Bringing Technology into the Classroom

With my adorable kiddos not having Technology as a special this year (not happy about this), I try my best to incorporate technology into my everyday lessons as often as possible.  Currently in my room I have one student computer, teacher computer, and my laptop/ELMO/projector set up. 

I recently started an Instagram account for my blog/shop and love the quick way to connect with followers.  Even if I can’t blog as much as I want to, I share photos from my class on a daily basis. 

I started following NATGEO, NATURE_MAGAZINE, THEANIMALPLANET, & WILDLIFEMAGAZINE.  I began projecting the fabulous photographs for my kiddos to write poems, stories, newspaper articles, etc. 

They started to BEG me to do this!  I always project the photograph and explain their activity.  They brainstorm and organize their ideas in their heads for about 2 minutes.  For about 1 minute they conference with a buddy to share their thinking. Then I pass out the activity and they get right to work.  I usually give them 10-15 minutes depending on the activity.  

With this being such a huge hit in my room, I wanted to create more structured activities to use with the photographs.  I was so excited to get it ready for my kiddos. 

Here are some action and work shots:

 

Here is what comes in the pack!

Grab this pack on TPT by clicking on any image

above or by clicking HERE!

My Shopping Cart & A Freebie

I am linking up with Blog Hoppin’ to share what I bought during the

Teacher Appreciation Sale and to share a freebie!

Here is what was in my shopping cart!

Clipart first!  I need this for some future projects

Melonheadz Pond Set and Punctuation Set

Bayside Math Teacher’s Dice Set

Linda Kamp’s  Life Cycle of Plants

Now for your fantastic freebie!

I am sure we all feel and think the same way when there is a substitute in our classroom. 

Are the kiddos behaving?

Is my special friend making smart choices?

Does the substitute have control over the class or is it a zoo?

Sometimes explaining your typical behavior management plan to a substitute can be difficult if you are doing it on paper and not in person.  You always have those exceptions/special cases. 

I needed a sub three times this week!  Urgent business on Monday, Math training Wednesday morning, and DIBELS testing/grade level planning today. 

I whipped up this little poster to hang on the board.  Easy peezy!  Jot down names of students who are impressing you.  Names can be erased—so the impressing has to continue all day!

You can print this paper on a regular size piece of computer paper OR you can print it in four parts and assemble it to make it larger. Just laminate it and use dry erase markers so you can reuse!

Here’s what it looks like :

To download this poster click on the picture below!

Animal Wax Museum & Sale

Hi friends!  I have something SUPER AWESOME to share with you all! 

A week ago my kiddos had an Animal Wax Museum and because it turned out so fabulous, I made it into a pack.  Here is a peek:

This was an extra credit project in my room.  I sent home directions, organizers, and suggestions to parents.  The kiddos completed their research, report, and any extras at home (costumes, dioramas, posters, etc.)  Then, in school when the project was almost due, we made wax museum buttons, animal crossing signs, colored invitations, advertisements, and made some informational posters about our animals. 

Let me share some photos!  Here are costumes:

Here are some dioramas and posters!

Here are some wax museum buttons and animal crossing signs!

If you think your kiddos would love this project, check out what is included in my pack!

This pack comes with different options as far as assigned animals or choice, choice of parts to include, paragraph report, organizer book, and organizer poster.

If the animal report pictured above would not work for your kiddos, you could put your choice of organizers into a book or poster.  Here is an example of what you could do with a poster:

Grab this pack by clicking the picture below!  If you grab it on May 7th or 8th you can get it 28% off for the Teacher Appreciation Sale!  

My whole store is on sale so…

 get your shop on! 

 

It’s the Final Countdown!

The weather is getting nicer…

The kids are getting CRAZY rowdy…

We ALL know what that means…

A BREAK IS COMING!!!

For many of us, it is our long-awaited summer break. 

I know some of my faithful followers are year-rounders,

but I still think that means you have a break coming.

Before your break, I have two craftivities that not only your kiddos will enjoy but you will too!  I love to hear what my kiddos have planned or are looking forward to! 

My first craftivity is one of the first products I created last summer.  It is perfect before summer break or when you come back to school.

Included in the pack:

Grab this pack from my store by clicking the cover below! 

I just posted this new craftivity… Speeding into Summer!

Your kiddos can use one of the brainstorming maps to develop ideas as to why they are ready to speed into summer.  Then they can create these adorable race car crafts!  Click on the cover below to grab this in my store!

Come on SUMMER!!!!

We teachers are anxiously waiting!

June 14th hurry up!

One thing that is helping me keep my sanity is Tuesday night volleyball with some good friends down at the Inner Harbor.

When do you get out? What keeps you calm, cool, and collected?

Don’t Miss A Thing!

I know I have not been a fabulous blog writer lately. 

Life just seems to be taking over! 

I recently posted about raising money for walking for MS. 

Today was the day we walked! 

Here is a picture of my team- MS New Booty!

Since my blogging has not been happening as current as I wish for you all…

I URGE you to follow me on Instagram. 

I post at least once a day there. 

I will get back to blogging but with things being so hectic right now,

Instagram is so convenient in the classroom.

http://instagram.com/creeksideteachertales

Have a fabulous Monday!

Help Me & I’ll Help You!

One of my nearest and dearest friends was diagnosed with MS.

I am walking with him this upcoming Sunday along with other friends.  I was trying to think of a way that I could help him through my bloggy world. 

I came up with a plan that I think you and he will LOVE!

If you go to the link below between now and Saturday at 12 am EST

and donate to our team:

National MS Society Donation Site

You can have your pick of any one item from my store! 

Not only will you help those with MS as well as future research, you will also be reducing your work load by grabbing one of my packs!

** Please donate a reasonable amount compared to the price of the pack you are requesting. Remember you are getting a fabulous pack and helping out others with that money!

It’s a tax write off too! BONUS

If you donate, make your name public but you can keep your amount private if you choose. 

Once you donate, email me at mstegeler@gmail.com. 

I will make sure I see your name on the donors list and will send your choice of a product. 

Thanks friends for taking the time to read this!

Remember Trolls?

Does anyone remember these little guys and gals?

I remember when I had dozens of these as a child. 

A few weeks back one of my FAVORITE clipart artists posted a back of trolls.  Let me tell ya… it took me back to being a kid!

I bought the pack immediately, not quite knowing how I was going to use it. 

Within a few days, I decided to create a pack that practices reading skills and strategies that my kiddos could benefit from. 

I am so excited to start this with my kids!

This pack has activities that focus on:

Sequencing

Compare & Contrast

Fact & Opinion

Making Predictions

Making Connections

Visualizing

When appropriate answer guides are provided and differentiated activities. 

Let me give you a peek at each activity!

SEQUENCING

• Poster
• Teacher directions
• Student directions
• Two short stories
• Event cards
• Recording sheet
• Answer Guide
• General Sequencing sheet

COMPARE & CONTRAST

• Poster
• Teacher directions
• Student directions
• Two pairs of similar journal entries 
• Venn diagram recording sheet
• General Compare/Contrast sheet

FACT & OPINION

• Poster
• Teacher directions
• Student directions
• 12 statement cards
• Fact/Opinion recording sheet
• Answer Guide
• General Compare/Contrast sheet

MAKING PREDICTIONS

• Poster
• Teacher directions
• Student directions
• 6 short stories
• Differentiated Recording Sheets (Multiple Choice & Short Answer; provided in different formats for copying and planning)
• Answer Guide
• General Making Predictions sheet

MAKING CONNECTIONS

• Poster
• Teacher directions
• Student directions
• 4 short stories
• Making Connection Recording Sheet
• General Making Connections sheet

VISUALIZING

• Poster
• Teacher directions
• Student directions
• 4 short stories
• Visualizing Recording Sheet

I am seriously obsessed with this clipart and pack!

Grab the pack here! 

If you would like a chance to win this pack leave your email address in the comments.  I will pick a winner at 12 pm EST on Monday!