tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32089766231401930292024-03-19T05:16:26.138-07:00The Lower Elementary CottageA glimpse into my 1st/2nd special education classroom.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-17966621137536232232022-03-19T15:33:00.003-07:002022-03-19T15:33:34.045-07:00Parnello Education - My New Site!Thanks for stopping by! Please note, this website is no longer getting new content. Please check out my new business page, <a href="https://parnelloeducation.com/" target="_blank">Parnello Education</a>, to see the latest and greatest content. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://parnelloeducation.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="175" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2Pc36CPafCBjkw7u7qCXk2MFZKfge7dz0O1ZrDI57rJzhBseriNOXHV9-uACDm58nV8YVqf-Xcd_xSVJ4H2B4hi3Ms99XxKShal78L5fsbruqLivAkiHkKkRsMLeW6pDA5dnicwfLlEMnT2aZGF-OzY-f_fxyU3967Ojd6cpJLQLWGMc0IEPag6Ka" width="175" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This website was originally created when I was focusing mostly on high functioning autism. As I've grown in my career, my focus has switch to primarily students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other learning differences. Check it out and share with those you know who could benefit from information about dyslexia!</div><div><br />Cheers!</div><div><br /><img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" /></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-81026610283472823722015-07-22T21:47:00.002-07:002015-07-22T21:47:51.580-07:00What Happens in10 Years of Teaching?Hello friends! This month marked the beginning of 10 years of teaching. After my 10th "First Day of School" as a teacher I couldn't be happier!<br />
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I've been writing this post in my head for a month now. I disappeared from blog-land temporarily, but it was for fantastic reasons. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my career as a teacher. This month I feel like all my hard work and the many struggles to bring me where I am today have finally brought me to a wonderful place.<br />
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<u>Year 1</u></div>
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What am I doing? Wait, that didn't take 30 minutes and you're all done in 10? Hold on this little thing takes an hour?? </div>
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I was fresh out of college and teaching in a rough part of Phoenix at a fantastic school with amazing staff members and mentors. I loved having my own class, but there were definitely a few kinks to work out. I also went to bed at 8:30 almost every night. I spent many evenings on my living room floor with my roommate as I convinced her to help me color and cut out laminated centers activities. I also learned that while I became a general ed teacher, I really liked working with the ED kids (emotionally disabled) as they were mainstreamed into my class.</div>
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<u>Year 2</u></div>
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So you want to teach 2nd grade again? Too bad we need you in 1st grade and you're the newbie so you don't get a choice. Do you know what happened? I fell in LOVE with first grade! I started to get my bearings as to who I wanted to be as a teacher and lesson planning only sometimes took forever and ever. </div>
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<u>Year 3</u></div>
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I love my school! Can I just take it back to Cali with me?? This was a lovely year for me professionally, but my life outside of school took a sad turn. It's funny how the path you think you're on can suddenly change and you think it's for the worst, but it ends up leading you some place wonderful.</div>
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<u>Year 4</u></div>
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Back to Cali, Cali, Cali! I'm from the Bay Area and the center everything exciting: city life, wine country, beaches, and the tech capital of the world. Sadly, I got here when the economy crashed and there was a shortage of teacher jobs thanks to budget cuts. It was impossible to get a public school job that year. Thanks to Craigslist (weird, I know) I got a job at a private school for high functioning kids on the autism spectrum. These kids always held a special place in my heart and I was so excited to work with them. I taught "lower elementary" which meant 1st/2nd grade with varying diagnoses of high functioning kiddos. </div>
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<u>Year 5</u></div>
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Why didn't I go into special ed to begin with? Well, who says I can't? Time to get my Master's degree! I basically stopped having a life for a year as I taught kids with autism all day and went to grad school at night. After a lot of stress headaches it was totally worth it! I had my second degree and credential. Those kids I taught? Still love them!</div>
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<u>Year 6</u></div>
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What do you mean grad school is over? I'm not good at being lazy, so why don't I go to Stanford and get my CLAD (English language learner) certification? I still had a great group of kids with 1 that worked my every nerve, mostly because I had little to no support with a kid with much higher needs than our school could handle. This was the year I learned you can love every kid, but not every kid belongs in the same class with only 1 teacher in the room. </div>
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<u>Year 7</u></div>
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Did you know it's possible to teach 3 grade levels at once all day, every day...for an entire year? Neither did I! But somehow I survived. I had great kids, but with 2 kindergarteners, 1 genius, 1 first grader, and 1 second grader... teacher life wasn't easy. Thankfully they all had fantastic families who made my life a million times easier. By the end of the year I was fried and decided it was time to move on to new professional experiences.</div>
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<u>Year 8</u></div>
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My dream job is available?! And I'm hired?! Yes! So all those years of teaching kids with autism needs to shift into an expert in dyslexia? Ok, sure no problem. I got this. It was also the first year I ever had a teaching partner and had to share my classroom, which was an interesting experience, but we made it work. I learned what it's like to expand my skills to more than just teaching kids. I was given wonderful new opportunities including teaching a seminar about dyslexia to parents and educators.</div>
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<u>Year 9</u></div>
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Do I want to go back to school for certification #4?? Sure! Why not? My school enrolled me in the Wilson Certification program which is a full year worth of coursework and practicum. Did I mention I had a class full of rambunctious boys who were never described as "quiet" or "mellow" ever? Thank goodness my new teaching partner and I became even closer friends than we already were. What doesn't kill a team makes it stronger! And yes a boss said in the middle of a staff meeting "Thanks for not walking out on us this year." Little did he know this was no where near my worst year teaching. Those were years 6 and 7 for sure!</div>
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I get to go on my first business trip? How fun! Dyslexia conference in San Diego here I come! </div>
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TEACHER NERDS UNITE!</div>
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Midyear... want to become an instructional coach? Sure! Why not?! That sounds fun, but can I keep teaching? I don't really want to be an administrator. I'm a teacher because I like teaching kids! I don't ever intend to stop that. Oh, and by taking on that role I'm in charge of the Tech Team? Sure, why not?! I'm a teacher, blogger, and TPT teacher who uses tech all the time. I could manage that. The last day of school was such a relief as all my hard work paid off and I received my Wilson Certification!! Yay me! Two college degrees and a total of 4 certifications! Wow! When did that all happen?</div>
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<u>Year 10</u></div>
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So begins my 10th year of teaching... and where has it taken me? I'm now a special ed teacher, instructional coach, and the leader of the Tech Team at school. I have also been tutoring students outside of school which has been a new adventure that I didn't plan on, but when fantastic families with adorable kids ask, I just can't say no. </div>
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If you had told me during Year 1 what would be happening in Year 10, I never would have believed you! I never dreamed all my hard work would suddenly come together so smoothly and lead to so many amazing opportunities. I feel like this past month I've come to realize that all of my career ambitions have all come true. I can honestly say I don't know what will come next, nor for the first time ever I don't know what I'm aiming for. The sky is the limit from here. Time to embrace my role as instructional coach and build on my craft. I don't know what the future will hold, and I'm okay with that. </div>
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Cheers!</div>
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<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-51024248201200088482014-11-13T09:37:00.004-08:002014-11-13T09:37:59.659-08:00IDA Conference Day 1<br />
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<a href="http://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/HomePageBanner(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="HTTP://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/HomePageBanner(1).png" border="0" height="90" src="http://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/HomePageBanner(1).png" title="HTTP://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/HomePageBanner(1).png" width="320" /></a>I’m sitting at the <a href="http://www.interdys.org/AnnualConference.htm" target="_blank">2014 IDA (International Dyslexia Association) conference</a> in San Diego and
loving every minute of it! I’m in teacher-nerd heaven here! By the end of Day 1 I’ve already taken almost 8 pages of notes! and I still have 8 more seminars to attend!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The speakers are very intriguing and come from various different viewpoints to share an overlapping focus. I chose the
comprehension-focused symposium for Day 1 of the conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are focusing on the brain, vocabulary, and
in depth research about how comprehension is formed including the critical
factors needed for strong comprehension. We also looked into the way sentence comprehension is far more complex than we tend to realize and the importance of appropriate forms of assessment to determine true comprehension ability.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve learned about how comprehension and reading affect the
brain, which I found completely fascinating. Through my work and research for
teaching students with dyslexia, I’ve learned about how the dyslexic brain
works differently, but I’m now able to add to that knowledge the affects of
reading comprehension skills on the brain. I never even thought to research
comprehension and the brain! The imaging studies were so intriguing that I took
pictures of the screens during the presentation. Last year I taught a Parent
Education seminar about students with reading problems and the brain was one
focus of my presentation. I’m so excited to be able to add to that portion of
my presentation for this year!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The sentence structure has a direct effect on comprehension
of a reading passage. Students are often assessed on their ability to
understand the overall meaning of a text, but less often instructed and
assessed on their ability to comprehend individual complex sentences. She told us the intervention protocols she used to help students who were struggling, but unfortunately this is out of the scope of my current students. It's out of the current age range for our school since it was directed more for high school aged students, but it was interesting nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm planning to write a series of posts with the information I've learned. What topics would you like to read about more in depth?</div>
<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-32092018564468983792014-06-24T21:14:00.002-07:002014-06-24T21:14:51.614-07:00Getting Ready for a New School YearHey everyone! I know it's only June, but it's time to get ready for a new school year! Our school follows a very unique schedule, so we actually start school in July and every child does summer school on top of the regular school year. Since all of our students have learning differences, none of them can afford to take 3 months off. This means I go back to work on Monday, and the kids start right after the 4th of July!<br />
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<u>What's New This Year?</u></div>
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There are so many new and exciting changes for me this year!</div>
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<li><i><u>New Teaching Partner! </u></i>I'm happily teaching with my friend Allison this year. Neither one of us saw this change coming, but we think we'll be an amazing team together! I'm keeping my grade level, so I'll continue to teach 1st/2nd this year.</li>
<li><u style="font-style: italic;">New School (location)</u> Our school is undergoing major renovations, all of which are for the better. We are all very excited to see the new changes! The one major effect of these renovations is that we have to move our entire school for the summer, then we'll have to move it all back in August. This means Allison and I will be in a new classroom when we get back, which is bigger than the previous size it had. Looks like we get to experiment with classroom arrangement!</li>
<li><u style="font-style: italic;">Wilson Certification</u> I am thrilled that I was selected to become Wilson Certified to teach using the Wilson Reading System. I've been told it will be a ton of work on top of my regular teaching schedule, but I know it will be worth it. I get to work one-on-one with a really great kid, and I'm super excited to help this kid grow! </li>
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There is so much to think about! What themes should we teach? What changes should I make to the way we ran the room last year compared to this new school year?</div>
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What changes can you expect for this school year?</div>
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<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-11671789779879589472014-04-02T21:40:00.003-07:002014-04-02T21:44:03.251-07:00Wearing Blue for Autism Awareness Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY AUTISM AWARENESS DAY!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53uJnBBfCSBmw8ukBew9SkSGm5JVDIi73bMST2_ueCmrJVSPX0_XeqO1Tet-ZIjc_JVXuHeFnLr5Ft5OvCicP-uKnK1jJYdk9kG9DETqmRAvK8jW_GI6UMsY1DdlzJcZqArCI3lyYbD0/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53uJnBBfCSBmw8ukBew9SkSGm5JVDIi73bMST2_ueCmrJVSPX0_XeqO1Tet-ZIjc_JVXuHeFnLr5Ft5OvCicP-uKnK1jJYdk9kG9DETqmRAvK8jW_GI6UMsY1DdlzJcZqArCI3lyYbD0/s1600/Slide1.png" height="240" width="320"></a></div>
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At work we are all wearing blue for <a href="http://liub.autismspeaks.org/welcome?utm_source=lightitupblue.org&utm_medium=webpage&utm_content=sitemovedpage&utm_campaign=LIUB2014" target="_blank">Light It Up Blue</a> to support Autism Awareness. Kids with autism are by far my favorite to teach! When I changed schools, one of my biggest worries was that I had to give up my spectrum kiddos who I love so much. I was happily surprised when I discovered I still get to work with kids who have autism. </div>
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Kids with Autism make me think in new ways and look at the world from a new perspective. I get a special level of excitement when I see that I am helping them understand the world a little better. Each year on April 2nd I like to think of a kid or two with autism and how much they have grown, as well as how much they have made me grow as a teacher. </div>
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Each year I have one kid who I feel a special connection with. Each year I pick a "special project" kid who I feel no teacher has really understood, and I really want to help. This year, I knew from the very first day who my "special project" was going to be. Several other teachers had said, "he's cute, but I just don't get him!" or, "I tried, but I just can't connect with that kid!" From the moment I met this boy, I knew I could help him. I was the teacher who understood him.</div>
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When we started the year everything out of this kid's mouth came across as rude. He was incredibly blunt, contradicted everything you said, never wanted help, and just plain had the power to drive you crazy. Working with kids like him for several years helped me see that he didn't <u style="font-style: italic;">know</u> this is what he was doing. He didn't <u style="font-style: italic;">understand</u> what was expected or was perceived as weird or rude. It was our job to teach him these things. </div>
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We taught him to <u style="font-style: italic;">politely question</u> things he didn't understand instead of talking back. He started to ask questions starting with "This is not me being rude, I really want to know…" and then he'd ask his question. Often these would be things like "why do you tell me to worry about myself when I ask about a kid, but then you don't just worry about yourself? You worry about everyone."Or another time, "Why did you help _____ when he got hurt? He's not very nice to you and he never listens to you. Why would you help him? He doesn't deserve for you to be nice to him."I taught him about how you can be nice to others, no matter how they treat you. He is still mystified by this concept, but he gets it a little more. Yesterday a kid bonked his head and I grabbed an ice pack. He told me "I thought your job was to teach us math and stuff. Why do you help kids who get hurt? That has nothing to do with school work." This was funny and made me laugh. The life of a teacher… it's more than just teaching.</div>
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For the last week this little guy has been totally "with it" and nearly brought me to tears of joy repeatedly! Yesterday was April Fools and he remembered my co-teacher is terrified of spiders so he put a giant plastic furry one (that he brought from home) on her desk and made her scream! After she calmed down she was so proud of him that he actually thought about her AND thought of something so clever! This kid pretty much <u style="font-weight: bold;">only</u> talks to me. He'll participate in her lessons, but will never randomly talk to her. He's definitely "my" kid. </div>
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Now for the moment that touched me the most… </div>
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Last Friday we had a board game afternoon. The kids were being really good, plus some of them suck at winning/losing games, so it was a social-emotional lesson for some of them. I was playing Sorry with multiple of my autism spectrum kiddos. This was just by coincidence since they got to pick the groups. I was able to see how they have learned to take turns, help each other, and win/lose gracefully. All of these things were a struggle when we started the year. They were doing so well, that I decided to leave the room to grab a snack from the corner store while my co-teacher watched the class. </div>
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I told the kids what I was doing and got up. Suddenly my "special project" kid said "No! Don't go!" I was very confused since the kids were doing so well. I asked him, "Why don't you want me to go? Do you want more help with the game, or do you just want me to stay with you guys?" and this was his response, "I want to keep hanging out with you! Don't go!" I assured him the corner store was in the school parking lot and I'd be back in 5 minutes, before he'd be leaving to work with a specialist. He agreed and I made sure to get back speedy quick. </div>
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I know…this seems silly to be excited over. I should explain… This munchkin generally doesn't connect with adults, and if anything tries to shoo them away. Once I did a journal prompt that said "My favorite thing about Ms. Parnello is…" and this kid told me "I don't know what to write. I don't hate you or anything, but I just don't know what to say. There isn't anything I really like. You're just you." So for this kid to beg me to stay, that was AMAZING! Plus he started holding my arm when he talks to me this week. For anyone who knows anything about autism, physical touch is a big deal! </div>
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Here's to many more years of "special project" kids and helping them to see the world in new ways while they help me to do the same.</div>
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<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png"><div>Wearing my blue today!!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVrPYjotbr2sl4jYnw_S4XlUOsy6KdVQpNWpdkMNY0g9cBhyphenhyphens2GicWbL_wxGF2KXhmVUf5zuetAOkSbHyNp-jrxaHwG3CuVVBHdTH7UaSQxlCNJOLgn2t-q73dSsg0enxGdg_qCjgGM8/s640/blogger-image-1303850400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVrPYjotbr2sl4jYnw_S4XlUOsy6KdVQpNWpdkMNY0g9cBhyphenhyphens2GicWbL_wxGF2KXhmVUf5zuetAOkSbHyNp-jrxaHwG3CuVVBHdTH7UaSQxlCNJOLgn2t-q73dSsg0enxGdg_qCjgGM8/s640/blogger-image-1303850400.jpg"></a></div></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-46718054276522046352014-03-31T22:06:00.001-07:002014-03-31T22:06:35.103-07:00Autism Awareness Month!Happy April Everyone!!<br />
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April is Autism Awareness month, which as you must know, is something very dear to my heart. Kids with autism are my favorite group to teach! They make my brain work in new ways, and constantly keep me on my toes. They also have a way of putting me in my place with their brutal honesty! Hahaha! Now it's time to spread my love of autism this month!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Autism-Awareness-Clip-Art-Set-1184343" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Autism Awareness Clip Art Set" src="http://datax.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Autism-Awareness-Clip-Art-Set-1184343-1396328018/original-1184343-1.jpg" /></a></div>
In honor of Autism Awareness, I've created a brand new set of clip art! This set includes images with and without words.<br />
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Also, Chris at <a href="http://www.autismclassroomnews.com/" target="_blank">Autism Classroom News</a> has TONS in store for you this month. She has already set up links for free autism related items!<br />
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Plus, I'm joining her in a special sale April 2nd and 3rd. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lisa-Parnello" target="_blank">All of my special education products will be 15% OFF!!</a> Chris made the most adorable sale banner using my clip art!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEYt-vkzS4h8SfxtPZqgrmNEEbpah1ZC7qhEws7oCMY20QxeAAbnmEdTV7jPpjP9E_CGnq2rkcnAOCZu9_exRkg2mxO89arK6JqiOC63ApC9FNNVmy8kCTYdiYvsUUoO10iRLupsZKAQ/s1600/Sale+Banner+NAAM+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEYt-vkzS4h8SfxtPZqgrmNEEbpah1ZC7qhEws7oCMY20QxeAAbnmEdTV7jPpjP9E_CGnq2rkcnAOCZu9_exRkg2mxO89arK6JqiOC63ApC9FNNVmy8kCTYdiYvsUUoO10iRLupsZKAQ/s1600/Sale+Banner+NAAM+2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Don't miss my latest post on A Special Sparkle about dyslexia!!</u></div>
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<a href="http://www.aspecialsparkle.com/2014/03/teaching-kids-with-dyslexia.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Fg0ZRYKcgQjjtsg4JHLSY3w7_lb1-bARKcgE6Rb4sVrWU5Khl9FidGX9FmGnEasjcm1PnKGRZSTCQgqGhJrdUic7JCf-PJQPWEScgWpoAAL8fDutgG-avzg4DO3MTl1_DcXTMVOUEM0/s1600/Teaching+Students+with+Dyslexia+Banner.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-89998169711721059832014-03-27T18:57:00.000-07:002014-03-27T18:57:11.316-07:00TPT Sale + Curriculum Piloting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time for a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lisa-Parnello" target="_blank">Spring Cleaning TPT Sale</a>! Everything in my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lisa-Parnello" target="_blank">TPT store </a>is on sale for 20% off!! My store is on sale Friday-Monday! To see the full list of sale participants, please visit <a href="http://www.georgiagrownkiddos.com/.../spring-cleaning.html" target="_blank">Georgia Grown Kiddos</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Lisa-Parnello" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10168157_282885381877043_1844934724_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This would be a great time to pick up my new Insect Research Report for Primary grades!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Insect-Research-Project-Mini-Book-for-Primary-Students-1180537" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j9MGfwBlOKEIfJ0u9d6U_VnmSNuvCajfOwg7z7lR8u3HCWvouN7_6gq8Kk3A9RHI6rnyVyMknlkPZa8O2wwrA6VSBWouG2u6aMaTa5nu8k_p9uf8IS_f4oNyA9aDKZyGa6XLKwEm2xQ/s1600/Insect+Research+Report_Page_01.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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My class LOVED doing this project and they turned out completely adorable when we did this earlier this school year! Your kids will love it too. It's my favorite way to introduce students to the world of research projects. I simply lay out a pile of books and teach the kids how to find the information, rephrase the information, and cite sources in the bibliography. The students feel like such "big kids" by doing a research project! This was part of a much larger unit. Be on the lookout for the full unit in my store soon!</div>
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<b>Curriculum Piloting</b></div>
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This spring I am piloting not ONE but TWO different curriculum programs with my small groups. Each for a very different reason.<br />
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<b><u>Reading</u></b><br />
I love my reading group! They are sweet as can be, but they are also students with disabilities and need more practice than the average group of kids. I hit a frustration point about a week ago when I saw my kids making progress but not enough to move forward. We have practiced the material so many times that the kids started to memorize words and it made it impossible for me to tell when they were really LEARNING something.<br />
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I went to my assistant principal and voiced my concerns and out popped a new curriculum! Apparently it was already in the works to train some teachers on it, and we have some of the materials already. I was using Wilson <a href="http://www.fundations.com/" target="_blank">FUNdations</a> and it works for <u>so many</u> of our students, but not the ones with more severe reading challenges. Now I'm testing out the materials and using the <a href="http://wilsonlanguage.com/FS_PROGRAM_WRS.htm" target="_blank">Wilson Reading System</a>. I am loving playing around with the program! Since I don't have the full system or the official training I get to make it my own for awhile! The kids think it's great because they get to do all this new stuff and they feel special that they are the only group that gets to do the fun new reading activities. Thankfully the two programs are by the same publisher and follow identical patterns and structures. It has been ridiculously easy to plop the kids into the new program!<br />
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<b><u>Math</u></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.sranumberworlds.com/images/mkt/NumberWorlds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SRA Number Worlds" border="0" height="76" src="http://www.sranumberworlds.com/images/mkt/NumberWorlds.png" width="200" /></a>This is the new math program I'm testing out. The other teachers trying it out already love it but the publishers didn't originally send materials for my grade to try. I just got the samples today, so I'm excited to try it out starting next week! Have any of you used <a href="http://www.sranumberworlds.com/" target="_blank">Number Worlds</a>? What do you think about it?<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-83952106666472998322014-03-25T19:09:00.000-07:002014-03-25T19:09:58.775-07:00Presenting at Parent Education SeminarsThis year I changed jobs and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. One of the perks has been my ability to expand my career horizons. As a teacher, it's very easy to see your life as A) being a classroom teacher forever or B) becoming an administrator of some sort. This job has helped me see that I have more options than that.<br />
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One such option I've been able to experience has been parent education seminars. I know this may not sound thrilling, but when my whole world involves talking to 7 year old students in special education, my world can feel quite small sometimes. Yes, I have a life after work, but 8+ hours a day feels like my whole world some days. These seminars allowed me to use a whole other portion of my brain. After so many years of education experience, I take for granted how much I know and understand about children, reading acquisition, special education, and the reasons for why kids learn certain ways.<br />
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My first seminar I was a small piece of a larger simulation. I loved every minute of it and would gladly do it every year. It had such an impact on the parents that I was simply in awe of how effective the seminar was for simulating the world of a child with dyslexia. Realistically it simulated almost all learning disabilities and the classroom challenges associated with it. <a href="http://www.aspecialsparkle.com/2014/03/experiencing-dyslexia-simulation.html" target="_blank">You can read my full review and reaction to the experience HERE at A Special Sparkle.</a><br />
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My second seminar was "Does my child have a reading problem?" which was to help parents identify signs that their child may have more than a typical struggle with reading. This was my first seminar where I was the main presenter along with a coworker who did it with me. I was beyond nervous, but it went quite well! We had little quizzes to get parents thinking and even a paragraph written by a child with dyslexia that they had to "edit" and figure out what it said. The story got the parents thinking and gave a great example for me to present the ways children with dyslexia make errors in their writing and the reasons behind it. There were moments where they asked questions and I instantly had the answers, which made me feel good about all the things I have come to learn over the course of my career as a teacher.<br />
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There was one moment that caught me completely off guard and caused the room to go silent for a moment. One set of parents was Hispanic and raised their hand to ask a question. They struggled to find the words and ended up asking in Spanish out of desperation as they tried to think of the right words in English. Starting my career in Arizona, there were countless conferences I conducted in broken Spanish. When the parents asked the question, I repeated it in English and then spouted out the answer in Spanish without even thinking! They wanted to know if kids with Dyslexia had a harder time learning to read if they spoke 2 languages. After I answered that they may take longer, but of course they could learn, I had to giggle and explain to the rest of the group what just happened when I burst into another language without warning!<br />
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I have a whole set of slides to share about reading disabilities, but I need to tweak them before I can share them with you. Right now they have boring backgrounds and lack visuals on some of the slides. The marketing team wanted the focus to be on the 2 of us talking rather than the slides. I need to make it more visually appealing before I show all of you! More to come!!<br />
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Have you ever presented or attended parent education seminars? What was the topic?<br />
<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-24885985751913963362014-03-01T19:31:00.001-08:002014-03-01T19:31:21.531-08:00Upcoming Special Ed SeminarsI have a couple seminars coming up that I'm really looking forward to. The first is about experiencing dyslexia by the <a href="http://www.interdys.org/" target="_blank">International Dyslexia Association</a>. They have created a series of simulations for teachers and parents to experience what it is like for a person with dyslexia to complete reading/writing tasks, especially in a school setting. My station is for parents to do a series of tasks with their non-dominant hand. In my case that would require me to do things left handed. Funny fact: I injured my right hand when I was younger and actually CAN do many thing left handed, but I'm certainly not good at it! I'm really excited to do this seminar and especially excited to see the reactions of parents!<br />
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The second one is titled "Does my child have a reading problem?" and I'm one of 2 lead speakers!! It's exciting and a little nerve wracking. I'm working on the PowerPoint for it this weekend. I know tons about teaching reading to kids. Some days I am caught off guard when I just stop to think about reading and how to identify a child with a problem. This has a tendency to happen when I have a student shadow in my class as a potential child for our school and I can usually tell within an hour what challenges they have without ever reading their paperwork since it often doesn't arrive right away. It's still strange to think I'm an expert presenter :)<br />
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Now I have to ask for YOUR help! If you were concerned your child had a reading problem, what type of questions would you ask?? I'm presenting and really want to know what information I should have ready in the presentation, and what info I should be ready to answer verbally during the Q&A session at the end.<br />
<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-53858045891957908752014-02-06T09:15:00.000-08:002014-02-06T09:15:46.521-08:00Chewigem GIVEAWAY!!Hello everyone!! I received an awesome oral sensory necklace from <a href="http://www.chewigemusa.com/" target="_blank">Chewigem</a>. My student absolutely loves it. It is a sturdy rubber necklace that withstands the endless chewing by one of my students who wears it all day. I especially love the pouch it comes with to keep it clean.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa-1qCnEgz5Oz3JVEq3Bl_AlyJttlWTutQMeBsIPwS9QGXv-UDZJKSC60oeZHaCZFsvM1IcyI8825cPGiZJnGu_srTyeD-YszE3ikED5jRKooOyOezjOtV9q3MC5dkoXKBCXSHa4Y4GY/s1600/Chewigem+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa-1qCnEgz5Oz3JVEq3Bl_AlyJttlWTutQMeBsIPwS9QGXv-UDZJKSC60oeZHaCZFsvM1IcyI8825cPGiZJnGu_srTyeD-YszE3ikED5jRKooOyOezjOtV9q3MC5dkoXKBCXSHa4Y4GY/s1600/Chewigem+2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJuH3Etwh94PWvH2gzRbrLk4v4NJCq4zQY7hyCcDXZEbHV77yeFz1dXlOuBeujfKE45utMBOkWSjAilG8N_10Xn6FCzVLirV_46ZbUam3DgP2Apf4CJN1VEix4yxsVbbp_BUdpAfyJik/s1600/Chewigem+in+Use2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJuH3Etwh94PWvH2gzRbrLk4v4NJCq4zQY7hyCcDXZEbHV77yeFz1dXlOuBeujfKE45utMBOkWSjAilG8N_10Xn6FCzVLirV_46ZbUam3DgP2Apf4CJN1VEix4yxsVbbp_BUdpAfyJik/s1600/Chewigem+in+Use2.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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Please read the full review on <a href="http://www.aspecialsparkle.com/2014/02/chewigem-review-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">A Special Sparkle</a>, but you can enter to win right here! One lucky winner will receive the bendable soft rubber dog tag style necklace in camouflage green! It would be great for any kids who loves to nibble or suck on something.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF8vFUdCe5AsUXCpBCASqonLFO0pX-gjw1ic09IVRyIudsJIv4GVJfGnQijIYL8-x9h9xyAnSaD_HOCiDTxRpFuHxDOkY30U-MrfuSQdhgGPuDzwiNVPRhqNf0yPPzZPpfLrAHIRy5HI/s1600/Win+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF8vFUdCe5AsUXCpBCASqonLFO0pX-gjw1ic09IVRyIudsJIv4GVJfGnQijIYL8-x9h9xyAnSaD_HOCiDTxRpFuHxDOkY30U-MrfuSQdhgGPuDzwiNVPRhqNf0yPPzZPpfLrAHIRy5HI/s1600/Win+Me.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e08d4b12/" id="rc-e08d4b12" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-71235873670719071372014-01-30T21:13:00.001-08:002014-01-30T21:13:48.686-08:00Creating Art in the ClassroomThis year I've come to realize that when I've done art in the classroom, it would more accurately been called "crafts!" I never realized there was more to 1st/2nd grade art than crayons, construction paper, and tempera paint. My school is currently between art teachers and I've volunteered to teach art to my own class during this time. Additionally, I've had some time to observe art teachers, and explore a bit of youth art projects on my own. Here is a peek at two of my favorite projects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiAp6w8OmNNikZ-xyejWuZxAGslwWD-8m3a1bXdGUxk4QLdxv_Y4kV0BV4HzVjifOwkPWa3QC7UQqjw2ekg7iGtWp6HQtH_PC90OVLDiI2nFfii7l_fUqHzj4iKR9IhdsKG7k7wIiSGw/s1600/Creating+Art+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiAp6w8OmNNikZ-xyejWuZxAGslwWD-8m3a1bXdGUxk4QLdxv_Y4kV0BV4HzVjifOwkPWa3QC7UQqjw2ekg7iGtWp6HQtH_PC90OVLDiI2nFfii7l_fUqHzj4iKR9IhdsKG7k7wIiSGw/s1600/Creating+Art+Image.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Project #1: Kandinsky</u></b><br />
This one is by far my favorite! The kids loved every moment of this lesson today! Earlier this week I had the opportunity to watch a wonderful art teacher teach a lesson on Kandinsky's Farbstudie Quadrate. She played lovely music and had the kids paint circles. She had extra materials so I was able to participate and make my own painting. Check out my painting on the left! I love it so much I plan on framing it!<br />
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This inspired me to use the same techniques to create a Valentine version with my own class today! You can see my demonstration picture for the kids on the right. I played my Mozart Pandora station and painted with my class today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhTp9cNiHgsBLBI8Jkw3NCAn5uNkurx0qifpZa2I77xRn1KLUgfC9BA25g2-kinvE3prmDgxZbePnzT7GGjeU9e6sj-Q9cP0YUcoL5hd7qmagsyEmFuWwPqr-EiXFdOq79GhLTp24Bd0/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhTp9cNiHgsBLBI8Jkw3NCAn5uNkurx0qifpZa2I77xRn1KLUgfC9BA25g2-kinvE3prmDgxZbePnzT7GGjeU9e6sj-Q9cP0YUcoL5hd7qmagsyEmFuWwPqr-EiXFdOq79GhLTp24Bd0/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD17ck1HXysNvB5Mlw_Mm2QeImTcsFBRw0g0tiu-K3LCHV_Qr3JxIhni_VQnt9pBxYhFGW9nbJf1qD5-90svrqJ70DriBmebMWVLKX6wqNWmhglTW6P_Zglq72fECLHb_gGQmlD4ixBE4/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD17ck1HXysNvB5Mlw_Mm2QeImTcsFBRw0g0tiu-K3LCHV_Qr3JxIhni_VQnt9pBxYhFGW9nbJf1qD5-90svrqJ70DriBmebMWVLKX6wqNWmhglTW6P_Zglq72fECLHb_gGQmlD4ixBE4/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>white construction paper</li>
<li>oil pastels</li>
<li>water colors</li>
<li>painters tape</li>
</ul>
<b>How to:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Tape the edges of white construction paper with painters tape. This creates the nice white border when you're done.</li>
<li>Using oil pastels, start with a small heart in the middle of the page. I prompted the kids to draw a question mark shape, then draw a backward one on the other side. This seemed to help kids who didn't know how to make hearts. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b-XC2ZfzEy4WfUuAftEo09VUqd4_49s8EN_jCSOG9iV_TleF1uGndqyQ_pV_yaCk2_CUr0_7xdQVv34CbXXdfCVUt0scDqRlQ_7ZBkhtCpO_TPO1sWkdawnyVyV5QPnjnDyL6-sSt0E/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b-XC2ZfzEy4WfUuAftEo09VUqd4_49s8EN_jCSOG9iV_TleF1uGndqyQ_pV_yaCk2_CUr0_7xdQVv34CbXXdfCVUt0scDqRlQ_7ZBkhtCpO_TPO1sWkdawnyVyV5QPnjnDyL6-sSt0E/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Then create larger hearts around it, keeping space between some of the heart outlines (this leaves space to paint with water colors later).</li>
<li>Leave space around the outside to create a nice background. </li>
<li>Paint with water colors in the white spaces and over the top of the oil painted sections. The layers of color make a wonderful effect!</li>
<li>Leave the painters tape on until the papers are completely dry or it will rip the page. </li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r1tzKNyJHcyBfHm-vegL2FOSJh4P-ptWQFKc8Bc6mvx-5D08_ocQWAeM2vTTVX33_v7xDAInA0vzOZYBgURpHXWqXJ9KbldUZ_mOTBrEKe0ziBauYEGo1soVYxNBmoAcSJP9SGa0-x0/s1600/Oil+Pastel+Hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r1tzKNyJHcyBfHm-vegL2FOSJh4P-ptWQFKc8Bc6mvx-5D08_ocQWAeM2vTTVX33_v7xDAInA0vzOZYBgURpHXWqXJ9KbldUZ_mOTBrEKe0ziBauYEGo1soVYxNBmoAcSJP9SGa0-x0/s1600/Oil+Pastel+Hearts.jpg" height="227" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Project #2: Picasso</u></b><br />
Please forgive my lack of artistic ability on this one. I drew it in approximately 2 minutes to demonstrate for my class!! The kids thought this was the coolest, most fun project ever! I have a whole class of wild and silly boys, so this was right up their alley!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UHLm1jksXEwaySZLn6WLlzdGJ_PcPfaPzTAbmqyjGoogj-VP-vgBYn8PdSB_nHF4WRAP1KZRoisP59O7_db3Vu5jgxSjyHGdT_Rc0ft-EoiVD9Tps8F6s0C4NLrOJR202DN3wodX54U/s1600/Picasso+Art+Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UHLm1jksXEwaySZLn6WLlzdGJ_PcPfaPzTAbmqyjGoogj-VP-vgBYn8PdSB_nHF4WRAP1KZRoisP59O7_db3Vu5jgxSjyHGdT_Rc0ft-EoiVD9Tps8F6s0C4NLrOJR202DN3wodX54U/s1600/Picasso+Art+Project.jpg" height="273" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Materials:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>iPad or computer with photobooth application</li>
<li>White construction paper</li>
<li>Oil pastels or crayons</li>
</ul>
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<b>How To:</b><br />
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<ol>
<li>Open Photobooth on iPad and take a self-portrait using one of the three photo styles on the right side of the screen such as swirl. This helps kids see what they would look like with their facial features in the wrong places.</li>
<li>Use a pencil to draw the outline of the head and facial features.</li>
<li>Use oil pastels to color and add in details.</li>
<li>Color a bright, colorful background behind the head!</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbPLDxLgtmLUAeG3l8rtMSr6AXV7iqLfxl_eaTGWCfrnOvstByTfzrvaXgXZJp-wIeYpbynL6r8O_s-64nG30mbGlubuaM9ZUwBr3JmQWwLwA1kVizOywYrHVPXpZb509AQFfJnPrTaM/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbPLDxLgtmLUAeG3l8rtMSr6AXV7iqLfxl_eaTGWCfrnOvstByTfzrvaXgXZJp-wIeYpbynL6r8O_s-64nG30mbGlubuaM9ZUwBr3JmQWwLwA1kVizOywYrHVPXpZb509AQFfJnPrTaM/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Enjoy your class of beautiful art work!!<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-82178798562381727602014-01-06T21:00:00.001-08:002014-01-06T21:00:15.196-08:00Happy New Year!Happy New Years Everyone!!! Sorry for the little hiatus in my posts, but December was a whirlwind! I've been spoiled by working with my co-teacher, but unexpectedly she was out for 2 weeks in December. Me + 11 boys in Special Ed = Organized(ish) Chaos! I decided to take the holiday break to refresh my batteries and now I'm ready to go for 2014!!<br />
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We had a teacher day on Friday, and worked with our teacher teams. I'm on the Math Team. My project is to get to know Woodin Math and see how we can use it to help the struggling math kiddos at our school. If you know anything about it, I'd love to hear it!<br />
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Today was the 1st day back from break with kids and it was good to see them all again! They were all super excited to be back and definitely a chatty bunch! After the crazy month of December we jumped right in where we left off and picked up our usual routine.<br />
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Today we were working on creating compound and complex sentences. I can't believe how much their writing has progressed! Some of them could barely write a simple sentence and now are filling up full pages. We are a transition school and I feel like this is the biggest area I can help them move to the general ed classroom again when the time comes.<br />
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Our theme for this month is Famous Americans. Every year I've made the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557996989/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1557996989&linkCode=as2&tag=theloweelemco-20" target="_blank">Evan Moor Theme Pockets</a> for Famous Americans. I LOVE the project but it takes time to make that many books. I haven't decided if we're making the book or not, but we're definitely making the activities. I've also found this great Person of the Month book by Scholastic. I'm going to tweak the format and do each person for a day or two instead. I know this is a very condensed version, but my kids seem to have very little knowledge beyond presidents and I want to expose them to as much as I can. We're also going to do an "inventors" unit later this year so I may save a few people for that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545280761/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545280761&linkCode=as2&tag=theloweelemco-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0545280761&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theloweelemco-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theloweelemco-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0545280761" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-81174626071182003972013-12-04T21:23:00.000-08:002013-12-04T21:23:32.662-08:00Fun News + Easy Snowman Craft!Happy Holidays!! I've started to get into the holiday spirit. Perhaps it's the flash mob dance my school staff practiced today to surprise the kids at our holiday assembly later this month. My dancing abilities are <i>severely</i> limited, but it was fun none the less!<br />
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<u><i>Time for some exciting news!!</i></u></div>
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I found out my former student, as you have come to know as "Genius Boy," is now working with MICHELLE GARCIA WINNER!!! She is my special ed idol and my kiddo gets to work with her! He is so lucky!! If anyone can help him, it's her!</div>
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For those of you who haven't been long time followers, I'll catch you up... Genius Boy is <i>by far</i> the most brilliant child I've ever met, let alone taught!! The struggle was his autism spectrum disorder caused a HUGE discrepancy between his social and academic skills. Super high in one, and super low in another. His brain mesmerized me every single day. It was fun to see what kind of things I could do with him. He also gave me the opportunity to test every single behavioral strategy I'd ever heard of...and then some! I couldn't be more happy for him! I love the family so much that I still see them despite changing schools. Yay!</div>
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<u>CRAFT TIME!!</u></div>
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Our art teacher is no longer on staff (long story!) and there isn't a replacement just yet. I volunteered to be the art teacher for our classroom in the mean time. This has actually been a really fun little gig. All those art projects I tend to decide aren't "educational" enough can now be done freely! </div>
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My school is anti-holidays. It's torture for me! In the past I was allowed to teach all the holidays for one week each. We did both Hannukah and Christmas crafts so all was fair. This school the word "Christmas" is like a curse word. I get it, we have several Jewish kids, but boy does it ruin my holiday crafts I've done for years!! Time for gingerbread and snowmen! I had to get a little creative to come up with a craft that was non-denominational and also easy to do, with easily ready supplies. Also we are supposed to decorate our doors. I created a "snowman snow globe" craft that we can tape to our door.<br />
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<u>SNOWMAN SNOW GLOBE HOW-TO</u></div>
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Supplies (all found at Target)<br />
<ul>
<li>Cotton balls</li>
<li>Fine white glitter</li>
<li>Colored paper plates (helps the "snow" show better)</li>
<li>Decorations (Target Dollar Spot)</li>
<li>Plastic Wrap</li>
<li>Liquid Glue (Elmers)</li>
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<li>Spread glue on the bottom section of the paper plate.</li>
<li>Pull apart 2 cotton balls to make them more thin and "snowy," then place them on the glue</li>
<li>Glue/stick on the candy cane and snowman decorations. If you cannot find these, kids can draw or paint them on. Another option would be to make them of paper separately and then put them on.</li>
<li>Put small glue dots around the top to make it it look like flakes of snow.</li>
<li>Sprinkle fine white glitter over the whole plate. It sticks heavily on the glue dots, but it all sticks lightly on the cotton and plate which makes it extra pretty!</li>
<li>Let dry, then cover the whole plate with plastic wrap to make the "snow globe" effect. The bigger the piece, the easier it is to get the plastic to stay on. Taping it down works well too.</li>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-58137731932075977992013-11-23T16:30:00.004-08:002013-11-23T16:30:50.266-08:00Connecting with Kids with Autism Through WritingHey Everyone! Did you miss me?! It's been a record 3 weeks since I've posted something new for you! Super sorry, but I was just plain busy! So much has happened in the last few weeks but I'll do my best to fill you in on the good stuff in the next few days.<br />
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I don't know if I've mentioned this, but my teaching partner and I have split up our caseload of kids in our class based on who connects the best with them. I have multiple kids on the autism spectrum (or the related less severe disabilities) who are "mine." I'll be honest...I love them! It was the saddest part of changing schools when I was under the impression I wouldn't have any more autism kiddos. It turns out we have a few but they are more high functioning than the kids I worked with at my old school. One of my biggest successes in the last month has been my ability to make a connection with these kids!<br />
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Communication! This may seem obvious, but what can be hard to understand is that kids with autism don't communicate like we do. Yes, this seems obvious for kids with severe autism, but what about those kids who are on the high functioning end of the spectrum? What about those kids who can speak in full and clear sentences? What about those kids who LOOK like they know what's going on, but really DON'T get those social cues and verbal expressions of emotions?<br />
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I found a way to connect with some of these kids. It all started on accident! On Back to School Night I told all the kids to clean out their desks and that anything in their journals their parents might read, so make sure to write something for mom and dad to read that night. One of my kiddos wrote something that was both informative and surprising. He told his dad he didn't like getting big hugs. This was HUGE! Dad and I had a chat about it, and he said it's something he never knew. After writing about it, my student was able to tell us that he likes gentle hugs, but not the big strong ones dad gives sometimes. This type of communication was a BIG WIN that has lead to so many things!<br />
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Now my little guy likes to this all the time when he's feeling emotional
and wants to tell us. He writes little notes to both his parents and
myself. I've noticed a huge drop in his number of outbursts! Now he just
writes on a piece of paper and drops it on my desk. Then I'll talk to
him about what he's written, and he'll give me a written response back.
He'll also write to me later in the day to let me know when he's feeling
happy again. It's adorable! <br />
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I talked to him between these two notes above. He was mad at me for underlining a word on his paper. In his mind this was the equivalent of me scribbling all over his paper. I explained to him why I had written on his paper so he could see the word he wanted was right on his paper so he could copy it. He told me he was happy I was trying to help, but not so happy that I wrote on his paper. I apologized to him for upsetting him and explained that I was just trying to help and that's when he put a "that's ok" note on my desk. <br />
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A cute little happy message to the right was written on my whiteboard "The best day is today" is what he meant to spell.<br />
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How do you emotionally connect with your students/kids? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMGNOZzPmPqrOmshQgJsGc8UkJpMFQQsD4ZQFzWH7FmnSaA1YKd_eT0jc7DoeSp2erA518hJyA_b54W7uWSUoZS_9gTwf-3H9cqwfDgtNuGoptTYDsz2f4dMhJKVo2_a4jbJrnC3gWs0/s1600/cookingup.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMGNOZzPmPqrOmshQgJsGc8UkJpMFQQsD4ZQFzWH7FmnSaA1YKd_eT0jc7DoeSp2erA518hJyA_b54W7uWSUoZS_9gTwf-3H9cqwfDgtNuGoptTYDsz2f4dMhJKVo2_a4jbJrnC3gWs0/s320/cookingup.png" /></a>So as any of my loyal readers know, I'm OBSESSED with<a href="http://www.juliacookonline.com/" target="_blank"> Julia Cook</a> books! <a href="http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2013/11/juliacook.html" target="_blank">Laura Candler</a> is hosting a lovely little blog hop so you can learn all about the various Julia Cook books that I've been obsessing over and find new ways to use them in your classroom.<br />
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I discovered Julia Cook and her books last year thanks to a mom of my most difficult student at the time. I was telling her about his latest struggle with putting hands on other people (not necessarily in a mean way, just <i>always</i> touching which drove my kids with autism bonkers!). The mom heard about a book and handed it to me to see the best way to use it. That book was <u>Personal Space Camp </u>and I've been <i>hooked</i> on Julia Cook books ever since then!<br />
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I knew I loved her books and that they teach a wonderful amount of social skills, so this is how I chose to start my school year. We have a social skills curriculum called PATHS, but it takes awhile for it to cover all of the skills my kids need. At the beginning of the year, I want my kids knowing behavioral and social expectations PRONTO! What better way than to use Julia Cook books?! Then we started our Step Up to Writing curriculum and the whole beginning of the year focused on responding to text.<br />
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<a href="http://www.juliacookonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sorry_i_forgot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="irc_mut" src="http://www.juliacookonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/sorry_i_forgot.jpg" height="300" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 47px;" width="300" /></a>What does this mean??? INSTANT SOCIAL SKILLS IMMERSION! I found a way to use the ideas and curriculum I already need teach, plus cram in all of the important stuff I wanted my kids to know right away! The kids were seeing, hearing, writing, and discussing social skills! My kids would hear a different Julia Cook book every day or two, then practice written response.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Take a glimpse into how my class ran during our social skills cram sessions with Julia Cook books by seeing how we used her adorable book <u>Sorry, I Forgot to Ask!</u></span><br />
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First I would pull out the book and the kids would all cheer, "YAY!! It's another RJ book!!" because they know the books so well. The boy on the cover is named RJ and many of Julia's books feature him as the main character. I have a class of 11 boys this year (and zero girls!) so he is a <i>very</i> easy character for my class t connect with. In every book he does some sort of social mistake, then learns how to do better next time so he doesn't get in trouble any more. <br />
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In this story, RJ gets into trouble when he does a whole series of things without asking permission first. It has a bunch of real life situations that kids might do such as playing games on the internet and choosing to walk home with a friend instead of take the bus like he should. Most of my class agreed that skipping rocks in the frog pond was the best part! Others preferred the part where he ate the chocolate cake!<br />
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In the end, RJ learns how to ask permission, accept "no" as an answer, and apologize when he makes mistakes. All of these are ESSENTIAL features of my classroom and things my kids were struggling with when we started the year. Now, I pull out this book any time my kids need a refresher on these concepts. The bonus is that they love to books so much that they cheer instead of grumble when I read a story a 2nd or 3rd time!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Responding to the Story</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">I read the story, now what?</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">First I read the story using the "stop and think" strategy with the kids along the way to increase comprehension. Then we talking about the book and how RJ could have done things differently in the beginning of the book so he wouldn't get in trouble.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">The kids shared with their partner a time when they made a mistake by not asking permission and got in trouble (these are super funny to listen to while they chat!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Next, I had the kids write about the story and draw what happened in the beginning and the end of the story. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Another option I've done with other Julia Cook books is to draw the sequence of events. Take a peek at the adorable pictures below when the kids responded to <u>Thanks for the Feedback, I Think </u>(another fabulous Cook book). </span></span></li>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-5337978754359182142013-10-22T22:10:00.002-07:002013-10-22T22:13:19.597-07:00Special Sparkle Giveaway!Hey Guys! You can find me over at A Special Sparkle where I have a GIVEAWAY waiting for you!!<br>
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Today was picture day! My kids did really great, but picture day in special ed is a whole other experience! I taught general for 3 years and it was always the same routine. The kids go up to the stool, smile, photographer peeks at the screen, says "great!" and then you move on to the next kid. This does NOT happen in special ed!!<br>
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I love my kids! They are ADORABLE and do not look "special" by any means if you just glanced at them. The problem happens when you pull a camera out! They suddenly turn into aliens! Force kids who don't like eye contact to stare at a stranger with a camera and smile a <i>real smile</i>...easier said than done! You should have seen the goofy things my co-teacher and I were doing to make the kids laugh!<br>
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<u>And this happened:</u><br>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><b>Teacher:</b> You didn't dress up for picture day?<br> <b>Kid:</b> No, I just want to look natural for my picture!<br> (a few minutes later at picture time)<br> <b>Me:</b> Smile for the camera!<br> <b>Kid:</b> Why do I have to smile for a picture? I just want to look natural. My parents know what I look like when I smile. <br> <b>Me:</b> How about you smile and I give you instant prize box?<br> <b>Kid:</b> *Big cheesy grin* (that was eventually caught on camera 3 tries later)</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">And here's me on picture day! Cherish it, I actually have makeup on at work. It happens about twice a year! Obviously not the official photo as it was taken by our class aide as I was sitting on the kids' bean bag chair in the "calm corner." That thing is <u>shockingly</u> comfortable! I've been known to sit on it as I work on my laptop when the kids are gone after school! </span><br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBQvG58yQ4wEijK8rpJmYgFm9gA-LJWxTzGbRa4h5g38PClVpk1h3xgm8rmWQ8jUt3Ipp9Fm2exuZYFl-fXcUdMQSjgHLCLRkbFWJNClh2o-36fF9FN_LgcFjU-himBCMWjangRpztSg/s640/blogger-image--801291542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBQvG58yQ4wEijK8rpJmYgFm9gA-LJWxTzGbRa4h5g38PClVpk1h3xgm8rmWQ8jUt3Ipp9Fm2exuZYFl-fXcUdMQSjgHLCLRkbFWJNClh2o-36fF9FN_LgcFjU-himBCMWjangRpztSg/s640/blogger-image--801291542.jpg"></a><br>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Also, my support for autism continued into my weekend this week! I participated in a fundraiser workout to support kids with autism. The kid it was named after is the exact type of kids I've been working with for the last 5 years. </span><br>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><a href="http://www.liftupluke.com/" target="_blank"><b>LIFT UP LUKE</b></a></span><br>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><b> </b> </span><br>
<img align="middle" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png"><br>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-42576767030247795242013-10-15T20:24:00.000-07:002013-10-15T20:24:06.331-07:00Successful Parent ConferencesWe just finished our parent teacher conferences on Thursday and Friday. It was a long couple of days, but they went fabulously! I genuinely don't think I've ever had a more successful set of conferences! Every parent left very happy, and so did us teachers! Whoo hoo! Yippee skippy!<br />
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In our class we have 2 teachers and we each bond with completely different kids. Some kids come to me for everything, other kids prefer Lauren. We have totally different personalities and therefore different connections with the kids. Both of us love this and see this as the epitome of teamwork in a co-teaching classroom. As long as every kid feels loved and has a strong connection with at least one of us, that's all that matters. <br />
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With this in mind, we took turns leading the conferences based on which teacher has the strongest connection with that child. It's a very equal balance and made the conferences go 50/50 for who was leading and who was taking all of the notes.<br />
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One thing that seemed strange to me at first, but I actually really liked was the "action required" section of our notes below our regular notes of the discussion topics. We had to make a list during our conference of things that needed to be followed up on. This ranged from emails to specialists, behavior charts to send home, to the new strategies we wanted to implement based on our discussions. This section made it SOOOO easy come Monday morning to make sure we did all of those little follow up things that can be so easy to forget after a new parent walks into your room to talk.<br />
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Our kids have made soooo much progress since they walked into our room on the first day. The kids have already made HUGE academic strides! We have also had kids who had struggles with their behavior who are like whole new kids now. We are so proud of them!<br />
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One thing we make sure to do is tell little stories about each kid to their parent about something that made us laugh, or something that made us very proud of them! The parents always love this part. This was my favorite story of the week:<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Please note the kids are dead serious during this conversation.<br /> <span style="color: blue;">Kid 1: (big sniffle/snort)</span><span style="color: purple;"><br /> Kid 2: They make tissues for that!</span><br /> <span style="color: blue;">Kid 1: Tissues are for boogers. This is snot!!</span><br /> <span style="color: purple;">Kid 2: But still! Use a tissue!</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">Me: Actually Kid 1, Kid 2 is right. Tissues are for boogers AND snot
(as I try my hardest to keep a straight face, but then burst into
laughter as I look at the other teacher)</span><br /> The parents busted up laughing and it made for a very enjoyable conference ending!</span><br />
<img align="middle" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-4668567666246830922013-10-10T21:29:00.002-07:002013-10-10T21:29:36.128-07:00Owl LessonsThis week we continued our theme of nocturnal animals. The boys have loved every minute of the lessons and I find myself constantly surprised by the amount of academic vocabulary they are using during our conversations! I love hearing the kids talk about how owls are predators and the prey of the snowy owls are lemmings in the arctic.<br />
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When we were writing a graphic organizer I was happily surprised by one of the kids who was ignoring my modeling of answers and creating his own ideas. They were exactly correct and he was on a mission to do the assignment on his own. Normally a teacher would be mad at a kid not following directions. Instead I was proud of how hard this struggling reader was working to generate ideas and then spell the words on his own!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7bHDhqdm8OaUuJ0zQ365jVjo79z7PSz2GsG_j89zT7aUZTVxJqtpLTuQm0Wxn528m5RwH1BHdDzWHJH0qKu21DbQ0XBcq3QnE1beEJaEePvUFwax5k30boocrD5Az92DROEEXWl_QO8/s640/blogger-image-397108918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7bHDhqdm8OaUuJ0zQ365jVjo79z7PSz2GsG_j89zT7aUZTVxJqtpLTuQm0Wxn528m5RwH1BHdDzWHJH0qKu21DbQ0XBcq3QnE1beEJaEePvUFwax5k30boocrD5Az92DROEEXWl_QO8/s320/blogger-image-397108918.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We finished watching <a href="http://video.pbs.org/video/2291436455/" target="_blank">The Magic of the Snowy Owl</a> on Monday. My kids really loved the movie and even asked me to send the link home to their parents. It's a PBS documentary, but it's not targeted for kids. You may want to watch the video to determine if it's appropriate for the type of kids in your class.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtwxFiXGrSAorrw9iKuMG5u1Cu-9djHX3PAAPqhhDUXquk7LWzA20-DwXVU8mDsUNypAUOf4gHy__YOdW9FJRos9ofgRfvDGpP4IFEKMhucQOY6k6snFw2tSJGPlxe-5QacSNOXfIV34/s640/blogger-image--271223555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtwxFiXGrSAorrw9iKuMG5u1Cu-9djHX3PAAPqhhDUXquk7LWzA20-DwXVU8mDsUNypAUOf4gHy__YOdW9FJRos9ofgRfvDGpP4IFEKMhucQOY6k6snFw2tSJGPlxe-5QacSNOXfIV34/s320/blogger-image--271223555.jpg" width="320" /></a>More specifically, this documentary shows what can happen to the runt of the litter. I explained this to my students by telling them that most sets of animals born in groups have a "runt" who is not as big or strong as the others. Sadly, in this movie the runt dies when there is not enough food for the whole family to survive. I skipped over this part because I didn't want the kids to be any more upset than necessary. They know the bird died, but I skipped over minutes 28-30 and started it at minute 31:03. I'm all for science, but not scarring kids for life! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNceORNH8tiXgf8kEfLbWUog1ANA6an9vtVrazPO6mwAhEgaPrbFJPtToAYZdi6K4_JGDnxjjl_RgKe6-qTmQL74sqv2OiQQgKHVfua6ktnFJKdv1oyGWOhxWDZzile-b4QLqs2YFN0I/s640/blogger-image--367863132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNceORNH8tiXgf8kEfLbWUog1ANA6an9vtVrazPO6mwAhEgaPrbFJPtToAYZdi6K4_JGDnxjjl_RgKe6-qTmQL74sqv2OiQQgKHVfua6ktnFJKdv1oyGWOhxWDZzile-b4QLqs2YFN0I/s320/blogger-image--367863132.jpg" width="320" /></a>Then we made paper owls <a href="http://www.bubblesandbobbins.com/2012/06/owie-owl-booboo-bear-tutorial.html" target="_blank">using this template</a>. I made an enlarged copy of it, then cut it and traced it onto old file folders as tracing templates for the kids. They all got to pick their colors to decide if they wanted snowy male (all white), female (white and brown), or another combination of realistic owl colors. They turned out pretty cute! Take a peek! Yes, I'm well aware that a few seem to have turned into Angry Birds! Haha!<br />
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I've also created some owl clip art for my lessons to make some of PowerPoint and worksheet activities a little more detailed. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Clip-Art-Barn-Owls-904009" target="_blank">You can pick it up here in my TPT store.</a><br />
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<img align="middle" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-65883298159680890962013-10-05T22:36:00.000-07:002013-10-10T21:35:52.759-07:00Starting our Nocturnal Animals UnitIt's October now, so what better way to celebrate the month of Halloween than with Nocturnal Animals as our theme?! We started off the lesson with a simple picture sort that I found to separate nocturnal and diurnal animals. I'll be totally honest, I had no idea what the opposite of nocturnal was in science terms! Thank you Google search! You can find the link here. The activity was pretty simple, but the kids loved it and it was a great way to kick off the unit and get their brains going. I also made a little introductory Nocturnal Animals PowerPoint but it's not quite ready to post for you guys just yet.<br />
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Then we watched a few short videos about owls on National Geographic Kids. This was a great way to learn some basic owl information with images and videos of real owls.<br />
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<a href="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/kids/animals-pets-kids/wild-detectives-kids/wd-ep2-owls/" target="_blank">Night Owls</a><br />
<a href="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/kids/animals-pets-kids/wild-detectives-kids/wd-ep8-owlsight/" target="_blank">Night Vision</a><br />
<a href="http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/kids/search/?frontend=cms_ngkids&output_format=xml_no_dtd&num_results=25&filter=p&collection=cms_ngkids&meta_field_to_return=ngs-gsa-feed-title&meta_field_to_return=ngs-gsa-feed-slug&meta_field_to_return=ngs-gsa-feed-description&meta_field_to_return=ngs-gsa-feed-keywords&meta_field_to_return=ngs-gsa-feed-thumbnail&required_meta_field_1=ngs-gsa-feed-mediaType%3Avideo&required_meta_field=ngs-gsa-feed-video-source%3Akids&meta_field_filter=ngs-gsa-feed-title&meta_field_filter=ngs-gsa-feed-description&meta_field_filter=ngs-gsa-feed-keywords&oe=utf-8&search=owl&search_dest=video&btnG=&start=0&sort=" target="_blank">Full Video List </a><br />
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Then we completed this simple graphic organizer for the information we learned from the video. You can download it for <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Owl-Graphic-Organizer-FREE-912625" target="_blank">free HERE.</a> The <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Clip-Art-Barn-Owls-904009" target="_blank">owl clip art</a> I drew for this unit is also in my TPT store now too. <br />
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Then on Friday we started a longer documentary about how hard it is for snowy owls to survive in the arctic. I had a chat with the kids before the movie started about how owls are preditors so they will see them eat small animals in the movie. Thankfully owls eat things whole so there wasn't anything gruesome!<br />
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I've learn kids are either fascinated or totally bored by documentaries. One of the things I love to do is sit next to the player to hit pause every time there is an interesting fact and talk about what is happening. Then the kids are more likely to be engaged in the movie, and I know they are learning the crucial information I want them to learn. This movie is long (an hour) for my little 1st/2nd graders with attention struggles, so I actually broke this into two days. I need to develop a response activity for when the movie is over Monday afternoon.<br />
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This video is from PBS and shows how a family of owls tries to raise owlets in the arctic. Be warned, it is a nature video that was not film just for kids. There is a very sad section involving the runt dying that I <i>highly</i> suggest you fast forward through! Approximately minutes 27:30-31:02! It's super educational, but still has sad real life events that not all kids are ready to see!<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CEoQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.pbs.org%2Fvideo%2F2291436455&ei=KOpQUty-DKPfiAKfk4DwDQ&usg=AFQjCNHteDoRGNpCWcYDrUEMuC_gF9MQug&sig2=RdvciQgiTa_FqzzAEaCeMQ" target="_blank">The Magic of the Snowy Owl</a><br />
<img align="middle" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-38835886002163494202013-09-27T22:03:00.002-07:002013-09-27T22:03:23.273-07:00We Received a Signed Julia Cook Story Book :)So my obsession with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Julia-Cook/e/B005EYIEL4/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&qid=1380344537&sr=1-2-ent&tag=theloweelemco-20" target="_blank">Julia Cook</a> and her amazing social skills books continues! One of our kids has been struggling with taking complements (that actually upset him) and his parents asked about a good social skills book to help with this. Of course Julia Cook has a great one and I recommended it to the family called <a href="http://www.juliacookonline.com/books/" target="_blank"><i>Thanks for the Feedback, I Think. </i></a><br />
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Then I got an amazing surprise! Julia Cook sent me a signed copy of the book!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZsCBTCdsVjEK78sbvuDwMC_Nr22PYITP0t9Sg4fZ8oNZX0ybo_jYIqHadnm5wN1vONNOJnwXH8hWPHnEioD_d7vtn6EWf11cLLGjx_4wu20zB5mI_KV6IFbAiQ6mwJAdzQwBr3bCF2w/s640/blogger-image-1498008702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZsCBTCdsVjEK78sbvuDwMC_Nr22PYITP0t9Sg4fZ8oNZX0ybo_jYIqHadnm5wN1vONNOJnwXH8hWPHnEioD_d7vtn6EWf11cLLGjx_4wu20zB5mI_KV6IFbAiQ6mwJAdzQwBr3bCF2w/s400/blogger-image-1498008702.jpg" width="400" /></a>My kids absolutely LOVE the "RJ books" as they like to call them thanks to the main character in many of the stories! When I held up the envelope and ask who Julia Cook was, they instantly knew it was the author of the RJ books.<br />
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I told them sent us the book and even signed it for us, and then one of them shouted, "WOW!! She must be a really nice lady!!" It worked out perfectly because we were doing a lesson on responding to text by drawing pictures. I used her book and the kids all had fun drawing pictures of RJ and the other kid characters in the story. (I'll show you their adorable illustrations later, I have them on my work computer).<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-4664161494230250242013-09-25T21:35:00.000-07:002013-09-25T21:35:52.376-07:0010 Tips for Teamwork in Special EducationThis week has shown me just how crucial it is to have solid teamwork in special education. It's essential that every specialist is in clear communication with the core special education teachers who work with the students.<br />
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This week Lauren (my co-teacher) and I have been in constant communication about our plans for specific students and the interventions we want to implement to help each of our students success. We even write our emails together over the phone at night just to make sure we're on the same page before communicating information to a parent who has sent us a late evening email.<br />
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We've also been working with an Education Specialist and an OT to help one of our students with writing and fine motor work. We've discussed the baseline (starting point) information as we as our desired outcome. We've talked about who is going to provide the key services, and how the others will help supplement them and encourage the student to generalize the behaviors into our regular classroom day.<br />
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The OT is so important in our classroom with such young students. Unfortunately, I didn't have one to consult with at my last school. I feel like I've been learning sooo much from our OT lately! She gives me tons of totally easy strategies to implement into the classroom to help with specific skills. She has a very full schedule, but she's been wonderful about checking in weekly with us and asking what OT concerns we've had for the week. She's instantly given us quick tips to try while she waits for her schedule to open up for more one-on-one work. This way our kids aren't waiting for help and instantly get some assistance they may need such as fidgets, motor planning work, etc.<br />
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Speech is also a crucial part of a 1st-2nd grade SPED class like ours. We have kids with various needs and the SLP is eager to meet and discuss these things with us. She also just started 2 new pragmatics (social skills) groups for our student who have been DESPERATELY needing them. I've been supplementing tons of social skills books into our text-connections writing unit! Once again those<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Julia-Cook/e/B005EYIEL4/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&qid=1380168114&sr=1-2-ent&tag=theloweelemco-20" target="_blank"> Julia Cook</a> books have been a focal point in our class! I LOVE them! Anyway...it's so great to have the SLP to talk with and discuss the social, language and articulation concerns we see in the classroom each week.<br />
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All of this communication has been very successful, but it's important to think of why it works so well for us!<br />
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<li><b>Be clear about student strengths and concerns. </b>Explain what is working well and what needs to be improved.</li>
<li><b>Work together to determine a desired goal or outcome.</b> What do you want to get out of this support system for the student? What do you want the student to be able to achieve?</li>
<li><b>Create a plan together to meet the goal.</b> This should be done together, not one person deciding. In order to have an effective team, you must have buy-in from every member. This cannot happen if one person dictates how everything should be done. If you create a plan together it is more likely to be executed in a consistent and effective way. </li>
<li><b>Determine each person's role.</b> What is each person supposed to do in this plan? Which tasks, interventions, or supports is each person expected to do in order to achieve the goal?</li>
<li><b>Plan ahead to discuss progress.</b> While creating the plan, schedule a meeting to check in with each other to determine if the interventions are working. It's easy to say, "we'll check in with each other later" and then promptly forget about it. By scheduling it ahead of time, it's more likely the meeting will occur within a reasonable amount of time.</li>
<li><b>Constructively discuss the progress. </b>During your meeting to discuss progress, identify exactly how the interventions have been implemented, what is working, and what is not working as planned. It's important there is no blame during the discussion, just a plan to improve. We like to do this meeting within a month (usually 2 weeks) of starting a new intervention. </li>
<li><b>Determine if changes need to be made. </b>Sometimes the best laid plans do not go as expected with a child in special education. You may need to tweak the plan as a team. It's crucial to brainstorm together to decide what works best for the specific child you are helping. </li>
<li><b>Keep it positive! </b>It's so easy to get frustrated when people are coming from different perspectives and have different ideas. Keep discussions focused on the student at hand and what really works for them.</li>
<li><b>Ask for help!</b> The best thing about working as a team is that there are other people there with you! Tell the team member the things you've tried, and what the result was so that they may give you alternatives. </li>
<li><b>Celebrate your achievements! </b>Celebrate even the small wins! Often goals in special education are long term goals. Celebrate the little milestones along the way to keep the positive momentum of the team!</li>
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<img align="middle" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-28382448865067691902013-09-23T18:33:00.001-07:002013-09-23T18:33:21.921-07:00Life Cycles in ActionLast week we discovered a whole pile of caterpillars right outside our classroom door. We picked up a chrysalis and a caterpillar so we could observe the full life cycle.<br />
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When we walked into the classroom this morning, we discovered that our chrysalis had turned into a full moth, and our caterpillar turned into a chrysalis! It's been so wonderful for the kids to observe the full life cycle of the moth completely by chance in the middle of our bug unit! I think the empty chrysalis and the details you can see are absolutely amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S6wyw0nejTZ-5qKZoxb55tuqwFtF2Ausykd81ZD6x0eBtQgLA3DGoJbF67sIrpCtT14e2mp2yoa_Z7whSKm8jVdhxhKZpPMFMzAovoGCQU7yPqtzI2dD8_olvOMGNPohqk-b3qUHrcg/s640/blogger-image--1408147780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6S6wyw0nejTZ-5qKZoxb55tuqwFtF2Ausykd81ZD6x0eBtQgLA3DGoJbF67sIrpCtT14e2mp2yoa_Z7whSKm8jVdhxhKZpPMFMzAovoGCQU7yPqtzI2dD8_olvOMGNPohqk-b3qUHrcg/s400/blogger-image--1408147780.jpg" width="400" /></a>This week the kids are going to be creating a mini research project on an insect of their choice. I made a mini-book outline for them as a guide, but the information will be up to them to find and write/illustrate. The kids were all very excited to pick their insects and start reading about them today! Tomorrow we'll start writing what we've learned.<br />
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Do your students do any research projects? If so, what topics do you like to use?<br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-34894775567107918242013-09-18T20:01:00.002-07:002013-09-18T20:01:56.751-07:00My Life as a TeacherThis week I've had little moments. Things that showed me why I'm a teacher. There have been moments where I've wanted to pull my hair out, but they haven't made me want to quit my job. They've made me want to work harder.<br />
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Tonight I watched the documentary TEACH and was excited to see something real. It brought tears to my eyes as I watched one of the teachers practically pull their hair out after a test her students took. I've done it myself on many days. It broke my heart when a teacher watched her students make a mistake on a district test and say, they've done this a thousand times, why did they get it wrong today?<br />
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When I changed schools I thought I'd be saying goodbye to my autism spectrum kiddos. It turns out I was wrong. And I'm sooo happy about that. It turns out a decent chunk of our kids are on the high functioning end of the spectrum. Lauren and I have decided to focus on what each of our kids needs and we are going to unofficially divide up our kids.<br />
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As we've started the year, we've discovered our kids each have one teacher they connect with more than the other. The thing I love about teaching with Lauren is that neither one of us cares if the other is the favorite teacher of a student. As long as they are connecting with one of us, that's all that matters. We've quickly discovered that I connect with the autism spectrum kids and she connects with the emotional kids. Not necessarily emotionally disabled, but more kids whose disorder has made them have more emotional reactions to situations. <br />
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Yesterday the social skills struggles were KILLING me! Most teachers would scream. Instead I turned to Lauren as I was about to yell, busted up laughing with her, and randomly created a social skills group on the fly!<br />
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Yesterday I read a book and when we were done the kids were expected to write two facts that they learned from the non-fiction book. Suddenly one kid said, "What book?" COMPLETELY SERIOUSLY!! He completely checked out for the <u>entire</u> book I read for 15 minutes! I wanted to scream. And then I realized which kid it was. He struggles with both expected/unexpected behavior and auditory processing. I realized just how much I need to work with this kid! <br />
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The social skills group I have been talking about for a week suddenly became real. We have a new speech teacher who is actually going to do the formal pragmatics group, but I'm going to supplement it. We have several kids who need it throughout the day/week, and a group 1-2 times a week just isn't going to cut it.<br />
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This week has once again pointed out why I'm a teacher. I love it. Every minute...even the ones where I want to pull my hair out. I realize I want to scream when the kids don't get it because it means I care about them and their ability to get smarter and better at life.<br />
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Teaching is not just a job to me. It's become who I am. I write my dorky teacher blog, I create custom materials for my students, I write emails to authors who I love so that I can share the love of reading to my students. I do it all because being a teacher is who I am. I can't imagine doing anything else for a career. <br />
<img align="middle" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-37748830662347876962013-09-17T21:01:00.001-07:002013-09-17T21:01:08.772-07:00Lady Bug Art and Finding Dozens of CaterpillarsOur insect theme unit is coming along nicely. Yesterday we did an art project using the knowledge we've learned about insects. The kids made an outline of a ladybug and then we filled it in with torn paper. I made this a step-by-step directions activity so the kids didn't get lost or my messy blobs that don't show what we've learned. Take a peek at our project!<br />
(Skip to the bottom to see the MASSIVE amount of caterpillars found outside our classroom!)<br />
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1) Draw the outline of the ladybug with 3 body sections. For sizing it was easier for kids to start with the large abdomen, then move on to the smaller thorax, head, antennae and legs. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draw: abdomen, thorax, and head</td></tr>
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2) Tear up scraps<br />
3) Spread glue all over the outline (within the lines)<br />
4) Put colored scraps in each section<br />
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Some finished products with zero teacher assistance!<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />Now for the excitement of our day today! </span><br />
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We are the 1st/2nd classroom, but there is a K-1 classroom that just so happens to be studying insects this month too. One of the teachers came to tell me they found a massive amount of caterpillars on a pole right outside our door.<br />
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I went to look and I've NEVER seen anything like it!! There were <u>dozens </u>of caterpillars in various stages of the life cycle all hanging out together on this one cement pole (nowhere near a plant!)!!!! A science lesson dream come true!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10LeeIxHEuMkp8-xMQO6HGzAVsQrTbOb2YsuZ32nvf42eY33-GCXkCBDpQlMT8rkg5v97HUqNRqbbT0yJW3057UhlbkpOopvoMV_AApsXs5fetfs-vDo6lGAaBmL7v0z-LDRzQVO-WyE/s640/blogger-image--99044137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10LeeIxHEuMkp8-xMQO6HGzAVsQrTbOb2YsuZ32nvf42eY33-GCXkCBDpQlMT8rkg5v97HUqNRqbbT0yJW3057UhlbkpOopvoMV_AApsXs5fetfs-vDo6lGAaBmL7v0z-LDRzQVO-WyE/s400/blogger-image--99044137.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two caterpillars and a chrysalis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MUYFo9Sw1u6MrGalkuLqhYSdPg0c7RX6G-JhJYTrgXjnYDx6fu2zFXXRCxtT-l9yARCVoxhBVA92oSg48GEY067YN-zyxc51o5lKz-C-aUsAegw4dPjGoToqriK9ugCoIrOESAPixdA/s640/blogger-image-68090533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MUYFo9Sw1u6MrGalkuLqhYSdPg0c7RX6G-JhJYTrgXjnYDx6fu2zFXXRCxtT-l9yARCVoxhBVA92oSg48GEY067YN-zyxc51o5lKz-C-aUsAegw4dPjGoToqriK9ugCoIrOESAPixdA/s400/blogger-image-68090533.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just SOME of the caterpillars on the pole. Look closely to see some cocoons are empty/hatched</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pfsb0iqPsw7zVzEREeNPFFK-_g3Au_86-Oq_E-ric8CB_3In3Y_WwEWxn0yvV7ivHlS0boh4lc36KT789L2vKO1qBJXSmmDFvriTrTZqEJTlS0WUYolZ4GCtg4CaF8L82VpMk23pG44/s640/blogger-image-2005398863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pfsb0iqPsw7zVzEREeNPFFK-_g3Au_86-Oq_E-ric8CB_3In3Y_WwEWxn0yvV7ivHlS0boh4lc36KT789L2vKO1qBJXSmmDFvriTrTZqEJTlS0WUYolZ4GCtg4CaF8L82VpMk23pG44/s400/blogger-image-2005398863.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This moth was on the pole too, so I predict it came out and was drying it's wings, but I could be wrong.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7mSxAT2Du4o4qLMvoDosoTlWwRpeATJ-CaQjSi6CVIAQbzaa74iLhqxSKe6qeDfyuLYvpxTCvnmGG6FjB819PcFsu6iltocnsDZOh-N9NqwPCXc3qisiNMWszdV8PswXVNTebeIYOEs/s640/blogger-image--1577391955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7mSxAT2Du4o4qLMvoDosoTlWwRpeATJ-CaQjSi6CVIAQbzaa74iLhqxSKe6qeDfyuLYvpxTCvnmGG6FjB819PcFsu6iltocnsDZOh-N9NqwPCXc3qisiNMWszdV8PswXVNTebeIYOEs/s400/blogger-image--1577391955.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two empty cocoons</td></tr>
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We collected two empty chrysalis (no idea the plural on that one!) to observe and see what they looked like. I also gently plucked one off the pole so we can (hopefully) see it hatch soon! I also took a caterpillar and put it in our classroom so hopefully it will form a chrysalis for us. We did see one wiggling on the pole forming one today, which was pretty exciting!<br />
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Do you study life cycles in your class? Which insects do you use?<br />
<img align="middle" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3208976623140193029.post-26281616844635492052013-09-10T21:44:00.003-07:002013-09-10T21:44:56.756-07:00The Best Science Lesson Ever!You know that moment in the middle of an amazing lesson when every student is responding above and beyond what you are hoping for during the lesson? It doesn't happen often...but today I had one of those PERFECT teacher moments. At one point I honestly just sat on a side table and watched my kids <u><i>completely</i></u> engaged and learning!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxF1rknPhEOU9AfgbORcjgUYPwwq-de127vTm5cSoPhvYQq-Rky-hdcXO4j7gIZW9qIpSf54jY5jfuR44tXv6Zw06QEnRCqL74XzZKm38NbGeMGjmjUsLzsH1Xrc7eGU1oFEiSbV6_sJM/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxF1rknPhEOU9AfgbORcjgUYPwwq-de127vTm5cSoPhvYQq-Rky-hdcXO4j7gIZW9qIpSf54jY5jfuR44tXv6Zw06QEnRCqL74XzZKm38NbGeMGjmjUsLzsH1Xrc7eGU1oFEiSbV6_sJM/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insect drawn and labeled in the observation jar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcNwODlV4diYPUuj-SuCHMhsFIry0pN617X9-7ZOEsyqmh6-LEgkfhxrZSQ1ozXvymo6_CpBtPAz0SY-9rFAxUFmBwlRGhOLOaA0zF0v8CCYEGs6e5Ama5SDlxEDP6VWKlS4AEwupXC0/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcNwODlV4diYPUuj-SuCHMhsFIry0pN617X9-7ZOEsyqmh6-LEgkfhxrZSQ1ozXvymo6_CpBtPAz0SY-9rFAxUFmBwlRGhOLOaA0zF0v8CCYEGs6e5Ama5SDlxEDP6VWKlS4AEwupXC0/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Observations of the insect path</td></tr>
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Yesterday I received FOSS kit for insects, but discovered they do not come with bugs nor coupons for bugs. So I did my own bug hunt yesterday. After a quick review of our insect lessons thus far, I taught the students what it means to "observe" and they each worked with a partner to observe and discuss insects. They each had an observation sheet to draw their bug and draw/write their observations (1st graders drew, 2nd graders wrote). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByzida9eIJKxDeR2BD8Qlt1LicmbWsj5LDd7OdOb9jY1aZ__h73PAhI08SktiSu4MFguoiM3pOd3FemVxsk4KiFKskBHDiIM2zE-8ntvTFbYigPFHPS1iES1KXEzwT5oFAdsRMrLQrBw/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByzida9eIJKxDeR2BD8Qlt1LicmbWsj5LDd7OdOb9jY1aZ__h73PAhI08SktiSu4MFguoiM3pOd3FemVxsk4KiFKskBHDiIM2zE-8ntvTFbYigPFHPS1iES1KXEzwT5oFAdsRMrLQrBw/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>I have a class of only 11 kids, so I had enough bugs that every child could have their own observation jar with at least one insect inside. My kids were observing, discussing, drawing, labeling, and describing insects! It was an AMAZING teaching moment! Lauren (who HATES bugs) even stopped to video record the amazing learning happening. The kids were so engaged that they were able to each observe and draw at least 2 different insects. <br />
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It just so happens that the new speech teacher was coming to observe my class. They had such wonderful discussions with their partners that she was able to get a very strong grasp of the different needs in our class. Our Head of School was also able to see some great learning in action when she stopped by.<br />
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This was one of my most successful and fun lessons ever! Fabulous! What is your favorite lesson of all time?<br />
<img align="middle" src="http://i1102.photobucket.com/albums/g447/eschaff/Lower%20Elementary%20Cottage/sgn3.png" />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16867599246024942745noreply@blogger.com0