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K-5 Resources for Diverse Classrooms

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You are here: Home / 2012 / Archives for July 2012

Archives for July 2012

What day is it? (Mondayyyyyyyy!)

July 30, 2012 by Sarah Plum(itallo) 48 Comments

Another Monday! On the upside, I get to spend a good chunk of my Internet time today looking at all of the amazing things bloggy friends have come up with. On the downside, this means I’m running out of time. Eeeeeeek! I know some of you are heading back into the classroom much sooner than I am, so I don’t feel too bad, but I’m starting to get a bit nervous. I even had my first school-related nightmare! (I showed up at the wrong school and wrong classroom on the first day and it. was. a. trainwreck!)
So: word walls. Let’s talk about them.
In some of my practicum experiences, they were just kind of there. They weren’t talked about or used, they just kind of took up space. In some of my practicum experiences, they weren’t there at all. There wasn’t really an alternative, either, so it was a constant struggle of students not being able to have the independence they craved during writing.
There were some awesome word walls I saw, however, and the ones that were awesome were used. Frequently. They weren’t just an “if you don’t know it” reference, either, they were a centerpiece of learning and kind of the pulse of the room. So that’s what I had in my head when I started on this project: something that is, above all, going to be supportive for my kiddos (especially my ELL’s), and something that made sense with what my goals are this year (see the trusty sidebar).
I need a dynamic word wall.
First, I made these:
*sigh* These colors make me happy.
These are my headers for my word wall, which is going to be placed above the windows, here:
I still can’t believe I have a classroom.
While that’s a readily accessible place from anywhere in the room and has plenty of space for lots of words, it doesn’t quite hit the mark for what I want to do alone. Enter this:
You knew it was going to be Oz-related, right?
The idea is this: my students need to experience independent success in their writing, and I want to remove as many obstacles to that as possible. At the same time, I want to support my ELL’s that may need some visual cues, while also encouraging my wordsmiths to expand their vocabulary. This is where my mobile word wall fits in!
Clear plastic pencil pouch, blank color-coded cards, A-Z dividers, and trading card protectors.
Smaller versions of the word wall headers are on each divider to create a visual link.
Students can have the independence they need and can contribute at their own pace, on their own time using this resource. They can encounter a word that they think should be added — perhaps a content area word or fabulous vocabulary word — and select the correct colored card, write the word, and then add a visual or other thought to make a more concrete connection.
Front of the cards; note the color-coding for content areas.

Back of the cards, with a visual or example.
This can be expanded to include a definition, a sentence, etc.

The color-coded cards open up a lot of possibilities; they can be used to denote spelling patterns, level of difficulty, or as I’ve used them — for content areas. I’ll be taking the lead from my content-area binders and using purple for science, green for math, blue for social studies, and then using red, orange, yellow, and black for the various parts of speech.
These are the blank mobile word wall cards for student use.
There are matching larger cards for the full-sized word wall.

I got through all of the words on my district’s list for second grade, and am now working on expanding it to include words that I know will come up during the year for the various units. The full-size words are more of an undertaking since I’m laminating them for durability.
The mobile word wall will not start out the year with us, but will slowly be introduced as we begin to use our word wall and I model a lot about how to use it to my students’ advantage. This will work well with my implementation of Daily 5 and CAFE, as I can see this hanging out in our word work or writing center!
Whew! That was a lot of post. If you’ve made it this far, thank you! I’ve packaged all of my materials and listed this Dynamic Word Wall pack (including editable PPTs for you to customize with your word lists) on my TPT store. Here’s what is included:
I would love to give this word wall set away to three people! Leave me a comment with your e-mail, and I’ll choose three random winners on Wednesday night!
(Speaking of winners, a big congrats to The Meek Moose for winning the Discovery poster — I look forward to seeing it in action in your school!)

Filed Under: Other Tagged With: Classroom Decor, Giveaway Like It's 1999, Monday Made It, Plan-Plan-Plan, Teachers Pay Teachers, Word Wall, Writing

My Favorite Olympic Moment

July 28, 2012 by Sarah Plum(itallo) 2 Comments

Who watched the Opening Ceremonies last night? Oh my word. I know it was a bit quirky (which is why I loved it so much) so it might not have been everyone’s cup of tea — but the lighting of the Olympic flame took my breath away. It also might have caused a minor rainstorm on my face, but we’ve covered my propensity to cry at such things previously!
Every two years the Olympics rolls around and for two weeks I am on cloud nine. Really, it’s true! There is something about the coming together of hundreds of nations for a common event — largely without any negativity — that moves me in ways I’m ill-equipped to express. While I know not everyone is as dedicated as I am to the Olympics, I know that we all very likely have one (or two or five) Olympic moments that stand out in our minds and truly touch us!
For me, this is it.
I was ten years old during the 1996 games, and believe it or not, I had Olympic aspirations of my own. I was a competitive swimmer, and the early morning workouts in the pool often had me day-dreaming about my own gold medal moment during those tedious laps. I didn’t have the “swimmer body” and I had an ankle injury that plagued me (and even still does), but I had the heart.

I watched the Magnificent Seven in complete awe of their grace and composure. In many ways, they were the first peer role models that I had. They represented the best of us, and Kerri Strug did so especially. I’ll never forget how my heart sank when she injured herself on vault, and then the rapid beat of my heart as she did another one — only to land on one foot and secure the gold.

That moment has always stuck with me, and honestly, when I feel like I’m “down for the count” in any aspect of my life, the image of Kerri sticking that landing against all odds pops into my head. I definitely thought of it as I was limping along mile 12 of my half-marathon, wondering if I could possibly make it another mile and a tenth to the finish — and finish I did!
I plan on sharing this and other inspiring Olympic moments with my students, as they are powerful real-world reminders of what happens when you believe in yourself and your ability to succeed and never, ever give up!
With the London Olympics upon us, I thought it would be awesome to reflect on our favorite Olympic moments! Grab the button below and link up! I look forward to reading (and hopefully seeing) your favorite Olympic moments!

');

Filed Under: Other Tagged With: Current Events, Meet the Teacher, Olympics

Check!

July 26, 2012 by Sarah Plum(itallo) 17 Comments

Freebie Fridays


Another project off my “to-do” list! I’m steadily making some progress, which is good, because I have less than a month to go!


I had pinned this a million years ago from Mel D. at Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations and kept coming back to it. As I would go on my “errands” and see things that would be perfect for a traditional treasure box in the Dollar Spot or bargain aisle, I kept trying to decide what I wanted to do in terms of rewards in my classroom.

During my student teaching, I tried both approaches. I used a treasure box in one placement, and rewards like these in the other. The kids responded the most positively to the rewards that, I felt, meant something. That’s not to say treasure boxes aren’t valuable or important if that’s what works for your classroom — I think it’s important to do what works for you and your students! These kiddos, however, really liked the additional classroom privileges and duties that they could earn.

I’ve been brainstorming for a few weeks now — off and on — what rewards I could possibly implement. I came up with 12 to start with, knowing that I’ll likely tweak them once I get to know my kiddos and what they value the most:




The reward I’m most excited about my students earning and redeeming is definitely the “be an expert” reward. I look forward to collaborating with students on a mini-lesson that they’ll teach to their peers… I definitely think that will be a big hit and something valued by all my kiddos!
This system is within my “Be Oz-Some” behavior plan, so of course I had to make a label to that effect! I’m planning on creating a quick log for me to check off what reward a student chooses, and then write when they redeem it — that way I have some data about what’s working and what isn’t.
I would love for you to head on over and pick these up for FREE in my TPT store if you think they would be useful in your classroom! Not every reward will fit your style or classroom system, but I hope that a few will — and of course, there’s two labels to choose from too. (When I create my reward log, I’ll post that as a Google Doc freebie as well.)

Filed Under: Other Tagged With: Freebie, Getting Organized, Student Teaching, Teachers Pay Teachers, The Wizard of Oz

All You Ever Need to Know!

July 26, 2012 by Sarah Plum(itallo) 15 Comments

I have absolutely loved reading everyone’s posts from Amy Lemon’s linky party this week — it’s a window into your world and what makes you the person (and thus teacher!) you are. With several projects in the pipeline but still incomplete, I thought it would be fun to participate!

The setup of our living room on election night, 2008 — it was a big deal!

1. I did not set out to become a teacher — I actually set out to work in politics and the world of international diplomacy. Yep, quite a different world indeed! I’ve been a political/government/law nerd since I can remember; as a kid, I used to write mock speeches that I thought the current President or House Speaker should give. No, really. That’s just how much of a nerd I was (and let’s face it, still am)!

The National Zoo is one of my favorite places to take my camera.

2. Even after straying from politics/international relations, I still didn’t follow that little nagging voice that told me I needed to teach. Instead, I went to art school in New York City for photography. Like politics, I’ve always  had a love of art — especially photography. There’s something about catching a single moment in time and freezing it forever that just sticks with you.


I was so exhausted — all I wanted was a banana and some Gatorade!


3. Despite struggling with a debilitating ankle injury my entire life (as well as being overweight), I decided to embrace life as if I didn’t have any limitations. And something really amazing happened — I became a runner. I run very, very very slowly, but I do it nonetheless. Last November, I completed my first half-marathon… despite a completely reconstructed ankle and every doctor I’ve ever had telling me it’d be impossible! What gave me confidence that I could do the marathon was this, which leads me to number four:


Underneath all that mud were some pretty cut-up feet and legs!

4. I love being barefoot. I own a pair of Vibrams, and live in them when I’m not totally barefoot. The picture above is what was the result of me completing a Marine Corps mudrace — only the second event I ever did as a runner. I started out wearing shoes but lost them in the second mudpit, which left me with 2+ miles on rocky terrain with the most difficult obstacles to overcome. I either had to do it barefoot, or I had to DNF the race, which I just could not bring myself to do! It’s a really good thing my feet are tough from all the years of me being barefoot willingly!


William was Woody this past Halloween! Thank goodness for play pajamas! 

5. I love all things Disney, and cannot wait for us to be able to take William to Disney World! Both Mr. Plum and I will willingly watch most any Disney movie — especially Pixar. Our little guy has taken after us, so much so that if you quote most of the movies he’ll tell you which one you’re quoting! His current favorite is Monster’s Inc., but that rotates between Up!, Finding Nemo, and Incredibles quite regularly. (He’s also very, very into the Muppets.)

So there’s a few fun facts about me! Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a “Discovery” poster — I picked up mine from Costco this afternoon and will hopefully be sharing it tomorrow!

Filed Under: Other Tagged With: Family Fun, Meet the Teacher

It’s Monday!

July 23, 2012 by Sarah Plum(itallo) 11 Comments

Who would’ve thought Monday would become my favorite day of the week? It totally has! I look forward to Monday Made It alllllllll week long — both because I’m excited to share my hard work, but also because I am so inspired by what everyone else creates!

Mr. Plum and I took our little guy on an adventure this weekend to see the Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a part of the National Air and Space Museum. William has a *tiny* obsession with space (and by tiny, I mean massive) and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to let him see the shuttle Discovery in person.
Let me just tell you… I teared up. We’ve been over my propensity to tear-up before, but oh my word, y’all. The nerd in me was not prepared for the sight of that spacecraft and the opportunity to see her up close. To see that, no, her surface is not shiny, and oh? that’s a stencil?!
Those types of moments are the moments we want our students to have. Those moments of complete awe and wonder. Those moments of discovery.

Which led me to this:

I took more than 150 photos while we were at the Hazy Center, and when I got to this one while reviewing them on my computer I just stopped. And then I thought, “this has to be in my classroom.” I jokingly turned to my husband and said, “hey — Discovery: it’s not just for astronauts.”
As soon as the words left my mouth my eyes got all wide and my brain did that thing where I just had to make this poster before I did anything else. And then I thought of all of you — and thought maybe, just maybe, there’d be someone out there that would want this in their classroom too.
This file is large enough to print as a 16×20 poster (I’m picking mine up at Costco this afternoon!!!), and comes with a release in the .zip file for you to do so without any hassle. I’ve uploaded it to my TPT store; you can either click here or on the image to go and download it!
To sweeten this Monday Made It, I would like to giveaway a printed 16×20 poster of this to one lucky follower. Simply enter the Rafflecopter below, and I’ll choose a winner on Friday!
I’m also planning on participating in TBA’s Freebie Friday this week in which I’m going to put together a pack of images of the space shuttle and other Smithsonian highlights I took that you can utilize for classroom use. (I actually went to art school briefly for photography, but that’s a story for another day!) So follow me and check back so that you don’t miss it!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Other Tagged With: Freebie, Giveaway Like It's 1999, It's science., Monday Made It

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About the Author

Sarah Plum(itallo) is a teacher of emerging multilinguals and 21st Century Grant coordinator in Virginia. She writes curriculum for inclusive classrooms and presents professional development on a variety of topics.

Read more about Sarah and her background in education here.

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