tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18309144618196431822024-03-12T19:32:42.757-07:00Classroom to HomeroomThe exciting journey from classroom teaching to homeschooling... Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-79769023647208760002015-03-02T15:15:00.005-08:002015-03-02T15:15:56.053-08:00Moments of Solitude <a href="http://www.homeschoolfree.org/2015/03/ive-been-there-moments-of-solitude.html" target="_blank">Homeschool Curriculum Free For Shipping</a> asked me to weigh in on their homeschooling encouragement series "I've Been There." You can check out my post <a href="http://www.homeschoolfree.org/2015/03/ive-been-there-moments-of-solitude.html" target="_blank">here.</a> <br />
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Sometimes (err, most of the time) it's the little things.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homeschoolfree.org/2015/03/ive-been-there-moments-of-solitude.html" target="_blank">Post</a></td></tr>
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Happy days to you!<br />
<br />-Christina Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-83107483966259599272015-01-02T07:16:00.000-08:002015-01-02T07:17:07.749-08:00January CurrentlyI'm linking up with Oh' boy 4th Grade for the January Currently linky party! So here we go...
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<u><b>Listening:</b></u> YES! I let TC (our son) watch a show in the morning while I gather my thoughts and wake my brain to the day. I am *not* a morning person, and this little deal works wonderfully for us. I've blogged about this in the past, and it's part of my way of capturing a moment in the day for myself.<br />
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<u><b>Loving:</b></u> Yesterday I worked hard at getting the final holiday decorations put away and then I was on a roll! I organized our classroom area, re-designed our classroom wall, purged some unused items and pulled out some new-to-us resources to start school with on Monday. LOVED waking up to everything feeling clean, fresh, and new.<br />
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<u><b>Thinking:</b></u> I chose a word of the year for myself. This practice has been ALL over the blogosphere this week. I have not participated in past years, but I'm fully embracing it this year. I was motivated by <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/2014/12/lets-make-some-magic-in-2015/">Susannah Conway's</a> Unraveling the Year 2015 workbook. You can download it for free <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/2014/12/lets-make-some-magic-in-2015/">*here*</a>. I loved working through this workbook and choosing my word. I chose the word ACCEPT. I'm going to use this word as a guide throughout the year so that I can remember to accept myself, others, and situations for what they are. I'm going to attempt to stop busying myself with trying to change things that are not within my control. Rather I will accept them for who/what they are. I'm excited about using this word to guide me to a more peaceful place this year!
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<u><b>Wanting: </b></u>We haven't been to the movies in quite a while. As a matter of fact, I think the last movie I saw in a theater was Maleficent with a dear friend.(OK, so it hasn't been THAT long.) For some reason I've had the movie bug but I'm having a difficult time choosing a movie that feels worth the outrageous ticket prices! These decisions weigh much more heavily on me now that we are a one income family. It's a whole new world.<br />
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<u><b>Needing: </b></u>So I was "on top" of things and sat down to choose a healthcare plan (and paid for it) before the Jan 1st deadline, but I admittedly need to sit down and really read and come to an understanding of what this new plan means for my family as far as coverage is concerned. I'm not excited about it- and I'm hesitant because I feel like we're being robbed- but that's a whole other blog post!<br />
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<u><b>Yes:</b></u> I need (er, want) coffee. I haven't been drinking coffee on a daily basis. I've switched it up to hot lemon water first thing in the morning, followed by the occasional cup of coffee purchased outside of the house. I had great intentions for health and financial reasons, but this morning - I MISS my coffee.<br />
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<u><b>Maybe: </b></u>Grocery shopping. Maybe I will, and maybe I won't. I hate it. I put it off. I probably won't.<br />
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<u><b>I Wish:</b></u> I had it all figured out. That's all there is to it.<br />
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Don't forget to check out the other blogs participating in the linky party!
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Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-84629492725651838132014-12-26T15:02:00.000-08:002014-12-26T15:12:13.850-08:00New Year Memory Keeping<br />
I was like most Mama's when TC was born, and had the best intentions of keeping up with his growth and milestones in the cutest books and charts. AND... just like most Mama's I lost track and stopped doing all of that stuff when he was around a year old. Let's be honest - life gets in the way, and we are busy. I tried to come up with a way that I could keep up with the most important things in a way that would be easy to keep track of. That is where these next two tips come in - and a freebie for you too!<br />
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<u><b>Personal Growth & Memories: </b></u><br />
Frustration and guilt over not having recorded our favorite memories led me to come up with the <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2015-New-Year-Memory-Keeper-1614315" target="_blank">New Years Day Memory binder idea</a> a few years back. I bought a binder, some page protectors, and printed some pages for our little guy using our home computer. It wasn't much, but it took on a life of it's own, and it has since become a tradition. <br />
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Every year on New Years day, when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is behind us, we spend some time reflecting and recording in our binder.<br />
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TC writes his name, traces his hand and foot, creates some art, and we write all of our favorite memories and milestones. It's been easy to keep up with, and is so much fun to look back on each year. We slip each page into a plastic page protector, and keep the binder on the shelf with the photos albums. <br />
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FREEBIE ----> This year I decided to create the pages ahead of time, and share them with you! <u><b><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2015-New-Year-Memory-Keeper-1614315" target="_blank">They are all ready to go and FREE at my TPT store. You can download them ** here **.</a> </b></u><br />
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<u><b>Homeschool Memories: </b></u><br />
As a homeschooler we capture so many fun moments during learning activities, co-ops, field trips, etc. I knew I could order a yearbook through our homeschool support group, but I also wanted to capture specific memories for TC from his exciting school year. I am creating him his own yearbook using <b><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/custom-path/stylecatalog.sfly?fromLocation=lightbox&order=false&defaultBookTitle=My%20Photo%20Book&bookSize=8x11&occasions=Our%20Top%20Picks" target="_blank">Shutterfly's Photo Book creator</a></b>, and I LOVE it!<br />
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Did you know that if you have an account with <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/custom-path/stylecatalog.sfly?fromLocation=lightbox&order=false&defaultBookTitle=My%20Photo%20Book&bookSize=8x11&occasions=Our%20Top%20Picks" target="_blank">Shutterfly</a><u> </u>you are given unlimited photo storage at no cost to you? That's my favorite thing about them! I also downloaded the app on my phone, and I upload photos regularly. EASY.<br />
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Creating a yearbook could be stressful but with <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/custom-path/stylecatalog.sfly?fromLocation=lightbox&order=false&defaultBookTitle=My%20Photo%20Book&bookSize=8x11&occasions=Our%20Top%20Picks&esch=1" target="_blank">Shutterfly</a><u> </u>I can do it all while maintaining my sanity! Their site allows you to start creating a <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/custom-path/stylecatalog.sfly?fromLocation=lightbox&order=false&defaultBookTitle=My%20Photo%20Book&bookSize=8x11&occasions=Our%20Top%20Picks" target="_blank">photo book</a> at the beginning of the year, save it under your projects, and add to it as your kiddos make memories! <br />
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You can use their <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/custom-path/stylecatalog.sfly?fromLocation=lightbox&order=false&defaultBookTitle=My%20Photo%20Book&bookSize=8x11&occasions=Our%20Top%20Picks" target="_blank">school memories page layouts</a> and create an authentic looking year book for your homeschoolers too. We have one in the works, and I love how easy it is to add to. At the end of the school year I'll finalize it, and have it shipped. Oh! And I won't be stressed because it's being stored and organized for me. YAY! (I'm not a Shutterfly affiliate. I just love their site and products.) <br />
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How do you keep your child's milestones and growth memories organized? <br />
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Wishing you all a Happy New Year!<br />
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<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-17601053723386291922014-12-04T17:45:00.001-08:002014-12-04T18:08:26.532-08:00Number Sense Fun! Our 5 year old is up for anything that comes in the form of a game or competition. I use that to my advantage ALL of the time! Our learning time works much more smoothly if we're playing a game. When it comes to math it's usually no work at all to take a learning activity and turn it into some game time fun! Recently we've moved into addition, but we're still constantly reviewing basic number sense concepts and mastery of counting numbers. <br />
Below you'll find descriptions of a few review activities that our son requests often!<br />
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For two of the following activities you'll need number cards. We made our own, but you can purchase <a href="http://amzn.to/1yYwKeM" target="_blank">a ready made set like these: </a><br />
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<u><b>Number Shuffle! </b></u><br />
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We scramble number cards around on the desk and then use a timer (<a href="http://classroomtohomeroom.blogspot.com/2014/08/timing-our-learning-for-fun.html" target="_blank">see my previous post on great timers to use</a>) to see how quickly he can accurately organize the numbers in the correct order. We started this activity with just a few numbers, but have since worked our way up. Once he masters organizing the numbers in 2 minutes (consistently) then we add five additional numbers to the "game". He is very excited to beat his best time and to master a new set of numbers.<br />
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<u><b>Counting Forward! </b></u><br />
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This is a very simple activity that we complete often. I have numbers 0-100 in a jar. Our son mixes them up, closes his eyes, picks a number out of the jar and then counts forward to 100! Sometimes he'll get a number very close to 100 and he giggles with excitement as if he's won. Other times (and it seems more often) he'll get a number less than 50 and will have some serious counting to do! Those are usually the days when he wants me to "play" as well. It's a great opportunity to introduce and review greater than/less than concepts as well. He often marches as he counts and makes this a physical activity too! <br />
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The last activity calls for a number line. Again, we created our own, but <a href="http://amzn.to/1I6AFdI" target="_blank">this one is on our wishlist as it even includes negative numbers! </a><br />
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<u><b>Mystery Number! </b></u><br />
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Kindergarten standards typically include teaching the position of numbers using the terms before, after, and in-between. There are loads of worksheets available that will allow for practice of this skill, but we wanted to make it more "game" like. We placed a number line on the wall. We take turns creating questions for the other to answer. I will ask a question such as "What number comes after 36?" and he'll answer. Then he'll have to create a question and tell me if I answer correctly. The trick to this is that sometimes I answer incorrectly to be sure that he is thinking through the problem himself. He's corrected me with no problems so far. At times he still confuses before and after so we incorporated some visual posters that illustrate the concept of before, after, and in-between.<br />
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So far these simple activities have proven fun and engaging for reviewing these number sense concepts. What number sense concepts do you turn into learning fun? Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-70815107793519628322014-11-23T16:55:00.002-08:002014-11-23T17:06:54.285-08:00Can't Live Without It! I'm joining <a href="http://funin4b.blogspot.com/2014/11/cant-live-without-it-linky-november-2014.html" target="_blank">Fun in Room 4B</a> for her "Can't Live Without It" linky party! I wanted to tell you about an organizational product I couldn't live without as a teacher, and can't live without as a homeschooling parent.<a href="http://amzn.to/1HCKU9t" target="_blank"><u><b>-------> Neat-Oh! Zipbins</b></u></a><br />
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I love nothing more than an organized room and <a href="http://amzn.to/1HCKU9t" target="_blank"><u><b>Neat-Oh! Zipbins </b></u></a>are perfect for organizing toys and collections. They come in all different sizes, themes, shapes, and colors.<br />
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The beautiful thing about them is that they are great storage bins, and when it's time to use what you've stored inside of them they unzip and turn into great play mats. When it's time to clean up, the play mat then zips back into a storage box!<br />
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It all started with the <a href="http://amzn.to/11Mhzbx" target="_blank"><u><b>medium sized dinosaur themed zipbin</b></u></a> about three years ago. It's held up nicely and stores quite the collection now. (This design also available in the<u><b><a href="http://amzn.to/1C2L6i0" target="_blank"> mini size</a> </b></u>for on-the-go play!) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><b><a href="http://amzn.to/11Mhzbx" target="_blank">Dinosaur Zipbin</a></b></u></td></tr>
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We eventually bought some other themes for building blocks and other toys. Although they were created with toys in mind, we have found many other uses for them.<br />
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In the classroom I loved using them for manipulatives, and at home we have used them for our curriculum supplies and crafts. Here are a few more examples of some of the themes and sizes that are offered. The possibilities are endless. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1qX2foH" target="_blank">Lego City Fire Zipbin</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1FhnAu3" target="_blank">StarWars Battle Bridge Zipbin</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUnMt09FhUc/VHJ_U56SFiI/AAAAAAAAEe8/_8R6PJtEMSI/s1600/91Wf6v3AFUL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUnMt09FhUc/VHJ_U56SFiI/AAAAAAAAEe8/_8R6PJtEMSI/s1600/91Wf6v3AFUL._SL1500_.jpg" height="160" width="200" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1rfCmLh" target="_blank">Barbie Malibu House Zipbin</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1zgJVpp" target="_blank">Full Throttle Road & Rail Zipbin</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvJzY6xQNzM/VHKAOISixTI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/W_tEKfK8mXc/s1600/71YJdsHkRhL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvJzY6xQNzM/VHKAOISixTI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/W_tEKfK8mXc/s1600/71YJdsHkRhL._SL1500_.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1y3jnZq" target="_blank">Princess Pony Rainbow Park Zipbin</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/1y5Tedo" target="_blank"><u><b>Neat Oh! Zipbins </b></u></a>are one of my favorite organizational items because they become part of the activity, make for easy clean up, and look nice on the shelf. They also double as great gifts! <br />
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Don't forget to visit <a href="http://funin4b.blogspot.com/2014/11/cant-live-without-it-linky-november-2014.html" target="_blank"><u><b>Fun in Room 4B for the linky party</b></u></a>! </div>
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<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-19746013504650182132014-11-21T05:10:00.000-08:002014-11-21T05:24:45.633-08:00Native American Activities in November This month we spent some time learning about Native Americans, and their role in the first Thanksgiving. I let my sons interest steer the studies throughout the month too.<br />
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First we learned about the Mayflower, as it was fitting to explain who was here in the New World when the Pilgrims and Puritans arrived. We used <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/" target="_blank">this great virtual field trip at Scholastic</a> to learn about the ship. <br />
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Afterwards we created sails out of construction paper. We discussed and wrote some important facts on the sails. We then glued them to craft sticks, and painted an empty butter container brown. Lastly, we took a handful of clay and placed it into the boat, stuck the craft sticks into it, and the ship was complete! <br />
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After that activity we watched <a href="http://www.4shared.com/video/TiuS6o_D/This_Is_America_Charlie_Brown_.html" target="_blank">"This is America Charlie Brown (The Mayflower Voyages)" which can be viewed here. </a></div>
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We then proceeded to a learning activity that was sparked by my sons interest. He had previously seen teepe's at a local Native American festival, and was interested in learning more about how they were built and used. The book <a href="http://amzn.to/1zEByos" target="_blank"><u>Look Inside a Tepee</u></a> provided a great overview, and helped him to understand that it was the Plain's Indians who used teepes. After reading the book we created our own teepe's with craft sticks, construction paper and washi tape. </div>
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We revisited the story of the first Thanksgiving by completing this story bracelet. I found the free printable over at <a href="http://inspiredbykindergarten.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-bracelet.html" target="_blank">Inspired by Kindergarten.</a></div>
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We were missing a couple of colors for the beads, but we substituted, and the activity was a hit! Our son was able to repeat the story and tell others what each bead represented. </div>
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After the activity our son was still interested in learning more about how the Native Americans lived prior to the Pilgrims arriving. Even though the book <a href="http://amzn.to/1qYWeSM" target="_blank"><u>America's REAL First Thanksgiving</u></a> is admittedly for more advanced readers, and disputes the first Thanksgiving we had been learning about, we decided to use it to gain some more insight into the Native American community of the Timucua. </div>
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Our reading sparked my son's interest in canoes and how the Native Americans designed them. We did some extended reading about their use of canoes at the <a href="http://www.indians.org/articles/canoes.html" target="_blank">website Indians.org</a>. </div>
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This sparked his interest even more, so we decided to do a trial and error canoe building activity. We actually completed this activity with a group of kids I teach at a co-op. We gathered a ton of random materials (paper towel tubes, straws, craft sticks, duct tape, aluminum foil, saran wrap, rubber bands, brads, paperclips, pipe cleaners, etc.) and they went to work to create a "canoe" that would float without taking on water for at least 3 minutes. He did a great job- and so did the others! </div>
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We had read about the diet of Native Americans and then proceeded to read <a href="http://amzn.to/1yrh2H5" target="_blank"><u>Corn is Maize</u></a>: <a href="http://amzn.to/1yrh2H5" target="_blank"><u>The Gift of the Indians</u></a>. We learned all about glorious corn, and how vital it was to Native Americans and their quality of life. <br />
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For an activity to follow our reading I took some of the most important facts about Native Americans and corn found in the text, and typed them up. We then read and discussed each one. He colored them and then cut and glued them onto corn stalks that we cut out of construction paper. We used "Indian Corn" colors as described in the book. </div>
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Lastly we used a brown paper bag to create this Thankful Turkey. We talked about what we thought the Native Americans would have been thankful for at the first Thanksgiving. We then made a list of the things we are thankful for. Our son wrote his on the paper bag turkeys feathers. We glued them onto the turkey for an awesome thankful display. </div>
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We are planning on continuing our learning by completing more activities over the holiday week from the book<a href="http://amzn.to/11EhOGw" target="_blank"><u> American Indian Crafts Kids Can Do! </u></a><br />
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Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! </div>
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I am joining other fantastic bloggers for this <a href="http://www.ouradventurestory.com/adventure-story-book-club/" target="_blank">Adventure Story Book Club</a><a href="http://www.ouradventurestory.com/adventure-story-book-club/" target="_blank"> </a>blog series.<br />
We'll be doing a post similar to this one each month. <br />
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For more Book, Craft, & Activity ideas check out <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/astorybookclub/around-the-world/" target="_blank">Adventure Story Book Club’s Around the World Pinterest Board</a>.</div>
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<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-28966319670960825922014-11-03T16:00:00.000-08:002014-11-03T16:15:51.826-08:00"Stick Man" Book and Craft<div style="text-align: center;">
We had one of our bi-weekly visits to the public library and came home with this gem of a book. <a href="http://amzn.to/10gZPV8" target="_blank"><b>Stick Man by Julia Donaldson </b></a></div>
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As soon as we finished this book I knew it was a new favorite! My son immediately wanted to turn back in the book and review some of the scenes. We talked all about Stick Man and his adventures. It was a beautiful day outside, so I suggested that maybe we should go out and search for a stick to create our own Stick Man. Needless to say, TC was beyond enthusiastic! So off we went to search the yard! <br />
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No doubt there was a bit of imaginative play along the way! </div>
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Then we found the perfect tree limb laying at the back of our property line.</div>
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We rushed to the garage to shorten the limb and create our Stick Man. TC decided we needed to create Stick Man's wife, Stick Lady Love, as well. So I got out the saw and cut these two pieces. </div>
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We used this page at the beginning of the book for our inspiration, and gathered the materials we had on hand to help make Stick Man and his Stick Lady Love. We used a hot glue gun, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes. </div>
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Then we put our heads together and decided how to create the characters and make them as close to the book as possible. We pieced them together and TC decided that instead of making the top of their "heads" with leaves that we should give them "hats." He then ran outside and came back with two acorn tops! I thought it was such a smart and cute addition! </div>
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Here are the final results.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1_G0FKxhg8/VFb7dOtAmOI/AAAAAAAADVE/vEVQMcofTJ4/s1600/20141102_192626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1_G0FKxhg8/VFb7dOtAmOI/AAAAAAAADVE/vEVQMcofTJ4/s1600/20141102_192626.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU77T-EZnvc/VFeS1TcJ2dI/AAAAAAAADV0/aTgWaFKEz2U/s1600/20141103_091421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LU77T-EZnvc/VFeS1TcJ2dI/AAAAAAAADV0/aTgWaFKEz2U/s1600/20141103_091421.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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The fun didn't end there. TC and I re-read the book and he used his Stick Man to act out each and every scene. Afterwards we each played a character and continued the story. We made up the conversation that Stick Man and Stick Lady Love would have had after his adventures. </div>
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Lots of laughs followed, and then my husband got in on the story stretching too! </div>
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I'm sure TC and I will be reading this book repeatedly throughout the holiday season. </div>
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<i>**This book does refer to Christmas and popular Christmas symbols. </i></div>
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Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-22784306298306326422014-11-02T15:42:00.002-08:002014-11-02T15:43:57.356-08:00Halloween Candy - Experiments & Operation Shoebox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My son (aka Superman) had a blast collecting candy on Halloween night. It was his first time trick or treating and he was ready to collect a lot of treats! I knew I didn't want him to eat it all, so after he picked out a few favorites, we decided to use some for some science fun!<br />
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I hit the Pinterest boards and came across some fun ideas. I wanted to complete a sink or float candy bar activity, and loved this data collection sheet that was featured over at <a href="http://www.readingconfetti.com/2013/10/sink-or-float-candy-science.html" target="_blank">Reading Confetti</a>, so I re-created it. We had a different selection of candy bars, so we worked with what we had. Our son made his predictions and then completed the activity. He was having a difficult time because he thought that since his predictions differed from his results, he was completing the activity all "wrong." We talked about predictions and why it's OK if they don't match the results. I made sure to remind him about the weather forecasters. ;) It was a great lesson on Science Inquiry. We kept the wrappers and stapled them onto the organizer. Afterward he was sure to touch the candy bars and see how they felt after being in the water. Fun exploration. <br />
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After this fun activity, we headed back to the pile of candy and decided to experiment with Skittles! First we placed them on a microwave safe plate and cooked them on high for 1 minute. The results were messy, and smelly. He was not a fan of the smell.<br />
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We cooked them much too long and this was the result. Within seconds of coming out of the microwave this mess turned very hard and was almost impossible to scrape off of the plate. <br />
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We decided to try again, this time for 30 seconds.<br />
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We used fewer Skittles, and the results were as seen below. They opened up like little clams and the insides melted. Again, the smell was more than our boy could handle. There was a lot of nose holding.<br />
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After that we decided to see if we could get the "S" to float off of the Skittles using warm water. It didn't go quite as planned but we did see them break into mini pieces and float above the skittles, although they did not remain in the form of an "S."<br />
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After these two activities with Skittles, our five year old vowed he would never eat them again. Science + a vow to eat less candy = Win for Mom! </div>
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We have plenty of candy left and more experiments in the works! If Science and playing with candy isn't your thing- try donating your child's leftover candy to the troops! </div>
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Mail your candy donation to:
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<i>Operation Shoebox</i></div>
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<i>8360 East Highway 25</i></div>
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<i>Belleview. Fl. 34420</i></div>
<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-52282338450224998042014-10-30T16:27:00.003-07:002014-10-30T16:27:51.626-07:00Dear Homeschool Mom Who is Teaching an Only Child<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m a Mom to one. I have a loving son with an appetite for all of the
attention he can possibly get. After all- he’s always gotten it. As a
homeschooling family our days are filled with conversation, interaction,
learning, and fun – one on one – without the distractions of any
siblings. I have friends who have told me how amazing it must be to be
able to focus on one child, and it is… it really is. I have been beyond
thankful for this opportunity, and I have seen my son grow in ways that
are blowing me away. There are the challenges though, just as with any
other parenting or homeschooling scenario. <br />
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I was honored to guest post over at <a href="http://www.livinglifeandlearning.com/dear-homeschool-teaching-child.html" target="_blank">Living Life and Learning</a>! Check out the <a href="http://www.livinglifeandlearning.com/dear-homeschool-teaching-child.html" target="_blank">full post here</a>.Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-75109079701654222202014-10-14T11:07:00.003-07:002014-10-14T11:14:09.947-07:00Halloween Reading Fun <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's hard to believe we are half way through the month of October already! At our house we have pulled out our well-loved Halloween themed books to add some holiday fun to our reading routine. It makes ushering in the holiday that much more exciting! Along with our books, we keep a countdown on our calendar wall as well. Our son is excited and knows exactly how much time he has left to prepare for all of the spooky adventures! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I wanted to share some of our favorite books to read during the month of October. We love these books and find enjoyment in most of them year after year. Others are new to our collection. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>Primary Readers:</b></u>Here are some of the books that our son (5) has loved reading since he was around three years old. I have a feeling they will still be favorites next year too! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6B1x3prpBw8/VD1d3qRPQDI/AAAAAAAABxE/GHyisUMrEVE/s1600/20141014_132020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6B1x3prpBw8/VD1d3qRPQDI/AAAAAAAABxE/GHyisUMrEVE/s1600/20141014_132020.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1z7TA5Q" target="_blank"><u>Happy Halloween Curious George</u></a>- This is a tabbed board book that includes 7 short stories. I love that the book includes rhyming, and covers everything from costumes to decorations, and trick or treating! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1xPekec" target="_blank">Curious George Haunted Halloween</a>- This is a Scholastic Level 2 Reader that features a similar story to the movie "Curious George: Halloween Boo Fest." Our son loves to read this book before and/or after watching the movie. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1EUinuN" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1EUinuN" target="_blank">Diego's Halloween Party</a>- This is a board book which includes lots of fun facts about animals. In the true Diego fashion- clues are given in the form of facts and the reader is then led to guess which animal is being invited to Diego's Halloween party. We love that this one is a fun read but that our son is also learning about animals at the same time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1u121aV" target="_blank">The Halloween Visitor</a>- Disney Buddies is a popular group of puppy characters that get themselves into all sorts of mischief. This awesome Halloween themed book comes with stickers too! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVYdTHQOr-8/VD1gomjaEvI/AAAAAAAABxg/hL23UkN2ETs/s1600/20141014_132315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVYdTHQOr-8/VD1gomjaEvI/AAAAAAAABxg/hL23UkN2ETs/s1600/20141014_132315.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1yzOWfI" target="_blank">A Very Brave Witch</a>- This is a wonderful picture book that teaches a great lesson. I love that our son learned that it's ok to be afraid but that it's important to overcome fears too. This is a book he doesn't mind reading over again. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/ZYc4Xf" target="_blank">Scarecrow's Spooky Night</a>- This is a book with a wonderful storyline, illustrations and it teaches a lesson too! The lesson taught throughout this book is all about bullying. It's a little longer than the others in length, but our son loves the story and has no difficulty sitting through it. October is Anti-Bullying month and this is a great book to support that theme! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064431835" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064431835" target="_blank">The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything</a>- This is wonderful story for reading aloud because it includes tons of onomatopoeia! We love reading this one out loud and once we're about halfway through it, our son joins us in reading too. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>Intermediate Readers:</b></u> These books tend to be longer in length and are great if your child is ready for more challenging text or deeper story plots, but still loves picture books. These are some great stories too! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YUavYGqOUM/VD1jnO-_Z4I/AAAAAAAABx8/xFfOnluhKOc/s1600/20141014_135429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YUavYGqOUM/VD1jnO-_Z4I/AAAAAAAABx8/xFfOnluhKOc/s1600/20141014_135429.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1xPhzCz" target="_blank">The Pumpkinville Mystery</a>- This book is a wonderful Halloween themed mystery with beautiful illustrations. The text in this book is much longer and we usually break this story up over a few reading sessions. It's sure to capture the attention of older children who are looking for more of a plot in a book. This is a great book to read if your child has just started reading chapter books but still loves to delve into picture books from time to time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1w59BUE" target="_blank">The Great Pumpkin Switch</a>- This is a beautiful picture book told from the perspective of a Grandpa. The illustrations bring the story alive and the stories setting makes this book everything it was intended to be. This is another book with longer length text. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>Interesting Reads:</b></u> These two books wont be for every kid, but are sure to delight some! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev_F9KPArOM/VD1kXn0FiRI/AAAAAAAAByQ/Dslb2PKYxOU/s1600/20141014_132405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev_F9KPArOM/VD1kXn0FiRI/AAAAAAAAByQ/Dslb2PKYxOU/s1600/20141014_132405.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1sHiHJc" target="_blank">Tell Me a Scary Story...But Not Too Scary</a>- This is a book that I have found kids around the ages of 8-10 love, but our son (5) is afraid of the illustrations. This book comes with a CD that includes the story being read aloud by the author, as well as spooky sound effects. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1yzSxKZ" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1yzSxKZ" target="_blank">The Halloween Book of Facts & Fun</a>- This book has the look and feel of a picture book but it's set up in chapters. The text is much longer and the whole idea behind the book is to give the history and facts about the holiday. This would be an excellent book to read with kids who love the realistic side of things or who are doing a fun project on the origins of Halloween. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There you have it- aside from <a href="http://amzn.to/1sDciNU" target="_blank">It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown</a>, this is our personal Halloween reading collection. We hope you find some of these to be treasured in your home too! </span></span><br />
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Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-18095641163392483982014-09-28T14:46:00.001-07:002014-09-28T14:48:52.336-07:00Learning Resources... for FREE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As most homeschooling families.. we are on a tight budget! I love to make our son's learning fun and interactive, but sometimes I just need to be able to rely on a resource that doesn't involve laminating, cutting, driving, gathering, etc. This post is a mash up of some of my favorite online resources that are offered <b>free of cost</b>. Do you know of others? Give me all the details in the comments! <i>(These are NOT affiliate links.) </i><br />
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This is a resource I used in the classroom, and I have since continued using it for tutoring and homeschooling. <a href="http://studyjams.scholastic.com/" target="_blank">Scholastic Study Jams</a> are very entertaining for kids, and cover a wealth of Math and Science topics through videos, slideshows, activities, songs, etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://studyjams.scholastic.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41DnfT2mOJY/VCh3VvjoyAI/AAAAAAAABRs/pHu6xBdTe_E/s1600/130405_rt_studyjams.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://studyjams.scholastic.com/" target="_blank">You can find over 200 Jams on topics like The Universe , listen to songs about Landforms , and test yourself on concepts like Range . </a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.brainpop.com/free_stuff/" target="_blank">BrainPop</a> and <a href="http://www.brainpop.com/free_stuff/" target="_blank">BrainPopJr</a> are wildly popular among homeschoolers and classroom teachers, but many don't know that they have a <a href="http://www.brainpop.com/free_stuff/" target="_blank">"free stuff"</a> section for those of us who don't subscribe. These short videos are packed with information on specific subjects and also include activities to go along with them. The "free" choices change from time to time. Scroll down at the link for free options in each grade level/specific section.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brainpop.com/free_stuff/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTZusSfU5Io/VCh5IuVpBVI/AAAAAAAABR4/iDnxoLen0qM/s1600/BrainPOP-Characters.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brainpop.com/free_stuff/" target="_blank">BrainPOP creates animated, curricular content that engages students, supports educators, and bolsters achievement.</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.turtlediary.com/" target="_blank">TurtleDiary </a>is a new-to-me site, but appears to be full of great content! Games and content are separated by grade levels, subject areas, and topics. Often they include videos followed by lesson activities to go along with them. Don't let the term "game" throw you off from clicking on a topic. It appears as though that is how they label their activities. For instance, if you visit the <a href="http://www.turtlediary.com/grade-3-games/ela-games/learn-about-verbs.html" target="_blank">3rd grade page and click on the "game" for Verbs you'll find a "play" button</a>. Once you click "play" it takes you to a series of 5 lessons (videos) and follow up exercises. All of the content on this site appears to be free.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6jLvt1xDVU/VCh7SaF_MKI/AAAAAAAABSM/ZpjRqMTaMVo/s1600/Turtle_Diary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6jLvt1xDVU/VCh7SaF_MKI/AAAAAAAABSM/ZpjRqMTaMVo/s1600/Turtle_Diary.png" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.turtlediary.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1,000+ Interactive Online Kids Games, Video Resources, Science Experiments and Much More!</span></a></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPGt7q7YMQk/VCh6z-o_B6I/AAAAAAAABSE/BdZVP7ti9Uk/s1600/xgrade3-learn-about-verbs.png.pagespeed.ic.kLilqZtXIC.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.turtlediary.com/grade-3-games/ela-games/learn-about-verbs.html" target="_blank">3rd Grade Verbs Lessons</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/" target="_blank">ReadWriteThink</a> has some <a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/" target="_blank">amazing interactive tools</a> for kids to use to streamline their work. All of the tools are assigned age appropriate grade levels and cover K-12. Students can use them for all subject areas and many are designed to teach students how to organize information and to take notes. I just used the timeline generator with a student the other day which was very successful. The interactive tools are amazing, and they also offer free lessons and printouts. <a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/" target="_blank">This is a great resource to bookmark! </a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHxO7k3pM4I/VCh9wMETLmI/AAAAAAAABSY/QhYN-mVhSFA/s1600/readwritethink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHxO7k3pM4I/VCh9wMETLmI/AAAAAAAABSY/QhYN-mVhSFA/s1600/readwritethink.jpg" height="240" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://readwritethink.org/">readwritethink.org</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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There are tons of free resources online and it's difficult to keep them all straight. These are the few that I have (or plan to) repeatedly used and I've seen them make a difference in student learning. I'd love for you to share your favorites in the comments below. Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-65128396712058757962014-09-19T08:16:00.002-07:002014-09-19T08:32:47.618-07:00Our Country, Our World (Natural Learning Progression)<br />
As you may have seen in a previous blog post, we have been taking part in a U.S. Postcard Swap. We are enjoying it, and the activities are FUN! We have loved discovering all of the amazing places and interesting facts from right here in the United States. We pick a postcard each day, and read what our faraway friends want us to know about their home area. Then we find the state in our <a href="http://amzn.to/1wvZx7J" target="_blank">50 States Fandex</a>, read more about it, and then use the map guide on the back of each state card to locate it on our large wall map. TC (our kiddo) marks each state with a sticker and hangs his postcard on the map.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/YYu2bH" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgfgk0NOy3E/VBw89mFHZDI/AAAAAAAABC0/-MuP1H8fM4E/s1600/fandex_states.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/YYu2bH" target="_blank">50 States Fandex</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JA-06X8W8Lg/VBxBtd5pAnI/AAAAAAAABEM/zCRE43PGBcM/s1600/20140919_104532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JA-06X8W8Lg/VBxBtd5pAnI/AAAAAAAABEM/zCRE43PGBcM/s1600/20140919_104532.jpg" height="111" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Wall Map and Postcards</td></tr>
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But somehow... we made a connection through our postcard swapping that led to us getting a postcard from PARIS! What a great way to open up conversation about our world, distance, and a myriad of other things! We were so excited to take our learning in a more "worldly" direction. ;) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzDqYwHTNfA/VBw-B9vK8TI/AAAAAAAABDc/JaGX0IazktM/s1600/20140919_103000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzDqYwHTNfA/VBw-B9vK8TI/AAAAAAAABDc/JaGX0IazktM/s1600/20140919_103000.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our postcard from Paris! </td></tr>
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Suddenly the learning took a different direction, and we have fed our curiosity by spending some time reading some amazing stories from around the world in <a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/1579/stories-from-around-the-world-for-little-children" target="_blank">this awesome book... </a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Disclaimer: I am a Usborne Books & More Consultant. We just love the books so much that we use them a lot as a part of our curriculum.) </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/1579/stories-from-around-the-world-for-little-children" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lR2TJdvOR_g/VBw6AJzsrJI/AAAAAAAABCc/4gNTIZESK_8/s1600/0002489_300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/1579/stories-from-around-the-world-for-little-children" target="_blank">The book includes the traditional tales of ‘Aladdin and his Magical Lamp’ (Persia), ‘Brer Rabbit Down the Well’ (United States), ‘How Zebras Got their Stripes’ (Africa), ‘Why the Sea is Salty’ (Korea) and ‘The Dragon Painter’ (China).</a></td></tr>
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Not only are the stories and illustrations amazing,
but in the back of the book there is an overview of the story origins.
These are the types of stories that our kiddo wanted repeated- and they
are paired with beautiful illustrations. Learning + Love of Reading = 1 Happy Mama. <br />
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The conversations from our postcard fun, and all of the stories, led our son to have a natural curiosity about the world, so we took our time exploring his questions and the many aspects of our world <a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/3772/look-inside-our-world" target="_blank">in this book... </a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/3772/look-inside-our-world" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/3772/look-inside-our-world" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxAO-7xbtWU/VBw86OK79WI/AAAAAAAABCk/-iC-UYjXlzc/s1600/0007036_300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/3772/look-inside-our-world" target="_blank">This non-fiction lift-the-flap book features bold illustrations, simple
explanations to complex questions and over 80 flaps to lift. An
introduction to geology and geography for young children.</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/3772/look-inside-our-world" target="_blank">The book</a> has over 80 flaps and is divided into sections. This made it easy to go directly to the section that he had questions about. We took our time exploring, as this isn't the type of book that you'll typically find yourself reading in one sitting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRARMCcoZGU/VBxDmK2RGtI/AAAAAAAABEY/aaO1lMYiLqg/s1600/20140914_195935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRARMCcoZGU/VBxDmK2RGtI/AAAAAAAABEY/aaO1lMYiLqg/s1600/20140914_195935.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a view from inside of the book. Lots of flaps makes for little intimidation for younger readers.</td></tr>
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Once we had made it through the entire book I decided to create a worksheet activity to have him go back and review some of the things he learned. You can download it for free at my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Look-Inside-Our-World-Activity-1455236" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers store</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETwaQfIj8oA/VBxEeF1emlI/AAAAAAAABEo/_D7zLD5sUuo/s1600/image-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETwaQfIj8oA/VBxEeF1emlI/AAAAAAAABEo/_D7zLD5sUuo/s1600/image-2.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--J76iThJv-E/VBxEdK56AUI/AAAAAAAABEg/W_BlAYHKeLk/s1600/image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--J76iThJv-E/VBxEdK56AUI/AAAAAAAABEg/W_BlAYHKeLk/s1600/image-1.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
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I love watching our plan for learning turn into something much bigger due to a natural curiosity. In this case we have enjoyed learning all about our country, and in turn, our world. I hope some of these activities are inspirational to you too!<br />
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I am joining other fantastic bloggers for this <a href="http://www.ouradventurestory.com/adventure-story-book-club/" target="_blank">Adventure Story Book Club</a><a href="http://www.ouradventurestory.com/adventure-story-book-club/" target="_blank"> </a>blog series.<br />
We'll be doing a post similar to this one each month. Take a look at our upcoming themes!<br />
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October: Fall Fun</div>
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November: Pilgrams and Indians</div>
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<img alt="http://www.ouradventurestory.com/adventure-story-book-club/" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9mjH5yYph4/VBxFjYqMEbI/AAAAAAAABE4/2cLNQ8hCI6k/s1600/adventurestorybookclubbutton.jpg" /></div>
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<b>Our Amazing Participating Bloggers:</b></div>
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Kersandra from <a href="http://www.ouradventurestory.com/" target="_blank">Our Adventure Story</a><b><a href="http://www.ouradventurestory.com/" target="_blank"> </a></b>Blog: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ouradventurestory" target="_blank">Facebook</a><b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Andrea from <a href="http://waldorfsaladandcottagefries.com/" target="_blank">Waldorf Salad & Cottage Fries</a> </span></span>Blog: <a href="https://twitter.com/WaldorfFries" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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Christa from <a href="http://www.littlelogcottageschool.com/" target="_blank">Little Cottage School</a> Blog: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LittleLogCottageSchool" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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Christina from <a href="http://www.ouradventurestory.com/www.centralflhomeeducationservices.com" target="_blank">Classroom to Homeroom </a> Blog: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralFLHomeEducationServices" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Jennifer from <a href="http://www.faithandgoodworks.com/" target="_blank">Faith & Good Works</a> Blog: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FaithandGoodWorks" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></span></div>
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For more Book, Craft, & Activity ideas check out <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/astorybookclub/around-the-world/" target="_blank">Adventure Story Book Club’s Around the World Pinterest Board</a>.</div>
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<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-88201557327398994852014-09-15T14:05:00.002-07:002014-09-15T14:09:43.293-07:00Exciting Sight Word Practice We have been reading BOB Books, and working on sight words as a part of our Kindergarten curriculum. We have practiced in several ways, and some of them have been so much fun that our son keeps asking to practice, even when we aren't working on academics. None of these ideas were my own, but a collection of ideas from everywhere wonderful on the web, and from friends. I just wanted to share those that we are finding most successful with our 5 year old.<br />
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First of all, he loves to write anything and everything on whiteboards - so his sight words are no different. We do this a couple of times a week. This is a photo of our new, smaller whiteboards that we scored at Target for 70% off last week! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVuKJZ3ERLA/VBdOtGNuqXI/AAAAAAAAA_w/uyRrQDcsdIQ/s1600/20140915_163321_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVuKJZ3ERLA/VBdOtGNuqXI/AAAAAAAAA_w/uyRrQDcsdIQ/s1600/20140915_163321_resized.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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For the days when we are on the go , we write his words in his notebook, and he tally marks every time he finds one out in the world. This is great to do at the grocery store, in the car (billboards/signs/etc.) and even out at events or parks. We took his list the last time we went to the zoo, and he found them all!<br />
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He isn't a huge fan of writing at this stage, so we get some practice in by using a dollar store tray and some salt. He enjoys writing with his finger in the salt, and thinks this is FUN. I will leave the tray out on days we're using it, and often find him writing his name and even sight words from time to time during some "play" time too.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9v1P_s5rzE/VBdO5TefAUI/AAAAAAAABAc/8VxvjBGFfdc/s1600/20140915_162824_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9v1P_s5rzE/VBdO5TefAUI/AAAAAAAABAc/8VxvjBGFfdc/s1600/20140915_162824_resized.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the days when he moans at the sight of a pencil (o.k., almost every day), we also use letter stamps to practice the words. This is a lot of fun and he loves to use various colors. At some point we'll intentionally use a certain color for vowels, but we aren't quite there yet. We love our stamps! <a href="http://amzn.to/1oRjHnv" target="_blank">The uppercase can be found here</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/1BGYeWs" target="_blank">and the lowercase can be found here!</a> :) The printable comes from <a href="http://3dinosaurs.com/" target="_blank">Cassie at 3 Dinosaurs</a> and she has a host of other BOB Book printable activities too!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NeP94vUWIg/VBdO54zmNvI/AAAAAAAABAo/iCogxHla4Zc/s1600/20140915_163038_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NeP94vUWIg/VBdO54zmNvI/AAAAAAAABAo/iCogxHla4Zc/s1600/20140915_163038_resized.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
Last week we wrote some thank you cards to friends and family. I wrote the note, and left spaces where his sight words would go. He went back and filled them in. He had quite the feeling of accomplishment, and was proud for his family to get the cards and read his writing. He did use his pencil for this one! ;) We didn't get photos of this activity because we were in a hurry to get the cards to the mailbox!<br />
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We found <a href="http://amzn.to/1BGXq3L" target="_blank">these light up letter blocks</a> on clearance last year, and he loves to build his sight words and then light them up! They are called <a href="http://amzn.to/1BGXq3L" target="_blank">Laser Pegs Letter Blocks Word Play</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMB0CyyoXU0/VBdO6ghPNqI/AAAAAAAABAs/TUQzjNBlqjY/s1600/20140915_163220_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMB0CyyoXU0/VBdO6ghPNqI/AAAAAAAABAs/TUQzjNBlqjY/s1600/20140915_163220_resized.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeRMAkPRpa8/VBdO7YKVboI/AAAAAAAABA4/Hh2GtmReU_E/s1600/20140915_163238_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeRMAkPRpa8/VBdO7YKVboI/AAAAAAAABA4/Hh2GtmReU_E/s1600/20140915_163238_resized.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></div>
Last, but by far his absolute favorite is Sight Word Shootout! This idea originally came from <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2014/09/shooting-sight-words-learning-to-read-is-fun/" target="_blank">Carisa at 1+1+1+1=1 (excellent blog & resources)</a>. We did ours a bit different though. I write his sight words on paper plates and use painters tape to attach them to the wall. Once he's found his Nerf bullets (all over the house) I will call out a word and he gets to "shoot" it. I like using the plates and painters tape because I can move the plates around and change the order so he doesn't memorize their locations. I have added several to the wall, but we only started with a few.<br />
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Yes, he really gets into this "game" and even climbs up on the bed to get his "shot" at times. <br />
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<i>**The numbers on the wall don't have anything to do with the sight word shootout game. We just have it there so he can practice counting backwards from 20. </i><br />
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Do you have any fun ideas for practicing sight words? <i> </i>Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-48425774930294967782014-09-07T20:56:00.000-07:002014-09-07T21:01:23.653-07:00Game Time Is Learning Time! Our son, TC, loves to turn his learning time into a game time. We try to incorporate play into his learning (or vice versa) as much as possible, but we also love to play with him! One of our favorite things to do as a family is to play card games, dice games, and board games. He learns so much through playing these games, and we all have so much fun interacting with each other. We can be pretty competitive! It's not always pretty when game time comes to an end, but I know there are lessons being learned in those instances too.<br />
Here are <i>a few</i> of our favorites! (We aren't affiliated with any of these- just a game loving family!)<br />
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Check them out...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G64epLoV9Ew/VA0ny_BD_lI/AAAAAAAAA3M/PUY3337Ipb0/s1600/71Yau8wcOJL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G64epLoV9Ew/VA0ny_BD_lI/AAAAAAAAA3M/PUY3337Ipb0/s1600/71Yau8wcOJL._SL1500_.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1qyUXVo" target="_blank">Banannagrams</a></span> is a great game all on it's own- but the letter tiles can be used in SO many versatile ways! Endless possibilities! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emnAkQsgqVs/VA0m9EzV61I/AAAAAAAAA3A/VezTTrpQgPc/s1600/71KHUi0VIYL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emnAkQsgqVs/VA0m9EzV61I/AAAAAAAAA3A/VezTTrpQgPc/s1600/71KHUi0VIYL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/WCR9Xi" target="_blank">4 Way Countdown</a> is still slightly challenging for TC (we play without the multiplication/ division) but it encourages him to practice with his number sense. We love this one for the older kiddos in the family too! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLkkaLP2om8/VA0lcEpanCI/AAAAAAAAA20/Iack4U2Jt0g/s1600/81urDyUN6oL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLkkaLP2om8/VA0lcEpanCI/AAAAAAAAA20/Iack4U2Jt0g/s1600/81urDyUN6oL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1q4Kpyf" target="_blank">HedBanz</a> makes for a giggle fest! We love it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WU2_67jENf0/VA0kV-PT5xI/AAAAAAAAA2o/dOkFbaBlElM/s1600/5147CWE3HRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WU2_67jENf0/VA0kV-PT5xI/AAAAAAAAA2o/dOkFbaBlElM/s1600/5147CWE3HRL.jpg" height="182" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1tDJtCF" target="_blank">Leap Frog: My Card Games</a> teaches alphabet and number recognition. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTIQXnDCXbg/VA0jhg34kSI/AAAAAAAAA2c/q-ESx8FhN9k/s1600/91lHneyAIvL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTIQXnDCXbg/VA0jhg34kSI/AAAAAAAAA2c/q-ESx8FhN9k/s1600/91lHneyAIvL._SL1500_.jpg" height="178" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/Ze46bE" target="_blank">Buzz! </a>is a cooperative board game for ages 5+, but TC was having fun with this one at 4 years old. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-sAKWV8aeQ/VA0i5lMPUiI/AAAAAAAAA2U/JIkgcCn_ZOc/s1600/91fL54b93kL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-sAKWV8aeQ/VA0i5lMPUiI/AAAAAAAAA2U/JIkgcCn_ZOc/s1600/91fL54b93kL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1quUkMQ" target="_blank">Feed the Woozle</a> is a preschool skill builder game that TC still loves at 5! This is a get-up-and-move type game and is fun for the whole family! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5uR1RGfkLQ/VA0ibSiLiqI/AAAAAAAAA2M/LF11_lQtTmc/s1600/513q4EJ5E9L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5uR1RGfkLQ/VA0ibSiLiqI/AAAAAAAAA2M/LF11_lQtTmc/s1600/513q4EJ5E9L.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1tjSnkB" target="_blank">Sorry! Sliders</a> is fun, and has a few options for play. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWnKyrJgyu4/VA0hmOYM3EI/AAAAAAAAA2E/Qe56xGReTYI/s1600/81NVaXAobeL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWnKyrJgyu4/VA0hmOYM3EI/AAAAAAAAA2E/Qe56xGReTYI/s1600/81NVaXAobeL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1pFG26C" target="_blank">Calling All Turtles: </a>TC got this one for his birthday, and while it's not my favorite- he loves it! This is one of those games that involves some serious action, and requires you to run from room to room. Every kid he's played this with LOVES it! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWYfe13s1co/VA0g19mwsYI/AAAAAAAAA18/NSQ0lNBElAg/s1600/512SVGHDK0L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWYfe13s1co/VA0g19mwsYI/AAAAAAAAA18/NSQ0lNBElAg/s1600/512SVGHDK0L.jpg" height="147" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1quT1O9" target="_blank">Sum Swamp </a>is a fun game that has our kiddo +/- and loving it!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLSXWhRVVXo/VA0gHgCrVqI/AAAAAAAAA10/sGWcE1zBha0/s1600/51P8R5rD5WL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLSXWhRVVXo/VA0gHgCrVqI/AAAAAAAAA10/sGWcE1zBha0/s1600/51P8R5rD5WL.jpg" height="193" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We started playing <a href="http://amzn.to/1tDHPAT" target="_blank">Rummikub </a>with my Oma (85) and ended up getting our own to play at home. TC can't play this one alone, but he loves to partner with one of us and is learning all about strategy! </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFxAUJ5Q5_E/VA0fjFdOn-I/AAAAAAAAA1s/RrlmtpXNqaA/s1600/71KeRAuQ2uL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFxAUJ5Q5_E/VA0fjFdOn-I/AAAAAAAAA1s/RrlmtpXNqaA/s1600/71KeRAuQ2uL._SL1500_.jpg" height="163" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1uFwGMV" target="_blank">Farkle is so much fun for the whole family!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0eeoWhvLQk/VA0e_6X1ShI/AAAAAAAAA1k/Vdp_TLvKqus/s1600/91Nm8scqVqL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0eeoWhvLQk/VA0e_6X1ShI/AAAAAAAAA1k/Vdp_TLvKqus/s1600/91Nm8scqVqL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1AoJk4w" target="_blank">Phase 10 </a>is a fun card game, but </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we prefer the <a href="http://amzn.to/1AoJk4w" target="_blank">dice version</a>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nISt_Jh8xo/VA0dzczo7mI/AAAAAAAAA1U/ciDns5Z_hfk/s1600/51jZc3X5iEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nISt_Jh8xo/VA0dzczo7mI/AAAAAAAAA1U/ciDns5Z_hfk/s1600/51jZc3X5iEL.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1q4Dqp7" target="_blank">7 ATE 9</a> is a great + / - game that encourages practice of some basic math facts! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1pFDiGu" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ogh2ELPC4DI/VA0cRTCLCVI/AAAAAAAAA1I/k5A_Tzc7FpA/s1600/91Tobt3zH8L._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1pFDiGu" target="_blank">Blink</a><a href="http://amzn.to/1pFDiGu" target="_blank"> is a new one for us, but is quickly becoming a favorite! Age suggestion is 7+, but our 5 year old picked it up in just two games and loves it! </a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4di_X5je7_s/VA0bRuc4NBI/AAAAAAAAA00/I-1Tz0Iz9nY/s1600/61reBy0XCUL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4di_X5je7_s/VA0bRuc4NBI/AAAAAAAAA00/I-1Tz0Iz9nY/s1600/61reBy0XCUL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love to play <a href="http://amzn.to/1q4zYef" target="_blank">UNO!</a> It's great for critical thinking and strategy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vzS_4ppW6yY/VA0bTHN5i_I/AAAAAAAAA08/pBwyJmryKxc/s1600/71-LF0ZCkBL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vzS_4ppW6yY/VA0bTHN5i_I/AAAAAAAAA08/pBwyJmryKxc/s1600/71-LF0ZCkBL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before TC was old enough to play the original <a href="http://amzn.to/1q4zYef" target="_blank">UNO</a>, we played <a href="http://amzn.to/1rSQRtG" target="_blank">My First UNO</a> as seen here. There are lots of other characters to choose from too! <br />
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Do you have family favorites? We're always looking to add to our collection! Recommend your favorites in the comments below! </div>
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Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-31559753636621463662014-08-27T21:10:00.002-07:002014-08-27T21:19:13.764-07:00Timing our learning ... for FUN Our fun-loving 5 year old started his homeschooling routine this week. I am working on creating engaging, fun activities to make him excited about learning in all subject areas! He likes to feel like everything is a game, so I am incorporating that "feeling" to our activities as much as possible. He loves for me to "time" him doing all sorts of things. Sometimes he wants me to challenge him to complete an activity or task in a certain amount of time, and sometimes he wants to race the clock to see how quickly he can complete a task. The choice is Mama's and depends on whether or not it is a task that allows for racing the clock. I don't want to sacrifice the quality of his learning to race the timer, so I've created a few strategies to prevent that. <br />
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His favorite part has now become choosing which timer to use, and my favorite part has been deciding how long the task should take. I aim to set the clock for a little longer than I think it will take him (based on his typical completion time). He loves beating the timer, and I love that he's feeling motivated to work. We have conversations about how he should do his very best on his work, or beating the timer doesn't "count" as a win, and so far he seems to get it. <br />
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I'm not affiliated with the included links and they are not sponsors of mine. These are just the timers that we love to use to increase excitement in our routines. I hope some of you find some motivation in using them as well.<br />
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Our favorite site is <a href="http://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/" target="_blank">Classroom Timers </a>because there are so many fun choices! TC's favorite is the rocket timer, but there are a lot of fun options! Here are a few images of his favorites:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kGWO19zRHA/U_6du5Gf2pI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/PUZO74xIIGo/s1600/rocket-timer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kGWO19zRHA/U_6du5Gf2pI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/PUZO74xIIGo/s1600/rocket-timer.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOsuCKz4XWc/U_6dw_8sdTI/AAAAAAAAAXY/1gYDCpYl8pw/s1600/candletimer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOsuCKz4XWc/U_6dw_8sdTI/AAAAAAAAAXY/1gYDCpYl8pw/s1600/candletimer.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21bfjJXcMPI/U_6d0LAlZhI/AAAAAAAAAXg/H0ZhY2Fyad8/s1600/snail-racing-timer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21bfjJXcMPI/U_6d0LAlZhI/AAAAAAAAAXg/H0ZhY2Fyad8/s1600/snail-racing-timer.png" /></a></div>
TC is also into music so he loves using the <a href="http://www.classtools.net/education-games-php/timer" target="_blank">ClassTools timer</a> because you can choose to have a soundtrack play while the timer is on! This is the timer we use for more hands-on-activities and tasks, since he loves to have the Star Wars or Avengers soundtracks on!<br />
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Last but not least, there is the adorable <a href="http://www.timerland.net/" target="_blank">Timerland</a> timers! There are two options here- one where you set the timer and by the time it goes off the "farmland" is full of bunnies, and the other where a planet makes a complete rotation around the sun. We love this one for the longer activities we do.<br />
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I hope you and your own little loves have some fun with these timers too! <br />
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<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-21939718782484467202014-08-18T20:27:00.000-07:002014-08-18T20:29:18.339-07:00Back to School Giveaway!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzuUf7XCrVh0tBy60QmI5JqVsRUvC3LEj9ShywLa5_-ggVEpKFRdemeTGeTPghFrOZ8TLPePpDnBHHaU9b7cr_7CSrIEDfuDpNbUeX1KK6vQB-yts29E03MwYPtQeocLG1jVQrSRio6kw/s1600/Back+to+School+Final+image+2+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzuUf7XCrVh0tBy60QmI5JqVsRUvC3LEj9ShywLa5_-ggVEpKFRdemeTGeTPghFrOZ8TLPePpDnBHHaU9b7cr_7CSrIEDfuDpNbUeX1KK6vQB-yts29E03MwYPtQeocLG1jVQrSRio6kw/s1600/Back+to+School+Final+image+2+Collage.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the Back to School/5 Year Blogiversary Giveaway</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hosted by: <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tots and Me</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Co-Hosted by: <a href="http://chestnutgroveacademy.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chestnut Grove Academy</a>, <a href="http://www.circlingthroughthislife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circling Through This Life</a>, and <a href="http://www.theshadylane.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Shady Lane</a></b></span></div>
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<b>Back to school time is here!</b> </div>
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The summer, once again, just flew by and now it is time to think about school books, schedules, and learning. No matter how your children are schooled, there are plenty of goodies in this prize pack to stimulate those brains and get them learning. </div>
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<b>Let me introduce you to the wonderful sponsors of this giveaway.</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.funbites.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FunBites</a> - <a href="http://rocknlearn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rock 'n Learn</a> - <a href="http://endlessgames.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Endless Games</a> - <a href="http://classroomfriendlysupplies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Classroom Friendly Supplies</a> - <a href="http://www.blueorangegames.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Orange Games</a> - <a href="http://thereadinggame.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Reading Game</a> - <a href="http://www.abctwiggles.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABC Twiggles</a> - <a href="http://www.fundanoodle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fundanoodle</a> - <a href="http://www.brainfoodlearning.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BrainFood Learning</a> - <a href="http://press4kids.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Press4Kids</a> - <a href="http://hedua.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home Educating Family</a> - <a href="http://10monkeys.com/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10Monkeys.com</a> - <a href="http://kidquestadventures.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KidQuest Science Adventures</a> - <a href="http://raddishkids.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raddish</a></b></div>
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One winner will win this entire Back to School Prize Pack valued at approximately $370. The winner will receive:</div>
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Winner's Choice FunBites Cutter for some kitchen fun. You can choose between triangles, squares, and hearts.</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/07/mealtime-fun-with-funbites-back-to.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LX_wwFg9yWGnzuS74wWSKtS65BMQNVjC8_BHj4VrjrSRIKU5pDzQJzGtpA_Q5ms43z4owQnt4pfwcEpYE7eYAY7BjaE_d3zs5elFizNUS0MI5LcEAi4jDZAfx8XLLzYE3_xv_IpgCr38/s1600/BAck+to+school+funbites+packaging+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LX_wwFg9yWGnzuS74wWSKtS65BMQNVjC8_BHj4VrjrSRIKU5pDzQJzGtpA_Q5ms43z4owQnt4pfwcEpYE7eYAY7BjaE_d3zs5elFizNUS0MI5LcEAi4jDZAfx8XLLzYE3_xv_IpgCr38/s1600/BAck+to+school+funbites+packaging+Collage.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rock 'n Learn Learn a Language DVD to begin learning a foreign language (or Winner's Choice of a Rock 'n Learn DVD)</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/07/learn-language-with-rock-n-learn-back.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjallMcP8RwMj1XlrUnW5B4JP8Ll-8qSt3CLZr9MKfWoR3CYNpxJIGdmYY4l1d46jKUAeC2H7eIx60HRcAVYteB16g4YaDnCNeU1KqT2emApu70a7YvdhslYWsyKpdinyDD7YfNR2ggE/s1600/Back+to+School+RL216_wc_4in_300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjallMcP8RwMj1XlrUnW5B4JP8Ll-8qSt3CLZr9MKfWoR3CYNpxJIGdmYY4l1d46jKUAeC2H7eIx60HRcAVYteB16g4YaDnCNeU1KqT2emApu70a7YvdhslYWsyKpdinyDD7YfNR2ggE/s1600/Back+to+School+RL216_wc_4in_300dpi.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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Crazy Legs from Endless Games for some get-up-and-move fun. Great for phys. ed. time.</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/07/get-your-kids-up-and-moving-with-crazy.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly1_S4HE6jm88ynbBtgD_G8pa1q-jCy846w9niGH-b2S0_TcB7Dqt8mZExOGPbQQ-Z14-lBK70b2A10vd9T_AUQUSAEialiEY2LUtHcWiuqGEzJDjztX9YKUVZW-I2ZKPvotmX0q2MeeX/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly1_S4HE6jm88ynbBtgD_G8pa1q-jCy846w9niGH-b2S0_TcB7Dqt8mZExOGPbQQ-Z14-lBK70b2A10vd9T_AUQUSAEialiEY2LUtHcWiuqGEzJDjztX9YKUVZW-I2ZKPvotmX0q2MeeX/s1600/017.JPG" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
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Korner'd from Endless Games for those times you want a challenge and some family fun.</div>
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(Read the Review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/challenging-fun-with-kornerd-from.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuuE3rtYApHsMwPP_rYNU8Qpt7Yi4YUHgAGqIVFMo4lgEFs9gwWJZLxHqSNcsr7mFsob4Fve6JLHirpE4jv08JgBF49hirEMDE3atQyDRhFLMFd3wGwhhFkZhbJiAaba36DemZ90pagb9/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuuE3rtYApHsMwPP_rYNU8Qpt7Yi4YUHgAGqIVFMo4lgEFs9gwWJZLxHqSNcsr7mFsob4Fve6JLHirpE4jv08JgBF49hirEMDE3atQyDRhFLMFd3wGwhhFkZhbJiAaba36DemZ90pagb9/s1600/001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pencil Sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies, because we have to keep those pencils sharp to get the work done.</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/07/sharpen-your-pencils-with-this.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbVEUmLEm1lnOggJaIDi2R52TRn_TOSHgaNOaGXr6MRKReVJfNbv2OCaE-9f8ihuLaE4RqhfqqS2l4Go2g0SwyMKQwdwXhow6HEfoPDlwUojADZ6wOD5tcRjR9l8r0ICoy3HrslhewYdS/s1600/sharpeners+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbVEUmLEm1lnOggJaIDi2R52TRn_TOSHgaNOaGXr6MRKReVJfNbv2OCaE-9f8ihuLaE4RqhfqqS2l4Go2g0SwyMKQwdwXhow6HEfoPDlwUojADZ6wOD5tcRjR9l8r0ICoy3HrslhewYdS/s1600/sharpeners+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Battle Sheep from Blue Orange Games for family fun and sharpening your strategy skills.</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/battling-it-out-with-battle-sheep-back.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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The Reading Game- The fast action memory game with picture flashcards and story books, to help your child learn to read.</div>
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(Read the Review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/help-your-child-learn-to-read-with.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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1 Year membership to ABC Twiggles for multi-sensory ABC Learning Fun</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/multi-sensory-letter-learning-with-abc.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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Winner's Choice of 1 Learning Activity Kid from Fundanoodle. </div>
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Choose between I Can Build Upper Case Letters! and I Can Bead, Lace, Rip, Trace!</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/hands-on-learning-with-fundanoodle-back.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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A set of 3 Fascinating World of . . . DVD's from BrainFood Learning. Learn about Insects, Mammals and Birds.</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/stimulating-our-brains-with-brainfood.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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1 Year Access to the News-O-Matic app from Press4Kids- The Daily News Experience, Just For Kids.</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/daily-news-for-kids-with-news-o-matic.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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The Well Planned Day 2014-2015 Family Homeschool Planner from Home Educating Family Association (hedua)- To keep your day organized</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/organizing-my-day-with-well-planned-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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A 1 Year subscription to Math World from 10Monkeys.com- For math fun for children in K through 3rd grade.</div>
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(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/fun-and-easy-online-math-for-kids-with.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A digital/eBook copy of both the Wild at the Zoo Adventure Pack and Bugging Around: Insects from KidQuest Science Adventures for more science fun.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Read the review <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/science-exploration-with-kidquest.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSUPNRo4eRYHH9sOpEa4L8tmCHg9nCfooCDYqPhBtgx8v_0MXPOQe4RZNv7XWC1lBh3xmm4SNL6JUcnApT8x_dUqL20YBZCjlpfN8fLyvAgGXHw5fEMzWpByHJFxFb0Tf8Yd3ZpsbQGwb/s1600/Back+to+school+kidquest+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSUPNRo4eRYHH9sOpEa4L8tmCHg9nCfooCDYqPhBtgx8v_0MXPOQe4RZNv7XWC1lBh3xmm4SNL6JUcnApT8x_dUqL20YBZCjlpfN8fLyvAgGXHw5fEMzWpByHJFxFb0Tf8Yd3ZpsbQGwb/s1600/Back+to+school+kidquest+Collage.jpg" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A Cooking Box from Raddish to encourage learning in the kitchen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Read the Sponsor Spotlight <a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2014/08/fun-in-kitchen-with-raddish-cooking.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and stay tuned for the full review which will be coming in the near future, as I only just received the product and we haven't had a chance to use it.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 21.599998474121094px;">Disclosure: Tots and Me received the above mentioned products for free in order to conduct thorough reviews. Tots and Me received no further compensation. </span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 21.599998474121094px;">This did not in any way influence her reviews. </span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 21.599998474121094px;">As with all her reviews, t</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">he Back to School reviews reflect her own honest experience and opinion. She only recommends products or services she use personally and believes will be good for her readers. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">All opinions are her own. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 21.599998474121094px;">The participating bloggers did not receive any compensation and are not responsible for shipping any prizes. Tots and Me is only responsible for shipping The Fascinating World of Insects DVD from BrainFood Learning, all other prizes will be shipped from the sponsors. </span>Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-63872642625890359462014-08-12T11:12:00.000-07:002014-08-12T11:12:40.667-07:00Engaging My Learner: Science Our summer months are usually filled with late nights, and even later mornings. We have been staying up past our bed times, so we decided to turn it into a learning experience. Here is what we're getting into for some Science FUN ...<br />
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We have decided to "chase" the moon each night. TC is excited to learn about all of the wonderful sights in the glorious night sky. We have been taking a night time drive throughout the neighborhood (usually in our PJs). Once we spot the moon, I pull over and he places his clipboard on his lap and sketches his sights on his moon chart. This is just the start to our fun unit on the Moon.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcsZabdKoVY/U-pWucBN_pI/AAAAAAAAAW8/qSutYeASUhs/s1600/moon-phases.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcsZabdKoVY/U-pWucBN_pI/AAAAAAAAAW8/qSutYeASUhs/s1600/moon-phases.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is our process...<br />
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1) Chase the moon each night.<br />2) Sketch the moon (or make a note when it's "missing" behind the clouds).<br /> **If we can't "find" the moon we look it up<a href="http://lunaf.com/english/live-data/moon-view-from-earth/" target="_blank"> here</a>. <br />3) Discuss the moon phase.<br />4) Make <u>predictions</u> for how the moon will look the next night. <br />5) Do it all again the next night!<br />
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TC thinks it's the most fun nighttime routine! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KnS59bQ3dk/U-pS4S2LUpI/AAAAAAAAAWw/3-6E7nqbRHw/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KnS59bQ3dk/U-pS4S2LUpI/AAAAAAAAAWw/3-6E7nqbRHw/s1600/image.png" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are planning on ending this routine on <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>September 9th</b></u></span> which is the date of the last <span style="font-size: large;"><u>Supermoon</u></span> of the summer. </div>
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We will spend that night discussing the moon and what a Supermoon actually is, all while having a small backyard bonfire with roasted marshmallows! Yum!<br />
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We will follow up on September 10th by doing a little family research to answer the following questions. You could also do this the night before, but TC is pretty visual, so we thought it would be better for him to experience the supermoon first. <br />
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<span><span class="text_exposed_show">-What is the definition of a supermoon?<br /> -What is the scientific name for a supermoon?<br /> -How much brighter than a full moon can a supermoon appear to be?<br /> -How much larger than a full moon can a supermoon appear to be?</span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Other parts of this FUN learning experience: </b></u></span></div>
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We are a <a href="http://www.netflix.com/" target="_blank">Netflix</a> watching family and we like to watch shows that connect to what we are learning about during the day. We are watching these two shows as a connection. LeapFrog is really more Math based, but it's a good excuse to review! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.netflix.com/" target="_blank">On Netflix</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.netflix.com/" target="_blank">On Netflix</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/" target="_blank"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Books! </span></b></u></a></div>
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I am also a <a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/" target="_blank">NEW Usborne books representative</a>! The books are gorgeous and can be found to support so many lessons! <a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/" target="_blank">Here are the books</a> I have picked out to support this MOON activity! You can shop for these and more at my site ------> <a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/" target="_blank">here</a>! (You could also host an online party and earn free DOUBLE books this month!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/140/on-the-moon" target="_blank">Buy It</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/75/first-guide-to-the-universe-cv" target="_blank">Buy It</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayLa_3k1Zrc/U-pSvt573SI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/NUgmNa6Ktv0/s1600/0000488_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayLa_3k1Zrc/U-pSvt573SI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/NUgmNa6Ktv0/s1600/0000488_300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/373/sun-moon-and-stars-level-2-ir" target="_blank">Buy It</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbLvvOW0sLI/U-pSwxdDW6I/AAAAAAAAAWY/erQ48rAAyI4/s1600/0002449_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbLvvOW0sLI/U-pSwxdDW6I/AAAAAAAAAWY/erQ48rAAyI4/s1600/0002449_300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/p/1539/look-inside-space" target="_blank">Buy It</a></td></tr>
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If you are just joining us, check out our post <a href="http://classroomtohomeroom.blogspot.com/2014/08/engaging-my-learner-geography.html" target="_blank">Engaging My Learner: Geography ---> here! </a><br />
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<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-65207579273438546302014-08-11T11:46:00.000-07:002014-08-11T11:47:47.913-07:00Meet The Teacher Linky Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNj8-aOio4jax5XwyPmyPof8TXnZeB9z0EXpF-j8U4eKxvFpF_c3tzPKK6hcn6rgFtY8bFBbVduQgG2EKrAtvIZWt2ny4A0D3T33QMUZGtgiMrQ45VRjTIDRotuOEhIF17l8S23Hf1as/s1600/Fotor0811140953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNj8-aOio4jax5XwyPmyPof8TXnZeB9z0EXpF-j8U4eKxvFpF_c3tzPKK6hcn6rgFtY8bFBbVduQgG2EKrAtvIZWt2ny4A0D3T33QMUZGtgiMrQ45VRjTIDRotuOEhIF17l8S23Hf1as/s1600/Fotor0811140953.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm joining tons of other teachers in the Meet the Teacher Blogger linky! So let me start by introducing myself...<br />
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I am Christina. I have always been passionate about education and learning. I spent childhood summers playing "school" and never let go of that passion. After spending 8 years as a public school teacher, I have now taken my love for learning and I'm using it to homeschool teach, tutor and to create curriculum for my students. Wish me luck on this journey!<br />
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I'm a wife and a mama. TC is our little love and he will be homeschooled this year. We are both super excited about all of the fun learning lessons we're going to get to experience!<br />
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I'm also starting to spread my love of literacy by working with <a href="http://c4933.myubam.com/" target="_blank">Usborne Books & More</a>! I'm excited about all of the amazing things they are doing to promote literacy across the globe!<br />
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">Rainy days. Good books. Painting. Creating. Cooking. Shopping for all things on sale. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">Learning. College (Can I go back and be a student for life?). Dance parties with my son. Nights out with great friends. </span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$8:0"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> IF YOU WEREN'T A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$8:0">I've always wanted to be a teacher, but as I grow I learn so many new things about myself. I would love to be a professional journalist, writer, or artist. I'd change the world with my words and my art. I know this is something so many dream about, and do. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">THREE LITTLE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0">Loyal. Empathetic. Stubborn.</span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><br data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$13:0" /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$15:0" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">FINISH THE SENTENCE, "________, SAID NO TEACHER EVER!!"</span></b></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0">"I love to answer to parents for politicians decisions...said no teacher EVER!!"</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"> </span></span></span></span><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><br data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$17:0" /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$20:0">Q: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOU CAN INVITE ANYONE {DEAD OR ALIVE} TO THE PARTY. WHO ARE YOU INVITING? </span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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I know it's a little surprising, but I'm not inviting anyone living this time. ;) </div>
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Albert Einstein, Henry David Thoreau, Eleanor Roosevelt and my Great-Grandparents. <br />
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$24:0">Q: IF SOMEONE WROTE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE? </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$24:0">Deeply Rooted </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$28:0"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Q:YOU GET TO PICK ONE SUPERPOWER. WHAT IS IT? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$28:0"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$28:0">Water Generation! I'd generate water for all of the world! I can't fathom the thought of living in a place where water is scarce and difficult to come by. I would eliminate that struggle for all living beings! </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$28:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$32:0"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$32:0"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SAYING? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0">"Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will BE." -Sonia Ricotti<br data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$33:0" /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$36:0"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$36:0"><span style="color: black;">Q: IF YOU HAD TO SING ONE SONG ON AMERICAN IDOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$36:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$36:0"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">"Dog Days Are Over" - Florence & The Machine </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0">I
love her soulful sound. Luckily for the world- I'll never attempt to sing ANYTHING on American Idol. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><br data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$39:0" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$40:0"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$40:0"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> Q: ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$40:0">I'm
a night owl! I start to come alive and feel productive around 4pm each day. I've always been that way! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><br data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$43:0" /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$44:0"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$44:0"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE RESOURCE THAT YOU'VE CREATED IN YOUR TPT SHOP? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$44:0">I have had amazing results with my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Mats-939657" target="_blank">Multiplication Math Mats</a> and I always get great feedback on my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/MLK-I-Have-a-Dream-Too-496165" target="_blank">MLK: I Have a Dream Too</a> activity! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$44:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$48:0"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">I am extremely shy and introverted! It's always tough for me to ease my way into new situations. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$48:0"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-reactid=".n.1:3:1:$comment345612555596918_345687722256068:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$48:0"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">You can join the<a href="http://fallingintofirst.blogspot.com/2014/08/meet-teacher-linky.html" target="_blank"> linky party</a> too! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkek_N5lqHMbmDrv09Z1QbGzAKNei-KSs5ozdnE2NIquPiI3FpTJ4unCZT-sODX2viqfsy3WR61LzzYAoi8XHKjoIsLzyrncWXkceZ-vp0TKXJXXeuS2eWUiBIZD3aQudzV1dfvpHFt70/s1600/MTTB.jpg" height="315" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fallingintofirst.blogspot.com/2014/08/meet-teacher-linky.html" target="_blank">Link up here! </a></td></tr>
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Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-67828343299832497452014-08-10T20:38:00.001-07:002014-09-28T07:46:02.189-07:00Engaging my Learner- Geography I think I may be more excited than I should be for homeschooling this year. I'm imagining the freedom to make learning FUN all year long without any state, school, or class assessments! It sounds like this teacher's dream come true! TC (our little one) is pretty excited too! Now that he has figured out that homeschooling isn't a secret (love how little minds work) he's been telling everyone we bump into!<br />
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I've been planning the beginning of the year, working on curriculum, and trying to figure out how to pick which FUN learning activities to do first! Here is a taste of what we have coming up for our Social Studies curriculum! This will be our Geography portion of the subject area. <br />
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We are set up as a part of a US Postcard Swap. TC designed his own postcard using fun images on <a href="http://vistaprint.tellapal.com/a/clk/1kP3V8" target="_blank">Vistaprint</a>. We did a little research and he picked the fun Florida facts we included on the back. We're going to be sending one of these awesome postcards to a family in each state. TC is excited to ship them off, and is LOVING adding a stamp to each one! I already know that dropping them in the mail slot at the post office will be super exciting for him as well. Although not something he will remember and be able to do on his own, we also used this activity as an excuse to discuss the parts of an address. <br />
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We have big plans for when we receive all of the fact filled postcards from other states too.<br />
<ol>
<li>We're going to be locating each state on a U.S. map & reading the fun facts. </li>
<li>This will be the "scavenger" portion of our activity. We will conduct a little research to find at least *one* more fact not included on the card - or to obtain more information about a fact he really liked. (The fact we find will be added to the card on a post-it.) </li>
<li>We will then punch a hole in the corner of each of the cards and loop them on a binder ring. They will hang from the map until all 50 states have been completed.We will review them from time to time. </li>
<li>Once all of the states have been completed we will create and play a geography memory game!</li>
<li>After practicing with our co-created memory game, we will play a (Mama created) BINGO game (match the fact to the state)! </li>
</ol>
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<span style="color: red;">**Edit**</span> </div>
My husband told me this morning that he and our son are always talking about which NFL teams belong to which states. He suggested getting some NFL stickers for him to add to his US map along with his postcards. What a great idea hubby! I found <a href="http://amzn.to/1rv6s0y" target="_blank">these on Amazon</a> and will be adding this to our routine as soon as they arrive! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPNrnVsVp4g/VCgeayVP7BI/AAAAAAAABRc/olLQ9t72OUY/s1600/61yT0NakPZL.jpg" height="226" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1rv6s0y" target="_blank">NFL Mini Round Helmet Stickers</a></td></tr>
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<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-42959478807760989152014-08-03T14:11:00.000-07:002014-08-03T14:11:03.700-07:00Fish Out of Water<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not returning to teaching this year, and it's a strange and almost uncomfortable adjustment. While so many I know are rushing to purchase supplies, preparing new schedules, and even working on their days off to prepare their classrooms, I am trying to figure out my next move. I'm so used to the mad dash for the start of the school year, that I feel as though the world is moving around me at light speed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So what have I been doing? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, aside from everything a full time Mama does, I've been attempting to wrap my head around this homeschooling stuff (curriculum, co-ops, laws, supplies, portfolio, accountability, etc.). I thought that moving from a classroom environment, where I was responsible for educating 20+, to only having to worry with my own child would be easy, but this is a totally different beast. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've had some great success so far at working with and helping other homeschooling families, but it's oh-so different when organizing everything to take place within my own family. Right now I feel like a fish out of water. It's as though I'm jumping from one very busy (and well known) fishbowl, to one that feels empty (for now). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How did you feel when you were first jumping in to the world of homeschooling? </span></span><br />
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<br />Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1830914461819643182.post-2762714506252614682014-08-02T14:59:00.003-07:002014-09-08T07:16:18.133-07:00The Journey Begins... <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hi
all! Welcome to my little spot on the blogosphere! I am Christina. I'm a
full time Mom to an awesome little guy (we call him TC). I have spent the
last eight years working in the public education system. I learned so
much, met some amazing people, and had my life changed by some fantastic
kids! Despite all of these blessings (+ more), I found myself struggling
with a lot of what I was faced with daily. Once TC hit preschool age, I
discovered some deep internal struggles. I couldn't settle on where I should place him
for his education - especially in the beginning. I wanted a place that I felt would benefit him academically, and
teach him as a whole child. I started then immersing myself in the world
of homeschooling. I was almost immediately filled with excitement and
passion for making the choice to homeschool him. I am now working with homeschooling families and helping my family to become one. This is an opportunity that
I am so grateful for- and willing to work hard to obtain. I plan to document
our journey and this grand transition from my
classroom to my schooling homeroom. TC and I will be on this learning journey
together, and we hope you'll join us!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span> </span></span></span>Ms. Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222836686524262313noreply@blogger.com0