tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22715911711876071302024-03-15T18:09:10.850-07:00Sub HubTips, Tricks, and Techniques for Being a SUBstantial TeacherAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-60678778605836490482013-11-29T13:13:00.001-08:002013-11-29T13:13:58.401-08:00Shhhhh!!!! Cyber Monday is Coming!Black Friday? Schlmack Friday! Who needs those crowds, trampling, lack of sleep, lines, etc.? Well, i admit I did do some Black Friday shopping. But, I avoided the Wal-Marts and other gatherings of scaries, and only shopped during normal waking hours. Did I stand in some lines? Yes, but it was worth it.<br />
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What's also worth it, and you don't even have to get out of your pajamas or even your bed for (well, if you work like I do, then you probably have to do those things)? Anyway, I am not making much sense, am I? Let's just cut to the chase. The Teachers Pay Teachers Cyber Monday (and Tuesday) sale is nearly here!!!!<br />
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My <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank">whole store</a> will be on sale as will so many of your other favorite sellers. Just <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank">stop by</a> to spend a few measly dollars and buy some emergency sub plans to set your mind at ease. Never worry about those last-minute, have-to-be-absent days again by knowing you have sub plans ready to go and just waiting for implementation.<br />
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Also, now would be the time to clear out those Wish Lists. Stock up for the school year on all those units, lessons, and activities you've been eyeing. Just don't forget to enter "CYBER" at checkout to get that extra savings!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-67958050466852035762013-08-17T12:00:00.000-07:002013-08-17T12:00:04.109-07:00Back to School Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time again! Teacher Pay Teachers is having their <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank">Back to School Sale</a>. Don't miss out on savings on all those amazing resources you NEED for you and your students. You know the drill by now... most sellers (including <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank">ME</a>!) discount their items up to 20%, plus enter the code BTS13 at checkout to get an additional 10% off... for a total of up to 28%.<br />
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My ENTIRE store will be 20% off, plus that 10% code so make sure you are ready for subbing season with all the sub plans, forms, and downtime activities you need. Be sure to check out my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank">products in my store</a> as well as all the other phenomenal sellers on <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a>!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-39417224461817047202013-07-16T15:15:00.000-07:002013-07-16T15:15:10.199-07:00New Class*y Collaboration AnnouncementI am so excited to announce that I am a part of brand new blogging collaboration... <a href="http://aclassycollaboration.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">a Class*y Collaboration</a>. It is a group of 12 bloggers who have gotten together because of a burning desire to share ideas, activities, and freebies!<br />
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<a href="http://aclassycollaboration.blogspot.com/2013/07/everyones-winner-amazing-resource-pack.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_2-EsMWNnSw/UeXFJ90kPvI/AAAAAAAABpo/O-OGtPij6uU/s320/FollowerFreebiePromo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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To kick things off, we are offering an everybody-wins giveaway... that is everybody wins if you are willing to go far out on a limb and follow us on Bloglovin. That's it. That's all you have to do. Just follow the directions on the <a href="http://aclassycollaboration.blogspot.com/2013/07/everyones-winner-amazing-resource-pack.html" target="_blank">blog post</a> and you will get an amazing <a href="http://aclassycollaboration.blogspot.com/2013/07/everyones-winner-amazing-resource-pack.html" target="_blank">Follower-Only Freebie Pack</a>. Just click over to see a sample of the awesome resources you get for free just for clicking the follow button. So go get you some! And share with your friends so they can get some too!<br />
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<a href="http://aclassycollaboration.blogspot.com/2013/07/everyones-winner-amazing-resource-pack.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCTxu9LSwHs/UeXFI8ncCEI/AAAAAAAABpk/Nbza6LG2Lt8/s320/50winnerschoice.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Plus... one lucky follower will get a $50 winner's choice gift card. Man! I kind of wish I wasn't a contributor and could enter this one myself. Ha!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-22018802299292284592013-06-28T06:24:00.000-07:002013-07-02T12:47:01.006-07:00Love Reading All Your Favorite Blogs on Bloglovin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3126902" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WMMstapNh7o/Uc2OOcyu7YI/AAAAAAAABns/xYU7tg6QhQA/s195/bloglovin+button.tiff" /></a></div>
I don't know if you are aware or not, but Google Reader is going away. I was quite panicked since that's how I follow and read all my favorite blogs. The search was on for a new way to keep up. The consensus in the blog world seems to be Bloglovin. I have to be honest. I only just signed up so I don't really have any grounds to compare it to Google Reader, but others seem to be happy with it. To make sure you don't miss any of your favorite blogs, go check out <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> for yourself. When I signed up, it gave me an option to import my blogs from Google Reader, so I did that. But just to make sure you have Sub Hub in that list, click the link and follow so you don't miss any sub-tastic posts!
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3126902/?claim=krk5smxx8t4">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-50685602477225261122013-06-02T08:03:00.000-07:002013-06-02T08:03:59.618-07:00End-of-the-Year Student Gifts and MomentosCan you smell that? It's skin frying in the heat of summer. Can you hear that? The pool and beach are calling my name. As my first year of teaching comes to a close, the temptations of summer fun beckon louder and louder. I still have four student days and one teacher work day to complete my mile-long end-of-the-year to-do list. In the middle of all the have-to's like report cards, permanent record files, and classroom clean-ups, I wanted to make sure to leave a little time for some fun want-to's.<br />
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First of all, after four years of trying to get a class of my own, I wanted a special way to remember them. I did not want the typical class photo with students signing the matte... mostly because I already have one of those from my student teaching class. As I was wasting time, I mean "researching," on Pinterest, I came across these gems for my favorite team... the San Antonio Spurs!<br />
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And then I got to thinking. I am pretty sure, I have worn one of my five pairs of TOMS at least 3 days every week of this year. I find TOMS to be some of the most comfortable shoes to teach in. I have them in lots of colors to match with just about every outfit and am affectionately known as the TOMS teacher. So, I thought, what better momento to have of my first class, than student-designed TOMS? I ordered a pair of white TOMS and bought some fabric markers. I used these. I would definitely recommend thin-tipped ones.<br />
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My students this year are amazing artists, so I held a contest to design the TOMS toes. I chose two winners and let them draw their designs on my shoes. Then I had every student in the class sign around the sides. I am in love with how they turned out! I wore them on spirit day and got so many compliments! I don't think I will wear them too often because I don't want to ruin them, but I know I will have these for many years to come!</div>
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Now, for student momentos, I went with another fantastic idea I found while pinning. My classroom theme is the beach, so this beach ball idea was perfect. On the last day, I will let students write their own names large on one section and then sign each other's beach balls with Sharpies. I can't wait to see their excitement!</div>
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Finally, I wanted to give them a useable end-of-the-year gift. I definitely want to encourage summer reading, so I thought a fun bookmark would be perfect. I know you have probably seen this gem floating around Pinterest. </div>
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They are listed as being great for a Mother's Day gift, and I agree. But I also think the students will love to read using themselves as the bookmark. I decided to try it. I erased my whiteboard and used that as the background for the photos. I had students pose with their arms over their head as if they were holding on to something. Some got really into it with faces and everything. Then I printed out their photos on 4x6 photo paper and cut out their shapes (this was the crazy time-consuming part, but my own children helped out a lot). I laminated each one to make them stronger and used a small hole puncher to make a hole on the hands. Finally I added a string to the top (I used embroidery thread since my daughter has a ton of that from making friendship bracelets).</div>
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Come on, summer! I can taste that frosty adult beverage now.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-34719427312052872082013-05-05T08:37:00.000-07:002013-05-05T08:37:14.801-07:00Teacher Appreciation Week is Here! And I Appreciate the Subs Too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here in the U.S., this week is celebrated as Teacher Appreciation Week. If you ask me, the best thank you's come from the students themselves. It's those precious drawings, notes, and hugs that come from the little lives you touch everyday. Those are the items I save year after year. Those are the things I pull out after a hard day and that give me the motivation to push through the challenges.<br />
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But other tokens certainly don't hurt either. Ha!<br />
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At my school, the administration has planned a week of little freedoms and yummies to make our teachers feel appreciated. First, we get to wear jeans all week (YAY!). Two days this week, lunch will be provided for all teachers and stuff... one day by our hospitality committee and the other by the PTA. One day we get to wear flip flops (again, YAY!). And there are suggested ways for students to dress, such as animal prints to show "they are WILD about their teachers."<br />
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As a former substitute teacher, I know that subs are often left out of these celebrations. Some campuses I was on graciously included me in all their festivities, while others did not. However, I want all you substitutes to know that I APPRECIATE YOU!!!! Yes, I am yelling it from the rooftops. I am especially thankful for all of you subs who read my blog and other blogs... those of you who see yourselves as the vital professionals you are and not babysitters... those of you who bother to carry a bag of tricks and have back-up lessons and activities just in case. It is because of subs like you that classrooms can run smoothly when teachers have to be out.<br />
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My biggest hope for you is that you think of yourselves as a teacher and that others see you that way as well. I know that doesn't always happen. I was once asked by a parent if I was "a real teacher." I reluctantly shied away from the obnoxious, snarky reply I wanted to make and calmly told her that yes, I was a certified teacher and had plenty of classroom experience.<br />
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Other people agree with me it seems. I found this wonderful guest post by <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/04/17/substitute-teacher-appreciation/" target="_blank">Somewhat Simple</a> on <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/04/17/substitute-teacher-appreciation/" target="_blank">Skip To My Lou</a> on some ideas for <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2013/04/17/substitute-teacher-appreciation/" target="_blank">Substitute Teacher Appreciation gifts</a>. Look at how cute these are!<br />
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Some of you may already be aware from reading other blogs and following others on Facebook or even remember from last year, but Teachers Pay Teachers will be having a Teacher Appreciation sale. May 7-8, just use check-out code TAD13 to get 10% off your Teachers Pay Teachers Purchases.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkzmzQ1IUp8/UYZ2-xfL7hI/AAAAAAAABf0/dqlmoQrxp8w/s320/389090_10200684209808172_1884417455_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And to show you, the hard-working and much-loved substitute teacher, that you are also appreciated, my store (along with many others, including all the top sellers) will be throwing an additional sale on those days as well. You will get 28% on every item in my store, including <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Just-Add-Paper" target="_blank">Just Add Paper</a> substitute plans, <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/CCSS-Emergency-Sub-Plans" target="_blank">CCSS Emergency Substitute Teaching Plans</a>, and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Down-with-Downtime" target="_blank">Down with Downtime</a> time filler activity ideas.<br />
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So, start making that wish list and get ready to check-out on May 7 and 8 to take advantage of the savings!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-15547973308635009122013-04-20T11:38:00.000-07:002013-04-20T11:44:07.406-07:00Beautiful, Simple Books with Powerful Messages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, I have been slammed hard by the testing monster... my first year of teaching in the most tested grade level. We have already survived the writing test. (Well, we don't have scores yet, but I am more than pleased with the effort of my students.) But we still face math and reading tests this week. The last two weeks have been spent making sure everyone was up to speed in reading and math. And right in the middle came... an author visit.<br />
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My first thought was, "Really? You want to pull us out of class right before testing for an author visit?" I was less than willing to give up time with my sweeties. And for some author visits I have sat through, that would have been true... but not this one.<br />
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I had never heard of Kathryn Otoshi or her books <u>One</u> and<u> Zero</u>, although they were published in 2008 and 2010 respectively. Boy, have I been missing out! And I want to make sure you aren't doing the same.
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I brought my students into the cafeteria where the presentation was all set up, and standing before us was a small, pretty, Asian woman (which was wonderful for my Asian ESL students to see such a role model). When she spoke, she commanded the room without being authoritarian or over the top. The students were fascinated as she read them her books and explained the stories of how they came to be. She even led them in a reader's theater of one of them.</center>
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Both books are beautifully simple in their words and illustrations, but carry powerful messages. <u>One</u> tells the story of how red bullies blue while none of the other colors stand up to red. Then along comes a number 1 who encourages the colors to turn into numbers against red's will. But because 1 refuses to back down, so do all the other number colors. What a brilliant way to convey the message, "Sometimes it just takes one [to stand up to a bully]."</center>
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<u>Zero</u> focuses on believing in yourself, appreciating differences, and acceptance. In this story zero is sad because it has no value and can't count along with the other numbers. Zero tries to change and become something it is not, but it never works. Finally, zero is inspired by former bully red (who is now a number 7) to see itself as open and not empty. Zero shows the other numbers how to count even higher by adding a zero to each number. This book could even be a great way to introduce skip counting by 10s and some place value. Again, absolutely brilliant!</center>
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When we got back to our classroom, we had a discussion on the books and the author, and every single one of my students got the messages communicated. </center>
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I have added these books to my collection, and I would urge anyone trying to teach these values to do the same.</center>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-69198784376276250932013-04-13T11:06:00.004-07:002013-04-13T11:06:43.084-07:00Guest Blogger: Drawing Attention<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i>Please welcome guest blogger Lee Reed.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bF6jHgpJL5s/UWmGVEExEnI/AAAAAAAABfA/eI2CeocWA6s/s1600/pen+pencil.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bF6jHgpJL5s/UWmGVEExEnI/AAAAAAAABfA/eI2CeocWA6s/s1600/pen+pencil.gif" /></a></div>
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Last week I was told there was an opening to fill in for an
art teacher. Of course, I accepted the assignment and walked down to the art
department to talk to Mary, the art teacher. What I saw and experienced there
brought back old memories. There wasn't a surface anywhere that didn't have a
paint or marker stain on it. Not only that, it smelled like an art department
with the faint smell of turpentine permeating the air. Mary is an attractive
woman in her fifties whose hair is completely gray and always a bit disheveled.
She told me that she normally left a video for the kids to watch. For some
subs, this might seem like a dream assignment, but I don't care for it. I would
much rather teach something. Studies have shown that the average student spends
an entire year under the tutelage of a substitute between kindergarten and high
school graduation. We simply can't afford to waste that time.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I explained to her that I had some background in the arts
and would like to try to teach something. She liked the idea, knowing her
students really didn't like videos any more than I did. She told me she would
leave the decision up to me and suggested I email her with my ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the weekend I thought a lot about what I would do. My
thinking took me back to my early days in the art world. I took a course in
photography my first year in college and fell in love. I wanted to make it my
major but was intimidated by the amount of art courses I would have to take:
drawing, painting, sculpting, and more. With little experience in those areas, I
worried I couldn't hack it but was willing to give it a try. What I learned and what I hoped to pass on to the kids in class, was that there were things
that could be said through art that are nearly impossible to say with words. I was
hooked, and I hoped I could hook a few of the kids in class. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The question that plagued me was this: how was I going to
help these students see that in the space of one 50 minute hour? I remembered a
lesson plan I had seen created by <a href="http://zapple.ca/page13/index.html"><span class="InternetLink">Ray Appel</span></a>. Ray is a math teacher at the Rochester
Elementary School. When he isn't busy teaching math and creating products to
help other math teachers, he loves to cartoon and has put together a series of
lessons on cartooning that he offers for free on his website. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I ran the idea past my wife, who loved it. (She's a
university professor with a doctorate in education, so I value her opinion
highly.) I also ran the idea by Mary, who was also in favor of the strategy.
In my opinion, it was a strategy I could teach in a short period of time that
might just spark an interest in the arts at a new level. Cartoons are
relatively simple to draw even if you have limited artistic skills, and they
can easily be manipulated to express a great many emotions. It looked like a good
strategy for getting some kids involved in the arts that might normally feel
welcome there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The day of the sub assignment came and I told my story. Mary
had written my name on the board up front under the heading “Guest Artist.” I
explained why I thought cartooning was something they might really enjoy. I
showed them how simple it was to make a face and how to manipulate the
features. Then I gave them the rest of the hour to draw six faces representing
six different emotions. Then I walked around the room to see what they were
doing and offer encouragement. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. Most were taking
the assignment seriously. Some students clearly had some skill and were doing
some amazing things. Others were doing the bare minimum to meet the
requirements so they could go back to socializing with their friends. What
pleased me most, however, was the few that did not have a lot of talent but saw
this as a kind of back door to the art world. They had paid attention to my
instructions and were working hard to make images they could be proud of. These were
exactly the students I had hoped would benefit most. As far as I was concerned,
the lesson was a success regardless of the results. However, if I was happy at
the beginning, I was happier still when I saw what the class created. Some of
the work was truly outstanding. Enough so that I was happy I had taken the
risk. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My experience is that there are a lot of remarkable
resources available on the Internet these days. I do my best to seek out the
good sources, particularly the good free sources of information for teachers.
Ray Appel is but one example of what is available. I can't promise that
everything will work as well, but I think you'll be impressed with what is out
there if you know where to look. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Lee Reed is a father, grandfather, and substitute teacher working on his credentials to become a full time teacher. Mostly though, he is a patient observer of life's ironies and loves to write about his experiences, especially those that have taught him important lessons. You can see more of his writing at <a href="http://teachingadayatatime.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Teaching a Day at a Time</a> or check out his new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Substitute-Teachers-Toolkit-ebook/dp/B00C7GNSUE" target="_blank">The Substitute Teachers Toolkit</a>.</i></span></span></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-30972560291909652642013-02-20T15:36:00.000-08:002013-02-20T15:36:17.015-08:00A New Publication to Fall in Love WithAs a former journalist and current educator, two of my favorite things are magazines and education. And if I find a combination of the two, what could be better than that? Well, you also must know that I tend toward the OCD side, so organization is also on top of my list. I have found something that meets all these criteria, is brand new, and is written and published by none other than the fabulous Charity Preston of <a href="http://www.theorganizedclassroomblog.com/" target="_blank">The Organized Classroom Blog</a>.<br />
<br />
Taa daa!!!! Meet <a href="http://www.joomag.com/en/magInfo/0658569001360595034" target="_blank">The Organized Classroom Magazine</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.joomag.com/en/magInfo/0658569001360595034" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1OIpowexhY/USVcw753IjI/AAAAAAAABeg/3oEGPe8M7vU/s1600/1198979fl.jpg" /></a></div>
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And the first issue is 100%, no-strings-attached FREE! Oh, be still my beating heart! And that first free issue is all about Taming the Paper Monster. I mean, who doesn't have one of those? Just click on the link to download your free copy. And if you decide to subscribe, it's only $24 for a year of monthly issues just as helpful, beautiful, and informational as this one.<br />
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This will definitely be on my monthly must-read list from now on. Now... do you think she might let me write an article for it... hee heeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-28578353209138136462013-02-01T17:18:00.001-08:002013-02-01T17:18:26.679-08:00Super Sale!While everyone else is obsessed with the big game on Sunday, Teachers Pay Teachers is having another site-wide sale. So go long and enter the code SUPER to save on any and all products. Plus most sellers, including me will have their entire stores for an additional 20% off. That's up to 28% off all day Sunday. Touchdown!<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank">Check my store for sub plans, monthly writing packets, and more!</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-88762891287219416482013-01-26T06:30:00.000-08:002013-01-26T06:30:35.709-08:00Consequences: Certainty Is More Important Than Severity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S18jcZCvnJo/UQPnCu4DtEI/AAAAAAAABdo/ZQiCup0TrmM/s1600/classhands.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S18jcZCvnJo/UQPnCu4DtEI/AAAAAAAABdo/ZQiCup0TrmM/s320/classhands.gif" width="238" /></a></div>
Classroom management. The two words strike fear in many teachers' and subs' hearts. It seems to be one of those things that you are either naturally good at, or you constantly struggle with. I am in the "struggles with" category. This year seems to easier, but I attribute it more to my students than to me. Somehow the stars aligned, and I have no major behavior issues my class this year. The worst things I seem to deal with are incessant talking, reluctancy to work, and immaturity issues.<br />
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So, when my vice-principal came into my classroom and offered me the chance to attend a two-day classroom management workshop, I jumped at the chance. This week, I attended the first day, and it was well worth it. And it's not even that I was learning a ton of new things. Most of what the presenter said, I had heard in grad school and some of it I even already do, but it was nice to hear it again, get some validation for what I am doing, and commiserate with other teachers. It seems you very rarely get the opportunity to talk about the realities of teaching with other teachers.<br />
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Anyway, this session focused on classroom organization, educational psychology needs theories (a student cannot learn or be focused if certain needs are not being met), and useful classroom strategies. I will write more on those topics another time.<br />
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The thing I want to focus on in this post is my big a-ha moment from that workshop session. There was a quote the presenter used, and she only briefly dwelled on it. But for me, it made the choir of angels sing in the room. It struck me this way because it hit so close to home. What the presenter said was this:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>"It's the <u>certainty</u> of the consequence and <u>not the severity</u> that makes the consequence effective."</b></span></div>
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Now, I will come clean and fess up to you right now. I am one of those teachers who gives waaaaaaay too many warnings. I don't like to punish kids. I don't want to punish kids. Not even my own kids. I am the teacher who says for the tenth time, "I am not going to say this again." And, in a classroom with some behavior challenges, that gets me in trouble every time.<br />
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The presenter compared this concept to driving through those neighborhoods or small towns notorious for their traffic cops. You know the ones. We all know the ones. In San Antonio, it's Castle Hills and Leon Valley. They are the places where if you even think about rolling through the stop sign or not using your blinker to turn or accidentally go 1 mile and hour over the speed limit, you instantly look around for the lights and listen for the sirens. Because you are CERTAIN that one minor infraction is going to warrant a ticket. And how do you drive through those areas? Well, of course, you drive through those areas with extra caution, paying close attention to your speed and the traffic signs around you. In short, you do you best to make sure you follow all the rules... even the ones you may not follow in other areas of town.<br />
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You need to be that notorious area of town as a teacher. Your students need to know that there will most definitely be a consequence every time they make a less-than-desireable choice.<br />
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What I really like about the statement is the severity part. I don't have to be mean, slam-down-the-hammer-of-classroom-justice teacher. I don't have to stop class and administer a consequence for every rule breaker. For many students, just "the teacher look" can be consequence enough... or a simple statement of redirection... or even just your walking close to them. I can administer the consequence based on the infraction AND the student. For example, the student who has had an issue and is in tears about it (I mean genuine tears because this is the first time they've ever been in trouble) does not deserve the same consequence as the student who had the same issue, but comes to you with arms crossed and smirk on their face. It goes back to another of my favorite quotes:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>"Fair isn't everybody getting the same the thing. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>Fair is everybody getting what they need to be successful."</b></span></div>
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So, what I took away from this part of the session is that I need to have a wealth of consequence ideas of varying degrees of severity, ranging from the "teacher look" to office referral. Students need to know you will enforce those classroom and school rules at all times.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-43455658068911803192013-01-13T13:14:00.001-08:002013-01-13T13:14:53.026-08:00The Gingerbread Man Is Not Just for ChristmasThe holidays are over, and I've been back at school for a week. I wanted to take some time to share with something my class did leading up to the holidays. Although holiday-ish, it is my no means limited to holiday time. Many of you may be able to use this in your classroom. And even for substitutes in a long-term position (or even a day or two), this can be a great reading and writing activity.<br />
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When deciding what to do in the month of December, I was a little worried since over half of my students do not celebrate Christmas. I wanted to do something that brought the feeling of the month of December, however. I ended up using The Gingerbread Man.<br />
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I started the unit by reading as many different versions of The Gingerbread Man as I had. Here are a few I used, but there are so many great ones out there.<br />
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We discussed the story structure, analyzing all the parts. We even used a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Story-Map-FREEBIE" target="_blank">Story Map</a> I found on Teachers Pay Teachers for the students to write out all the parts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Story-Map-FREEBIE" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8zne_mJtrU/UPMfxhuepWI/AAAAAAAABcI/VrUo_5EBp0o/s320/gingerbread+story+map.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I gave them blank copies of that same story map to start planning out their own versions of The Gingerbread Man. The students then used that map as their plan to write their rough draft. They finished off the writing process by revising and editing and writing their final copy on clean notebook paper (fronts only) and stapling the pages together at the top.<br />
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To publish the project, I had the students create their main character. I had bought fun foam gingerbread shapes at Michael's that they could use if they chose a gingerbread character. And I just made lots of different colors of construction paper available for decorations or character creating if it wasn't a gingerbread character. Finally, it was all glued on a large sheet of red construction paper. The results were awesome!<br />
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Here are some of my favorites. Now, don't look too closely at grammar and spelling. I have mostly ESL students, so those are not their strengths.<br />
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First, meet Cheesey Cheese Man.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ1UhYk4j5w/UPMgpqEftFI/AAAAAAAABcU/AYxoY1EFJAg/s1600/cheesey+cheese+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ1UhYk4j5w/UPMgpqEftFI/AAAAAAAABcU/AYxoY1EFJAg/s320/cheesey+cheese+man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this is Gingerbread Cowboy (as in Dallas Cowboys) with Eli Manning and other professional athletes such as Tim Duncan and Tony Parker making cameos in the story.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrpclttIOJQ/UPMgtFvyXqI/AAAAAAAABcc/ajufJY1G3DQ/s1600/gingerbread+cowboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrpclttIOJQ/UPMgtFvyXqI/AAAAAAAABcc/ajufJY1G3DQ/s320/gingerbread+cowboy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Gingerbread Fisherman. I really loved how this students brought her own interests into the story.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k62rOwV9MT4/UPMgu4jf8qI/AAAAAAAABck/tB_qgGKdtr4/s1600/gingerbread+fisherman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k62rOwV9MT4/UPMgu4jf8qI/AAAAAAAABck/tB_qgGKdtr4/s320/gingerbread+fisherman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is Ninjabread Man. Although, this was an example I gave, so it may not win super creativity points, I thought the student's execution of both the story and the costume were excellent.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QxR1p0gtzU/UPMgw22xsUI/AAAAAAAABcs/U7bCcN2ayr0/s1600/ninjabread+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QxR1p0gtzU/UPMgw22xsUI/AAAAAAAABcs/U7bCcN2ayr0/s320/ninjabread+man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally, let me introduce Pizza Man. My favorite part of this story was her refrain of, "I'll run and I'll run with my pepperoni twist. You can't catch me. I am the Pizza Man." OK, it doesn't rhyme, but I sure loved that "pepperoni twist" part!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsNxI6gI5wM/UPMgzwcchFI/AAAAAAAABc0/vdKdq8Gq7r8/s1600/pizza+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bsNxI6gI5wM/UPMgzwcchFI/AAAAAAAABc0/vdKdq8Gq7r8/s320/pizza+man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-6094952323305426092012-12-31T10:17:00.001-08:002012-12-31T10:17:12.263-08:00Pinky Swear! I Will Blog at Least Twice a Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpo5dmQUiX8/UOHVDgnB3zI/AAAAAAAABbg/2cd9Z0whPpc/s1600/gif_ASL_I.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpo5dmQUiX8/UOHVDgnB3zI/AAAAAAAABbg/2cd9Z0whPpc/s1600/gif_ASL_I.gif" /></a></div>
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I am putting this in writing, so that you all can hold me accountable. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I resolve to...</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">blog on Sub Hub at least twice a month... Pinky swear!</span></b></div>
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I thought a lot about this resolution. Since getting my own classroom in September, I had every intention of continuing Sub Hub. But that just didn't happen. I'm sure everyone who has undergone or is undergoing a first year of teaching completely understands what I just wrote. Although, honestly it's not terribly different from what I was doing long-term subbing. It just doesn't come to an end... which is wonderful in so many ways, but not so hot for the personal, outside-of-teaching life.<br />
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I do think I am at a point where I can certainly commit to twice a month of subbing advice, however. I definitely miss being able to share pointers, tips, advice, anything that may help your days of subbing or preparing for a sub a little easier. And now I feel like I can much better give advice from both sides.<br />
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I have a list of ideas to blog about, but I am always open to hearing from you. If there is a particular issue you are having, just email me or post on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SubHubOnline" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, and I will try to address it. I know one of the biggies is making sure you have activities to do. An idle student is a problem student, so don't let them become idle. Always have something for them to do.<br />
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If you are new to Sub Hub, you may not know that I have some freebies and products to help with just that. Click on the <a href="http://subhubonline.blogspot.com/p/emergency-lesson-plans.html" target="_blank">Emergency Lesson Plans tab</a> above to get links to all my free sets of sub plans. Grades K-5 are currently available with the exception of fourth grade. Unfortunately, I discovered that Dr. Seuss has stricter copyright rules than most, and had to take down my lesson plans based on <u>The Lorax</u>. I am working on another free set of fourth grade plans on the top of my to-do list.<br />
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Also available are additional sets of one-day plans. There are two lines of those plans... <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Just-Add-Paper" target="_blank">Just Add Paper</a> and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/CCSS-Emergency-Sub-Plans" target="_blank">CCSS-aligned plans</a>. And there is a line called <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Down-with-Downtime" target="_blank">Down with Downtime</a> with subject-specific filler activities so students never are left to their own devices again.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Just-Add-Paper" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4ljpE5g5Ok/UOHTX2CdsAI/AAAAAAAABa0/MwPBQzT3aCM/s200/Just+Add+Paper+1+jpg.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Just-Add-Paper" target="_blank">Just Add Paper plans for grades K-5</a> are for those true emergencies, when you don't even have time or access to make copies of reproducibles. They incorporate foldables, graphic organizers, and other hands-on activities that only need paper to complete. All you need for those is paper and a picture book of your choice to read-aloud and base some of the activities on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/CCSS-Emergency-Sub-Plans" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9rybgwUdO8/UOHSdCw2x7I/AAAAAAAABao/76JXgmrm9Zs/s200/3rd+collage.png" width="200" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/CCSS-Emergency-Sub-Plans" target="_blank">CCSS-aligned plans for grades K-4</a> are one-day plans based on a picture book and aligned with the Common Core. Each lesson states which learning objective it addresses so even emergency sub days can be CCSS-focused.<br />
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If you have some of these plans and activities in your bag of tricks or your emergency sub folder, you will always have something on hand to keep students busy in a meaningful way.<br />
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And I mean it about holding me to my blogging resolution. It takes a support system to help you keep those buggers, so I need your help. Please, if you haven't heard from me in a couple of weeks, start bugging me! Message me, email me, spam me... whatever it takes. This is one resolution I WILL be keeping!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-49899201388591202032012-12-29T07:38:00.000-08:002012-12-29T07:38:05.082-08:00A Super Fun Blogger Meet Up!What happens when a group of teacher-bloggers discover that they live near each other? Well, we decide we have to meet up, of course! And when you live in the San Antonio area, there is no other choice but to meet up at a Mexican restaurant. That's what happened on December 27 at Chuy's. What fun to put faces and voices with all the amazing teaching tips and resources found on all their blogs! And I was thrilled to see that a couple of bloggers drove in from Austin for the occasion, and Gladys of <a href="http://teachinginhighheels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teaching in High Heels</a> even drove up (with her hubby) from Eagle Pass! That is some serious dedication!<br />
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Now, apparently I was far too busy gabbing it up to remember to take any photos, so these are courtesy of Jennifer from <a href="http://rowdyinfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rowdy in First Grade</a> and Shannon from <a href="http://ifmycalculationsarecorrect.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">If My Calculations are Correct</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wI7irW_0vNY/UN8MFrG1jlI/AAAAAAAABaE/iMojG-qapUo/s1600/meet+up+at+the+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wI7irW_0vNY/UN8MFrG1jlI/AAAAAAAABaE/iMojG-qapUo/s1600/meet+up+at+the+table.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkSHLtBOZeQ/UN8MIVJYdJI/AAAAAAAABaM/pJdx-9VWqFs/s1600/blogger+meet+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vkSHLtBOZeQ/UN8MIVJYdJI/AAAAAAAABaM/pJdx-9VWqFs/s1600/blogger+meet+up.JPG" /></a></div>
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We chatted (about everything), we shared classroom stories, we drank (yummy margaritas and sangria), and we ate. And time just flew by. Three hours later, we reluctantly headed our separate ways vowing to do it again. My only regret was being at the end of the table and not getting to chat with the amazing ladies at the other end. But the brilliant Farley from <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh Boy Fourth Grade</a> had a great idea... rotate throughout the evening! That will be on the agenda for next time.</div>
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Here are the fabulous ladies who attended (and add in Rachel from <a href="http://www.fisherreyna.com/" target="_blank">Fisher Reyna Education</a>). Be sure to check them all out and tell them Sub Hub sent you.</div>
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<!-- inlinkz code end -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-6733221272169160552012-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:002012-12-16T07:09:06.799-08:00Silence for Sandy Hook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BdSccP04i8/UMySxoDjYkI/AAAAAAAABZw/ycEBWLnE6yc/s1600/215100_10200264608523587_673043822_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BdSccP04i8/UMySxoDjYkI/AAAAAAAABZw/ycEBWLnE6yc/s400/215100_10200264608523587_673043822_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-26636899258933727272012-12-15T06:55:00.001-08:002012-12-15T06:55:58.246-08:00What Can You Do in Response to Sandy Hook?I can't even write or think of the horror that occurred at Sandy Hook yesterday. When I found out, I could not stop crying, and still tear up as I scroll through Facebook, watch the news, and read the paper. If you are at all like me, you have two major burning questions about the whole situation:<br />
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1) WHY WHY WHY???<br />
2) What can I do to help?<br />
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I don't know that there is a good answer to either question. We may never know the why part, or we may not be able to comprehend the answer. As far as question number two, again, I don't think there is anything huge I can do to help. But if I can do a little bit of good, then at least that's something. I want <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to do two things in this post.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>"<a class="mainquote" href="http://www.searchquotes.com/quotation/We_can_never_go_back_and_change_what_has_been_done._But_we_can_always_learn_the_lesson_to_make_thing/409829/" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="We can never go back and change what has been done. But we can always learn the lesson to make things better next time."><span class="firstword" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">We</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> can never go back and change what has been done. </span></span></a></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><a class="mainquote" href="http://www.searchquotes.com/quotation/We_can_never_go_back_and_change_what_has_been_done._But_we_can_always_learn_the_lesson_to_make_thing/409829/" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="We can never go back and change what has been done. But we can always learn the lesson to make things better next time."><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #232323; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">But we can always learn the lesson to make things better next time.</span></span></a>"</i></b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The fi</span>rst is to remind all subs to make sure you know the emergency procedures of the schools where you sub. Unfortunately, you never know when tragedy may strike, and it could just as easily happen on a day when you are in a classroom, rather than the full time teacher. Make sure you know what to do in case of fire, power outages, inclement weather, and most horrifyingly of all, a lockdown. The death toll was lowered in Sandy Hook because of quick thinking, heroic teachers who knew how to keep their children safe. You need to know the exact same thing.<br />
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Full time teacher, you have a roll in this too. Make sure in your sub folder or sub tub, there is information on emergency procedures. Sure, the subs who work at your school nearly every day may know, but there is always one who has never been there before. Don't put your students at risk because you didn't pass along the information.<br />
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I know we all hate the drills. Yes, they are a pain. They interrupt our day of teaching; they upset some of the special needs students, and they are stressful to try to keep students quiet. But, Sandy Hook showed us that those drills are sometimes needed in real life situations, and we need to practice so we can keep our students safe.<br />
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The second thing I want to say in this post is that I will be participating in a special event tomorrow, and I hope if you are a blogger, you will join me. For tomorrow, all participating blogs will go silent to honor everyone affected by the events in Sandy Hook. Thank you to Meghan Farley of <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh Boy Fourth Grade</a> for coming up with the idea. All you need to do to join is to grab this button designed by Michelle at <a href="http://the3amteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">3AM Teacher</a> and place it on your blog <b>Sunday, December 16, 2012.</b> <b>Only</b> post the picture and title your post "Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary." Let's all unite and show those affected how much we care.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-44543637958685199272012-11-25T06:38:00.001-08:002012-11-25T06:38:45.682-08:00Sale! Sale! Sale! Sale!If you are anything like me at all, you can't resist a good deal. Come on, fess up. I know a ton of you went Black Friday shopping. Unfortunately, I didn't get to this year. Here's a way for you to get all the lessons, curriculum, activities, forms, etc. you need for your classroom from the comfort of your own home... and at a HUGE savings. It's the Cyber Monday (plus Tuesday) sale on Teachers Pay Teachers!<br />
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Nearly all the sellers (including those big names that make you get the stars in your eyes) will be offering 20% off in addition to the site-wide 10% discount code of CMT12. That makes 28% off at most TpT stores! I know, the math doesn't make sense on the surface, but trust me, it works out to 28% off.<br />
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I will be busy filling my wishlist today with items from some of my favorite fourth grade sellers like <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rundes-Room" target="_blank">Jennifer Runde</a>, <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Shelley-Gray" target="_blank">Shelley Gray</a>, <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Oh-Boy-4th-Grade" target="_blank">Meghan Farley</a>, and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ashleigh" target="_blank">Ashleigh Swinford</a>. I know I am on the lookout in particular for anything that will help my fourth graders with math problem solving, but there are so many fabulous things there to buy.<br />
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And while you are shopping, don't forget to stop by <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich" target="_blank">my store</a> and stock up on items perfect for subs and teachers alike. Check out my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Just-Add-Paper" target="_blank">Just Add Paper Emergency Sub Plans</a> ( for K-5), <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/CCSS-Emergency-Sub-Plans" target="_blank">CCSS Aligned Emergency Sub Plans</a> (for K-4), <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Monthly-Writing-Packets" target="_blank">Monthly Writing Packets</a> (for Aug.-Nov.), and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Down-with-Downtime" target="_blank">Down with Downtime</a> (for math, language arts, and reading).<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-46429117739955270042012-10-27T05:33:00.001-07:002012-10-27T05:34:36.700-07:00The Power of Storytelling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yikes! It has been forever since I blogged. I sure hope I remember how. Things are going great in my first year of teaching, but as expected, things are crazy busy. I feel like I am desperately treading water, and the time just flies by each day. I look back each day, hoping that I taught the students something, but hardly remembering all the lessons we did. The good news is that I do feel like I am keeping my head above water... I am certainly not drowning, but it's not a leisurely swim either.<br />
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I had a realization this week about my style of teaching. I have a student who goes to the extra help room for every independent work assignment. So, he is with me for the lesson, and then goes to do the work in The Learning Center, or TLC. This week I sent him with a math workbook page practicing multiplication with zeroes using mental math and turning them into 2x1 multiplication problems.... things like 80x2,100 or 90x500. The teacher in TLC called me to ask how long we'd been doing 2x2 multiplication because the student wasn't getting it. I explained to her that the way I had taught it was not as a 2x2, but as a 2x1, adding the zeroes at the end. And I told her the story I told my students... the story of ghost zeroes.<br />
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As I was teaching how to work the problem 80x2,100, I concocted a story of ghost zeroes. I suppose I was inspired with Halloween approaching. I wanted the students to set the zeroes aside, but not forget them, so I told the students they were ghosts who flew away temporarily so that we could work the 2x1 problem of 8x21. And then the ghost zeroes flew back at the end to give us our final answer. I even rewrote the problem with dotted zeroes instead of solid ones.<br />
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That's when I think I really realized the power of storytelling. Students who had been struggling to grasp the concept caught on right away. Even my true strugglers who joined me at my small group table for independent work time, caught on. All I had to say was where are your ghost zeroes, and they wrote the problem just the way I had and got the correct answer.<br />
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Then I thought some more and realized, I tell A LOT of stories when I teach. Whether I am weaving them to "explain" a concept, telling the story of something that happened in history, or telling a personal story to help relate a concept or bring it to life for the students, I tell stories. And I don't just stand there droning on. I TELL the story... I am really quite spazzy. I think it helps hold my students' attention and keep them interested in what we are talking about. And hopefully the end result is that, not only do they learn the concept, but they remember the story and take it with them forever.<br />
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Whether you are classroom teacher, substitute teacher, specialist, or support teacher, you can always use storytelling to help your students understand anything. All it takes it a little creativity and some energy to tell it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-42571692496974633112012-09-15T07:13:00.002-07:002012-09-15T07:13:28.432-07:00My Own Class and Classroom, Plus Reflections on Landing a Teaching JobWow! I feel like it's been forever since I blogged. Probably because it has been quite a while. But I think I have a pretty good excuse. As many of you already know by now, I finally scored a full-time teaching job! Yay! I am starting today by telling you about my class and classroom my first week of teaching. Then I want to offer some reflections and suggestions for the many of you who I know are still looking.<br />
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My position is in fourth grade in an ESL class. I currently have 20 students, equally split between girls and boys. And, what was most surprising to me being in San Antonio is that the overwhelming majority of my ESL kiddos are not Hispanic. Most of then are Asian and Indian but have an excellent command of the English language already. I only have one little sweetie who seems to still have significant trouble with the language, but apparently she has made huge gains over the summer as well. I have one student with special needs in my class as part of his inclusion. He is wonderful! I am only responsible for his science and social studies grades, but he is doing so well, that we are trying out increased inclusion time, and so far so good. I have one sweetie with some pretty severe learning disabilities and (according to the notes some behavioral issues although I haven't seen them yet), but he gets lots of support through the learning lab. Essentially he participates in my lesson and then goes to the learning lab with a modified assignment to complete there. My biggest issue with students this first week is one little boy who lacks confidence in his own abilities (and he has lots because he has already shown me). If he thinks he can't do something, he will shut down and not even try at all. I am showering that sweetie with as much positive attention as possible hoping to build up that confidence.<br />
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I took the class over from a teacher who was leaving because she was offered a position as a math specialist at another campus. So, lucky me, she didn't need many of the things from her classroom. So even though I stepped in after school had already started, I took over an established class in a mostly set-up classroom. I don't think it gets better than that. She left student mailboxes, turn in bins, completed bulletin boards, a classroom library, and many supplies. My only "complaint" (if you could even call it that) is that she was not a cutesy teacher at all so nothing has any sort of a decorator or fun touch at all. Well, I wouldn't say I am super cutesy, but I certainly wanted my classroom to feel a little more homey and decorator-y.<br />
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I set goals for myself that I was going to do a little decorating at a time for several reasons: 1) It can be expensive to do all at once, 2) The students had a huge disruption with a teacher change, and I want to limit the surrounding changes, and 3) To conserve my own energy and prevent too many late nights at school. After a week, I now have a few of my own academic posters on the wall, have added my classroom management system, writer's process chart, and some curtains. One little tip on the curtains: I went looking for anything based on the bulletin board color scheme already in place, and what I found were shower curtains. Sound funny? Well, they are the plastic ones, but not the hard, crinkly, smelly plastic. And they were a lot cheaper than curtains and come in lots more cute designs. I found some with my reds and browns and fun tropical tiki designs on them. My only issue with them is they are about three feet too short since my windows go ceiling to floor. I was worried, but once I got them hung, it really doesn't bother me too much. The change in ambience outweighs the extra space at the bottom for me. And my students love them! I hung them when they were out of the room, and when they entered, it was a chorus of ooohs and ahhhs! They decided our room is now a tropical island paradise. Even the "ugly" light brown rugs now serve as our sandy beaches. So, now I guess I have inadvertently created a tropical beach theme for my classroom. Was that what I envisioned as my first classroom theme? No, not at all. But it works, and I love it!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">*Classroom Pictures to Come Next Week*</span></div>
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The craziest thing about landing a job is how quickly it all happened. I was called for an interview the Friday evening before Labor Day. I had to wait the whole long weekend (which gave me soooo much time to research and prepare) before I interviewed Tuesday late afternoon. They gave me no indication on how I did except to say Human Resources was taking a while to contact new hires and to be patient. The next day, I tried to occupy myself by working on some products and accepting an emergency half-day sub job for a friend. As I was walking out the door to that sub job, I got the call from Human Resources... less than 24 hours after I had interviewed! I was so excited and surprised, when he said they would like to offer me the position, all I could do was yell, "Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay!" He laughed and said, "I'll take that as a yes then." So then I started by shadowing the leaving teacher on Thursday and have been on my own since. The only catch was that I then had to go this last Monday to sign the paperwork since they rushed me into the classroom, and I still am not officially set up in the system for computer log ins and such. I am set up in the payroll system, so that is all good.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reflections on Landing This Job</b></span><br />
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Since I know many of you are still in the position I have been in for the last four years, I thought I would make this an extra long post today to be able to try offer some insight on how I landed this job. What was different between this one and all the others I didn't get.<br />
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1) I had lots of time to prepare, and I used it. Like I said, I had the whole three-day Labor Day weekend to prepare for the interview. I researched the school, the principal, the other teachers on the team, the fourth grade curriculum in the district, and the fourth grade state-mandated standardized tests. Through the blogging and subbing world, I have made lots of amazing teacher contacts, and I called on all of them. Once I had done the research, I studied like it was a test (interviews kind of are, aren't they). I went over and over my notes until I knew everything by heart.<br />
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2) I answered questions briefly and honestly, using as much of teacher-y language as I could. I think sometimes in the past, I may have been too casual about answering questions.<br />
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3) I interviewed with a panel of people... the principal, vice principal, and the other three fourth grade teachers. Although this can be overwhelming, I was thrilled that teachers were in on the process. I think in the past, I have always made good impressions with teachers, but have had more trouble making that same impression on principals (even though I have always gotten positive feedback).<br />
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4) I ended the interview my giving them a brochure I created about myself. It just included about seven bullet points highlighting my experience and photos of some student work. I think it just was a nice way to make sure they didn't forget who I was.<br />
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5) As soon as I got home, I sent thank you emails to every single person I interviewed with (not just the principal and vice principal). After I got hired, they told me they were very impressed with that.<br />
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Of course, as always, I dressed professionally. I wore a jacket even though it was like a million degrees outside that day. I arrived early. And I made eye contact with every person in the room as I talked.<br />
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Will these help you? Well, I hope so, but honestly my experience with the process for so long has told me that often it's more about being in the right place at the right time, or as I say it, getting the stars to align correctly. I am not even sure that it has much to do with who you know since I didn't know anyone who I interview with. And so much of that is out of your control. So many people told me the "right" classroom was out there waiting for me, but honestly I never truly believed that (the realist in me also thought, what if these are all signs that I wasn't meant to be a teacher). Well, I can happily say, I guess, that they were right and I was wrong. I am more than happy to admit being wrong if it results in such an amazing teaching position.<br />
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My favorite inspirational quote of all time is:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_dB3afADp0/UFSLQftEaUI/AAAAAAAABXE/gKacSCl4PhQ/s1600/199636195951886081_AEK6ngoL_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_dB3afADp0/UFSLQftEaUI/AAAAAAAABXE/gKacSCl4PhQ/s320/199636195951886081_AEK6ngoL_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, I spent four years dancing in the rain metaphorically. And ironically, this week it actually rained for the first time in a long time in San Antonio. So, now I am literally dancing in the rain.<br />
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Happy job hunting to all of you! May the perfect job be just around the corner for you too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-72286650921236261562012-08-26T09:46:00.003-07:002012-08-26T10:15:01.925-07:00Attention, Please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWjopLvOBSg/UDpRqQUHWeI/AAAAAAAABUc/fe6lL4yjbHk/s1600/attention.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWjopLvOBSg/UDpRqQUHWeI/AAAAAAAABUc/fe6lL4yjbHk/s320/attention.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the most important skills a teacher needs to have is the ability to get the attention of the class. And, that is no less important for subs... in fact, it might even be more important. Classroom teachers typically have their go-to attention getters, and they know that it is vital to teach these attention getters at the beginning of the year. It's no good announcing, "Give Me 5!" And then the students are confused about what that means.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a sub, I usually try to figure out what attention getters the students are familiar with... and especially what ones the classroom teacher uses. Those will be the easiest ones to use since the students were taught how to respond to them. Some ways to figure that information out are to ask another teacher on the team, or ask a reliable student. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If finding out is proving difficult or if the one used is not one you are comfortable with, then I highly recommend choosing one of your own and spending the first moments in class teaching that skill. How do you go about teaching students to respond to an attention getter?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>1) Tell Them.</b> They need to know what attention getter you will be using. Tell them you will use Give Me 5, a quiet sign, a bell, or whatever you choose. And post that information somewhere so the students will be reminded.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>2) Teach Them.</b> Then you must let them know what you expect them to do when they hear the attention getter. I like to use students as examples. Little ones often respond to using a stuffed animal as a model. Walk the students through the expected behavior. For example, in a call and response attention getter, the students need to know what to say to say after you give the cue. And they need to know that after they give the response, then they must look at you and be ready to listen.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>3) Practice!</b> Finally, you must practice. Give the students something to do, then after a few minutes use the attention getter. Be sure to give feedback like "Not bad. Let's try again." Or "I love the way the red table came to attention immediately. Let's keep trying." Practice multiple times until you feel confident that every student knows what to do. Keep in mind, you may have to remind them throughout the day.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Attention-Getter-Posters-Polka-Dot-Theme" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1vyT9iRrVU/UDpQwjPdR_I/AAAAAAAABUM/O1hkdg2G5r8/s320/pd3.png" width="243" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are the Attention Getter Posters I made. I did a set in a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Attention-Getter-Posters-Polka-Dot-Theme" target="_blank">Polka Dot Theme</a> and a set in a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Attention-Getter-Posters-Monkey-Theme" target="_blank">Monkey Theme</a>. They are only $1.50 for nine posters that have the sayings of:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• Give Me 5: The teacher says this and holds up 5 fingers that stand for stop talking, sit up straight, feet on the floor, hands still, and eyes on me.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">• 1, 2, 3 Eyes On Me: The teacher says this, and students respond "1, 2 Eyes on You."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">• Hocus Pocus Time to Focus: The teacher says "Hocus Pocus," and students respond with "Time to Focus."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The teacher says "Chicka Chicka," and the students respond with "Boom Boom." This one is good one for kinder and firsties since it's based on the alphabet book <u>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.</u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">• SALAME: This is pronounced like the Italian lunch meat. The teacher says SALAME, which stands for Stop And Look At Me. I usually accompany this one with my hands around my eyes like binoculars.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">• All Set You Bet: The teacher says "All Set," and students respond "You Bet"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">• If You Can Hear Me (Follow Directions): The teacher says, "If you can hear me, put your hands on your head" or whatever action you choose. The students follow the directions to show they are listening.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">• Class Yes: This one is from Whole Brain Teaching and has lots of variations. The teacher says "Class," and the students respond "Yes." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">• Blank poster for you to write a favorite of yours if it is not included.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Attention-Getter-Posters-Monkey-Theme" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQT243boFV8/UDpQy3P2mlI/AAAAAAAABUU/XunYUgyYNLo/s1600/attention+2.png" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">I have my favorites laminated and carry them to my sub jobs. Then I can just pull out the one the teacher uses or I plan to use and post that on the board.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #313131; line-height: 16px;">One last piece of advice. Don't use the attention getter too much or the students will tune you out. If they are having trouble coming to attention, then you probably need to practice more.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-41242452752253043702012-08-24T06:08:00.002-07:002012-08-26T07:03:07.120-07:00Therapeutic Thursday and Freebie Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQEA4e3kZs0/UDI-zUFFvBI/AAAAAAAABQE/6-tzXMIljeg/s320/486628_543372516735_1349284699_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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OK, I know it's Friday and I missed Therapeutic Thursday, so I thought I'd combine the two. First for the therapy. Teaching is hard, and substitute teaching can be even harder in many ways. It is very important that you remember to take time for yourself to decompress and remind yourself of the positives.</div>
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Here are some things I do:</div>
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• Focus on my own family. I have a supportive husband and delightful children, so when I need to be uplifted, I look to them. They always can make me laugh, give me a hug, or listen to me whine.</div>
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• Food and drink. I know, it's not the healthiest of responses... chocolate and wine. But, a good ooey gooey chocolate dessert will do wonder to lift my mood. And a glass of wine in the evening always helps take the edge off and help me relax.</div>
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• Focus on the positive. I keep a gratitude journal and try to write in it every evening. I try to list at least five positive things about each day. Sometimes, I have to reach to come up with a positive, but I promise they can always be found. One day I had to reach so far as to write, "I am thankful that the puddle of water I just stepped in was not a dog mess." Ha! It was true, though.</div>
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• Soaking in a bubble bath. I a bath kind of girl. Running a hot bath full of coconut-scented bubbles and reading a good book does wonders.</div>
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• Getting enough rest. This can be a hard one sometimes too, but I promise that being tired obscures your perspective. It is truly amazing what a good night's sleep can do for your spirits.</div>
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• Having a good cry. Sometimes you just have to let it out.</div>
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• Quote mongering. I love to read quotes. Somehow, they let me know that I am not alone in what I am feeling. Here is one of my all time favorties (I have even turned the "dance in the rain" part into my mantra):</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DV1etoCISCo/UDd7q-lGpPI/AAAAAAAABTw/93Tj56gwKwI/s1600/Dance+in+the+Rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DV1etoCISCo/UDd7q-lGpPI/AAAAAAAABTw/93Tj56gwKwI/s640/Dance+in+the+Rain.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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Now, for the freebie part. Yay! Those of you who have been following me for a while know that I love to post freebies! Just take a look in my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Price-Range/Free" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers store under the FREE category</a> to find 18 (and growing) products for free. Sub plans for grade K-5, a gingerbread unit for the holidays, and plenty of other holiday and other activities. So, go grab all your free stuff and enjoy!</div>
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To find plenty of other freebies or link up a post yourself, visit <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin'</a>.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-7580045890366507572012-08-22T05:33:00.000-07:002012-08-24T05:53:14.169-07:00Where I Teach (Sub) Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQEA4e3kZs0/UDI-zUFFvBI/AAAAAAAABQE/6-tzXMIljeg/s320/486628_543372516735_1349284699_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Wednesday on Teacher Week from Blog Hoppin' brings Where I Teach Wednesday. Since I am a sub, I teach in multiple places. But, where I teach is in San Antonio, TX in the largest school district in the city. and the fourth largest in the state of Texas. And before you ask, no, we don't ride horses to school. And yes, the Alamo is right smack dab in the middle of downtown, not out in a field somewhere like you'd imagine. And yes, I do actually get asked those questions. :-)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htXM1YQ85X4/UDQoxzpnFpI/AAAAAAAABTU/4bIZQKq-kDY/s1600/Image00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htXM1YQ85X4/UDQoxzpnFpI/AAAAAAAABTU/4bIZQKq-kDY/s320/Image00001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I sub in K-5 classes where class sizes are usually 20-24 students. Texas is one of the few states who has not adopted the Common Core State Standards, and I don't think the state ever will. In true Texas tradition, the state does its own thing and curriculum is driven by the TEKS or Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. As I have become familiar with both, there is quite a bit of crossover, but the TEKS are more specific and detailed... and they are available for every subject.</div>
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An elementary school day is from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Students are taught all the regular subjects, plus go to special rotations every day. The specials alternate with PE every other day, and the others of computers, art, and music on the non-PE days.</div>
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Recess is usually about 15-20 minutes long, which if you ask me is not nearly long enough. Students who qualify can also be pulled out to receive speech therapy, gifted education, and extra help from the reading or math specialist.</div>
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Someday soon, I hope to have a classroom to call my very own, but until then, I am proud to sub in best district around!</div>
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To see where others teach or link up a post yourself, visit <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin'</a>.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-2066366040680183222012-08-21T06:33:00.000-07:002012-08-21T06:33:23.299-07:00The Schedule StruggleAs a sub, I have been in a lot of classrooms and worked within many schedules. I have come to the conclusion that there is no perfect schedule. There is just too much to try to fit into any day and too many things grade levels have to share. And I don't think adding time to the day is the answer either. I think we would just jam pack any amount of time given to us.<br />
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That being said, I am sharing my favorite schedule I have worked within as a part of Charity Preston's <a href="http://theorganizedclassroomblog.com/index.php/blog/name-that-schedule-linky-and-a-freebie" target="_blank">Name That Schedule Linky</a> on The Organized Classroom Blog. This schedule was for a third grade classroom.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uiHDB1KDQjY/UDOKTh24b0I/AAAAAAAABS4/wkEyDgscwck/s1600/schedule.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uiHDB1KDQjY/UDOKTh24b0I/AAAAAAAABS4/wkEyDgscwck/s400/schedule.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'll start with the parts I liked. I like that the morning started with Intervention/Enrichment. This was a time when I called those sweetie pies to my desk who needed the extra help. We would alternate subjects so on Monday and Wednesday we would do extra reading help, and on Tuesday and Thursday we did math help. The school required that interventions be data driven and research-based. The other kiddos were allowed a choice time of finishing incomplete work or enrichment activities. In case you were wondering, Fridays were left for class meetings or buddy class activities (once a month). This intervention time was a nice way to ease into the day and gave some time in addition to the standard reading and math groups to provide some extra instruction.<br />
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I also like that there were natural transitions provided by the times for leaving the classroom (specials, lunch, and recess). I always find it more difficult for students to switch gears without a physical separation, even though I use brain breaks and other transitions. Those natural breaks also provide nice breaks for the students. The active times of the day were spread out.<br />
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And I truly enjoyed that there was time for read-aloud built in to every day. Even when we often stayed out a little extra at recess, there was still time to wind down with a little read aloud time. That read aloud time also provided a nice incentive for the students to get packed up quickly since I always told them that I would read when everyone was ready on the carpet.<br />
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Most of the parts I didn't like are problems with any schedule.. mainly there is never enough time. We were always rushing during that short science/social studies block. And we had so much trouble getting in everything during the reading and writing time, that the team agreed that each reading story would be done for two weeks, with one week focusing on the reading skills and the other on the writing skills.<br />
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My other problem with the schedule (and every schedule I have worked with) is that math always seems to be in the afternoon. In my experience, afternoons are much more difficult as students are getting tired and just kind of done paying attention. I started switching things up occasionally and doing math in the morning so I could capitalize on the times when students were more focused. Thank goodness I was teaching in a district that allowed flexibility.<br />
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So, there you have it. The good, the bad, and the ugly (as Charity says) of my favorite schedule.<br />
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Go see what other's have to say about scheduling at Charity's linky party on <a href="http://theorganizedclassroomblog.com/index.php/blog/name-that-schedule-linky-and-a-freebie" target="_blank">The Organized Classroom Blog</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-519310103704367532012-08-21T05:29:00.000-07:002012-08-21T17:26:15.731-07:00Teacher Week: Technology Tip Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQEA4e3kZs0/UDI-zUFFvBI/AAAAAAAABQE/6-tzXMIljeg/s320/486628_543372516735_1349284699_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Happy continuing Teacher Week from Blog Hoppin'! Today is Technology Tip Tuesday, which is a little tricky for subs. Sadly, many subs don't have access to the computer or other of the latest technology. I don't unless I am in a long-term position. So, I will leave the computer tips to other <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin' bloggers</a>. And today I will give you a couple of simple tips using the old school technology of the overhead projector and the CD player.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRHha04ELI8/UDN-PMj8isI/AAAAAAAABSU/Q_mWdA4gnwY/s1600/jpg_0627overheard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRHha04ELI8/UDN-PMj8isI/AAAAAAAABSU/Q_mWdA4gnwY/s200/jpg_0627overheard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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My first tip is for the overhead projector. I am guessing if there is one in the room, a sub probably has access to it. I personally am not a huge fan of the overhead projector, but I have learned a few things that make it more useful. First, DO NOT turn off all the lights. You are asking for trouble. I turn off one set of lights at the front of the room if possible to make the screen more visible, but keep enough light in the room. Second, get the students involved. They have to have something to do, whether it's completing some work as a whole class, solving problems on white boards or in journals, or taking notes. My favorite thing to do using the overhead is to not just give the students something to do, but to get them involved. If I am doing math problem solving, I put the problem on the overhead, and give the students some time to do the first step in their math journal. As students finish, I give them a sheet for the overhead and an Expo pen and have them copy their solution on that. Then I give students a chance to come up to the overhead and share their solutions. It's amazing how much they love writing and sharing on that overhead! It definitely helps keep them engaged!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Cm8pDj_u0/UDN-S6YEssI/AAAAAAAABSc/JBbwk_tgS6U/s1600/jpg_Music019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Cm8pDj_u0/UDN-S6YEssI/AAAAAAAABSc/JBbwk_tgS6U/s200/jpg_Music019.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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My second tip is for a CD player. Again, if there's one in the room, the sub probably has access to it. Anyway, I am a believer in the power of music setting the mood. I like to have a CD with various songs on it. Then I can pop the CD in a play appropriate music to set the mood as I want. It's truly spectacular how much more calm and focused students are if you play some classical music. I use it during writing time especially. Transition times are a great opportunity for music. And, of course, to use a few songs here and there for a brain break. Giving students an opportunity to get out of their seats and move a little does wonders for the wiggles and lack of focus.</div>
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To see other technology tips or link up one yourself, visit <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin'</a>.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2271591171187607130.post-81110229192299068692012-08-20T05:52:00.002-07:002012-08-20T05:53:33.727-07:00Teacher Week: Must-Haves Monday (The Sub's Take)At Blog Hoppin, we are celebrating teacher week, and today is Must-Have Mondays. Of course, I will be putting a sub's spin on it.<br />
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<a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_Jc1uVn9m4/UDIt_o2QouI/AAAAAAAABOM/I5lQRvGT_us/s320/486628_543372516735_1349284699_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As a sub, I absolutely, positively cannot live without my cell phone. It's how I get jobs. Now, mine is not fancy, but it doesn't have to be. It just has to answer and make calls.<br />
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The second thing I can't live without is my alarm clock. How else would I be able to get up at the crack of dawn to make it to a school across town to sub?<br />
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Finally, I must have my sub bag filled with all the things I will need during the day.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtIN-yLP2co/UDIu3_4ITTI/AAAAAAAABOk/XSM0BaiKE4s/s1600/bag+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtIN-yLP2co/UDIu3_4ITTI/AAAAAAAABOk/XSM0BaiKE4s/s320/bag+outside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What do I carry? Everyday, I have my coffee. I would be nothing without that. Ha! I also bring my own pens, pencils, sticky notes, etc. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Wm1W39ppBg/UDIu-BUxNhI/AAAAAAAABO0/vztBSsntJjc/s1600/classroom+management+items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Wm1W39ppBg/UDIu-BUxNhI/AAAAAAAABO0/vztBSsntJjc/s320/classroom+management+items.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Classroom management items are a must for any sub. I carry some <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Caught-Being-Good-Sub-Behavior-Tickets" target="_blank">Caught Being Good</a> forms, my punch card positive behavior system, and my treasure bag.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ_sLvYdFZ0/UDIu7NY09yI/AAAAAAAABOs/rI7NoqaolnE/s1600/business%253Apersonal+items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ_sLvYdFZ0/UDIu7NY09yI/AAAAAAAABOs/rI7NoqaolnE/s320/business%253Apersonal+items.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also have business items. My calendar is important because often teachers stop me in the hall or lounge and ask if I am available for another day. My calendar allows me to answer and schedule more jobs right then and there. I always have my handy dandy notebook... just in case. And I make sure to have a <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-Summary-Form" target="_blank">Daily Summary Form</a> to report to the teacher how the day went.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crBwfipjzI8/UDIvBLMRhNI/AAAAAAAABO8/8LB1cNGlh1k/s1600/downtime+items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crBwfipjzI8/UDIvBLMRhNI/AAAAAAAABO8/8LB1cNGlh1k/s320/downtime+items.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, I make sure to have on hand some extra activities and plans for those just-in-case moments. There are those times when plans don't take as long as expected or the teacher had an emergency and was unable to leave to plans. If you have meaningful things for the students to do, you will never have to panic. I love to have a picture book or two with a couple of graphic organizers that would work for any book. <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Graphic-Organizers-for-Reading-Aligned-with-the-Common-Core" target="_blank">Laura Candler has an amazing book filled with graphic organizers</a>.</div>
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If you need emergency sub plans, check out my store. I have a set of <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Free-Emergency-Sub-Plans/Order:Best-Sellers" target="_blank">free plans for grades K-5</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Free-Emergency-Sub-Plans/Order:Best-Sellers" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zn49dfcsAk/UDIxxDeaVrI/AAAAAAAABPI/r8f98Ptj1ZM/s320/1st+grade+collage+image.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have a set of <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Just-Add-Paper/Order:Best-Sellers" target="_blank">Just Add Paper plans for grades K-5</a> for those true emergencies... you don't even need to make copies for these plans.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/Just-Add-Paper/Order:Best-Sellers" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViZuK37hsH0/UDIx2XgDIaI/AAAAAAAABPQ/IzgADLrAn5E/s320/Just+Add+Paper+4+image.tiff" width="247" /></a></div>
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And there is a set of <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/CCSS-Emergency-Sub-Plans/Order:Best-Sellers" target="_blank">CCSS Emergency Sub Plans for grades K-4</a> that have a day's worth of lessons based on one picture book and aligned with the Common Core.</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rachel-Friedrich/Category/CCSS-Emergency-Sub-Plans/Order:Best-Sellers" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-so5lXAXDU_Q/UDIx4yvnACI/AAAAAAAABPY/nE7QQoN3o_I/s320/3rd+collage.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Go check out <a href="http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin for other teachers' must-haves</a>. What are your must haves?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06192087905020382435noreply@blogger.com3