Viva Las Vegas! A TPT Conference Linky Party

Last week I had the opportunity to go for a second year to the TpT Conference for Teachers Pay Teachers Sellers in Las Vegas.  The conference was a great way not only to learn more about Teachers Pay Teachers, but also to meet other teacher bloggers and product creators, and to glean inspiration from those who are doing great things. While I was in Vegas, I also attended the SDE conference on Differentiation.

I flew into Vegas Monday afternoon full of anticipation.

We stayed at the same hotel as we did last year, the Venetian.  If you ever go to Vegas, you have to check it out.  It is beautiful!  Here is a picture of the lobby.

This is the canal that is inside the shops and stores area in the Venetian.

On the way to registering for the SDE conference, look who I found!  Amy and the gals from TpT!  We took a selfie on the escalator, and luckily no one fell off!

The Differentiation Conference started Tuesday morning.

I was able to see some amazing speakers and sessions and learned so much!  I can't wait to try them out in my classroom, and of course share them with you!

One of my favorite presenters was Kathy Perez.  She was (in her own words) a hot chili pepper, and was she full of energy! Perfect for an after lunch session.

I also loved learning math games with Boxcars and One-Eyed Jacks.


After the SDE conference, and right before the TpT conference, I attended two meet-ups with other sellers. The first one was dinner with The Cool Kids meet-up.

I sat next to my friend, Karen, from Planet Happy Smiles.

After dinner we headed over to the Blogger Meet-up hosted by Blog Hoppin'.  While standing in line, I got to meet Farley from Oh Boy Fourth Grade!  I love participating in Currently every month, and I loved getting to meet the lady behind the blog.  She was super sweet!

At the meet-up my roomie, Kathleen of A+ Kids and I took a fun photo with a few other friends thanks to GoNoodle.

The next day was time for meet and greet before the TpT conference.  I was able to meet many third and fourth grade teachers as well as Chandra from Powerpoint Gaming.  She has donated to several of my giveaway this pas year, so I was excited to meet her in person.  If you haven't checked out her store before, you definitely need to because she has some amazing games.

I was able to take a picture with another one of my favorites, Deanna Jump.

I also got to meet Julie in person.  She blogs at Third is the Word, and we have collaborated a few times for Instagram Loops.

I did a little shopping in between sessions.  Shopping for a teacher looks a little like this:

I ended the conference the same way I did last year with a photo booth picture with Nancy from The Apple Basket Teacher.

It was an absolutely fantastic week, and I am exhausted!  The CEO of TpT said it was like summer camp for grown-ups and it really was!  I will share more later, but now I must head to bed as I have a full week of Reading Workshop Training with some staff members from TCRWP.





Did you attend the TpT Conference?  What did you find inspiring?  What are you going to do this year with that information?



Did you like this post?  Well, if I may be so bold, I have some other posts about the 2014 TpT Conference that you might enjoy!

1. Notes from Jen Jones' Session - Hello Buyers! Provide Top Notch Customer Care For Your Buyers
2. Notes from Rachel Lynette's Session - Build Your Magnet Marketing Plan

And, if you would like to read even more about THIS year's conference, check out other blog posts from other bloggers who attended here.



Learn Like A Pirate - Active Learning

Welcome , to our book study of Paul Solarz's book, Learn Like a Pirate hosted by The Primary Gal.



 Today I am sharing my thoughts about chapter 6, Active Learning.

Students learn best by doing, and this is fortunate according to Paul Solarz because this learning method is fun for both students AND teachers.

In this chapter, he describes several specific ways that he creates active learning opportunities for his students.

Simulations

In a simulation, the students (and the teacher) take on personas and work toward learning goals.  Paul provides three different activities he has used in his own classroom.  While his lessons won't fit my level this year, it has me thinking about ways I might incorporate it into the lessons and themes that we do have.

Developing Deeper Understanding With Debates

Paul says that debates can be a fun way to get students researching, planning, and speaking in front of others.  This is definitely something that I will be implementing this year.

In this section he discusses the process he uses to teach his students about debates.  He talks about giving overlapping assignments.  His students are divided into groups to complete their tasks, and Paul conducts mini-lessons for the whole class.  Rather than waiting for all of the groups to finish each section of the project, he introduces the next task to everyone as a whole group when the first group is finished.  That way the fast finishers don't have to sit around waiting for others before they move on.  Other groups are then able to move on to the next task as they finish because they already know what to do.  I love this idea!  It seems like it would really pick up the pace of student work, because they won't want to be left behind.  They will realize it isn't a chance to waste time!

Getting Fascinated With Fairs

Solarz suggests rather than assigning science fair projects to do as homework, teachers should instead have the entire project be done in school.  Due to a lack of participation by students in prior years, I did just that this last year and it was amazing!

If science fairs aren't your thing, he suggests using other types of fairs such as history fairs or genius hour fairs.  I have seen some biography projects like this one:

Discover the Power of Project-Based Learning

Paul Solarz says that "creating projects that focus students' attention on content in exciting ways, providing them with choice, and allowing them to explore their interests are more effective teaching methods than lecturing or reading from a text book."

Turning Up the Fun With Technology

While Solarz doesn't advocate using technology for novelty, he does say that it is a great way to turn passive learning into active learning.

Role Playing With Reader's Theater

I have used some Reader's Theater in my class as a way to increase oral reading fluency.  Every time, my class has a ball with it!  Reading this section makes me wonder, why don't I use it more often??

I would love to hear your comments about active learning!  What ways do you incorporate active learning into you lessons?

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 1 - What is a Student-Led Classroom?

Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms.

Chapter 3 - Peer Collaboration 

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus 

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

Chapter 6 - Active Learning

Chapter 7 - 21st Century Skills

Chapter 8 - Empowerment

Follow along with the other bloggers who are participating in this book study!

An InLinkz Link-up

TpT Seller Challenge - Make Your Masterpiece - & $25 TpT Gift Card Giveaway!

This is the third week of the Seller Challenge hosted by Third in Hollywood, Sparkling in Second, Peppy Zesty Teacherista, and Teach Create Motivate. This week is all about CREATING.





This challenge came at the perfect time because I have been working on a project since about April, and I just couldn't seem to get it done!  This gave me the extra push to finish it, which was especially good because I will need it in the fall when I roll up to 4th grade. 

I absolutely LOVE using my Third Grade Daily Math Review,

I would have to say that this has routine has probably had the biggest impact on my math instruction by far.  I love the fact that I am able to review math skills throughout the year, and that my students who struggle get repeated exposure to the material and can actually learn and retain it!  I definitely wanted to continue that with my kiddos in 4th grade as well.

You can download the preview which features two free weeks to see if the program will work for you.

Daily Math Review 4th Grade

Now, time for my monthly $25 TpT Gift Card Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

July Pinterest Pick 3

I may have a large slight pinning problem.  There are just way too many irresistible ideas to love and pin on Pinterest!  I get even more pinning ideas every month with the Pick 3 linky hosted by Pawsitively Teaching and the Inspired Owl! So, without further ado, here are my three pin picks for the month of July.



My first July pin is an absolutely yummy idea for your 4th of July festivities (or the rest of the summer as well).  I have made a similar version with strawberries, marshmallows, and blueberries in the past, but my blood sugar has been a bit high, so I like this healthier version from Paleo Girl's Kitchen.

To find original pin, click here.

My next pick is a mix of educational and fun along with some Patriotic flair. I am loving this Star Spangled Slime from I Can Teach My Child. My boys love playing with slime, and it is a great way to teach about polymers!

To find original pin, click here.

My last pick of the month comes from abccreative learning.  I don't know if I like this pin so much because it has been super hot lately or if I just love the idea of sneaking in learning with the fun - but I love it!  You could use this with your own children, or for summer school, summer programs, or even for the beginning of the school year if you go back to school early enough.  - Just be sure to do it at the end of the day and let parents know ahead of time.

To find original pin, click here.

If you are looking for more summer ideas (as well as a ton of teaching related pins) - be sure to follow me on Pinterest!

Visit An Apple for the Teacher's profile on Pinterest.

  Follow along with  these other bloggers for some more July "pinspiration" and link up to share your own as well!

An InLinkz Link-up



Learn Like A Pirate - Responsibility

Classroom Responsibility - Putting Students in Charge

At the beginning of the school year, Solarz holds a classroom meeting where he explains his philosophy to his students.  He says that this discussion "empowers students to take initiative and do what they think needs to be done to make the classroom run smoothly."

Classroom Jobs

Paul creates a list of important jobs based on the number of students he has.  He says that creating these jobs and assigning them to specific students makes sure that everything gets done.


Collaborative Responsibility

Solarz displays his daily schedule for his students to refer to.  Students learn how much time it takes to transition between activities, and call out, "Give me Five!" when it's time to transition.



I also display my daily schedule, but I have never had the students responsible for keeping track of it before.

Using Rituals to Encourage Responsibility

Paul advocates using rituals and procedures for reoccurring activities.  He says that students can be responsible if they know what to do.

Literature Circles

Paul has students work in literature circles for an hour three times a week.  The students read aloud in small groups and use rituals to increase their comprehension and have meaningful discussions of the material.  They share responsibilities and take turns writing summaries for each section.

I have also used literature circles in my classroom, but I love several of the suggestions Paul gives for using them.  I definitely think this will be something I will implement in the upcoming school year.

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 1 - What is a Student-Led Classroom?

Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms.

Chapter 3 - Peer Collaboration

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

Chapter 6 - Active Learning

Chapter 7 - 21st Century Skills

Chapter 8 - Empowerment

Make sure to check out what other bloggers are saying about this chapter over at The Primary Gal's blog!

An InLinkz Link-up

Currently - July 2015

I am so excited that tomorrow is July because that means it is almost time for the SDE and TpT Conferences!  I can't wait!  It is also time to link up with Farley from Oh' Boy 4th Grade for this month's Currently!

You're probably seeing a reoccurring theme of Vegas there aren't you?

If you are going to Vegas, I hope to meet you!  If you can't go to Vegas, stay tuned to the blog, because I will be sharing my notes just like I did last year!  Also, a group of my TpT/blogging friends and I have also joined together to share even more on our Facebook group.

 

Simply join the group and follow along for our posts throughout the 9th and 10th!

TPT Seller Challenge - Week 2- Dare to Dream

I have been participating in the TpT Seller Challenge, and this week's theme is Dare to Dream.  The directions are:

I definitely have big dreams, but I don't always share them with other people.  I think sharing them might give me an extra dose of accountability in reaching them, so without further ado, here are my dreams:

1. My husband has worked our whole marriage, allowing me to stay home with our boys for most of it.  I would love to return the favor!

2. We would love to move into a newer home.

3. My son, Powell has special needs - he was diagnosed with fragile x syndrome, cerebral palsy, selective mutism, and epilepsy when he was very young. I worry about what the future holds for him, especially when we pass away.  I would love to have a plan for him to be taken care of.

Reading Strategies Book Study

 

 I am so excited to announce a blogging book study for The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo!  I am joining forces with 12 fabulous bloggers to discuss reading strategies from this amazing professional text, in hopes to help you get your school year off to a wonderful start.  The book study will begin on Monday, August 3rd.

There are 13 goals in Serravallo's book.  Twice per week until all of the goals have been covered, bloggers will be discussing highlights, sharing freebies and offering challenges to complete, based on the book's strategies.  We hope you will purchase a copy and follow along with us!  

Stay tuned for more details! :)

Learn Like a Pirate - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus

"Will this effect my grade?"

" Can I (he/she) have extra credit?"

"How many points is this worth?"

We hear questions like this all the time from both students and parents! Students are focused on the extrinsic motivation of grades, while well meaning parents often perpetuate this focus based on their own school experiences.

 In chapter 4, Solarz discusses how this focus on grades is actually detrimental to students.  He explains that when students focus on only grades, they often find ways to work the system, missing the educational value of the lesson.

This spoke to me as a parent.  One of my boys realized that when he moved schools (for a grade level change), they didn't have a record of his previous AR tests.  He didn't read AT all the first semester, but managed to get an A in reading because he simply took tests he had already taken on books he had read in prior years.  Did this help him become a better reader at all??

Another one of my sons is exceptionally smart and often scores in the top 95% on standardized tests, but he failed English last year because he doesn't care about grades and refused to do any work.  Solarz also mentions those other smart kids who never go above and beyond because they have already earned an A.  Don't we want ALL of our students to improve?

In this chapter, Solarz tells us how to shift the focus from grades to improvement.

In Paul's class, students don't take many tests or quizzes, and they don't receive grades on any of their work or projects.  Instead, they receive regular feedback.  He says they take the time they used to spend studying, taking tests, and going over tests, and instead devote that time to working and learning more.  He is speaking my language!  I do wonder though, how this translates to grades, because at my school, we still have to give them.

ePortfolios

One of the methods Paul uses in his classroom to provide feedback to his students is through e Portfolios.  Students collect their work in ePortfolios.  He says that everything is done on-line and published immediately.  Using these ePortfolios, students can look at other students' work.  He calls this student collaboration as opposed to cheating.  He wants his students to be able to learn from each other.

He says that students can go back and revise pieces as they learn more with the hidden bonus that he doesn't have to provide worksheets for practicing basic skills, like capitalization and ending punctuation, when students can go back and correct their own work.

I just received an old class set of laptops from another teacher, but I am not sure how well they work, or what sites are blocked from school that I might want to use for ePortfolios, so that is something I will have to investigate before school starts again.  I am also thinking of ways to do this without technology in case they don't work as well as I am hoping.  You always need a plan B right?  I am thinking about possibly binder portfolios that are accessible to everyone.

In Paul's class, students reflect on their own work.  He describes this process using both assignment specific questions as well as a more generic reflection process.  I think it is a great way to get a student to think more deeply when they reflect on what they have done.  I will definitely be incorporating more of this next year.

I also love how the reflection process he provides has multiple steps, because this is something my students really struggled with during common assessments last year.  They wanted to skip steps.  This will provide training and experience for them.

Things I Want To Consider

1. How can I encourage students to keep improving their assignments, even after a unit has been completed?

2. How will grades work in my classroom?

Make sure to check out what other bloggers have to say about this chapter over at The Primary Gal's blog!

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 1 - What is a Student-Led Classroom?

Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms.

Chapter 3 - Peer Collaboration

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

Chapter 6 - Active Learning

Chapter 7 - 21st Century Skills

Chapter 8 - Empowerment

Guest Blogging At One Stop Teacher Shop - 5 Ways to Practice Math Facts

This post has been moved here.

Learn Like A Pirate - Peer Collaboration

I am linking up again today with The Primary Gal for chapter 3 in her Learn Like a Pirate book study.  If you missed my last two postings, you can find them here:

Chapter 1- What is a Student Led Classroom?
Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms

I may not be the world's biggest football fan, but I have to agree with Vince Lombardi on this one - teamwork is essential in today's world.  What are we doing to prepare our students to be successful team members?  Am I doing enough in my classroom? This chapter is all about collaboration which Paul Solar says, "...is the cornerstone of a student-led classroom."  He says that he tells his students, "Two brains are better than one!"  I LOVE that!

We're In This Together

Solarz emphasizes the need for the classroom to be a collaborative community. In his classroom he has chosen not to micro-manage, but instead discusses expectation together.  Everyone has a voice and is encouraged to share his or her thoughts.

"Give Me Five" - Empower Students to Lead

I have seen many teachers (including myself) use the "Give Me Five" signal as a way to get student attention.  The difference here is that the students in a student led classroom also have the power to use this signal.  Wow!  What a game changer! I would have no idea how to implement this in my classroom, but luckily Paul explains his method so I can try it out myself. He gives suggestions for:

*How students use Give-Me Fives in the Classroom
*How to introduce Give-Me Fives
*Teaching students to use their power wisely

 I know it will be a big learning curve for the students and myself as well, but this is definitely something I will be adding to my classroom this year.

Provide Spaces That Encourage Learning

This will probably be the easiest thing for me to implement from this chapter since I already do it.  I have 4 large rectangle tables in my class that the students use as desks, but they don't spend much time sitting there.  They are allowed to spread out around the room wherever they are most comfortable.  Most of the time this means they are on the floor, but I think they learn best when they are comfortable.

The BEST seat in the house!

Assigning Partners

Paul gives several suggestions for using partnerships in the classroom.  He not only gives several ways to assign them, but also reasons for using partnership including:

* Assigning partnerships to improve interaction
* Using responsibility partners to raise the bar
* Teaching strategies for dealing with conflict

I have used partnerships extensively in my classroom, but I LOVE some of the suggestions Paul gives for making them work even better!


Classroom Meetings

I always love when I find my teaching practices affirmed in a great book like this, and again I am finding ways to improve on what I am currently doing!  I have a morning meeting already in place, but, I love some of the suggestions given in this chapter.  Paul has even given some suggestions of meeting topics that he has used within his classroom to give you a jumping point to start off on. My mind is spinning with great ideas!

Using Shared Reading to Teach Empathy

Again, another practice affirmed!  I love using shared reading to get my students to be more empathetic.  Solarz recommends using the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio at the beginning of the year to build empathy in your classroom.  Two years ago, I read this with my 4th graders, and now that I am looping with my current 3rd graders to 4th grade, I had planned to read it again.

Some of my other favorites are:

* The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
* The One and Only Ivan
* How to Steal a Dog
* Dear Mr. Henshaw

Promoting the Right Kind of Competition

While competition in the classroom can be damaging, Paul focuses on internal competition with each student continually competing to do their best. He tries to have the students zero in on what it means to try one's hardest and how to bring peers along for the ride.

So far, this has been my favorite chapter and I can't wait to keep reading!

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 1 - What is a Student-Led Classroom?

Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms.

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

Chapter 6 - Active Learning

Chapter 7 - 21st Century Skills

Chapter 8 - Empowerment