tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37063920781441944312024-03-13T13:25:00.427-04:00The Curious CatfishJessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-16950502548923186362017-02-12T17:52:00.002-05:002017-02-12T17:58:55.036-05:00Finding My VoiceRepresenting Clay County has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Within days of receiving this recognition, several people said, "You've got a voice in education now, use it!" I realized I was standing on this platform, speechless. How could I advocate for my students, colleagues, and school district if I didn't have anything to say? This was the beginning of my journey of YES. I knew, to find my voice, I had to march through every door this opportunity opened for me, embracing the growth mindset I try to nurture in each of my students.<br />
<br />
When I was asked (volun-told, if you want to get technical) to develop a presentation for the Clay Connected Conference, I recognized an innate connection between my two passions, STEM and Growth Mindset. This is where everything fell into place. Facilitating STEM challenges with kindergarten and first grade students over the last several years illustrated the importance of providing young learners with genuine opportunities to struggle and persevere to build confidence and critical thinking skills.<br />
<br />
After developing and sharing a presentation about STEM and Growth Mindset called Minute to STEM it, I was invited to write <a href="http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7718/urlt/JFTNews101216.pdf" target="_blank">Using STEM to Create Growth Mindset Opportunities</a> for the <a href="http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/just-for-teachers-community/newsletter/" target="_blank">Just for Teachers Newsletter</a> published by the Florida Department of Education. Which led me to collaborating on a professional development video with Robin Bossinger, Clay County's Online Learning Specialist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8f5tI-v531dV1ZfYS1wYzBUbGc/view" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YERiMDVFQ1g/WKDjWOrd1fI/AAAAAAAAChI/Rg9JnwJeZUsgIS7Hr_v_KP8-CCM0bkLQwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-02-12%2Bat%2B5.35.31%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Commissioner Pam Stewart challenged us to impact student learning beyond the four walls of our own classroom and somewhere along the way, I found my voice, advocated for the implementation of STEM in primary classrooms, and met incredible people that have helped me expand my platform to advocate for student learning.<br />
<br />
Being a District Teacher of the Year continues to be a humbling and empowering experience.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1XKAtEbIqokUGlLTy1RbnQ3Vkk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDX7wFnoMsc/WKDkdPhcxwI/AAAAAAAAChU/8MB4OfTNrJo7JyIJhYe81YQ4g4_Q0rUYwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-02-12%2Bat%2B3.29.50%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1XKAtEbIqokUGlLTy1RbnQ3Vkk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here to access materials for challenges featured in the video</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Learn more about implementing STEM with the following resources!</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Starter-Kit-2766933" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hKpn40AQZYQ/WKDlWyE6ChI/AAAAAAAAChc/70rI4Yn-Ku84hVRFFcvCTg8PNoQTV_jaACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-02-12%2Bat%2B5.43.45%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Starter-Kit-2766933" target="_blank">Click here for the STEM Starter Kit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minute-to-STEM-it-Bobbing-for-Apples-2613740" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UudHVjuPR1g/WKDlXP6Uo-I/AAAAAAAAChg/8PpszCR8zgMQDvLKfw69mGWSkAHf8hHzACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-02-12%2Bat%2B5.44.11%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minute-to-STEM-it-Bobbing-for-Apples-2613740" target="_blank">Click here to Bob for Apples</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/STEM-250987" target="_blank">Check out my TPT store to see even more STEM resources!</a></h4>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-58232817028487392942016-10-02T08:00:00.000-04:002016-10-02T08:00:00.168-04:00Raise the Bar!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ONVnUD7HWc/V-gs0sKCAtI/AAAAAAAACdA/PUirlQCQ4I8QPpuBuZJiNGBn9wA-iaEDACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-03%2Bat%2B1.43.32%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ONVnUD7HWc/V-gs0sKCAtI/AAAAAAAACdA/PUirlQCQ4I8QPpuBuZJiNGBn9wA-iaEDACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-03%2Bat%2B1.43.32%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This summer I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Diane McKee, 2016 Florida Teacher of the Year! We had gotten to know each other through a platform she created for all Florida District Teachers of the Year. At the State Roundtable, she shared with us how she "raises the bar" with her students!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96roSFC7MjQ/V-gs4g1OK6I/AAAAAAAACdE/iX5FkxcrFEIyNdLyCJiNMIpWBVdcCPhqACEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-03%2Bat%2B1.28.22%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96roSFC7MjQ/V-gs4g1OK6I/AAAAAAAACdE/iX5FkxcrFEIyNdLyCJiNMIpWBVdcCPhqACEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-03%2Bat%2B1.28.22%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Each year she hangs this red bar in her classroom. As her students enter they tap it to remind themselves that their dreams are within their reach. She shared with us how this bar became a symbol of motivation for her students. She watched them set down a pencil in frustration, glance at the bar, and find it within themselves to pick that pencil up and dig deep.<br />
<br />
This red bar helped Diane create a culture of perseverance. Students came to believe that they were capable of doing rigorous work to success. This growth mindset, combined with an incredible amount of love and dedication, led her students to achieve top scores in the District and State.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYxzddnJ00g/V-gs4myDlHI/AAAAAAAACdI/yv1N3ATST1AgUUQvUkm0z-oPe7EYxQ9QQCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-03%2Bat%2B1.28.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYxzddnJ00g/V-gs4myDlHI/AAAAAAAACdI/yv1N3ATST1AgUUQvUkm0z-oPe7EYxQ9QQCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-08-03%2Bat%2B1.28.36%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When Diane won Florida Teacher of the Year, her father told her he would help her make as many red bars as she needed. {Parents are so generous in those proud moments} When it came time to give her final speech to the next group of District TOY's, that's just what he did. Diane gifted us with both this incredible story and a red bar to hang in our classrooms to help us inspire our students to reach far enough to do their best work each day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxM3-17dAiY/V-gs8euleAI/AAAAAAAACdo/2wzIJusn__gVg6jII5D1Fi8_kK0wAdv5gCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.57.24%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxM3-17dAiY/V-gs8euleAI/AAAAAAAACdo/2wzIJusn__gVg6jII5D1Fi8_kK0wAdv5gCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.57.24%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was so inspired by this story and I truly wanted thank the faculty at my school for first giving me the opportunity to represent our sweet school and go on to become Teacher of the Year for the entire District. I also wanted to find a way to share this incredible experience with them. When I returned to Jacksonville, my parents volunteered to help me create the same gift for my faculty. We spent the last few weeks of the summer cutting, drilling, sanding, painting, and stringing red bars for every classroom in my school.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7YEIRUkH5I/V-gs6-FVjyI/AAAAAAAACdM/BGR66MESAdA0Sl-ZrpjooSXboco1aynAQCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.43.12%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p7YEIRUkH5I/V-gs6-FVjyI/AAAAAAAACdM/BGR66MESAdA0Sl-ZrpjooSXboco1aynAQCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.43.12%2BPM.png" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students tap the bar walking into class each morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since sharing Diane's story with the teachers at my school I've watched this idea grow and touch teachers in other schools and other districts. It's incredible to see such an inspiring idea motivate teachers and children beyond your own personal reach!<br />
<br />
Thank you Diane, for inspiring us all to "Raise the Bar!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ends-qZs1Bc/V-gs7rgxNQI/AAAAAAAACd4/WBaiGc18kWoZYiIfsqsNiL76iGme44eYACEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.43.55%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ends-qZs1Bc/V-gs7rgxNQI/AAAAAAAACd4/WBaiGc18kWoZYiIfsqsNiL76iGme44eYACEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.43.55%2BPM.png" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster created by a kindergarten teacher to explain the purpose of the bar!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RGFI58SKfw/V-gs6iqr00I/AAAAAAAACd4/o6Wn16Ou3sAibgUc6de0VgdgbH9zbQU6gCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.42.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RGFI58SKfw/V-gs6iqr00I/AAAAAAAACd4/o6Wn16Ou3sAibgUc6de0VgdgbH9zbQU6gCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.42.51%2BPM.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsITuMplVWQ/V-gs7SXaLCI/AAAAAAAACd4/bMo2AhS_qLIVI2QJYDlVvcHx1wPvoP0gQCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.43.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsITuMplVWQ/V-gs7SXaLCI/AAAAAAAACd4/bMo2AhS_qLIVI2QJYDlVvcHx1wPvoP0gQCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B3.43.35%2BPM.png" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students tap the bar walking into Media each day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-44845051904894776532016-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:002016-09-30T08:00:23.533-04:00STEM-tember: Tinker Tubs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tinker-Tubs-2766804" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LioMe1b-f2o/V819hzXA6BI/AAAAAAAACWM/Fh6cdV-iZU4hQy9nDUzPBfHmaxWESZhfwCLcB/s640/Tinker%2BTub%2BPreview.001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4j4ut6hY2PM/V819gh_VJ0I/AAAAAAAACWI/Jf4l7AIzLN8mCaXFHQOY1iW_MpBeEiVjwCLcB/s1600/Tinker%2BTub%2BPreview.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4j4ut6hY2PM/V819gh_VJ0I/AAAAAAAACWI/Jf4l7AIzLN8mCaXFHQOY1iW_MpBeEiVjwCLcB/s1600/Tinker%2BTub%2BPreview.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4j4ut6hY2PM/V819gh_VJ0I/AAAAAAAACWI/Jf4l7AIzLN8mCaXFHQOY1iW_MpBeEiVjwCLcB/s1600/Tinker%2BTub%2BPreview.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4j4ut6hY2PM/V819gh_VJ0I/AAAAAAAACWI/Jf4l7AIzLN8mCaXFHQOY1iW_MpBeEiVjwCLcB/s400/Tinker%2BTub%2BPreview.002.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4j4ut6hY2PM/V819gh_VJ0I/AAAAAAAACWI/Jf4l7AIzLN8mCaXFHQOY1iW_MpBeEiVjwCLcB/s1600/Tinker%2BTub%2BPreview.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4j4ut6hY2PM/V819gh_VJ0I/AAAAAAAACWI/Jf4l7AIzLN8mCaXFHQOY1iW_MpBeEiVjwCLcB/s1600/Tinker%2BTub%2BPreview.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4j4ut6hY2PM/V819gh_VJ0I/AAAAAAAACWI/Jf4l7AIzLN8mCaXFHQOY1iW_MpBeEiVjwCLcB/s1600/Tinker%2BTub%2BPreview.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Welcome to day four of STEM-tember! Today we're going to talk about how to incorporate STEM activities into your daily routines!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">With STEM/STEAM/STREAM taking off in primary classrooms across the country, Tinkering Trays, STEM boxes (bins, sticks, and bags), Makerspaces and the lik</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">e are growing in popularity as teachers ask themselves "How can I integrate STEM into my classroom?"</span><br />
<br style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tinker-Tubs-2766804" target="_blank">Minute to STEM it Tinker Tubs</a> were born out of a desire to give my students more access to STEM materials and activities. For the past 3 years I've been collecting resources through Donors Choose projects, Hall Malls/Free Table in the Teacher Lounge, and finding ways to use common classroom materials to challenge my students. Last year I stored these challenges in plastic shoe bins and used them in a STEM Writing center. Recently, I got a very generous donation of pencil boxes and decided to create Tinker Tubs for daily use!</span><br />
<br style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">When my students finish packing up each day they choose a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Tinker-Tubs-2766804" target="_blank">Tinker Tub</a> and use the materials inside to complete the challenge cards that are in the tub. Tinker Tubs are great for indoor recess, early finishers, behavior incentives, STEM writing centers, science centers, morning work, Fun Friday, and just about any other way you could think to incorporate them!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHbx3VzbjI4/V-cGV1GEAeI/AAAAAAAACY0/aAHSI8AtLwkN-SV05mJfIfExbklqJ9fnQCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B6.56.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AHbx3VzbjI4/V-cGV1GEAeI/AAAAAAAACY0/aAHSI8AtLwkN-SV05mJfIfExbklqJ9fnQCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B6.56.02%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In this pack you will find box labels, challenge cards, reflection questions, and a STEM recording page that will help walk your students through the Engineering Design Process. I'd recommend storing materials and challenge cards in plastic shoe boxes, pencil boxes, Ziploc bags, or baskets.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbd90KxNyMk/V-cGbu-T9DI/AAAAAAAACZE/3PCB46o2r0o5a7dBwBDIAQ-rSQxYKz6PQCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B6.58.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbd90KxNyMk/V-cGbu-T9DI/AAAAAAAACZE/3PCB46o2r0o5a7dBwBDIAQ-rSQxYKz6PQCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B6.58.57%2BPM.png" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Available at the Dollar Tree!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Laminate these printables for long-term, repeated use! I print the challenges and reflection double-sided, then laminate and place them in boxes or bins with appropriate materials. I also print and laminate the recording page. We use this page for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/STEM-250987" target="_blank">Minute to STEM it challenges and STEM Book Companion challenges</a> so students are very familiar with it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFMI2NQ3QJw/V-cLJue6WVI/AAAAAAAACZM/KTUn-n5ooLkKrZEI6FYXt3aQga3FmE8KACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B7.23.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFMI2NQ3QJw/V-cLJue6WVI/AAAAAAAACZM/KTUn-n5ooLkKrZEI6FYXt3aQga3FmE8KACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B7.23.15%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A basket full of apples!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">You will find most of these materials in your own classroom. However, I have included some examples of great STEM materials that are worth investing in! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpdJCyywIVk/V-cKgfqTC3I/AAAAAAAACZI/t_hHbretU_MHEMAIRiXRcaWihayR9ByPgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B7.20.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zpdJCyywIVk/V-cKgfqTC3I/AAAAAAAACZI/t_hHbretU_MHEMAIRiXRcaWihayR9ByPgCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B7.20.51%2BPM.png" width="640" /></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/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/STEM-250987" target="_blank">Click here to check out all of my STEM resources!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IxJO3KKE0s/V-cG8l0KupI/AAAAAAAACZE/bg0aB_qfOkUw_f9MLBmaIpI1uRjD2VnPwCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IxJO3KKE0s/V-cG8l0KupI/AAAAAAAACZE/bg0aB_qfOkUw_f9MLBmaIpI1uRjD2VnPwCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-79951203944411024842016-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:002016-09-29T08:00:03.505-04:00STEM-tember: Minute to STEM it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3-dtjWEjZ8/V-cln0raZqI/AAAAAAAACbo/GspJWV-kekAVKkl-9NJxDFuTHZtTEf1dACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3-dtjWEjZ8/V-cln0raZqI/AAAAAAAACbo/GspJWV-kekAVKkl-9NJxDFuTHZtTEf1dACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to our fourth day celebrating STEM-tember this week!</div>
<br />
Yesterday we talked about book companions which are great for an extended study but sometimes you just need a quick challenge to fill time on a short day or Fun Friday. I've created a line of quick challenges to fill this need!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqRJBIM0hS4/V-cmaZqjTxI/AAAAAAAACb0/rFpXG5vY_CMJ9ac71nnzzPPTvi271ZoBgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.20.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sqRJBIM0hS4/V-cmaZqjTxI/AAAAAAAACb0/rFpXG5vY_CMJ9ac71nnzzPPTvi271ZoBgCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.20.07%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minute-to-STEM-it-Paper-Helicopters-2588908" target="_blank">Click here to check out Minute to STEM it: Helicopters!</a></div>
<br />
Each Minute to STEM it challenge offers an activity that is low cost, low prep, and highly engaging! These are easy to implement and use common, affordable materials.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53-OLOQJ1d4/V-cm3dWZixI/AAAAAAAACb8/mxJ0axVFhP0-76wR-t35WLj8IEBxU7wnwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.21.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53-OLOQJ1d4/V-cm3dWZixI/AAAAAAAACb8/mxJ0axVFhP0-76wR-t35WLj8IEBxU7wnwCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.21.36%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minute-to-STEM-it-Loop-Planes-2587556" target="_blank">Click here to check out Minute to STEM it: Loop Planes!</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbJP03t469c/V-cm6yuEu0I/AAAAAAAACcA/V3Bo7Zg1xNAJSrw0--3Usb4xMZRZgs2iQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-05%2Bat%2B11.57.27%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cbJP03t469c/V-cm6yuEu0I/AAAAAAAACcA/V3Bo7Zg1xNAJSrw0--3Usb4xMZRZgs2iQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-05%2Bat%2B11.57.27%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minute-to-STEM-it-Solar-Ovens-2626530" target="_blank">Click here to check out Minute to STEM it: Solar Ovens!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
In each pack you will find a combination of the following: challenge poster, challenge rules, teacher directions, guiding and discussion questions, student instructions, recording sheets (appropriate for K-2) a STEM journal (for upper grades), and printable materials (as necessary).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOwcVHxbnzg/V-cqCaCNkJI/AAAAAAAACco/Zwnlh3PeCQInJUR_5HSxDMBnXa0rPFpxgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.35.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOwcVHxbnzg/V-cqCaCNkJI/AAAAAAAACco/Zwnlh3PeCQInJUR_5HSxDMBnXa0rPFpxgCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.35.23%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minute-to-STEM-it-Go-Carts-2588967" target="_blank">Click here to check out Minute to STEM it: Go Carts!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minute-to-STEM-it-Bobbing-for-Apples-2613740" target="_blank">FREE Bobbing for Apples STEM challenge</a> is the perfect way to kick off STEM at the beginning of the year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BowNfdC5k84/V-cnA_UBJlI/AAAAAAAACcI/zq5JV3Y_35kLU-Qy6a3QcxZ3FhiknC4BgCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-27%2Bat%2B2.25.47%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BowNfdC5k84/V-cnA_UBJlI/AAAAAAAACcI/zq5JV3Y_35kLU-Qy6a3QcxZ3FhiknC4BgCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-27%2Bat%2B2.25.47%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Minute-to-STEM-it-Bobbing-for-Apples-2613740" target="_blank">Click here to check out Minute to STEM it: Bobbing for Apples!</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3MUGawsJRQ/V-co6V50CLI/AAAAAAAACcU/GTJzhomej3EtvYCyUwOwLiOdVkoXk51SwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.29.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3MUGawsJRQ/V-co6V50CLI/AAAAAAAACcU/GTJzhomej3EtvYCyUwOwLiOdVkoXk51SwCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.29.07%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbLCxbefFM0/V-co6kfNljI/AAAAAAAACcY/XUX6YtXwIqQlmeGF3NTTXJI-mbKu7KgKQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.29.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbLCxbefFM0/V-co6kfNljI/AAAAAAAACcY/XUX6YtXwIqQlmeGF3NTTXJI-mbKu7KgKQCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.29.31%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Be on the look out for more Minute to STEM it challenges to be added over the next few months!<br />
<br />
Minute to STEM it: Floats<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBm9P0UyP9Q/V-clG2EOTaI/AAAAAAAACbU/aIuq5MzyQnc7qex8f1Tbmd7iFy-vDs3wACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.11.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBm9P0UyP9Q/V-clG2EOTaI/AAAAAAAACbU/aIuq5MzyQnc7qex8f1Tbmd7iFy-vDs3wACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.11.23%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Minute to STEM it: Hats<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhBip0ieY60/V-clHOWhofI/AAAAAAAACbY/Dnl8J9Z9u3s1BEahX0sOX3oogCt93J5CwCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.11.47%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhBip0ieY60/V-clHOWhofI/AAAAAAAACbY/Dnl8J9Z9u3s1BEahX0sOX3oogCt93J5CwCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.11.47%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
MInute to STEM it: Bridges<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brNGPelL5rg/V-clHq54O8I/AAAAAAAACbc/QcE9M-kRXCUcfp7xLcBoNmtqDQl26CLuwCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.12.32%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brNGPelL5rg/V-clHq54O8I/AAAAAAAACbc/QcE9M-kRXCUcfp7xLcBoNmtqDQl26CLuwCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.12.32%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Minute to STEM it: Ferris Wheel<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ11JWFo8wY/V-clHh2TQhI/AAAAAAAACbg/OrvpVg-Db0QDV69-92StWT-b1HhSAGt1ACEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.12.54%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ11JWFo8wY/V-clHh2TQhI/AAAAAAAACbg/OrvpVg-Db0QDV69-92StWT-b1HhSAGt1ACEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.12.54%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Minute to STEM it: Carnival Ride<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgu24-MeD_M/V-clH8z1QuI/AAAAAAAACbk/b3-xEAUiCa0ld-n1shqdgUzFvumW4ZxowCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.13.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rgu24-MeD_M/V-clH8z1QuI/AAAAAAAACbk/b3-xEAUiCa0ld-n1shqdgUzFvumW4ZxowCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B9.13.15%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/STEM-250987" target="_blank">Click here to check out all of my STEM resources!</a></div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-74281270919079141512016-09-28T08:00:00.000-04:002018-04-26T00:09:06.581-04:00STEM-tember: Book Companions & Challenges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIvGfV4vcNU/V-cXTHfXPmI/AAAAAAAACaU/uTGTYLWJtxMAtc4qhLQXNrZuVM8Y_xWmACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIvGfV4vcNU/V-cXTHfXPmI/AAAAAAAACaU/uTGTYLWJtxMAtc4qhLQXNrZuVM8Y_xWmACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A little over a year ago, I started feeling confident enough about my work with STEM in a primary classroom, to venture into creating resources. Right around that time I met a wonderful character named Rosie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Book-Companion-and-STEM-project-1975280" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiR4Qn-cf28/V-ca7R8TbXI/AAAAAAAACak/Bve5prtNLXIHrzT2WFf_Q_QfJnNkW02oACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B12.53.31%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Book-Companion-and-STEM-project-1975280" target="_blank">h</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Andrea-Beaty/dp/1419708457/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764470&sr=1-1&keywords=rosie+revere+engineer" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
You might know her as <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Book-Companion-and-STEM-project-1975280" target="_blank">Rosie Revere Engineer</a> written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. This book set me on the road to creating STEM (actually STREAM) book companions. Andrea Beaty's message in Rosie Revere is so poignant (in fact, I loved it so much I quoted it in my Teacher of the Year essay) and I wanted to create a resource that helped students dig into the text to pull out this message and then apply it as they participated in a STEM challenge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Icqftqhwek0/V-cYNOxvjpI/AAAAAAAACaY/hFNTM19l9qwCCOcgMcGmS1bIHI7U1vlMQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.19.25%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Icqftqhwek0/V-cYNOxvjpI/AAAAAAAACaY/hFNTM19l9qwCCOcgMcGmS1bIHI7U1vlMQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.19.25%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Rosie introduced me to her classmate <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Iggy-Peck-Architect-Book-Companion-and-STEM-Activity-2063765" target="_blank">Iggy Peck Architect</a>....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Iggy-Peck-Architect-Book-Companion-and-STEM-Activity-2063765" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFeqZqaCQLs/V-cbjOav_YI/AAAAAAAACao/ghgEj8H-apcSV7LMalv0gduJk0wBERmaQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.33.09%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Iggy-Peck-Architect-Andrea-Beaty/dp/081091106X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764443&sr=1-1&keywords=iggy+peck" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
....and most recently I was able to make the acquaintance of another classmate, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ada-Twist-Scientist-Book-Companion-STEM-Challenge-2790551" target="_blank">Ada Twist Scientist</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ada-Twist-Scientist-Book-Companion-STEM-Challenge-2790551" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VYBdeVQ2SQ/V-cbjvM30_I/AAAAAAAACas/1JOKSvtDryUTwk_dVNLhjHbhGHS8iN3VgCEw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.33.39%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ada-Twist-Scientist-Andrea-Beaty/dp/1419721372/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764415&sr=1-1&keywords=ada+twist" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
This summer I was inspired to create several other companions for stories with equally as impactful meanings. I opt for stories with a meaningful message over shallow, gimmicky storybooks. Even if you don't purchase or use the STEM companions I've created for these storybooks, I'd suggest adding any or all of them to your classroom library because they are simply lovely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Going-Places-Book-Companion-and-STEM-Project-2583654" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xw3T5KLC4UU/V-cbx5Jp5nI/AAAAAAAACaw/3osbtvHvZLUKniy3dCfEVjOGUVBb-dASACEw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.08.29%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Going-Places-Paul-Reynolds/dp/1442466081/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764341&sr=1-1&keywords=going+places+by+peter+and+paul+reynolds" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Have you heard of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Going-Places-Book-Companion-and-STEM-Project-2583654" target="_blank">Going Places by Peter and Paul Reyonlds</a>? Anything Peter Reynolds is bound to be a hit in the world of primary and this book is for your dreamers! I use this one to discuss thinking outside of the boxes and looking for ideas in the world around you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Balloons-Over-Broadway-Book-Companion-STEM-Challenge-2621064" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1cn2zugNls/V-cb3WQLiUI/AAAAAAAACa0/PZc4F-g1rswb7ziVmyXV9-ZmnYBjbQHqQCEw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.08.42%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Balloons-over-Broadway-Puppeteer-Education/dp/0547199457/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764313&sr=1-1&keywords=balloons+over+broadway" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Balloons-Over-Broadway-Book-Companion-STEM-Challenge-2621064" target="_blank">Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet</a> is the perfect STEM challenge for the Thanksgiving holidays. This is the true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer responsible for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I love that this story presents the idea of improving upon successes to make them even better. I also love that it's not your typical Thanksgiving holiday activity!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mr-Ferris-and-His-Wheel-Book-Companion-and-STEM-Challenge-2631343" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLuv0pq_DLA/V-cb5Qz4JOI/AAAAAAAACa8/wxJXNyLdsaoP0jAwZBeQaTWYsnwO5ts4wCEw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.08.58%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ferris-Wheel-Kathryn-Gibbs-Davis/dp/0547959222" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mr-Ferris-and-His-Wheel-Book-Companion-and-STEM-Challenge-2631343" target="_blank">Mr. Ferris and His Wheel</a> is the captivating, fact-filled storybook by Kathryn Gibbs Davis. This story illustrates an engineers motivation, dedication, and drive to make his vision a reality!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Twenty-One-Elephants-Book-Companion-and-STEM-Challenge-2626541" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd9ArvwA9f4/V-cb5KNX1GI/AAAAAAAACa4/ZihDitfvRdslgVqr66zLvWMZSvSz1Eh4gCEw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.08.15%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-One-Elephants-Still-Standing-Prince/dp/061844887X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764181&sr=1-1&keywords=twenty+one+elephants" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a> (April Jones Prince)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twenty-One-Elephants-Phil-Bildner/dp/0689870116/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764181&sr=1-2&keywords=twenty+one+elephants" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a> (Phil Bildner)</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Twenty-One-Elephants-Book-Companion-and-STEM-Challenge-2626541" target="_blank">Twenty-One Elephants</a> is the story of P.T. Barnum marching his elephants across the Brooklyn Bridge shortly after it was built to prove it's stability to doubtful New Yorkers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Happy-Birthday-Madame-Chapeau-Book-Companion-STEM-Challenge-2637142" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MbV6ZyWk46g/V-cb6dc-XfI/AAAAAAAACbA/_wcSZVn_aSoBHqDCdT_RkebyOjWh0y-4ACEw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.09.27%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Birthday-Madame-Chapeau-Andrea/dp/1419712195/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764129&sr=1-1&keywords=happy+birthday+madame+chapeau" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Happy-Birthday-Madame-Chapeau-Book-Companion-STEM-Challenge-2637142" target="_blank">Happy Birthday Madame Chapeau</a> is another lovely story by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts. In this challenge students will design and create a birthday hat for Madame Chapeau! Can you tell I'm a little obsessed with Andrea Beaty and David Roberts?!<br />
<br />
Over the next year I plan to complete STEM book companions and challenges for:<br />
<br />
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqsdikKMs_8/V-cWfMqsrDI/AAAAAAAACaI/fp1U9ubhZXkut4vQ83fWQAMsW2_58raSwCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.11.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqsdikKMs_8/V-cWfMqsrDI/AAAAAAAACaI/fp1U9ubhZXkut4vQ83fWQAMsW2_58raSwCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.11.02%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-Box-Antoinette-Portis/dp/0061123226/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T1CAMCSMYHG0NA681XS0" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmITdDoncjw/V-cWfpa9kFI/AAAAAAAACaM/VMGt7j4jmG4xLSO2WM0SD7QQd0AAWgEIQCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.11.16%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmITdDoncjw/V-cWfpa9kFI/AAAAAAAACaM/VMGt7j4jmG4xLSO2WM0SD7QQd0AAWgEIQCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.11.16%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-Stick-Antoinette-Portis/dp/0061123250/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764068&sr=1-1&keywords=not+a+stick" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
Papa's Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VUFzi4kV3g/V-cWcGcUqjI/AAAAAAAACZ0/TYN92ckdYfs36GfkdWQ1tGP-j5A2H9rzQCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.10.11%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VUFzi4kV3g/V-cWcGcUqjI/AAAAAAAACZ0/TYN92ckdYfs36GfkdWQ1tGP-j5A2H9rzQCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.10.11%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Papas-Mechanical-Fish-Candace-Fleming/dp/0374399085/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764044&sr=1-1&keywords=papa%27s+mechanical+fish" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<br />
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin by Margaret McNamara:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bW_xEBtx04/V-cWdn_YSLI/AAAAAAAACZ4/SG-aNfJlpXQAGofEpr-f7jFt74gIHjgLgCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.10.37%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_bW_xEBtx04/V-cWdn_YSLI/AAAAAAAACZ4/SG-aNfJlpXQAGofEpr-f7jFt74gIHjgLgCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.10.37%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Many-Seeds-Pumpkin-Tiffins-Classroom/dp/0375840141/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474764017&sr=1-1&keywords=how+many+seeds+in+a+pumpkin" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ym60wQksfc/V-cWdsiQmQI/AAAAAAAACZ8/jocE8bIZpGAdAyq0KNmW4691o1u_SrlRACEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.10.22%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ym60wQksfc/V-cWdsiQmQI/AAAAAAAACZ8/jocE8bIZpGAdAyq0KNmW4691o1u_SrlRACEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B8.10.22%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Most-Magnificent-Thing-Ashley-Spires/dp/1554537045" target="_blank">Click here to see it on Amazon!</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/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/STEM-250987" target="_blank">Click here to see all of my STEM Book Companions and Challenges!</a></div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-37153882721023385332016-09-27T08:00:00.000-04:002016-09-27T08:00:24.242-04:00STEM-tember: Engineering Design Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABv_GqFetYo/V-bXsd-RhCI/AAAAAAAACXk/ZzrRl3UqaF8W4dkmWY5sQ3xdxdRSk9LogCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABv_GqFetYo/V-bXsd-RhCI/AAAAAAAACXk/ZzrRl3UqaF8W4dkmWY5sQ3xdxdRSk9LogCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to Day two of STEM-tember here at The Curious Catfish!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Engineering Design Process is a series of steps that engineering teams use as they solve problems. The process is cyclical, meaning that engineers repeat the steps as many times as needed, making improvements along the way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2fUfjNijuM/V-bXyO8R4DI/AAAAAAAACXo/EGJ5njEB7rMFolpgwgYix4lSH8xOKt4WgCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B3.43.13%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2fUfjNijuM/V-bXyO8R4DI/AAAAAAAACXo/EGJ5njEB7rMFolpgwgYix4lSH8xOKt4WgCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B3.43.13%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The engineering design process is to engineers what the scientific method is to scientists. When I started doing STEM activities with kindergarten and first grade students the prospect of using this process with my mini-MacGuyver's felt preposterous. Over the years I've come to realize that this process is intuitive. Essentially, it's how our minds naturally work through problem solving and my students have fully embraced it each year.<br />
<br />
So let me break it down for you!<br />
<br />
Students will move through these steps naturally when they are problem-solving. Teachers orchestrate the "Ask" and "Imagine" stage, then hand it over to students to create their own solutions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfrWUzyXvOo/V-bX2aqMcKI/AAAAAAAACX8/xwnntqK34r4fLqBoLUtNLPaCGpjJ2Li0QCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B3.43.29%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfrWUzyXvOo/V-bX2aqMcKI/AAAAAAAACX8/xwnntqK34r4fLqBoLUtNLPaCGpjJ2Li0QCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B3.43.29%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
During the "Plan" and "Create" phase I leave students alone to work with their partners and collaborate. Occasionally, I push in to question their idea or design and challenge them consider their choices. If I see they are making a choice that will fail, I allow them to continue down that path. They can reflect and make changes later but I think it's very important to allow students to fail as long as I'm there to foster critical thinking about that failure and then question them into thinking about how they can approach the task from a different perspective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lW5P5ApSqMI/V-bX8cv7BQI/AAAAAAAACX8/3le16dQReoIZncT_DMe0PuJ9hi45mbsPACEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B3.43.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lW5P5ApSqMI/V-bX8cv7BQI/AAAAAAAACX8/3le16dQReoIZncT_DMe0PuJ9hi45mbsPACEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B3.43.42%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The "Improve" and "Present/Discuss" phases are my favorite! Primary students are surprisingly resilient through struggle and failure when they are engaged in an exciting or interesting task. For the first few STEM challenges you may have tears but after they realize it's not the end of the world when you blow their paper house away using your big, bad blowdryer; they learn to laugh and jump right back into figuring out why their idea didn't work and what they can do to accomplish the task. Questioning them about their choice of materials and listening them discuss what went wrong with their partner during this phase will teach you a lot about their reasoning and independent critical thinking skills.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pq76bM9nvK0/V-bX71T7EiI/AAAAAAAACX8/0gzPNrjTRJUbKx_G6-BtbKC_xNH6aD5eQCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B3.43.54%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pq76bM9nvK0/V-bX71T7EiI/AAAAAAAACX8/0gzPNrjTRJUbKx_G6-BtbKC_xNH6aD5eQCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B3.43.54%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After each challenge I always facilitate a whole group discussion about what went well, what was challenging, what did you change. When appropriate, I also allow students to present/demonstrate their solution. This both models and leads to deeper thinking about the challenge.<br />
<br />
All of these materials are available in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Starter-Kit-2766933" target="_blank">FREE STEM Starter Kit</a>! Download it today as a guide to help you implement STEM in your classroom and join me for the next three days to learn about more STEM resources!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6iQn3nXuUEc/V-bc3FsD6dI/AAAAAAAACYI/NpIJShHHtPwMmxxxyJtNExm_EVAq7waCwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-03%2Bat%2B7.06.13%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6iQn3nXuUEc/V-bc3FsD6dI/AAAAAAAACYI/NpIJShHHtPwMmxxxyJtNExm_EVAq7waCwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-03%2Bat%2B7.06.13%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-1627968466433789192016-09-26T08:00:00.000-04:002016-09-26T08:00:25.876-04:00STEM-tember: What is STEM?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCnYv268Q6k/V-bGyhWnJoI/AAAAAAAACWs/E8aFJrJ4pzkQLCqjlXaT3a7lC-cP55neQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCnYv268Q6k/V-bGyhWnJoI/AAAAAAAACWs/E8aFJrJ4pzkQLCqjlXaT3a7lC-cP55neQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.23.57%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Happy
STEM-tember! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Hopefully you've taken the
opportunity to get your STEM on this month! I'm ending this STEM-tember sharing
with you what I've learned about implementing STEM in a primary classroom over
the past three years. I'll also share resources I love and a variety of ways to
begin adding STEM activities to your repertoire. Check
back each day this week for a new post full of ideas and resources!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXW5pYrM4NQ/V-bJD8NrwoI/AAAAAAAACW4/3R5F8iZCrmcJFC66OQfHU9U5-t-26ebegCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.39.44%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXW5pYrM4NQ/V-bJD8NrwoI/AAAAAAAACW4/3R5F8iZCrmcJFC66OQfHU9U5-t-26ebegCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.39.44%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">STEM stands for Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math. This cross-curricular approach to learning
is exciting because it stimulates the creative and investigative nature of
young learners! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Teachers facilitate learning by
asking open-ended questions and allowing students to explore potential
solutions using a variety of materials. As students work with partners or in
groups, teachers help students question, predict, explore, observe,
investigate, create, and reflect.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"> Early exposure to STEM helps
students develop important critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It
also provides a unique opportunity for all students to be challenged as well as
learn to cope with struggle and failure as they work through potential
solutions. Bring on the GROWTH MINDSET moments!<o:p></o:p></span></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;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1c6F9IxwWvM/V-bJDwRsciI/AAAAAAAACW8/t6aR4Opy1Gs_yotmf6fHnlVad0yg_KsrACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.39.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1c6F9IxwWvM/V-bJDwRsciI/AAAAAAAACW8/t6aR4Opy1Gs_yotmf6fHnlVad0yg_KsrACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.39.23%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Now that we know what STEM is,
let's explore the difference between STEM, STEAM, & STREAM.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The term STEM started to grow in
the US around 2006. The basis of this movement was the growing concern about
the readiness/preparedness of our students for the high-tech jobs of the future.
Soon after, a push for adding "arts" and transforming STEM to STEAM
began.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Any teacher knows that without
the ability to read and write, it is impossible to be fully prepared for any
career. Standards for Science and Technical subjects even reference reading and
writing. This brings us to the need to add "reading" to the acronym.
Hence, STREAM was born. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr3kRBszfC8/V-bMfIZW5XI/AAAAAAAACXI/RqwJiBRTT84hs1PYG_xTq5R7bLSi_SElQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.40.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr3kRBszfC8/V-bMfIZW5XI/AAAAAAAACXI/RqwJiBRTT84hs1PYG_xTq5R7bLSi_SElQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-24%2Bat%2B2.40.02%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Now that we know what STEM is and what the
difference is between the acronyms we're ready to learn more about the
Engineering Design Process. This cyclical process will walk our young learners
through STEM challenges and encourage them to remain engaged through struggle
and failure. Check back tomorrow for more information about the Engineering
Design Process!</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;">All of this information is available in my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Starter-Kit-2766933" target="_blank">Free STEM Starter Kit</a>!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTvZekDHSIs/V-bRJCVr5OI/AAAAAAAACXU/ZY0NfZi7lEwMnHM4XeMll9Y5qktLAIZvACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-03%2Bat%2B7.06.13%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTvZekDHSIs/V-bRJCVr5OI/AAAAAAAACXU/ZY0NfZi7lEwMnHM4XeMll9Y5qktLAIZvACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-03%2Bat%2B7.06.13%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-33919273008653846872016-09-25T17:10:00.000-04:002016-09-25T17:13:32.082-04:00Classroom Reveal 2016-2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--b58v3PDDd4/V-g1t3z-aQI/AAAAAAAACeA/6yST_ykxki41Aeq_Nj2i9bPDyyhmntGVwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B4.37.05%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--b58v3PDDd4/V-g1t3z-aQI/AAAAAAAACeA/6yST_ykxki41Aeq_Nj2i9bPDyyhmntGVwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B4.37.05%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I love seeing pictures of other teachers classrooms! They always inspire me to try something new in my own and it just fills my teacher heart to see kids learning in such happy places! I'm a little late to the party (I like to keep expectations low) but I'm going to share a few pictures of my classroom! Try not to be jealous of the blush and maroon splatter paint walls and mystery stains. Not everybody can have such nice things.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm starting with a silent video tour and pictures will follow. You'll see differences between the pictures and video because I've changed it up a bit to make things more manageable. I hope you enjoy peeking inside of my classroom!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dXEc8S-5CG4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dXEc8S-5CG4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmsXjxKGMGE/V-g8aRcxJnI/AAAAAAAACfo/qygjsudIqPkTVIV1zvUtmsQi02EA-SVQgCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B4.48.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmsXjxKGMGE/V-g8aRcxJnI/AAAAAAAACfo/qygjsudIqPkTVIV1zvUtmsQi02EA-SVQgCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B4.48.58%2BPM.png" width="640" /></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FVroynuFyU/V-g8x9o_q4I/AAAAAAAACgA/zG66aR8ToXoKAFwMdkIJ_tMTzu-O2g7GwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B5.07.59%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FVroynuFyU/V-g8x9o_q4I/AAAAAAAACgA/zG66aR8ToXoKAFwMdkIJ_tMTzu-O2g7GwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B5.07.59%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIWpZHf4ll0/V-g8bYV1n4I/AAAAAAAACf4/-M-8Ne4JSPUCXaCYJCMnX4jD_hJmRL_cACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B4.55.34%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIWpZHf4ll0/V-g8bYV1n4I/AAAAAAAACf4/-M-8Ne4JSPUCXaCYJCMnX4jD_hJmRL_cACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B4.55.34%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSqYS4WFAhk/V-g8bIVThZI/AAAAAAAACfw/yjx1tZEGuKc9DSz3uEE7qXEb5hHtS2LKQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B4.57.45%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSqYS4WFAhk/V-g8bIVThZI/AAAAAAAACfw/yjx1tZEGuKc9DSz3uEE7qXEb5hHtS2LKQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B4.57.45%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmAUNOiRFUk/V-g8bQnr9mI/AAAAAAAACf0/qoP6ZbaXZ1Ac5VkGWujTacU6Arnjy4KdACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B5.03.13%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmAUNOiRFUk/V-g8bQnr9mI/AAAAAAAACf0/qoP6ZbaXZ1Ac5VkGWujTacU6Arnjy4KdACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B5.03.13%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46DWpgU3Sb4/V-g8b2Tm7oI/AAAAAAAACf8/gnmpFoE5Wg44XUXhBQu3ODwW6BlXPv8OwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B5.05.49%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46DWpgU3Sb4/V-g8b2Tm7oI/AAAAAAAACf8/gnmpFoE5Wg44XUXhBQu3ODwW6BlXPv8OwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-25%2Bat%2B5.05.49%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-48625767501801840442016-07-31T09:00:00.000-04:002016-07-31T09:00:27.596-04:00Back to School 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-patyHlhdgUw/V50_xSgupeI/AAAAAAAACUw/V3D2qAYYTAowCh3URGAHONO41XlhQ1BUwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-30%2Bat%2B6.36.54%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Summer always passes in a flash. With Target filling their dollar spot full of adorable classroom decorations two days after summer break started to Dollar Tree and Walmart stocking their shelves with crayons, pencils, notebooks, and markers galore at the beginning of July; back to school was upon us before the last school year ended. It's like everyone adopted Hobby Lobby's stance on Christmas and applied it for Back to School! I think we were all secretly ok with that though ;)<br />
<br />
With BTS in full swing, TPT's big Back to School SALE is here! Starting Monday, August 1st and running through midnight Tuesday, August 2nd you can get 20% off all products in my store. Use the code: <u>BestYear</u> at check out to get an additional 10% off of your purchase!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Homework-256749" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MDS9T_o4WmE/V5t-w4Pw0AI/AAAAAAAACUQ/Mu2scVFYsow2SroStoIUriFppxYUOPGDQCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-29%2Bat%2B11.55.12%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been using these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Homework-256749" target="_blank">EDITABLE Homework Menus</a> for several years and LOVE them! Each menu for August through July contains tasks for phonics, reading/writing, math, and science/social studies. High Frequency word lists are included for each month using the first 100-300 Fry words. There are pre-and post assessments for each month to assess acquisition of high frequency words. Finally, there are several files in the download including: complete menus, editable high frequency words, editable tasks, fully editable, editable monthly calendars for behavior or parent communication.<br />
<br />
These menus cut my prep time in half! Tasks are aligned to Common Core standards for kindergarten and first grade so students are getting meaningful practice in each night! Parents love that the homework tasks are brief, lasting no more than 5-10 minutes. Students love the autonomy of choosing which task they want to work on each night! It's a win-win! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Homework-256749" target="_blank">Check them out today!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Management-Organization-256750" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WEPSpbPrbYc/V5t9pme6MeI/AAAAAAAACT4/M777cAAf-8AIeE6RCEJ9EkD12UeihmUQgCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-29%2Bat%2B11.55.30%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you looking for ways to manage routines through the day? <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CHAMPS-Behavior-Management-2676668" target="_blank">CHAMPS</a> may be the answer! These <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CHAMPS-Behavior-Management-2676668" target="_blank">CHAMPS</a> posters are simplified and easy to implement. Just print, laminate, and manage behavior like a boss! <a href="http://www.thecuriouscatfish.com/2016/07/champs-behavior-management.html" target="_blank">To learn more about CHAMPS or this product click here!</a><br />
<br />
What about morning routines. Are you in the market for a simple, paper saving <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Quick-Activities-1906193" target="_blank">morning work</a> option? I don't know about you but I don't have the time or copies to print a page for each student everyday. I also don't believe in being that wasteful! These <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Quick-Activities-1906193" target="_blank">Morning Work Quick Activities</a> may be the answer! Print one page per student per week! Everyday after my students unpack they take out their morning work folder and complete one of the five standards based tasks. This helps everyone settle into the day with a meaningful activity. I glue a library pocket into the front of each morning work journal. Students cut out the tasks on Monday and keep them in the pocket until we complete that task through the week. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Morning-Work-Quick-Activities-1906193" target="_blank">It's simple, efficient, and effective!</a><br />
<br />
Can you tell I like to simplify things for myself? #WorkSmarter<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Book-Companion-13522" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2I6H31nhjX8/V5t-L2aY7kI/AAAAAAAACUE/bz2qKHNsfV4UHbzK187bTBkWH5LGkxi0wCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-29%2Bat%2B11.55.44%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Book-Companion-13522" target="_blank">I love book companions!</a> I make them for any story I fall in love with. Check out the original <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Room-on-the-Broom-366711" target="_blank">Room on the Broom</a> or the original <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Squirrels-New-Years-Resolution-Book-Companion-467831" target="_blank">Squirrel's New Years Resolution</a>! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-Supplementary-Activities-1412416" target="_blank">Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Kissing-Hand-Supplementary-Activities-1412499" target="_blank">The Kissing Hand</a> are perfect for back to school! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Book-Companion-13522" target="_blank">Click here to check out all of my book companions and book buddy activities!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/ELA-Literacy-257869" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWEyDssocPs/V5t-hMA5x_I/AAAAAAAACUE/14fg1yTNPMw8JgtSgsvAeYiSmgLjEkWdACEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-29%2Bat%2B11.55.56%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
How about engaging <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/ELA-Literacy-257869" target="_blank">ELA activities</a>?!?! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Responding-to-Literature-794950" target="_blank">Responding to Literature</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Word-Word-Pack-1439694" target="_blank">Ultimate Word Work Pack</a> are units I use ALL YEAR LONG! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/ELA-Literacy-257869" target="_blank">Click here to check out all of my ELA/Literacy games and activities!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Math-Supplements-112539" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKJh-Z3gws0/V5t--_i1jNI/AAAAAAAACUQ/4vNYvlKAAvgw7nPJHtBi17xSwOMcDCD_QCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-29%2Bat%2B11.56.09%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Math-Supplements-112539" target="_blank">Math Supplements</a> were a labor of love! This summer I completed mini-units for every first grade skill, concept, and standard! There is a cost saving <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Supplements-A-Complete-Bundle-1st-Grade-1335998" target="_blank">Mega-Bundle</a> marked down and available for further discount for this sale ONLY! Get it now for the lowest price ever! There are 18 mini-units including: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fact-Fluency-within-10-2542147" target="_blank">Fluency within 10</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Money-1819780" target="_blank">Money</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Equivalent-Expressions-1166890" target="_blank">Equivalent Expressions</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Partitioning-Shapes-Halves-Fourths-1172291" target="_blank">Partitioning Shapes</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geometry-2D-and-3D-Shapes-1172275" target="_blank">Geometry</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Time-Hour-and-Half-Hour-1172306" target="_blank">Time</a>, the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Commutative-Property-of-Addition-883730" target="_blank">Commutative Property of Addition</a>, and so many more! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Math-Supplements-112539" target="_blank">Check them all out here!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/STEM-250987" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SgIu_KqrAc/V5t_VLY5FBI/AAAAAAAACUQ/wZn5BPG-WTwvI57UFJjC3jUC2E9j7iEzwCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-29%2Bat%2B11.56.21%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember how I told you I love book companions? I also love STEM! These book companions are a confluence of all that I big puffy heart love! There are ELA activities to help you dig into the text and pull out the very important meaning and lesson in each story. To top it off there is a STEM challenge based on the story! A single resource couldn't get any more perfect for me!<br />
<br />
Start your school year with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Book-Companion-and-STEM-project-1975280" target="_blank">Rosie Revere</a>! Your students will learn the important lesson of perseverance with Rosie as she realizes:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your brilliant first flop was a raging success!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come on, let's get busy and on to the next!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life might have failures, but this was not it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only true failure can come if you quit.</div>
<br />
I mean, sign me up! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/STEM-250987" target="_blank">Check out my STEM Book Companions here!</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://I mean, sign me up! Check out my STEM Book Companions here!" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTjY7xoToUQ/V5t_azMu_MI/AAAAAAAACUQ/wt-Z25HxCags-N1T74hRz_ZVNgmp6sh0QCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-29%2Bat%2B11.56.30%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/STEM-250987" target="_blank">Minute to STEM it!</a> These quick challenges are perfect for primary classrooms. I try to do one every Friday. They really help nurture a culture of perseverance and higher order thinking in my classroom!<br />
<br />
Happy shopping and an even happier back to school! #BestYearEverJessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-15285754284891617642016-07-23T14:24:00.001-04:002016-07-23T14:24:14.542-04:00CHAMPS Behavior Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CHAMPS-Behavior-Management-2676668" target="_blank"><img alt=" Check out these CHAMPS posters here!" border="0" height="490" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_QugZgew5g/V5Orrl4iXyI/AAAAAAAACTI/Ko1q8c8ihIw6ZHq0N1uUgYbuNehmf_YLwCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.27.42%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Pat Benatar could have written another song called "Your Classroom is a Battlefield". I'm no singer/songwriter but that would have hit big with the teacher demographic struggling to manage behaviors.<br />
<br />
During my first year teaching I was shipped off to a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CHAMPS-Behavior-Management-2676668" target="_blank">CHAMPS</a> professional development along with the rest of my school. We were given the knowledge, book, and posters to help us take a run at behavior management using a positive, proactive, instructional approach. It worked like a charm! Students thrive when they have clear expectations set for them and they understand what to do and expect. Which makes sense because, don't we all?!?!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39KuxxkdoUw/V5OrrslMdxI/AAAAAAAACTI/fXqRLJqqcjIdcI2s3ZJ-vWyuHN_7bi38QCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.04.54%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39KuxxkdoUw/V5OrrslMdxI/AAAAAAAACTI/fXqRLJqqcjIdcI2s3ZJ-vWyuHN_7bi38QCEw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.04.54%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see I don't use the "S" in my display. It is available in the file for the large acronyms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
CHAMPS is a positive behavior management system created by <a href="http://Improve classroom behavior (on-task, work completion, cooperation) Establish clear classroom behavior expectations with logical and fair responses to misbehavior Motivate students to put forth their best efforts (perseverance, pride in work) Reduce misbehavior (disruptions, disrespect, non-compliance) Increase academic engagement, resulting in improved test scores Spend less time disciplining students and more time teaching them Teach students to behave respectfully and to value diversity, thereby reducing cultural differences that may manifest as misbehavior Feel empowered and happy to be in the classroom Develop a common language about behaviors among all staff Create a plan for orienting and supporting new staff Reduce staff burnout" target="_blank">Dr. Randy Sprick of Safe and Civil Schools</a>. It was designed to improve classroom behaviors, reduce misbehaviors, and motivate students by establishing clear behavior expectations with logical and fair responses and consequences for misbehavior. Teachers spend less time on discipline and more time with actively engaged students who feel empowered and happy in class. Sounds like a dream, right? It is!<br />
<br />
For eight years I used the uniform set of posters that my school provided. Two years ago I transferred to a new county and was ready for an upgrade. I designed two sets of posters. Acronyms with behavior expectations that make up a large display visible for all students no matter where they are in the classroom. In the photo above, you can see my whiteboard next to the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CHAMPS-Behavior-Management-2676668" target="_blank">CHAMPS</a> display, this should give you an idea of the scale of the large display. All large posters for each acronym are pictured below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j78DYtPo2o8/V5OrrLeK4kI/AAAAAAAACTI/1Zo53NFV2a8KGtwitwuPXavf50aR3Aq1ACEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.04.22%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j78DYtPo2o8/V5OrrLeK4kI/AAAAAAAACTI/1Zo53NFV2a8KGtwitwuPXavf50aR3Aq1ACEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.04.22%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ib730-FYoU/V5OrrcujmHI/AAAAAAAACTI/G1dkOBIfJ0IyVFkiV967zhocsP8D-IQ8gCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.04.32%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ib730-FYoU/V5OrrcujmHI/AAAAAAAACTI/G1dkOBIfJ0IyVFkiV967zhocsP8D-IQ8gCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.04.32%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also designed a set of posters that are applicable to the I DO, WE DO, THEY DO, YOU DO instructional model. Some people call it the Gradual Release of Responsibility, others call it the Collaborative Framework, and who knows what teachers call it in their own classroom when the doors are closed! These posters have all behavior expectations on one 8x11 sized sheet of copy paper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RL8H58CvW9Q/V5OrrI5MtDI/AAAAAAAACTI/VprVr0wCTuky-Z73DLv8_BJ_tioBh6qHgCEw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.04.43%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RL8H58CvW9Q/V5OrrI5MtDI/AAAAAAAACTI/VprVr0wCTuky-Z73DLv8_BJ_tioBh6qHgCEw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-22%2Bat%2B7.04.43%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For those of you who may be new to <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CHAMPS-Behavior-Management-2676668" target="_blank">CHAMPS</a>, each acronym communicates to students what they are expected to do to behave successfully during specific activities or times of the school day. The CHAMPS acronym stands for:<br />
<h2>
Conversation<br /> Help<br /> Activity<br /> Movement<br /> Participation<br /> Success</h2>
There are a lot of sets of comprehensive CHAMPS posters. This is a simplified, easy to implement version. If you have ideas for additional prompts please comment below and I will be happy to add them. My favorite thing about these posters is that they are no prep. Just print, laminate, and manage behavior like a BOSS! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CHAMPS-Behavior-Management-2676668" target="_blank">Check them out here!</a>Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-64938386378513262782016-07-17T13:37:00.000-04:002016-07-17T13:37:31.434-04:002017 Florida Teacher of the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLO-le4nQLE/V4pVv4L3qhI/AAAAAAAACQs/Z93bsZXCkRI-HKlENKMO6cbG3qU0y62kgCLcB/s1600/TOY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fLO-le4nQLE/V4pVv4L3qhI/AAAAAAAACQs/Z93bsZXCkRI-HKlENKMO6cbG3qU0y62kgCLcB/s640/TOY.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Transformative.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No single word can truly sum up the experience that Florida District Teachers of the Year experience during the Macy's Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Roundtable and Gala. If I was forced to choose a word it would be transformative. I am not the same person I was five days ago. I have been honored, humbled, supported, inspired and empowered. I know what they've given me will positively impact my work with students in and out of my classroom and with a bit of luck and a lot of effort it will spread across my school district. They sent me on my way fired up and prepared to "pour my own pavement."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxjYrMQQQCY/V4ppkGi_vxI/AAAAAAAACRA/jtq688JtA7cOKKrGp5_Kssew9PUolo5KwCLcB/s1600/toy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxjYrMQQQCY/V4ppkGi_vxI/AAAAAAAACRA/jtq688JtA7cOKKrGp5_Kssew9PUolo5KwCLcB/s400/toy1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The week started with a Welcome Fair where district representatives meet Commissioner Pam Stewart...like, in person! That evening she hosted a Reception and Cocktail hour. Throughout the week she participated in each event, talking with teachers and inspiring us with her own stories as a Teacher, Guidance Councilor, Assistant Principal, Principal, Deputy Superintendent, Chancellor, (Comman-cellor) and Commissioner of Education. Her absolute love for the children of Florida is both evident and inspiring. Can I be Pam one day?!?!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GYs2jaSksc/V4utXsEHuRI/AAAAAAAACSU/-7ZLcXq_8VcuUH_fnMRjdbT-Gk6XBCjaQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-17%2Bat%2B12.07.26%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GYs2jaSksc/V4utXsEHuRI/AAAAAAAACSU/-7ZLcXq_8VcuUH_fnMRjdbT-Gk6XBCjaQCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-17%2Bat%2B12.07.26%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a>We spent each day talking and working with Commissioner Pam Stewart, Chancellor Hershel (Walker) Lyons, Deputy Chancellor Dr. Brian Dassler, Bonita Hampton, Megan Collins, Abbey Stewart, and so many more wonderfully inspiring and dedicated individuals who work at the Florida Department of Education.<br />
<br />
Florida offers District Teachers of the Year the unique and exclusive opportunity to participate in the Florida Teacher LEAD Network. Most of our Roundtable work focused on Growth Mindset and finding our roles as leaders in our school and district. The DOE is investing in the development of leadership skills in Florida TOY's to "impact change in classrooms other than our own." Because #everychildmatters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGD8Zw0E-Pw/V4prf1bTHkI/AAAAAAAACRM/8cqR_BjCiVMes0M9VzLeVl65CAAzVRkAACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-16%2Bat%2B1.13.48%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGD8Zw0E-Pw/V4prf1bTHkI/AAAAAAAACRM/8cqR_BjCiVMes0M9VzLeVl65CAAzVRkAACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-16%2Bat%2B1.13.48%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After a productive morning working with Michael Russo & Dr. Maria Reitano from the New Teacher Center and the DOE, we took a little time to shake our tail-feather because sometimes teachers need brain breaks too! Thanks Coach Mark Peters, Port Malabar Elementary in Brevard County!<br />
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHz7UzDgVDH/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Leaders in study hall and apparently the dance hall thanks to instructor Mark Peters #whoKnew #LEAD #FLTOY17 #FLedu😁</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A video posted by EducationFL (@educationfl) on <time datetime="2016-07-13T18:15:40+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 13, 2016 at 11:15am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
<br />
<div>
One of the highlights of the week is the Teacher of the Year Gala where the next Florida Teacher of the Year is announced. It is truly a special evening! Macy's spares no expense making every teacher feel honored! Deborah Norville emcee's the event as families, friends, and leaders in both education and the state gather to celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of each District Teacher of the Year!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfwIKt6MovM/V4ptNE-8WWI/AAAAAAAACRY/RE6-wfbZJ0cj0mEbdPpvLc3LmKVyxlefQCLcB/s1600/toy10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfwIKt6MovM/V4ptNE-8WWI/AAAAAAAACRY/RE6-wfbZJ0cj0mEbdPpvLc3LmKVyxlefQCLcB/s640/toy10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nA0b-Mze0Y/V4ptNqZGolI/AAAAAAAACRc/Plxowph9KSwyh4CmtRCT8w8N3GUfoSQ9QCLcB/s1600/toy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nA0b-Mze0Y/V4ptNqZGolI/AAAAAAAACRc/Plxowph9KSwyh4CmtRCT8w8N3GUfoSQ9QCLcB/s320/toy5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom was the best date a girl could ask for!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-iE_9tK7wQ/V4ptP3AqcfI/AAAAAAAACRg/sApCb5TRZywoe7dTclSDK1-zd1JNXAWrQCLcB/s1600/toy11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-iE_9tK7wQ/V4ptP3AqcfI/AAAAAAAACRg/sApCb5TRZywoe7dTclSDK1-zd1JNXAWrQCLcB/s320/toy11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for celebrating with me sweet friend!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am so impressed by each Finalist! The way they impact students each day brought joy to my heart and tears to my eyes! Students talked about the love they have for their teachers and the love they feel from their teachers everyday. All of them are truly irreplaceable!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lx52CaTZ1Ow/V4pyie55JdI/AAAAAAAACR4/zK53Z_z3miItDx_nVEF1bgsQqj6lYV4cACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-16%2Bat%2B1.41.59%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lx52CaTZ1Ow/V4pyie55JdI/AAAAAAAACR4/zK53Z_z3miItDx_nVEF1bgsQqj6lYV4cACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-16%2Bat%2B1.41.59%2BPM.png" width="286" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jessica Solano who teaches 3rd grade at Highlands Grove Elementary in Polk County was selected to represent Florida as the 2017 Florida Teacher of the Year! I've gotten to know her through the District TOY network as well as at the Roundtable and I have to say she will be an exceptional representative of all Florida educators! I couldn't be happier for her and hope she enjoys every moment of this wonderful new adventure! #JessicasRunTheWorld</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8X53_Ii0NQ/V4pv01lXuCI/AAAAAAAACRs/Hy9u-5RyToUyS_S5Me9FMMRe8wd5RNQSwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-16%2Bat%2B1.04.52%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8X53_Ii0NQ/V4pv01lXuCI/AAAAAAAACRs/Hy9u-5RyToUyS_S5Me9FMMRe8wd5RNQSwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-16%2Bat%2B1.04.52%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We reluctantly ended our week together at an Awards Breakfast the following day with more recognitions, awards (which included a very generous gift from Governor Scott and the Department of Education), and 72 new friendships. I posted #speechless & #isthisreallife all week because this experience left me in complete shock and awe. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQq7owTwrUo/V4pzNduEz3I/AAAAAAAACSA/HOiF-_fffjwKil7uo_Vc5OTshkwJlTVnQCLcB/s1600/toy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQq7owTwrUo/V4pzNduEz3I/AAAAAAAACSA/HOiF-_fffjwKil7uo_Vc5OTshkwJlTVnQCLcB/s400/toy6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Teacher of the Year is so much more than a parking spot and a title. It's a unique opportunity for you to grow into and embrace your role as a teacher leader. When I was chosen to represent my district several people told me, "You have a voice in education and an opportunity to use it." For a while I wasn't sure what I was supposed to say, who I was supposed to say it to, and who would even listen. This experience helped me find my voice. It helped me figure out what I have to say. I learned that I am brave enough to pave my own path and create the change I want to see. I've been home for less then 24 hours and I've already emailed my district administration "volun-telling" them how I want to use this platform. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The truth is EVERY teacher has a voice. Every teacher has a platform outside of their classroom. Think about what you are passionate about and use your voice to effect the change you want to see in your classroom, school, district, and beyond!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'd like to express my sincerest thanks to the Florida Department of Education, the New Teacher Center, Macy's, Eduardo Briceno, Lucas Boyce, Debbie Bowe, Diane McKee, all of the sponsors whose contributions helped make this event so transformative. Thank you for all that you do to support teachers and students in Florida. You help us effect REAL change! Most of all, thank you Clay County for allowing me to represent you! Thank you to my coworkers, family, friends, and students for supporting me, inspiring me, and challenging me to reach far enough to do my best work!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
In the words of the magnetic Debbie Bowe:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LypwWBBKgOA/V4vALjpO2SI/AAAAAAAACSk/SQ1gLs91R5wLWksziJYBbfobjLd3bwq_wCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-17%2Bat%2B1.27.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LypwWBBKgOA/V4vALjpO2SI/AAAAAAAACSk/SQ1gLs91R5wLWksziJYBbfobjLd3bwq_wCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-17%2Bat%2B1.27.40%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-1372418171724088102016-06-26T11:01:00.001-04:002016-06-26T13:04:06.763-04:00Rosie Revere Engineer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-guq0PCXKI_4/V3AKlCKh-FI/AAAAAAAACNI/5_QQQUMFQbk8LKgiEMB5q0D8QcpZuc8tQCKgB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B12.53.31%2BPM.png" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Book-Companion-and-STEM-project-1975280" target="_blank">Click here to check out the book companion and STEM challenge!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you discovered Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty? It's part of a series of STEM inspired books that includes Iggy Peck Architect. Ada Twist Scientist is coming September 2016! I won't spoil the surprise of how all of these characters are connected. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This series is legit my new favorite children's books!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV8QTpOLn1s/V2_vIStI6gI/AAAAAAAACMI/rx63_7wdrhca93WHgUffYyHD6YbLZfQxACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B11.04.40%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV8QTpOLn1s/V2_vIStI6gI/AAAAAAAACMI/rx63_7wdrhca93WHgUffYyHD6YbLZfQxACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B11.04.40%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Beaty/e/B001JRVRLO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">Check out all of Andrea Beaty's amazing books on Amazon!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I fell in love with Rosie Revere last summer after watching my students frustration with failure during STEM challenges. Rosie is a brilliant, creative, shy child. She became intimidated by failure and gave up on her dream (hello fixed mindset) until her great-aunt Rose (inspired by Rosie the Riveter, adorable right?!?) came to visit. This passage sums up the incredible message of this story! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zu3OvV5hBPI/V2_g1I92anI/AAAAAAAACKg/5l99I9r4_4k/s1600/blogger-image-200263831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zu3OvV5hBPI/V2_g1I92anI/AAAAAAAACKg/5l99I9r4_4k/s400/blogger-image-200263831.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided right away that this was the perfect first STEM challenge to kick off our new school year. I wanted my students to understand that sometimes they WILL fail but how you cope with that failure determines your ultimate success. Each year I strive to create a culture of risk-taking and perseverance and this story is the perfect way to set that tone!</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/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Book-Companion-and-STEM-project-1975280" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JTjtpCtZDRE/V2_yGEHvesI/AAAAAAAACMU/RGEH19IGWt8HpY5vioV0qSinURSxaxGpACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B10.48.06%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started by creating ELA activities designed to help my students dig into the text and understand the message. We discussed Rosie's character traits and connected to times that we have struggled. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQf1aJY0OW8/V2_gvu28QCI/AAAAAAAACJ8/Of3Qw-QCznQ/s1600/blogger-image-272193856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQf1aJY0OW8/V2_gvu28QCI/AAAAAAAACJ8/Of3Qw-QCznQ/s640/blogger-image-272193856.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big thanks to Dana for sharing a cute character trait poster idea with me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Hbhu_T8Tp8/V2_iQsHpnzI/AAAAAAAACLI/gBsTjHcRHn0/s1600/blogger-image--1530448017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Hbhu_T8Tp8/V2_iQsHpnzI/AAAAAAAACLI/gBsTjHcRHn0/s400/blogger-image--1530448017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing the monkey bars, riding my bike without training wheels, doing my homework...#kidproblems</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After discovering the message and learning about how we can apply it to our own life, we capped off the week with a Rosie Revere Engineer inspired STEM challenge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Book-Companion-and-STEM-project-1975280" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ksYQ4rmHEw/V2_zlkz_OjI/AAAAAAAACMk/h35IvP8Xc4Iabne233W8gNgTvl8BKtYzgCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B10.48.26%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whole group resources and teacher directions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rosie-Revere-Engineer-Book-Companion-and-STEM-project-1975280" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iyPVnxW4y8/V2_zlijfiyI/AAAAAAAACMg/OAr8aC7iAvsTkjFoXGg1PNTCYJy21Hf-ACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B10.48.41%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engineering design process recording options and reproducibles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G3BU1lJ7HPI/V2_-nQpIxyI/AAAAAAAACM4/4ujcbE6e5Vc5Ng0WStoO2S0mP--UrjtFACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B11.38.11%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G3BU1lJ7HPI/V2_-nQpIxyI/AAAAAAAACM4/4ujcbE6e5Vc5Ng0WStoO2S0mP--UrjtFACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-26%2Bat%2B11.38.11%2BAM.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;">
I started the challenge by flying a loop plane and marking the start and goal line. Then I challenged pairs of students to modify a loop plane to travel further.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N_df5otehTs/V2_gx3Y7TgI/AAAAAAAACKI/wpe7KLs3XuA/s1600/blogger-image--1167465830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N_df5otehTs/V2_gx3Y7TgI/AAAAAAAACKI/wpe7KLs3XuA/s640/blogger-image--1167465830.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They taped paper-clips, connecting cubes, and extra loops onto their straws and tested them in the hallway counting floor tiles to measure the distance their plane traveled. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N0_gT04jj5o/V2_g3E1-InI/AAAAAAAACKs/dvQktJZPtQo/s640/blogger-image--1361381062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N0_gT04jj5o/V2_g3E1-InI/AAAAAAAACKs/dvQktJZPtQo/s400/blogger-image--1361381062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mN2IIdICImI/V2_gwiqVL0I/AAAAAAAACKA/3XYuFSQuiH0/s400/blogger-image--1164718470.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students recorded their process on this recording page.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sA6pbaSOcus/V2_g0G_WiSI/AAAAAAAACKY/Nwu22iwS2gs/s1600/blogger-image--1851524475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sA6pbaSOcus/V2_g0G_WiSI/AAAAAAAACKY/Nwu22iwS2gs/s400/blogger-image--1851524475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/i1sCyD3AewE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i1sCyD3AewE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How much you you love the thumbs up at the end?!?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-REiCuPQvxkI/V2_guUubRiI/AAAAAAAACJ0/zCQmdMAiLSc/s1600/blogger-image--184086999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-REiCuPQvxkI/V2_guUubRiI/AAAAAAAACJ0/zCQmdMAiLSc/s400/blogger-image--184086999.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pairs named their loop plane and we tracked their best flight. None of the groups made it past the goal line and none of the students gave up! Instead they went back to the drawing board and I listened to them discuss what went wrong and how they can change it to travel further. It was amazing to see the shift in their mindset. They now understand it's a necessary part of growth!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZ55nXsh22Q/V2_gy1sJ6CI/AAAAAAAACKQ/QpBlPmEKQeU/s640/blogger-image--955609103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZ55nXsh22Q/V2_gy1sJ6CI/AAAAAAAACKQ/QpBlPmEKQeU/s640/blogger-image--955609103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-8987009380054771422016-06-17T13:28:00.001-04:002016-07-23T14:24:45.315-04:00County Teacher of the Year....WHAT?!?<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7_U8S4CE44/V2QqbskiDGI/AAAAAAAACI4/2RITgMk84QAzj_-e8dTfVk__RvD6KgQZwCKgB/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7_U8S4CE44/V2QqbskiDGI/AAAAAAAACI4/2RITgMk84QAzj_-e8dTfVk__RvD6KgQZwCKgB/s640/IMG_0498.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't wait to celebrate with my class the next day! The pride and love I felt from them is a feeling I'll never forget!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
This year I was chosen by my peers & administration to represent our school as Teacher of the Year. <span style="text-align: center;">What an incredible honor to be chosen by the people you work with the most closely!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvLVEJekvn8/V2QqcEjyGfI/AAAAAAAACJU/tAQZgwQb-9gZvtl3bB9_VUas0OR85omnACKgB/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvLVEJekvn8/V2QqcEjyGfI/AAAAAAAACJU/tAQZgwQb-9gZvtl3bB9_VUas0OR85omnACKgB/s400/IMG_0504.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting your name on the sign is oddly exciting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
I got to work on the essays for the district selection and made it to the top five finalists for the District Teacher of the Year. Talk about shock and awe! After panel interviews and observations I attended the TOY ceremony where they announced that I will represent our whole school district as the 2017 Clay County Teacher of the Year at the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Roundtable and Gala. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mKGxHYXRJY/V2QqbkYJftI/AAAAAAAACJE/_a-NuckfQ38A2pB8jtjObPQBTflagOUWwCKgB/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mKGxHYXRJY/V2QqbkYJftI/AAAAAAAACJE/_a-NuckfQ38A2pB8jtjObPQBTflagOUWwCKgB/s400/IMG_0497.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The 'love notes' and congratulations from my students were the best part!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kycgfE4XKI/V2Qsp84LIHI/AAAAAAAACJY/m0_oFYAWRVMX3x9A6VzQ44WkbnuZP0iYgCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B12.59.49%2BPM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://jacksonville.com/community/clay/2016-02-06/story/clay-names-teacher-school-related-employee-year" target="_blank">Click here to read all about it!</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
It's hard to find the words to describe this experience. My administration, instructional coach, and parents challenged me to dig deep and helped me edit essays. They were all there along with my peers and friends to celebrate this achievement and opportunity with me. The pride from the students and families is exhilarating and inspiring. It was truly one of the most incredible and humbling moments of my life and I'm so proud to represent my peers and my county on a state level. How lucky am I to do what I love with people I love everyday! What an amazing experience!</div>
</div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-38964597047602379802016-06-15T11:09:00.000-04:002016-07-23T14:25:12.114-04:00Math Tools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Tools-2592024" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vNtUnEGkP4A/V2FiaLuPW0I/AAAAAAAACFA/pfqeMOqmCUcoRosZAj8kbYamdcT_YcimgCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-15%2Bat%2B10.08.03%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Click the picture to download this FREEBIE!</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;">As an educator, I'm always looking to develop best practices in my classroom to benefit my students. Our Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice (MP5) require students to use appropriate tools strategically. "Mathematically proficient students consider the available tools when solving a mathematical problem. Proficient students are sufficiently familiar with tools appropriate for their grade or course to make sound decisions about when each of these tools might be helpful, recognizing both the insight to be gained and their limitations. They are able to use tools to explore and deepen their understanding of concepts."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Basically, students should be familiar with a variety of math tools and be able to choose one to effectively and efficiently solve a mathematical problem. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13HDhjwsGos/V2FiD1xdSJI/AAAAAAAACFI/-mVw_95o5vsJ6RfYipUdLVCr-vlQsUAAACKgB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-15%2Bat%2B10.08.15%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13HDhjwsGos/V2FiD1xdSJI/AAAAAAAACFI/-mVw_95o5vsJ6RfYipUdLVCr-vlQsUAAACKgB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-15%2Bat%2B10.08.15%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Interactive Journal pages to introduce math tools. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Ten frames are incredibly useful tools to help students develop </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
their number sense within to context of ten.</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;">With this in mind I decided to develop a printable set of my favorite first grade math tools. It made sense to share this as a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Tools-2592024" target="_blank">FREEBIE</a> to compliment my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Supplements-Growing-Bundle-First-Grade-1335998" target="_blank">Growing Bundle of Math Supplements</a> a plethora of interactive journal pages, math games, activities, and assessments to cover all first grade math concepts and skills. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Check out all of my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Curious-Catfish/Category/Math-Supplements-112539" target="_blank">Math Supplements</a> here!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDEkmsDsXEg/V2FiL-cAPOI/AAAAAAAACFM/Dw8Z3MTD04cQAPSHU4tJTgjyku_8gwVkgCKgB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-15%2Bat%2B10.08.28%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDEkmsDsXEg/V2FiL-cAPOI/AAAAAAAACFM/Dw8Z3MTD04cQAPSHU4tJTgjyku_8gwVkgCKgB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-15%2Bat%2B10.08.28%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Hundred and 120 charts assist students in counting, skip counting, adding, subtracting, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
rounding, place value and they begin to notice patterns within our number system.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Place Value charts help students understand the value of each digit within a multi-digit number.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Part-Part-Whole Mats help students add, subtract, and find number combinations.</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;">This <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Tools-2592024" target="_blank">FREEBIE</a> includes interactive journal pages to introduce math tools as well as a multitude of basic tools to help students begin constructing cognitive models for math concepts and processes. Math tools engage students and increase both interest and enjoyment of mathematics. Students who are presented with the opportunity to use math tools are more interested in math and that interest translates to increased mathematical ability!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0X3QAOZWs1Q/V2FiJfUlDJI/AAAAAAAACFM/_mGg702e4xwyhma9bG7ttnafDkAJ1m4mgCKgB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-15%2Bat%2B10.08.43%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0X3QAOZWs1Q/V2FiJfUlDJI/AAAAAAAACFM/_mGg702e4xwyhma9bG7ttnafDkAJ1m4mgCKgB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-15%2Bat%2B10.08.43%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Printable manipulatives help engage students and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
encourages them to persevere in problem solving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For many of the tools there are large mats for teacher modeling and math centers. There are also mini-tools perfect for individual student math tool bags! To manage materials, I print mini-sets of tools on a variety of colored copy paper so one student in a group has green, another has yellow, blue, and so on. I also print and laminate these math tools for durability and repeated use.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You may also want to add connecting cubes, base ten blocks, counters or two colored chips, dry erase markers or additional manupulatives to use with these tools.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What math tools do you use in your classroom?!?</span></div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-40387766957736414522015-12-26T12:58:00.001-05:002015-12-26T12:59:33.087-05:00Anecdotal Notes<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwd_iKpiCYw/Vn7LJucAHsI/AAAAAAAACAw/f8OiWrnFNO8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B12.12.15%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="473" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwd_iKpiCYw/Vn7LJucAHsI/AAAAAAAACAw/f8OiWrnFNO8/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B12.12.15%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Anecdotal-Notes-2271200" target="_blank">Click here to download your FREE copy</a>!</div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anecdotal notes are used to record and track individual student behaviors, skills, and progress as they relate to a unit of study. If you're like me, you've tried just about every way possible to keep anecdotal records and then give up halfway through the year because it's just too hard to keep track of every single intervention you do with every single student every day.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer I thought long and hard about how I could develop a simple, efficient record that could be easily modified each week to suit my needs for a variety of subjects. I came up with three forms to help me keep records. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use this form daily to help me keep track of which students I've worked with through the week. I simply write their name and sometimes a brief note then check if they've demonstrated mastery, dash if they are progressing, and X if they are struggling or displaying emergent progress.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5cfrZ5sgfQ/Vn7NDlnlNAI/AAAAAAAACCw/TUT85U-EejE/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B10.35.39%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h5cfrZ5sgfQ/Vn7NDlnlNAI/AAAAAAAACCw/TUT85U-EejE/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B10.35.39%2BAM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAq8Y0-MtA4/Vn7Mn8HAzHI/AAAAAAAACCU/L4R-qK1kxkw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B10.29.11%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAq8Y0-MtA4/Vn7Mn8HAzHI/AAAAAAAACCU/L4R-qK1kxkw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B10.29.11%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAq8Y0-MtA4/Vn7Mn8HAzHI/AAAAAAAACCU/L4R-qK1kxkw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B10.29.11%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mAq8Y0-MtA4/Vn7Mn8HAzHI/AAAAAAAACCU/L4R-qK1kxkw/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B10.29.11%2BAM.png" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use the next form after I've given an assessment. I list students who score a 90%+ under Mastered. Students who score 70-89% are listed under Progressing. Finally, students who score 60-69% get additional skills practice. Students who score 59% and below get additional concept instruction in small group or one on one as well as additional skills practice. At the bottom of the page I list Follow-up and Enrichment activities for each group. This helps me lay out a plan to help all students achieve mastery. I particularly like pushing myself to plan enrichment activities. It's so easy to forget about meeting the needs of the high-performing students because we get so mired down in pulling our strugglers up. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-lK83SADPU/Vn7Mn-oyM2I/AAAAAAAACCQ/BMCbWF6P-hc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B10.21.07%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-lK83SADPU/Vn7Mn-oyM2I/AAAAAAAACCQ/BMCbWF6P-hc/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B10.21.07%2BAM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I use this form to plan and track interventions after I've given an assessment. The "key" at the bottom of the page is blank so I can create my own intervention codes for each subject. This form is so helpful in tracking MTSS/RTI tiered interventions. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Each week I print these forms off for ELA (reading & writing) and Math then put them on clipboards to tote around the classroom with me as I push into collaborative groups and individual practice. At the end of the week, I transfer these forms into a binder or use them to plan the following weeks interventions. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">There is a bonus reading level and fluency tracking form included. We use Reading A-Z and it was created to track reading levels and words read correctly per minute but you can use it for any program!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gm2NhNZCTpc/Vn7R9AyPeXI/AAAAAAAACDE/kDEkWmTNY9M/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B12.43.56%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gm2NhNZCTpc/Vn7R9AyPeXI/AAAAAAAACDE/kDEkWmTNY9M/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-12-26%2Bat%2B12.43.56%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has been, far and away, the best system I've ever implemented for keeping anecdotal notes. It's simple, efficient, and effective. Give it a try FOR FREE today! <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Anecdotal-Notes-2271200" target="_blank">Click here to visit my TPT shop and download your free copy</a>!</span>Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-91756712949384305392014-11-12T19:33:00.000-05:002014-11-12T19:34:50.341-05:00The Polar Express Book Companion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Polar-Express-Book-Companion-1554295" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqdDEyzY9g0/VGP0kCrlq7I/AAAAAAAAB7k/-iGV_lnLXJQ/s640/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.35.12%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This past weekend I was 86ing old documents from my computer and I stumbled into a book companion I've flirted with for a few years but never seem to wrap in time for the holidays! I decided to hop right on updating clipart and adding new (more relevant to my current teaching style) activities. <br />
<br />
This 41 pager is PACKED full of reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, crafts, and math activities!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtGI-q4mzqo/VGP0l_ab0oI/AAAAAAAAB78/dlS6PgTymJI/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.52.32%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtGI-q4mzqo/VGP0l_ab0oI/AAAAAAAAB78/dlS6PgTymJI/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.52.32%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
In the Reading Comprehension section you will find large picture cards for a whole group retelling and a sequencing cut and paste to provide students with individual practice. There is also a beginning, middle, and end graphic organizer for students to use to retell the story through pictures and summarizing. <br />
<br />
Finally, there are 3 variations of the story map. Each map asks for characters and setting but they differ in requesting problem & solution, plot & conclusion, or main idea & supporting details!<br />
<br />
The Vocabulary section provides words that are used in the story and extension words such as "caribou" to extend your students vocabulary on beyond "reindeer".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAZfeVmcre4/VGP0lAmUkmI/AAAAAAAAB7s/GvJse1dxyd4/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.52.21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAZfeVmcre4/VGP0lAmUkmI/AAAAAAAAB7s/GvJse1dxyd4/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.52.21%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are puzzles and mini-vocabulary books for students to practice using the language of the Polar Express!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nUMGCh0bWGM/VGP0mlChzqI/AAAAAAAAB8E/CvtTkp2fKZE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.52.46%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nUMGCh0bWGM/VGP0mlChzqI/AAAAAAAAB8E/CvtTkp2fKZE/s640/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.52.46%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are 2 very simple crafts available in this book companion. The first craft is a gift that you can print on contrasting paper and allow students to decorate. Add the narrative writing prompt to the front for a fun little holiday display! The second craft is a ticket that students can cut out and use to "board" the Polar Express! Each year I put the tickets on a string and have my students wear it while we read the book and watch the movie. This makes for an awesome and extremely adorable keepsake!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5MD4t9YwRE/VGP4TypOikI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/XRpknRs1nR0/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.52.10%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5MD4t9YwRE/VGP4TypOikI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/XRpknRs1nR0/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.52.10%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
To round out the pack and provide cross-curricular themed activities I added some math activities! In it you will find common core addition, subtraction, and data based games for your students to participate in.<br />
<br />
The addition and subtraction activities include a battleship game, part-part-whole game, ten frame game, and story problem game with work mat. There are also printable numeral cards and printable manipulatives for students to use to build models for each problem!<br />
<br />
The data activities include 3 questions where students will collect, represent, and interpret information on a graph, and tally chart. There are also sets of questions for students to answer about their data sets!<br />
<br />
Last but certainly not least, there is a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Polar-Express-Book-Companion-1554295">FREEBIE</a> in the product PREVIEW on TPT! Just click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Polar-Express-Book-Companion-1554295">PREVIEW</a> and scroll to the end to snag this sequencing activity for FREE!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="494" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EevqA-pwB-w/VGP0kpaX44I/AAAAAAAAB7o/54dOQ4Irf_I/s640/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-11-12%2Bat%2B6.38.07%2BPM.png" width="640" /></div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-43147764124407752042014-10-12T02:00:00.000-04:002014-10-12T02:00:04.136-04:00Back to School 2014-2015<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkIlnSx69Ow/VCxgOMyGntI/AAAAAAAAB3k/n6uPNKuxu_4/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.10.52%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkIlnSx69Ow/VCxgOMyGntI/AAAAAAAAB3k/n6uPNKuxu_4/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.10.52%2BPM.png" height="320" width="228" /></a>I can't tell you how excited I was to start this school year! I'm working at a new school in a new county with my oldest teacher friend! <br />
<br />
I spent my summer with family and friends. I got to meet a lot of my new coworkers at beach and pool days so I felt really comfortable getting started in a new place.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year I've decided not to share pictures of my students faces because my new county is smaller and more protective of the students privacy. I did get releases from their parents (as always) to share students working through pictures and video however their sweet faces are only for us!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We did a staggered enrollment so half the students came the first day and the other half started the second day. It was nice to ease back into kindergarten with 6-8 students each day. Everyone came on the third day and no one cried...hallelujah! <br />
<br />
During the first few days we took pictures...<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdeYZ1PrmIQ/VCxiYDUpUTI/AAAAAAAAB4U/bnopeKdId5A/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.21.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdeYZ1PrmIQ/VCxiYDUpUTI/AAAAAAAAB4U/bnopeKdId5A/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.21.17%2BPM.png" height="166" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaveMjwQTw8/VCxiYPUlIvI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/HuvK5cBKdMs/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.21.04%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaveMjwQTw8/VCxiYPUlIvI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/HuvK5cBKdMs/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.21.04%2BPM.png" height="173" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...participated in <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Kissing-Hand-Supplementary-Activities-1412499">Kissing Hand</a> activities...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8K9I81kbPw/VCxkN5Ow0hI/AAAAAAAAB4o/ynu9pxEfqP0/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.27.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8K9I81kbPw/VCxkN5Ow0hI/AAAAAAAAB4o/ynu9pxEfqP0/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.27.23%2BPM.png" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQOAveHkk1o/VCxkN2E-HNI/AAAAAAAAB4k/kafnn1DknhA/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.29.01%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQOAveHkk1o/VCxkN2E-HNI/AAAAAAAAB4k/kafnn1DknhA/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.29.01%2BPM.png" height="144" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
...and got a little silly with <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom-Supplementary-Activities-1412416">Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUOuGs95l10/VCxmV0svsUI/AAAAAAAAB5A/yk6KIdEJQCk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.37.03%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUOuGs95l10/VCxmV0svsUI/AAAAAAAAB5A/yk6KIdEJQCk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.37.03%2BPM.png" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p__qzUh9ebA/VCxmV1UU8JI/AAAAAAAAB44/w67mVHOInTQ/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.37.44%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p__qzUh9ebA/VCxmV1UU8JI/AAAAAAAAB44/w67mVHOInTQ/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.37.44%2BPM.png" height="154" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6oGXCRaUUE/VCxmV0lH5FI/AAAAAAAAB48/vU0djIo_9uI/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.38.01%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6oGXCRaUUE/VCxmV0lH5FI/AAAAAAAAB48/vU0djIo_9uI/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.38.01%2BPM.png" height="153" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKPlZGyA5FE/VCxgPcgCTQI/AAAAAAAAB34/6V0xfzlUORM/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.11.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKPlZGyA5FE/VCxgPcgCTQI/AAAAAAAAB34/6V0xfzlUORM/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.11.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div>
The following week we hosted Open House for the parents to come learn a little more about kindergarten expectations and routines. We had a few technical difficulties but overall it went well.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKPlZGyA5FE/VCxgPcgCTQI/AAAAAAAAB34/6V0xfzlUORM/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.11.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKPlZGyA5FE/VCxgPcgCTQI/AAAAAAAAB34/6V0xfzlUORM/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.11.35%2BPM.png" height="638" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
Because Open House came out of no where, I kept it simple. We did a grade level PowerPoint in the Media Center and then headed back to our classroom to share teacher-specific information. <br />
<br />
I hopped on the Flipbook bandwagon and created my own version. I set up some sign up sheets and posted a cute wish list...that I totally forgot to point out. I told a few jokes, talked to parents (I love getting to know them) and wrapped it up. Sometimes it's nice to keep it simple! </div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-t8K9I81kbPw%2FVCxkN5Ow0hI%2FAAAAAAAAB4o%2Fynu9pxEfqP0%2Fs1600%2FScreen%252Bshot%252B2014-10-01%252Bat%252B4.27.23%252BPM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8K9I81kbPw/VCxkN5Ow0hI/AAAAAAAAB4o/ynu9pxEfqP0/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.27.23%2BPM.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zdeYZ1PrmIQ%2FVCxiYDUpUTI%2FAAAAAAAAB4U%2FbnopeKdId5A%2Fs1600%2FScreen%252Bshot%252B2014-10-01%252Bat%252B4.21.17%252BPM.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdeYZ1PrmIQ/VCxiYDUpUTI/AAAAAAAAB4U/bnopeKdId5A/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-10-01%2Bat%2B4.21.17%2BPM.png" -->Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-41477703495771099582014-10-05T02:00:00.000-04:002016-07-23T14:26:04.304-04:00Homework Menus<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZavANCdLHDY/VCsxeDFYPrI/AAAAAAAAB0U/syVMjmmf5pk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.32.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZavANCdLHDY/VCsxeDFYPrI/AAAAAAAAB0U/syVMjmmf5pk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.32.57%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-Kindergarten-1334196">Click here for more information about Kindergarten Homework Menus!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you are like me you get LOTS of unsolicited feedback about your homework each year. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"It's too easy. We need more!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"It's too hard."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"It only takes us 7 minutes to complete the whole week..."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"It takes 2 hours, tears & a bottle of wine for me to get this child to write 3 words that rhyme with cat."</div>
<br />
Everyone has an opinion about homework because we all have that reference point from our own childhood. At my former school we stopped including spelling words in our homework and the parent response was similar to the way the Bible describes the Apocalypse. Their argument was that kids need to learn how to spell. Our stance was "Duh, of course they do!" Spelling words don't need to be the centerpiece of homework though. There are more important standards that children need to work toward and this opens up the possibility of more engaging home learning!<br />
<br />
For me, homework is about finding a gentle balance between family time/extracurricular activities and continued learning. I believe that in kindergarten and first grade homework should consist of brief tasks connected to classroom learning. It can serve as a gradual release of responsibility from teacher led concepts at school to practice with those skills independently at home.<br />
<br />
Another important component of homework is that it provides parents with the opportunity to measure their child's learning. It allows teachers, students, and parents to work closely to develop a "team" mentality. We are all working together for the students success! <br />
<br />
Since I've started using my most recent homework format <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-Kindergarten-1334196">Kindergarten Homework Menus</a> and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-First-Grade-1002507">First Grade Homework Menus</a>, the critiques I've received about homework have been replaced by more engaged parent discourse about things they see their child struggling with and what else they can do at home to support their little person, which was an unexpected and pleasant surprise!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yes2poE0y7w/VCsxeuXMJ1I/AAAAAAAAB0c/_Cu378lZqhw/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.34.41%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yes2poE0y7w/VCsxeuXMJ1I/AAAAAAAAB0c/_Cu378lZqhw/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.34.41%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-First-Grade-1002507">Click here for more information about First Grade Homework Menus!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the past year and a half I've been experimenting with new homework formats. Last year, I taught first grade and created Homework Calendars. These were VERY successful and I saw more completed homework than any year prior. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zq2Hz6cSTAQ/VCs5iiTt5bI/AAAAAAAAB3E/K3J11o7iBdI/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B7.14.13%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zq2Hz6cSTAQ/VCs5iiTt5bI/AAAAAAAAB3E/K3J11o7iBdI/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B7.14.13%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The August Menus have simplified tasks and a book log.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This summer I was thinking about how much I liked the calendar format but I wondered if I could increase student engagement by making their homework choice drive. This is when I came up with the idea of a Menu!<br />
<br />
Each month includes 4-5 tasks for Reading, Phonics, Writing, Science, and Math. Each Menu also includes weekly high frequency words (I prefer to use Fry words, find more information <a href="http://www.thecuriouscatfish.com/2014/09/ultimate-word-work-pack.html">HERE</a>). <br />
<br />
The tasks are tied into what we are working on in class and students choose one task to complete each night. They complete the task on notebook paper and color in the square on their Menu.<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-Kindergarten-1334196">Kindergarten</a>, the month of September focuses on letters and sounds and then students work with 5 high frequency words per week from October-May. Kindergarten students are introduced to the first 150 Fry words through these Menus. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-First-Grade-1002507">The First Grade Menus</a> plow through the first 340 Fry words at a rate of about 10 per week. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVIS7qTCU7k/VCs5ijFWXMI/AAAAAAAAB3A/V_YMX2ktf_Y/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B7.14.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVIS7qTCU7k/VCs5ijFWXMI/AAAAAAAAB3A/V_YMX2ktf_Y/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B7.14.30%2BPM.png" width="634" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">***TIP: Instruct parents to help students set up their tasks! They can complete multiple tasks on each page to save paper. Students will need help setting it up for the first few months but after that they become self-sufficient!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Both Kindergarten and First Grade packs include monthly high frequency word assessments (pre-assessment & post assessment) to help gauge student acquisition of these words!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0nTMI1F5kI/VCsy0CTCkSI/AAAAAAAAB2E/pp109LIbqVg/s1600/assess.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0nTMI1F5kI/VCsy0CTCkSI/AAAAAAAAB2E/pp109LIbqVg/s1600/assess.png" width="320" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UM_Y2SurgRk/VCsy0NEy5gI/AAAAAAAAB2I/3soo-yoXUzc/s1600/assessment.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UM_Y2SurgRk/VCsy0NEy5gI/AAAAAAAAB2I/3soo-yoXUzc/s1600/assessment.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You will also find book logs and a dual June/July Menu for continued learning through the summer. The August Menu serves as an introduction to this home learning format. You will see a practice book log and an abbreviated Menu with simplified tasks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIOaemvAd-I/VCsxfcZj9QI/AAAAAAAAB0s/rOlh4_yyzwE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.40.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIOaemvAd-I/VCsxfcZj9QI/AAAAAAAAB0s/rOlh4_yyzwE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.40.07%2BPM.png" width="244" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENIc46gFAhk/VCsxfBV43oI/AAAAAAAAB0o/e7g1eR3D3WY/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.37.24%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENIc46gFAhk/VCsxfBV43oI/AAAAAAAAB0o/e7g1eR3D3WY/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.37.24%2BPM.png" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
Kindergarten Book Logs First Grade Book Logs<br />
<br />
Both <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-Kindergarten-1334196">Kindergarten</a> and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-First-Grade-1002507">First Grade</a> Homework Menu downloads come in the form of a compressed file. In each download you will find:<br />
<br />
1. Completed print and go Homework Menus (1st grade also includes the old Calendars).<br />
2. Monthly High Frequency Word assessments.<br />
3. The Three EDITABLE options:<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Blank, fully editable PDF of the monthly Menus.</li>
<li>Menus with set tasks and editable high frequency words.</li>
<li>Menus with set high frequency words and editable tasks.</li>
</ul>
4. Blank, EDITABLE Calendars that can be used for a multitude of purposes. I use mine to communicate behavior grades with parents.<br />
<br />
Fully editable Editable<br />
(tasks & words) Editable tasks High Frequency Words<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJkkTFbY4Ug/VCs0MV0-ORI/AAAAAAAAB2o/Hyvt7uWPjGE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.51.44%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJkkTFbY4Ug/VCs0MV0-ORI/AAAAAAAAB2o/Hyvt7uWPjGE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.51.44%2BPM.png" width="154" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHcWy3-Q9HU/VCs0mJTSZ5I/AAAAAAAAB2w/TOB6Sn2E5Dw/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.53.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHcWy3-Q9HU/VCs0mJTSZ5I/AAAAAAAAB2w/TOB6Sn2E5Dw/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.53.51%2BPM.png" width="154" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gP92CW4tg5U/VCsyy6TpTdI/AAAAAAAAB1o/sXigK_E6R-8/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.36.47%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gP92CW4tg5U/VCsyy6TpTdI/AAAAAAAAB1o/sXigK_E6R-8/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.36.47%2BPM.png" width="153" /></a><br />
<br />
Please note that the directions are not editable on any of these forms. Please review them to ensure your satisfaction! I will add this option in the future but that is not something I will be working on anytime soon!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nogH5SnAwoM/VCsyx4lFQMI/AAAAAAAAB1U/We5rcTkcGLU/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.33.33%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nogH5SnAwoM/VCsyx4lFQMI/AAAAAAAAB1U/We5rcTkcGLU/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-30%2Bat%2B6.33.33%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Editable Monthly Calendars that can be used for multiple purposes. I use them to communicate daily behavior.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more information about <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-Kindergarten-1334196">Kindergarten Homework Menus</a> or <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-First-Grade-1002507">First Grade Homework Menus</a> please check out the product descriptions and the FREE PREVIEW!Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-92036818822367461052014-09-29T20:08:00.000-04:002014-09-29T20:08:25.122-04:00Ultimate Word Work Pack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW3e9KeTsGc/VCns5kZfyhI/AAAAAAAABzY/8Jqa0Fdtq2o/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-29%2Bat%2B7.18.01%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW3e9KeTsGc/VCns5kZfyhI/AAAAAAAABzY/8Jqa0Fdtq2o/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-29%2Bat%2B7.18.01%2BPM.png" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Word-Word-Pack-1439694">Click here to check out the Ultimate Word Work Pack!</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
If you're like me, you are always looking for ways to embed high frequency word practice into everything you do. The more ways you provide for your students to practice reading, writing, singing, and playing with the words the more opportunities you provide for them to memorize them effectively and efficiently. <div>
I prefer to use the Fry word lists because they are the 1,000 most commonly used words listed in order of frequency in text. In 1996, Dr. Edward B. Fry expanded on the Dolch word lists and research.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first 25 words make up approximately 1/3 of all published items. The first 100 words make up 1/4 and the first 300 words make up 65% of all written material. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In kindergarten and first grade children pick up words like little garbage collectors. My goal is to immerse them in words that will make them the most successful and competent readers possible and in my opinion, the Fry words are the most efficient way to accomplish this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
High frequency words, sometimes referred to as "sight words," are words that do not always sound the way they are spelled so students need to memorize them to become fluent readers. These words should be recognized instantly by readers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We all remember the pain of memorization, my goal is to make memorization fun and engaging by providing a variety of ways for students to practice these words.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Oa5JYaD4Oc/VCns80fjqLI/AAAAAAAABzo/LyBiTzgJs1k/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-29%2Bat%2B7.18.20%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Oa5JYaD4Oc/VCns80fjqLI/AAAAAAAABzo/LyBiTzgJs1k/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-29%2Bat%2B7.18.20%2BPM.png" height="246" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Word-Word-Pack-1439694">The Ultimate Word Work Pack</a> provides teachers and students with the opportunity to teach and practice high frequency words each week in many exciting ways!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The monthly sight word cards can be used on your word wall or to play a several games such as Memory, Swat-a-Word, and Fishing. Directions for each month are located at the beginning of the pack. You will also find 3 partner games: Bingo, Battleship, and Snakes & Ladders. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The sight word song can be sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. There is also a word search for each month!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjqXgiLlOa8/VCns84A18eI/AAAAAAAABzk/etmopWAe3Oo/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-29%2Bat%2B7.18.37%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjqXgiLlOa8/VCns84A18eI/AAAAAAAABzk/etmopWAe3Oo/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-29%2Bat%2B7.18.37%2BPM.png" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is an example of one of my students singing an old sight word song!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UE9lGIzTmn4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSeT8IHmRRo/VCns8m6CpdI/AAAAAAAABzg/7aZ09GqIGmA/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-29%2Bat%2B7.18.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSeT8IHmRRo/VCns8m6CpdI/AAAAAAAABzg/7aZ09GqIGmA/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-29%2Bat%2B7.18.51%2BPM.png" height="154" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
Finally, there are weekly word work pages where students will practice 4-6 words. Spin*Write*Graph, Read*Stamp*Write, Roll-a-Sight Word, and Graph-a-Sight Word. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like to use all of these activities in my literacy centers each month, they provide students will multiple, meaningful ways to practice using the words as they work on memorizing them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These words are paced out to match my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-Kindergarten-1334196">Kindergarten Homework Menus</a>. These menus utilize the first 150 Fry words. I also offer <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Homework-Menus-First-Grade-1002507">First Grade Homework Menus</a> which cover the first 300+ Fry words so <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ultimate-Word-Word-Pack-1439694">The Ultimate Word Work Pack</a> would help you provide practice for about half of the first grade words as well!</div>
<br />
<div>
To learn more about high frequency word practice and find some helpful and creative ways to support your child at home please check out <a href="http://childhood101.com/2013/09/sight-words-activity-ideas/">this article on Childhood101</a>!</div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-72973906159197963582014-09-01T22:12:00.000-04:002014-09-01T22:12:26.260-04:00Establishing Routines and FREEBIES!Its been a minute since I've worked with kindergarteners! I forgot just how much work kindergarten teachers do to engrain rituals and routines into students minds and behaviors. The reminder that they build so much of the foundation that we all work off of has made me appreciate kindergarten teachers even more! Throw a kindergarten teacher a hug TODAY!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsBjN5i_w7I/VAUh3wc8AtI/AAAAAAAAByc/-UmJx11W6ag/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-01%2Bat%2B7.50.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsBjN5i_w7I/VAUh3wc8AtI/AAAAAAAAByc/-UmJx11W6ag/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-01%2Bat%2B7.50.40%2BPM.png" height="320" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my little people practicing "Buddy Reading".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Establishing rituals and routines can be tedious but it is an essential part of good classroom management. It needs to happen in EVERY. SINGLE. THING. that you do with your students so that they understand expectations and consequences. Lining up, coming to the rug, getting water, using scissors, sliding down the slide, partner work, independent work, blowing noses, and so on and on and on and on, over and over and over again! Oh, it's painful, but the payoff for a few weeks of tedium is a year of peace!<br />
<br />
I'm a big fan of the collaborative expectation setting approach. For example, today we are going to use scissors but I think we should make a list of rules to follow while we use them so that we can all be safe. Turn and talk to your partner to create 1 rule you think we should follow to be safe when we use scissors in our classroom. Partners share their rules and I chart them. When the chart is complete I ask what the consequence should be for someone who chooses not to follow the rule. Usually a warning and clip move is the decided upon consequence. The result is a memorable discussion and chart to display and refer to through the year. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After our discussion and expectation setting I give them an activity to practice their new ritual/routine. For the next few weeks, every time we use our scissors, we review the chart before we begin the activity. After that it's typically smooth sailing because the expected behavior has been engrained in their minds and they understand the consequences.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make establishing these rituals and routines a little easier I'm sharing my anchor charts and activities for cutting and gluing with you for free!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_71WglJlLiw/VAUh8ys4mfI/AAAAAAAAByk/gYBPKUb3V4Y/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-01%2Bat%2B9.37.01%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_71WglJlLiw/VAUh8ys4mfI/AAAAAAAAByk/gYBPKUb3V4Y/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-01%2Bat%2B9.37.01%2BPM.png" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Scissor-Practice-1427146">Click here to get Scissor Practice for FREE!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_TZHAUNAEk/VAUh9BxY9_I/AAAAAAAAByo/VRgu1tjdLBg/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-01%2Bat%2B9.38.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_TZHAUNAEk/VAUh9BxY9_I/AAAAAAAAByo/VRgu1tjdLBg/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-09-01%2Bat%2B9.38.00%2BPM.png" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Glue-Practice-1427130">Click here to get Glue Practice for FREE!</a></div>
</div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-5481083548132628852014-08-08T12:00:00.000-04:002014-08-08T12:00:02.745-04:00What Does the Fox Say...on Valentines Day?!I know what you're thinking, this is a smidge late. You're right :). The past year was a little challenging professionally and ended up bringing lots of changes with it but I wanted to take some time this summer to share a few of our special moments! <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Did your students freak out over the song What Does the Fox Say? Mine did, they sang it EVERYDAY. On the bus going to field trips, during literacy centers, during independent work in math, while they were writing, swinging, walking, picking their nose...you get the point. Around the holidays I finally gave in and pulled up the "Just Dance" video and let them get all kinds of weird. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VwYKqlz59lo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have to admit, watching kids sing and dance along makes the song EXPONENTIALLY less annoying. One chilly, well chilly for Florida, January afternoon a 5th grade class saw us dancing (I participated too, don't judge) and challenged us to a dance off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5th graders versus 1st graders on a Valentines Day dance off to What Does the Fox Say. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After one full month of trash talking 1st grade brought the HEAT! I cut red feather boa's to make fox tails for them and used Halloween makeup to draw a fox nose and whiskers on their sweet little faces. Several of them wore their fox shirts and one little guy even wore his tuxedo! #fareal</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nujT-nzJgKs/U-Qjd2N5TjI/AAAAAAAABxQ/Tz91QjC7vcY/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+9.09.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nujT-nzJgKs/U-Qjd2N5TjI/AAAAAAAABxQ/Tz91QjC7vcY/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+9.09.38+PM.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
After an intense "dance off" an impartial panel of judges declared 1st grade winners! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/kZ-3EuIEzE/embed/" width="612"></iframe>
<div>
We had a blast and ended up adopting this class as our FCAT buddies. To help ease the pain of their embarrassing loss to the littles we brought them these valentines. Snag them <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4RGI9Wx9lirNjFQbGlGMlpvSnc/edit?usp=sharing">HERE</a> to use next year if you'd like!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhmMRzDHiBU/U-QmCfE0ILI/AAAAAAAABxc/PP8cTR_0-vs/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+9.18.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yhmMRzDHiBU/U-QmCfE0ILI/AAAAAAAABxc/PP8cTR_0-vs/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-07+at+9.18.25+PM.png" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-14630952225470888612014-08-07T21:07:00.000-04:002014-08-07T21:07:27.436-04:00Last Day of 2013-2014<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCVeRT8v12Q/U-QgtdiyO_I/AAAAAAAABww/TzoWJP-ZsLs/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCVeRT8v12Q/U-QgtdiyO_I/AAAAAAAABww/TzoWJP-ZsLs/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>This year has brought so many changes to our district, school, and my career. Professionally, this year was a real challenge but it was also incredibly rewarding. I was nominated for Teacher of the Year and for the Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice. I got to work with my best friends and one of the most unique, special groups of students I've ever known. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I could go on for days telling you about each of these wonderful little people. I could tell you about how they sing ALL DAY, EVERYDAY. Or about how they dance around the classroom because "dancing is better than walking." I could tell you about how they were always each other's BIGGEST cheerleader, regularly sharing high-fives and kind words even when they didn't win themselves. They are enthusiastic, funny, kind, loving, silly, full of laughter, witty, smart, hardworking, thoughtful, and SO many other things. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/o6_5UKIE8h/embed/" width="612"></iframe><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They taught me to find a way to enjoy every moment I have with a class. At the beginning of the year I didn't realize that this would be my last class at the school I have been at for 8 years. I didn't make the most out of everyday, I settled into our routine and grinded it out until I realized that our time together had an expiration date. At the end of the year I'd leave the school and the district. I wouldn't get to see them grow into 5th graders. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In teaching and in life, there is always an expiration date. Make the most out of every moment you have with your people and find the wonder in all the small things. Like when a dragon fly lands on your students shirt and then lets you pass it around for some spontaneous show and tell!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auSQY1jsnOc/U-QgtwBFQkI/AAAAAAAABw4/RRhBZVjAyWQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-auSQY1jsnOc/U-QgtwBFQkI/AAAAAAAABw4/RRhBZVjAyWQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fn-Osw9PDMw/U-Qgu9FgXZI/AAAAAAAABw8/9pu6eBrGALk/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fn-Osw9PDMw/U-Qgu9FgXZI/AAAAAAAABw8/9pu6eBrGALk/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QrDWHRxkmbo/U-QgsCwspoI/AAAAAAAABwk/wPrnoIqfZTQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QrDWHRxkmbo/U-QgsCwspoI/AAAAAAAABwk/wPrnoIqfZTQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-40989003980104454262013-12-08T16:04:00.000-05:002013-12-08T16:04:19.009-05:00Math SupplementsHey there! It's been a minute...err well, actually it's been about 3 months. Yikes, sorry about that! I've been drowning (literally and figuratively) in work. Tough start this year. Let's get down to business though!<br />
<br />
This year I'm focusing VERY heavily on my math instruction. It's amazing how much there still is to learn about the developmental level of students on a grade level you've been working on for 5+ years. Every year I find a new way to challenge myself. I can see how people can enjoy teaching the same grade level for their whole career.<br />
<br />
The curriculum guide in our district for math this year is solid and cleverly laid out (for once :). The only real problem with it is a lack of assessment pieces. Because we jump around our curriculum materials (we use Math Investigations AND enVision Math) so much it isn't feasible to utilize the assessments in those resources. <br />
<br />
We have been given more time to focus on math and implement math centers but again, our curriculum resources do not offer a variety of engaging activities to use during this time.<br />
<br />
Our district has also moved into serious implementation of interactive journals, which I thought I'd hate. As I have begun to understand their purpose and see my students engagement I'm really enjoying our work in creating them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpycsGeGF5w/UqTWufH5iWI/AAAAAAAABp8/-YWy_1o18lM/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.02.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="491" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CpycsGeGF5w/UqTWufH5iWI/AAAAAAAABp8/-YWy_1o18lM/s640/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.02.00+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Commutative-Property-of-Addition-1OA3-883730">Click here to check out the Commutative Property Supplemental Pack!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXrxnwBDbeM/UqTXRr8BMSI/AAAAAAAABqs/gIzU_7Y9nqY/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.54.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jXrxnwBDbeM/UqTXRr8BMSI/AAAAAAAABqs/gIzU_7Y9nqY/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.54.19+PM.png" width="200" /></a>I'm sure you can see the problems piling up. I noticed these deficits a few weeks into the school year and started creating materials to fill the void for my grade level. It's always hard to implement something new so I started out with the interactive journal pages. I created one for the teacher-side (right) that served as a guided instructional piece. Then the student-side (left) serves as a way for students to practice the skill either individual or with the assistance of their table mates. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpALl-dPrvo/UqTWkOU4BNI/AAAAAAAABpw/qV6AwrLpBbs/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.02.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpALl-dPrvo/UqTWkOU4BNI/AAAAAAAABpw/qV6AwrLpBbs/s320/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.02.16+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I added a few games and activities that can be used in math centers to practice the concept/skill and I topped it off with an assessment and occasionally a craft.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ujjU_9kzq4/UqTXLzkLARI/AAAAAAAABqE/0Fj8DAe9LkU/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.02.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ujjU_9kzq4/UqTXLzkLARI/AAAAAAAABqE/0Fj8DAe9LkU/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.02.39+PM.png" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get this Flip Flop Fact free in the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Commutative-Property-of-Addition-1OA3-883730">Preview</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcTet5UCpdE/UqTXQQbFB1I/AAAAAAAABqI/hfYtsE7lQaE/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.53.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcTet5UCpdE/UqTXQQbFB1I/AAAAAAAABqI/hfYtsE7lQaE/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.53.32+PM.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e4AZEEyruM/UqTXQldeICI/AAAAAAAABqM/4YpbKYY11cw/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.53.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e4AZEEyruM/UqTXQldeICI/AAAAAAAABqM/4YpbKYY11cw/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.53.15+PM.png" width="200" /></a> These packs have turned out to be exceptionally helpful so I thought they could benefit others! I've got 4 supplemental units complete and packaged and plan on creating them for each Common Core standard/skill/concept we work on in first grade.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqccXaI2Jak/UqTaUjgPklI/AAAAAAAABrI/wLT1OVQmw_k/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.03.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqccXaI2Jak/UqTaUjgPklI/AAAAAAAABrI/wLT1OVQmw_k/s640/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.03.51+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fact-Families-1OA6-903847">Click here to check out the Fact Families Supplemental Pack!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxbiygfnPq8/UqTaURgufMI/AAAAAAAABrA/en4wGiHTGLI/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.04.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxbiygfnPq8/UqTaURgufMI/AAAAAAAABrA/en4wGiHTGLI/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.04.03+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1m6O-UtRZOA/UqTaUFrO5sI/AAAAAAAABq8/xIqHT6hxzzI/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.04.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1m6O-UtRZOA/UqTaUFrO5sI/AAAAAAAABq8/xIqHT6hxzzI/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.04.23+PM.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Download Domino Fact Family for free under the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fact-Families-1OA6-903847">Preview</a>!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KhvXWlqwlvY/UqTcV32DVYI/AAAAAAAABrg/Hh-RCiY5Eww/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.08.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KhvXWlqwlvY/UqTcV32DVYI/AAAAAAAABrg/Hh-RCiY5Eww/s640/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.08.17+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Missing-Addends-1OA4-1OA8-901849">Click here to check out the Missing Addend Supplemental Pack!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLmdYeHulZs/UqTcV4md5TI/AAAAAAAABrc/kBzX_2ZFhdE/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.08.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLmdYeHulZs/UqTcV4md5TI/AAAAAAAABrc/kBzX_2ZFhdE/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.08.29+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7xdXkqg5Eg/UqTcVmDMBEI/AAAAAAAABrY/6R1pOd2MiDU/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.08.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7xdXkqg5Eg/UqTcVmDMBEI/AAAAAAAABrY/6R1pOd2MiDU/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.08.47+PM.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Download Missing Number Match up for Free in the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Missing-Addends-1OA4-1OA8-901849">Preview</a>!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov2pcGvVCds/UqTcWoaeUAI/AAAAAAAABrs/mLreJx1Y4aA/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.09.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov2pcGvVCds/UqTcWoaeUAI/AAAAAAAABrs/mLreJx1Y4aA/s640/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.09.35+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Doubles-Near-Doubles-1013806">Click here to check out the Doubles and Near Doubles Supplemental Pack!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUccU9t78Jo/UqTcWp8F74I/AAAAAAAABr4/VwEM-4xz9z0/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.09.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUccU9t78Jo/UqTcWp8F74I/AAAAAAAABr4/VwEM-4xz9z0/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.09.48+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8gGNqFWGXA/UqTcWkHSUwI/AAAAAAAABrw/NMTV4worz3Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.09.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8gGNqFWGXA/UqTcWkHSUwI/AAAAAAAABrw/NMTV4worz3Q/s200/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.09.59+PM.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mZnj7bvdfU/UqTcXUlsDSI/AAAAAAAABsM/CZYrlZhET_M/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.10.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mZnj7bvdfU/UqTcXUlsDSI/AAAAAAAABsM/CZYrlZhET_M/s320/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.10.09+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POeFY_dsiJM/UqTcXQqhY6I/AAAAAAAABsE/s5HVtcc14ZM/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.10.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POeFY_dsiJM/UqTcXQqhY6I/AAAAAAAABsE/s5HVtcc14ZM/s320/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+2.10.33+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Download Near Doubles Game for free in the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Doubles-Near-Doubles-1013806">Preview</a>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let me know what you think and definitely share anything you'd like to see added!</div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-2888084866691460772013-09-11T16:49:00.000-04:002013-09-11T16:49:02.636-04:00Number Lines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPtfpJ4cGqE/Ui-zMG0zLRI/AAAAAAAABoM/ilR2CvXu4GU/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-10+at+7.59.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPtfpJ4cGqE/Ui-zMG0zLRI/AAAAAAAABoM/ilR2CvXu4GU/s200/Screen+shot+2013-09-10+at+7.59.15+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
We've been getting to know all the cool tools we will use in math this year! Last week we really focused on number lines and began exploring the strategy of "counting back."<br />
<br />
I love using the songs from <a href="http://havefunteaching.com/">Have Fun Teaching</a> to help engrain skills in my students minds. <br />
<br />
We've been shaking our tail-feathers to this Counting Down From Twenty video for DAYS! They're still asking for more, I love it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/srPktd4k_O8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/srPktd4k_O8&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/srPktd4k_O8&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO975szaYQs/Ui-1-EWrO-I/AAAAAAAABog/Pf_fmrUb8H4/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-10+at+8.08.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO975szaYQs/Ui-1-EWrO-I/AAAAAAAABog/Pf_fmrUb8H4/s320/Screen+shot+2013-09-10+at+8.08.13+PM.png" width="320" /></a>We kicked off our lessons using these Write & Wipe Number Lines from <a href="http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/product/productDet.jsp?productItemID=1%2C689%2C949%2C371%2C893%2C841&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181113&bmUID=1378858087701">Lakeshore</a>. They were part of my most recent Donors Choose project so I was excited to break them in!<br />
<br />
If you use Math Investigations you may be familiar with the game Start With/Get To. These number lines helped students count forward and backwards and create equations during the game.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/d18DTwoE6O/embed/" width="612"></iframe>
<br />
Later in the week we started working with adding 0, 1, & 2. To keep it consistent I had students use the number line to practice this. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX8C9gp0aHg/UjB3QKCGI9I/AAAAAAAABo8/gWyib8jLmt4/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xX8C9gp0aHg/UjB3QKCGI9I/AAAAAAAABo8/gWyib8jLmt4/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Last Fall I created Hop Along the Number Line and thought it would tie in well. Click on the caption to download this game for free!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOGAUXPEsSk/Ui-zmSsekAI/AAAAAAAABoU/LRHea0xV4I8/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-10+at+8.03.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOGAUXPEsSk/Ui-zmSsekAI/AAAAAAAABoU/LRHea0xV4I8/s400/Screen+shot+2013-09-10+at+8.03.49+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4RGI9Wx9lirS25LcXFWQktiLU0/edit?usp=sharing">Grab this game for free here!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To wrap up our number line practice I decided to take it outside! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPtfpJ4cGqE/Ui-zMG0zLRI/AAAAAAAABoQ/Zy6na1c0rWE/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-09-10+at+7.59.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPtfpJ4cGqE/Ui-zMG0zLRI/AAAAAAAABoQ/Zy6na1c0rWE/s320/Screen+shot+2013-09-10+at+7.59.15+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Students worked in groups with number cards (1-9) and dice. We played 2 versions:<br />
<br />
1) Students drew 1 card and stood on that number. They drew a second card and hopped to that number. Finally, they had to state an equation to represent their movement.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/d6-4OBoE0C/embed/" width="612"></iframe>
<br />
2) Students drew 1 card and stood on that number. They rolled the die and hopped to that number. Finally, they had to state an equation to represent their movement.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g60fBpn4yuw/UjB6hh4G77I/AAAAAAAABpY/XSqS08XTWG0/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g60fBpn4yuw/UjB6hh4G77I/AAAAAAAABpY/XSqS08XTWG0/s320/5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
Students are now using the anchor chart we created last week as they continue to practice using number lines this week with subtraction story problems.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsgkD6mJnWE/UjB3PV1xcfI/AAAAAAAABow/g1YpzNimPvc/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsgkD6mJnWE/UjB3PV1xcfI/AAAAAAAABow/g1YpzNimPvc/s200/2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9etXR23cZg/UjB3Qi2pFDI/AAAAAAAABpA/WFPMXSegH3M/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9etXR23cZg/UjB3Qi2pFDI/AAAAAAAABpA/WFPMXSegH3M/s200/3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are getting familiar with the rituals and routines for math center time this week so I added a few number line games to one of the center buckets! I'm looking forward to differentiating this time more as students become independent and I finish collecting data for tiering!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMI9vW6D-MA/UjB6hHSqSeI/AAAAAAAABpU/_r2XwOUvWLc/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMI9vW6D-MA/UjB6hHSqSeI/AAAAAAAABpU/_r2XwOUvWLc/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How are you using number lines with your students?!?</div>
</div>
Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706392078144194431.post-58014026503308616492013-09-04T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-04T08:00:06.092-04:00Testing Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been waist deep in baseline testing for 3 weeks now. While I'm looking forward to some good data, I can't wait to switch from tester to teacher and get down to some serious business!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My question for you is, how do you shake off the testing blues? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My kid-lets look like someone punted their puppy off a bridge, Anchorman-style, by the time we wrap up testing each morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best solution I've found for this is a little dance party sponsored by Just Dance Kids on YouTube.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/dpTbbkIE4n/embed/" width="612"></iframe><br />
<br />
Here are a few of our favorites!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5hn61z3FlMQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sF571ijdtzY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/q2Rs0orD2Yk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Last, but not least, the Sid Shuffle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/ycq_E6sN3CI/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ycq_E6sN3CI&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ycq_E6sN3CI&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
How do you kick the testing blue?!?!Jessica Ehlingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01039415187469082520noreply@blogger.com0