Thursday Thoughts

Sunday, September 25, 2011 is National Punctuation Day. If you don't think punctuation matters, just take a look at this!

~Cara

What Works Wednesday-Small Groups Instruction

I have selected Wednesdays to share tips of what works well in my classroom. As a 4th grade teacher, I experience kids who won't ask their teacher questions. In fact, it is a proven, researched fact that something happens between 3rd and 4th grades where kids stop asking for help. I have found a proven strategy to give kids one on one individualized, differentiated instruction is by teaching in small groups. Currently, my kids participate in small groups for reading and math. I have found that kids become more successful because the "fear factor" is gone because of a small group setting. I can also catch struggles before they become problems. Often, the teacher moves from the role of instructor to facilitator. Small groups have transformed my students and their test scores. I encourage any teacher to become a small group facilitator!

~Cara

Tech Tuesday-TripWow

This summer, I was given the opportunity to attend the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Conference in Philadelphia, PA. I discovered a great site to encourage project based learning in my classroom. This site is TripWow! 

TripWow is an online slideshow creator that is easy enough for my 4th graders to figure out without any instruction. I love the animated maps that give kids a perspective of how far they are traveling. Take a look at some of the TripWows my students created on a place they like to visit. http://www.ecboe.org/Page/11740

~Cara

Must Have Monday (A Day Late)-Eyelighters

I am always interested in products that other teachers use in their classrooms that they can't live without. I want this to be a place where we can share those must-haves that we use on a daily basis to engage our students. 

My number one must have is "Eyelighters." Eyelighters are plastic reading strips that highlight text. My students use them to follow along as we read, to locate information and test answers, and to eyelight vocabulary words, synonyms, opinions, etc. I love this little tool!

You can order Eyelighters with your Scholastic Book Club Bonus Points. Here is their description: Scholastic Bonus Points and Classroom Bonuses are awarded for the .... Eyelighter. Reading Strips. Yellow 6" each. 37407 Pack of 12 •. 350 Bonus Points. You can also do an Internet search to find several companies that sell Eyelighters.

~Cara

What a Deal!

Use coupon code 10THANKS to receive $10 off downloadable ebooks from Scholastic Teacher Express.  This link will take you to the Dollar Deals, so you can get 10 books free. I got mine, and I can guarantee they are great teacher resource books! Enjoy shopping!

~Cara

Share It Sunday

Sunday is going to be my day to share with you some of the great blogs I follow. Thanks to you all for sharing such great resources that help us all in our daily instruction.

However, today I'm sharing my blog. In fact, I just started it yesterday, but I can't wait for it to grow and build. So, I am joining Lesson Plan Diva's Linky Party. Please take time to view my Facebook page. I can't wait to view all of your blogs!

~Cara

Whitehead's Wisdoms

After hearing Ron Clark speak at ISTE11 in Philadelphia this summer, he has quickly become my educational role model. I love how he develops a sense of community in his classroom. He has proven that this increases academic achievement. As the year progresses, I am developing a list of "Whitehead's Wisdoms" built from Ron Clark's book, The Essential 55. These are common sense, everyday rules that kids need to know. I introduce one to two rules a week based on the needs I see in my students. So far, we have covered:

1)Greet everyone with respect.
2)Respond to adults with ma'am or sir.
3)Compliment others.
4)Never give personal information over the internet.
5)Congratulate each other.
6)Keep your hands clean.
7)Don't tattle. Report.
8)Make eye contact when someone is speaking.

My kids have responded so well to these rules. We are working on being the best people we can be. Check here for our updated Wisdom's

~Cara