All year, I've counted on my son's kindergarten papers for an ego boost. The "oh you're such a good mom because your son's invented spelling is so advanced" kind of moment. The Invented- Spelling Fairy either has a good sense of humor, or knows that my ego needs a bit deflating.
A friend told me I should inquire to see if my teens can visit kindergarten to complete their education.
Cute fairy graphic by MyCuteGraphics.
Invented spelling by anonymous cute kid.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #93 (April 1, 2013)
In honor of today, don't miss the Top 5 April Fool's Day Math Hoaxes of all Time! :)

If you want to share this collection on your blog, just grab this link:
get the InLinkz code
If you want to share this collection on your blog, just grab this link:
get the InLinkz code
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Descriptive Poetry & Tissue Painting: 5-Sense Your Poetry Lessons!

April is Poetry Month and I'm celebrating with the release of one of my all-time favorite lessons...
Descriptive Poetry and Tissue Painting:
Techniques to Inspire Young Writers & Artists!
Simply put...I love these lessons! Having used these poetry techniques with students in grades 3-8, I am confident that you will also experience immense success!
In the lessons, you will introduce students to a 5-sense method for gathering information about a topic. After learning the technique, they can use it to write additional poetry or transfer the knowledge to other kinds of descriptive writing. (In the examples shown here, we used it in a state study, writing descriptive poems about places in our state.) Don't be surprised if it inspires new urges to write!
After her kids learned the 5-sense technique in one of my classes, a mom shared how they extended learning. On a cold, frosty day, the kids dressed in their snowsuits and trekked down to the river with Mom. With 5-sense flaps in hand, they sat and collected sensory words and phrases about their surroundings. Since temps hovered near freezing, she'd only planned to stay for a short time, but the kids wanted to stay, writing in their flapbooks for 90 minutes. On the way home the kids talked about doing a Writer's Conference together, adding, "You and Dad can do it with us if you want to."

Lessons include:
- detailed poetry & art teaching notes, ideal for both classroom and homeschool settings
- photos and examples of student poetry and artwork
- handouts: 5-sense poetry flaps, poetry toolbox minibook, assignment sheet, Writer's Conference Record Sheet, Author's Self-Conference/Editing Checklist
- related book suggestions
Time Frame: the series of lessons can be completed in 5-7 days, working ~1hour each day. (more time with a large class, less time with an individual or small group)Lessons are available through:
Teachers Pay Teachers
Teachers Notebook
Celebrate Poetry!
P.S. A big thank you to all my students whose hard work is featured here! If you (or your parents) see a photo of your poem/art, drop me an email and I'll send you a copy of the lessons! :)
Labels:
Art,
Poetry,
TPT Products
Monday, March 25, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #92 (March 25, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Homeschoolers & the Common Core State Standards
I might seriously regret this post. If it suddenly disappears, you'll know that I'm a scaredy cat
I tend to avoid controversy.
Over the past few weeks, I've encountered a series of comments (blogs, facebook, the web world) in which some homeschoolers criticize publishers (homeschool) who are updating their materials to reflect the new Common Core State Standards (aka CCSS).
I sorta don't get it.
Let me clearly state that this has nothing to do with my feelings about CCSS. That's another post. Which I won't write. (SeeI'm a scaredy cat.)
It does have to do with my reflections as a homeschool mom. And yes, as an educator. But primarily as a homeschool mom to my kids. For the record, I have 5 kids. The kids' total experience in both worlds:
Cumulative years in homeschool: 18
Cumulative years in public school: 27 (higher because one child went entirely to public school...otherwise, it's pretty balanced for the other kids)
During that time, I have also taught classes in BOTH homeschool and public school. You might say thatmakes me just dumb enough to open my big mouth qualifies me to speak.
As a homeschooler, I feel a responsibility to have at least some sense of what my children's peers are studying, and what is considered above/below/on target. I'm not going to get all freaky about it. But when I walk into a homeschool store as I did this summer, and hear a parent ask the resident expert about how the CCSS will affect homeschoolers, I expect the expert to at least know what the CCSS is. (And in the conversation I overheard, the homeschool rep had NO. CLUE.)
Why do I want to keep abreast of the CCSS as a homeschooler? For our family, the following comes to mind:
But back to the CCSS and publishers...
It seems unfair to criticize homeschool publishers for being responsible. Any publisher who keeps up knows that the CCSS is here. If they know that over time, homeschool students are likely to be held to those standards in testing, they are leaving themselves pretty vulnerable to not cover that content. It's also important to note that the assessments coming down the pipe are going to be different than what most of us are used to in standardized testing--rote thinking and fill-in-the-bubble. Apparently, kids will actually have to think.
If publishers don't cover CCSS, there is a decent chance that the students they serve will do poorly in comparison to their peers...and eventually, their business will end.
Be kind. I scare easily. ;)
I tend to avoid controversy.
Over the past few weeks, I've encountered a series of comments (blogs, facebook, the web world) in which some homeschoolers criticize publishers (homeschool) who are updating their materials to reflect the new Common Core State Standards (aka CCSS).
I sorta don't get it.
Let me clearly state that this has nothing to do with my feelings about CCSS. That's another post. Which I won't write. (See
It does have to do with my reflections as a homeschool mom. And yes, as an educator. But primarily as a homeschool mom to my kids. For the record, I have 5 kids. The kids' total experience in both worlds:
Cumulative years in homeschool: 18
Cumulative years in public school: 27 (higher because one child went entirely to public school...otherwise, it's pretty balanced for the other kids)
During that time, I have also taught classes in BOTH homeschool and public school. You might say that
As a homeschooler, I feel a responsibility to have at least some sense of what my children's peers are studying, and what is considered above/below/on target. I'm not going to get all freaky about it. But when I walk into a homeschool store as I did this summer, and hear a parent ask the resident expert about how the CCSS will affect homeschoolers, I expect the expert to at least know what the CCSS is. (And in the conversation I overheard, the homeschool rep had NO. CLUE.)
Why do I want to keep abreast of the CCSS as a homeschooler? For our family, the following comes to mind:
- My children may not always be homeschooled. Circumstances can change things in a heartbeat. If your children are public schooled and you are reading this, also note that it could happen in the reverse for you. I used to say I'd never homeschool. (#beforeIhadkids) I changed my mind because of a given set of circumstances. I now know many homeschoolers & public schoolers who've suddenly had to consider the opposite for a myriad of reasons: health, economics, job status, etc... And again, it could go either way.
- My children will eventually meet up with their peers. Be it in middle school, high school, college, or the job market, they will eventually meet their peers. Even if I don't follow the same exact content plan, I do want to know what it is and whether they are ahead/behind/on target.
- My kids do have to take a standardized test. Over time, I'm guessing that all standardized tests will have to move toward CCSS content for financial reasons. (Since 45 states and D.C. have adopted it, I doubt that the market outside that group will be viable.) While testing is never a big personal motivator for what I teach, I think it's unfair to my kids for me to not have some idea of what's coming.
But back to the CCSS and publishers...
It seems unfair to criticize homeschool publishers for being responsible. Any publisher who keeps up knows that the CCSS is here. If they know that over time, homeschool students are likely to be held to those standards in testing, they are leaving themselves pretty vulnerable to not cover that content. It's also important to note that the assessments coming down the pipe are going to be different than what most of us are used to in standardized testing--rote thinking and fill-in-the-bubble. Apparently, kids will actually have to think.
If publishers don't cover CCSS, there is a decent chance that the students they serve will do poorly in comparison to their peers...and eventually, their business will end.
Be kind. I scare easily. ;)
Labels:
Homeschool/Public School
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Don't miss the Number Rack! (Rekenrek)
Do you use the Number Rack or rekenrek with your students? This is one of the greatest math learning tools EVER! Watch this video and see the power... ;)
At The Math Learning Center you can access a free virtual Number Rack--use a free online app or download a free app for your iPad/iTouch/iPhone. Here's one way that I've been using it.
At The Math Learning Center you can access a free virtual Number Rack--use a free online app or download a free app for your iPad/iTouch/iPhone. Here's one way that I've been using it.
Labels:
Apps,
iPod/iTouch/iPhone Apps,
Rekenrek
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Zero the Hero Giveaway! ...and a note from the author
After reviewing Zero the Hero, I asked the author, Joan Holub, to share how she came to write the book. She writes,
Contest closed. Thank you for participating!
Winner is Cindy from Iowa. Her book is on the way!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
"Zero the Hero grew out of a visit I made to a classroom. The teacher was using the concept of zero as a hero to teach place-holding to her students. In other words, Zero is a hero because he enables us to count beyond the number nine. Without him, we'd be like the ancient Romans, unable to do much in the way of math operations.Joan has graciously offered to send one lucky winner a copy of Zero the Hero. Enter below. And pat yourself on the back for being a hero to your students!
I visualized Zero as an underdog math superhero, complete with cape. It took me years to actually finish writing this book about him. Lucky thing, because the timing was perfect. The manuscript hit my editor's desk just as she was working with a wonderful, bestselling artist named Tom Lichtenheld, who agreed to illustrate it.
The story teaches place-holding and arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction. It touches on stuff like rounding up and down, even and odd numbers--and the fact that the number eight looks like a snowman. But that's all secondary. Mainly, I just hope it's fun to read."
Contest closed. Thank you for participating!
Winner is Cindy from Iowa. Her book is on the way!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Labels:
Giveaway
Monday, March 18, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #91 (March 18, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Book Review: Zero the Hero
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. It was zero hour for kinder math class recess. (Just wrapping up our math session!) The mail arrived with a copy of Zero the Hero. I called my kiddos back to gather around for a reading before they left. My mail boy, a 4th grader, sat nearby working on an iPad. I plunged in to read. One of my kinders started laughing at the story. An infectious laugh. This little guy regularly runs around, pretending to be a superhero saying, "I'm Super Sammy 2.0!" He LOVES a story with a superhero as a main character. Meanwhile, my 4th grader started smirking and began looking less interested in the iApp he was using. He chuckled. Then laughed. Then edged closer to enjoy the book. And no wonder...
Zero the Hero makes me want to leap from a tall building crying, "Super Cindy 2.0!" It's a tale of Zero, who truly feels like nothing. He doesn't get included in counting. When added or subtracted from another number, nothing happens. Numbers refuse to be divided by him. And when he multiplies a number, terrible things happen.
So Zero rolls away.
But when Roman Numerals come to town, the other numbers are in trouble. Zero must return and unleash his powers in order to save the counting numbers.
I feel like this book packed a lot of punch. In addition to the tale of Zero's redemption, there are many teachable math moments:
- what happens when you add zero to a number?
- what happens when you subtract zero from a number?
- divide zero?
- multiply zero?
- and what are Roman Numerals anyway...and why don't they know about Zero?
Bottom line? There is ZERO chance that you won't enjoy this book. :)
Check back in for an upcoming giveaway of Zero the Hero from the author, Joan Holub! And visit her website for related Zero the Hero fun!
P.S. Just checked Amazon and noticed that this book is on a phenomenal sale at the moment.
Disclosure: I received a review copy with no promise of a positive review...or a promise of any review at all, for that matter! :) Any purchases made through the Amazon link will result in a small commission (at no cost to you) which will be given to Grace and Hope, providing foster care for children in China. Thanks!
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Children's Books-Math,
Number Sense
Friday, March 15, 2013
My Cup Runneth Over...or How Do I Catch All That WATER!??
I am the only one?I feel pulled in a million directions at once.
I value every single person...every single project...on my list and am having a hard time getting it all done.
Like what, you ask?
Got a kid graduating. Don't want to miss a minute of her last year at home.
A HUGE series of consulting jobs on my "real job" plate. (And the squeaky wheel that pays money does get more grease.)
Another kid finishing basketball who wants Mom there to cheer him on. With two kids in basketball this winter, I've been to a lot of games!
Recently finished lesson plans that are SO. GREAT. and need to be written up to share.
Another kid, in kindergarten half the day; the other half of the day I always know where he is because I follow the path of projects he makes All. Day. Long. When my sister was here on Saturday we played one game. By the end of the game, boxes and other recycled items were taped into assorted stacks around the table; you could see where my son had been by looking at the trail. If he was added to the picture above, you wouldn't be able to see me at the desk because his recycled projects would cover every available surface. (All this to say that my house is ALWAYS in a severe state of clutter...and 9/10ths of it comes from one very busy little body!)
I want to write my blog.
Shoot, I want to write anything.
Although I love the posts on PBH for Grown-ups, I feel like I have the opposite problem from this:
“Whatever it is you want to do, you need to stop pacing back and forth on the diving board and just jump in the damn water. Getting wet is going to teach you a lot more than all the thinking you’re doing on dry land.” (from PBH for Grown-ups)I am immensely grateful for endless interests. For many people around to love. For work that not only pays me but inspires me. My cup truly runneth over.
But sometimes I just feel overwhelmed while trying to catch all that beautiful water. Beautiful, inspirational, loving, life-giving water.
Not complaining. Just vocalizing in case anyone else feels the same way.
Back to the fountain...
Labels:
Daily Life
Monday, March 11, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #90 (March 11, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Monday, March 4, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #89 (March 4, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Saturday, March 2, 2013
How to Make Teacher Docs #2: Add Frame
If you want to know how to add one of these:

...to a Word Doc on a Mac, I'd be happy to show you! Here's the second video in the series on "How to Make Teacher Docs!"
If you missed #1 in the series, see How to Make Teacher Docs: Backgrounds.
Graphics credit: MyCuteGraphics

...to a Word Doc on a Mac, I'd be happy to show you! Here's the second video in the series on "How to Make Teacher Docs!"
If you missed #1 in the series, see How to Make Teacher Docs: Backgrounds.
Graphics credit: MyCuteGraphics
Labels:
Make Teacher Docs
Friday, March 1, 2013
Giveaway: 101 Ways to Make Book Reports FUN!

Announcing...a giveaway for a copy of 101 Ways to Make Book Reports FUN! Enter the giveaway via the Teachers Notebook link below.
Enjoy and good luck!
P.S. Post #2 in the series on Creating Teacher Docs is almost ready. Are there things you'd like to learn about creating your own documents? Leave me a comment and I'll see what I can do.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
In Case You Think Decimals Don't Matter...
Dear Very Large Government Agency,I received your letter in the mail today. And no, I did not collect $3600 in royalties and therefore do not owe you back taxes. I have not made $3600 in royalties over the course of my entire life.
You referenced my employer's 109X as proof. Thankfully I have my own copy. It clearly states that I collected $36.00 in royalties. It seems that your computer...or your data entry person...or something (!)...misplaced a couple decimal places on the way to the bank.
I appreciate the error as I now have a great story to share with kids who fail to understand why decimals are such a big deal.
Rich in stories but not in royalties,

Clipart by MyCuteGraphics.
Labels:
Decimals
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
How to Make Teacher Docs: Backgrounds
Do you want to create original documents for your students? Feeling bewildered by the technological tools involved? Here's my story:
A year ago I didn't know how to do a screen capture. (Now I use this on an almost daily basis!)
Nine months ago I didn't know how to use Word for anything but typing.
Six months ago I didn't know how to put clipart into a Word document.
Last week I didn't know how to put backgrounds into Word docs.
Two days ago I didn't know how to do a screen recording.
Reading this list, I'm feeling slightly accomplished! (Despite the fact that I'm home writing a blog entry only because I have a kid with a 103+ degree fever sleeping on the couch nearby! Poor kid feels TERRIBLE! But I digress...)
Even my teenagers, a major source of my technological education, are marginally impressed with my new abilities. Not that they don't roll their eyes occasionally. Just last week they watched me trying to put a circle into a worksheet. "Mom, hold down SHIFT to keep the circle perfectly round." (If only someone had told me that a year ago!)
Although I don't keep a bucket list or make New Year's Resolutions, I've really been wanting to learn how to make the cute teacher handouts that are constantly posted all over the internet--in blogs, on teacher selling sites, on Google Docs... Little by little, I'm learning. I'm happy to share a couple things that I've recently discovered. Hopefully, this will make your bucket list a little easier!
Note: A TON of credit goes to MyCuteGraphics. That's where I'm getting most of my clipart. And it's where I found a tutorial for how to put a background into a Word Doc. I had to experiment a bit because Word on my Mac doesn't look like her photos. (I assume she has a PC?) But I figured it out. Here tis...
If this sort of tutorial helps you with your bucket list, please leave a comment. I'd be happy to make more if I know that it helps someone!
And if I totally did it wrong, let me know. I can take it. I think.
For the rest of the series, see Make Teacher Docs.
A year ago I didn't know how to do a screen capture. (Now I use this on an almost daily basis!)
Nine months ago I didn't know how to use Word for anything but typing.
Six months ago I didn't know how to put clipart into a Word document.
Last week I didn't know how to put backgrounds into Word docs.
Two days ago I didn't know how to do a screen recording.
Reading this list, I'm feeling slightly accomplished! (Despite the fact that I'm home writing a blog entry only because I have a kid with a 103+ degree fever sleeping on the couch nearby! Poor kid feels TERRIBLE! But I digress...)
Even my teenagers, a major source of my technological education, are marginally impressed with my new abilities. Not that they don't roll their eyes occasionally. Just last week they watched me trying to put a circle into a worksheet. "Mom, hold down SHIFT to keep the circle perfectly round." (If only someone had told me that a year ago!)
Although I don't keep a bucket list or make New Year's Resolutions, I've really been wanting to learn how to make the cute teacher handouts that are constantly posted all over the internet--in blogs, on teacher selling sites, on Google Docs... Little by little, I'm learning. I'm happy to share a couple things that I've recently discovered. Hopefully, this will make your bucket list a little easier!
Note: A TON of credit goes to MyCuteGraphics. That's where I'm getting most of my clipart. And it's where I found a tutorial for how to put a background into a Word Doc. I had to experiment a bit because Word on my Mac doesn't look like her photos. (I assume she has a PC?) But I figured it out. Here tis...
If this sort of tutorial helps you with your bucket list, please leave a comment. I'd be happy to make more if I know that it helps someone!
And if I totally did it wrong, let me know. I can take it. I think.
For the rest of the series, see Make Teacher Docs.
Labels:
Make Teacher Docs
Monday, February 25, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #88 (Feb. 25, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Teaching Math: What I Wish I'd Known...
Sittin' home this morning. Got a feverish kid whose only two requests are:
1. pickles
2. Brady Bunch
So in between pickle runs and echoes of "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia," I've been contemplating...
If I could give just one gift to new teachers or homeschoolers, I'd share what I wish someone had told me about teaching math.
Teaching Math: What I Wish I'd Known
1. There are many, many ways to solve problems. The "standard algorithm" that we were taught is just one way. (Imagine my surprise to learn that other countries teach other "standard" methods!")
Kids that are only taught to follow one method are at a severe disadvantage. Those who can select from a variety of strategies are able to chose the most efficient. When kids are given opportunities to test out many different strategies, they find those that work best for them. Which leads me to...
2. Trust kids. When my son started working on multi-digit subtraction, he didn't gravitate toward any familiar (to me!) strategies. When he discovered something that worked for him, I had NO. CLUE. what he was doing. He explained it to me OVER. And OVER. And OVER. I couldn't do it his way. But he could. And fast. He found his own path; had I chosen one for him, it's doubtful that my choice would have been such a perfect match.
3. Manipulatives and visual models matter. A lot! When I first saw all the pattern blocks and base ten pieces and tile and...and...and...I wondered if all this STUFF could really be anything more than glorified toys. But manipulatives and visual models have changed my life. Now I can see a multiplication problem in my head and solve it mentally thanks to base ten pieces. I can figure fraction problems after experiencing them in egg cartons, geoboards and pattern blocks. The number line--once on paper, now in my head--makes addition and subtraction fast. It would have been so much easier if I'd been taught this way in the first place.
4. Cool books make concepts come alive. Had I known about all the awesome math-related children's literature, I might have pursued math education a long time ago!
5. Teaching math is about so much more than numbers. For example, the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice emphasize the "doing" parts of math...things that often apply to areas of life beyond math. Who wouldn't want kids to "Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them" or "Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others." Good math teaching prepares kids for a lot more than math!
What do you wish you'd known about teaching (or learning) math?
Also, a great post for further reading:
From Teaching My Baby to Read - the author talks about teaching math from a constructivist perspective. She begins, "I teach math from a Constructivist perspective, which means enabling children to develop their own meaningful strategies for solving problems, instead of just blindly teaching traditional algorithms. I believe in giving children time, space, and materials to explore mathematical concepts and create their own understanding, before you start imposing your own thinking upon them." Find the entire article here.
Credit for the graphic goes to MyCuteGraphics.com!
And the problem solving for the day...how many pickles can a kid eat before he starts to pickle? Or how many Brady Bunch episodes can a mom watch before she cries
Friday, February 22, 2013
Fraction Fun with Number Lines
Studying fractions?
You won't want to miss the new, free activities from the Math Learning Center. The materials are complex...
...a number line (free pdf)
...a paperclip
I've used the paperclip/number line with students and love, love, love the way students can see and move fractions on a line.
A free "I Have, Who Has" game is also included. For a complete description and links to the free pdf, visit the MLC blog.
Supports:
CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.1
CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2
CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3
You won't want to miss the new, free activities from the Math Learning Center. The materials are complex...
...a number line (free pdf)
...a paperclip
I've used the paperclip/number line with students and love, love, love the way students can see and move fractions on a line.
A free "I Have, Who Has" game is also included. For a complete description and links to the free pdf, visit the MLC blog.
Supports:
CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.1
CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2
CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3
Labels:
Common Core: 3rd,
Fractions
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Skittles Fractions, Estimation, and Graphing

My new unit, Skittles Fractions, Estimation & Graphing is complete! I developed the activities to give my math club more hands-on, "real-life" experience with fractions, estimation and graphing. The unit, appropriate for about 3rd-6th grade*, includes:
- Teaching Notes
- Estimation
- Data Collecting with options* for either Fractions alone or Fractions & Percents together
- Bar Graphing
- Line Plot - I included this as it's such a big emphasis in the Common Core State Standards
- Pie Chart - two options for differentiation*
- Problem Solving
If you are interested, the unit may be found at Teachers Notebook or Teachers Pay Teachers. Thank you for your support!
And a HUGE thank you to My Cute Graphics who provided the graphics AND helped me to learn how to integrate them into documents.
A little classroom peek...
Labels:
Estimation,
Fractions,
Graphing,
Teachers Notebook,
TPT Products
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Mad Minute Math...or How Timed Testing Killed Math
Do you question the use of timed math drills with your students or homeschooling children? Or did you suffer through them as a child?
Don't miss this article from edudemic, "How One Teaching Practice Ruined Math For Students," in which a 16yo shares her thoughts about how "Mad Minute" affected her as a young child...and continues to influence her feelings today.
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don't miss this article from edudemic, "How One Teaching Practice Ruined Math For Students," in which a 16yo shares her thoughts about how "Mad Minute" affected her as a young child...and continues to influence her feelings today.
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #87 (Feb. 18, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Happy Birthday, Oregon!
Do I have any Oregon readers? If you are from Oregon, I'd love to read your comments!
Don't miss an opportunity to share this video on Oregon Statehood with your students. Celebrate our 154th birthday! Today!
Don't miss an opportunity to share this video on Oregon Statehood with your students. Celebrate our 154th birthday! Today!
Watch Road to Statehood on PBS. See more from Oregon Experience.
From the site:
About the Program
Oregon celebrates its 150th birthday in 2009. It’s a story filled with mountain men and fur trappers, missionaries and pioneers who brought their hopes and prejudices over the Oregon Trail. For thousands of years, hundreds of Native tribes had thrived in what became known as Oregon Country – a vast and wild land that stretched north into present day British Columbia, south to California and east to the Rockies. Oregon Country’s rich supply of beaver pelts spawned a huge fur-trading network dominated by the British Hudson’s Bay Company at Ft. Vancouver. A joint treaty allowed both the United States and Great Britain to occupy the land. But Oregon Fever would change the landscape forever. Thousands of Euro-Americans lured to the fertile – and free -- agricultural land of the Willamette Valley migrated West. They soon dominated Oregon Country pushing the Native tribes, already decimated by diseases, onto marginal lands. In 1843 a critical vote at the settlement of Champoeg led to the organization of a provisional government in the region –the first American government west of the Mississippi. Road to Statehood explores Oregon’s turbulent path to becoming the 33rd state in the Union.
Labels:
Oregon Study
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Parallel Lines Poster Freebie (for Valentine's Day)
Saw this little quote online and made a classroom poster for Valentine's Day.
Happy Valentine's Day!
P.S. I searched and cannot find the author source. If it is you, please let me know so I can give you credit.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #86 (Feb. 11, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Saturday, February 9, 2013
A Pink Week... (Pinterest - Math - Valentine'sDay)
It's been quiet around here. With all the red and pink, one might have thought I was prepping for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, no. Instead, I had a red nose. Pink throat. Red eyes. Pink hands (from washing them so much!) And no voice to speak of. Not a great combination for a teacher, or a mother of five!
Thankfully, all MY pink is leaving...just in time to usher in a little pink for the big day. If you're looking for some ideas to integrate math into your Valentine's Day, come visit my brand new Pinterest board. You'll find a lot of fun ideas for your K-5th grade kiddos!
(If you like what you see, check out the rest of my Pinterest boards. How much do I love Pinterest and Math? Go and count the ways... :)
And for more Valentine's Day ideas, check out Tamara's post at Homeschool Chicks.
Labels:
Pinterest,
Season: Winter
Monday, February 4, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #85 (Feb. 4, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Super Sale Weekend at Teachers Notebook
Just this week I joined Teachers Notebook and learned firsthand what a gem of guy is behind it. If you're looking for some fresh ideas and would rather peruse lesson plans than watch football, here's a terrific sale to check out. 101 Ways to Make Book Reports Fun is included, 50% off through Sunday!

Friday, February 1, 2013
Photo Week in Review!
I managed to capture a few more photos than normal this week. Here's a little peek into my classes:
Class: Oregon History, Geography, and Writing*
Photo: One student's Oregon salt map with borders, cities, regions
*Note for Oregon teachers and homeschoolers: An extensive unit study on Oregon History, Geography, and Writing is scheduled for publishing later this spring.
Class: Oregon History, Geography, and Writing
Photo: Student working on a tissue painting to go with our Oregon poetry.
Class: Drawing FUNdamentals
Photo: Fourth grader's bird drawings following the E-Z drawing lesson from Roger Kukes' book, Drawing in the Classroom. (THE greatest book, IMO, for teaching children to draw.)


Class: Kindergarten Math Club
Photo: Love this! :) The calendar shows the new January Calendar Grid for Bridges, Second Edition. We made number trees for each of the button pictures. Since the month was over, I removed all the number trees (on those blue pieces of paper), shuffled them, and had the kids match them to the pictures. This was hard work, but they were up for the challenge! ;)
Class: Math Club, Grades 4 & up
Video: This represents a high and a low... I had the kids make videos using ScreenChomp on iPads to demonstrate what they know about the numbers in fractions. One group's uploaded fine. The other group's video got eaten by whatever technological monster currently hates me. Both groups worked so, so hard. I'm crushed that their hard work is floating somewhere in technology land...
And, last but not least, my husband brought home a printed copy of 101 Ways to Make Book Reports Fun. So thankful for all the help he gave me on that project!
Class: Oregon History, Geography, and Writing*
Photo: One student's Oregon salt map with borders, cities, regions
*Note for Oregon teachers and homeschoolers: An extensive unit study on Oregon History, Geography, and Writing is scheduled for publishing later this spring.
Class: Oregon History, Geography, and Writing
Photo: Student working on a tissue painting to go with our Oregon poetry.
Class: Drawing FUNdamentals
Photo: Fourth grader's bird drawings following the E-Z drawing lesson from Roger Kukes' book, Drawing in the Classroom. (THE greatest book, IMO, for teaching children to draw.)


Class: Kindergarten Math Club
Photo: Love this! :) The calendar shows the new January Calendar Grid for Bridges, Second Edition. We made number trees for each of the button pictures. Since the month was over, I removed all the number trees (on those blue pieces of paper), shuffled them, and had the kids match them to the pictures. This was hard work, but they were up for the challenge! ;)
Class: Math Club, Grades 4 & up
Video: This represents a high and a low... I had the kids make videos using ScreenChomp on iPads to demonstrate what they know about the numbers in fractions. One group's uploaded fine. The other group's video got eaten by whatever technological monster currently hates me. Both groups worked so, so hard. I'm crushed that their hard work is floating somewhere in technology land...
And, last but not least, my husband brought home a printed copy of 101 Ways to Make Book Reports Fun. So thankful for all the help he gave me on that project!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
101 Ways to Make Book Reports Fun!

I am so excited to announce the completion of 101 Ways to Make Book Reports Fun!
Why make book reports fun?
Research consistently shows that children learn more when they are actively engaged in the learning process and having fun. These activities tap into children's interests: drama, art, music, reading, writing, and more!
Who are these activities designed for?
These activities are created for children in grades 2-8. Assignments could be modified to meet the needs of slightly older or younger students.
Many of the activities contain a particular focus: character, setting, sequencing, theme, drama, creative writing, music, persuasion, poetry, and more. While students should not be required to do a book report with every book they read, periodically requiring students to select assignments from different categories will help to deepen their literary experience.
These activities are designed for use with any classroom or homeschool curriculum, with a single student or an entire classroom. Most choices may be done independently; some are best done with a partner or in a group. Activities speak to a wide variety of learning styles, including those that incorporate movement. They are also cross-curricular and include reading, writing, speaking, music, drama, and art. The activities also allow kids to share the joy of reading with other important people in their lives.
You will have THREE options on how to use this product.
Option 1:Create a book by stapling it or adding it to a three ring binder. Keep it near your lesson plans or your child's study area to use as a reference.
Option 2:
Print on cardstock and cut out the cards. Add them to a recipe box or a similar storage container. Your child can independently choose the activities he is interested in OR you can use the box yourself to file the activities you have completed with your students. Just add the cards you have completed to the back section.
Option 3:
Print this document (included in the pdf) on cardstock and cut out the cards. Punch a hole in the upper left corner of the cards, and add a key ring to create a flip-book. This will keep the activities organized while flipping through the cards to choose activities to complete.
Enjoy making book reports FUN!
This is the second release in the Making Learning Fun series. Information about the first book in the series, 101 Ways to Make Spelling Fun by Tamara Chilver, is available on her blog, Teaching with TLC. Additional titles in the series will be available soon.

This product is available from Teachers Pay Teachers and Teachers Notebook.
Labels:
Book Reports,
Writing
Monday, January 28, 2013
Math Monday Blog Hop #84 (Jan. 28, 2013)
Labels:
Math Monday Blog Hop
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