Friday, August 9, 2013

Writing by the Month October Lessons

I have been working on a year long project called "Writing by the Month." Currently, I have finished September and am just in the editing stages of the October unit. It will be live on TPT soon :). There is a fun 5 lesson project in the unit where students will write an essay about the history of Halloween. I wanted to refer people to some good websites for students to gather information for this informative essay. If computer time is short, teachers can print off several articles and make class sets (just make sure students cite their sources correctly in their bibliographies!). Here are some suggested websites for researching the history of Halloween:
history.com
The American Folklife Center
Time for Kids
Halloween History

Good Luck and Enjoy :)
PS
Just for fun I am adding a freebie from this product. This is an "Anti-Plagiarism Checklist and Contract." This year I want to hold kids accountable for their work! I am going to make them read through and check off each item on this list and sign the contract saying this is their original work and then have them staple it to their report. I hope this can work for you ;)

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Technology Tidbit Tuesday-Socrative

I have slacked the last couple weeks, actually, not slacked but enjoyed my Summer! I love Summer and I love time to myself, and I love spending time with my little boy and husband. So really, I haven't slacked I just remembered what's important :) Anyway, it's time for a new post. Before school starts I wanted to share a website and App that I started using last year in my classroom called Socrative. There are some really awesome features with this app and website and I don't even know where to begin...
First, it's a site where you can create online quizzes either saved or not. Students will use your room number (you get a "room number" when you create an account) and join your class. They can take assigned tests/quizzes/exit tickets or you can do a group quiz for feedback and have the answers show up on your projector. If you choose the group quiz students won't put their names in so it is anonymous. My students like this type of survey, it was quick, easy and fun. You have the option for multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions. The app is great because you can control the quizzes from your phone if you don't have a smart board or want to be stuck at your computer.
Second, if students take a test that is not anonymous, you can download their scores from the website in excel or a Google document. Easy Peasy grading! You have to put the quiz or test in, as well as the answers but once it is done, it is done for good. There is also an option to share test and quizzes with other teachers so you can look up already created assignments.
Third, another reason I love this site is because it is SUPER SIMPLE. The kids can login in quickly and you can see results in seconds. It's also very engaging for the students.
I have access to many computers in my room, however if you have ipods, ipads, cell phones, downloading an app works just as well too! Quizzes could also be done during your computer lab time if necessary.
Check the site out, it is well worth your time. I am always looking at ways to trim my grading time and this is one way to do it.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Giveaway!

Back to School Giveaway going on now! Check it out at out here. One of my products is part of the giveaway! It is actually for 4-6th but is part of the 6-12th prize pack.
I am giving away writing activities and packets for the first weeks of school. Look below for a preview!



Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Technology Tidbit Tuesday--Prezi

If anything else, Prezi is a wonderful presentation tool. It is fairly simple to figure out and it makes presentations look outstanding! PowerPoint is fun and easy to use, however, there is a different "wow" factor when using Prezi. Here's the link: www.prezi.com  .
I have the free teacher version and give my students the login info, that way they don't create their own account and I can regulate and check up on their work. There are close to 100 templates to choose from and a blank one as well, if you would rather create your own background. Prezi allows the user to choose color, font, where to zoom, and many other design features. You can import a PowerPoint directly to Prezi and it will transform your information into their program, you can link to youtube videos or upload your own, you can add photos, and sound (both music and voice overs). I feel like there are more creative options with Prezi rather than Powerpoint, although PowerPoint has it's place as well, but I will touch on that on another Tuesday.
For projects I have had students use Prezi for research presentations. I have also had them use a Prezi template like a graphic organizer and do compare/contrast of two people/places/things. This website is wonderful when doing group work too. Students like to work together and create their project. Like all lessons, I always need to give a time limit like, "you have 30 minutes today to work on your project," otherwise, some students take 30 minutes to pick out the right template! 
Check out the site, create your account, and let me know what you think :)

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Summer Planning Giveaway Stop C-2


Thanks for stopping by on the scavenger hunt! Grab my secret word above and be sure to follow my blog! If you are just starting the scavenger hunt, it begins at : http://imlovinlit.blogspot.com
Here is the item I am donating to the giveaway: Math Classroom Scavenger Hunts (great for the first week of school :) )


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Technology Tidbit Tuesday--Class Dojo

I am always thinking of ways to improve classroom management and keep my students engaged. Honestly, I despise the "Pull a Card" system as it is referred to at my school (each student starts on green and if they misbehave they can go to yellow, orange and finally the dreaded red card. When you change a card it is either the teacher doing it on her own or saying to the student "go pull a card."). There are various ways to display pulling cards, there is the hanging chart of colored paper and move the clothespin down as behavior worsens method or keeping all student names on the board under the "good" color and changing the "bad students" to red when they misbehave method. However, I see several problems with this: one being, when we focus on bad behavior, we usually get bad behavior. Second, no one likes being singled out for "being bad" and it just makes the student resent you more as a teacher. Third, it is embarrassing for the student. Last, at the end of the day, most students are on green or yellow, but the same one or two students are consistently on, red each day, obviously the card system isn't working for them. 
I have an alternative method of using classroom management and it involves technology, which always engages students. The site is called, "Class Dojo." Click Here -> Class Dojo <- As a teacher, you create an account and input your students (you may even have separate classes if you teach more than one class each day). Once every student is in the system they will be given an avatar, you are able to change it from the characters they have, but my students like the characters, so I never do. If you have a projector in your classroom you can project your student names and avatars during class. What this program allows you to do is give positive points to students as they exhibit the behavior you want. Class Dojo has options to choose from like, "helping others," "creativity," "on task," and "participation." You can even add your own positive points if you don't like their options. Each time you reward a student, or whole class points, the students points show up next to their name. There is an option to show negative point behavior exhibited by a student publicly, however, I turn the negative option off so if a student does lose a point, the whole class is not aware of it. I only show positive points earned; the behavior I praise and recognize the most will be the behavior I receive!
There is also a reports section that keeps track of all student behavior, both positive and negative. You can get reports daily, weekly, monthly or whatever you choose. This is great for parent teacher conferences, or to just inform parents on their child's behavior. In fact, you can also create parent accounts within your classes and parents can check up on their individual student! This is new and I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I think the parents and I will really like it. 
I usually set a goal each month, "If you receive 40 positive points this month you will get 15 extra recess minutes, or a free homework pass, or attend a recess treat party," etc. This way I feel like I am forced to continually look for the positive and continue the praise. After the first couple of months I tend to slack on positive reinforcement, but positive reinforcement is what keeps my class on their best behavior. Who doesn't like hearing praise about themselves? ;)
My student's also like seeing who has the most points. 6th graders can be competitive and anything you can make into a game is usually a success. Anyway, check this out, download the APP on your phone and create an account online. It is a great resource tool!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Writing By the Month...Common Core Unit Plans. Freebie Included!

Exciting News! I just finished a HUGE project. I made a new product for TPT and for my  class this next school year. It is called, "Writing by the Month{Common Core Aligned} September." My plan is to have one for each month of the school year for grades 4-6. There are lesson plans, final published projects, graphic organizers, center ideas, and writing templates. Along with the lessons I add a "Technology Twist" where I give suggestions on how to change the final project to include technology (which also fits with the core). Below are sample pictures as well as a freebie from the unit bundle!



Freebie! A 6 Traits of Writing Center Idea...From this Product~


Thursday, June 27, 2013

Throwback Thursday

I can't believe I will be beginning my 5th year of teaching this August. Time sure has flown by! I was hired as a sixth grade teacher and am still a sixth grade teacher, at the same school--I wouldn't want it any other way. I love my co-workers, classroom, and school community. I remember when I first go hired at my job. It was my second interview. Actually, the principal emailed me, and asked me to come in! I was very nervous, but was prepared with my resume, letters, and digital portfolio. The second I walked into the principal's office I knew I wanted to work at my school. She was very welcoming and excited to hear what I had to say. I don't really remember anything about the interview except that I thought I rocked it, lol. After the interview we on a tour of the school, I remember being very impressed with the library--I guess my library growing up must have been small.
Later that night I received a call saying I got the job! I was so excited to be teaching 6th grade. It was only the end of May so I had all the way until August to get ready. I started planning the next day :) Isn't that the life of a teacher? Always planning, changing, and revising! Working at my current position has been an excellent decision in my life and I am so glad to be here.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Technology Tidbit Tuesday--Spelling City

It's Tuesday again! Are you tired of grading all those spelling tests? Don't you wish you could assign all your spelling groups the same homework with their own words? Look no further, Spelling City is your answer! The link is http://www.spellingcity.com/ . This is absolutely one of my favorite online tools.
In my 6th grade classroom I use the Words Their Way spelling lists. I usually have 4 different spelling groups. This website (premium membership only) allows me to sort lists into groups and put students into those groups. This way, I can assign the same homework (I can print it from the website or assign it online), same test, or same practice games but students are using the words for their level! Each student as their own login and password so they can study at home as well.
My favorite feature is the test. The students put their headphones on and are read the word and the sentence. The sentence is already in the system, but I can add my own if I choose. Their test is graded immediately, they know the outcome, and then I can manage all test scores with my teacher membership--I grade nothing! I did input all the spelling lists, I just did it once a week last year, but now they are all saved and ready to go for years to come.
There is a free version that you can test run to see if you like the site. The downside is you can't organize your lists or group them, and it does not record their spelling scores. With the free membership you are also limited on games and worksheets for your students.
If you are looking for a time saver, fun website, a study tool students can use at home, or a way top incorporate technology into spelling, go check this out!

PS, did I mention it has a vocabulary portion to the website as well? You can also assign all vocab tests and homework! Bonus!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Throwback Thursday--a day early.

I know what you're thinking, "It's not Thursday!". Well, we are going out of town in a couple hours so I thought I would do tomorrow's post, today. Today's teaching moment that reminds me about the joy of teaching comes from my first year of teaching. I was fortunate enough to get grants, money from my school, and legislative money for new teachers that I was able to stock a COMPLETELY empty room (except for some glue bottles) with first year essentials. With a little help from my mom, other teachers and the school/grant money I was given, my room was looking pretty nice! One subject I love to teach is art (GASP!). Art is not in schools enough today! I am not an excellent artist by any means, but it is fun to learn new things and get in touch with our creative sides. I fear art will one day be taken from us in education because we are pushed so much to do other subjects. Well, my personally belief is some kids need that creative outlet and twice a month won't hurt us intellectually, in fact it will help our brains grow more creatively! Anyway, that was a tangent. The point is, my first year I also bought tons of art supplies, I like to use different mediums and sixth graders can be very artistic, so it is fun to see their creations. One day I was pulling open my art drawer and another student came up to me. She noticed  I was getting out supplies for art. I guess kids just think these supplies just appear or that every teacher comes equipped with water colors. Whatever the case, she paused, looked up at me, and said, "Mrs. Kwant, I am so proud of you!". She was thrilled to see all the art supplies we would be using throughout the year. I took it as she was proud and excited to have new supplies to try new art projects. Whether that was the case or not, I was happy she was proud of me!
Sometimes 6th graders don't get the credit they deserve. In our elementary school they are the oldest, have the biggest attitudes, and tend to "rule the school." Deep down, they are sweet, want to be loved, enjoy learning, and are seriously hard workers with some pretty funny personalities! I love my job and am happy to reflect on the moments that make it all worth it for me.
Teresa

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Exploring the Solar System

I just added a new product on TPT, Yay! Here's the link:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Solar-System-Exploration-Packet-Grades-3-6-734056


This is called :Exploration of the Solar System". It is a packet students put together investigating each planet, as well as asteroids, comets, meteorites, and space shuttles.
Using this in my classroom the websites I would find most useful are:
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/index.htm
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/

It might also be fun to have students make models of the universe, do presentations for the class about what they learned (again they could make powerpoints or prezi's), or write their own "book" about the solar system once they have gathered information and facts about the different planets and objects in space.
Good Luck and have fun! Have more ideas? Post in the comments below.

Technology Tidbit Tuesday--Storybird

Tuesday is the day I share a favorite technology tool for the classroom. Today  I want to share a site called StoryBird. http://storybird.com/
My class absolutely loves this site. If you have never used it before you should go check it out! You can create a free teacher account and then, under your class name, add all your students. With the free account they can make as many projects as they want, comment on classmate's work, you can send out assignments to the students, and you can make it a private and safe environment.
The way the site works it a little backwards to "normal" storytelling. Students start with the artwork, and create a story based on the pictures they see. They may also choose a topic and pictures will come up relating to that topic as well. Not only do they create stories, they can browse and read them as well. There are some great storytellers on that site, and some really insightful authors!
I usually do this as a whole class first to introduce the site. I walk them through the steps of finding art, using a a graphic organizer to come up with an idea, writing a rough draft, and finally publishing their idea with the artwork.
Sometimes I have this as a center, when they really understand the tools on the website. I will give a story starter and have them finish the story, or a topic to start with, otherwise most students sit and stare blankly at the screen or browse through art the entire time. With this site, I usually have to give guidelines like, "one paragraph per page," otherwise they only do one sentence. After everyone has done a story it is always fun to share a few of them.
Another fun activity is to have students write stories with partners. This teaches them cooperative learning skills, and can benefit the lower level learners who might need a little extra help. It is always fun to allow the students to comment on each other's stories, they usually give excellent advice to each other! Just make clear instructions so no one goofs off and writes comments only to be funny.
This is a website my students enjoy all year! A lot of them choose to work on stories when they have free time. Let me know what you think, and post questions if you have any.
~Teresa

Monday, June 17, 2013

Country Report Ideas

Last year I finished my technology endorsement and I have to say, I am pretty lucky. I took classes and completed a course called eMINTS. This program started in Missouri, but is now in my home state of Utah, as well as Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada and Ohio. It's all about getting technology in the classroom and getting teachers to use it, as well as involving students in cooperative learning. With this program I was given 16 computers, one for every two students! Needless to say, we use technology a lot. I will delve deeper as time goes on, on what type of technology we use, how we use it, and how it is used to integrate the learning process. Look for my posts titled, "Technology Tidbit Tuesdays," for more ideas on using great websites and other technology resources.
Anyway, I thought I would occasionally post about lessons I have created and the websites and technology I use to enhance them. I am going to start today with one of my favorite research projects I do with my class called "Country Reports, " (what a clever name...hahahaha), this also happens to be one of my most popular products on TPT. The product looks like this and the link to my store is below:



The first picture is an explanation on how I use this project in my classroom. I do not include the technology ideas because I am never sure what everyone has available. If you do not have many computers you could always schedule a time in your school's computer lab or have students do research during rotations and use the ones you do have in your classroom. If you have access to ipads, tablets, or other devices connected to the internet, those are great resources as well.
The website I like best for this project is called culture grams http://online.culturegrams.com/ . This site requires a subscription which my district pays for. I absolutely love it because it has every country and explains the country's culture in very kid friendly words. There are maps, flags, the country song, recipes, photos, and tons of information for the kids to read and research.
If you do not have access to this site, other websites I would recommend are:

All of these are great resources for gathering facts when your students are writing country reports. When students are done writing reports, I also like them to create PowerPoint presentations or Prezi's(One of my favorite presentation tools!) to present their information to the class. I have also had students make brochures in Publisher to pass out to the class, make newsletters in publisher, and another idea I want to try next year is to have them make talk shows about their country filming on ipods, and then uploading their work to movie maker (another favorite tool on Microsoft of mine). 
So there you have it! If you have purchased this of mine before or are wanting to do country reports, here are some great websites and ideas for presentations. Good Luck and have fun!
For sixth grade the writing core standards (taken from the common core website) this projects covers in my class are:
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Throwback Thursday

This is the day I look back and reminisce about all the moments that remind me why I love to teach. This particular moment happened at the beginning of this past school year. It was the beginning of September and I was a new mom. My son is now 15 months old, but at the time he was only 6 months old. I had a particular hard morning, Cam was crying when I left and I felt so guilty leaving him ( I don't know if that feeling will ever go away). Arriving at school wiping away tears, I walked into my classroom and got the room ready for the morning. As the kids filed in, a student came up to me with a gift: a Popsicle stick house she had made. I imagine this house took her a couple of hours to make the night before as she thought of all the little details (porch included) to add to the house. My heart melted, as it always does when students give me little things like this, and I accepted it happily. As I looked inside the "Front door" I discovered a note written by the student. This girl was going to be moving at the end of the week, and while I had only been her teacher for 4 short weeks she was thinking of me. A portion of the note read, "Even though I don't know you very well, I think you are a great mom." If my heart melted before with the sight of the stick house, it was now a puddle on the floor mixed with tears, because little did this girl know that earlier that morning I was so sad to have left my little boy and she was writing me notes, words I needed to hear :) What a cutie! While it is still hard to leave my son at home, I appreciate the love my students have for me as well! Teaching is not just a "professional" job, it is a job filled with love, honor, care and hard work. It's nice to have those reminders about why we do what we do!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

That's Right, First Week Stuff

I just finished a fantastic first week of school math packet. When I am not chasing around my little one year old, I am always constantly thinking of school! The first day is only 11 weeks away for me...lol. This is a set of 8 math scavenger hunts to be used in your classroom. Below is a link to my TPT store, however, I posted one as a freebie :)

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Classroom-Newsletter-Template-Written-By-Students-723437

Sunday, June 9, 2013

6th Grade Scoop

In honor of starting my new blog I decided to add a FREEBIE. Below is the link to my TPT store with the product. It is a newsletter that students fill out and send home on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. I prefer the bi-weekly option, but whatever works for you is great. Enjoy!





http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Classroom-Newsletter-Template-Written-By-Students-723437

Summer Vacation

I can't believe it! School is out and summer is here. I just finished my 4th year teaching 6th grade, and it has been quite the adventure! I hope to post on this blog some teaching ideas, tips, and tricks that I have learned while being in the classroom. Also, I hope to share some products I sell on teacherspayteachers.com. I know no one is thinking of next school year already (ha...teachers are always thinking of school), but here is a math vocabulary book I plan on using with my class next year. I decided my students need work on remembering vocabulary and this will help them do it! Below are pictures of the product with links to my TPT stores.
Enjoy!
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/6th-Grade-Common-Core-Math-Vocabulary-Flip-Book-696711