Do You SpellingCity?

I've been working with SpellingCity for a month now and just HEART all it has to offer!!!  I created a Smilebox of how I've used the program in my class.  We have a daily 15 minute transition between our literacy block and lunch. We must squeeze every minute that we can these days.  Teachers, you know what I'm talking about!  The kids are truly excited and cheer when I pull up SpellingCity!

A free digital slideshow by Smilebox

The Planet Hue

I want to let you know about an adorable adventure called The Planet Hue.  This book will take students on a magical journey through a world that transforms from a dull and drab planet to a colorful vibrant place to live!

Corkey Hay DeSimone, author of Cherry Blossom Friends, has a unique perspective in celebrating diversity while using three primary colors to help teach the message.

Included in the unit:

Book Introduction pg 1
Vocabulary pgs 3-15
Think Maps pgs 16-17
Solar System pg 18
Planet Classification pgs 19-20
Planet Flashcards/Basic Facts pgs 21-22
Solar System Craft/Model pgs 23-26
Celebrating Diversity pgs 27-28
Color Wheel pgs 29-33
Complimentary Color Art pgs 34-36
Ordering Hues Center(ABC order) pgs 37-40
Rhyming Center (using book vocabulary) pgs 41-48
Out of this World Center (Time) pgs 49-58
(Time to the Hour-K/1 Time to Quarter Hour-1/2)
Planet 8 Center (Number Stings) pgs 59-77
(Match to Correct Sum-K/1)
(Match to Related Multiplication Fact- 2nd)
Planet Hue's Candy Castle (Fractions)pgs 78-90
Acknowledgments pg 91

Click image to link to the store.  Download your freebie preview.

Word Walls and Guest Columnist

As you are aware, I'm a monthly guest columnist for Really Good Stuff?  I just received word that my article on interactive math word walls was published.  A sweet follower asked that I follow up with pictures of my wall and file folders.  

First, click here to read the article!

For many of our math words, I have the kids assist in developing the cards that are placed on our interactive word wall.  This allows for more engagement during the mini lesson.  Here are a few images of this process in action...

Students help represent words on the visual projector.

My students take ownership of the words!

Pictured above are a few of our current words.

After the words are created, they are glued to the file folders and hung by clips on the wall.  When introducing the essential question, I have a volunteer pull down our current words to bring in our meeting area.  This allows for the words to be displayed at their eye level.  This also helps the kids understand where to find the words in the classroom.  Older words are moved to heights that big kids like me can hardly reach!  =)  Once the unit is complete, the words are moved to a filing bin for kids to reference throughout the year but may not be in current play!

For more complex representations, I use curriculum resources.

A few of the words in the two above pictures are featured in a previous post.  Here is a link to this post with words made available by SW Georgia Schools! 

The article features a game called What's My Name?  This interactive approach can be used with a fun piece of technology.  I found this personal marquee online...

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun Unit

 

Click image to link to TpT store!

I've completed my second unit for Maria Dismondy!  I just love her books!  Here is a preview of the book...

If you are interested in her book, you can purchase it here.  When ever you purchase Maria's books from her website, you'll receive an autographed copy!  =)  Check out the FREE 29 page Spaghetti Readers Guide!!! 

Thank you for being a loyal follower.  If you are interested in this unit, I'm going to giveaway two copies.  As a bonus, I'm throwing in my Pink Tiara Cookies for Three Unit.  

All you need to do to enter is create a comment on how you've had to be courageous!  I will announce the winner on Monday.

Classroom Makeover: Seuss Style

The kids are going to flip out.  I transformed my room into Seussville.  Whatcha Think???

Check out Elisabeth's patterns here.

Sneetches Freebie

Today I introduced the SNEETCHES to my students.  We had wonderful discussion that connected to our Black History Content.  We began with understanding the theme of self worth and acceptance while facing those who are prejudice.  After making deep and meaningful connections, I introduced a few vocabulary words.  We followed our discussions with collecting data and determining if any one group was more important than others.

We followed up with a sheet comparing two different people that LOVED the same things!

Grab your Freebie Copy by clicking the graphic below...

Oh.MY.GOODNESS!  I have to share a secret.  I found an etsy shop that I adore!!!  Jaymee of Bubbles and Bugs makes the cutest shirts.  AND...She will fill a custom order.  Jaymee and I started our discussions on Sunday and I've already received one of my shirts.  She rushed the order so that I can wear this BAD BOY on Friday!!  I highly recommend you contact her to pick up your own cutie patootie design!!!  You can also follower her on Facebook.

I'm looking forward to day four of SEUSS!!

Fox in Socks and The Foot Book Freebie

Today we wore funny socks to celebrate Fox in Socks and the Foot Book for Seuss week.  I searched online for a video of The Foot Book and found this reading of the story.

The kids LOVED his deep voice and expression!

I found this cute freebie on Buggy for Second Grade.

After Seusstastically describing feet with the above freebie, the kids created their own funny feet antonyms.

Flinstone Feet (with warts) and Regular Feet

Animal Feet/Human Feet AND Loud Feet/Quiet Feet

Love Feet, Mad Feet

Bone Feet/Skin Feet

Up Next...Fox in Socks!  Love this book.  We are working on measurement with various units.  The kids are using centimeters, inches, feet and working on 1/2 inches.  The kids got a kick out of the Ginormous Fox in Socks! 

Here are a few pages I made to support our learning.  Hope you find useful!!

Fox-Socks and Foot Books

PS.  I have blog followers from my county and had the GREAT opportunity to go to their school today and observe their classroom.  These ladies are PHENOMENAL teachers!  I really enjoyed both Mrs. McLeod and Ms. Thompson.  My favorite moment was watching the kids play I have, Who Has.  Their kids play everyday.  Students are timed for 3 minutes on their double digit subtraction.  Once they beat the time, their teachers introduce a new I have, Who Has game.  The kiddos broke the record at 2 minutes and 20 seconds!  HUGS TO YOU BOTH!!!  I hope we can meet for lunch in the future.