tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529210874244686022024-03-14T02:01:13.955-04:00Special Education - A Work of HeartLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-10708473197972918142013-07-27T22:06:00.002-04:002013-07-27T22:15:32.687-04:00Liebster Award! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyx5WrBik8A/UeJWLnHB7rI/AAAAAAAAAys/sXwlJxvjdLs/s1600/Liebster+Award.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hyx5WrBik8A/UeJWLnHB7rI/AAAAAAAAAys/sXwlJxvjdLs/s320/Liebster+Award.JPG" /></a></div>
I am so excited to receive my first blogger award! I was nominated for the Liebster Award by <a href="http://missheymiss.blogspot.com/">Miss, Hey Miss</a>, a first year special education teacher from San Antonio, Texas. Check out her blog!
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<div class="Miss, Hey Misss button" style="margin: 0px auto; width: 150px;">
<a href="http://missheymiss.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="Miss, Hey Miss" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Xv7QmWcBF8/UbEtLfQqMRI/AAAAAAAAAWo/48iAq4SAZW4/s1600/FBphoto.jpg" width="100" /> </a> </div>
Liebster is German and means “dearest,” “lovely,” “cute,” “beloved,” and “welcome”. I've been asked by the person who nominated me to answer a few questions and to share 11 random facts about myself, so here they are:
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1.What grade/subject do you teach?
- I teach K-5th grade students with severe and profound disabilities
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2.What is your favorite school supply?
- My favorite school supply would have to be Velcro dots! Velcro is a necessity in my classroom! We use many visual supports around the
classroom and Velcro allows me to attach things to any surface.<br />
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3.Why did decide to blog?
- I decided to blog because I saw so many great blogs and websites from a variety of teachers, but there is not a lot out there for
teachers of students with significant disabilities. I enjoy exchanging ideas with other educators.
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4.How do you decide on blog topics?
- Well, to be honest, I haven't kept up with my blog as much as I would like to at the moment. When I do post, I choose my topics based on
what's happening in my classroom (or my life) at the moment.
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5.If you could go back and share one piece of advice with yourself before you began teaching, what would it be?
- One piece of advice I would give myself before beginning this career would have been: Don't sweat the small stuff. Sometimes I can
overanalyze everything! Not only with teaching, but in my personal life. <br />
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6.Describe your family.
- My family is amazing! My hubby is the most supportive man. He supports me in everything I do. We don't have children yet. We have been
married for 2.5 years. We love spending time with our families. He loves my family and I love his! We were blessed with great in-laws. :)
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7. Where/What is your dream vacation?
- There are so many places that I would love to vacation, it is hard to choose just one! Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Africa, Tahiti
are all places I would love to visit!
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8. What food do you eat most often?
- We eat a lot of potatoes around this house... baked potatoes mostly, but also fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.
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9. What is your favorite social media site? Why? (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, G+, Flickr, other, etc.)
- It would have to be Facebook because I love keeping up with my friends and family
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10. If you had all the money and all the time in the world, what would you do?
- That's easy!... I would travel the world!
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Here are 11 random facts about myself:
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1. I played trumpet in high school marching band and in college jazz band.
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2. I love animals and can't wait to bring another dog into my life.
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3. I volunteered for a summer at an orphanage in Peru and loved it! I can't wait to go back!
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4. I'm addicted to reality shows... I'll watch ANYTHING reality (Biggest Loser, Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother, Top Chef, Real World,
Real Housewives... yeah, I watch those! Don't judge me!
5. I love to travel. This summer my husband and I visited 4 National Parks, including one in Canada, in 9 days. It was a whirlwind, but SO
much fun!
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6. I have a metal plate and screws in my ankle! I broke my ankle in 2 places after slipping on water in my classroom!
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7. I love taking pictures! I have a gazillion pictures and albums on Facebook.
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8. I'm not a very good cook. My husband does most of the cooking for us. He enjoys it.
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9. My favorite class at the gym is kickboxing... my favorite machine is elliptical.
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10. My husband loves college football and we have season tickets for Auburn Football! War Eagle!
11. I love children's books! I can spend hours at a thrift store, sifting through the books to add to my classroom library.
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Now it is my turn to nominate other blogs I enjoy for the Liebster Award. Today, I nominate:
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<a href="http://spedventures.blogspot.com/">Sped-Ventures:</a> A special educator that shares ideas from her classroom. I love following her because she often blogs about extension activities she uses with the Unique Learning System curriculum.
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<a href="http://erin-specialeducation.blogspot.com/">Adventures in Tutoring and Special Education</a>
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<a href="http://autismtank.blogspot.com/">Autism Tank</a>
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<a href="http://www.autismclassroomnews.com/">Autism Classroom News</a>
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<a href="http://anexceptionaleducation.blogspot.com/">An Exceptional Education</a>
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10 Questions for my nominees:
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1. What is the best piece of advice you can give to first year teachers?
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2. What is your favorite book to read on the first day of school?
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3. What is the least favorite part of the teaching profession?
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4. Why did you decide to blog?
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5. What and where was the last professional conference you attended?
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6. Describe your dream vacation.
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7. How do you spend your summers off?
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8. What is your favorite non-teacher related book?
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9. What is one book you would recommend for teachers?
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10. What is your favorite holiday in the classroom?
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11. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
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AND GO!... :)
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Here are the rules of Liebster Award:
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1. Link back to the blog that nominated you.
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2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers.
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3. Answer the questions posted for you by your nominator.
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4. Share 11 random facts about yourself.
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5. Create 11 questions for your nominees.
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6. Contact your nominees by commenting on their blog or sending them an email to communicate the nomination.
Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-79149246359577776822013-07-01T00:01:00.000-04:002013-07-01T00:16:02.063-04:00BloglovinWell we all know by now that Google Reader will be no more in just a few short hours... Bloglovin' is the place to be! You can continue to follow me there.
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6629083/?claim=rhmjq8jf6xr">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-62711583980774197592013-06-27T00:45:00.001-04:002013-06-27T00:45:27.012-04:00Calendar Time - Morning Meeting <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I am linking up for the Summer Linky Party over at </span><a href="http://www.sharingkindergarten.com/2013/06/calendar-time-summer-linky-party.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sharing Kindergarten</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. This week's focus for the Linky Party is Calendar Time. I love our morning calendar time (or actually I refer to it as "morning meeting" in my classroom because we do much more than just calendar during this time). It's a favorite for my students too. It is an interactive and fun learning group where we focus on calendar skills, weather, colors and other basic concepts. We pack a lot into our morning meeting each day! We touch on a variety of goals/objectives during our morning meeting, including choice making, activating a switch, visual tracking, responding to simple questions, name/picture recognition, following directions, reach/grasp/release of items and maintaining attention to task. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you read through the descriptions of our morning meeting, keep in mind that my students are non-verbal, some have physical limitations and most of my current students require moderate to maximum assistance to complete tasks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Below is a picture of my morning meeting/calendar area. I display everything on the white board and I love this arrangement because it's MAGNETIC! It makes it super easy to grab things on and off the board to show my students up close. I can grab the numbers from the top of the board when we are reviewing numbers or grab the colored shapes when we are reviewing colors. I can even grab the calendar right off the board to show a student up close. The weather cards on the right hand side are removable as well and they are textured so that my students can "feel" the weather.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uts_XC5SarqPM2ma4h-tlSCcrs0Ia4IPY7FM40pMzobx9Rbdw8g9oxZ4QSKDGJ_xDNN6DhHOQYM8ZPoP75qzZ2WRT9BMKQ18YQuk6ReujsN-1x-LM__XaC1Bv-G74i8oheaC5j-bhbr8/s1600/IMG_2536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uts_XC5SarqPM2ma4h-tlSCcrs0Ia4IPY7FM40pMzobx9Rbdw8g9oxZ4QSKDGJ_xDNN6DhHOQYM8ZPoP75qzZ2WRT9BMKQ18YQuk6ReujsN-1x-LM__XaC1Bv-G74i8oheaC5j-bhbr8/s400/IMG_2536.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some descriptions of a few of the components I use during my morning meeting. I hope someone finds these helpful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Good Morning</u></strong>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We start our morning meeting each day by singing a good morning song. At appropriate breaks in the song I say good morning to each student individually and wait for a response. Students respond by waving, reaching out to shake my hand or activating a communication device to say 'good morning'. This gives the students <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">great practice in responding appropriately to greetings.</span></span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Communication and Choice Making:</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morning meeting is the perfect time to incorporate choice making. I use a variety of assistive devices during this time, including: Big Macks, Twin Talk, and Cheap Talks (pictured below)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> <img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/lizmillette/random%20stuff/bigmac.jpg" /> <img height="178" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/lizmillette/random%20stuff/TwinTalk.jpg" style="height: 147px; width: 160px;" width="218" /></span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> <img height="138" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/lizmillette/random%20stuff/sayplay.gif" width="200" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are numerous ways to use these devices for communication and choice-making during morning meeting. Some of the ways I have used them in the past include: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <u>What comes next</u>: I program the Cheap Talk 4 with morning meeting activities to be completed that day. Students are able to set the schedule for morning meeting by selecting and "telling" me what they want to do next during our group time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> <img height="167" src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/lizmillette/n46204659_31783352_7164-1.jpg" style="height: 183px; width: 207px;" width="214" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <u>Song Choices</u>: Sometimes we sing songs related to our theme for the week.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I give the students a song choice using the devices.</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <u>Answer Questions</u>: We use the devices to answer questions during morning meeting: such as how do you feel today, what is the weather like outside, or what day of the week is it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><u>Attendance/Name Recognition:</u></strong>After singing good morning, we always take attendance and check to see who is here for the day. I have large name cards with each of the student's names. First students select their name from a choice of 2 - 4 cards (depending on what level they are working on... some of the names are paired with pictures, others are just the letters). Then we sing the Bingo Name Song (sung to the tune of "Bingo.") The student points to each letter of his/her name, while the other students clap the letters. I have 2 paraprofessionals in my room and they assist the other students in clapping while I assist the target student in pointing and/or attending to his/her name.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In this class we have a boy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And Caleb is his name-o</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">C-A-L-E-B, C-A-L-E-B, C-A-L-E-B</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're glad you're here today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><u>Calendar:</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We review the calendar by first singing a song about the Days of the Week. After the song, I choose a student to recite the days of the week. The students use the I-Pad or Step-by-Step communication device to recite the days of the week. We then review, yesterday was ____, today is ____, tomorrow will be _____. We also talk about any upcoming events happening that week (CBI trips, assemblies, specials classes, holidays, etc.) and count down the days to that event.</span><br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Color Recognition:</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We review our colors every day during morning meeting. I have several different color songs that we alternate but my favorite is "Rainbow of Colors" by Greg and Steve. For this song we use colored streamers which I made from an idea I found on Pinterest! Before the song each student chooses a colored streamer. During the song they wait for their color to be called. When they hear their color named they hold it up for everyone to see and wave/shake it around.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><strong><u>Counting Poems:</u></strong></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a short counting activity, I use a felt board with laminated cut-out pieces to illustrate a counting poem. The poem usually correlates to our theme for that week or the season. Students help count during the poem by using a Step by Step communication device or the I-Pad. We also have some counting songs that the students really enjoy that I rotate throughout the week.</span></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As you can see our morning meeting/calendar time focuses on very basic skills, but this is what my students currently need. I hope this has helped at least a few ideas for teachers of students with disabilities. I'm looking forward to seeing other ideas shared through the linky </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">party! Thanks for stopping by!</span></span></strong><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~Liz</span>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-63814100184536045242013-06-13T19:25:00.003-04:002013-06-13T19:25:32.516-04:00Let the Summer Fun Begin!Well... I know, I know... I have been MIA for way too long. I love the blogging world and reading all of the many amazing educational blog posts on a day to day basis, but for some reason, I just can't keep up with mine! I'm going to try to do better I promise! <br />
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I am currently out on summer break and enjoying every minute. In my free time, of course, I am searching near and far for fresh ideas to incorporate in my classroom. There just doesn't seem to be much out there for teachers of students with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. Any blog recommendations you have would be greatly appreciated. <br />
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Here are a few of my favorite Special Education blogs:<br />
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<a href="http://spedventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sped-ventures</span></a><br />
<a href="http://adaptions4kidz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Adaptations 4 Kidz</span></a><br />
<a href="http://howlongisthishall.blogspot.com/search/label/super%20simple%20and%20cheap%20assistive%20technology" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">How Long is This Hall!?</span></a><br />
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What are your favorites?!<br />
Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-47079015282097349712012-08-12T00:40:00.000-04:002012-08-12T00:41:29.304-04:00Survived Week OneO<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ne week down, and how many to go?! Yep, my students and I have already been back to school for an entire week. The fact that all of my current students are returning from last year makes things a little easier. The students picked up right where they left off. I did change up our schedule a little this year which is taking some getting used to and I have a new paraprofessional this year (she is FABULOUS I might add), but other than that, things are pretty much the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oh yeah, one thing that did change this year... my room decor! A few weeks ago I posted some inspiration pictures for my classroom theme, "Mrs. Holder's Nest!" I have added a few "bird" inspired items to my classroom decor and plan on adding a few more elements throughout the year. So far I really like the theme. Here are a few pictures from my classroom. Let me know what you think! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I foud this cute little welcome sign at Hobby Lobby for 80% off. I couldn't resist! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It is hanging in the hallway right by our classroom door.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeyFL6KrE6HLo_ROCA3m9Te5Cg0bqDkNRYFyyGXjWyl7YU7gJBB_ny_SKkEYoxgVDEw_lZa6rHmhJ77tgyQoV9pfIlt8BpAmqI_Ekq0GNYPpynrGvdtPJLIxaZDeTSjCGkgfrHqi695FX/s1600/IMG_2542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeyFL6KrE6HLo_ROCA3m9Te5Cg0bqDkNRYFyyGXjWyl7YU7gJBB_ny_SKkEYoxgVDEw_lZa6rHmhJ77tgyQoV9pfIlt8BpAmqI_Ekq0GNYPpynrGvdtPJLIxaZDeTSjCGkgfrHqi695FX/s320/IMG_2542.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This bulletin board will display important school/class information under "The Daily Chirp" and student work under "Work to Tweet About!" I love how the little birdies turned out. They are cut from patterned scrapbook paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I plan to build a tree above this bulletin board to fill the white space of the wall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> A close-up of the "The Daily Chirp." The chirp banner letters were created by Victoria over at </span><a href="http://asubtlerevelry.com/bird-shower-printable-party" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">City Cradle Designs</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Check out the free printable on her website.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnvWeLHqf_bK4t4jhFP8372zGJHNxxSKtv0p5HtAe7kS13gb3lz3oCMaijpa1U0QAO6eBJYeB24v8vmWcC8gznAvmpZEE-0jW0bhHbwmQziyUV1dAvk6XHSg8UMWyHYDm1lF0oYegkVhi/s1600/IMG_2533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnvWeLHqf_bK4t4jhFP8372zGJHNxxSKtv0p5HtAe7kS13gb3lz3oCMaijpa1U0QAO6eBJYeB24v8vmWcC8gznAvmpZEE-0jW0bhHbwmQziyUV1dAvk6XHSg8UMWyHYDm1lF0oYegkVhi/s320/IMG_2533.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Not really "bird themed" but still an important part of my classroom design, this is my Circle Time board. All of the pieces are magnetic so I can easily grab things on and off the board to show my students. I plan to recreate the numbers 1-5 with different colored birds, instead of sports balls. It's on my to-do list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This quote, printed from </span><a href="http://unozip.com/blog/2011/henry-van-dyke/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">unozip</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, is one of my favorites!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I used scrapbook paper to create the border and it is now hanging on our classroom door. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdw8P1LYC9KgbmAiNYkKBRv_iNvgqfhFPRyxlaSbP1dOMZWBfwkL_d5u97KrnJ1sLZDTSEPFQ00sClFtiffVva9q2WcuHrXCaoMohiWK2uHaARIyZ6_KIhiCZIIaVAjDGLXMFAGENc2c6/s1600/IMG_2541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdw8P1LYC9KgbmAiNYkKBRv_iNvgqfhFPRyxlaSbP1dOMZWBfwkL_d5u97KrnJ1sLZDTSEPFQ00sClFtiffVva9q2WcuHrXCaoMohiWK2uHaARIyZ6_KIhiCZIIaVAjDGLXMFAGENc2c6/s320/IMG_2541.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are a few pictures I forgot to take, so I'll add those later, but this shows some of the progress I've made on my room so far. I'm loving it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">~ Liz</span></div>
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</div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-35195601447484079652012-07-23T16:32:00.000-04:002012-07-23T16:32:47.522-04:00Summer Vacay!Hi Y'all,<br />
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I have just returned from a week on the West Coast. My cousin got married in L.A. last Saturday so we decided to make it a vacation and stay awhile. We were in California for 9 days for a whirlwind tour! I feel like we never slept, but we had so much fun! We arrived in L.A. on Friday afternoon and headed straight for Beverly Hills where we did some window shopping on Rodeo Dr. (that's all I could afford) and toured a TV Out of the Box Warner Brothers exhibit. That evening we went to Downtown Disney Land to eat dinner at the House of Blues and watch the fireworks. On Saturday morning we drove to Simi Valley to tour the Ronald Raegan Presidential Library. It was amazing! If you're ever in the area it's a must see! That evening, of course, was the wedding for my cousin and his bride-to-be. I was so glad we got to be there for them on their special day. It made me think back to my own wedding day only a year and a half ago. Such an exciting time! On Sunday we toured the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank. It's a 2 and 1/2 hour tour worth every penny. We had a great tour guide and got to see the sets of Ellen and Big Bang Theory (two of my favorites!) and a whole lot more behind the scenes stuff, including props, movie sets, costumes, etc. After the tour we took in all the sights and sounds of Hollywood. I had been there before but my hubby never had, so it was neat to see it all again with him. That evening we met up with my parents, who were also in town for the wedding, for dinner at the famous chicken dinner restaurant at Knott's Berry Farm. On Monday we took a day to tour some of the more well known beaches around L.A., including Laguna, New Port, Huntington and Venice beaches, ending at Santa Monica Pier, where we ate dinner and took a ride on the ferris wheel. Are you tired yet!? :)<br />
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Well we aren't finished yet! On Tuesday we headed north on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), a GORGEOUS, scenic drive with the Pacific ocean on one side of the highway and mountains on the other. We went through Santa Barbara, San Luis Obisbo, and Monterey, among others and toured Hearst Castle near San Simeon. One of my favorite stops along the PCH was at a overlook called Piedras Blancas. Here we saw hundreds of Elephant Seals sunning on the beach and playing in the water. It was an amazing sight and I could have stayed for hours just watching them play and listening to their "barks." Another neat detour from the PCH was a 17 mile drive which took us past beautiful beaches and ended at the Pebble Beach Golf course. My husband enjoyed seeing this as it's one of the more famous golf courses. On Thursday we finally arrived in San Francisco. This was my first time in San Fran! Our first stop was the Golden Gate Bridge where we were awarded an amazing view! When we first got to the bridge we had zero visibility due to the fog, but within 20 minutes the fog cleared and we were able to see the whole bridge. We stayed at the Palace Hotel near Union Square and had a nice evening getting familiar with the area. The next day we hit all the touristy spots, including China Town, Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, rode the Cable Cars and saw Lombard St. from a distance, though we didn't drive it. We would love to go back and spend more time in this city. There is so much to explore.<br />
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We had an early flight home on Saturday morning and spent all day yesterday recovering from our lack of sleep! Ever heard the saying, "You need a vacation from your vacation!"? Well for us, this was SO true! We went non-stop the whole trip but I wouldn't change a thing! We had so much fun and made so many memories along the way. <br />
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Now we are home and reality is setting in... I only have ONE MORE WEEK of summer! Pre-planning starts next Monday. We do have a week of pre-planning without students but it will be a rude awakening having to set my alarm and get back in the swing of things. Where has the summer gone?! I feel like I just turned off the lights in my classroom and closed the door on the 2011-2012 school year. Now it's time to start all over again! I'm jealous of all you bloggers who still have several weeks of summer left! <br />
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Well, since I shared all about my trip with you guys, I thought it might be nice to give you a visual. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the trip. Enjoy!<br />
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<img border="0" height="179" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuhQLYMn6xDmh884FJWsBvxMLysRg5i6VTNUVuN52itY6quq5kkM93kw5gVz5zJYjpNcMfpwoFClCqu7a2RX23o6RWg9Dz9x_ygPJt1P37g5vtycWWAdPnW2VBH9saIKQSXQBQfdvlsHT/s320/IMG_9569.jpg" width="320" /> <img border="0" height="177" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gxOlkyq-YLh-uN039zgYWpAaFpVWODFC_vL4AozW2K3JF5Ga1aC96vatKS10vuLQgOyXYQxSe9yTZCxP5Fqgyc2uB_A8R-6EryU781IOjSW_IZi2SQnSUN3O6A5bfe7NwERWMutam6x9/s320/IMG_9475.jpg" width="320" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FNq9y74NqT3exSDXiq3Qk4zXbO4jRH9GKxU4o3v18x2akgUHUbJ0y9OHuZccd46PBiDDWbxdV0AltZ9l_9wcRErFrFRQvgWWRIv9oq3qsDreLqWk1iY-CJ9CKHQAZjodY22RNLPTkHFU/s1600/IMG_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FNq9y74NqT3exSDXiq3Qk4zXbO4jRH9GKxU4o3v18x2akgUHUbJ0y9OHuZccd46PBiDDWbxdV0AltZ9l_9wcRErFrFRQvgWWRIv9oq3qsDreLqWk1iY-CJ9CKHQAZjodY22RNLPTkHFU/s320/IMG_0048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="179" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYaLFula0Z40j0KTciXeUxVen6M5zDZQONz_IOVWalKru4SwlYnjXmLtXuboIAd0rnvMMCFkDku5drcNbLhdj1SLloxsYOv3PTjkalzm9kQd9u9FYy9jW0Gxwbl8aJFqKNVGUzLHR8tSA/s320/IMG_0278.jpg" width="320" /> <img border="0" height="179" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSCdFk12hQgiy4wJ2jpqjiEqfLm3WOyi8ryUy724_v6Z2pYHFhjrDv0IssncYOJ4J_8WBM-I48YGzXhSzqZ-b_kegU_aV7ijfTquvtDHWJ8lnhrRRvdQEmY5HearzIdJJG2s0SuCCvxT1/s320/IMG_0416.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="179" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2GofJyGUiwSx-smfu4qtf5GDBgJswGn3Kt9MiQ8mges0QI8egFlB86gL6rF9vn8kQ1AtKl4igCZy7S73PBFkCYApebN6dIag6J8YZZuviZtTp8znA_UPp8JRdnJHG9-IHFBLCfsuekg1/s320/IMG_0255.jpg" width="320" /> </div>
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<img border="0" height="179" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvJuTdnnm9EiqIFRg7ePDfgul6l8xElkb8Rw8VKgLq0cqI4lBfEvqCI8V-vp6kCY1SCQ5xeND3JD7tr4ULHglSbZ2rjHFc-r0SCCvReeYsRSxJeveNKEYMnqz6tLWy40gr-b1Cqv4rbU6/s320/IMG_0374.jpg" width="320" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-E8NuxryBntBxDOfk3bzs6SgIDBjPjooFwDsfM3EGhwRnlB1K6gpVN1MWNvEkHn-SBJwWvrGBquzHwb7BwP_gzhvNloGi1wqj7JWr6kFx0u5iUn455XBPononCWhvwVZ0p2CMwv2JfOw/s1600/IMG_0675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-E8NuxryBntBxDOfk3bzs6SgIDBjPjooFwDsfM3EGhwRnlB1K6gpVN1MWNvEkHn-SBJwWvrGBquzHwb7BwP_gzhvNloGi1wqj7JWr6kFx0u5iUn455XBPononCWhvwVZ0p2CMwv2JfOw/s320/IMG_0675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-27744849896242561482012-07-11T13:45:00.000-04:002012-07-11T13:46:13.687-04:00Make it Easy... to pick up and holdWe play group games daily in my class. Common games you may find us playing are Bingo and Memory. These games are easy to create for any theme/topic you are teaching. During a Bingo game, calling cards are placed face down on the table and the game caller gets to pick any card to call out to the players. To play Memory, all cards are placed face down on the table and students take turns flipping 2 cards at a time to find a match.<br />
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THE PROBLEM: The problem my students have with playing these games are being able to pick up the cards from the table. They just do not have the fine motor/finger control to be able to pick up thin objects from a flat surface.<br />
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THE SOLUTION: My simple solution... clothespins! I found these large clothespins pictured below at Ikea but I'm sure they can be found elsewhere too! I simply attach a clothespin to each card, place them face down on the table and now my students are easily able to lift the cards from the table during game play. <br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB7hokYoreiGTKYIFe0NXQl7QzW98cvh77x6HLhxz-7iVOY7J70mb7kD64zyEmjm6iAPi0GWOFJAFHSg4K6jhGVE72-q2LgO2bKD0rK5kuqEkOXg0bcnmKVd0LqHzpQWqArkcx4cTuU2a/s1600/IMG_1701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB7hokYoreiGTKYIFe0NXQl7QzW98cvh77x6HLhxz-7iVOY7J70mb7kD64zyEmjm6iAPi0GWOFJAFHSg4K6jhGVE72-q2LgO2bKD0rK5kuqEkOXg0bcnmKVd0LqHzpQWqArkcx4cTuU2a/s320/IMG_1701.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large clothespins attached to a bingo game from the Unique Learning System curriculum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpuYoLlto0runmzqZPE65SricTfEVItOPQ6FoCt-SHrhsxVhSpI8Yup62tyvQxtwe93bF0PEUvcPkDfSUuU0lk4bJeLtTvJbs90sXYCCVe63GKL_3dy9bP2LjTkbwLU1NViRqT-F6xVxO/s1600/IMG_1709(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpuYoLlto0runmzqZPE65SricTfEVItOPQ6FoCt-SHrhsxVhSpI8Yup62tyvQxtwe93bF0PEUvcPkDfSUuU0lk4bJeLtTvJbs90sXYCCVe63GKL_3dy9bP2LjTkbwLU1NViRqT-F6xVxO/s320/IMG_1709(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During a bingo game, this student easily picks up a calling card from her tray.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnzd_3dIJOaaCwVD7EUA21usmR-o8C7k37gFToRqv2beakKkoHUmUKziwimY4hEBUJAnJPBsydEaeAUUpHZPWFXv6Qk6kEn9ZvaP_QL9MaAW8kE3ptrNOaogII1lAqnPsssLHYX23goyS/s1600/IMG_1702(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnzd_3dIJOaaCwVD7EUA21usmR-o8C7k37gFToRqv2beakKkoHUmUKziwimY4hEBUJAnJPBsydEaeAUUpHZPWFXv6Qk6kEn9ZvaP_QL9MaAW8kE3ptrNOaogII1lAqnPsssLHYX23goyS/s320/IMG_1702(2).jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another student picks up a calling card during bingo and flips it over for everyone to see.</td></tr>
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This simple adaptation has made many of my games accessible to my students with fine motor difficulties. <br />
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<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-4657256720133261632012-07-03T11:32:00.001-04:002012-07-03T11:32:49.522-04:00The Nest... a theme to tweet about!First off, I must apologize for being MIA for so long on my blog. I love reading other teacher blogs and catching up with all of you, but when it comes time to post on my own blog, I just don't make the time. Well, I'm back... for today, at least!<br />
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I am half way through my summer and have to admit I'm a little bummed. I had so many plans for classroom projects I wanted to complete over the summer and have not accomplished any of them... yet! But I still have a few weeks to get busy. So, to start things off, I'd like to share one project I have in mind... design a new theme for my classroom! I have never actually used a specific theme for my classroom decor but a teacher friend has inspired me to create one. Her classroom is all decked out in pirate stuff and it is so cute! There is so much you can do with a theme! I think my students would enjoy it and it will give a fresh look to my classroom which I have been in for 7 years now! It's time for a change. After searching endlessly on the internet for theme ideas I have finally decided to do a bird theme. I know, random, right?! Let's just call it "Mrs. H's Nest." I have not actually created anything for this theme yet, but have found lots of inspiration pictures. Here are just a few:<br />
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I'd love to create some type of bird mobile to hang from the ceiling. </div>
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from <a href="http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/26224849.aspx">The Bump</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaezcaxsrixOmkPcRB53hVaiepoWXUIdRsNbhGuO7eqtv5gPRPPYxrfJAdq_hE1_ccnXjvqxlqCG5HTriRAvQJWa1oIDOKitwm5UMRBsPHoESYvPLOMfwIvekssJmlFECX935-XzqavZNe/s1600/bird1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaezcaxsrixOmkPcRB53hVaiepoWXUIdRsNbhGuO7eqtv5gPRPPYxrfJAdq_hE1_ccnXjvqxlqCG5HTriRAvQJWa1oIDOKitwm5UMRBsPHoESYvPLOMfwIvekssJmlFECX935-XzqavZNe/s320/bird1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love the mobile below. You can download the free bird sewing pattern from her website. Hmmm... maybe I could finally learn to sew for this project! :)</div>
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Check it out on <a href="http://www.spoolsewing.com/blog/2008/05/16/bird-mobile/" target="_blank">Spool Sewing.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip21gkjh_JlO44CMdyNRjpbh67LdrYLXGl5S8bDSbHf2C7VTOugw6T7xiuGstSjKIJzQajPCh_wwcxRJdKdI5-vz4svPqf6P_nQSiQAUA7e9A66WYYSmTjxsBHDxFg5PkVgfjv4ogVFdCg/s1600/bird2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip21gkjh_JlO44CMdyNRjpbh67LdrYLXGl5S8bDSbHf2C7VTOugw6T7xiuGstSjKIJzQajPCh_wwcxRJdKdI5-vz4svPqf6P_nQSiQAUA7e9A66WYYSmTjxsBHDxFg5PkVgfjv4ogVFdCg/s320/bird2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are a few wall or bulletin board displays that I love:</div>
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I have the perfect space on my wall to display this bird mural. It seems pretty straightfoward and easy enough to create.</div>
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Found on <a href="http://triciawilson.tumblr.com/post/2726132584" target="_blank">Pieces of Me</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2JrjQWOhzItcPw8v0cFOFourD7PgsM31lN_vzpf57Ly1z6h2BYHzcz911zTWcR6AA1aF6Vxxh4Y_NlrUiH0OkO2-jpexWbcqU10F1OC2HQRYHUYmZwK3ccjcGwQKtYLD_oozwlAVkh99/s1600/bird3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2JrjQWOhzItcPw8v0cFOFourD7PgsM31lN_vzpf57Ly1z6h2BYHzcz911zTWcR6AA1aF6Vxxh4Y_NlrUiH0OkO2-jpexWbcqU10F1OC2HQRYHUYmZwK3ccjcGwQKtYLD_oozwlAVkh99/s320/bird3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mrs. H's class is something to tweet about! </div>
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Super cute display from Leslie Ann at <a href="http://lifeinfirstgrade1.blogspot.com/search/label/classroom%20design" target="_blank">Life in First Grade</a>!</div>
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And finally, I would absolutely LOVE to have this tree in my classroom. I can picture white lights hanging from the branches and down the trunk. The lights could be hooked up to a single pressure switch that my students could turn on and off. </div>
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This was created by Laurie Kessler over at <a href="http://lauriekessler.blogspot.com/2011/11/final-product.html" target="_blank">It's Going To Be All Write</a>.</div>
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There are so many more pictures I could share, but I think you get the picture. Hopefully I can incorporate at least a few of these ideas into my classroom decor this year. Do you use a classroom theme to decorate? If so, what is your theme and how do you incorporate it into your classroom? I would love to hear your ideas.</div>
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<br /></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-16472725875819713562011-09-12T14:10:00.001-04:002011-09-12T14:11:24.499-04:00Best start yet...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, while many of my blogger friends are just starting out the school year, I have already made it through the first six weeks of school and now have a week off for Fall Break! I absolutely love our school calendar! I have to say that after 7 years of teaching, this has been the best start to a school year so far. I have 5 students, but only one is new. We all fell back into our normal routine, with only a few minor changes to our schedule. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I plan on spending some of my fall break working on GAA (Georgia Alternate Assessment) activities. Do I have any Georgia followers out there that have to administer the GAA this year? It is a time consuming task, but I hope to complete the entire assessment by Christmas! I have 4 portfolios to do this year... two 3rd grade and two 4th grade. Maybe I'll get a chance to share some of our GAA activities on the blog this year. </span>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-66868939884716608122011-08-27T14:35:00.000-04:002011-08-27T14:35:53.294-04:00Hold on to your...I have several students in my class that do not keep items in their lap or on the table in front of them. Two students in particular that I have in mind are capable of grasping and holding on to materials but instead they are constantly dropping things on the floor or pushing items off of the table. I am always looking for new ways to keep the materials accessbile to the student, where they cannot drop them or push them out of their reach.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For paper materials I can tape them to the table in front of the student or clip them to a large slant board that is non-slip. For toys I have tried using dycem pads to keep them from sliding but students are able to pull the dycem up from the table or move the toy off of the dycem. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While scanning the aisles at Target the other day, I discovered these in the office supply section: </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Retractable badge reels!!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Of course, we have all seen these before, but that day it dawned on me... I can use these with my students to attach small toys and other items to their wheelchair or belt loop!! They are retractable, so the student can easily move the objects, but if they push them off their lap, they won't fall to the floor! I decided to buy them and give them a try. I think I got a pack of 6 for around $3.99. <br />
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Here is my first attempt at using them with my students. During our music/sensory time each student got to choose an instrument to play. This student picked bells. I was able to attach the instrument to the badge holder using a rubberband. I then attached the holder to the chest harness on her wheelchair. It worked perfectly! When she let go of the instrument it stayed in her lap instead of falling to the floor every time! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM1O6Pr13j05F9mXMCEIJXRWqalpiAQ-JwwrRXmsvE7qcgB7gx849lUSvlhTGE_gtKGD6IhD-tc_dyWZJalkuzjp3Sc91XVJChPN7chAyEQCKelLOsQzvIgwbWyjbsmAYnwzCJdzb9GGL/s1600/badge+holder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM1O6Pr13j05F9mXMCEIJXRWqalpiAQ-JwwrRXmsvE7qcgB7gx849lUSvlhTGE_gtKGD6IhD-tc_dyWZJalkuzjp3Sc91XVJChPN7chAyEQCKelLOsQzvIgwbWyjbsmAYnwzCJdzb9GGL/s320/badge+holder.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use a rubber band to attach the item to the badge reel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4XIom8zeaBpwEh2z756Kiz-8eXUgNJ7UsP9jI7EHhfmTAG8FnpJipMKgtYo6ds9B-FsqaBC8THdQwXA24k5t9w5w2DiL3Nmn8iS8vtLpAu4-Rxr7MYRKi6Q1ggP_xHNdQbUzt9aeqljS/s1600/instrument+holder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4XIom8zeaBpwEh2z756Kiz-8eXUgNJ7UsP9jI7EHhfmTAG8FnpJipMKgtYo6ds9B-FsqaBC8THdQwXA24k5t9w5w2DiL3Nmn8iS8vtLpAu4-Rxr7MYRKi6Q1ggP_xHNdQbUzt9aeqljS/s320/instrument+holder.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clip the badge reel to an article of clothing or wheelchair strap</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="text-align: left;">I'm excited to use these with other materials in the classroom. I figure I can attach lots of different items to these badge holders using different sized rubberbands or ribbon. I'm going to play around with it and see what I can come up with.</div><br />
If you have any other great ideas for keeping items within students reach and preventing them from throwing/dropping the items to the floor, please share!<br />
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~ElizabethLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-67216822166704579312011-08-24T06:47:00.000-04:002011-08-24T06:47:35.492-04:00Pinterest Addiction!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGAnk1GPeC-JlOEiPpL10XAAMat91hVNGFDaUIMBRF5yuDl-OrrGIite8qTIuWV0IjkcmeVsTTpgdXHXM34BlcKwzeZ2UJEE_MU8wItMGWBIgK_LY9X9GXakciGqixt7bCrpOf3mEh8aY/s1600/AreYouPinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGAnk1GPeC-JlOEiPpL10XAAMat91hVNGFDaUIMBRF5yuDl-OrrGIite8qTIuWV0IjkcmeVsTTpgdXHXM34BlcKwzeZ2UJEE_MU8wItMGWBIgK_LY9X9GXakciGqixt7bCrpOf3mEh8aY/s200/AreYouPinning.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Yes I am! I'm sure most of you have heard about the bookmarking site called Pinterest. You can create virtual bulletin boards on any topic you dream up and start pinning pictures from all over the web. I'm addicted! I love finding ideas and inspiration from others online and Pinterest is a GREAT tool to keep it all organized. Come check out my Pinterest boards. I have several boards related to classroom ideas, including Special Education Classroom ideas, Arts and Crafts, and Classroom Organization. Just click my "follow me" button on the right hand side of your screen. <br />
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If you have a Pinterest account, be sure to link up to the Pinterest Party at <a href="http://michellesmathinthemiddle.blogspot.com/2011/07/pinterest-linky-party.html">Michelle's Math in the Middle</a> blogsite.<br />
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Happy Pinning!<br />
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~ElizabethLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-44237132136821932902011-08-20T11:24:00.000-04:002011-08-20T11:24:07.989-04:00Cheap and Easy Card HolderI'm excited I finally got around to making card holders for my classroom. I found this idea several weeks ago on a blog titled, <a href="http://adaptingcreatively.blogspot.com/2011/06/hands-free-card-holder.html">Adapting Creatively</a>! Rose-Marie has really GREAT ideas for adapting materials for use with our special needs kids. Check out her site when you can.<br />
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Here is the card holder I made following her instructions:<br />
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You will need:<br />
A pool noodle and a knife... that's it!!<br />
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Everyone knows what a pool noodle is, right!? You can find them all over the place right now. I found mine at the Dollar Tree for $1.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4oaTuuc-Ra3f7gH_4r69cv2S-1LtMojht3TUGiRZjiwK0IgR1-HYiJQKsDTjlXpGWo50N-taPjYqhxFzhJ4tddzebDC06Z0WFQpScZplJKGfhIQLoeO0ifJQ917gd0F155dtl2j6Mp6E/s1600/pool-noodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4oaTuuc-Ra3f7gH_4r69cv2S-1LtMojht3TUGiRZjiwK0IgR1-HYiJQKsDTjlXpGWo50N-taPjYqhxFzhJ4tddzebDC06Z0WFQpScZplJKGfhIQLoeO0ifJQ917gd0F155dtl2j6Mp6E/s1600/pool-noodles.jpg" /></a><br />
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Using your sereated knife, cut the pool noodle into 16" sections. Next, you will slice the pool noodle in half, through the center of the piece. You should now have 6 pieces of pool noodle. Set each piece, flat side down, on the table. In the center of the arch, use your knife, to cut a slit down the length of your noodle. Cut as straight as possible and be sure not to go too deep! You're DONE! Simply slide the cards into the slits to hold them up. You can make 6 card holders for $1!<br />
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Here is my finished product! For more detailed, photo, instructions, be sure to check out the original idea on <a href="http://adaptingcreatively.blogspot.com/2011/06/hands-free-card-holder.html">Adapting Creatively</a>!<br />
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Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-30818274730274771792011-08-06T13:36:00.001-04:002011-08-06T13:37:24.040-04:00Twins! Baby ShowerSorry I've been MIA. This week was my first week at school with the students! It has been crazy busy, but overall a great week. I have 5 students this year, 4 of which I had last year, so we quickly got into a routine. I'll post more about my schedule and some changes I'm making this year in another entry but FIRST, I just had to share about my best friends recent baby shower!! <br />
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My best friend, Jess, is having twins! I was honored to host a baby shower for her last weekend. I hosted with 2 other ladies and it was so much fun planning and creating things for her shower. My favorite part was creating the decor. I created tutu outfits to hang from the mantel and her last initial "P" to hang in the center. I also hand-painted the "Two of a Kind" frame to put on the mantel, along with the twin poem in the white frame, backed with scrapbook paper. We used scrapbook paper on the food tables to tie our color scheme together. Take a look:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The tutu outfits were so much fun to create! First I found two "My 1st Tutu's" at TJ Maxx and was super stoked! They were perfect! Next, I purchased two white onesies from Hobby Lobby. The pink flowers are actually hair clips I found at Hobby Lobby! I tacked a a simple thread loop onto the onesie and clipped the flower to it. It's SO simple! And the best part is the flowers are removable so when she needs to wash the onesies she can remove the flowers. Also, when they outgrow the outfits, she can keep the hair clips. I can't wait to see the twins in these outfits!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuc89RVnN5hROWNHoPVG-YKtd-SfNdLIsNKffoU_UpAfJK-ZpOM8-H41gcz4drzmc0pGoTf0rCItfaypydZLY-ulo8zh2vNGtNuTb02RwDqi3G0Wi3HLetJ94PmExjqmvqDJ0cE3JoWD_/s1600/IMG_5176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuc89RVnN5hROWNHoPVG-YKtd-SfNdLIsNKffoU_UpAfJK-ZpOM8-H41gcz4drzmc0pGoTf0rCItfaypydZLY-ulo8zh2vNGtNuTb02RwDqi3G0Wi3HLetJ94PmExjqmvqDJ0cE3JoWD_/s400/IMG_5176.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The pink frame is hand painted and includes her first sonogram picture of the twins. The white frame, has scrapbook paper for the backing, which I found at Hobby Lobby, and I printed the poem using Word.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHmFUEtktGmuKGc_nh4UkLsNuqRM7SiAZlVsCYKF07tJtnHMwuOQ1tZZSgQ5JyV1qVAyfwQO_V4sfwllO4sWaYhtTJkJnRdMXcFei3ymzYb3jd4_U-X07WO-wwEU4LYaTWVsixJtNFyvt/s1600/IMG_5177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHmFUEtktGmuKGc_nh4UkLsNuqRM7SiAZlVsCYKF07tJtnHMwuOQ1tZZSgQ5JyV1qVAyfwQO_V4sfwllO4sWaYhtTJkJnRdMXcFei3ymzYb3jd4_U-X07WO-wwEU4LYaTWVsixJtNFyvt/s400/IMG_5177.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Yum! Pink Lemonade cupcakes made by one of the other ladies helping to host. We placed scrapbook paper under the cupcakes to tie in our color scheme... pink and green.</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93-83gs-Z2vlF0bOGQk5VLsqzvSh9z7_o0Im8YdaoXlLPRkXcnZDzvZETiw9gSsbKsXuhaHQ9IHzYSHo3gbdVZPnfwFJ_UlHCb8odOSAiTFZwir_kUC1wy1DkXameUMBZkqROlcTaC44D/s1600/IMG_5190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93-83gs-Z2vlF0bOGQk5VLsqzvSh9z7_o0Im8YdaoXlLPRkXcnZDzvZETiw9gSsbKsXuhaHQ9IHzYSHo3gbdVZPnfwFJ_UlHCb8odOSAiTFZwir_kUC1wy1DkXameUMBZkqROlcTaC44D/s400/IMG_5190.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Pink lemonade with green limes floating on top. Also used scrapbook paper underneath... the same scrapbook paper used in the white frame on the mantel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vdGSyJESLKPKI6uCv26-I_j6uefRxVl7hRNGUfuVmXgurGPhp6smls6L7QNT1H1lgbeg6Vpxoofm00-Yrb6-ZGb6Z-vypNqkjciP08-zuQODgojkbg61SgoC3w-O0jNhq5_JXgNh6iBj/s1600/IMG_5189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vdGSyJESLKPKI6uCv26-I_j6uefRxVl7hRNGUfuVmXgurGPhp6smls6L7QNT1H1lgbeg6Vpxoofm00-Yrb6-ZGb6Z-vypNqkjciP08-zuQODgojkbg61SgoC3w-O0jNhq5_JXgNh6iBj/s400/IMG_5189.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The diaper cake turned out SO cute... made by another friend helping to host the shower. The food table turned out so nice. :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9qayrTMqTRE2by1AN0KNUpwH-JqM51Sn-7f5prJI1wGTxWhgA5OzSGMMqe88A3i9p27zW2NDpKa57Cxz3qpmKZu85YjcuRDbNMEZnKAxiFPo3lfNO04MOYbEnH_d2v2Rv66ra5GgmS4r/s1600/IMG_5206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9qayrTMqTRE2by1AN0KNUpwH-JqM51Sn-7f5prJI1wGTxWhgA5OzSGMMqe88A3i9p27zW2NDpKa57Cxz3qpmKZu85YjcuRDbNMEZnKAxiFPo3lfNO04MOYbEnH_d2v2Rv66ra5GgmS4r/s400/IMG_5206.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Everything turned out so beautifully and the guest of honor was so happy! We had a great turn out and she got lots of great gifts!! Thanks for taking a look into our party. I'll be back soon with more back-to-school posts!Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-6035593648117400962011-07-22T15:50:00.000-04:002011-07-22T15:50:13.964-04:00Last Day of Summer!Today is officially my last day of summer vacation! Faculty and Staff report to school on Monday. We will have a whole week of pre-planning before the kids start back on August 1st. <br />
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I started the summer with a long to-do list of projects I wanted to complete for the classroom. I'm ending the summer feeling like I didn't get much accomplished and wondering where did the time go! The summer has flown! Next week I'll be back in teacher mode and hopefully will be able to start using my blog to the fullest to share teaching ideas. <br />
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The past 2 weeks I've spent planning a baby shower for my best friend who is having twins! The shower is next weekend and I plan to post a few pictures of things I've created for the shower. But I'm going to wait until after, because I don't want anyone peeking. ;-) <br />
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In the meantime, I'll leave you with this GREAT bulletin board picture I found on <a href="http://mrspicassosartroom.blogspot.com/2011/03/bulletin-board-showcase-and-giveaway.html">Mrs. Picasso's Art Room</a>.<br />
I love the simple message. I will definitely be recreating this one sometime this year for our hall bulletin board.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Xpjgc6PDbc0rSTCOOTriOM5Ls6WoR2PZKCKmmwEwrm3G_1Fhxty0sqU9MRqO2SCakck7rPeRQdBUM-z-BRKrOui0rx42HqEaykEgHCAdunoYRXFwWud__ghXjZg2QYNQhCJ85EmPR3r9/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Xpjgc6PDbc0rSTCOOTriOM5Ls6WoR2PZKCKmmwEwrm3G_1Fhxty0sqU9MRqO2SCakck7rPeRQdBUM-z-BRKrOui0rx42HqEaykEgHCAdunoYRXFwWud__ghXjZg2QYNQhCJ85EmPR3r9/s320/050.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-40481209643211312812011-07-19T02:47:00.000-04:002011-07-19T02:47:41.702-04:00Blog MixerI couldn't resist joining in my first link party! <a href="http://yearn4learning.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-mixer-linky.html">Yearn to Learn </a>is hosting a Blog Mixer Linky Party.<br />
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This is who I chose to spotlight:<br />
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<strong>1. A blogger who is a "New Kid on the Blog":</strong><br />
Well, that would have to be ME of course! I've only been at this for a few days. :) But to be fair I will link up another Newbie... be sure to check out: <a href="http://kristinskindergartenlearning.blogspot.com/">All I Really Need to Know... I Learned in Kindergarten</a> She is just starting out and already has lots of pics up of her great shopping finds. <br />
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<strong>2. Post a blogger in your same grade level:</strong><br />
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One of my favorite blogs is by a home-school parent of a child with special needs. Check out all of the wonderful adaptations she's come up with to make activities fun and accessible to her son, Junior. So creative! <a href="http://adaptions4kidz.blogspot.com/">Adaptions 4 Kidz</a><br />
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<strong>3. Post a blogger in a different grade level:</strong><br />
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<a href="http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/">Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs</a> is a wonderful blog, full of ideas for teaching students with severe disabilities. I love the Wizard of Oz theme ideas that were recently posted.<br />
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<strong>4. It's all about the button. Find a cute blog button and post it.</strong><br />
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Love this button! <br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20align=%22center%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.mrsrojasteaches.blogspot.com%22%20title=%22Create%20Teach%20Share%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa464/rojas1123/Picture1-16.png%22%20alt=%22Create%20Teach%20Share%22%20style=%22border:none;%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mrsrojasteaches.blogspot.com" title="Create Teach Share"><img src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa464/rojas1123/Picture1-16.png" alt="Create Teach Share" style="border:none;" /></a></div></a><br />
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I had fun sharing links with all of you. I hope you find them useful.Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-10979304992754962212011-07-15T01:18:00.000-04:002011-07-15T01:18:10.180-04:00Technology in the classroomWell, I have just started my blog and was pondering what my first subject should be about. I have decided to talk about technology in the classroom. I am so jealous of teachers who have SmartBoards mounted in their classrooms, I-pods, I-pads, and so forth. At my elementary school we have ONE Promethean Board to share for the whole school! I have never used it with my students because I have never been trained on how to use it and quite honestly it can be a hassle to get from the media center each morning, set it up with cords running in every direction across the room, only to pack it up and return it at the end of the day. However, I really want to experiment with it in the classroom this year to see how my students respond. I spent some time at the school this summer getting familiar with the board. My goal for this year is to incorporate the board into a lesson <em>at least</em> once per month, just to get my feet wet and see how my students respond. My only disappointment is that because it is a Promethean Board, my students won't be able to touch activate it with their hand, they will need to use the stylus pen. This will be very difficult for all of my students due to their motor limitations. I'm excited to at least try it though for the auditory and visual stimulation it will provide my students.<br />
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I also have a personal I-Pod Nano that I will be using in my classroom this year. Previously, I kept all of my music on CD's. But I'm hoping by using the I-Pod, I'll be able to store all of my classroom music in one place. I've been on the lookout this summer for a nice set of I-Pod speakers for the classroom. I've also been searching the web for new children's music I can add to my collection. I'll make a post another day about some websites I've found with free music.<br />
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For now, my technology wish list for my classroom would include an I-pad, a laptop, new computers (I currently have 2 computers in my classroom, both are 8 years old and super slow!), and a <em>mounted</em> SmartBoard (touch activated).<br />
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I'll conclude with this great resource I found while searching the web this summer. I plan on using some of the videos on the SmartBoard this year. I particularly like the Alphabet videos. Check them out here: <a href="http://www.havefunteaching.com/videos/">http://www.havefunteaching.com/videos/</a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152921087424468602.post-59846784715195502812011-07-14T16:32:00.000-04:002011-07-14T16:32:23.010-04:00First Time BloggerI have been doing lots of reading this summer of other people's blogs and have decided to start my own. I am currently a special education teacher for students with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. I love sharing ideas with other special educators so I thought starting a blog would be the perfect way to connect. <br />
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A few years ago I created a website to share ideas from my classroom. There are so many websites out there for "regular" education teachers, with lots of teaching ideas, printables, pictures, and theme activities, but not many sites that are geared specifically for teachers like me. So I decided to start my own! But recently I have been neglecting my website and have not been keeping it updated as I should. What can I say, life gets in the way sometimes. :) I'm keeping it out there because I feel it has some useful information but am hoping I can keep the blog more current and up-to-date as I start a new year of teaching. <br />
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On this blog, I plan on sharing teaching ideas, ways to adapt materials, thematic units, and any other interesting information that comes my way during the school year. I start back to school in one week and I am anxious to get back in the swing of things and make this a GREAT year for my students!<br />
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If any of you are interested in looking at my website, the address is: <a href="http://www.workofheart.bravehost.com/">http://www.workofheart.bravehost.com/</a>Lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918370647638961370noreply@blogger.com2