#ReadinginScience -Renewable Energy

I love it when a lesson plan comes together and works out just right! I teach grammar and science this year so I decided to do a reading lesson with a piece of science text.

The kids have been learning about human impact on the Earth. So we focused on renewable energy for this lesson. I started off by using popplet to have them share what they know about renewable energy. When I taught the lesson to 4th period, popplet wouldn't load so we went old school using post it notes.



After this, we read small sections of the text chorally.



We used our focus question to set our purpose for reading.

Focus Question: What are the benefits of using renewable energy? What are some examples of renewable energy resources?

I created this chart for us to use to list the resources as we read. I also kept a list of the benefits they discovered as we read. We did a lot of discussion about the evidence they found in the text to help them make inferences and draw conclusions.



Once we finished reading four short columns of text, we decided we had what we needed to construct a response. I've found that when students tried to answer questions like this in the past they would only answer one part of the question or just list random facts from the text. So we really made sure each section of the question was addressed.



Then I assigned each small group a small section of the text. Each group has their own focus question to answer, which is very similar to the question we worked on answering together. When we finish, the small groups will be responsible for teaching the information they learned to the rest of the class.



We should finish this up next week and I hope they are successful with answering their focus question. I wrote the chart, benefits list, and focus question answer on chart paper and will display it for the students to use as a guide as they work on their own focus question.

I'll come back and share our final products after we finish next week!

Day in My Life

I saw something a friend shared on FB the other day about the day in the life of a teacher. So I thought I'd document my day. I picked Wednesday and took pictures throughout the day. Here is it!

@Flocabulary Love! Win 1 yr subscription here.

Do you know about Flocabulary? If not, then your students are going to love this!

I have been using Flocabulary for the last several years and it is by far my favorite resource for songs for my students. I am always looking for fun, catchy songs to share with my fifth grade students. We watch them over and over and by the time our unit is finished they can sing along with the entire song. 

I'll never forget the first Flocabulary video I stumbled upon, Five Things. Check it out!

When I saw it I knew my students were going to eat this up! So I played it for them and they started begging for more. So I started my subscription then and haven't regretted that decision. 

Flocabulary is always adding new content. Check here to see the new content added since Spring 2016. One of our favorite things is the Week in Rap. They do a rap that reviews all the current events for the week. These are posted by Friday morning so they are ready to share at the end of every week. 

Every song has a video but there's also so much more! 

Resources for Implementation!

Explore these resources for information and ideas on how to use Flocabulary!

●     The How to Use page on our site is a great resource for educators.

○     It includes a self-guided training presentation as well as a short tutorial video about getting started with Flocab.

●     Explore our Lesson Resources page for implementation ideas per subject.

●     Please also find our lesson plans on Pinterest (we have one board for elementary and one board for middle and high school)! 

So, want to be entered to win a free year-long teacher Flocabulary subscription? Of course you do! Everyone that enters will get an email for an extended 45 day school wide trial of Flocabulary. Make sure to enter by Oct 16th @ 11:59 ET. Good luck!!

The Pencil Grip Review & Giveaway

The Pencil Grip sent me 3 of their pencil grips to try and a set of Kwik Stix!

After trying out these pencil grips, I learned I've been holding my pen/pencil wrong all these years. I use my ring finger to prop my pen/pencil on! Let me tell you though, I love these pencil grips. They are so soft and make it nice to hang on to your pencil.

Take a look at them!

Have you seen the Kwik Stix Tempera Paint Sticks? These things are amazing. They are made so they are in a tube that roll up, similar to a glue stick. This makes it a mess free project when you want to paint a picture.

The paint on the paper is a little sticky for just 90 seconds, then it is dry! No more laying papers out all around the classroom to wait for the paint to dry.

I am not an artist but I painted a smiley face to try them out and I'm in love with the Kwik Stix!

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Classroom Ready- Flexible Seating #StarbucksMyRoom

This year I decided to try flexible seating. I've been looking at it for several years and debating if I should try it. When Natalie, a friend and parent at my school, approached me about being part of a group to pilot this I knew it was time to try it!

I've been working in the room for about 2 weeks. Believe it or not, teachers start back July 25th so I wanted to make sure I was done before school starts.

When I started looking for flexible seating options I saw tons of exercise balls. I know I wouldn't be able to handle all those exercise balls rolling all over the place so I looked for other ideas. I found my bean bag ottomans at Overstock. I ordered memory foam bath mats and the isokinetics cushions from Amazon. I picked up the wooden stools at Target and the little black stools were ordered from IKEA. I absolutely love the way it has turned out!

I've used lamps for several years and I love the way the room feels like home without those fluorescent lights on.

So here is a look into my room!

I purchased bed risers for this table next to my technology shelf. It is high enough that the kids will be able to work around it while sitting on the stool or standing.

This is the shelf where all my technology will go. My Chromebooks will go on the top shelf. I have file folder organizers and the computers fit nicely in the slots. I tied each cord on the organizer so they'll be easy to plug in when the computers are replaced. The second shelf has organizers for my class iPads. I'm not sure if you can tell, but on the very bottom of the shelf are my new robots! I still have to get a large power strip for them because I have 12 Sprk robots we will be using for STEM this coming year.

This is the reading corner. I picked up the rag rugs at 5 Below. I haven't been a reading teacher in several years but the kids still love reading and I want them to have a place to sit and read if they want to.

I couldn't part with my teacher desk but I did eliminate a table and pushed the desk closer to the storage cabinets. The classroom computer is on my desk because it has to be connected to my Smartboard and document camera.

I really love this table. I used it for small group instruction when I taught math and reading. This year I'm planning to let students sit around it. I left a few chairs here in case someone wants one.

These are the wire shelves behind the table above. I eventually want to get some wooden shelves to replace these wire ones. They just don't hold up very well, but I'm about spent out for now!

This is the view along the wall where you come in the classroom. I have two desks there so we can turn them to face the classroom if they are needed.

We lowered this table by removing the legs from it. I put some rag rugs down and also got Isokinetics wiggle cushions.

This is my table with legs removed so the kids can use memory foam bath mats to sit on.

My front carpet (which is well worn) is a large place where the kids will be able to work.

I put my Target stools along the back counter.

And this table wasn't lowered because I put the bean bag ottomans here.

I hope you have enjoyed my classroom tour! I'm still planning to pick up a few other things for the room so if I do I'll be sure to share them with you.

The Dragon of the Month Club- Giveaway

Edited 7/13/16: Congratulations to the winner: Rachel Sochol-Soloman. Please check your email for information about claiming your book!

I just finished reading a wonderful new book called The Dragon of the Month Club by Iain Reading. I'm giving away a free copy of this book for your classroom!

First, let me tell you a little bit about the book. I truly enjoy reading because books take me to new worlds but this book took me to many worlds. The main characters are Ayana and Tyler. Ayana has recently moved and is having a hard time fitting in when she meets Tyler in the library. While spending time together in the library they discover "THE BOOK." It is called How to Conjure Your Very Own Dragon in Six Easy Steps.

They join the dragon of the month club and begin getting instructions to conjure new types of dragons. One day when they are conjuring a dragon in Tyler's bedroom something goes wrong and they are transported to an alternate world. They have so many exciting adventures in different worlds that are tied to books Tyler has in his room. Their goal? They are trying to reach the home of a scientist named Professor Doctor Linus Aloysius von Mobius so he can help them return home.

Ayana and Tyler meet some very memorable people and creatures on their quest to return home! Want to win a copy of the book for yourself? Check on the rafflecopter below to enter. The giveaway ends July 14th so enter now!


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#NATC2016- Super Google & Super Hero Fun

Today I presented about Google with my friend, Tina McKenzie. We had two hours and still didn't make it through everything. There are so many wonderful things Google can do for you! Want to see the presentation? Take a look:



I had a great time with our Super Hero theme! Here are a few fun tweets/pictures from today.

Flexible Seating- I can't wait!

I am so excited about setting up my classroom for the 2016-2017 school year. We have been out of school since the end of May. Normally we can get in to the school to start set up after July 4th. I keep waiting for that email that tells me when I'm allowed in. This is how I feel...


I have gotten rid of my desks. The last day of school my students helped me move them up around to storage. I'm replacing them with tables. I plan to put those tables low to the ground so they can sit on the floor.

I've ordered some bean bag cubes from Overstock.

Stools from Ikea

And a friend is picking up colorful rugs to go around one table. Now I'm on the search for larger rugs for different areas in my classroom and 6 tall stools to go around the counters and tall table.

While out looking for new things to put in my classroom I ran across different letters that were on clearance at Michael's. They didn't have enough of any one type to spell anything but I had this great idea to get all different types of letters to spell science. Look at this! I'm not exactly sure where I'll put it but I'm going to find a space for it. 

I've been looking into flexible seating for the last year or so but I never actually tried it. There are several of us taking the plunge together and I'm all in! I will be teaching four classes of 5th grade science next year so it may be a little difficult to start, but I don't doubt we'll all love it!

Do you use flexible seating in your classroom? I'd love to hear tips and tricks that you can share with me. 

#XpLAP Chapter 2- Myths

Chapter 2 of Explore Like a Pirate talks about all the myths that surround gamification. Several books I've read lately have the excuses chapter. I think if you're reading this book you aren't using any of those excuses. However, I'm sure these are used for talking points if you are trying to get buy in from other teachers or administration. 

• Myth 1- Games are just for play. 
• Games are such powerful ways to learn and practice problem solving and critical thinking. 
• I never thought of it this way but the book mentions that we model so much that when students have a turn to make something they are ready to just move on. 
• Myth 2- If I give them a badge or points, my class will be gamified. 
• Myth 3- If's easy for you. It won't work for me because I teach ___.
• I've got to say this is the excuse I probably hear most often. I'm new to gamilification, but it is the go to excuse for using technology. So often I am told that the kids can't do that. But if you get out of their way you'll be amazed.
• Myth 4- You need to be a gamer to gamify your class. 
• If this is true them I'm up the creek without a paddle. I am not a gamer at all! I get frustrated easily. My students would laugh at me because I told them Angry Birds makes me angry. 
• Myth 5- Students should want to learn; I shouldn't have to dress it up. 
• Who doesn't want to have fun while learning? I can see how adding gaming elements to a lesson would make it more engaging, and isn't that what we're all after?
• Myth 6- Gamification is just playing games.
• This is going to be more than just pulling out the board games and playing them with you class. 
• Myth 7- Girls don't game.
• Myth 8- My classroom doesn't have enough technology to make this work. 
• I can't even argue that point. I have been on a mission to get more and more technology for my students to use. I'm the technology integration mentor for my school and technology is my passion. I am excited to learn about some of the gaming aspects that are used for those who aren't comfortable with technology. That will help me sell it to others.
• Myth 9- Games in the classroom are too much about competition. 
• We have had contests in class before and I think a little competition is healthy. 

So now I'm ready to really get into the meat of this book! . 

Explore Like a Pirate- Chap 1 #ExploreLAP

I'm a day late getting this posted but I attended Project Lead the Way training this week. Today was my final day so I'm ready to share about chapter 1 from Explore Like a Pirate.

I've had this book for a bit but I haven't had the time to sit down and really dig in. So I pulled a few important ideas from chapter 1 to share with you.

If you are reading this post, you are probably interested in learning more about using games in your classroom. Michael Matera says that gaming allows you to have an "educational mashup." Don't think you have to jump right in. You can use a few gamification techniques to help students become more engaged. At the GAFE Summit last week, the keynote said he wants his students to have FOMO (fear of missing out). I see gamification creating FOMO in my classroom. Students will be captivated by using games in the classroom. 

The great thing about this is that there are many teachers out there who are willing to help you and share ideas. This isn't something you have to do alone. You could recruit some friends/co-workers to get on board with you. If you don't have anyone in your building who would be willing to do that, reach out on Twitter! You don't have to do this along. 

"We, through gamification and playful planning, will create leaders critical thinkers, and even legacy makers." - Michael Matera

Summer Book Study- Explore Like a Pirate

Are you looking for a PD book to read this summer? Rachael over at Sweet, Sweet Primary is hosting a summer book study for Explore Like a Pirate. She plans to cover one chapter each week beginning June 7th. Want to do it with us? Make sure to check back to her blog and link up to share your posts!

Joy Cowley Collection & Contest

If you've taught K-2 then you are familiar with Joy Cowley's character, Mrs. Wishy-Washy. I taught first grade for three years and the kids loved reading about Mrs. Wishy-Washy. Did you know that Joy Cowley has other characters too? I had a chance to review some books and share those characters with you. 

The first character I'd like to share with you is Miniboy. Miniboy and his friend Mousie travel into the Land of Kitchen. They are trying to avoid Big Foot and get good things to eat. In each of the books I reviewed, Miniboy and Mousie went on different adventures together. 

The other character I would like to tell you about is Hairy Bear. Hairy Bear is married to Mrs. Bear. He is always fixing things around his house. He has a few misadventures, but that's what makes Hairy Bear fun. It seems like Hairy Bear might be a little accident prone but Mrs. Bear is always there to help him feel better. 

I love both of these characters because they would appeal to boys as well as girls! Each of the characters have friends who help them out so there is a great character connection there. I also love the fact the each book has teaching ideas inside the back cover. Teachers and parents can find a list the features of the text and questions to ask before, during, and after reading. 

These books would be a great addition to any K-2 classroom. Check out the character sets available here.

Or get the entire guided reading set here. 

Would you love to win a collection of Joy Cowley books for your classroom? Click the photo below to enter. The contest ends April 13th so make sure to enter now. 

Math Groups from AL to DE- Digital Connections

I am so excited about the math groups we have been doing and I wanted to share. I connected with Mrs. Corey through a #MysterySkype. We decided to do something beyond that with our classes so we started brainstorming and planning.

Using Google Docs and Voxer, we were able to develop an idea for our students to work together even though my class is in Alabama and hers is in Delaware. We started with a getting to know you activity. The kids had video conferences using Appear.in rooms we created. They completed a Google Doc before meeting and then shared information about themselves and had to find 3 things everyone had in common.

Here is the Getting to Know You directions:

Let’s get to know our math collaboration team!

Your Task:

Type some interesting facts about yourself that you’d like to share with your group members.

Make sure to include…

• your name
• age
• favorite subject (not recess or lunch)
• 5-6 facts about yourself

You will meet your group members via your group’s appear.in room on Thursday. You’ll have a chance to share your facts and learn about each other. Try to find things you have in common.

Each roup is challenged to find at least 3 things every member has in common.

Remember to put your name at th8e top of this document in the color you will use to type and reply to your peers!

After our first meeting both classes were really excited! So we planned another meeting, this time the kids had to present a word problem and let the others solve it. Then they had to explain how they solved the problem. As we went we found that not all the kids were engaged the entire time. If they presented the problem they were just sitting and waiting for the other members to solve. So we made some changes. The next time they are going to all be presented with the same word problem at the beginning of their video conference. Then they will each solve the problem and collaborate on Google Slides to share how they solved the problem. Our hope is that the kids will be able to share different strategies they are using.

We couldn't do this without Google accounts and the technology to allow for our Video meetings. Each student has their own Google account so it allows them to create and collaborate on docs and slides even though half of their team is in Delaware.

My homeroom wanted in on the action too so Mrs. Corey recruited Mrs. Marsh. Mrs. Marsh's class works with my homeroom class now too. We are having a great time, using technology, learning about math strategies, and making new friends. I've had a few people ask how we are doing the math groups so I wanted to share in case anyone else is interested in doing them too. If you have any questions don't hesitate to connect with me on Twitter- @MWhiteMES.

I have a little bit of happy news of my own, I took the test and I'm officially a Google Certified Educator, Level 1. I'm really thrilled about this!