGUXJaUeZRMHSSyxZCM85hI6BNFUMUT-sxvSJDV3uNx0jg7aWSU5Pvn90JhoCgI8QAvD_BwE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TR1nYS6mcOf9pNQjYil6eAWF71oot2EcXXWqtI8xsFC-y0b29glu-Dals4l0DZxuQE3kLTccYR2E716gNiGfLt6xRha_vKVGCY5_lajU6qdBayryfVaGcma57p2C-dAfiVQP6EbLwCwR/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-01-23+at+1.07.14+PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Lots of links here for everything you need, gravity and magnetism, Newton's law, forces in sports and more!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://online.kidsdiscover.com/unit/force-and-motion" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqfUDpC-yUN-EMs5Vm-_9gvLv8YKIacxCMuHm8JV_Xxgm4k8uxZbVexFL0DUFsORxEOYrlrcxQT-4JtMXftUPd-rWZwHsQxDJLo0FqFf6E19-vx04bFpvycVmhhVgwkQz4Tfw50J-1MBD/w400-h204/Screen+Shot+2017-01-23+at+1.10.28+PM.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>LOTS of hands-on activities for force and motion here, 24 of them, in fact!</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teachjunkie.com/sciences/force-and-motion-experiments/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqXUZhNB80aVK7BaiY4GoPLyge95zbaYIo__EqPqCJgyTSLIhcn9EijitjWlpmbTyWM2SyCHxIPcSs_TKjICXstfx_expBrM7ly1MI4SONijlZp96HlkiTGYJajokc_2D9hlVaDGtmBP1/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-01-23+at+1.13.09+PM.png" width="260" /></a></span></div>
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2. Need some hands-on activities? Check these out!</span></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This is a fun one called 19 Fun Ideas and Resources for Force and Motion</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.teachjunkie.com/sciences/19-fun-ideas-resources-force-and-motion/">http://www.teachjunkie.com/sciences/19-fun-ideas-resources-force-and-motion/</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">These StudyJams are activities on simple machines, gravity, inertia, acceleration and more!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/forces-and-motion/force-and-motion.htm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyfCszK2swtKWUlYkdrKKQPIBFfiME9qKCDroYRlz8bZB2ZQIdo99c0-wBU7WGLWce4_P61m_HNlqaRk7vOcbfk515Xu0ditWTUCZRVG3EYZmyRN6Jxey5wTmc4wjrFkM3qjAIO3s48yk/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-01-23+at+2.36.11+PM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you want great hands-on activities for your classroom, you can't do better than Steve Spangler!!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/categories/experiments/forces-and-motion/"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/categories/experiments/forces-and-motion/</span></a></div>
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3. Games make learning fun! Add these to centers, or for early finishers!</span></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">20 games here!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Great games on pushes and pulls, friction, gravity, magnetism and more.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Enjoy this great site given to me by two blog readers who LOVE science named </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Choloe and Ella</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.home-elevator.net/elevator-physics.php">Click Here</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Get great task cards, point points or Boom Cards that zero in on all the skills your kids need for Force and Motion!</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Science-Task-Cards-and-more-Print-and-Digital-684536" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="878" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofyr6rGS58FgnY0Rd8qOM6gRLVbRR2ZmL7k800YgfIbnsSytI6Fe7UofM37HxfVYU9Me-bOP2utNnB96826qowMSBCwJ1Z_SAR4_WkYTlA9QgNVEAg-auEZZg54udeUCiCS8QLsoblz0xbjEU61MayCZo9DFqe4RGelgUbp0S6CKQ8StXxB1xme7tng/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-02-06%20at%201.49.05%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-PowerPoint-1609610" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="888" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXyDnQKoa1DZxaMX39nfm5yW3qW6b1nzzdEwSkO4TarL_E0_DWsi7PFh3u6t2iFxGypAl3CVWesp7rmYC9B3IPn8jEJyMh_ddMDP-8CatUDIDqAmbR8G1e6sJ5kXnC8kQk35mOO9XYtG6Sw7NukXyMKvgGqs0sSX7lesLFwEDNA8qa-HyabxXs37nHA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-02-06%20at%201.52.14%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Force-and-Motion-Digital-Digital-Boom-Cards-3583225" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ht5FVv7u5Gnw8hx9c7lfRGxuNOmwwUafMhiqpiL0UTvg8giG9q3uJivzvMSglrnLLOEQmDwjzMfasBRkSdR-0dkzcnGbOeDRvNzXqc5wIZrgji2R_NVbCrpVPwlXXy8YZAIEOKeyqANM-fpUjDkfv6MLs2adTySWDQgXvuib08IB2XsefhzxtUGaOw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-02-06%20at%201.53.32%20PM.png" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<br />Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6219573879848378281.post-87769971162783310852017-01-10T15:24:00.006-05:002022-11-20T10:53:25.723-05:00The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Reading Instruction!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9n9umaGDEqK-IlnTH4Cy01pQ8WMjr4Rv1gSzql-QBMHJsM2Cvzr_LhEng3Ela3uyg7aaYDXQCCSNoyxjT0NIeX0dN2LfcxQPqLe9OYr3hEsuFktoIDgGboFietSpjeMSVJClPNPCaxQuc/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9n9umaGDEqK-IlnTH4Cy01pQ8WMjr4Rv1gSzql-QBMHJsM2Cvzr_LhEng3Ela3uyg7aaYDXQCCSNoyxjT0NIeX0dN2LfcxQPqLe9OYr3hEsuFktoIDgGboFietSpjeMSVJClPNPCaxQuc/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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Instructional time is precious to all of us! It seems there is always something infringing on my time. One day it is a special program in the gym, the next it's a fire drill. Then there are the daily time eaters to contend with. So, it's imperitive that every minute of teaching time be used to the fullest. That's especially true with reading instruction. It doesn't matter if it's a whole class lesson, or one to a small group, instruction needs to follow solid research on what really works. What does work? Below are seven teaching habits that have been shown, by research to increase reading comprehension. I know we all use most of them, but take a look and see if there's one or two you could add into your instruction. They really do make every minute count!</div>
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1. Monitoring comprehension </h4>
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As kids read they need to be able to "catch" themselves when meaning is lost. They need to know when they don't understand what is going on, figure out what they don't understand and use strategies to fix the problem. Teachers can use <i>story maps,</i> <i>summarizing activities</i> and <i>think-alouds</i> as part of their instruction to help with monitoring comprehension. </div>
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2. Metacognition</h4>
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This just means that students learn how to think about their thinking. <i>Questions teachers use before, during and after reading</i> help to set a purpose, monitor understanding and check the student's understanding after reading. Keep a list of questions for both fiction and informational text in your lesson plan book or guided reading book to keep them handy. Metacognition is critical for successful reading comprehension and needs to be taught to most students.<br />
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If you would like questions for before, during and after reading informational texts, you can download a freebie on another post of mine at: <a href="http://dragonsdencurriculum.blogspot.com/2015/05/here-comes-guided-reading.html">Here Comes Guided Reading: Freebie</a></div>
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3. Use of Graphic Organizers</h4>
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When students use a graphic organizer it forces them to dig into the text. They help kids make connections between concepts and how they are related, help students see the differences between fiction and nonfiction, and help them write good summaries. There are LOTS of free ones on the Internet. Here are a couple I like: <a href="http://edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers.htm">Graphic Organizers from Edhelper</a> and <a href="https://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/">Graphic Organizers from Education Place</a><br />
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4. Text Questions</h4>
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Answering text questions gives kids a reason for reading, focuses their attention, helps them think as they read, helps them monitor their comprehension and review what they have learned. Teachers can use questions such as: <i>right in the text questions</i>. The answer is explicitly given in the text. "What color was the sky?" <i>Questions that are in the text, but require thought</i>. "Why was Jack feeling sad?" <i>Questions that require students to use prior knowledge</i>, "How do you think Henry felt when he was lost his dog? What in your life helps you understand how he felt?"<br />
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5. Generating Questions</h4>
This one takes some very explicit instruction. Teaching students how to ask their own questions about the text involves teaching them how to make questions about the main idea, the plot, the theme and so on. By making up their own questions students not only realize if they can answer their own questions or not, but helps them understand if the really do understand what they are reading.<br />
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6. Story Structure</h4>
Research tells us that when students receive instruction in story structure, they improve comprehension. so keep instructing and reviewing <i>characters, setting, events, problem and solution. </i>Story maps helps with this.<br />
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7. Summarizing </h4>
A student who can summarize understands the text. It helps students decide what is really important in the story and put it in their own words. Only a reader who fully comprehends a story can do that. Summarizing helps students identify the main ideas, decide what is really important in the story, and remember what has been read.<br />
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There are a number of ways to teach these 7 habits:<br />
Modeling for students<br />
Direct instruction<br />
Guided practice<br />
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<b>Happy Teaching!! If you have any other ideas please add them below!</b><br />
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Adapted from Reading Rockets: Seven Strategies to Teach Students Text Comprehension by C.T. Adler<br />
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<b>Do you need a resource to help you teach guided reading</b>? Check out:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Guided-Reading-Boot-Camp-349177" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="874" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcyeZF0QCIUdW4efqWzpJ_mrMOqU7FwiPtwVGCywJZH_Pk-nUq_Ru0spwvI8R23Nu6KHDa_47uSrRzTHo8WAw4Atm_IBVgxp3a5IFyUkhUUFaKZrfKnxHTnVbVzjTA4NTxL2cEXSOrSlB6WbbxLNm70Q9TC6FagEQ57Ytz0y7l3JzGE-iQtCROG28tQ/w400-h400/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-20%20at%2010.48.58%20AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Follow me on Pinterest for TONS of ideas and freebies:</div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/janbernard10/">Dragons Den Curriculum on Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAQLFq_DV7A-L8l1JUczq2nm0tAzB_ZhzXnPXl_joRreKLkI2LjG-IF7LsEFX323UfQPZi9jXOLtK-vALk20fWCeGnIuhcI0vZsgYK_ad9iR6tXl-DGtmQswAnjeiwq0tfXFdLGDVPoes/s1600/Slide1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAQLFq_DV7A-L8l1JUczq2nm0tAzB_ZhzXnPXl_joRreKLkI2LjG-IF7LsEFX323UfQPZi9jXOLtK-vALk20fWCeGnIuhcI0vZsgYK_ad9iR6tXl-DGtmQswAnjeiwq0tfXFdLGDVPoes/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I love Valentine's Day at school. It's the one holiday that's calm. Sigh. It's also a great time to use a liitle "love" to get the content across. Below is my Valentine math freebie that meets third grade standards. It includes a grading key and the Common Core standards met. It's also very good for fourth graders who need review. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Freebie-Math-Review-Sheets-500776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="860" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEHNerl5lxrZLp5GuADJEnaPhOuLkaosncC8DwQnazvm2oD-ynxMeTCx4oprJMSUUyOwHQPIhdoie9_WL_A-H27aZd4cWrhlMFx8QOJm9PREfnwlfVO7CnniF2P1kJ6Bi421jmHLpaidu8SB1v5UAjOgPmGt2WcOQiJz04EDZ2VcVjFf_XOrxU_wqnA/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.45.23%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Freebie-Math-Review-Sheets-500776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4wc8FWhwbZ4qkiW5Z0Ur_NyTtxPzjJZcoB751FBXKGAXfVcADahM6yKzxzLkvYolnuKloIsi-xhtCH5VgUxKduqmx6-rguhXHS2_48YxIb_W9zLOX9Fsk-N8kpD80xIUP0WAB7EcOTzM2ohh_xOkr7parJ2GQbWMcBgGSGSaDE79Yg3MFmMnK7Ndzw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.45.34%20PM.png" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Freebie-Math-Review-Sheets-500776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbsqkWHP0X38B-uIhti1vxFPa4lK3EbkRQOimyj-zZp14tqTfYyAD59-Aqmbm8AIivry2Fjfk_KxAKkyaJ4Zf-vsd_j65AjiI--L0V8x-qi4bxiIDwleyLcFNY-q566Cojpo2CR2woJq7ICZ--YMTwYlCuWNxwBusKNWRjb6h-JnSjl-bJu5pv3zU8A/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.45.44%20PM.png" width="248" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentine-Freebie-Math-Review-Sheets-500776" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeOcRPHose74qDlVgqgWK6iLu1vNoi4h7wmL6XjiTYFTpjYDYm_tGWZv6dljW0s2_TdsksAZNEtmWmRXDB-uDsunZaPzs9QlPmTeWIPbyjSvg8rOLgqSKsb94ixhIcfQb4v7hR7XR06GZhM6PEZSyRv4-b2Wx1lKa7eIx5ZedGuE7yrGuGPovfduHlw/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-01-26%20at%201.45.52%20PM.png" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a great Valentine's Day!</span></div><br />Dragon's Den Curriculumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09985211348522221431noreply@blogger.com