What's The Buzz: Easy Holder Folders

Checkout this neat idea for storing flashcards, letter tiles, etc. for students. So inventive!!

What's The Buzz: Easy Holder Folders:

Day 1: Utah Core Academy: Common Core LA Standards Training

Today I started the first day of a four day training dedicated solely to the Common Core Language Arts Standards that the great state of Utah has adopted.  I decided to come on every day and share some of the information or ideas that I have learned from the day's session.

Today we went over the LA Common Core for third grade into some depth and looked at what we were already doing in our teaching practices, and what was new that would need to be implemented.  It was good to see that much of it was what I was already doing.  However, I have learned that I really need to beef of my expectations for my students quite a bit.  This is true for all teachers.  It's time to re-evaluate our current teaching practices. :)

The main focus of this training will be on Writing.

Ideas that I learned today that I liked:

• Thinkpads:  A "Thinkpad" is a notebook (spiral or composition book) where the students will write in for specific tasks.  
• Quick Write:  This is a writing activity that could be done at any point in the day (not during your instructional writing time) where the students write for 4-5 minutes without stopping.  At first this might be a difficult task,  but with time they will build up stamina.  This stamina will help them to be better writers.
• Knew-New-Q:  This is a quick writing assignment where the kids write down what they already KNEW before starting that day, something that they learned today that was NEW, and then one Question they might have.  (This can be set up just like a KWL chart)

The standards for the Lexile range for 2nd and 3rd grade has been bumped up to 450-790.

Really Good Stuff's "Best-Ever Pocket Chart Stand"

This is Really Good Stuff's "Best-Ever Pocket Chart Stand" that costs $149.99:

This is not something I can afford by any stretch of the means.  So I have this wild and crazy idea of having my husband attempt to make something like it.

I found this homemade pocket chart stand on http://www.childcareland.com/ with directions and specs on how to make it:

  

I have taken both ideas and in my head I have merged it into this:

Now if only I can get my husband to make these for me so I can see of it would work.  The only part that I am iffy on is the center support.  I will have to think more on this one.  I have had dreams about this working.  Any thoughts or comments about my crazy idea?

Another exciting Give Away! Check this one out....

Utah Core Academy: Common Core LA Standards Training

I am super excited because I am going to a four day training at the Utah Core Academy next week.  This year the focus is on the newly adopted Common Core Language Arts standards.  I am hoping to get some wonderful ideas from other teachers here in Utah. 

What professional development opportunities are you participating in this summer?

Thinking of Teaching: The Book Whisperer Read Along

The Book Whisperer Read Along- Schedule Has Been Posted

Head on over to Thinking of Teaching to check out the upcoming read along schedule! I am considering joining this read along. Would you care to join me? :)

Teaching Blog Addict: TBA visits Egypt!

Teaching Blog Addict: TBA visits Egypt!: I was so excited to see my blog name listed on TBA's website and FB page. I had so much fun making the picture last night with the necklace, headband, and earring. Thanks so much TBA! :)