Comics and onamonetopeia

Do the twist

Crazy about foldables

I love foldables. I use them for get-to-know you activities, language arts, substitutes cheat sheets, anything really! Here are a couple of foldables I have used with my students over the past two weeks:

Want foldable resources? Visit Dina! http://www.dinah.com/

Little Things that Make Your Day

Teaching is stressful, sometimes.... We KNOW that. Here are a few things you can do to lessen the stress without taking a lot of time. I know it is hard to find time during the day, but the truth is if you don't find an outlet you aren't an effective teacher.

1. Walk around the building OUTSIDE. Just one lap. Before lunch or before planning or ask your team if you can have two minutes during recess. Help each other out. :)
2. Put a mini Keurig in your room (buy one as a team even) and stock up with Chai Tea, Hot Chocolate, or Apple Cider. It takes 30 seconds to make and the smell will change your mood.
3. Have healthy snacks, that crunch, available. Granola bars, peppers, carrots, nutragrain bars, dried fruit packs, nuts. THIS IS A GREAT RECIPE: No Bake Energy Bites
4. Choose a 2 minute exercise for each day of the week. Try my chart below.
5. File your nails for 2 or 3 minutes. It will make you feel refreshed.
6. Get a short devotional and read one during lunch.
7. Start a journal listing one success a day. Use this template to get started.
8. Write a note or card to a coworker. Helping others smile will make you smile.
9. Send a letter or email to a friend you haven't talked to in a while. You'll feel more connected to the "real world."
10. Put on a happy tune and sing-a-long.

Such a Character

Glowing and Growing 1st Quarter

Or any quarter! I fun way to show your kiddos you are proud of their first quarter!

Great app for adjectives!

I taught "sparkly" words (aka adjectives) earlier this year and wanted to go back and review them. I found a great app to do so! It is called Adjective Mayhem. Students click on the words that are NOT adjectives as they fly by. My students loved it!

Download it for iPad here!

Fall Similes

What is a simile?

Similes compare two things using like or as. 

Example: 

Leaves are as orange as a pumpkin.
Pumpkins are as round as a balloon.
Scarecrows smell of hay like hayrides on a farm.

Fall Acrostic Poems

Another Poem/Fall post! I just can't help it! I love both!

What is an acrostic poem? 

To begin with, an acrostic is a poem in which the first letters of each line spell out a word or phrase.  
The first letter in each line should be capitalized. The fun thing about acrostic poems, is that you can do them on ANY topic and they do not have to rhyme.

Want to make an acrostic poem online? Click here for Read, Write, Think's interactive acrostic poem creator!

Perfectly round
Unique carvings
Multiple sizes
Pointy stems
Kind pumpkin farmers
Ideal for dessert
Nutritious
Scrumptious seeds

Music & Concentration

Music and Concentration

For many of us, background noise helps us to concentrate. Many students need the same background noise to focus. Did you know the type of music you play should also correlate with air pressure? I am sure you are wondering what I am talking about at this point. So, let's explore! :)

As a general rule of thumb you would want music which plays at 50 - 70 beats per minute on average (Mozart is the most commonly used). This tempo is optimal for learning, reduces muscle tension, and slows pulse rate. 

What does this mean for students? It slows them down and helps them to concentrate. 

KAGAN Learning sells great CDs to assist with different types of music for learning: http://www.kaganonline.com/catalog/music.php#CGM

School of Education explains how different types of music will shape your classroom:

TURNING MUSIC ON IN YOUR CLASSROOM
You will find many ideas that feel comfortable and exciting to you in this book. You will probably also find techniques that do not resonate for you. Keep in mind that you do not have to use music in all the ways presented here in order to be effective in enhancing learning through music. The addition of even one music technique in your classroom will add richness and improve the learning process. My suggestion is for you to begin your musical journey by incorporating one technique that resonates greatly with your teaching style. When you have mastered this use of music in your classroom, go on to explore a new method. Your students enthusiasm and response will be a guideline and incentive for future ideas and uses.
Music for Learning Suggestions
Focus and Concentration Music
Play as background music while students study, read, or write to:
· increase attention levels
· improve retention and memory
· extend focused learning time
· expand thinking skills

• Relax with the Classics. The LIND Institute. Accelerated Learning research indicates slow Baroque music increases concentration. It works!
• Velvet Dreams. Daniel Kobialka's exceptional music-favorite classics such as Pachelbel's Canon at a very slow tempo.
• Celtic Fantasy. Kobialka uses the warmth of Celtic music played slowly to facilitate relaxed focus.
• Music for Relaxation. Chapman and Miles. Quietly sets a calming mood.
• Baroque Music to Empower Learning and Relaxation. The Barzak Institute uses slow and fast Baroque era music to hold attention.
• Mozart and Baroque Music. The Barzak Institute. A useful compilation with 30 minutes of Mozart and 30 minutes of Baroque music.
• Mozart Effect: Strengthen the Mind Enhance Focus with Energizing Mozart, selected by Don Campbell.
• An Dun. Calming the Emotions Chinese music that actually does calm and appeals to all ages.
• Accelerating Learning. Steven Halpern's music assists learners in focus and is good background for reading-free-flowing and peaceful.

Creativity and Reflection Music
Play as background for activities such as:
· journalling or writing
· problem-solving or goal-setting
· background for project work
· brainstorming

• Pianoforte. Eric Daub. This thoughtful classical piano music sets the tone for introspective creativity and processing. Excellent!
• Medicine Woman I or II. Medwyn Goodall gives us music to delve into deep thoughts and meaningful feelings.
• Oceans. Christopher Peacock. Motivating and great team-building music.
• Mozart Effect: Relax, Daydream and Draw. Don Campbell's collection of reflective Mozart for gently enhancing creativity.
• Fairy Ring. Mike Rowlands' touching music in a classical style. Long cuts hold the mood. Good for reading with important information or stories.
• Living Music and Touch. Michael Jones uses solo piano music to encourage reflection.

Welcoming Music
Play as background for entries, exits, breaks. Use to:
· greet your students
· create a welcoming atmosphere
· set a learning rhythm
· expand musical awareness

• Dance of the Renaissance. Richard Searles. Delightful music of 15th-17th century England. This upbeat music appeals to all ages.
• Emerald Castles. Richard Searles. Pleasing sounds of the Celtic countries played on acoustic instruments.
• 1988 Summer Olympics. Various rock songs from the Olympics that inspire.
• Celtic Destiny. Bruce Mitchell. Dynamic instrumental Celtic music. Stimulating with a variety of paces.
• Sun Spirit. Deuter. Delightful flute music that energizes melodiously.
• The Four Seasons. Vivaldi Beautiful melodies to set a warm mood no matter what the season.
• Boundaries. Scott Wilkie. Relaxed jazz to set a an easy-going learning pace.
• Echoes of Incas. Ventana al Sol. Joyful South American melodies and rhythms open the door to learning.

Active Learning Music
Use for a sound break or movement activities to:
· increase productivity
· energize students during daily energy lulls
· provide a stimulating sound break to increase attention
· make exercise more fun
· encourage movement activities

• Tunes for Trainers. An all-in-one CD with categories of Fun Stuff, Energy Break, Brainstorm, Quiet moods and more.
• Jazzy Tunes for Trainers. A versatile compilation with lively background music for a wide variety of teaching and training activities.
• Earth Tribe Rhythms. Brent Lewis. This wonderful rhythmic music is played on 20 tuned drums for both rhythm and melody. Great for any movement activities.
• Best of Ray Lynch. Ray Lynch A classic electronic and acoustic recording that adds fun and interest. Useful for topic associations.
• Funny 50's and Silly 60's. Old songs that are just plain fun like Purple People Eater, Wooly Bully and more.
• Hooked on Classics. The beat that doesn't quit! Great for body and brain wakeups.
• Earth, Sea, and Sky. Nature recordings. Provides a variety of sounds.
• Best of World Dance Music. Hopping happy music from everywhere. Some vocal and some instrumental. Music selected by Chris Brewer, LifeSounds. To order call 561-575-0929 or email music@us-it.net CDS $16 Cassettes $11

SOUND DIRECTIONS
for using music to enhance learning!
"Take a music bath once or twice a week for music is to the soul
what water is to the body."
-- Oliver Wendall Holmes
Here are sound directions on how using Relax with the Classics in the classroom for focus, concentration and memory.
Relax with the Classics from the LIND Institute
These slow, Baroque selections are between 55 and 80 beats per minute. Research has shown that this music will help you maintain focus and concentration. It assists you in reaching the alpha brain wave state, a state which enhances learning and memorization.
Use this music
· during writing or reading activities
· with Passive Concerts in Accelerated Learning teaching and training (for more information, see Music for Learning, by Chris Brewer)
· Pachelbel's Canon in D is especially useful for synthesizing and summarizing activities (such as the Overhead/Power Point Review form of Passive Concerts)
· during tests, goal-setting
· for mind-calming exercises
· to relax
Tips for Memorizing Words, Terms Facts (Passive Concert):
· Select text important to the content such as explanatory information (text from a book or reading), words and their definitions, or a metaphorical story.
· Ask your participants to sit comfortably and give them time to settle in, close their eyes, sit back, etc. Let them know they will be hearing music for a minute or two and then you will begin your reading.
· Begin the music and let it play for a minute or two. Then begin to read your content information slowly and in a calm voice that is loud enough to be heard above the music. The music and your voice should be about equal or your voice should be slightly louder. If reading words and definitions, pause for a mental count of 4 between sets of words. Keep your reading to 30 words/definitions or 3-5 minutes or text-less for young students.
· When you have completed your reading, allow the music to play for a minute or two after you have finished speaking, then slowly turn the volume down on the CD player.

Student-Led Conference Form

In 5th grade, I conduct student-led conferences. Students are present, along with their parent(s). Before the conference I write celebrations and concerns (both academic and behavior). We go over them during the conference and then create goals together for second quarter. I have noticed, over the past few years, student-led conferences does the following:

1. Minimalizes he-said, she-said issues between parents, students, and teachers
2. Allows for an open conversation between parents and students (sometimes this does not happen at home )
3. Encourages students to take ownership of their education
4. Presents a unified front between parents and teachers

Click here to get the free form!

PS - After the conference, I copy the form we filled out together and send it home in their weekly folder. Parents appreciate the documentation and I encourage them to refer back to the goals throughout the quarter.

Fall Shape Poetry

I absolutely ❤ fall, especially in the classroom! So, over the next few weeks you will see lots of fall posts! :)

This week? Shape Poetry with a fall twist.

A shape poem uses descriptive words in the shape of an object. The words can fill the shape or outline the shape.

Want to create shape poems online? Read, Write, Think has a great site for this!



Hockey season is creeping up (at least we hope it will), so what not make a hockey poem?  Here is a great generator for students to use at home or at school!

http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/poetry/shape_poems.htm

Need templates? Save one of the images below, print them out for your students and let the shape poetry begin!