tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10114367181231245892024-02-02T13:31:21.052-06:00Enchanted with TechnologyShanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-44306583897418472272015-05-01T00:00:00.000-05:002015-05-01T00:00:03.479-05:001 Year Voki Bundle Giveaway<span style="font-size: large;">It has been a while since I have blogged, but I am coming back with a great giveaway! One of my favorite educational websites is <a href="http://voki.com/">Voki.com</a>. I love creating my own customized speaking avatars that are sure to engage students and educators alike. It is an interactive learning tool that students enjoy creating to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. So how can Voki be utilized effectively in the classroom? The possibilities are endless! Students can create avatars to deliver speeches, present book reports, recite poems, discuss a topic, share a bio, retell a story or practice fluency. Voki can be advantageous for all ages and grades, whether it is kindergarten or high school.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Listen to this example of an early childhood student singing the <i>Days of the Week</i>. What a great way to share their learning! It's also an ideal way to show growth and progress throughout the year. Have students compare their avatars from the beginning of the year to the end.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Mother's Day is just around the corner, this would be a perfect way to deliver a talking greeting card! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So how can you take complete advantage of using all of Voki's features? By winning a <b>FREE 1 Year Bundle Subscription!</b> This includes Voki Classroom and Voki Presenter ($49.95 value). Just enter the giveaway and share how #vokirocks!</span>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="402ef0681" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/402ef0681/" id="rcwidget_2l1yz1wg" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-9743652451657401502013-07-23T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-19T22:05:13.823-06:00Once Upon a Digital TimeI had the opportunity to present at the ISTE conference last month and share my <i>Once Upon a Digital Tim</i>e symbaloo. It has several websites and apps bookmarked for digital storytelling and interactive writing. I will be presenting an overview of some of them this week at the Lone Star TIA conference. Some of the apps are paid but often go on sale or free; that's when I download them. However, most all the websites are free and have education versions. The symbaloo has something for all grade levels. If you get a chance, take a look and explore a few of them. Let me know your favorites!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj17zFlYS7qT4XaYNFNSTlKHIXOMoBzek1SkwLy1tDwc0_u-5Y2pNZIPDlZvCKQ2ebF3SentIMvORo41oeiCOyFM-jpZ5s1W6FCuPeDFU2Tl5477-BULjS2k7Y2_AtOdJtAS6Of1CiLwT_/s1600/symbaloo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj17zFlYS7qT4XaYNFNSTlKHIXOMoBzek1SkwLy1tDwc0_u-5Y2pNZIPDlZvCKQ2ebF3SentIMvORo41oeiCOyFM-jpZ5s1W6FCuPeDFU2Tl5477-BULjS2k7Y2_AtOdJtAS6Of1CiLwT_/s1600/symbaloo.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://edu.symbaloo.com/mix/onceuponadigitaltime2" target="_blank">https://edu.symbaloo.com/mix/onceuponadigitaltime2</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5737167/?claim=cw29e5y3jha">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-73678392292528759792013-04-30T19:02:00.001-05:002013-04-30T20:10:39.919-05:00A Technology Blog Hop<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spring into Technology with Classroom Freebies!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Several phenomenal teachers, <a href="http://www.technologytailgate.com/p/coaches.html" target="_blank">Technology Tailgate Coaches</a> and bloggers are joining forces for an amazing classroom technology blog hop! As you hop from blog to blog, you will visit some of your favorite blogs and discover a few new blogs too! Each with a fabulous freebie just for you!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for hopping over!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love when I get an opportunity to share great technology resources with other educators. I have had a fascination with QR Codes for a couple of years now. Thus, I like to implement them into the classroom any way I can. I have created a freebie specifically for the technology blog hop that I hope you will enjoy! These are fun writing prompts in the form of QR codes. It is a great way for students to be surprised by picking a writing prompt. To download a copy, just click on the image below. Happy Hopping!<b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting! If you are new to my blog and like what you see, don't forget to follow me! The next stop on the path is Kristen at <a href="http://www.teacherplayground.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Teacher Playground</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teacherplayground.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html"><img alt="Teacher-Playground" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i181/KristenTHernandez/teacher-playground.png" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In case you didn't start from the beginning, here is an ordered list of all participating blogs!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.technologytailgate.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">The Technology Tailgate</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kate from <a href="http://edukateandinspire.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">EduKate and Inspire</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kristin from <a href="http://iteach1to1.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">iTeach 1:1</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heidi from <a href="http://www.rakisradresources.com/2013/05/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Rakis Rad Resources</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Leah from <a href="http://www.learnwithleah.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Learn With Leah</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amanda and Aylin from <a href="http://www.dailylearningtothecore.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Learning to the Core</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nikki from <a href="http://uncommontothecore.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">An Uncommon to the Core Teacher</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Karla at <a href="http://www.theconnectedteacher.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">The Connected Teacher</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shana at <a href="http://enchantedwithtechnology.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Enchanted with Technology</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kristen at <a href="http://www.teacherplayground.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Teacher Playground</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jen at <a href="http://blog.techwithjen.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Tech with Jen</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kay at <a href="http://lsusdtech.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">A Little Tech</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Melanie at <a href="http://www.iluvtwek.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">I Luv Twek</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carrie and Caitlin at <a href="http://tabletalkwithcandc.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Table Talk with C & C</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lauren at <a href="http://iteacherlauren.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop.html">iWonder</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jan at <a href="http://www.thesciencevault.net/2013/04/a-technology-blog-hop/" target="_blank">The Science Vault</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A special thank you to Jen at <a href="http://blog.techwithjen.com/" target="_blank">Tech with Jen</a> for designing the blog hop button!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Interested in joining our next blog hop? Join <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VTPL9VJHDPOcjtps7To4WSp2KcxA7RvydPagngrkDcY/viewform" target="_blank">here</a>! </span></span></div>
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Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-59259674796758633332013-04-18T21:23:00.002-05:002013-04-18T21:23:32.965-05:00Poetry Interactives<span style="font-size: large;">April is National Poetry Month so I have been looking for some great poetry interactive activities to share with everyone. My favorite go-to book of poems is <i>Where the Sidewalk Ends</i> by Shel Silverstein. To make reading fun, I would let my students choose a poem they liked and they would be encouraged to practice reading it with intonation, expression, inflection, and fluency throughout the week. At the end of the week students would take turns presenting their chosen poem to the rest of the class. Students fell in love with the poems and from then on would always be looking for poetry books during library time. Here are a few interactive resources that I found that would be wonderful to implement into some of your poetry lessons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexSite.html" target="_blank"><u><b>Shel Silverstein's Official Site</b></u></a> - you can download a Poetry Workshop Kit or browse for lessons, activities, and games. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CAhZrXenuSxmE9HkQbl9ICyoJW38o4baayxFUvX4fykWZTaOfUZvqmj2GC_g1lbnCSDYRyCNf8XXpMpZLTbayQ8i1oWDkJuGWV_fFcTULmwzW4nyMZeBoGQzzcJiD4jmzQqZpBMX1Rd5/s1600/shel_silverstien.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CAhZrXenuSxmE9HkQbl9ICyoJW38o4baayxFUvX4fykWZTaOfUZvqmj2GC_g1lbnCSDYRyCNf8XXpMpZLTbayQ8i1oWDkJuGWV_fFcTULmwzW4nyMZeBoGQzzcJiD4jmzQqZpBMX1Rd5/s320/shel_silverstien.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used the poem <i>Hector the Collector </i>by Shel Silverstein to create the word clouds below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank"><u><b>Tagxedo</b></u></a> - this is an excellent way for students to create shape poems. You can select from their shape menu or upload your own. There is also the option to customize the font and color scheme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIPhnVydcWSpLTM0cGaTKKcATa2RcGUZxt4CZQ4-f_9lhCGqFoVMy0CPy21MxVsdw6WiA3lHvgwtNn3OzR45pz7g5Vx4rVquMifka7dVXvcu6fahvYEoEXbzzzvceeraCtHeWkSl-ZMR3/s320/Hector+Tagexdo.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wordle.net/" target="_blank"><u><b>Wordle </b></u></a>- is another great website where students can create word clouds and customize the layout, font, and colors scheme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOayNm2kdQR6cP5RAyoRk2Di2TfHLqHhWRY2HrrqYodAKGdwNjtEt5NaLYHCGXZxDYHGGUFxp5H5ELzkK9SJ2LdITK0CGGZQaejLb5DZeMVZU866mdkI6WkAgqx2gF7dRFfwmmThwd5FoW/s1600/HC_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOayNm2kdQR6cP5RAyoRk2Di2TfHLqHhWRY2HrrqYodAKGdwNjtEt5NaLYHCGXZxDYHGGUFxp5H5ELzkK9SJ2LdITK0CGGZQaejLb5DZeMVZU866mdkI6WkAgqx2gF7dRFfwmmThwd5FoW/s320/HC_2.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/" target="_blank"><u><b>ReadWriteThink</b></u></a> - there are several fun poem interactive activities students can complete. You can click on the images below to be taken directly to them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/acrostic-poems-30045.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVP47MlYeH0DgtcUTdkLMRJ7kkSGgU6Ve4-5_rFzFgBl8Xogy9RbUEo9ExsD7RSM3T0cngNbAdpASDrFTpGwH3UQ5cHOLo31LaaiNxfz8hO3wAnu6qAGgbrhlHzRcmGmD9rz-I2FJ-nJr/s320/acrostic_poem.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/diamante-poems-30053.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp2OUmam6eEW2NSpcceBS8Q_yJIebBiO6umbGCYm2z6DZCGlEImgzbO5mNfR2Yd3R7SIgHGaBOQS1SVVeWfUSSU1h7u6AvFTjr1llJsqwH5nk0fbGPyjcrLqls2yXkVTpP0whCj6JI9Nd/s320/Diamante_poem.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/theme-poems-30044.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_rlo8nY1goemuGYNfWYFyA2EXRXRZfiyLu7aQ_0OPogSMYBufmkoZnxgaos6NUIGpOUpShdwZ2lnWKNfk9O1kF6VDw-z_YM8MoZXN4taCyQvDtgscuvjfz6_Y58U2a8wWzimx-b78ulo/s320/Theme_poems.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/line-break-explorer-30018.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulm2POPgtP-JE7O1SVzulUYCVjuONe2yptBh7O78A_h6b5TimE9jZVjRNQp4LQztU_Ej43hhXDD9JExMiVKcNmw0c-_7mCNjoquDIAVMX4nxr3OwTjsmB5M598atN0d_4tvPYWL87hAoE/s320/Line_Break_Explorer.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/riddle-interactive-30024.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4HhLiYjYp616rs1Fd5cAlN1E187sbKghLpEnE06GiPfJrbsmFv32w-rHm7hyLGl0PyrdBp85IjmVU-1iDKhI7BIQilyTRZN3geZn7RH9FxpRbOc6-PkLUofMIKiWZ92bJxAWjJm8PwYg/s320/riddle_poems.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/word-mover-b-30964.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBceXKywKihWiveLseckX6ADxDaDKXqJhjzIw9V1jLMsCO4k4KYU9rBYI9GdOPOBumQSapSpaIsZUGDLVTdHr_uQJFbbgBnvHJE-mdvNQYbUJ1SHy-07jE4BP-Cl8xYpExn7qy4AnRhGv9/s320/word_mover.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rif.org/kids/readingplanet/gamestation/poetrysplatter.htm" target="_blank"><u><b>RIF Reading Plane</b></u></a>t - Poetry Splatter is fun for all ages. Just choose a poem from the list and start filling in the poem with words splattered on the screen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rif.org/kids/readingplanet/gamestation/poetrysplatter.htm" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL9b4Dqr1HLzH1Xel3Ek2TDH-VMeFtrrPYNSJ8WH1NyEN_7Is2FGA0JNURxEaZgtq3gBEQS4QbFu9Qt61V_1JsuiH9rPKpgX_04zIz-VIWAKlAl5jxC33MCwBLxNDuPrn0HlyL9bHmsAa/s320/RIF_reading_planet.png" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7xrYneccB79cX0DqUdt2HbSeMMxswYV61NTI5R_Mm9jMNIXJp9Z3vQZzQZ6fbJTJ8NTrSYlUgGyrGRXVbytstxRVjnd9rFoMS8xlsPyA7WQwLi2jGLEmDf1K86XljGDWTlY3hIPq4faE/s1600/poetry_splatter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7xrYneccB79cX0DqUdt2HbSeMMxswYV61NTI5R_Mm9jMNIXJp9Z3vQZzQZ6fbJTJ8NTrSYlUgGyrGRXVbytstxRVjnd9rFoMS8xlsPyA7WQwLi2jGLEmDf1K86XljGDWTlY3hIPq4faE/s320/poetry_splatter.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rhymezone.com/" target="_blank"><u><b>Rhyme Zone</b></u></a> - Perfect for helping you create your own poem. You can search for rhyming words, synonyms, antonyms, homophones, similar sounding words, and a lot more options! I wish I was using this website a long time ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2l2-F0w26YK2mU_2q1uZhmu5CL1oCLXZs-Il6dQv2udT1mPr0miqpZu8s0ibtf_9K4EIzGDrb-VzbkWtDqIxm_Ah-Vlmac5nNOxJUZjGYgQwD6TJ5pXOueCuKODROeJxGdwxNaP2fmOSt/s1600/giggle_poetry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rhymezone.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1NWv92is6aN102VK0VoLK1E8fvXTK9rpJ4ZjubdTkMYRanocxVOaL9Bi0q7mWNpDuA6G_o2gg6z8SH7n3rOWKV5O4qEzUpRFXUL6v7tyfCr8AoFz6aIpPRsHe77HnbFA4c1wPSQ50NC3/s400/rhyme_zone.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gigglepoetry.com/" target="_blank"><u><b>Giggle Poetry</b></u></a> - Who doesn't love funny poems? This site has lots of funny poems for children to giggle away! You can explore Poetry Theater, Poetry Class, Poetry Fun, or even play word games. There are many things to check out on here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gigglepoetry.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizscCP0YtKiGVBryS-mogohBtpTnVDRqacdViSt_ny533-0Z2_YGXPVaH3f1HjtLsg7P9kl_cmGMb5F6iGqD5m-Q3yXd6bKCQFn0w-HuLm_UeSBeOocrAffCRxOUPWNxN1_7WDbacxet4q/s320/giggle_poetry.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />And last but not least... Kenn Nesbitt's <a href="http://www.poetry4kids.com/" target="_blank"><u><b>Poetry4kids</b></u></a> website that has a plethora of poetry fun and information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.poetry4kids.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMNgYYmcP7PvicSxbru3KNnY7AkUgCsalEmPEHjDXbSdTuAQ1Zg7urY-5mrNhV5EKLIGLhXID1d7_Om3Xw7ZCdh9LD9rjy-ebLtO6VxdHaeExNFDoh-sHOuGcEyK-bI2CFZubmBLCNHvP/s320/poetry4kids.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">April isn't over yet so there is still plenty of time to check out these great resources for National Poetry Month. If you are like me, you'll spend just as much time as the students do reading all the fun poems! Enjoy :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-14888172396662392232013-03-19T22:39:00.001-05:002013-03-25T21:45:28.037-05:00Stay Calm and Rock the Test<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here in Texas we are all gearing up for the STAAR test so I thought a few encouraging posters were needed. We have all seen the Keep Calm posters everywhere, so using that as inspiration I created a few of my own to display. I couldn't make up my mind on which color I liked best for the background. Problem solved...I created them with several background colors and a couple of neon animal print! <span style="font-size: large;">I think there is 10 in all. Thanks to m</span>y bilingual partner<span style="font-size: large;"> Christina<span style="font-size: large;"> for helping me <span style="font-size: large;">create the Spanish ones.</span> </span></span>If you would like the freebie for your c<span style="font-size: large;">lass<span style="font-size: large;">room</span></span>, <span style="font-size: large;">click t<span style="font-size: large;">he image </span>to download.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stay-Calm-and-Rock-the-Test" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLXLqaNUgKPUpGXdi72AlojngtKyJ_wtpHI3AgI9oo-S0dWWJlSiEKY5vw5rsHVwsiS-CHGQMHdbJB879tNw6FNzMqOPfMe7kgIKX5w66PmIToHxRmIODjWUGDgLLi7mqmj_uEznjfPp4/s320/2013-03-19_2215.png" width="249" /><span id="goog_1517965288"></span></a><span id="goog_1517965289"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's not forget about <span style="font-size: large;">Dual Language classes<span style="font-size: large;">!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stay-Calm-and-Rock-the-Test-Spanish"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN4NBROnnU84fYiGF3_TFTu1myIuyV8j3eNbiNDbIB-b31VcNOjQJPWvTEjORYeeJwEZP4leYorIFS8QtWXO8frgwTCZcjawsek6l8AD5eVI212-7Ww_-CczzXbBIF2JL4P3J81ZKNoGh/s320/2013-03-25_2124.png" width="248" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stay-Calm-and-Rock-the-Test-Spanish" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> For all those testing, GOOD LUCK :)</span></span></div>
Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-22244507747297695522013-02-28T18:46:00.002-06:002013-02-28T18:46:35.700-06:00Dr. Seuss Interactive Resources and Popular Quotes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is that time of year again to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday! I thought this would be the perfect time to remind you of the entertaining online resources that your students can enjoy during computer time, centers, or free time. Many of you probably already have <a href="http://www.seussville.com/" target="_blank"><i>Seussville</i></a> and PBS Kids' <a href="http://pbskids.org/catinthehat/" target="_blank"><i>The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!</i></a> bookmarked on your computer; however, if you haven't had a chance to check out all the fun activities and resources here is quick snapshot of them<span style="font-size: large;">.</span> </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seussville.com/#/home" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK-kclROV0zVgC4nSHsR4x2OwCcuTc2BPqXNQOzCibZwEcmtv8XfFPPtDQ5RKyRanjGnWbuMY8Wh6dLNd0vdarLv6x77NsE0l2XC-LmUilWXgQsrRo0F_lO_xKhQY54mLSDPjrKzyO9uJ/s640/seussville.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.seussville.com/#/home" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Seussville</b></span></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can learn all about Theodor Seuss Geisel from the "Author" section. It gives you a detailed timeline of both personal and professional events that happened in his life. I know in our third grade classes we have been really focusing on the characteristics of the biography genre, so this would be an excellent project for them to do. Important milestones could be passed out on strips of paper and they could arrange it in chronological order and recorded on their own timeline, or they could list major events for Dr. Seuss' life by pulling out the information independently. Another option would be to do an author study compiled from information gathered reading his biography, looking at the photo gallery, or watching the short videos<span style="font-size: large;"> from t<span style="font-size: large;">he website.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj1svHoY_MYEfC8uEOUoONb4KNnBg7G5FpJCkW0FrMgE_GRb463eENwl-RzZBSBvt_20GdytrskZKwJY0HJMCHn8JFTiivDh5q14NVdrVuD1p8sx5xXk_1dP2XaoqZ97IGOI6RvCjoTir/s1600/Dr_seuss_about_the_author.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj1svHoY_MYEfC8uEOUoONb4KNnBg7G5FpJCkW0FrMgE_GRb463eENwl-RzZBSBvt_20GdytrskZKwJY0HJMCHn8JFTiivDh5q14NVdrVuD1p8sx5xXk_1dP2XaoqZ97IGOI6RvCjoTir/s400/Dr_seuss_about_the_author.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The "Games & Activities" are of course the most popular spot to be! Students have tons of choices to pick from such as rhymes, word searches, matching, shapes, same or different, and a lot more.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90HY_z9NM47CPlo7uj8AiVIMUpUt_17Dkz8X34tjpMnOlmZhETSagGq0-2VI8XIRkhMo4OIvWhr1L3bDVik5uHjwqecWTS7Pb4r52yvxq-EbtxG4zjxyZFAX58Sinmgf2ytSIZ6Vp8SBZ/s1600/seuss_activities.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90HY_z9NM47CPlo7uj8AiVIMUpUt_17Dkz8X34tjpMnOlmZhETSagGq0-2VI8XIRkhMo4OIvWhr1L3bDVik5uHjwqecWTS7Pb4r52yvxq-EbtxG4zjxyZFAX58Sinmgf2ytSIZ6Vp8SBZ/s400/seuss_activities.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite <i>Seussville</i> activities to recommend is the Storybook Maker. This activity allows students to create a three scene story similar to creating a comic strip. It targets reading and writing skills in a fun, interactive way. Students first start out by picking their background (setting), characters, music, and type the text or dialogue they want the characters to say. The process is repeated for each scene. When they finish they can watch each scene unfold.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.seussville.com/games_hb/storymaker/story_maker.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhndDrI3OiF_J3RCChfPFFfTwUps-XPI20mf6bDvJpyn4ciwuh5fCMfKMyTo0JUzKxZsHOssUHvZBpBCzlGwsIrOMHm-SPCgS2h5sePkF3U9NbU-njSUUuXuSx_SByvSR6uYT62YOpmzO/s400/seuss_story_maker.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other things to explore on <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Seussville </i>are the short-clip videos, </span>learning about every character from all of Dr. Seuss' books, and the educator section for printables and classroom resource<span style="font-size: large;">s.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a8-K24rdCrVffkqKi2WAWRamFf0LAw5whHawD1EKNjfdn1akak67a-wDRm50inUI2-MSqwKkAfg4wtLxa74btwTnobcRyQTRGb7J-B44k4cSd3im9bn3ypEA9iCU9mXC53Lg43unEWDF/s1600/seuss_characters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a8-K24rdCrVffkqKi2WAWRamFf0LAw5whHawD1EKNjfdn1akak67a-wDRm50inUI2-MSqwKkAfg4wtLxa74btwTnobcRyQTRGb7J-B44k4cSd3im9bn3ypEA9iCU9mXC53Lg43unEWDF/s400/seuss_characters.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">PBS <span style="font-size: large;">Kids also <span style="font-size: large;">has oodles of educational interactives <span style="font-size: large;">t<span style="font-size: large;">o play f<span style="font-size: large;">rom <i>The Cat in the Ha<span style="font-size: large;">t Know a Lot About <span style="font-size: large;">That!</span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNwDsgU7AZvllBWBSS-cvoIaCGiDZmKi0hBl-Pkv6QDUSJepdjuMu30Rsan2Zc2l-2l52h-KfUYXWlAOprEvI4Z-2TzTq6hV2B7KPpkP2668eRD9UJjGP87c4Uliv7e_xNVL8u4XiKwM5/s400/cat_in_the_hat_pbs.png" width="400" /> </div>
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<a href="http://pbskids.org/catinthehat/" target="_blank">http://pbskids.org/catinthehat/</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out Snap-O-Rama for categorizing games, puzzles, and memory match!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLjywc9K0fhWP8ErRTsjr-pS57Zmj91jTptlGXLxrAXTIp9Fw5BHQ3zixnreuXHHrRNm48s5ggYcZSszjOf3QjYT6XUgyyhmX8DjFNrQdwKxmgKEku-j-HkODIN1-LPNLjk6yhyO2EmeN/s1600/insect_plant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLjywc9K0fhWP8ErRTsjr-pS57Zmj91jTptlGXLxrAXTIp9Fw5BHQ3zixnreuXHHrRNm48s5ggYcZSszjOf3QjYT6XUgyyhmX8DjFNrQdwKxmgKEku-j-HkODIN1-LPNLjk6yhyO2EmeN/s400/insect_plant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Students can also brush up on their math and science skills by playing a few of the games below. There are way too many to highlight!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mMX5HkUrZkBZwk9fCO_QMywtmz6lCTS5KUlFibqQ6pXohMPhGzeiUiC4Om2AXSVvZlG7r0uofPJQFspKLTB8poQwpLDTmNcMR5ixVe04pXRiL9XCECiNwRyx2nzZqxR2tfP_BQuaa77A/s1600/seuss_games_pbs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mMX5HkUrZkBZwk9fCO_QMywtmz6lCTS5KUlFibqQ6pXohMPhGzeiUiC4Om2AXSVvZlG7r0uofPJQFspKLTB8poQwpLDTmNcMR5ixVe04pXRiL9XCECiNwRyx2nzZqxR2tfP_BQuaa77A/s400/seuss_games_pbs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last but not least I want to leave you with 30 of Dr. Seuss' popular quotes. It was created by <a href="http://www.mamiverse.com/dr-seuss-quotes-19331/" target="_blank">Mamiverse</a>. My favorite is #16. What is your favorite Dr. Seuss quote?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQON3KBsop54K9C14DDPQ512duSdifgTcKSoRVaNFYhWpYvHkiN6uhYF0XWptg97uJG8tejbsTtrbFTuvPmSKFm8g93HMzFiU7zzs9WicKH2vJ8ekPQm8qkL5zjpU-QTkZui1JDagQuM8G/s1600/seuss_puzzle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-36886762255995928742013-02-11T22:51:00.001-06:002013-02-11T22:57:07.287-06:00Pastelink an easy way to share files<span style="font-size: large;">Need an easy, quick way to share a file online? Then there's no reason to email it to yourself or upload to Google Docs and from there share out the link; when it can be done in less steps. Simply drag and drop (or browse) the file you want to share into Pastelink and that's it! A link will automatically be generated for you to copy to your clipboard and share out. The website is free but if you want to send files over 250 MB then you can sign up for a free account and send up to 2GB. The link is good for seven days so I would only recommend this for files you want to share out immediately. If you want to store files for people to continually access, then Google Docs or Dropbox, is still your best bet. </span><span style="font-size: large;">However, this is super easy for<span style="font-size: large;"> file sharing on the go<span style="font-size: large;">!</span></span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICsw2ub2Oo3tW0ss68v3hzTLSLfPjVnRSDX3cIcqsqTmyariYbGcZ8bPSVeM6VvDrlRLMJuTkH1g3qKXitt_UVdTcLhmdPplrqZnUtkZ1B6LhdhX-R-YI7ri2LJDY546ax_J4JW6ws-4P/s400/pastelink.png" width="400" /> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pastelink.me/" target="_blank">pastelink.me</a></span></div>
<br />Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-31677513500219546752013-01-10T23:58:00.001-06:002013-01-10T23:58:14.822-06:00Story Chimes: Interactive Book Apps<span style="font-size: large;">Story Chimes are one of my absolute favorite apps for reading. Story Chimes are interactive children's books that are brought to life with narration, music, and activities. They are perfect for teachers that integrate technology into their classrooms because the books can be played on an iPod Touch<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">or <span style="font-size: large;">i<span style="font-size: large;">Pad; they are al<span style="font-size: large;">so<span style="font-size: large;"> a</span>vailable on Androids</span></span></span></span></span>. What a great idea to engage students during literacy center time! Kids have the option to read independently or read along with the narrator. Best of all they have tons of FREE full version books that you can download (with ads). If you want the ad free version then most of them are only $0.99. I think I have pretty much downloaded every interactive app they have on the App Store. Now, every time my 5 year old niece stays with me I let her choose a story for us to read at bedtime. She is always asking to go back and reread them! One of our favorites is <i>The Princess and the Pea</i>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPjUJlfYM65PldatNAp7mZ3LHJ8btD_HwSlZJqHdQf5D1BkkFrGo8tibhwxT5XMjudvnD4xpOYyg_BnxslpKmBn-CUklZeACI1PzzBjkN5JGFNfE8DYuRXETBaNTdBM6UIL1ZXkyYiWuy/s1600/2013-01-10_2304.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPjUJlfYM65PldatNAp7mZ3LHJ8btD_HwSlZJqHdQf5D1BkkFrGo8tibhwxT5XMjudvnD4xpOYyg_BnxslpKmBn-CUklZeACI1PzzBjkN5JGFNfE8DYuRXETBaNTdBM6UIL1ZXkyYiWuy/s400/2013-01-10_2304.png" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbnBK28uCG0rX6RJaFgrkkCgTXwg5Y412DQuvG4CQbP1Bdd8B8hOJhpgzzHQtVLoOi0x5V1TiVNgeB83WmP3TYhUMZKjMuBha1plZ85MT1a7N4lBDqFm4cuR3VF4XwwquXLYeA1bt0X7a/s1600/2013-01-10_2305.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbnBK28uCG0rX6RJaFgrkkCgTXwg5Y412DQuvG4CQbP1Bdd8B8hOJhpgzzHQtVLoOi0x5V1TiVNgeB83WmP3TYhUMZKjMuBha1plZ85MT1a7N4lBDqFm4cuR3VF4XwwquXLYeA1bt0X7a/s400/2013-01-10_2305.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can search "Story Chimes" in the iTunes App Store or Google Play to see all the different interactive books available for download. Here are a few titles that I took a snapshot of from the iTunes Store. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRCNqzaeoENj30_S3Sk6aWj87ipbpcVWEpa7DtnhJ1oj9VLe4awno3kOTAXti2ErWmA-JLOtmFNkb4c46Qy3GARzQjhP2zvmc16f39ZXN8loMFw46oPgNLbTZ8ByR8ZfbvitwFhkKXpQY/s1600/2013-01-10_2312.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRCNqzaeoENj30_S3Sk6aWj87ipbpcVWEpa7DtnhJ1oj9VLe4awno3kOTAXti2ErWmA-JLOtmFNkb4c46Qy3GARzQjhP2zvmc16f39ZXN8loMFw46oPgNLbTZ8ByR8ZfbvitwFhkKXpQY/s640/2013-01-10_2312.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't discovered the interactive books already, I recommend checking a few of the stories out! </span></div>
Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-91850851815235647742012-12-11T22:01:00.001-06:002012-12-11T22:01:04.123-06:00Reader Response Prompts FREEBIE!<span style="font-size: large;">Reader response prompts go along great with the balanced literacy classroom. Sometimes students just need a little assistance getting started when responding to literature. The prompts can easily be posted around the room so they can choose one to respond to in their reading journals. My bilingual partner Christina L. helped me create a dual language version because our district implements the Gomez & Gomez model. The English text is in blue and Spanish text in red to fit the model. I hope you enjoy the freebie and feel free to share it out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click on an image to download the 12 reader response prompts. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reader-Response-Prompt-Posters" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfmaIyWhXMq_FtUZB-yk1VkVPC53lm8EodxD0BqvEsbcqt05wTMdg8G1n3rWyX3q8CuVfJVsdj-DlGrqWcsy76I6z3QfJtRoRAyljE5T9K5wU2v5dC5qetrgIaScOgZ6gJLDrzsNfxMuv/s320/2012-12-11_2057.png" width="320" /><span id="goog_78105250"></span></a><span id="goog_78105251"></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reader-Response-Prompt-Posters" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclCf7vRigWbQluRoOYPw1Ir2XgSQD8C2N2Yk5arj90a4qopC6DCt-0hWAWYtlh3UhBU3HOfxzyztFnCMLmI9ijUFXT5Gyut9STk1_-Myu6QcVJBYoI-WLprolX8rKLnNWw7mydzEkfKBf/s320/2012-12-11_2056.png" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reader-Response-Prompt-Posters" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtGSOYy5Wqw6Oe6bUrKQ6HUdEs9EUmzngEkASE1K427ofM3DtJTSUQ9J0V8HWcG4iOrpa2Hu8zxljUk0Pl_OU4JFLbioJterqqm866HX99TOsZD7EN-fE6vTIZDy9r_4UsI4LQFqPEv0C/s320/2012-12-11_2050.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To download the dual language version, you can click on one of the below images. There are 11 different prompts with the Spanish translation.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dual-Language-Reader-Response-Prompt-Posters-Spanish" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-bYfojTm8a05DKOfkwBTKSIDJkeR8IGPHuojxMk0pF34gMpWLBduA4ud3RPIB2Zkfzxd2e21f6w8A0C18OYRhAewDiNvboIb7w_C8Ss4JL85SJ1aHaX0u_f8qFKDf00Q21_T_udYj1os/s320/2012-12-11_2058.png" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dual-Language-Reader-Response-Prompt-Posters-Spanish" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDbtT9ZTWfxxOsE6TfQ5_uQla5HyymkhjnHF5q5fhzOzZ-K87UwyZj5MiSLK-N_RPP_YyFcLZv-0pi-LrT7-Ov-ceQQcBUXrOH2t682FB_vlPuXPFet9WXpb-GmGcFJu6dhMYFbMPgQh0/s320/2012-12-11_2059.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-33678908125933012402012-12-04T21:01:00.000-06:002012-12-04T21:01:45.382-06:00Online Classroom Stopwatches and Countdown Timers<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone can enjoy another interactive tool that helps with classroom management and keeps you organized, right? I used to love using my egg timer in the classroom but for some reason it always hid itself around the room! I learned about <a href="http://www.online-stopwatch.com/" target="_blank">Online Stopwatch</a> a few years back and it's great to use in the classroom. I'm a huge fan of using the Promethean board so the countdown timers are awesome to display while students are working on a task. I also deliver professional development to teachers so this is always a hit to model how they can use it in the classroom. I will pull one up in training while they are working or collaborating on a group activity. There are several different types for you to choose from so it's not the same old egg timer each time. I listed a few of my favorites, but as you can see from the screenshot there are quite a few to select. I highly recommend checking out the Classroom Timers; students love them!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY23jR-pBG4qsMh1PoDx7g7p6g8jIl6XwIxFSNvU3TKj2dVj5eXwk2K1xcWl8uSnRDmgk5BfZJY3TEriw4p6_jackxfiaPjAu8l0qUPCbOTrcrhEWN06S0R0grZID0ub6BkteBbj2E_Hm/s1600/2012-12-04_2005.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY23jR-pBG4qsMh1PoDx7g7p6g8jIl6XwIxFSNvU3TKj2dVj5eXwk2K1xcWl8uSnRDmgk5BfZJY3TEriw4p6_jackxfiaPjAu8l0qUPCbOTrcrhEWN06S0R0grZID0ub6BkteBbj2E_Hm/s400/2012-12-04_2005.png" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bomb Countdown is....well the bomb! You can choose your time preference then click "Set."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNGz4Qp2rg2CYoj8RmIhVqJ7nSqv-ovzmMI15AggPHjqjC8hCkcGGvnKdNShZkrPS210zQjh8vaWp3ySNntbotXCG7jEMs059vF0_Ee4vOcykwhT2OOJYaT7Ub8YF7XgXaaI4ybsxDGph/s1600/2012-12-04_2004.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNGz4Qp2rg2CYoj8RmIhVqJ7nSqv-ovzmMI15AggPHjqjC8hCkcGGvnKdNShZkrPS210zQjh8vaWp3ySNntbotXCG7jEMs059vF0_Ee4vOcykwhT2OOJYaT7Ub8YF7XgXaaI4ybsxDGph/s320/2012-12-04_2004.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> You will then see the spark get closer and closer to going off as the time nears.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxHKJxFggx6vnjqy033B80kCPtUnrbZInM6MoVGZN9j5XzuaJkL8mywG2QKU_Wooj8Obkvq7hzPyoGC5x3dIYBlmGfmVsSKfq52LuNuvC1ZM2uADWZ0A1W5xX7_SnixdzeNLbWpibl7YS/s1600/2012-12-04_2004_001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxHKJxFggx6vnjqy033B80kCPtUnrbZInM6MoVGZN9j5XzuaJkL8mywG2QKU_Wooj8Obkvq7hzPyoGC5x3dIYBlmGfmVsSKfq52LuNuvC1ZM2uADWZ0A1W5xX7_SnixdzeNLbWpibl7YS/s320/2012-12-04_2004_001.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The rocket is another popular one, as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5tm-PoWcojvK_YSssCGBeQCb9lUsyjqU5qnMx8F9JxjMASMfFgSXEkO5J5RLamWMn_PGTHSYc_KMts8XllyqDpQlIh4zK2ogBJYXUFdFkIkhBaAgrIHV8ZFK4xiELN-3njmwBXHxLBkz/s1600/2012-12-04_2008.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5tm-PoWcojvK_YSssCGBeQCb9lUsyjqU5qnMx8F9JxjMASMfFgSXEkO5J5RLamWMn_PGTHSYc_KMts8XllyqDpQlIh4zK2ogBJYXUFdFkIkhBaAgrIHV8ZFK4xiELN-3njmwBXHxLBkz/s320/2012-12-04_2008.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The running timer is one of my favorites. If you like it, they also have a swimming timer you can check out too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvKUdgMTPeOvKJPB52xa8FQRAdXhQldNmvrQdviA9K0yB0ovgqP1kac5OYv6yxw9jjSv48QBs1FnJzYePcL8M_qrmCFsna2lOFgrkkv3SP2C5Aj9_CE-ro33vDZv2J1dsw3-n_C7M280L/s1600/2012-12-04_2009.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvKUdgMTPeOvKJPB52xa8FQRAdXhQldNmvrQdviA9K0yB0ovgqP1kac5OYv6yxw9jjSv48QBs1FnJzYePcL8M_qrmCFsna2lOFgrkkv3SP2C5Aj9_CE-ro33vDZv2J1dsw3-n_C7M280L/s320/2012-12-04_2009.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just a few more I like....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fmuePCtlUwiJin5vq3pl9edAs2Ml5MPNRClkcwrTp1_T1pwggb38XPauoQ-lGF2xzwL5vugwZi1NAZA8NXNY3RY8NnmsizPBabW5MuxFZfgECgzwjqBRWgCN6WhfoB_cPGsGPf8hAW0R/s1600/2012-12-04_2010.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fmuePCtlUwiJin5vq3pl9edAs2Ml5MPNRClkcwrTp1_T1pwggb38XPauoQ-lGF2xzwL5vugwZi1NAZA8NXNY3RY8NnmsizPBabW5MuxFZfgECgzwjqBRWgCN6WhfoB_cPGsGPf8hAW0R/s320/2012-12-04_2010.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3FI0UQuSgeeGzRsYpF3Q1rcCuBYn3lAmT12oeFJ7idrEXFil8w2VfPOkUvR9YydKtrPccUo5E1jhyphenhyphenAw-pKNhu8KpmdpQeqwPU7XF1ia9aoz23b_KYxCq3xWwdhuCEpw_apR7WPIqFyBd/s1600/2012-12-04_2007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3FI0UQuSgeeGzRsYpF3Q1rcCuBYn3lAmT12oeFJ7idrEXFil8w2VfPOkUvR9YydKtrPccUo5E1jhyphenhyphenAw-pKNhu8KpmdpQeqwPU7XF1ia9aoz23b_KYxCq3xWwdhuCEpw_apR7WPIqFyBd/s320/2012-12-04_2007.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next time y<span style="font-size: large;">ou s<span style="font-size: large;">tart l<span style="font-size: large;">ooking for your stopwatch or egg timer, remember to give <a href="http://www.online-stopwatch.com/" target="_blank">Online Stopwatch</a> a try<span style="font-size: large;">. It's always around and available when you need it<span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also, Technology Tailgate is <span style="font-size: large;">starting a Techie T<span style="font-size: large;">uesday Link Up. So don't forget to stop by and chec<span style="font-size: large;">k out the awesome blog posts and feel free to link u<span style="font-size: large;">p your o<span style="font-size: large;">wn <span style="font-size: large;">new <span style="font-size: large;">or past post about technology in the classroom<span style="font-size: large;">! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.technologytailgate.com/2012/12/techie-tuesday-link-up.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8CyHmTUccc-KaQKkbEqlzzitiwrDreYzLFPQ9iY5PXKvPGvcO3922hVuSkHVvtyEOczhiymuQFQLLt_XrFkvQ679uGhcEtoGtYoo3ov-fOusB-QcLKU6F_6kcGnpk5hzk2vzFnMRALEl/s1600/2012-12-04_2058.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-23368812512759275052012-10-15T22:06:00.000-05:002013-02-11T22:04:52.301-06:00Smore! Flyers<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.smore.com/" target="_blank">Smore</a> is a website that allows you to build quick, easy flyers within minutes! It is a great alternative for Word or Publisher. You can design a flyer from a basic template or you may want to choose to create one from scratch and add your own content. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.smore.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhAplF9p4liDqbWDeVMBtbyNedpvbhILGfXjrewH9mzxMkSEanuLT7MITC-t_VioGyJo0KvIyUpL1p8JPjVBwQ95kZQyRLFNQWJrJbpu9iFFZpweTGOKWnGRo_l28aesHbfmfx1cGPRhB/s400/smore.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The super easy format gives you the option to change the design, background, colors, and font. You will also see navigation arrows next to each section as you hover to view the different layout options for that section. Below is an example of a personal layout flyer. However, you can drag and drop to rearrange the sections, delete sections, or add as many as you would like to customize it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmtkc1OMj01oMQA4ruGtXUZgDcksEuKwSCQ2cDc8_5PXo4MlobQMMSzpOlL90ka39cOLOICmNwsC2t9c85uFiKwzbLZx0BGzwTa3dtyKmJaYeIeIX5j0beVZ1-hlVwv9Max4l2INuaEbf/s1600/smore_5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.smore.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmvZJGInbK1Gl6RzfIVrEXjoJyNeDqMoNmNMra9mtrJLyVr3uocS7eD9YqCvicLuXJlvZEPjqg_HAaZ1GiwMLOP8DQszVTu6A4k7KM9min9dn1Qr4iC_d4t7IfrxaL-S1JlRUgX20BX7I/s400/smore_6.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aIA2DydtPGr6Cy_sZkTuSjqmsPaFYe6RbzGHqqqYq6Nmnc9smA-ZFrwF2X9LV7d4Mj6k3_4_LRSeT5cARydkNxi2GB2HFvbrL1SZEaCxtnjD0tmBKkC1CMKOOQLDC1NLkGtjt8HFkcH2/s1600/smore_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aIA2DydtPGr6Cy_sZkTuSjqmsPaFYe6RbzGHqqqYq6Nmnc9smA-ZFrwF2X9LV7d4Mj6k3_4_LRSeT5cARydkNxi2GB2HFvbrL1SZEaCxtnjD0tmBKkC1CMKOOQLDC1NLkGtjt8HFkcH2/s400/smore_3.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Students can have fun creating posters, flyers, or invitations for a topic being covered in class. They can make a personal flyer for a character in a story, a personal flyer to display at open house, or create a snapshot of a story they have read. For example, they could add pictures for the setting, add text for the summary, bio to discuss the author, or even a video or link to to provide additional information. <a href="http://www.smore.com/" target="_blank">Smore</a> can also be a great tool to create a classroom newsletter. I like to use it because it can be easily shared through Facebook, Twitter, email, or a direct link. If you get a chance, it's worth checking out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.smore.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP0BGcNwBvy3kmQp8dO2yLn9oirsm-x4GgZPmqd9-cK6aCIp64_VjuuDS4sL84wQnsd5lSLWs-W17fv0UzyIvaf4DKW3KXR-iJ8f_xY_gbTR4Jk0_5IhSv7fMZ32UJ1M0HBIKVzsYwqIK/s400/smore_4.png" width="317" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> *I used the spelling <i>flyer</i> in the post because that is how it is referenced on the website.</span></div>
Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-10179530242541941722012-10-10T22:56:00.001-05:002012-10-10T22:56:17.455-05:00Author's Purpose Freebie!As I was visiting classrooms the last few weeks, I noticed many of the teachers had anchor charts or signs posted for author's purpose. However, not many used the catchy phrase, It's as easy as PIE". So I decided I should make my own printable signs for them so I could share out with everyone. It's a fun way for students to remember the author's purpose: persuade, inform, and entertain. I know there are lots of other versions out there but if you would like one more, click to download the freebie! <br />
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Good news! This also prompted me to finally setup my TpT store so please check back often because I'll be uploading and giving away lots of other freebies in the future.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Authors-Purpose-Its-easy-as-PIE" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLEvuNCwLum_VHUE5zYsO8fP2_0TwncvVYrsoElnbW6Of1CLXwUfq_fFt7yOesPesHse1oOWG-Ay2zkULbrsxXJqEhyphenhyphenXkm8TLxOV7fdg6bV_zghijGqC3uGeJnqcgLh-XvehO4ix8VQhq/s320/2012-10-10_2253.png" width="320" /><span id="goog_1638699986"></span></a><span id="goog_1638699987"></span></div>
<br />Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-50402960969522180752012-10-04T22:20:00.002-05:002012-10-15T22:15:14.380-05:00You've Been Boo'ed! Freebie"You've Been Boo'ed" is probably known for it's fun way of sharing treats and Halloween cheer with neighbors and friends. It's a great activity that becomes contagious because so many love joining in on all the fun. At my campus several years ago we modified "You've Been Boo'ed" to apply to our staff members. Instead of leaving treats at each others classroom doors, we actually just placed them in teacher boxes and waited to see everyone discover the goodies! This was really easy because our mailboxes were in a separate room so we could easily sneak in and out without being discovered. I still have my Halloween gifts that were given to me and it was nice to see how quickly it caught on. By the time Halloween arrived, every staff member had received a nice little treat. Since, it's October (already!) I thought it would be great to make a few of the signs and share out so you could enjoy the fun as well. I revised the poem a little to fit nicely with the campus setting. If you haven't ever been "Boo'ed" before, I hope you consider starting the tradition this year. Just start off by leaving a bag of treats at two classroom doors and sit back and watch the Halloween cheer! I always like to check out Pinterest for some great ideas. Click on the link below for the "You've Been Boo'ed" freebie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARY2JZIosPTT9RCS_JQ7_b0MapNeeSfbkZJMT9X8s120WQrLgZXggl-ecxqAXfIdnsigMOrp9O8CcRP7j7qhDsYVFCpVz-oyZY8dmSIvlvMvyI4peAzVBJIuIq_31M1SMkbu2VJQ18SuO/s1600/2012-10-04_2200.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARY2JZIosPTT9RCS_JQ7_b0MapNeeSfbkZJMT9X8s120WQrLgZXggl-ecxqAXfIdnsigMOrp9O8CcRP7j7qhDsYVFCpVz-oyZY8dmSIvlvMvyI4peAzVBJIuIq_31M1SMkbu2VJQ18SuO/s200/2012-10-04_2200.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uNrkU9IL94TT5SvGMG2RY9SHzI7mIgqtnHuqBMHu0ODzjOt9hv039TLlV3QFI7S4uFXvsNraAc-djd5IbKkXq-R0FO0aB6GWFxiEkYBoEAwwbUzS9HfCRZXzchXlAmHI1kRmUD8jdSHs/s1600/2012-10-04_2202_001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uNrkU9IL94TT5SvGMG2RY9SHzI7mIgqtnHuqBMHu0ODzjOt9hv039TLlV3QFI7S4uFXvsNraAc-djd5IbKkXq-R0FO0aB6GWFxiEkYBoEAwwbUzS9HfCRZXzchXlAmHI1kRmUD8jdSHs/s200/2012-10-04_2202_001.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9_h4qwYVF_e9G2dEpPaC4jeYqR-lJxTarPbaJlvefl6BTo0__aXawZe-ABik8Z7IRzGBX6-Z-XsK6SZ-sNOpf23SM0pM3_e3AUd_BB1VUw1M_1dxseHB1Dhws8jsYLzqVyBCGXynmRn2/s1600/2012-10-04_2202.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9_h4qwYVF_e9G2dEpPaC4jeYqR-lJxTarPbaJlvefl6BTo0__aXawZe-ABik8Z7IRzGBX6-Z-XsK6SZ-sNOpf23SM0pM3_e3AUd_BB1VUw1M_1dxseHB1Dhws8jsYLzqVyBCGXynmRn2/s200/2012-10-04_2202.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/36080283/You%27ve%20Been%20Booed.pdf">https://dl.dropbox.com/u/36080283/You%27ve%20Been%20Booed.pdf</a><br />
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If you would prefer the original version and not the classroom, please email me and I can send it to you. </div>
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Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-24558911299909886792012-09-10T22:15:00.001-05:002012-09-10T22:15:40.014-05:00Fun Reading & Math Sing-a-long Videos The Alphabet Video by <i>Have Fun Teaching</i> is a catchy way to sing the alphabet with your class. It reviews the letters of the alphabet as well as the letter sounds. I saw a few kindergarten teachers use it with their students and they absolutely loved it! The students were engaged and singing along with it the entire time. They especially like singing along to it around 1:30 of the video when the tempo speeds up. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/13673627" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/13673627">Alphabet Video</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/havefunteaching">Have Fun Teaching</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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There are also many videos to review sight words such as: you, I , said, it, and, to, the, and so on. The video constantly repeats the sight word, spells it out, and uses it in a sentence for students.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/30195141" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/30195141">Sight Word You</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/havefunteaching">Have Fun Teaching</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<i>Have Fun Teaching</i> has math videos for counting by ones, twos, threes, and all the way up to twelves. I liked Count by Five which you can check out below.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21978399" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/21978399">Count By Five Song</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/havefunteaching">Have Fun Teaching</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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The Sing-a-long videos are perfect for getting the students up and moving in a productive way. Plus they love seeing and singing with them. If you want to see all the videos that are listed, you can check them out here: <a href="http://vimeo.com/havefunteaching/videos">http://vimeo.com/havefunteaching/videos</a>. There are currently 79 total available. Another plus, it is compatible with iPads and iPods so you can have the students listen to them during listening center or as practice after completed lessons. Enjoy :)Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-56680621896740924272012-09-04T22:03:00.001-05:002012-09-04T22:10:03.793-05:00Reading BearI hope everyone has gotten off to a great start of the year! It's been crazy busy for me lately so I'm a little behind on posting. I started my new position as a literacy specialist and so far I'm love it! I think what I like most is being able to observe so many different classrooms and grade levels. There are a lot of awesome teachers out there and I love picking up and discovering new tips & tricks while visiting their classrooms. One of the main focuses in the district's literacy block is finding time or activities to support our Word Work lessons. So, I thought I would post about a website that would support and be engaging for students to learn phonics and word work skills.<br />
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<a href="http://www.readingbear.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1M4QGb-AwmTVNjkzUOYuuf_bidGLHlrCpQPK3cP-8Heq91Oo1HdJcFxbajpRpC1rGkPMDk3O5t_GqvQksFl_75W0ahXKe6UDJAWDD4VhjZFnnLqd6BTFnPZEOWOC4xGvhk68IcP_Vjnk/s320/reading_bear.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.readingbear.org/" target="_blank">Reading Bear</a> is a fun, interactive website that helps students learn to read. It reviews all the main phonics rules and guides students through hands-on practice. You could have students practice with <a href="http://www.readingbear.org/" target="_blank">Reading Bear </a>during center time, or use it whole group with your interactive whiteboard. It doesn't replace your lesson but it can provide scaffolding, especially for your struggling readers or ELL's. The most important question...is it free? Yes, it is completely free to use. You may also choose to register for an account that will allow you to save quiz scores and track presentations, but it is not required. If you are looking for interactive phonics lessons, center activities, or just an alternative to Starfall, you might want to check out <a href="http://www.readingbear.org/" target="_blank">Reading Bear</a>. Hope you find it beneficial :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc97BTo-qeeUyIojenq-20_X52zfJQYpZSyVuhlLVSzeQa4xgIsE2_MNO2-B9GJMZ5vcLp1b3mIX16Hhg00bQwOqZQvn2a-Ps8mIwk7Prl6VAnwoCZjVrP-qxwo3Kfr9YUqpobM0OS3xs/s1600/rb1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc97BTo-qeeUyIojenq-20_X52zfJQYpZSyVuhlLVSzeQa4xgIsE2_MNO2-B9GJMZ5vcLp1b3mIX16Hhg00bQwOqZQvn2a-Ps8mIwk7Prl6VAnwoCZjVrP-qxwo3Kfr9YUqpobM0OS3xs/s320/rb1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-83142394406045968722012-08-16T23:38:00.000-05:002012-08-16T23:38:21.777-05:00Dropbox I know everyone has probably heard of <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/">Dropbox</a> but this really is my top "can't live without" Web 2.0 tool. If you are not using it, you truly are missing out on a great productivity tool. I would used to carry around tons of flash drives and try to remember where I put them or try not to lose them. Honestly, I very seldom use them anymore because <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/">Dropbox</a> takes care of all that for me. It is basically a virtual flash drive that is always there and you never have to worry about losing it, and you can always have access from anywhere there is internet. Currently, I have <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/">Dropbox</a> on my home computer, work computer, iPhone, and all my other technology devices. The moment I add or modify a document it instantly updates it to all the other devices. I can't tell you how convenient it has been to pull up documents on my phone when I need them. Anyways, I have been accessing files all night from <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/">Dropbox</a> so it prompted me to make a quick blog post about it. I will now leave everyone with a bit of humor below! <br />
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I think this pretty much sums up how a lot of us are feeling at the moment!<br />
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<br />Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-47026159689382648622012-08-14T23:13:00.000-05:002012-08-14T23:15:15.015-05:00Spell with flickrBy now, most of you have probably seen the personalized name frames that spell out each letter of the name uniquely. My colleague Cathy came across <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/" target="_blank">Spell with flickr</a> several months back and introduced it to me. The website basically creates the same effect in such a quick, simple manner. You type in a name, phrase, or word and <a href="http://metaatem.net/words/" target="_blank">Spell with flickr </a>creates it by pulling single images from flickr and using it to generate what you have typed in. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uHKolUrd5lWoLqOz1H_dAAuRwUf0nT6AS5Qt4NWJpA_3gRU7S_SnwsR13LJqJ52Zoudh8GfQOZzmb3Ap4wsznkS3-6pxwmDwJ2bwZue_kh628-GXDgAPpXscCkPj9nk4ZcFBgZrLq1oq/s1600/welcome.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="55" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uHKolUrd5lWoLqOz1H_dAAuRwUf0nT6AS5Qt4NWJpA_3gRU7S_SnwsR13LJqJ52Zoudh8GfQOZzmb3Ap4wsznkS3-6pxwmDwJ2bwZue_kh628-GXDgAPpXscCkPj9nk4ZcFBgZrLq1oq/s400/welcome.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrDg6mG_LR3xcS7PS-iP5cho42k444dOHphq_0gHKbWGjK_T02zf6vCzKl6Rr7Ug3ucbwe4prt0k9bjqlyUgRvPNoA7jT212tpTdCKi1-AQrQ3tt0UIfnqtCBZ1rdhw9gF5JQ7QvZRd8j/s1600/back.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrDg6mG_LR3xcS7PS-iP5cho42k444dOHphq_0gHKbWGjK_T02zf6vCzKl6Rr7Ug3ucbwe4prt0k9bjqlyUgRvPNoA7jT212tpTdCKi1-AQrQ3tt0UIfnqtCBZ1rdhw9gF5JQ7QvZRd8j/s320/back.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Now the really cool part! You can click on each individual letter and filter through images of the letter until you find one that you like; so, you have the ability to do some customizing. Notice the <i>B </i>and <i>A </i>are the same style of letter. After browsing through a few of the letter <i>B's</i> my word "Back" now looks like this... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMekmRqaS2bHMKYGMf9rXjCEYks6hcmYMSZSPGeQjSg8faz8nXnkUEyQs5xm3YN6dmtlmsRauKdPI_bhl08T19zaWlQkb8AaHdW6l9UVnbaaoA93GYpvQx2uGqT2Il44-G5mJKZc8ZOgG/s1600/back2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMekmRqaS2bHMKYGMf9rXjCEYks6hcmYMSZSPGeQjSg8faz8nXnkUEyQs5xm3YN6dmtlmsRauKdPI_bhl08T19zaWlQkb8AaHdW6l9UVnbaaoA93GYpvQx2uGqT2Il44-G5mJKZc8ZOgG/s320/back2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I am all about simple so I thought this would be a good resource to share. Besides, think about how much fun students could have practicing their spelling words like this!Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-13345369848032345092012-08-06T21:28:00.001-05:002012-08-06T21:39:30.639-05:00Get Your Voki On!Voki is a fun way of introducing technology into your lessons. Teachers love it because it motivates students to present book reports, projects, read alouds, poems, speeches, or review comprehension of a lesson. Students love it because they can be creative and design their own avatar from lots of character and setting choices. The coolest thing about Voki is it allows you to record your own audio! However, you can also use the text-to-speech feature or use a phone to make your recording. Check out the Voki I just created...<br />
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<img border="0" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEzNDQzMDI5NjIxNjUmcHQ9MTM*NDMwMzcxNzAzNSZwPTk3NTA3MiZkPTAwMCUyMC*lMjBWb2tpJTIwV2lkZ2V*Jmc9/MSZvPTkxODA4NzQ1NWYwMjQzYTNhZTJhODIxYTY1MzMxNDU1Jm9mPTA=.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /></div>
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" height="400" id="widget_name" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/php/vhss_editors/getvoki/chsm=6a94d0a736bbce4aeb8e0aae7807861e%26sc=6449838" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="width" value="300" /><param name="height" value="400" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed height="400" width="300" src="http://vhss-d.oddcast.com/vhss_editors/voki_player.swf?doc=http%3A%2F%2Fvhss-d.oddcast.com%2Fphp%2Fvhss_editors%2Fgetvoki%2Fchsm=6a94d0a736bbce4aeb8e0aae7807861e%26sc=6449838" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" allowFullScreen="true" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="widget_name"></object></div>
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If you want to get started on your own, go to<b style="color: blue;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.voki.com/">www.voki.com</a></span></b> and sign up for a free account. You can start out by browsing through character choices. <br />
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<img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiPBSfXJ7dhHlDqrhGFO0nxpg6VNrH_slhd3P4NpaGDb4cgrODUMeICHsJuWeq8lqatw1gzmkGYa9nXWNu91ytxD9OpSM0Gk0lVMhDrMvUFqfRbb0pwwFCtc2yIpFWJj-ia5P3DUXIGbr/s320/voki_1.png" width="320" /></div>
Have fun customizing your character with different hair styles, clothing, and bling! There are also options for you to customize the color and size of the character's mouth, eyes, hair, and skin. As well as, tweaking features such as body, height, and width.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD4-Gg6IVzSvDi0yv_JYEhRxMfZRO7uhIx82dfWtUUNSG5D7n1OsZynNvmXhLjpNcU0oXL2KNiTFrfRJhBWfzVjxdpg-EYYTPXyszsq80zP7BhOKEDBTmG4j4HQD4QLh3Cw4hPxYRT3z4/s1600/voki_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD4-Gg6IVzSvDi0yv_JYEhRxMfZRO7uhIx82dfWtUUNSG5D7n1OsZynNvmXhLjpNcU0oXL2KNiTFrfRJhBWfzVjxdpg-EYYTPXyszsq80zP7BhOKEDBTmG4j4HQD4QLh3Cw4hPxYRT3z4/s320/voki_2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Next, select a background for your character's setting. This may take a long time if your like me and browse through tons! And of course, choose how you are going to give your Voki a voice.<br />
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Don't forget to <i>Publish </i>your Voki when you are completely finished. You can then share your Voki through email, website link, or embed within your blog or website.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqk0YCOHhAoo3guAjd03FZlZfIQIVXpQmCwuiajz7blZkFHv9UQiYng3iwKHmOSt19RsGtMsl4wUpajbsr08FMWs5a_3kQ_8bz3S736T6EjuIzA2XnEfPU9iSb-CAymc2mRWwhb94qXyR-/s1600/voki_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqk0YCOHhAoo3guAjd03FZlZfIQIVXpQmCwuiajz7blZkFHv9UQiYng3iwKHmOSt19RsGtMsl4wUpajbsr08FMWs5a_3kQ_8bz3S736T6EjuIzA2XnEfPU9iSb-CAymc2mRWwhb94qXyR-/s200/voki_3.png" width="140" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy9WoixuvAoJcOdZ3IjsuRitxHzvBtP6yG0iVpn_kgNI2MYinWGqnhm3i4CSdzB2e-rDG6cYOKatsvHz0VJLSV59pTt1U0M6eDVk2UK0G8TcZvxUkwr_O2iAD5ahhzMgT6lTcbt8DEp5y/s1600/voki_4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy9WoixuvAoJcOdZ3IjsuRitxHzvBtP6yG0iVpn_kgNI2MYinWGqnhm3i4CSdzB2e-rDG6cYOKatsvHz0VJLSV59pTt1U0M6eDVk2UK0G8TcZvxUkwr_O2iAD5ahhzMgT6lTcbt8DEp5y/s200/voki_4.png" width="153" /></a></div>
Want to check out some super cute ones? This link has student created examples from a kindergarten class. My favorite is second row down, third across :) Click <a href="http://technology4kids.pbworks.com/w/page/24535850/Voki%20Talking%20Avatars" style="background-color: white; color: lime;" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.<br />
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Have fun getting your Voki on!Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-25143735957691027962012-08-02T23:00:00.000-05:002012-08-05T23:55:54.939-05:00TpT $10 Gift Card Giveaway!I can't believe it is already August and everyone is gearing up to go back to school! This week was actually my first official week back for the new year. I'm really excited because I have been an educational technology specialist for the last four years but will now be a literacy specialist and looking forward to the change. I started this blog at the beginning of the year but haven't been able to post as much as I would have liked due to all the training and transition over the summer. So, I really appreciate all my followers and just hit #50!<br />
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I thought this would be the perfect time to do a small giveaway where someone can pick out a few back to school items from TpT. I'm trying out rafflecopter for the giveaway so be sure to enter!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06445b0/" id="rc-06445b0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-27010851402632408302012-07-30T20:13:00.000-05:002012-07-30T20:15:05.052-05:00Alphabetimals<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is a fun little website that has an interactive alphabet book, ABC song video, name typer, free printable resources, and even an app you can download to your iPad.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Super cute for the primary grades.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_943994182">www.alphabetimals.com</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have to be honest and say I absolutely love creating words and names with Name Typer! This can also be an engaging way for your students to practice spelling words and typing skills at the same time. You have the option to print it out or share by email. I also like creating cute names like this for myself and using it as my email signature. It is amazing how many more teachers read my emails when I have something cute on it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.alphabetimals.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15KVuqupT0SI9qiJ6pOOQ3gJG5IgvEfDgMPq4yGcx4Ykfkn-c0nQ8jqUCZi9_oo3X9vtoGE1gQhIPxreCOT8Xbdk-dVXS-oUc7UiyT1ggdZut2zl_fMOaQwKhHk7LU-iViKEBSB2tTNI1/s400/2012-07-30_1920.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can also have students read the interactive alphabet book. There is an animal that is shaped like each letter of the alphabet. Students can click to hear an audio sound of what the animal sounds like or hear the word pronounced.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9d-NEvwCL4sGzZzmOcI0LLbDBPXRobvu3mr0Tgu5H8GsUsajA6zVgWp6S-M_oIU8tE4pCt9CCfZ1W6ykblEfAgXEdvgJVJcnIKD963Jsbk-5_cP57SvFrs3M7O8lBiawHrHzyi-sHLYg/s1600/interactive_book.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9d-NEvwCL4sGzZzmOcI0LLbDBPXRobvu3mr0Tgu5H8GsUsajA6zVgWp6S-M_oIU8tE4pCt9CCfZ1W6ykblEfAgXEdvgJVJcnIKD963Jsbk-5_cP57SvFrs3M7O8lBiawHrHzyi-sHLYg/s400/interactive_book.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Remember to also check out the ABC video song, free printables, and iPad app. Also, if you are lucky enough to have an interactive whiteboard, this would be great to project and have students interact with it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I took a little break from blogging this summer so check back often because I'll be posting a lot more fun, interactive websites for the beginning of school. I have so many I can't decide which ones to highlight first :)</span>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-22221795483780419472012-07-30T19:32:00.000-05:002012-08-05T23:57:00.198-05:00New Blog on the Block!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I am happy to announce that one of my best friends, who is super talented, just started her own blog. She is a technology specialist and always has great ideas and resources to share. So if you get a chance, stop by and check it out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teacherplayground.com/" target="_blank">www.teacherplayground.com</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-71584592275748983732012-07-04T16:50:00.000-05:002012-08-02T23:00:12.445-05:00Lovely Blog Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_lrUNtdJ_VH0tso2HygWkCC-SKjpjQsQ9t1pME49dWnuGdXFx77HTcHp6jYSp3aUTN7656xpHGSMEHZ7Pi9TOYVMxhgSLEsEZ0nwBcssu2QozVRKHQZEu36HegyT7nSf3o1dfsrM4XR1/s1600/lovely+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_lrUNtdJ_VH0tso2HygWkCC-SKjpjQsQ9t1pME49dWnuGdXFx77HTcHp6jYSp3aUTN7656xpHGSMEHZ7Pi9TOYVMxhgSLEsEZ0nwBcssu2QozVRKHQZEu36HegyT7nSf3o1dfsrM4XR1/s1600/lovely+blog.png" /></a></div>
I was excited to learn that my blog was awarded the Lovely Blog Award by <a href="http://primarypossibilities.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Primary Possibilities</a>. So if you haven't checked out their blog, you should head on over there. It's now my turn to pass on the award to other lovely blogs!<br />
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Once you receive the award, you must follow 3 rules:<br />
1. Follow the person that gave you the award<br />
2. Link back to the person that gave you the award<br />
3. Pass the award on to 15 new bloggers<br />
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Here are the blogs I'm passing it on to (sorry if some of you have it already):<br />
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<a href="http://bilingualteacherclubhouse.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n639/KinderLatino/bilingualtclubhousebuttonclubjoin.png" width="180" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://kinderlatino.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n639/KinderLatino/logobuttonkinderlatinonew.png" width="200" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://heathersfirstgradeheart.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Heather's heart" border="0" src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa432/hprice2/blog/heathers-heart2.png" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.firstuponatime.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1242.photobucket.com/albums/gg535/FirstUponATime/Blog/FirstButton.png" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://overthe1stgraderainbow.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u383/lauraboriack/over-1st-grade-rainbow/Laura-Boriack-blog-button.png" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://secondgrademathmaniac.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/eblecki/Second%20Grade%20Math%20Maniac/mathbutton.png" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.kentuckykindergartenkorner.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kindergarten Korner" border="0" height="125" src="http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i366/dreamlikemagic/blogs/button-39.png" width="125" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://californiaenglishteacher.blogspot.com/" title="Adventures In Teaching"><img alt="Adventures In Teaching" src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc406/adamssa4/adventuresbutton.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cotesclass.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee496/ellenleyne/MarieButton-1.jpg" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://thirdgradeetc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Third Grade Etc." src="http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n628/jblindley/teacher-2.jpg" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://thehipteacher.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Hip Teacher" border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5p5PSvSfsSCX9g2n5Okwp9FsfuZc8jEI3sBSN7OjN-cefKQmHMowWivCwuwi7Chhx6Lypv9wQns_egJWDmtqhjP4LMcjmvn2eoxRkvXhTSI0u05fbth3qcpLEYLhQ0Jl55SgP7eZ8-dv/s1600/button.png" width="125" /></a></center>
<center>
<a href="http://technologytailgate.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/new%20album/technologytailgatebutton2.png" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://iteach1to1.blogspot.com/=%22_blank%22"><img alt="iTeach1:1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDlRIWlSCyJ40rAd5oBgeeFlVFi3Ic-Qe_LbCb_5DKNd80FOpEqXXQCwIPSoK8je3h6u-Zgfr0xVuWmp-FB8Pcu6fF5uIH_xif6jQNcj_Q2zJkx54MWWITTchK4Yz_1MiB5SlUI5M2Qxi/s320/blogbutton.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Science, Etc." border="0" src="http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd508/kcollingwood/blog/science-etc.png" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://teachingmycalling.blogspot.com/%20"><img border="0" src="http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i403/WhiteheadsClass/teachingbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></center>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-77152040405428325882012-06-20T23:52:00.000-05:002012-08-02T23:02:23.141-05:00QR Cubes<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I stumbled upon the idea of QR cubes a while back and thought there were so many possibilities of how they could be used in the classroom, I just wanted to share. They are so simple to make and it is a great way to bring technology into the classroom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zDQrx9qQE9YDDv6y0tK1ueTLgpfwy94KWhPFPbRfny_DH6cHE887Kx64TWK_E7z1Yz6pGiGZi-cNCKMTyMrX-S1sTxumFuQxAMaEI8E4YIgzsu3q7nMCtwN6dIG7V02ulsLFDKXBdRoP/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zDQrx9qQE9YDDv6y0tK1ueTLgpfwy94KWhPFPbRfny_DH6cHE887Kx64TWK_E7z1Yz6pGiGZi-cNCKMTyMrX-S1sTxumFuQxAMaEI8E4YIgzsu3q7nMCtwN6dIG7V02ulsLFDKXBdRoP/s320/IMG_0915.JPG" width="316" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have actually built quite a few now because they have been quite addicting. For example, I created one for writing prompts. The students would roll the cube and then with a QR Reader (I'll list some below) scan to see what prompt they would be writing about. Some other ideas you could make cubes for are:</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Content questions for review</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Warm up questions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Wrap up questions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Story elements that a student would have to identify after reading a story</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Quick Facts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Rewards/Incentives</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Positive sayings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Vocabulary</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">As a way of grouping</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Math problems for students to solve</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here is a link to my <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7Hohpd9xwpWZkpNMXc0Z3kyYTQ" target="_blank">Writing Prompt QR Cube</a> if you would like a copy. All you would need to do is just print it out and assemble the cube!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><u>Directions to make your own</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to make one, I have detailed out the steps below. I suggest creating all of your QR codes first and saving them to your documents. My favorite QR generator is <a href="http://www.qrstuff.com/" target="_blank">QR Stuff</a> but you can use any QR generator you prefer to create them. I just love that <a href="http://www.qrstuff.com/" target="_blank">QR Stuff</a> allows you to change the color of the codes, whereas a lot of others only create in black. </span></div>
<ol style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Go to <a href="http://www.qrstuff.com/" target="_blank">QR Stuff</a> and choose plain text for the data type. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Enter in your text you want the students to read when scanning.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Choose your preferred color.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Then under the preview box, click download QR code.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Choose the location where you would like to save it, name the file (for example my naming scheme usually is writing 1, writing 2, and so on because it'll make things easier later to locate and identify) and then of course save!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">I repeat the first five steps until I have all six QR codes created for the cube's sides.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Next, open up the cube template. Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7Hohpd9xwpWRHB6RDdWaHc2aEU" target="_blank"><b style="color: lime;">HERE</b></a> if you would like to use the one like mine. However, any cube template will do. (For some reason they file looks blank on Google Docs until you download it but it's really there).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Now from the template (opens in Word), choose insert picture and navigate to your first QR code.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">I simply resize and move the QR code to fit the template and continue the steps until all of my QR codes fit nicely on there.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">I then save the file and print the QR cube file out on card stock. You can do it with plain paper but I find card stock holds up so much longer and it's easier to glue together.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Voila! You have your QR cube.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Also, here are a few QR reader apps I recommend. You can search for them on iTunes or Google Play for Android.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbsKrbkldlYg_Ec8qIn4qFKKLHmKJDDTBRNQcl-AEiCUrL8EWYOi5yD21EHPa1EUvlkB_0DlzVZDYBjncek7uU8_mykUyRe7q_ti_Q102mTyTYWaTpTMb9sG4XWfIIgKtLD2uWtC8S2Q8/s200/2012-06-20_2337.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="198" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">i-nigma </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXucRfmd9l69yKci2m5LruySE0bTmu68xctzi6cRkNEAWAkv6O2ZYZIbkNZtxv5hqVprBc3Nl6wgsxtvo1XT1_-O6sUTRV0hZqm_nssrvGOk-H3xiHgct6NlD0MhgiLoF89-Bsdxl_Ndm/s1600/2012-06-20_2343.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXucRfmd9l69yKci2m5LruySE0bTmu68xctzi6cRkNEAWAkv6O2ZYZIbkNZtxv5hqVprBc3Nl6wgsxtvo1XT1_-O6sUTRV0hZqm_nssrvGOk-H3xiHgct6NlD0MhgiLoF89-Bsdxl_Ndm/s200/2012-06-20_2343.png" width="195" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">QR Droid</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFuuzPkPIA-Opk9SBBRUghE6Y0caKqMMmQMNWnsiUqBp8Uv4GgXs2aCqDmfvgYtUuhW1FA5xCjFxCzN8X1i2fEYpnDRVEU-ZmwmAwLy7w9C3padQShmgM2Rz1sGQx1CWH9u8qIl0E5tMs/s1600/2012-06-20_2340.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFuuzPkPIA-Opk9SBBRUghE6Y0caKqMMmQMNWnsiUqBp8Uv4GgXs2aCqDmfvgYtUuhW1FA5xCjFxCzN8X1i2fEYpnDRVEU-ZmwmAwLy7w9C3padQShmgM2Rz1sGQx1CWH9u8qIl0E5tMs/s200/2012-06-20_2340.png" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">NeoReader</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0YQl5ohEWT2EcC1COomyjQE1s2XxUMdS14MOhhorKs_Z0iXVVqZ-sjZmVSOBxcVLVFGyz-KXJVsonmLbWAzWgBmAs_Vd2oxObvb3QUdhGOgI4xJIgM1TH-k4_ldl6RuXHyrOKU2ZQEK7/s1600/2012-06-20_2341.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0YQl5ohEWT2EcC1COomyjQE1s2XxUMdS14MOhhorKs_Z0iXVVqZ-sjZmVSOBxcVLVFGyz-KXJVsonmLbWAzWgBmAs_Vd2oxObvb3QUdhGOgI4xJIgM1TH-k4_ldl6RuXHyrOKU2ZQEK7/s200/2012-06-20_2341.png" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">RedLaser</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-72950362344855917932012-06-03T21:01:00.000-05:002012-06-03T21:01:07.369-05:00Please Vote for my LiveBinder as Top 10!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
My Math Interactive LiveBinder has been nominated for Top 10. Please go vote for it by clicking below! It is #27 listed last. Also, be sure to check out my other LiveBinders for additional subjects. They are really useful, especially if you are looking for ways to be more interactive with your students.</div>
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<a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=409361" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQvfKgjiioLF27f3PR6JchGQuLQ2lQLPI48euO4Z6YLsqly36vkFbXWyXxUVolRWss4zddTboUyH-Ngz9KBzLAV01WXOeWYylaaFRx-B15sW-Jx0HvDf90EurCWn-zkidjEzmh7rh-uFw/s320/2012-06-03_2050.png" width="320" /><span id="goog_917677404"></span></a><span id="goog_917677405"></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_917677388" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6iOAoSvVo6Sn86KAWLbqSDUU51qtTGVXyhmDBArbe4oWbfe2oHAh8pPehAqJL-94UrbU4nNfliY6UUmQBVYm1igThxbLnv2b0zUG9CDGbVsmuK1dxLEWMkFE5ogdnBBuPjEC183t9v-z/s400/2012-06-03_2032.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=409361">http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=409361</a></span></td></tr>
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If you are not familiar with LiveBinders, they are great resources to explore for classroom ideas for any subject and even professional development ideas. The site has thousands of binders for you to search from or you can even create one yourself to share. It's basically just a three-ring binder for the web. I love to use it to bookmark my favorite websites because I can access them from anywhere at anytime. Plus, I have the option to share it out or password protect it. When you get a chance, go explore the website. I always find lots of treasures there. </div>
<br />Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011436718123124589.post-67049732194846524962012-05-23T18:23:00.000-05:002012-05-23T18:23:00.248-05:00Animoto for End of the Year Slide Shows<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Need an idea for putting together an end of the year slide show or presentation? Animoto is the way to go. I absolutely love using this site. All you would need to do is gather your favorite pictures or video clips and Animoto will do the rest. It gives you a professional looking slide show and you can set it to music by choosing from their own collection. Educators can also apply for a free Animoto Plus account (</span><a href="http://animoto.com/education"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://animoto.com/education</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">) and create videos up to ten minutes in length. The free version account only allows you to create 30 second videos so I would highly recommend applying for an educator account. </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You can choose a theme for your video style. Check out their sample videos for inspiration.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSms9coY4_DuB7V41TuHX2ZCtOIs_36rkXSsifxcy0bmfzyj0PEtvnFsPGwJJWeNRxGhwfKQxWZUOaIVIpdFGuFWjmL_N0UlVGl3zyiyoA6C7D7HA3X-yuG2m51xpaUQMJK6ahy0rbtoK/s1600/5-21-2012+10-34-26+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSms9coY4_DuB7V41TuHX2ZCtOIs_36rkXSsifxcy0bmfzyj0PEtvnFsPGwJJWeNRxGhwfKQxWZUOaIVIpdFGuFWjmL_N0UlVGl3zyiyoA6C7D7HA3X-yuG2m51xpaUQMJK6ahy0rbtoK/s400/5-21-2012+10-34-26+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://animoto.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://animoto.com/</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You also have the option to choose your music, upload photos or video clips, add text, and arrange them in any order you would like. It really is such a simple, easy process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once the video is created, you can share with students and parents my email, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or upload it to YouTube. The videos look so professional and is such a great way to share memories of the past year. Also, be sure to check out the Animoto mobile app to create videos on the go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know a lot of you have already discovered the awesomeness of Animoto but for those few who still haven't yet, it's a must for checking out. </span></div>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708160825907125514noreply@blogger.com1