Monday, December 31, 2012

a yEAR iN pREVIEW lINKY pARTY

I'm linking up with Michele from Making It as a Middle School Teacher for her fabulous linky.  She is asking us to plan ahead for 2013!


Here is my Year in Preview...can't wait to read about yours!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

fREEBIE!!

I have just uploaded a FREEBIE to my TPT and Teacher's Notebook store's called Vocabulary Master. After seeing the pin on Marzano's 6 things students must do to learn vocabulary I put his ideas in to a vocabulary organizer that I could use in my classroom to make sure that I'm doing all parts to ensure the most learning is taking place.  What are you waiting for go check it out!  Click below...


Please leave feedback and let me know what you think!!  Thanks!

Dana :)

Friday, December 28, 2012

tHE rESOLUTION sOLUTION lINKY pARTY

I am linking up with "Teaching Maddeness" on their Resolution-Solution Linky Party. I too am hoping that by recording my resolutions I will hold myself more accountable.
Teaching Maddeness
1. Get healthier...my teammates and I decided to do Zumba together after school 2 days a week...luckily one of my lovely teammates is a Zumba instructor so she leads us. I would love to say I have run 5 miles without stopping...to some of you this may seem like a small feat, but I will tell you if you know me I only run when something is chasing me so this would be huge!! 

2. Get more organized at my house...declutter (is that a word?) and keep up with our  laundry would be an awesome place to begin! I have my laundry under control at the moment and believe me I'm very proud!! HA! I would love to hear all of your resolutions! Please share and please hold me accountable!! 

 Dana :)

Celebrate the New Year with a SALE!

Come on over and checkout my Teacher's Notebook store 
I'm having a sale!  

EVERYTHING is 10% off through the New Year! 

Come and get my NEW writing pack aligned with Common Core or my Triple Technology Pack and implement more technology with student in the new year!  

Click the link below to head on over and check it out!



Thanks,
Dana
:)

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

pENCIL sHARPENER

I need well okay would love this pencil sharpener!!  It seems it is mentioned on every blog that I read!!  Wouldn't it be a great way to begin the new year!   Fingers crossed I win!

Just click on the pic to go check it out for yourself!!

Goodnight blog world!

Dana :)

2012 Blog Best and Brightest

With the year coming to an end I couldn't wait to join "Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge" linky party.




Well to begin I have been very blessed in 2012!  I can't complain a bit!  YAY!  Looking back on the year I have made a couple of huge plunges that I didn't see coming along with a couple of humbling events.  

To begin "Your" favorite post was "Have you ever used Glogster?".  To read click here.   I'm new to the blogging community so all of my post have a few views, but I was ecstatic to see that this one has over 30 views and tops my list!!  The one thing I'm most curious about is an answer to my posed question, but I still don't have many comments there yet!  

My favorite post is "Kids Making Movies" because it was such a hit in my classroom.  How cool is it to get to produce your own movie trailer for a book you have read!  Students gleamed when sharing and were so motivated in creation of the videos I will keep this lesson and activity in my plans for years to come.  



An accomplishment I'm humbly proud of is my entering into the blogging world, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Teacher's Notebook all in ONE year!  I have learned so much from so many people!!  It has been so humbling that you all would even want my original creations and I can't thank you enough for your support! 

Fellow bloggers that I adore from the year are "I teach what's your SUPERPOWER".  At first I fell in love with the name, then I realized how much I admire what she shares and her many wonderful ideas.  Next is "Teaching in Room 6" I love the many ideas she shares and love reading her post!

Can't wait to read your Best and Brightest moments from 2012!!  Please share!

Dana :)

wRITING cOMMON cORE sTYLE

How well do your students write?  What is your favorite writing lesson to teach?  How do you get through to those unmotivated writers?  I ponder each of these on occasion. 
 I have been through portfolio madness, grammar push, and now ELA common core is staring down at me.  I often found that with my 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders a blank lined sheet of paper was either their best friend of their worst enemy!  
Where did they start, what made their writing good, who has that much to say, were all questions that I received when beginning paragraph writing with a blank slate.

 I decided that if I could have them organize their writing using a graphic I could steer some students clear of hating writing.  I selected webs because it was an organizer they were already familiar with and it fit well with having a topic sentence and supporting details.  
My students latched on right away.  It was easy for them because they didn't feel intimidated by the blank lines they had to fill or worry that their writing wasn't good enough.  
Here is a picture of the beginning web...

The students begin with the basic brainstorming web, but then I carry the webs through to writing paragraphs.  I had students who were writing complete 5 paragraph essays and friendly letters in no time.

I have had so many people come and ask me how I teach paragraph writing so I decided that maybe this set of lessons was something you too could adjust and use in your classroom.  If you are interested just click here or on the link below...it is for sale with a freebie in my Teacher's Notebook Store.  I too would love to give it away to the first two people who can share with me why they would like to have it for their classroom!  Please leave me a way to contact you!.






Thanks for your support!! 

Dana  :)

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

bOXES oF hOPE

Today was such a special day at school!  Of course with it being the LAST day before break everything was hunky dory (do you all use that word?).  
Anyway today was the day that my kids got to exchange their boxes of hope. 
 I give complete credit to author Laura Candler for this activity,
but I absolutely love doing it with my students!  
You can find the link HERE!  

This project is supposed to help students understand the value of a gift
 is not always about the money spent, but more about a gift coming from the heart. 
 My students looked forward to it with much anticipation.  When 1:00 came 
I had all the students to get in a circle and we exchanged gifts one by one.  
All waiting for the last to be exchanged before opening them.  All the students had
 such a twinkle in their eye.  They all tore into their gifts with such excitement all for
 the cost of nothing, but a little hope!  This is the 2nd year that 
I have done this and I believe this year was
 even more special than last!

What do you do for your students?

Dana :)

Monday, December 17, 2012

there are no words...

Not knowing what to say or if I should say anything is weighing heavy on my heart.  I have been praying and praying and praying again for the poor souls who lost their lives in CT.  It is such a terrible, unthinkable tragedy that I can't even wrap my head around it.  I do know that there are many teachers, parents, children, etc. across the country who feel this way also.  I couldn't sleep last night for dreaming about the situation and how I was going to address my students in the morning.  What was the best way, how could I control my crying, how could I address them?

It was difficult and heartbreaking to even think about, but we trudged through.  The kids went on with their day and I tried to teach and maintain routine as much as possible.  What I realized throughout the day and reflecting on it is the strength that we as teachers, principals, assistants, etc. have for our children.  I don't know about you, but I also realize I would have done anything in my power to keep my students safe!  The job of a teacher is not a job it is a way of life.  I love my students and hope that I am never faced with the situation that occurred in CT, but I only pray that I have the heroic strength that they all showed that dreadful day!

Peace

Monday, December 10, 2012

12 in 12

It is coming...12/12/12!  How cool is that!  I'm linking up with Little Miss Kindergarten and A Tiny Tiny Teacher to bring you my 12 in 12!  


 All you have to do is think back at your favorites in 2012 and add a few pictures. What a fun way to remember the year, huh!? You can use these prompts if you'd like, or just type up your 12 favorite things! 

Here we go!


12. Favorite movie you watched:  I don't get many movies in, but my favorite would have to be Breaking Dawn.  I'm a huge Twilight fan...read all the books!  
11. Favorite TV series:  This is a tie between Mike and Molly and Grey's Anatomy.  I love my Mike and Molly for the laughs and of course she is a teacher.  I love my Grey's because of the suspense, drama, and the Mcsteamy doctors of course!
10. Favorite restaurant:  Chili's...I know it's odd, but it is a fav!
9. Favorite new thing you tried:  Blogging of course
8. Favorite gift you got: A much needed date weekend away...love my parents for watching the little one!
7. Favorite thing you pinned:  Soooo many things to choose from, but here is my personal favorite
6. Favorite blog post:  I'm new to blogging, but I would have to say my favorite post to write was

I loved this post because I was very pumped to share how excited my students were when we got to make movies.  It was a win-win situation!  
5. Best accomplishment:  The opening of my Teachers Pay Teachers store and my Teacher's Notebook Store.  I never really had thought that I had items that people may be willing to buy that I had created.  I haven't sold a ton, but I'm so humbled and ecstatic that people are buying and liking my materials.  It makes my whole day when I receive an e-mail saying I've sold something!  Love it! 
4. Favorite picture:
I know this picture is my blog button, but it is one of my favorites from 2012 because I actually took this picture (and the aspiring photographer in me was cheering) at the zoo this summer.  I thought it was odd that the giraffe spread his legs so that he could easily reach the water.  It was a sight to see!

3. Favorite memory:  My favorite memory was probably the summer days spent with in the sun enjoying life!
2. Goal for 2013: I would like to become more fit and active
1. One Little Word: Healthy...I want this to be my motto in 2013

Go ahead join in on the party!  It is fun to reflect!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

cURRENTLY dECEMBER

I can't believe it is Christmas time already, but just to get into the spirit I'm linking up with Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade and her Currently linky party.

Here is what I'm up to...



Looking forward to what you are currently up to!!  :)

Dana



Sunday, December 2, 2012

Liebster Award YAY!

I was so excited when I checked my e-mail and realized I had been nominated for the Liebster Award!  Thank you so much Erin from "Little Miss Primary".


Okay, here are the rules for the Liebster Award:

1. You must post 11 random things about yourself.
2. You must answer the questions that the nominator set for you. 
3. You must create 11 new questions for the people you nominate.
4. You must choose 11 other blogs with fewer than 200 followers to nominate and link them in your post. 
5. No tag backs to the blog that nominated you, but do leave a comment on their post with the URL of your Liebster post.

First a few random things about me...
  1. Huge Big Bang Theory Fan
  2. grew up on a 300 acre farm
  3. huge ketchup fan...it goes with almost anything
  4. hate grocery shopping
  5. pinterest addict
  6. hate to cook...I seriously screw up everything I try to cook
  7. obsession with purses
  8. had lasik surgery (I'm now 20-20)
  9. huge tech nerd
  10. am currently addicted to Duck Dynasty
  11. had 14 roommates in college (not at one time)
Now on to the questions...

1. What was your favorite childhood TV show?  I would probably have to say Full House
2. Does your name mean something special? If so, what?  Unfortunately not  :(
3. What is your favorite lunch to bring to school?  A deli wrap with pringles
4. What colors are your classroom?  teal and black...I have a zebra/safari decor
5. Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring?   Summer
6. What is your favorite type of exercise?   I wish I liked to exercise....but if I had to pick I would say playing softball
7. What are you hopeful for?  I'm hopeful for a library media job one day
8. Glue bottle or glue stick?  stick
9. What is one of your greatest strengths (it's okay to brag! :))?  Probably including technology in the classroom...that is my greatest passion I'm not sure if that makes it a strength.
10. Morning person or night?  NIGHT
11. What is your favorite day of the whole entire year? Why?  Christmas Eve...I love the lights and the suspense well and the Christmas movies!


Here are the 11 blogs that I would love for you to check out!



Here are my questions for you...

  1. National or International traveler?
  2. main course or dessert?
  3. What is the best compliment you've gotten from a student or parent?
  4. What is your favorite technology to use in the classroom?
  5. ocean or river?
  6. Apple or PC?
  7. What is your favorite first day of school activity?
  8. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
  9. If you could travel anywhere where would you go?
  10. Favorite quote?
  11. beach or mountains?

Thanks in advance for sharing!  I can't wait to read a little more about you all!

Dana :)


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Kids making MOVIES

I have a really great 4th grade class this year and I am enjoying trying different types of technology with them!  I have a great passion for anything techy so my students don't hardly have a choice, but to become techy too!  Just to start here are a few of the tech things I've implemented this year thus far


  • Scootpad...love
  • Sumdog...love
  • Animoto...love
  • Glogster...love
  • Voki...love
  • Kidblog...love
  • Twitter...not so much love
  • Edmodo...love
  • Raz-Kids...some love
  • Classdojo...can't live without kinda love
I have tons of things to share about each one, but I thought today I wanted to share with you the fun my students had making MOVIES.  It all started when I wanted to integrate Animoto into my classroom and get the most bang for my buck the only problem is I wasn't sure exactly how.  I. finally. decided.  I created and gave my students a rubric and step by step directions for the site and let the creating begin! Below is a video one of my students made independently for a math project.




The annoying cool thing about Animoto is it only allow you to put so many characters on each page.  My students found this incredibly annoying, but I found it to be the perfect way to get students to be specific and get in the important information only!   You should have seen some of the videos.  For one assignment they had to include vocabulary, character traits with support, setting, etc.  As the students finished we had a movie showing day where they got to present and share their movie with the class.  They were so excited and I had the best audience!  Not only did the movie producers learn more than they ever thought possible, the audience now has a list of books they can't wait to check out!  It was a WIN WIN situation.

(HINT - Animoto has an educator's account that you can sign up for.  You get unlimited videos and minutes...it must be renewed every 6 months, but it is soooo worth it!!)

If you are interested in letting your students produce their own movie I have my rubric and student directions in my Teacher's Notebook store and TPT store just click below.

I would love to hear how movie making goes in your classroom!!  

Dana  :)

100 followers...I just LOVE giveaways!!

I just love giveaways and "Don't Let the Teacher Stay Up" has the perfect one in my opinion.  She just hit 100 followers and is having an amazing giveaway!  Head on over and take a look!!  I have my eye on the perfect classroom pencil sharpener!


Share the love in the holiday season!!

Love & Laughter
Dana

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

gRAND oPENING

Grand Opening of my Teacher Notebook Store.  

Please come and check it out.  I have a couple of freebies and a ton of technology items.  Please come support me and leave your link I would love to support and purchase from you!

   

                                           

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Pin it to win it GIVEAWAY!!



I'm looking to GIVE AWAY my technology triple play...

from my TPT store...I will choose my winner through Rafflecopter on Friday. Enter away!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

nEW pRODUCT tECHNOLOGY tRIPLE pLAY

tECHNOLOGY tRIPLE pLAY now posted in my teachers pay teachers store! !   I'm so excited for you all to take a look and tell me what you think!  Happy shopping!
Just click on my link to my TPT store! 
Dana

Saturday, November 24, 2012

1000 fOLLOWER gIVEAWAY!

Yeah...I wish...it is not me, but "Teaching Maddeness" is doing a 1000 follower giveaway with lots up for grabs!  Head on over and enter to win!  Just click the link below!  Come on it's fun!!


Friday, November 23, 2012

sALE sALE sALE TPT

I'm throwing my first SALE at my TPT store!  All of my items are 10% off from 11/24 thru 11/27!  Please go check out my items.  You will find items on decimals, fractions, VOKI, Glogster, Animoto, classroom jobs, etc.  Team up with me and TPT for Cyber Monday where you can save up to 28% off all of my items!  I promise you won't be disappointed!!  Click on the link below!!



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

tHANK yOU bLOGGING wORLD

In the spirit of the holiday season I couldn't refuse linking up with "Teaching in Room 6" for a thankful linking party.  Since joining the blogging world I am amazed at the many many many things that people put at my finger tips to help me!  I have learned so much!  

I have many finds that I'm thankful for here in the blogging world I don't know exactly where to begin!  I guess I'll begin with my favorite blogs!  Most teaching...one inspirational.  

I {heart} the blogs


-Fourth Grade Frolics

4th Grade Frolics
Love this blog for their "Made It Monday's"...my only problem is I want to make everything!!

-The Teacher Wife

I love this blog because it seems that every time I read a post I learn something!  She has so many awesome ideas it is hard to choose just one!

-Mama Laughlin

This blog I have chosen for inspiration!  She is hilarious, down to earth, and just plain fun to read.  It is based around a weight loss journey, but it is so much more than that!



Jump on in and take a look at these I promise you won't be disappointed!  If you are looking to link up...do it...click the link below.


 


~Dana

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

fREEBIE AND a gIVEAWAY!

It doesn't get much better than this!  I'm linking up with Diving into Learning for a super fun party!  Not only is she giving away lots of goodies she also has quite a few free items in her Teachers Pay Teachers store.  I have chosen "Penguin Odd and Even Numbers" to share with you.  Everyone loves adorable penguins and it is just in time for winter.

Head on over and download your copy!  Just click the link below...


Happy Thanksgiving!!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

tOP tEN tHINGS i'M tHANKFUL fOR

This is such a great time of year to reflect back on everything that I'm thankful for. I jumped at the chance to link up with Stories By Storie for her linky party "Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For". You should link up to!



If you would like to link up just click the link below!





sTUFFED wITH tHANKFULNESS lINKY pARTY

Thankfulness is something I can not get enough of this time of year!  So when I saw that "Miss Kindergarten" was having a linky party all about being thankful I jumped on board.

To begin I'm THANKFUL for my amazing little family!  I have a wonderful husband, beautiful healthy child, and I wouldn't want it any other way!  They are my life!

Next, I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my parents and sister...they were the first to teach me about unconditional love.  They continue each day to show me what strong really looks like. 

Thankful can't even begin to touch how I'm feeling about being able to live each day healthy.  It only takes some uncertainty in life to make you realize exactly how thankful you should really be!  

Last I am thankful and fortunate to get to work with students all day!  Even through the trials and tribulations that come with teaching I can honestly say that I enjoy what I do and look forward to it each day...well okay most days!  I really believe I was called to be a teacher and therefore am very fortunate to live out this avenue of life.



If you want to link up click the link below...come on it's fun!!



~Dana https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt2Z7k00yM_M19s9LRg8pxKg595WgXcuUUpL81horUqI0uNsxFFGA7D0zLuKeTyKB_Fyq2ktM5l_A7mvOtvpaYfhyoHGfV9T1sUJpjh9LQeq1gokIAC6SErQDYSKPpTdqIo9ynhEuK4o/s220/Live+Learn+Teach+Blog.jpg

Thursday, November 15, 2012

lEARNING tHROUGH tECHNOLOGY

I know there are a ton of teachers out there, myself included that wonders what exactly is the best way to use technology in the classroom.  I love technology and I could use it all day, but how can I use it to help my students master common core? 
I have found that sometimes no matter how hard it is for teachers to admit sometimes kids learn the most when we facilitate instead of doing so much talking.   I had a class that needed a lot from me last year so I tended to talk more.   Wrong thing to do. .. it didn't mean anything to them.   So I decided to have them take the reins and let them be a leader of their own learning... guess what I figured out. .. ready for this. .. they did better than they had ever done before!   I gave them an objective, a rubric, and some written directions for the websites and passwords... really that's all.   I then let them go for a week and I facilitated.   I know it was had for me too!   You know what my results were though. .. my students who never wrote anything had pages and pages of notes for this project, my gifted and talented students had created final products I never could have assigned, and my in betweens strived for personal success.   If you still don't believe it I gave an assessment after a weekend and I had 23 out of 24 with 100% ♥.  Success! !! 
I know it takes a while to implement and it can be tough to handle, but you will be amazed!  
What's your favorite technology to use??  I would love to hear from your experiences!   Link up and share!
~ Dana

Saturday, November 10, 2012

bEHAVIOR mANAGEMENT hEAVEN

Behavior management heaven is what I call "Class Dojo" in my classroom.  I have used it for a little over a year and am in love!  It is a great motivator and extremely teacher friendly!  I have compiled a list of how I use Dojo...and I would love to add to the list.  Have you used it please share!!


  • -Focus on class management (academic and behavior) 
  • -Helps keep students accountable
  • -Gives immediate feedback
  • -Parent communication
  • -Tracks information (days, weeks, months)
  • -Can be used many different ways


  • Debates
  • Group work evaluations
  • Behavior plan
  • Assigning task +1 by the students who are finished completing something
  • Checklist for completed assignment
  • Each point stands for a part of the writing process
  • Complete and incomplete homework
  • Dojo competitions among classes or grade levels



~Dana

iCLUDING tECHNOLOGY

I know I don't have many followers yet, but I wanted to share a new way that I am including technology with students.  Sometimes it is hard to implement technology...I know for a fact that having enough computers has been a great struggle for me!  We have a computer lab, but it is used for classes all day and then the library computers well we'll just say they are ALWAYS booked!!  Anyway I have made due to with my 4 classroom computers and the students are raving about it!!

Honestly technology is my love...I think and reflect on my lessons each week to see how I can involve the students in technology.  We all know that that is as real life as we can get.  Any way I decided I was going to have the students to use Voki.  If you have not heard of it basically it is a free website that allows the students to create talking avatars. 


 I made sure that I had about 4 students who were Voki experts so I didn't have to troubleshoot all by myself and they were on their way.  I put together a guide sheet, directions, and a rubric for expectations and let the students go.  SUCCESS is all I can say.  In a nut shell they were to take their book they had been reading and create a Voki on the main character.  They made the background of the voki look like the setting of the story, the voki itself had to resemble the character as much as possible, and then they had to make the voki tell a summary of the story.

After everyone had completed their Voki we viewed them as a class.  Talk about motivating, exciting, and learning all rolled into one.  We all enjoyed them so much and the students got some ideas for new books they are excited about reading.  My next step is to actually load them to our classroom wiki so that students can view them whenever they like.

If you are interested in more information about this lesson I have the guide and rubric posted on my Teachers Pay Teachers website, just click below.  I promise you will not be disappointed!!




Hint - When typing in voki you can slow down the voice by putting extra spaces between your words! (a lovely student figured that one out!)



~Dana

Monday, November 5, 2012

fREEBIE fRIDAY!!!

I know I know it is not Friday anymore, but oh well...I'm linking up with TBA for a FREEBIE FRIDAY!  Click the link below to get to my freebie and download it now!  You will see it is just in time for Thanksgiving and perfect for almost any elementary age!



Don't you just love a freebie!




~Dana

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Currently...Linky Party

I can't believe it is already NOVEMBER!  Where has the time gone!  I mean really we are like 50 days away from Christmas break!   Anyway I love Farley's Currently's from Oh Boy 4th grade so I knew I had to link up.  Drum roll...here is my currently





Make sure you head on over and link up...just click on the button below!



~Dana

Saturday, October 27, 2012

GlOgGiNg GlOgGiNg EvErYwHeRe

I know I have already posted about Glogster edu, but I can't sing it's praises enough!  I love to create glogs to teach from, I love to have students create individual glogs, and I love to have students collaborate and create glogs.  My question for you is have you ever used it (if not go do it now please), if so how did you use it?  I would love to hear from you!  Often technology can be a little bit intimidating, but please trust me on this one it will be worth it!!

~Dana

Friday, October 26, 2012

Linky Party

Extra, Extra read all about it...Tales from Room 112 is have a HUGE linky party!  She is celebrating her blog reaching 200 followers!  Head on over and enter to help her celebrate!  There are tons of things up for grabs!  Don't miss out!  Click the link below!



~Dana
Live Learn Teach for Life

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Freebie!!

Doesn't everybody love getting something for free!? Head on over to my teachers part teachers store for a special freebie just in time for Thanksgiving!

Decimals, Fractions and Common Core

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have uploaded a few new items to my TPT store!  If you are in need of activities for Common Core 3-5 grades on decimals and/or fractions I have something just for you!  Leap on over and take a look.  I am new to all of this and really am in need of a few followers over there...to keep my heart content!  Please let me know what ya think!


~Dana
Live Learn Teach for Life

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Great Big Giveaway!!

FYI - 4th Grade Frolics along with a few other AWESOME blogs are hosting a GIVEAWAY!  We all love giveaways right!  Well head on over and check it out there are so many things up for grabs!  Click the button below to link up to the giveaway!



~Dana

Sunday, October 14, 2012

I've been Boo'd!!


I've been BOO'd...who's up for a little fun!  


I've been boo'd by Jessica over at Joy in the Journey blog.  

We are linking up with Cynthia from 2nd Grade Pad!!  

This is a blog "linky party" being hosted by Cynthia at 2nd Grade Pad. What a great way for us to do a lot of blog hopping! I love learning from all of the amazing teachers out there!
  • Here's how to play. Choose a fellow blogger that has MORE followers, another that has about the SAME number of followers, and last, someone that has LESS followers.
  • Highlight their blogs with links to encourage others to check them out. Don't forget to let your fellow bloggers know that you shared about them.
I am excited to be boo'd and to participate in this fun linky party: 

Here are my three...

The blog that I love that has LOTS more followers is "Heather's Heart"!  
Heather's blog is full of wonderful ideas, an interesting story about "Hoovers" (hint we all have them!) and is just overall INSPIRING~~ I {PUFFY} HEART IT!



The blog with about the same number of followers is "Young Thinkers, BIG Ideas" .  This blog is full of great ideas about being an innovative teacher and creating students who are innovative thinkers!  Check it out!

YOUNG THINKERS, BIG IDEASwonder, imagine, connect, reflect, innovate




Last, but not least is the blog with a few less followers...that blog is "Little Miss Primary"!
Little Miss Primary just joined the blogging world, but is full of ideas to share with all of us!  Go give her some love by clicking on her button below!


All of these blogs are one of a kind!  GO AHEAD CHECK THEM OUT!!


~Dana
Live Learn Teach for Life


Have you ever used GlOgStEr

I am a huge fan of Glogster EDU!  I have used it in every subject in my classroom.  It works great at the beginning of the year to have students create a glog to introduce themselves, to glog about a book, to glog about problem solving, and/or to glog about historical events or science experiments   It is a truly authentic way to assess what students know and understand.  In my Teachers Pay Teachers store I have just recently posted a checklist and rubric that students use in conjunction with glogster in my classroom. Above all else it is already aligned to Common Core ELA.   I am new at selling, so if you would head over and check it out I would really appreciate it! Just click below! Please let me know what you think!!  :)



 ~Dana
Live Learn Teach for Life

Saturday, October 13, 2012

EvErYoNe NeEdS a LiTtLe LoVe SoMeTiMeS!

As I was busy being excited about my newest follower I went to check out her blog.  Awesome is all I can say!  It is unbelievable how much she has to share and how much the first post I read on her blog touched my heart so much I had to post about it.  My "newest follower" Heather from "Heather's Heart" shared an amazing you-tube video about the heart of a teacher.  All of us have our share of bad days, all of us have our share of accomplishment, but few of us slow down to actually think about what we do each day!  I have the video below it is short and sweet, but says so much!  Check it out along with Heather's blog.  Her button is below!  Amazing!



~Dana
Live Learn Teach for Life