Showing posts with label innovative connections blog post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label innovative connections blog post. Show all posts

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Cooperative Learning with Reading Response and Writing Activities


Busy, Busy, Busy...   
I wanted to share some student samples from a couple of cooperative learning tasks involving reading response and writing. 

We are in the midst of our final unit of the year called "The Spirit Within" and I wanted to share some of our work. 
So, here is what we've been up to lately...

 Literature Circles: Sequence of Events Map-
A "During Reading" Group Task for Night...

 Literature Circles: Sequence of Events Map-Group Task for Night...After reading a section of Elie Wiesel's memoir, students created flow maps in their literature circle groups. These are just two of the creative ideas they came up with to show the sequence of events. I like to have them work in groups because they learn so much from each other. 
Partner Allegory Writing after Reading "Terrible Things" by Eve Bunting...

I gave them the option of working independently or with a partner to compose their own allegories based on the idea presented in "Terrible Things" and, to my surprise, I had a good handful choose to do it independently. Either way, the originality and imagination that came out was amazing. 
Students read their allegories to the class after taking a couple of days to compose allegories and then illustrate them--in the form of a children's book. They really had fun with the project.
We thoroughly enjoyed hearing the different avenues taken to present the same idea!

As you can see, my kiddos have been busy with various hands-on tasks, in addition to getting ready for our upcoming state test! 
(I won't even yap about state testing...lol)

What have your students been doing in class these last couple of weeks. Please share your fun ideas and cooperative learning activities with us.


a smith innovative connections

Monday, December 31, 2012

What will you achieve in 2013?

13 Things for 2013!! 

Michelle Lundy of "Making It As A Middle School Teacher" has the neatest link up going on that really is inspiring. 
I think it's great to see what each of us has decided to aim for in the upcoming year as well as to think about what we'd like to accomplish personally and professionally in 2013! 

"A YEAR-IN-PREVIEW"

I hope you take a moment to see what various teachers (who are also women, men, mommies, wives, girlfriends, sisters, brothers, daughters, etc.) have chosen to share with you from their list of things to achieve/see/do/create/etc. for this next year! You can view all posts of those participating by clicking above image which will take you directly to the linky party!
Thanks to Michelle for such a great idea to start off the new year!

Happy new year to all of you! 
What's your biggest event, goal, test, hope, wish for next year? Share below~


Monday, August 20, 2012

KinderKay of Love Those Kinders, Innovative Teacher-Author and Back to School Freebie!

Love Those Kinders!

Learn a little bit about this fabulous teacher-author-blogger!! 
Welcome, KinderKay!

Classroom Experience:
I have been teaching for 24 years! Wow! It is hard to believe that many years have gone by! I taught second grade for 7 years and thought that was the perfect grade for me. Then my children came along and I became a stay at home Mom which I thought I would be doing for the rest of my life. But this was not to be the case! One evening as I was finishing up the dishes, I received a phone call from our priest. He told me that he wanted to start a kindergarten and that he wanted ME to be the first teacher. Now get this.... It was June and he wanted it going by August! There was nothing - no books, no table, no chairs, not even a classroom! He had ordered a portable classroom that hadn't even arrived yet! Yikes! Only a crazy person would take this job, right?? Well, I took it and here I am.... 18 years later and LOVING it! Since then, we have built a new wing for our kindergarten and I now reside in what the rest of the school calls "the palace!"

Valuable info learned...beneficial to teachers/teacher-authors, bloggersOh gosh, since joining TPT in June of 2011, my whole teaching life has been transformed! Before becoming a part of TPT, I thought I was a good teacher, but I didn't realize how sheltered I had become. Some of it, of course, was from teaching in a private school. But much of it was from the fact that the only teachers in which I shared experiences with were from our local area. I am not saying that I did not grow as a teacher, but being able to bounce ideas off of other teachers from around the country (and other countries) has enabled me to become more focused on the changing needs of my students. When I started a blog in January of 2012, I found even more of an opportunity to improve myself as a professional. For example, I participated in a book study this summer with other kindergarten teachers as we explored how to implement the Daily 5 into our literacy curriculum. My blog gave me the opportunity to learn this new skill and now my students will benefit from the knowledge that I have gained!

Advice for a beginning or veteran teacher?
Be flexible and accept the fact that your students may know more than you know! Instead of getting upset about this, rejoice in it! As teachers it is our job to inspire and guide, but after we have done that, we have to let our students turn our lesson into something that becomes their own!


Great ideas, lessons, or pieces of advice learned from other blog(s): I have learned so much from SO MANY blogs! There are so many really, really GOOD teaching blogs around! I guess the thing that I have learned the most from all of them is how to organize my classroom. Being able to find materials when needed has always been a weakness of mine, so reading blogs that show how to organize a classroom have been so helpful. The biggest help I have received, I think, are the classroom library bin labels. I am presently re-designing my library and these labels will come in SO handy!

free download teaching blog postA Freebie KinderKay Has Chosen to Share! 
I have quite a few freebies to offer! I really believe in sharing and also love FREE things myself!Here is one for Back to School...

KinderKay's Online store---Check it Out!
Teachers Pay Teachers

Helpful Hints for Classroom:
Hmmm... This is hard, but I think the thing that makes me unique is how I try to bring Art into our everyday curriculum. I truly believe that children learn by doing and with all the curriculum changes that are occurring in our nation, the arts have slowly been replaced. So in order to give my students a taste of the world around them, I encourage them to use pencils, crayons, scissors, glue, and paint in their daily activities. For example, instead of giving them a printed worksheet of a plant to color and label, I show them how to DRAW the flower and then label its parts. Instead of giving them a pattern to trace and color, I show them how to create their picture using simple shapes and step-by-step illustrations. When children create their own illustrations, learning becomes real for them and they feel some ownership in their school journey.



Something cool, weird, funny about you, OUTSIDE the classroom: Let's see...My husband thinks I am weird because I like to eat sweet pickles wrapped in cheese and I put ketchup on my scrambled eggs! I take water aerobics classes and love lakes and boating even though I am petrified of water! I am afraid of cows even though my husband is a farmer and has a herd of them! I can sit hours watching the birds in my bird feeder! I love to use drawing and cutting in many of my lessons. I would so much rather sew, paint, draw, cut, or work in my garden than do household chores - yuck! :) My favorite vacation is spending a few days enjoying Lake Michigan!

Connect with KinderKay...
I just started a Facebook page in June and have no idea how to use it yet! But, This is what keeps our brain active, correct? Learning new things!
Visit KinderKay on Facebook
Here is my Pinterest link
I love Pinterest! 
_________________

I would like to say THANKS to Cindy, for sharing her ideas and freebie with us!  Be sure to swing by her blog, Love Those Kinders, and/or her store to see all of the other teaching resources she has! Please leave a comment below to let her know you stopped by and picked up some helpful info and her awesome free download! Show some love! 
Oh, I must also admit, I love Pinterest TOO, just like KinderKay!!!

Do you have a favorite idea, tip, or activity that you've found on another blog? Share it below!! We love to find and share new ideas, so give us one--maybe the blog name if you remember too!
A Smith Innovative Teacher Author Post KinderKay Love Those Kinders

Monday, April 30, 2012

Points to Ponder and Remember

Hosted by Jen R.
1st: I just joined an awesome WORD WALL link up at The Teacher's Cauldron! You should see some of the ideas! Click image to the right! Thank you Jen R.!!!

Now, today's post is about:
Quotes focusing on education...
innovative connections quotes focusing on educationI found these on the internet as I was searching for inspiring writing springboards:

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”  ― Mahatma Gandhi

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” ― Oscar WildeMartin Luther King


"Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence." -Robert Frost

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”   
-St. Augustine of Hippo



Great for upper grades to reflect on and write about in any classIntelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
What is your favorite quote?

These are great for upper grades to reflect on and write about in any class! Perhaps you need a writing prompt for a monotonous Monday to spice things up a bit? Happy Day!

What is your favorite quote? Please let us know so we can add it to our points to ponder!! 

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Get to Know this Innovative TpT Teacher-Author...

Get to Know This Innovative TpT Teacher-Author by Innovative ConnectionsJennifer Ayers of Best Practices 4 Teaching!

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year?
2nd grade now; 1st and 4th previously, reading interventionist grades 1-5 also

If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? If not still in classroom, how long did you teach?           
            I have taught for 17 years…


When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?    
January 2011....I wanted to write a book but didn't have the patience, so I decided to start writing lessons and activities! Plus, I like the challenge!

What is something unique about you both inside the classroom and outside the classroom?
As a teacher:  I have led many professional developments/training sessions throughout my district and a few across the state.  I enjoy teaching teachers almost as much as I enjoy teaching my students because the challenges are different.  I love sharing my knowledge and learning new things.

Outside of the classroom:  I hope to one day be self-employed and be able to work out of my home; I am a 'wanna-be' writer and curriculum developer.  This is a well-kept secret:  I LOVE to write lesson plans.  I just don't always follow them!!  I see lesson plans as a stepping-stone for something bigger and better to spin off of.  It drives my administrator nuts!

One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:     
Beginning teacher: go with the flow--education will change 100 times before you finally feel like you know what you are doing. Then, it will change another 100 times.

Veteran: I know things are changing drastically....have changed drastically....just hang in there and go with the flow!




What other neat information would you like to share?
I grew up in Clinton, TN, home of the first desegregated high school in the south. Now I live in Chattanooga, TN.

I have 3 degrees--the latest is my Education Specialist degree.

I am married with 2 wonderful, energetic kids, 2 cats Isabella (calico) and her 20 lb. baby boy, Teddy. Teddy always knows if I am upset and will come and sit with em. He keeps my feet warm at night. =)

Unique fact: I went to London on a high school trip in 1989, shortly after the Lockerby, Scotland airplane crash due to bombing. The night before we were supposed to leave to fly back to the states, a bomb threat was put on our plane. We couldn't change tickets...so we all called our familes at home to let them know and tell them that we loved them. Security that day was something else--every bit of our luggage and everything in our carry-ons was taken out and gone through. Not an event that is likely to be forgotten, ever.

Are there any other sites you’d like posted for others to access?
            Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/bestpractices4teachingblog

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Every Teacher Loves Freebies, So....

You would be absolutely crazy not to check out Kids Cog Works' Blog Post which provides lists of AWESOME Blog Pages with FREE RESOURCES!! How great is that for a go to source? Adrianne Meldrum is the author of Kids Cog Works! She has amazing ideas! Visit her blog, and definitely bookmark and share her post!!   Visit her on Facebook too!
Adrianne, thanks for this ULTIMATE FREEBIES LIST!! 
Innovative Connections Freebies Page by Ann Marie Smith Free Teaching Resources List

FYI: There are 20 FREEBIE PAGES by some spectacular teachers and bloggers! Who knows the actual number of FREE items!!! Too many to count, that's for sure.... 
Adrianne also wrote an awesome guest post on my blog titled "Ka Pow!" Check it out!!I promise that you'll enjoy it!
Do you have a freebies page on your blog? I'd love for you to let me know that you stopped by and visited her post! What did you think?

Regards,
 Ultimate Freebies List of Teaching Resources From Freebie Pages and More!

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Get to Know This TpT Teacher-Author...

Chadwick Harvey of Literacy Solutions Links

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year?           
8th
If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? If not still in classroom, how long did you teach?            
 2 years

When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?
I joined Teachers Pay Teachers in August 2011 because I wanted an opportunity to learn from others while also sharing my own products.  As teachers, we invest a lot in our products and I feel we deserve return.

One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:
Beginning teachers: Be open to hearing from others.  Borrow ideas, share ideas, learn as best as you can and you will be just fine as you progress into a veteran teacher.

Veteran teachers:  You obviously know what you are doing having been in the profession for a long time.  You deserve to be compensated more for your tireless efforts.

Something unique about you both as a teacher and outside of the classroom:
Inside the classroom, I never yell and rarely raise my voice at students.  When they get too loud, I use a technique of "60 seconds of silence" in which they put their hands over their mouths.  I prefer an interactive classroom with much collaborative work. 

Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling.  I have been on a one month long archaeological dig in Israel and on a two week trip to Singapore.  Both hold a dear place in my heart.



If you like, please leave a link to one of your best selling products here:
What other bio information would you like to share?
I love playing basketball.  I received my training for the teacher profession at UNC-Charlotte.  I am currently single with a niece and two nephews that I see as my own children.

Are there any other sites you’d like posted for others to access?
Twitter: @chadwickharvey1

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Recommending a Visit to Sunny Days!!

Awesome Resources-Sunny Days TpT Store

A few words from Sunny Days' Product Description:

Never again hear a student say, “I’m done, what do I do now?” 
            Fifty printables for enrichment and early finishers. 
Critical & creative thinking activities for a wide range and ability of students grades 1-4. 
You may even find activities that correlate with whole class units of study as activities cover all subject areas.
          
Visit Sunny Days in Second Grade Blog Too!
Great for Grades 2-5 & Homeschoolers!
A few words from her product desciption:
Are you ready for some football?
This activity pack includes a combination of nine high interest printables,
 centers and home activities revolving around the big game!
Download the preview to see each activity:
Football Jersey Glyph
Design a Super Bowl Ticket
Two research printables
Superfan tri-fold game watch guide
3 page word work activity
Football themed Roll-A-Sentence activity
Math problem solving printable
Football compound printable
Find these products and other super resources at 

Monday, January 16, 2012

Get to Know This TpT Teacher-Author...

Mary Baur from The Artistry of Education 

What grade level(s) and/or subject(s) are you currently teaching? What grade levels have you taught prior to this year
             This year I teach a 5/6 split; previously I have taught every grade K-6
If currently in the classroom, how long have you been teaching? If not still in classroom, how long did you teach?           
            21 Years
When did you join Teachers Pay Teachers as a Seller? What made you decide to become a seller?    
I am a writer as well as a teacher.  I am looking for ways to share my writing.  Teachers Pay Teachers is a good community.
One piece of advice you can give to a beginning teacher & one piece for a veteran teacher:     
            I would advise a beginning teacher that it is okay to ask for help.  I would encourage veteran teachers to find ways to keep themselves healthy and creative. 
Tell something unique about you, both inside and outside of the classroom.
            I have my principal certificate, but I knew before I finished the program that I needed to stay in the classroom.
            I spent six years in the U.S. Army Reserves.


           
Are there any other sites you’d like posted for others to access?
         My Facebook Page:
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