Twas the Week before Workdays

Twas' the week before workdays and all through the halls all the teachers were stirring even moving a piece of furniture or two... Anyways as you can tell I go back to school next WEEK. Yes, I know some of you blog buds are already back and you probably want to roll your eyes at me for whining. I normally would be so happy to go back but since lil boy was born (only 7 weeks ago) I have mixed emotions going back. With that said, my team is AWESOME!!! I am so pumped to work with them this year. We all have kids under 1 so it is going to be fabulous :) We have been meeting some the last few weeks to get things ready for the new year. Our principal required us to long range plan the 1st four weeks of instruction so actually my stress level (which is normally an 11) is not high at all. I feel that since all of the planning is done we can really focus on engaging and motivating our students. With that said, head over to my TpT store and download my M & M Place Value Activity. It is free right now so don't wait. This activity covers Common Core Numbers and Base Ten Goals 1 and 2 so enjoy!

QR...say what?

Last year at this time I did not have a clue what QR Codes. Fast forward to the present and I cannot imagine teaching without them. There are so many uses for them that I decided to come up with my top 10 uses for QR Codes.

What is a QR Code? To put it simply a QR Code is a barcode that once scan directs one to something be it a website, text etc.

Where can I create a QR Code? There are many websites now available to the techie for creating QR codes. Each quite simply require you to input your desired result for the QR Code (website, text, visual etc)

QR Stuff

Kaywa QR Code

Why use them in the classroom? Why not? They are an excellent way to motivate students to learn more information about a topic. My students LOVED practicing their multiplication because they could "check" their answer via QR Codes. Also, scavenger hunts were that much more exciting because of the codes.

How can I use them in the classroom?

1. Scavenger Hunts--what a great way to have students learn more about a topic. Students can read clues via their QR Scan and then complete a viewers guide to learn more. What a wonderful way for them to gather information prior to a whole group instruction.

2. Quizzes--link google forms to your qr code and you have instant data.

3. Multiplication Facts--students can check answers to problems they were given. I have bought several QR Games via teachers pay teachers. Worth.Every.Penny (Shhhh don't tell Mr. Husband ;)

4. Vocabulary Practice-word wall practice sort of like I have Who Has

5. Access to websites--I have a QR scan outside my room that anyone can use to access our class website.

6. Resources for Assignments--videos, websites, google docs

7. Interactive Notebooking Video

8. Project Links to show off student work in a gallery walk through. During our spring semester students presented a Thing LInk project all via QR Codes. It was awesome

9. Listening Stations--Croak it is a QR Code Generator that allows for voice capability

10.Grouping Students--students can scan a Code to find out which group they are working in and/or what their group job is going t be.

How are you using QR Codes in your classroom?

iPads

This year marks year TWO of 1:1 iPads in my room. I am so stoked to see the amazing products the students come up with using their iPads. Since I use iPads on a daily basis in my room I decided that I would blog weekly about our favorite class aps and WHY we love them. Enjoy


1. Edmodo-obviously this can be used through a website and not solely the app but it is a MUST for my classroom. I post daily morning work, track data and even use it for guided reading groups. This past school year our 4th grade classes collaborated via Edmodo on a NC History project. It is awesome to watch them communicate and work together in a 21st century way. This year my class is going to participate in the Global Read Aloud using Edmodo. More to come about that later.


2. Near Pod- Oh my word this app transformed my lessons. Nearpod allows students to view a presentation in real time on their iPad. Teachers can insert polls, questions, pictures etc to engage students. My kids LOVED when I said go to the app Nearpod. Also, nearpod has a data tracking feature so it is very teacher friendly!


3. Educreation- I think this was hands down a favorite of my kiddos. Educreations allows students and teachers to create video tutorials. Don't worry- it is so simple. I literally showed my students once what to do and they ran with it. By the end of the year students were creating videos to use in other classrooms and oh my they were amazing!


As you can tell I am obsessed with having iPads in my classroom. They have allowed me to take my teaching to another level. If you would like to check out my classroom blog head over to 4th grade friends!


What are your favorite apps? I am always looking for new ones to add to our collection :)

I'm {officially} Back

Hello my blog buds


Sorry for the LONG Hiatus from the blog. As of today, I am offically back in my blog mindset and will be {hopefully} posting more regularly. If you recall WAYYYYYY back in January I told you I was expecting my little bundle of JOY. Well, drum rolllll please..... I am so excited to introduce Joseph Timothy Justice to the blog world.

Baby boy was born June 30 at 6:59 p.m. He is a sweet and cuddly baby. Normally I am already working in my room and gearing up for the new school year. However, this little guy has my heart and time occupied. Although I am excited to return I will definitely put in my required hours during school then head HOME to see my boys.


Even though I have been rather occupied I have been pinning some ideas that I hope to implement this school year. Lets just say after school ended I had a little time before baby boy made his entrance so I organized, rearranged {and then some} ALL of my PInterest boards. Here are my top pins for the new year.


1. Interactive notebooking- this is something I always try but fail somewhere after the first few weeks. I bought these on TpT and cannot wait to use them to enhance my reading and math blocks.





2. Clip Chart and Class Dojo Combo- I love a good clip chart but after reading tips on how to incorporate class Dojo I feel that it will help track behavior and be a great tool for parent communication.





3. QR Scans- I absolutely LOVE QR Scans. They are so versatile in the classroom. I am planning to make QR Rewards for certain number of points on Class Dojo.





Well, its cuddle time with my lil man. I'm going to enjoy the next two weeks and spoil him while I still have time. Have a fabulous week blog loves!

Goals over Resolutions

It is crazy to believe that 2012 is a thing of the past. Where did the year go? Every year I attempt to set goals for the upcoming year. Here are my "blogger" goals:

1. Post weekly

2. Link up more often with fellow bloggers

3. Post more of my "stuff" on TPT and blog

To go along with my "goals" my first post of 2013 is to link up with my fav blogger Farley

Currently, I am soaking up what little bit of Christmas Break I have left. I should be completing lesson plans but I am blogging, snacking (hey I'm eating for two now), watching the Today Show and snuggling with my pups. This break has reminded me that I need to slow down and focus on what is important in life. I am looking forward to what the new year brings. I hope you all had a fantastic NYE and an even better 2013. Let's make it a great one together!

Wow...Long time no see

It has been forever AND a day since I last posted. Sorry for the extended hiatus. My school as you may remember was selected by our county to be the technology pilot school. We are 1:1 in grades 3-5. Every student and I mean every in 3rd-5th have an ipad to use every day at school. It has been an amazing learning experience. Through this initiative students have been able to learn to work collaboratively, think critically and have fun at the same time. My pins on pinterest have changed slightly in order to reflect the need to incorporate our iPads on a daily basis. Take a look at my top pins I have recently found.

Source: teacherspayteachers.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Source: swampfrogfirstgraders.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Source: cuentoexpress.wordpress.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Source: flapjackeducationalresources.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Im crafty and I know it... Haha, not really

As you know I love pinterest!!! I have pinned many fabulous ideas over the summer in hopes to transform my classroom. Well here is my latest pinterest adventure: crate seats. Hop over to my pinterest board for the link to the step by step directions I used.

Check out how mine turned out. Hey are not perfect but pretty close.