tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52706351507425730002024-02-07T16:06:50.605-05:00My Wild About School! BlogI love, love, love my career and I just love to create cute, fun things to use in my classroom!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-36769254116477091082014-07-17T15:19:00.001-04:002020-08-15T12:47:23.223-04:00Backseat...Life just gets too busy to keep up with everything and blogging had to take a backseat. I have been as busy this summer being out of school as being in school. I just went to a recent training in Orlando that was full of great information and resources! It was put on by the ladies at ACCESS to Florida Standards, Randy LaRusso and Christi Filokosky! The website is <i><b><a href="http://accesstofls.weebly.com/">'ACCESS to Florida Standards for Student Success.'</a></b></i><br />
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I have also been very busy creating new themes for my TPT site, camping and superheroes. So if those are on your list of possibilities for your classroom this year, head on over and check them out. <i><b><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Wild-About-School/Category/Camping">'Camping Theme'</a></b></i> and <i><b><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Wild-About-School/Category/Superheroes">'Superheroes Theme.'</a></b></i> and <i><b><a
href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Wild-About-School/Category/Wild-West">'Wild West Theme.'</a></b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-47438027428078767182012-09-04T21:33:00.001-04:002020-08-15T12:50:37.423-04:00Time FliesWow...<br />
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It is hard to believe I have been back at school for almost a month. Time truly does fly. I feel like I haven't even had time to breath let alone get everything done that I want to get done.<br />
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My classroom is coming along nicely. My students are adjusting, I am adjusting and we are making progress. My classroom is so different from what I imagine most typical classrooms to be. I can have my students for several years in a row. Now this can be good and it can be not so good. I really get to know my students and their individual needs, but by the same token it can sometimes be not so good.<br />
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This year, in what we call homeroom (M-Th 9:30-10:45, 12:15-2, 2:45-4:30, and Fridays 9:30-4:30), I have 10 students, 8 of which are returning and 2 who are new. My age levels range from 13 to 21, grades 8-12. And that is just my homeroom class. When we switch classes I see students ranging from 3rd grade up to 12th.<br />
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It can be a daunting task to create appropriate lesson plans when you have such a diverse range. Then add in the varying disabilities and special needs and you have quite an interesting dynamic in each class...<br />
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Our primary focus with these students should be functional life skills but unfortunately we as educators are forced to focus primarily on academics (Language Arts, Math, Science). It makes me sad that the ADA promises what is best for each individual student based on their individual needs, but legislation such as No Child Left Behind do NOT allow us the freedom to address the student's true priority educational needs but force a set of standards onto them that are not relevant.<br />
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And please do not get me wrong. The standards we used prior to our new Access Points also addressed academics but in a more functional way and allowed us to address the individual needs of each unique student.<br />
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I am just curious what others feel is their biggest challenge this year... Any thoughts???<br />
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...remember ...always stay <i><b><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ghostlarke">'Wild About School'</a></b></i><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-47459388551708224632012-08-13T20:16:00.000-04:002012-08-13T20:16:54.034-04:00Classroom HappeningsI feel like my fingers are going to fall off. Last week was full of design, print, cut out, laminate, cut out again, put velcro on, put up in room... Rinse and repeat ;)<br />
Here are a few of the things I was busy creating and putting up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa8MLCMwEb7muKcUs8LyRrq81E-kLJj4R0OTLDvZYj5zNJnEARD9VZNK9J-YDXD6QwOOlA3dqibIx_B9ifBjPwpFe4CJ39qCTRysAuGRjW1Snu19MJ2v-HAZ4rsCBJYRLKlsTjDtFuFwc/s1600/Classroom+Labels+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="152" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCa8MLCMwEb7muKcUs8LyRrq81E-kLJj4R0OTLDvZYj5zNJnEARD9VZNK9J-YDXD6QwOOlA3dqibIx_B9ifBjPwpFe4CJ39qCTRysAuGRjW1Snu19MJ2v-HAZ4rsCBJYRLKlsTjDtFuFwc/s200/Classroom+Labels+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Classroom Labels part 1<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlTSnOErRLuzuZ9xYvGDPmQ-I-KJ0G6h1UnRnhFlN_eeME__XbX03Xzk4IsvfgPDWw-BviR5WPDLv5mwizTSLFpNAkECSMvMpvFNBM9_UDY-Ch19bpzUjnlIioPCD6iWA7AAMVy96uxgQ/s1600/Classroom+Labels+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="152" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlTSnOErRLuzuZ9xYvGDPmQ-I-KJ0G6h1UnRnhFlN_eeME__XbX03Xzk4IsvfgPDWw-BviR5WPDLv5mwizTSLFpNAkECSMvMpvFNBM9_UDY-Ch19bpzUjnlIioPCD6iWA7AAMVy96uxgQ/s200/Classroom+Labels+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Classroom Labels part 2<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_HZobIogFO_yT0wU0kfl7PO-gzrCFHXh8KUk47l-W0lXRZqP3CYSam7pSJGIVqJieW8iW16TC7rSQVPnZ1-j1nhVakLYla3BZHh2hMjbBjkLnrPPcF06XLQsc4Lqey98LNP1dWUirMAe/s1600/Cheetah+Jobs+Weekly+Checklist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_HZobIogFO_yT0wU0kfl7PO-gzrCFHXh8KUk47l-W0lXRZqP3CYSam7pSJGIVqJieW8iW16TC7rSQVPnZ1-j1nhVakLYla3BZHh2hMjbBjkLnrPPcF06XLQsc4Lqey98LNP1dWUirMAe/s200/Cheetah+Jobs+Weekly+Checklist.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Cheetah Jobs Checklist, students use these to record chores as they are done.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomt04xU_CfglbcoNAZGRnLVxzzCp_CKC1CwNNuGqJi520jvUhCuPBfJ4kxTvvVKzvxAs69J4-eGtbUUirKNno03K2pKecL0985zAOBffAoVQrEeeSZSBw7klU2cDtTq0KCZHjLBqttl38/s1600/Zebra+Jobs+Weekly+Checklist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomt04xU_CfglbcoNAZGRnLVxzzCp_CKC1CwNNuGqJi520jvUhCuPBfJ4kxTvvVKzvxAs69J4-eGtbUUirKNno03K2pKecL0985zAOBffAoVQrEeeSZSBw7klU2cDtTq0KCZHjLBqttl38/s200/Zebra+Jobs+Weekly+Checklist.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Zebra Jobs Checklist, same thing as the Cheetah Checklist, just for the other team :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WzTKyEEp9FJbLowfv5LNAZEdKxfuGVj_7Xg0EB6pG1_z45hD48nGlEUpa1Q1VZBUI50FQL-3qrQd7MnRFMvJjPanzG-V82cG2MknBWeNWEFrUfdPPhBJj-IQ7p7X1BOptFjqUBwSJULh/s1600/Job+Notebook+Covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WzTKyEEp9FJbLowfv5LNAZEdKxfuGVj_7Xg0EB6pG1_z45hD48nGlEUpa1Q1VZBUI50FQL-3qrQd7MnRFMvJjPanzG-V82cG2MknBWeNWEFrUfdPPhBJj-IQ7p7X1BOptFjqUBwSJULh/s200/Job+Notebook+Covers.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Chore Checklist Binder Covers<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfZnYdbOwkQqVuxqW7b-RXa9rSvm5DKROI89WsGZRpNgtAa6pcrN64NGh6_0RtU5FQWuH3I70eWkZeMiJ72nKYyiPuVCjxPMjsOOS-x2CaqZYhrRXbhc2qCBn7TN4XpjrO7TAgevhtg6y/s1600/Job+Signs+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="156" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfZnYdbOwkQqVuxqW7b-RXa9rSvm5DKROI89WsGZRpNgtAa6pcrN64NGh6_0RtU5FQWuH3I70eWkZeMiJ72nKYyiPuVCjxPMjsOOS-x2CaqZYhrRXbhc2qCBn7TN4XpjrO7TAgevhtg6y/s200/Job+Signs+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Job Signs 1<br />
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Job Signs 2<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2aU0FMpI2EkIgwiEVshv0EhihI568N6IQTzWMGLQTAw3ioVuJbtTp6JcwVT0FYiJsztVA29XYPAmHJoR9TM3QV4SfiDHzl2CC9gf3kzUoQaYqpNuQd3CGLxQrzWbCVOIBhXX5gjy3hON/s1600/Jungle+Birthday+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2aU0FMpI2EkIgwiEVshv0EhihI568N6IQTzWMGLQTAw3ioVuJbtTp6JcwVT0FYiJsztVA29XYPAmHJoR9TM3QV4SfiDHzl2CC9gf3kzUoQaYqpNuQd3CGLxQrzWbCVOIBhXX5gjy3hON/s200/Jungle+Birthday+Cards.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Jungle Birthday Cards to give to my kiddos...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYM8bv7CkOoVDHhLosuguYi6eDwu4kGHGxBNT3VDzvUgddtNtLN3ZgBvCsgSVKnp8CAlxO8yKgvhYFProYU9mDYhx1vKRodlzj6zwedI1YUnduVBuLnw055kBfy5ugNpePj9_SHnEIdF-/s1600/Jungle+Blank+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYM8bv7CkOoVDHhLosuguYi6eDwu4kGHGxBNT3VDzvUgddtNtLN3ZgBvCsgSVKnp8CAlxO8yKgvhYFProYU9mDYhx1vKRodlzj6zwedI1YUnduVBuLnw055kBfy5ugNpePj9_SHnEIdF-/s200/Jungle+Blank+Cards.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Jungle Blank Greeting Cards for other occasions...<br />
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And a whole lot more...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DO_gXha7i3iZWwygW6wnF8YI12lP3AUPdF2ArVixspZQZ8nTRWIbp1CI9LzrbGISwgMuP90ubVyN5-eiYkbziR8TVQMQe77AfWUl7VdFIypUCG0Z6u4weZol6HQ7jWeamiIiSbKRGcg9/s1600/DSCF2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DO_gXha7i3iZWwygW6wnF8YI12lP3AUPdF2ArVixspZQZ8nTRWIbp1CI9LzrbGISwgMuP90ubVyN5-eiYkbziR8TVQMQe77AfWUl7VdFIypUCG0Z6u4weZol6HQ7jWeamiIiSbKRGcg9/s200/DSCF2405.JPG" /></a></div>Classroom Job Board in action... This was made with a folding presentation foam board and bordered with designer duct tape. I attached it to the back of one of my Library Carts with zip ties. By attaching the labels with velcro I am able to switch up the job assignments as needed. I also have duplicates of each student and job, bordered with the opposing design in case they need to switch teams.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5QVA2YBHmBT5rl_gVRqANiKPyHOUqNHUP82FGHxzF9wvWOQ6eDRbXV7Ei8BBH96Xk9Fgtxqp3EsX5ayvKjPgoHJfyTHBNENvbbB9LqdiuXJRHas7SrihUgYdYMkg-DGnUGoGSfEPWYBZ/s1600/DSCF2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5QVA2YBHmBT5rl_gVRqANiKPyHOUqNHUP82FGHxzF9wvWOQ6eDRbXV7Ei8BBH96Xk9Fgtxqp3EsX5ayvKjPgoHJfyTHBNENvbbB9LqdiuXJRHas7SrihUgYdYMkg-DGnUGoGSfEPWYBZ/s200/DSCF2404.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Our FACE of a Reader - customizable, interactive anchor chart beginning<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bhX0kBzkkR1ehSv1rDO7AHNA0fk07OpvMlw8Nuf8WbYORoy2M9lKr9hT0mGGfaU2zbVXZU0QgsoqcrhYUFR_TsE-ZnlQ1UuC18aPFePgXmnGD6mNOAwza0VHN4uoPtmr7ZflGB73ydrD/s1600/DSCF2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bhX0kBzkkR1ehSv1rDO7AHNA0fk07OpvMlw8Nuf8WbYORoy2M9lKr9hT0mGGfaU2zbVXZU0QgsoqcrhYUFR_TsE-ZnlQ1UuC18aPFePgXmnGD6mNOAwza0VHN4uoPtmr7ZflGB73ydrD/s200/DSCF2406.JPG" /></a></div><br />
One of my students needs to get out of his wheelchair and stretch out throughout the day - here is his tricked out lounger...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hnHdliMnkBtLlxMeFzLwbhDIAOWxWvlMC5V5xK49wfqHz7U307gJkXPgnk1A1kVrd5LkckP-7KdS6SUZWUlNe2vy70HQsLDnnIikHZ_HJKdYeRuR75hDxVrmneMM7sQYSYsgcJsp9Gkb/s1600/DSCF2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hnHdliMnkBtLlxMeFzLwbhDIAOWxWvlMC5V5xK49wfqHz7U307gJkXPgnk1A1kVrd5LkckP-7KdS6SUZWUlNe2vy70HQsLDnnIikHZ_HJKdYeRuR75hDxVrmneMM7sQYSYsgcJsp9Gkb/s200/DSCF2407.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Computer Center<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_5qfisRIvWAnnLmBSlJUtoa5am5P63Iv8ql0lIjaVLN5Bjm31HysYHjgCUrN7kx5_TcH4bUrBOodktyU1GqYFoSo38NUO67w3li9AfTqZ0GiYHot7828IKin174HKjiMYK7yoEM7Hod5/s1600/DSCF2408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_5qfisRIvWAnnLmBSlJUtoa5am5P63Iv8ql0lIjaVLN5Bjm31HysYHjgCUrN7kx5_TcH4bUrBOodktyU1GqYFoSo38NUO67w3li9AfTqZ0GiYHot7828IKin174HKjiMYK7yoEM7Hod5/s200/DSCF2408.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is a shot of the back of my classroom... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5bliEWDfymSJoqwJkKLpO6dRHzCp5YUXvjKqHmY3IbW-gF_TEOeGBJGLOVe8FVqxcel_HwP2B7ru-ia0O4ATrANdzTtSUYHCfeHmiwQyxF3iZjbZJlYD0y61_fxVba_7Aukw7j_nvAVh/s1600/DSCF2408a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="53" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5bliEWDfymSJoqwJkKLpO6dRHzCp5YUXvjKqHmY3IbW-gF_TEOeGBJGLOVe8FVqxcel_HwP2B7ru-ia0O4ATrANdzTtSUYHCfeHmiwQyxF3iZjbZJlYD0y61_fxVba_7Aukw7j_nvAVh/s200/DSCF2408a.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Up top is a pennant sign that says "It's A Jungle in Here" <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJNicpg1eQBoR2rp5gUohpkvEY_kI1s__TEjhlqOXIdWlcGYI742GQowqwKEGRZrO9pnPdcMYgk_tTzxyflyJE3lCvTYV2jn_4tgjqBPCKnUblLsxTRG2T7msyCmfvoZ11x2IWMvQWu_n/s1600/DSCF2408b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJNicpg1eQBoR2rp5gUohpkvEY_kI1s__TEjhlqOXIdWlcGYI742GQowqwKEGRZrO9pnPdcMYgk_tTzxyflyJE3lCvTYV2jn_4tgjqBPCKnUblLsxTRG2T7msyCmfvoZ11x2IWMvQWu_n/s200/DSCF2408b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have most of my boxes and bins labeled. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JLNm2DxB3kK4VEhXUsv5qM5PB8WKDH7jI5301_qP7GcE2kx_8y4Tkruw62_Q93Go3EFVkO82rtXWH_pGN5zFhl8BerVt5uQbl0WxDkVbwFOoFcoqVuv0h9G5H283vRXmQMTvX0InBmVB/s1600/DSCF2408c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JLNm2DxB3kK4VEhXUsv5qM5PB8WKDH7jI5301_qP7GcE2kx_8y4Tkruw62_Q93Go3EFVkO82rtXWH_pGN5zFhl8BerVt5uQbl0WxDkVbwFOoFcoqVuv0h9G5H283vRXmQMTvX0InBmVB/s200/DSCF2408c.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The two zebra and cheetah wall hangings on the door are soon to be our word wall and our calendar.<br />
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More pictures later this week...<br />
Rita<br />
...and remember ...always stay <i><b><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ghostlarke">'Wild About School!'</a></b></i><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-56181190747485593492012-08-13T15:35:00.000-04:002012-08-13T15:38:31.920-04:00Sorrowful TimesI just got back from a four day trip to Kentucky with my daughter where we laid my 93 year old Grandma to rest. She was one of the most beautiful women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I pray that I am able to example in my life the teachings of so precious a soul as hers.<br />
One of the happy sides to all of this is that we were blessed to have her as long as we did... It was a wonderful weekend spent remembering how she had touched all of our lives, friends and family alike. The word I heard used most to describe her was precious. And that just about sums her up... precious in every way!<br />
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Granny Marguerite and I when I was a baby...<br />
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Granny Marguerite and I when I was all grown up...<br />
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My beautiful daughter Kristina with my beautiful Granny Marguerite...<br />
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My wonderful son and I with Granny Marguerite...<br />
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My grandpa Billy, my granny Marguerite and my mother Lucy. <br />
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Granny Marguerite fed our bodies as she fed our souls...<br />
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I love you Granny and miss you, but I know you are in Heaven watching over me...<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-23884464125791354472012-08-04T17:47:00.001-04:002012-08-04T17:47:42.899-04:00Pinterest Link-UP for Educational Pinners<div align="center"><a href="http://www.rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com" title="RainbowsWithinReach"><img src="http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/faithandfifty/IMG_2396-9.jpg" alt="RainbowsWithinReach" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Head on over and join in her Pinterest Link Up for Educational Pinners!!!<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=157333" type="text/javascript" ></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-84577458466064318322012-08-03T20:04:00.000-04:002012-08-03T20:06:06.044-04:008 Must HavesI am always looking for cute new ideas to use to decorate my classroom. When I find a theme I like I have 8 must haves that I immediately create. As a matter of fact, that is what prompted this post. I found the cutest little mice clipart over at <a href="http://www.scrappindoodles.com/">Scrappin' Doodles</a> and had to create my 'must haves' with it. I am calling them <a href="http://wildaboutschool.blogspot.com/p/schoolhouse-mouse.html">My Schoolhouse Mouse Collection</a>. Read on to find out what those 'must haves' are for me.<br />
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1. Desk Name Plates - Well, everyone must know where they are suppose to sit :) Also I use them in my area where my kiddos hang their backpack. That way we all know which backpack goes with which student. In my top 3's in order of creation.<br />
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2. A Calendar Set - I use this every day with my students so it falls in my top 3's in order of creation. <br />
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3. Classroom Signs Set - I label everything in my room and of course I want it all to coordinate so I have to create labels/signs in order to accomplish this. It also helps my students remember where things are or where they go. Also in my top 3's in order of creation.<br />
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4. Word Wall Set - We love learning new words, so this is next up in my line up.<br />
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5. Newsletter - So I can communicate with parents and tell them everything we are doing in our classroom.<br />
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6. FACES of a Reader Headers Set - Who doesn't need these up to keep us focused. <br />
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7. Readers Workshop Headers Set - I love to have these strategies posted in my classroom.<br />
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8. And finally, my eighth must create is Classroom Passes.<br />
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I would love to hear from others about their 'must haves' in their classrooms.<br />
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Rita<br />
...and remember ...always stay <i><b><a
href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ghostlarke">'Wild About School!'</a></b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-12223817271833704132012-08-01T17:50:00.000-04:002012-08-01T17:52:35.908-04:00Interactive SmartBoard Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWtkqyXoKbeBV6J6BVBS_RCAMBJVUjzKwZhMSts7QiLHQY_9kLSKa8SvImLoXGlaFhRa_H6Sg8_CdPO7MpoNr_MHA1f8FdiqK7nFaq44ariPi-FbbYEMPo-zktkCUBmIdnRXXjnzJyJ3t/s1600/blog+hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWtkqyXoKbeBV6J6BVBS_RCAMBJVUjzKwZhMSts7QiLHQY_9kLSKa8SvImLoXGlaFhRa_H6Sg8_CdPO7MpoNr_MHA1f8FdiqK7nFaq44ariPi-FbbYEMPo-zktkCUBmIdnRXXjnzJyJ3t/s200/blog+hop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Margret over at <a href="http://ourkinderjourney.blogspot.com/">Kinder Journey</a> is hosting a great Blog Hop! So head on over, sign up and choose the top three sites that your class uses and link them up! She's looking forward to seeing the ones that you use most and so am I.<br />
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1. My first site is one that does require a paid membership... however, with that said, I have paid for access to the Reading A to Z and Raz Kids for the past 3 years out of my own pocket. One of the things I love the most is the ability for my students to read books at home over the Summer. If they have a microphone attached to their computer they can record their reading and send it to me so I can listen. It gives great feedback to me on who is using it over the Summer, how often, how long, what books they read or listened to, etc. Great site.<br />
<a href="http://www.learninga-z.com/">Learning A to Z</a><br />
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2. <a href="http://www.starfall.com/">Starfall</a> is a cute little site that I use with some of my little guys. They have a little bit of everything.<br />
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3. <a href="http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/">National Geographic's</a> site for kids.<br />
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And about a million more...<br />
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RitaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-16406552342096346302012-07-29T16:39:00.001-04:002012-07-31T20:19:35.132-04:00Treasures & Make OversFirst things first, who doesn't love Skippyjon Jones? Well, that is who Kohl's is featuring for their <a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/kohlscares/kidscausemerchandise/bts2012skippyjones.jsp">Kohl's Cares Back to School Kids Cause</a>. I was there yesterday and grabbed up my own Skippyjon & friends plushies along with the books for my library. <br />
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Skippyjon Plush & "Skippyjon Jones In the Dog House" Book<br />
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Bumble Bee Plush & "Skippyjon Jones" Book<br />
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Sock Monkey Plush & "Skippyjon Jones Lost in Spice" Book<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4trxREpXfqpOStbGgYWav7mr2bR2gayig9TStKVS9J8JJ1GSRq5h5NhSQveXGqrZTHdTxLFgBhokxTi9YKX4QdoX8Uh6UvpgVmUHyqIjLNF9g-WyPHKnwpgl1ahofbhGpDBlPcizgloD/s1600/c28548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4trxREpXfqpOStbGgYWav7mr2bR2gayig9TStKVS9J8JJ1GSRq5h5NhSQveXGqrZTHdTxLFgBhokxTi9YKX4QdoX8Uh6UvpgVmUHyqIjLNF9g-WyPHKnwpgl1ahofbhGpDBlPcizgloD/s200/c28548.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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and finally, Penguin Plush & "Skippyjon Jones Class Action" Book<br />
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Then I rushed home and placed an order for the online exclusive dinosaur plushie and "Skippyjon Jones and The Big Bones" Book.<br />
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Along with a cute little Skippyjon backpack. I figure I can use the backpack to create a take home pack to rotate among my students.<br />
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This is a great little resource book to help teach my kiddos how to make healthier eating choices. Since I have a full kitchen in my room we will be able to make some of the offerings and maybe even do some taste comparisons so they can see healthier doesn't have to taste icky :)<br />
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Now, on to my makeover... No, I didn't go get a beauty makeover, but three of the chairs I have in my room did. You may have seen one of them in my <a href="http://wildaboutschool.blogspot.com/2012/07/jungle-reading-nook.html">reading nook post</a>. If you didn't take a look at my lil nook. I am pretty proud of how it is turning out.<br />
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These are the chairs that I started out with. They are probably about 25 years old but they are Lazy Boys and are quality pieces of furniture as far as their bones go. We started out by taking them apart. A good friend of mine suggested we leave the old fabric over them and just cover over it so that is what we did. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghifMf5fMEGhOr_nb36tMqyDvnkoHFWaYN-cm9ma0Ln4mBVMO7_jGJfLkUIlnzPmf0ujRWfqV2FGNn3ZQDrCN7t_cfCE-dEGa_YSIHrRKGayF7P9Rl6CSfTvr_IE7d7bWdat69qZICtV8u/s1600/DSCF2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghifMf5fMEGhOr_nb36tMqyDvnkoHFWaYN-cm9ma0Ln4mBVMO7_jGJfLkUIlnzPmf0ujRWfqV2FGNn3ZQDrCN7t_cfCE-dEGa_YSIHrRKGayF7P9Rl6CSfTvr_IE7d7bWdat69qZICtV8u/s200/DSCF2366.JPG" /></a></div>With my hubby's help, we created the buttons, cut & stapled the fabric on, attached the buttons and reassembled the chairs. I left the nicks and dings because I have a jungle theme going on and didn't want to have them to fresh looking. I can always go back and refinish the wood later. BTW, the fabric was a faux suede I have had for several years just waiting for the perfect project for it :) So check your closets, you never know what treasures you will find there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfdpGpR0qW2XRSQC-7y-wLX3yYKgFST-4LitAwn-pKJJ-xadatgmMw74ZilI7nsjj2dDfBK_a3ZvAiaPmWa1VivWlx3kQBZQyrLRUeSwi7wtB7McGH0htQ5zGH2r5Iduv2WzqFF3uV9yb/s1600/DSCF2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfdpGpR0qW2XRSQC-7y-wLX3yYKgFST-4LitAwn-pKJJ-xadatgmMw74ZilI7nsjj2dDfBK_a3ZvAiaPmWa1VivWlx3kQBZQyrLRUeSwi7wtB7McGH0htQ5zGH2r5Iduv2WzqFF3uV9yb/s200/DSCF2367.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Counting the one in my reading nook already, this is 2 of the 3 done.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9sEGtJyJ31AoQCAs2Sph2d6YhbvyzkX_56xXgz8FH-bakHvWmxz2V_saN_bmjWfrbFMAcWVFYN55gdZ1UZEcPRdVEY8vggRB-A_qzF5AxUEGYKCHGUL2YAY8DgK8BYrzJWWSf_4UOFMo/s1600/DSCF2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9sEGtJyJ31AoQCAs2Sph2d6YhbvyzkX_56xXgz8FH-bakHvWmxz2V_saN_bmjWfrbFMAcWVFYN55gdZ1UZEcPRdVEY8vggRB-A_qzF5AxUEGYKCHGUL2YAY8DgK8BYrzJWWSf_4UOFMo/s200/DSCF2368.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And this is a picture of the two swivel rockers after they are all done. I can't wait to get them back into my room.<br />
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Whew, yesterday was a busy day. Then hubby and I had a birthday dinner party to go to last night. Today has been all about relaxing...zzzz.... and napping ;) Now that nap time is over, time to get back to work creating more fun things for my classroom.<br />
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Rita<br />
...and remember to stay <i><b><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ghostlarke">'Wild About School!'</a></b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-11145849925704768822012-07-27T22:21:00.001-04:002013-03-04T21:57:05.565-05:00The Lovely Blog Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJ1CRW5PmJlCrOVmLO2Y8vHynXV2GyfPgVFbLWdD1nf2PdfbaI4UphlYRwJfCRzG0Ocv96erQxKWNWhEg5AettSoLWqJC_juqXofXwi6Lmvi6lAqoLhBpX91a-6fbJ2qHTsJ8cimOMOTb/s1600/One+lovely+blog+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="175" width="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJ1CRW5PmJlCrOVmLO2Y8vHynXV2GyfPgVFbLWdD1nf2PdfbaI4UphlYRwJfCRzG0Ocv96erQxKWNWhEg5AettSoLWqJC_juqXofXwi6Lmvi6lAqoLhBpX91a-6fbJ2qHTsJ8cimOMOTb/s200/One+lovely+blog+award.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The Lovely Blog Award<br />
Thanks to <a href="http://msjonesjunction.blogspot.com">Crystal at Ms. Jones Junction </a>. Make sure you head over and check out her blog, she found some fabulous buys today!!!<br />
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For receiving this award I will need to...<br />
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1. Follow the person who gave me the award... check!<br />
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2. Link back to the person that gave me the award... check!<br />
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3. Pass to 15 new bloggers and then let them know they have received the award... check!!<br />
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Since I am so new to blogging and looking to build a great network of experienced bloggers I am passing this Lovely award to the following blogs:<br />
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<center><a href="http://mrsrhoadsclassroom.blogspot.com/">Mrs. Rhoads' Classroom</a></center><br />
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<center><a border="0" href=" http://herdingkats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j429/Kellysavenue/Jennifer%20Knopf%20%20%20GIVEAWAY/DONE/th_4884567b.png" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/caralesley/BlogHopperButton-1.jpg"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://stepintosecondgrade.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y302/MickeyD13/button-62.png" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://flipflopteacher.blogspot.com/"><img style="width: 150px; height: 130px;" src="http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz306/CLHilliard/2012Button.png" border="0" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.shenanigansinsecond.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/1782/blogbuttonii.png" width="125"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.mrsliretteslearningdetectives.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/mrsliretteblogbutton.png"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://reallyroper.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/bjrope/blogbutton2.jpg"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://growingkinders.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/caralesley/KPedersenButton-1.png"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://theinspiredapple.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/caralesley/inspiredapplebutton-3.png"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.firstgradeblueskies.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i366/dreamlikemagic/button-1520.png" alt="First Grade Blue Skies" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://primarygraffiti.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/new%20album/cherylbutton.png"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://ateenytinyteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="A Teeny Tiny Teacher" src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc410/kristinoldham/blog/teenytinyteacher150.png"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://eberhartsexplorers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket"src="http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m511/JenaSnowden/eebutton2copy.png"/></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn113/doodlebugspaper/dbtbutton2.jpg"/></a></center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-65661514038502257282012-07-27T16:54:00.000-04:002012-07-27T16:55:37.410-04:00Desperately Seeking a Blog Button ;)Ok, so I cruise around and check out everyone's blog and see all of these cute little 'buttons' with a 'grab my button' below it. Now I ask, why do I want to grab someone else's button? Not sure, but I sure know I want to create one of my own!<br />
So I have made a couple of choices and want to see if any bloggers out there will weigh in on which (if any) they like better.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebe1iYFx0NcfspF86prLwR-67bn6Goc0Mngdv8QFgsDP4aPk7lOtH3ngzGEaBLzQyr2ksNTisKaCvVGW3bRCjK2zpgVz2sLuirqdW4fEGKU61NPWyScEClFzhFhujOja9xAqRAaJcBu_o/s1600/MyButton125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="125" width="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebe1iYFx0NcfspF86prLwR-67bn6Goc0Mngdv8QFgsDP4aPk7lOtH3ngzGEaBLzQyr2ksNTisKaCvVGW3bRCjK2zpgVz2sLuirqdW4fEGKU61NPWyScEClFzhFhujOja9xAqRAaJcBu_o/s200/MyButton125.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Choice #1 is a zebra background with a simple 'Wild About School' in steamin' hot pink with a couple of cute little hearts thrown in for good measure! Ok, it is steamin' when it is bigger :p<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00d115-YSTOXBNJnPlPx4AtN_0MqvGfZYFSeMLIjjffb58V8gGbWaUVItISkCNdnFiYJRapyHvg2jurJ_uiqGxx58YOPqWL07vJjPrpBbs3WbHe6VA-Ume9kZgXTCCd8qD44bpSJ75aoW/s1600/My+Button+WAS+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="125" width="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00d115-YSTOXBNJnPlPx4AtN_0MqvGfZYFSeMLIjjffb58V8gGbWaUVItISkCNdnFiYJRapyHvg2jurJ_uiqGxx58YOPqWL07vJjPrpBbs3WbHe6VA-Ume9kZgXTCCd8qD44bpSJ75aoW/s200/My+Button+WAS+125.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Choice #2 is a cute little picture of some of the jungle animals I love, love, love...<br />
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For me, there are pros and cons with each design. So... bloggers I ask you, Choice #1 or Choice #2 or is it D. None of the above???<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-27694813624091541932012-07-27T13:42:00.002-04:002012-07-27T13:42:45.512-04:00First Day Jitters Blog HopWell who doesn't get those first day jitters!<br />
<a href="http://fierceinfourth.blogspot.com">Ashley Nichole</a> is hosting her first ever blog hop "First Day Jitters". After you join in the fun hop on over and check out her blog!<br />
Here are my jitters:<br />
1. I won't get everything done in time!<br />
2. I won't get everything done in time!!<br />
3. I won't get everything done in time!!!<br />
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Seriously though, this is the first year I have tried to go all out with a theme. And while I am very excited about it and loving creating things, it is a concern that I will not get everything done and will end up with a jungle room theme throughout and some random themed area that doesn't match... ahhh... breathe...<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=155535" type="text/javascript" ></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-17794180633381925672012-07-26T19:21:00.000-04:002012-07-26T19:21:47.873-04:00More Linky Party Fun Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu_Sg3Y0YF3atamD-8-qSXPySdYx198A6mgiZqG_KbEqWAgzvEQ5pNXNKekVtmZQIYkAZ38aYbxgNaRH2g1neGllmjYyDo7Hrx37lmoPcuxLJoG5arR9WovTcfM5tyE_EoHeFYRM5aCBY/s1600/before+and+after+linky.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu_Sg3Y0YF3atamD-8-qSXPySdYx198A6mgiZqG_KbEqWAgzvEQ5pNXNKekVtmZQIYkAZ38aYbxgNaRH2g1neGllmjYyDo7Hrx37lmoPcuxLJoG5arR9WovTcfM5tyE_EoHeFYRM5aCBY/s200/before+and+after+linky.png" /></a></div><br />
Run, don't walk... Over to <a href="http://missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com/">Miss Nelson's blog</a>. She has a new linky party going on... Before and After... I entered and if you have a few great pictures you should too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-72459186073872367672012-07-26T18:39:00.003-04:002012-07-26T20:21:00.376-04:00More Linky Party Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZjbgdq9FqPQuk8wPkDvvSjnZsMtV9NhNR-3FDm_qP4mjc5O4wHp4oT7NXsYmS-2386_SrHG3ENOEx8XdrwA0HQDFc7_Uk9SaA0Xdki4FsV2AzStbufe8YwCljTSaQIocrPCwibBMCnwW/s1600/Rockin+Resources+Linky+Label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="133" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZjbgdq9FqPQuk8wPkDvvSjnZsMtV9NhNR-3FDm_qP4mjc5O4wHp4oT7NXsYmS-2386_SrHG3ENOEx8XdrwA0HQDFc7_Uk9SaA0Xdki4FsV2AzStbufe8YwCljTSaQIocrPCwibBMCnwW/s200/Rockin+Resources+Linky+Label.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have linked up to Kelley Dolling's Rockin' Resources Linky Party! <br />
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According to Kelley 'Here's how Rockin' Resources: Things I Couldn't Live Without rolls. Link up a post highlighting those items that you live and die by in your classroom. With all the back to school hullabaloo going on, I am thinking you could showcase not only items that you currently use in your room, but also items that you recently acquired that you can't wait to use!' <br />
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With all that said, here are my current TOP 5 "classroom can't live withouts" in no particular order . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHU2QlqUiPLg2B8a74WtMQHVfuKPI78F9NJz4MrXEidNZVWGTmQv_Z3C2T-z_v7mJc3ZTm7Oio-Yp5KFijTFSzjzcJEDZnnALgfWrMNIJpbnKDmToVZTCrZ5uOxkYIezoEVSuRsDCm5tM/s1600/MacBook+Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="113" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHU2QlqUiPLg2B8a74WtMQHVfuKPI78F9NJz4MrXEidNZVWGTmQv_Z3C2T-z_v7mJc3ZTm7Oio-Yp5KFijTFSzjzcJEDZnnALgfWrMNIJpbnKDmToVZTCrZ5uOxkYIezoEVSuRsDCm5tM/s200/MacBook+Pro.jpg" /></a></div>One - Computer - My computer is my go to pal! If I need something for my classroom, I can make it, look it up, or order it... all from my computer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPJfN5XesfKWi7H3gJms93MG3RDkDbnJACd0esvbR6bQCTxWLL5dusSXnUJxmG3m7ZON0lyViCy0n9J7ZhD9_-DCKZkc2F-VvadAt2C0QrkrdkDBDcN-TIUQxdMAR42BMqh34WtYMaH3H/s1600/ProLoQuo2Go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="154" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPJfN5XesfKWi7H3gJms93MG3RDkDbnJACd0esvbR6bQCTxWLL5dusSXnUJxmG3m7ZON0lyViCy0n9J7ZhD9_-DCKZkc2F-VvadAt2C0QrkrdkDBDcN-TIUQxdMAR42BMqh34WtYMaH3H/s200/ProLoQuo2Go.jpg" /></a></div>Two & Three - iPad and a communication app called <a href="http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go">ProLoQuo2Go</a> - This combination gives my students a voice... This has been such a blessing and is all thanks to my hubby giving up his iPad to me so I could use it in the classroom. Thanks honey!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWHYKhWSZCrxAq8a8gYH3ZloYMGb9qUIoB2_cMszLTrDfxgS3eIsUzIn0K-aDlo-4aIEOfb5Fv7BoytTbMES_KPDsNfvr0t4dYDbCj8LQG6CvAq9bD0aNsqXyArkqI6Vg0m363iR9NIXT/s1600/DuckBrand+Duct+Tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="187" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWHYKhWSZCrxAq8a8gYH3ZloYMGb9qUIoB2_cMszLTrDfxgS3eIsUzIn0K-aDlo-4aIEOfb5Fv7BoytTbMES_KPDsNfvr0t4dYDbCj8LQG6CvAq9bD0aNsqXyArkqI6Vg0m363iR9NIXT/s200/DuckBrand+Duct+Tape.jpg" /></a></div>Four - Duct Tape. I use it for everything! I love the new colorful patterns and designs. Is there anything you can't do with Duct Tape???<br />
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Five - Camera - We use several cameras in my classroom. A huge shout out to Best Buy for selecting me as one of their recipients of a $2000.00 national grant a couple of years ago. Because of them I was able to get three cameras to use in my classroom, cases, memory cards, and card readers. My students have been able to check them out and take them home with them. They have been to Colorado, Georgia, the Everglades, and a few other places. My students have brought back wonderful pictures to share with their peers and this is very important for those who are not able to verbalize. By the way, with leftover monies after purchasing everything on my list for the grant I had enough money left over to purchase a digital photo frame which we keep on the front counter of our school so visitors can see great pictures of different events throughout the year. And also a Nintendo Wii. Yes, a Wii. We love to bowl and our principal will even come in and bowl with us on occasion.<br />
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So jump on over to <a href="http://teacherideafactory.blogspot.com/2012/07/rockin-resources-linky-part-deux.html">Kelley's Rockin' Resources Linky Party</a> and join in the fun!!!<br />
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And remember to 'Stay Wild About School!'Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-19019176800954688812012-07-26T17:45:00.000-04:002012-07-26T17:54:23.377-04:00Jungle Reading NookWell the past two days have been busy, busy. I have been working hard on my classroom and have the pictures to prove it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqJqX-xG8Zwzv6isVCk9Rr6FQyUpqzpKreABL1GQvTM8dbiXn0Nkdve_QlqLN6yFc40BAwI4ZSGzuqjS-gl43GAUOhpTjM23bcdYXIUUwpsn9XNORHBYpFQTkuyIp5a_lweJJaLDlA0wa/s1600/DSCF2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqJqX-xG8Zwzv6isVCk9Rr6FQyUpqzpKreABL1GQvTM8dbiXn0Nkdve_QlqLN6yFc40BAwI4ZSGzuqjS-gl43GAUOhpTjM23bcdYXIUUwpsn9XNORHBYpFQTkuyIp5a_lweJJaLDlA0wa/s200/DSCF2341.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is the before picture of what is slated to become my jungle reading nook. Take special notice of how bland it is, the lovely old orange chair, etc.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2K9FdHgc64m7fUCDWqEi47mZpS1jcqztD0oIUhzcbh6ajRNslMQJqqudb2jqpUB7euufLak4Jx2q53srC5wokzVn68pOhh3HcY7FNYFAe07WNj3BlldEY-VjGWT-eFgR6Zgwa0YKnbur/s1600/DSCF2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="184" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2K9FdHgc64m7fUCDWqEi47mZpS1jcqztD0oIUhzcbh6ajRNslMQJqqudb2jqpUB7euufLak4Jx2q53srC5wokzVn68pOhh3HcY7FNYFAe07WNj3BlldEY-VjGWT-eFgR6Zgwa0YKnbur/s200/DSCF2359.JPG" /></a></div>And this is the after picture... doesn't it look sooo much better??? And did you get a good look at that styling chair? Yep, that is the same orange chair, greatly transformed.<br />
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I am so excited to continue transforming my classroom into a jungle room.<br />
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In addition to decorating, I have been busy organizing my student library and my teacher library. I wish I could share before pictures but I didn't really take any. My books were just a bit of a mish-mash. I tried to categorize but they ended up everywhere. So when I wanted a particular book it meant I had to look through baskets of books. In an <a href="http://wildaboutschool.blogspot.com/2012/07/organizing-my-books.html">earlier post</a> I had talked about the new system I am using called <a href="http://classroom.booksource.com/">Classroom Organizer</a>. And I still can't say enough about it. I love it and yes, it is free. <br />
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Here are a couple of after pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VBlshyaGb7le_uHQTf_zYXA9UvVVgOMYXLGh0q5MwXSOown147JIz9n5-npKWWK1ZFQey29b0RFhc1U9ZQrjiYwjwHJY9tn8WPK9xjQQF0t2HdPVl54gLaua3vZZHOHEPxDcGkkORZ1P/s1600/DSCF2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VBlshyaGb7le_uHQTf_zYXA9UvVVgOMYXLGh0q5MwXSOown147JIz9n5-npKWWK1ZFQey29b0RFhc1U9ZQrjiYwjwHJY9tn8WPK9xjQQF0t2HdPVl54gLaua3vZZHOHEPxDcGkkORZ1P/s200/DSCF2354.JPG" /></a></div>This is part of my student library. Each basket has it's own sign with a distinctive and unique picture that corresponds with the picture of the labels of each book that belongs in that basket. By doing this even my non-readers will be able to independently select a book from our library and return it without assistance. And if something does get returned to the wrong basket, it will be easy to spot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6cQJjmPSTKQy4zERyUVEcmjMEVZteGp4_gBfw_JbW5MoPmX5EmumXMHzn95rWKVykg5EbHgCLcZZ8ijysRHkVaUMB38WnmMS7WzCVavimk93jI_LFQQxqLHGrVaYTzIdpgyY1bqM-Va_/s1600/DSCF2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6cQJjmPSTKQy4zERyUVEcmjMEVZteGp4_gBfw_JbW5MoPmX5EmumXMHzn95rWKVykg5EbHgCLcZZ8ijysRHkVaUMB38WnmMS7WzCVavimk93jI_LFQQxqLHGrVaYTzIdpgyY1bqM-Va_/s200/DSCF2356.JPG" /></a></div>This is a picture of one of the basket signs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxORWnGXJC2zFHyL1PdoyjfoGJbHPrqLmuzsUnFTlYDbMkKtc7F8BpoGpKJgpNF8Td9n6FFMPJo20g90N4oPDp2cxe4DjV-zIz5-eMFRMNn73yaKbOOgopCBWtkX5L1CP__-J05R_BPiPW/s1600/DSCF2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxORWnGXJC2zFHyL1PdoyjfoGJbHPrqLmuzsUnFTlYDbMkKtc7F8BpoGpKJgpNF8Td9n6FFMPJo20g90N4oPDp2cxe4DjV-zIz5-eMFRMNn73yaKbOOgopCBWtkX5L1CP__-J05R_BPiPW/s200/DSCF2357.JPG" /></a></div>And this picture shows the label on the back of one of the books that belongs in that basket.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrzpYoLFahRg7HvJc-As9QhCXZ_CLVcBkIhfAXIJ8JlVF8UBKByrbTDNQ5nB-hmlzHWva750pt85Fr3QSmuZF82QnTKVLg5OruyhqGJ17bt00-P-t80MivI8dJyTiVGNRG9lNwXymhEKP/s1600/DSCF2355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrzpYoLFahRg7HvJc-As9QhCXZ_CLVcBkIhfAXIJ8JlVF8UBKByrbTDNQ5nB-hmlzHWva750pt85Fr3QSmuZF82QnTKVLg5OruyhqGJ17bt00-P-t80MivI8dJyTiVGNRG9lNwXymhEKP/s200/DSCF2355.JPG" /></a></div>This is how I have organized my teacher library. I like the idea of using the folding baskets (in my school colors) because these are not books that my students will be selecting from so this keeps them out of sight, out of mind while allowing easy access for me. And I think it presents a less 'noisy' view. This is especially important for some of my students who can be over-stimulated by too much visual noise in the room.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIKFap-iou8eyJAsOg2qaNRC250b6JVPP-UJ4CblmgrIfwt4VWietRmNCWumvQr2deFNcP0aO3e5UwzsvOhHvf5COOxxWmN6FY3d9xupNQaNIuEa33wlQBHwJLRmYYaYRUr39IHJXpCFL/s1600/DSCF2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIKFap-iou8eyJAsOg2qaNRC250b6JVPP-UJ4CblmgrIfwt4VWietRmNCWumvQr2deFNcP0aO3e5UwzsvOhHvf5COOxxWmN6FY3d9xupNQaNIuEa33wlQBHwJLRmYYaYRUr39IHJXpCFL/s200/DSCF2361.JPG" /></a></div>Sometimes I want to 'close' the library off to students. I use the library itself to accomplish this. I am able to easily swing the racks so that it closes the reading nook and library off. This is important during classes where other students come into my room for specific instruction in communication. This way they are not as distracted by the cool reading nook. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8GVfrILHVkV-rSKHG2xEcIRvPPBv34m7eHMqg3eiYzbFXlY4m_4O-DkEXQxbFUrqZFqVsIbdO1R4S6NXtHg1ur3TNpqte6MPywpvmsoImukTutl3Gv7yWsRxEQDBJxDR8y21Zp9dhLuQ/s1600/DSCF2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8GVfrILHVkV-rSKHG2xEcIRvPPBv34m7eHMqg3eiYzbFXlY4m_4O-DkEXQxbFUrqZFqVsIbdO1R4S6NXtHg1ur3TNpqte6MPywpvmsoImukTutl3Gv7yWsRxEQDBJxDR8y21Zp9dhLuQ/s200/DSCF2362.JPG" /></a></div>This pictures show the racks. They are on wheels and I use velcro ties to hold one rack to the other so that I can swing both simultaneously.<br />
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I still have much work to complete before I am ready for students, but I feel like I have a good start at least. So I am off to cover 2 more chairs with my hubby. Thank goodness for him... he has the know-how and the tools to help me accomplish all my crazy ideas. But remember to stay 'Wild About School' :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-84933000077339447482012-07-24T17:52:00.002-04:002012-07-24T18:07:37.761-04:00The Versatile Blogger Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3NuQlIqoNJASPGxXJbVH9t86AhIZJuHZr-8ibmTivxOLdoueeo_QjvtP29Abep5k8iCG0sWHJfrcSWtX-JzOl4CCwfi4y8P06CotQ18P7CUvJveWB7HWEwMTYLCZyaV01B8eWpEz5SSr/s1600/versatile%252Bblogger.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3NuQlIqoNJASPGxXJbVH9t86AhIZJuHZr-8ibmTivxOLdoueeo_QjvtP29Abep5k8iCG0sWHJfrcSWtX-JzOl4CCwfi4y8P06CotQ18P7CUvJveWB7HWEwMTYLCZyaV01B8eWpEz5SSr/s200/versatile%252Bblogger.png" /></a></div><br />
Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you to <a href="http://mrsrhoadsclassroom.blogspot.com/">Callen Rhoads</a> for awarding me the Versatile Blogger Award...<br />
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Here are my 7 random facts:<br />
1. I love spicy foods, the spicier the better!!!<br />
2. I love to read anything I can get my hands on!<br />
3. In my life I have been a waitress, bartender, receptionist, office manager, retail clerk, restaurant manager, co-owner of printing business, and now a teacher. Teaching is by far my most rewarding career choice!<br />
4. My mother was a teacher, my sister is a teacher and my sister-in-law is a teacher. It's in the blood!<br />
6. I love to paint, furniture, glasses, gift bags, etc. I use a very modified version of the one-stroke system.<br />
7. And finally, if I could choose anyone, living or dead (that was not related to me), to talk with for 1 hour it would be Theodor Geisel, yes, Dr Seuss!!!<br />
Versatile Blogger Award:<br />
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Here are my nominations...<br />
<a href="http://heathersfirstgradeheart.blogspot.com/">1. Heather's Heart</a><br />
<a href="http://mrsasroom.blogspot.com/">2. Mrs. A's Room</a><br />
<a href="http://msjonesjunction.blogspot.com/">3. Ms. Jones' Junction</a><br />
<a href="http://mrswhite1103.blogspot.com/">4. Teaching and Tech in the Language Arts Classroom</a><br />
<a href="http://www.missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com/">5. Run! Miss Nelson's Got The Camera</a><br />
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Versatile Blog Award<br />
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you. Check :)<br />
2. Include a link to their site. Check :)<br />
3. Include the award image in your post. Check :)<br />
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself. Check :)<br />
5. Nominate 5-10 other bloggers, include their link, and let them know. Check :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-59099779782483856002012-07-24T08:51:00.004-04:002012-07-24T10:55:05.967-04:00Organizing My BooksEveryone on the blogs I have been reading are 'buzzing' about organizing the classroom. Well, I thought I would put my two cents in. <br />
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I decided this was the year I was going to get my classroom library organized. The best solution I found was a free web based and/or iPhone app called <a href="http://classroom.booksource.com/">Classroom Organizer</a>.<br />
This app allowed me to scan my books' ISBN barcodes and it automatically scanned the book information into a database. Some of the books I had did not have ISBN barcodes or it would not read them for some reason, but that is ok because I could manually enter these as well a most other information it did not automatically put in.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zlJyIs03T1QEQi_gaZDM1Wr1GiXWrhP6UqZM13Trdf0goStoEBsU53IUSnCj9LILg2TVcrq-F4KMXyMk_1b5PorV2S07uk82E8ByvsypW8WE3FUGyqOEz9ScijhGHAibu5eFzGuXOVzY/s1600/classroom+organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zlJyIs03T1QEQi_gaZDM1Wr1GiXWrhP6UqZM13Trdf0goStoEBsU53IUSnCj9LILg2TVcrq-F4KMXyMk_1b5PorV2S07uk82E8ByvsypW8WE3FUGyqOEz9ScijhGHAibu5eFzGuXOVzY/s200/classroom+organizer.jpg" /></a></div>After your initial login, there are separate areas, one for teachers and one for students. The area for teachers requires an additional password to get to so students are NOT able to accidentally wander into this section and change things up on you. <br />
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Did I mention it is free?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak_4KqxEprq_Bl9vbB16UUW7s1zpQCOaaTgPdmMI5gTbsSkTrpqvsZLPX91A0R9MeBXrfejc3O1VMXoLOY73U66lh1Q35c1-t6HLdFa4glttM5XikygV0f-7qtxJ7Q3Cuvm07msEJwjlS/s1600/Classroom+organizer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="121" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak_4KqxEprq_Bl9vbB16UUW7s1zpQCOaaTgPdmMI5gTbsSkTrpqvsZLPX91A0R9MeBXrfejc3O1VMXoLOY73U66lh1Q35c1-t6HLdFa4glttM5XikygV0f-7qtxJ7Q3Cuvm07msEJwjlS/s200/Classroom+organizer+2.jpg" /></a></div>This is a view of the teacher area. Here you can set up & manage specific features for your library, add, delete or edit titles within your library, add, delete or edit students in your class, view checkout history for individual students, & select from student or library reports to understand the reading habits & book inventory in your library.<br />
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Did I mention it is free?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MJlQYTdcdPKhxdMU7gLkXjUbUdhFRi48n49FihxUAbioT0VR0zk0kL48N7vDZ0nxJ9S683TlSqJuxW8pwFaV2vd0BpLt_v9GyMO7CpWf5UcLhRmOJr87qCVopvIb27AhXBipyV_oe7V_/s1600/classroom+organizer+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="92" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MJlQYTdcdPKhxdMU7gLkXjUbUdhFRi48n49FihxUAbioT0VR0zk0kL48N7vDZ0nxJ9S683TlSqJuxW8pwFaV2vd0BpLt_v9GyMO7CpWf5UcLhRmOJr87qCVopvIb27AhXBipyV_oe7V_/s200/classroom+organizer+3.jpg" /></a></div>Once I was all done, I then went to the web based login, went into the teacher section and exported an excel file that had all my book information in it. <br />
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Did I mention it is free?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenrNqzdEn4ruEFHSM0bhZaxO3yc1FmJn1x6WyZnXIY_HzyvkcWo22dehAfUGHyGG9NNLUv3FE0b9HgzeiMC7lqLnsNMMTEvdADpNHqzdXYMtLoFXXxozBnT-1hA411ez_-lK-gGphER8x/s1600/Dymo+450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="170" width="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenrNqzdEn4ruEFHSM0bhZaxO3yc1FmJn1x6WyZnXIY_HzyvkcWo22dehAfUGHyGG9NNLUv3FE0b9HgzeiMC7lqLnsNMMTEvdADpNHqzdXYMtLoFXXxozBnT-1hA411ez_-lK-gGphER8x/s200/Dymo+450.jpg" /></a></div>With this I used my handy dandy Dymo Label Maker and created labels for each book.<br />
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Did I mention it is free?<br />
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Now, each book is categorized and can be checked out and back in again with... yep, you guessed it... my Classroom Organizer on the computer. I also like that I can add information on each book like Location, AR Points, Interest & Lexile Level, Fiction/Non-Fiction, page & word counts, etc.<br />
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Did I mention it is free?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZQwkDHfpZrEMipw1Y3ty7V2VgySKe9z64id73oMB7IPhOjY6z0RLGXhtlKe2gbkoyDY8ed5oZAkTQaeaoTTBeO0jIlB_kLdmwJ3qFTDLYLeBRifDKPXu7fYtm47lVyJZLJZitWUBGTGU/s1600/classroom+organizer+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="135" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZQwkDHfpZrEMipw1Y3ty7V2VgySKe9z64id73oMB7IPhOjY6z0RLGXhtlKe2gbkoyDY8ed5oZAkTQaeaoTTBeO0jIlB_kLdmwJ3qFTDLYLeBRifDKPXu7fYtm47lVyJZLJZitWUBGTGU/s200/classroom+organizer+4.jpg" /></a></div>This is the student page. From here they can click on either Check Out or the Return buttons. <br />
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Did I mention it is free?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k0sMc1d-baNgHmAWt_YSO9ZA2ODoLqHHaeoKHO-ETeJ1aKAAWamhJtqBrbEEL5pbQ9fX4OnTV-Zq0mHH3x33I6NqAADec9mzAhd798MrcK83rtOpK4XzZH089wszMv62tLsrImF-v_yO/s1600/classroom+organizer+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="152" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k0sMc1d-baNgHmAWt_YSO9ZA2ODoLqHHaeoKHO-ETeJ1aKAAWamhJtqBrbEEL5pbQ9fX4OnTV-Zq0mHH3x33I6NqAADec9mzAhd798MrcK83rtOpK4XzZH089wszMv62tLsrImF-v_yO/s200/classroom+organizer+5.jpg" /></a></div>The Check Out button takes them to a page that allows them to look for their name and/or picture. <br />
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Did I mention it is free?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34JnYB2WDUFhzsyWE-SG0DF5hzkTWx1wEpf2t8ABnILsVNGC4poObQuCkNEKlcEG2cBYn15W45Khf3-yd1AZpxrxNWOjDK4upMP8N_HEsfgNabiuKFV3Y8jXagPysU7M72xwxY_WVPrm5/s1600/Cclassroom+organization+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="106" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34JnYB2WDUFhzsyWE-SG0DF5hzkTWx1wEpf2t8ABnILsVNGC4poObQuCkNEKlcEG2cBYn15W45Khf3-yd1AZpxrxNWOjDK4upMP8N_HEsfgNabiuKFV3Y8jXagPysU7M72xwxY_WVPrm5/s200/Cclassroom+organization+7.jpg" /></a></div>After they click on their names, they can opt to view Book List or to type in an ISBN (like they would know that) or keywords. Then they click finish and they have successfully checked out a book. To return it they just do the same process but click on Return instead of Check Out.<br />
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Did I mention it is free?<br />
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My only complaint would be that it does not allow to manually put in an image of the book. It either grabs one in the entry process or it just doesn't have one. I hope in the future it allows you to manually upload one.<br />
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When I go back to school next week I will take some pictures of my library and post them so you can see what it looks like. Hope you enjoyed and remember to stat 'Wild About School!'Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-26474636047500894402012-07-23T20:21:00.000-04:002013-03-04T21:56:05.320-05:00Linky Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnIzioiczZTp_aAdJnKBUYzGYZpCxjTKzWInu63713D1Vek9iZqn9B6Kmf7mLv58flItk5B5MMbYnlFdiqefQZfMx3qSSF79peexdpMI3MowxNJoBBcKabI4xX7sd69TWSW07Wy64pSAr/s1600/tell+me+more.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="196" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnIzioiczZTp_aAdJnKBUYzGYZpCxjTKzWInu63713D1Vek9iZqn9B6Kmf7mLv58flItk5B5MMbYnlFdiqefQZfMx3qSSF79peexdpMI3MowxNJoBBcKabI4xX7sd69TWSW07Wy64pSAr/s200/tell+me+more.png" /></a></div><br />
Ok, my friend and fellow teacher, Ms. Rhoads had this posted on her blog, so I decided to join in the linky party fun :) BTW, if you have time check out her 2 blogs, one dedicated to her <a href="http://mrsrhoadsclassroom.blogspot.com/">teaching experiences</a> and the other dedicated to her lifestyle choice of being a <a href="http://followingtherhoadstoveggies.blogspot.com/">vegan and cooking delicious foods</a>.<br />
<a href="http://wildaboutschool.blogspot.com/p/tell-me-more-linky-party.html">Click here to learn more about me...</a><br />
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Here is another one from Ms. Rhoads...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkOvrsky-pCkGrz5i447IFosJL4kvvGwhE32_txYMXLrIxVlfRrZKhZnVeyn2kn2kS-vRvtx9VPeki-qm8lprlrxxkK1yEEyCAzdFq9Cw7DEtYw7sOEgqyEDFTh5bqnN4vstl8RfF_lVj/s1600/Newbie+Blog+Hop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkOvrsky-pCkGrz5i447IFosJL4kvvGwhE32_txYMXLrIxVlfRrZKhZnVeyn2kn2kS-vRvtx9VPeki-qm8lprlrxxkK1yEEyCAzdFq9Cw7DEtYw7sOEgqyEDFTh5bqnN4vstl8RfF_lVj/s200/Newbie+Blog+Hop.png" /></a></div><br />
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via Janis Leach's Blog<br />
<center><a href="http://gr3istheplace4me.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4pznGNgqlXmqeCDWYux6p80kH_wDYQobIhboFPf2DlsAdpCOJSlPEw0cMBypVIwNVnytqIEn45eoqUg_P8f-sMj_tJaqRve_tFahWeM2peUQW2ZtEx9S7c7aXnq49wVNRkqMXaq5aCs/s1600/button.png" alt="Grade Three is the Place for Me!" width="125" height="125" border="0" /></a></center><br />
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I joined my first blog hop(s) yesterday and it was such a great way to find some amazing bloggers out there! I am SOOO impressed with the way technology is linking teachers together to share ideas and knowledge!! So, I thought I would start a blog hop for people out there like myself who recently took the plunge and started blogging. We may need to help each other out a bit! I hope you link up and tell everyone:<br />
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1. what state you are in<br />
2. your current teaching position<br />
3. your teaching experience<br />
4. when you started blogging<br />
5. share a blogging tip / blogging resource<br />
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1. I am in Sunny SW Florida<br />
2. K-12 Special Ed<br />
3. This is my lucky 13th year!<br />
4. uhh.. this week :)<br />
5. Listen to those who are more experienced and offer you advice... they know, <br />
man, they really know...<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=154838" type="text/javascript" ></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-40054317862974022722012-07-22T22:15:00.000-04:002012-07-24T11:00:36.263-04:00JungleI just can't get my mind off of my jungle room theme. I keep thinking of new things I need for my classroom. I just finished creating Daily 5 Signs in my jungle Series and I love them. All the "wild" little animals are just so cute. I know my students are going to love them as much as I do. <br />
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I have uploaded my Doodles & Dots Black & White Set. And my mind is racing with thoughts of it as well, but as Scarlet used to say, "tomorrow is another day" So those thoughts will have to wait while I finalize things for beginning of this school year... which starts in...hmmm... YIKES... next week! So back to the creation grind for me :) Have a wonderful night and remember to get "Wild About School!"Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-20877695636178146972012-07-21T22:30:00.000-04:002012-07-24T11:00:51.430-04:00New Doodles & Dots SetI just finished the Black and White set in my Doodles & Dots Series but I am really not as happy with it as I thought I would be. I am thinking of revising it with pops of colors. Maybe one set with hot pink, another with neon blue, maybe even a bright lime green. Anyone out there have any thoughts about the appeal of such a set? I will upload the B&W version in the morning, too tired tonight!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-49087429294519507382012-07-20T11:12:00.000-04:002012-07-24T11:01:09.201-04:00Welcome to My Wild About School Jungle Room...I am working on creating a jungle theme for my classroom when I go back to school. I have purchased bamboo to make a jungle hut in my reading area. I am so excited to try it out! I have also created a line of classroom helpers to go along with this theme. I have uploaded them to the TPT site and am offering them for sale to others. So far they have been a success! If you are interested in a jungle theme for your classroom, feel free to check them out!<br />
My husband thinks I am crazy and that I spend WAY to much time creating things for my classroom, but honestly, I enjoy it and I find it difficult to find things commercially that meet my needs/wants. So I just make them instead! Then I have what I want and how I want it. Do you get the impression I am a bit picky? Well yes, I guess I am :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5270635150742573000.post-1823548867767379742012-07-19T23:12:00.000-04:002012-07-26T22:41:08.864-04:00Maiden Voyage!Here is my first attempt at a blog post. I hope I am doing this right! I have decided to not only create items to sell on the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ghostlarke">Teachers Pay Teachers</a> site but also try to learn how to do a blog. Do I have anything worthy of a blog that anyone else will want to see? Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell that! I do know that I will at least have a reminder of the journey and the experiences I have had along the way. So here is to first posts and successful ventures!<br />
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<i><b><a href="http://wildaboutschool.blogspot.com/">Wild About School!</a></b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05469052219802587699noreply@blogger.com0