CoDiNg & rObOtIcS

Helpful Tips

• Let students explore! Give the time to play with it and come up with their own codes.
• Let students be the teacher! Let the students learn own their own and teach YOU!
• Encourage failure! Let students know that this classroom is a safe environment for them to try, fail, and try again!
• Coding and robotics is NOT only for science!!!

Coding with Bee Bots:

Math:

• Adding & Subtracting: have the students roll two dice, add or subtract, code the bot to go to the sum. 
• Mapping: code locational coordinaates to navigate a map.
• 
  
• Even & odd numbers: have students roll the die, if they get an even number they code the bot to go up the ladder, if they get an odd number they code the bot to go down the ladder. 
• Colors & Shapes: code the bot to go to certain colors and/or shapes.

Literacy:

• Spelling words: one student draws a card and the other spells the word on the card using the bot to move from letter to letter.
• Short stories: prepared drawings on the board and have students tell the key events from the story using the bee bot.
• Retell: have students to use the bee bot to retell events from a story
• Letters and Sounds: have students to identify letters and sounds useing the bee bot. 

Super Assessments for Super Teachers

Assessments
Assessments are the key component of learning. When students can see how they are doing, they will be able to see what they are able to understand. Assessments help to motivate studets by setting goals and being able to see when they achive those goals.

Formal and Informal Assessment
Informal assessment is catagorized as non-standardized and is not taken for a grade. This type of assessment is formative, meaning it is taken throughout the learning process and is used as a way for the teacher to further specifiy their instruction so that it is meeting students' needs throughout the process. This type of assessment is individualized to the student and is used to motivate student learning.
Examples:

• Think-Pair-Share
• Discussions
• Journal entries
• Kahoot!
• Hand signals
• 4 Corners
• Stop/Go sticks, cards, or cups

Formal assessment, on the other hand, is standardized, structured, and taken for a grade. This type of assessment is taken after the learning process. For example, an end of unit test of end of semester comprehensive exam. This assessment is testing the students knowledge and comprhension of the skills that have been taught to show what they know.
Examples:

• End of chapter/unit tests
• Midterms/Finals
• Projects 
• Presentations
• Term Papers

Assessment Tools:

• Kahoot!
• Prodigy
• educreations
• FlipGrid
• goformative.com

The Wonders and Uses of Nearpod

This amazing instructional platform provides a space for teachers and students to engage and participate in formative assessment and dynamic media so that they are able to learn and build new experiences together. This platform enables and enhances student participation while promoting 21st century skills and creating digital citizens. Teachers have the option to choose between a variety of pre-created lessons of all subjects and age ranges or they may create their own lessons and fun activities. There are many different games, vitual field trips, discussion tools, and quiz tools available to be inserted into a lessons. The teacher may also download a presentation they have created from Goolge Docs or Google Slides into their Nearpod lesson. Once they have picked the lesson or created their own lesson, their students may access it from any of their own devices using a code given to them upon starting the lesson. They may interact with the lesson, with the teacher, and with each other in real time throughout the lesson. They can participate in games together, write on virtual sticky notes and post them on virtual boards, go on virtual field trips, and take quizes created by the teacher in real time. All answers and progress are recorded for the use of assessment by the teacher.

Nearpod Categories:

• Nearpod DCL: Digital Citizenship & Literacy
• Nearpod CCE: College & Career Exploration
• Nearpod EL: English Learners
• Nearpod LL: Learning Lab
• Nearpod HPL: Historical Perspective & Literacy
• Nearpod SEL: Social & Emotional Learning

Cost:

• Silver (Free) - Includes sessions sizes up to 40, storage space up to 50 MB, lesson size up to 20MB, and basic features.
• Gold ($120/year) - Includes session sizes up to 50, storage space up to 3GB, lesson size up to 50 MB, and advanced features.
• Platinum (349/year) - Includes session size up to 75, storage space up tp 5 GB, leasson size up to 50 MB, premium features.
• School & District (Contact Nearpod 1-855-NEARPOD) - Includes session size up tp 200, storage space up to 20 GB, lesson size up tp 80 MB, and all features.
• Higher education (Contact Nearpod 1-855-NEARPOD) - Includes session size up to 250, staorage space up to 25GB, lesson size up to 100 MB, all features.

My Nearpods

https://share.nearpod.com/afjqf84cQ0
https://share.nearpod.com/LjA1EUsk30
https://share.nearpod.com/30vKWNSGH0

Traditional Literature Book Blog #2

Stone Soup
Witten by Ann McGovern
Illustrated by Winslow Pinney Pels
Published by Scholastic Inc. in September 1st, 1986
Genre: Traditional Literature
Number of Pages: 32




Overview
In this timeless book, a very clever man successfully tricks an old woman into believing that soup can be made from a stone. As the pot of water boils witht he stone in it, the clever man urges the old woman to add wore and more ingredients until the soup is a feast that is "fit for a king". The illustrations perfectly depict their time period and are a great representation of what the story is trying to convey.

"Effective simple story about a young wayfarer who tricks an old woman into making a hearty soup. A funny story." 

-- Publishers Weekly, 

Grade Level: Pre-k - 3

Content Area: Literature, Friendship, Teamwork

Student Connection: This is a wonderful book to help depict the meaning of teamwork and friendship. 

If you were having problems with students not wanting to work together of work in groups, this would be

a great book to help them to understand why doing so is so important and constructive to their learning envionment. 

Poetry Book Blog #2

The Llama Who Had No Pajama
Written by Mary Ann Hobermann
Illustrated by Betty Fraser
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on April 1, 2006
Genre: Poetry
Number of Pages: 68




Overview
This wonderful book of poetry covers every topic from centipede to whales, from swinging on swings to ice-skating in winter, from eating applesauce to celebrating birthdays, the wonderful poems in this amazing collection convey the experiences of childhood in a fresh new light without sacfrificing its timelessness. The illustrations by Betty Fraser dont just add to the text, but enhance it all together. With beautiful pops of color and discriptive imagary, readers will be engaged and entertained from beginning to end.

"Hoberman's rhythms are lively and agile, and her imagination and sense of humor are still in tune with young readers. Fraser's simple but detailed gouache and watercolor illustrations exhibit the same qualities . . . Good for beginning or experienced readers of poetry, this should indeed become a favorite."

--School Library Journal

Grade level: K-2

Content Area: Poetry, Literature, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Early Literacy

Student Connection: This book is not only full of rhyming words and alliterations, but it also full of all sorts of information about different experiences. This book could be used for a vieriety of different topics and a great way to introduce new experiences to your class!

Poetry Book Blog

The Wonkey Donkey
Written by Craig Smith
Illustrated by Katz Cowley
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks on October 2018
Genre: Poetry
Number of Pages: 24




Overview
   Children and adults of all ages will love this spunky, funky book! Follow the journey of the endearing, wonky donkey and find out what all he gets into along the way. Warning: this book may cause fits of laughter and a demand to be reread. The illustrations of this lovely wonky donkey help to further express the silly nature of the book and its intent to make readers laugh.

Grade level: K - 3
Content area: Literature, Poetry, English, Phonemic Awareness
Student connection: This would be a wonderful book for a phonemic awareness lesson to teach rhyming words. Especially if you had students who were struggling to grasp the concept. It would be great to read in a small group and maybe have them hold up something or do something every time they hear words that rhyme. If I wanted to take it one step further for gifted students, I could have them to name out the sounds and explain to me what would make the words rhyme.

Historical Fiction Book Blog #2

Number the Stars
Written by Lois Lowry
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on May 2, 2011 (reissued edition)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 137




Overview
   While the German troops are beginning their campaign to "relocate" the Jews of Denmark, the main character, Annemarie Johansen, and her family takes in Annemarie's best friend, Ellen Rosen, and hides her by pretending she is a part of their family. Throught the eyese of a ten year old, we get to see the Danish Resistance smuggle almost an entire Jewish population, nearly thoughsands of people, across the sea of Sweden.  The heroism shown by the nation in this book helps to reminds us that there was pride and humannity even in the world of war and terror.

"The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable—impossible to put down; difficult to forget."

—The Horn Book

Grade Level: 5-6

Content Area: Social studies, History, Diversity

Student Connection: This would be a wonderful book to read when descussing the history of the German's and Jew's and the whole time period associated with that. I remember reading this book in sixth grade and I have never forgotten it since. I would have my gifted students read it and discuss it to help them to further expand their knowledge and to challenge them to really get into the perspective of someone living out this historical time period. 

Contemporary Realistic Fiction Book Blog #2

Because of Winn Dixie
Written by Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press on March 2000
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Numer of Pages: 208



Overview
  Because of Winn-Dixie is a story of a 10 year old little girl who's live get changed by a fate encounter at her local Winn-Dixie grocerie store. Soon, Opal, our main character, realizes that the dog she rescued from the grocerie store is no ordinary dog. Choosing to name him after the store he was found in, Winn-Dixie continuously surprises his new owner and the many people they meet along the way. The illustrations on the cover are beautifully painted with vibrant colors that really help the readers to visualize the small town setting and the small town people who occupy it. This is such a wonderful book to introduce real-worl topics that may be hard to discuss withint the classroom setting. 
  

"Take one disarmingly engaging protagonist and put her in the company of a tenderly rendered canine and you've got yourself a recipe for the best kind of down-home literary treat. Kate DiCamillo's voice in Because of Winn-Dixie should carry from the steamy, sultry pockets of Florida clear across the miles to enchant young readers everywhere." 

— Karen Hesse, author of the Newbery-award winner Out of the Dust

Grade Level: 4-6

Content Area: Social studies, friendship, Diversity

Student Connection: This book is a great way to introduce students to real world matters. It discusses topics like divorce, death, and achololism. This would be a great book for gifted students to read in small group together and have discussion about the hard topics that are addresses within this book. 

Contemporary Realistic Fiction Book Blog #1

Wonder
Written and illustrated by P. J. Palacio
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 14th, 2012
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Number of Pages: 316



Overview
  Wonder is a beautifully written novel about a young boy who stands out. Auggie Pullman has a facial deformity. This challenges him and his whole family, especially when Auggie decides to go to real school instead of being homeschooled by his mom. I love how this story shows many different perspectives to really help to give the reader insight about what is going on in all of the characters' lives. The illustrations on the cover and throughout the chapters are simple, but yet, so impactful. Creating a sense of wonder and curiosity about each character and their story. 

"Wonder is essentially ... a wonder. It's well-written, engaging, and so much fun to read that the pages almost turn themselves. More than that, Wonder touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Do yourself a favor and read this book – your life will be better for it." 

- Nicholas Sparks, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Grade Level: 4-6

Content Area: Social studies, friendship, Diversity

Student Connection: This book is a great way to introduce students to differences and disabilities. If there were a student in the classroom with some sort of disability, this would be a great way to help students understand what they may be feeling of going through. 

NonFiction Book Blog #2

For The Right To Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story
Written by Rebecca Langston-George
Illustrated by Janna Rock
Published by Capstone Press on July 1st, 2016
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Number of Pages: 40



Overview
   Malala Yousafzai grew up in a society where women are supposed to be quiet, but she refused to abide by this standard! Malala defied the Taliban's rules, fought for women's education, and was even almost murdered for her actions. This powerful and inspirational story of one courageous girl that helped to change the world and prove that one person CAN make a difference!
   The illustrations help to further explain the true events and helps the reader to understand the complexity and danger of Malala's quest to fight for women's' educational rights!

   

"One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."

-Malala Yousafzai

Grade Level: 4-6

Content Area: Social Studies, Diversity

Student Connection: This book is a great way to show students how one person can really change the world and it helps them to learn more about how life is in different cultures and different parts of the world. It would be great for a social studies lesson!

Science Fiction Book Blog #2

A Wrinkle In Time
Written by Madeleine L'Engle
Published by Square Fish; Reprint edition (May 1, 2007)

Genre: Science Fiction
Number of pages: 256




Overveiw 
   The arrival of a disturbing stranger in the middle of the night is a shock to Meg Murry and her family. This is the beginning of an exciting and crazy adventure to find her father, who is a scientist who dissapeared while working on a secret project. This story perfectly dipicts Meg's unusual adventures throughout space and time.

Grade Level: 3-8
Contant Area: Language Arts, Science
Student Connection: This book is a wonderful book for gifted students who need a bit a more challenging read. This would be a great discussion book and class read, as well.

Modern Fantasy Book Blog #2

A Bad Case of Stripes
Written and illustrated by David Shannon
Published by Abridge on June 1st, 2004
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Number of pages: 32



Overveiw 
  Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she doesnt eat them because the other kids in her school doesn't like them. She is very worried about what they will think about her and wants to fit in, but then she becomes compltely covered in stripes! Not just that, she seems to change color to match what is happening around her! Insead of blending in, like she desperately wanted, she is standing out more than ever! Is there anyone that can help fix Camilla Cream?
    The illustrattions in this book are fantasitically creative and colorful. They help students to make connections with the characters and the plot. The pictures are very detailed and beautiffully depicts the scenes of the wonderful story being told!



Grade Level: K-4
Contant Area: Language Arts, Sequencing, Acceptance
Student Connection: This would be a great book for students with special needs or disabilities. It helps to teach students to learn how to accept each other difference and accept their own differences. It helps to start disscussions about not being afraid to stand out. This would also be a great book to help students learn sequencing and themes.

Modern Fantasy Book Blog

Tuck Everlasting
Written by Natalie Babbitt
Published by Square Fish; first edition in 1975, Sunburst edition 1985, Film tie-in edition 2002
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Number of pages: 192



   In this fantastically written book, the Tuck family is presented with a new way of life after drinking from a magical spring. They must live life inconspicuously as they can because of their newfound immortality. One day, Winnie Foster stumbles upon their secret, everlasting lives and is dragged into their world of life without death. Throughout this exciting adventure, problems arise and obstacles are met. Will Winnie choose to join their immortal way of life in the end?

"A fearsome and beautifully written book that can't be put down or forgotten."

- Jean Stafford, The New Yorker

"Flawless in both style and structure."

-The Horn Book

Grade Level: 3-5

Content Area: English Language Arts 

Student Connection: This would be a wonderful book for gifted students to be able to have discussion groups about the plot, characters, and moral standings of the book. You could discuss with your students the choices Winnie makes and ask what choice they would have made and why. 

International Literature Book Blog #2

Malala's Magic Pencil
Written by Malala Yousafzai
Illustrated by Kerascoet
Published by Little, Brown and Company on October 17th, 2017
Genre: International Literature, Autobiography
Number of pages: 48



Overview 

   This is a true story about Malala Yousafzai and her fight for womens' education in Pakistan. In this story she wishes for a magic pencil to be able to draw whatever she needs, including making everyone happy, erasing the smell of garbage, and sleeping an extra hour. As she grows older and wiser throughout the book, she realizes that there are more important things to wish for. Malala eventually decides she's going to work hard to make her wishes come true instead of wishing for a magic pencil to do it for her.
   Kerascoet beautifully illustrated this retelling of such a captivating true story. This is a great way to show a younger audience the worldview that inspired Malala, and now inspires many others, to have hope and fight for what they believe in.

"This is a wonderful read for younger students that will also provide insight and encourage discussion about the wider world. ... The simplicity of Yousafzai's writing and the powerful message she sends, make this book inspirational for all."

―School Library Journal

"Kerascoët's bright, reportorial watercolors match the text's directness and sincerity, adding gold embellishments to give Malala's hopes and optimism a radiant physicality. The Malala in these pages is both approachable and extraordinary."

―Publishers Weekly 

Lesson and Activity

Content Area: Social Studies, Multiculturalism

Standard: 6 ) Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters. [RL.3.6]

24 ) Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. [W.3.3]

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time.

Discussion: Discuss the sequence of events with students. Ask them to share a time they stood up for something they believed in.

Activity: Ask students to draw and write about what they would do if they had a magic pencil and share it with the class.

Reading level: 3-4
Interest level: K-4

Sources: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316319570?_encoding=UTF8&isInIframe=0&n=283155&ref_=dp_proddesc_0&s=books&showDetailProductDesc=1#product-description_feature_div
https://alex.state.al.us/standardAll.php?grade=3&subject=ELA2015&summary=2
https://www.booktable.net/book/9780316319577

Diverse Perspective Book Blog #2

The Name Jar
Written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi
Published by Dragonfly Books; Reprint edition on October 14th, 2003
Genre: Diverse Perspective Fiction, Children's Literature
Number of Pages: 40



Overview 
   Being in a new school is hard enough, but imagine also being in a new town and new country. Unhei is the new kid in school who just moved from North Korea with her family. As every kid would be, she is worried and anxious about making friends and the other kids not being able to pronounce her traditional Korean name.  During the first day of school, instead of introducing herself, she decides to pick a new name. Deciding on a new name is a whole new adventure!

   This is a wonderful book to introduce diversity, multiculturism, and acceptence of differences. Students can become aware of idividuality and self acceptance while also learning about friendship. This would be a great way to integrate different cultures into your classroom! Xangsook Choi (author and illustrator) created beautifully simplistic illustrations that enhances the readers experience. Students will adore this book!

“Unhei's reflection and inner strength are noteworthy; cultural details freshen the story." 

- The New York Times

“Beautifully written and illustrated.” - Philadelphia Times

“Interweaving several issues into this touching account and delicately addressing the challenges of assimilation.” 

- Kirkus Reviews

Lesson and Activtiy 

Content Area: Self-Acceptance, Confidence, Kindness, Multiculturalism

Standard: 3 ) Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges. [RL.2.3]

6 ) Acknowledge differences in the points of view of characters, including by speaking in a different voice for each character when reading dialogue aloud. [RL.2.6]

15 ) Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe. [RI.2.6]

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time.

Discussion: Discuss the importance of acceptance, differences, and diversity. Ask students to identify the characters motivation to change her name and why she ended up deciding against it.

Activity: Discuss the importance of names, cultural diversity, tolerance, and self acceptance. Read other books on the subjects, such as, Crysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn, and The First Thing My Mama Told Me by Susan Marie Swanson. Set out a variety of book with baby names and meanings. Do "What's Behind Your Name" activity shown below.

Reading level: Grades 1-4
Interest level: Grades K-3

Sources: 

https://www.dogobooks.com/the-name-jar/book-review/037580613X

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/alycia-zimmerman/what-s-name-back-school-literacy-unit/

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=11998&a=1

 

Picture Book Perfection #2

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Written by Patty Lovell
Illustrated by David Catrow
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons; 1st edition on August 27, 2001
Genre: Picture Book, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature
Number of pages: 32



Overview 

   Molly Lou Melon is not an ordinary little girl. She has buck teeth, a bullfrog voice, and a short stature. Other people notice this as well, her grandmother, who encourages her throughout the entire book, and a little boy, who makes fun of her for her differences. Regardless of the teasing, Molly Lou Melon is unwaveringly confident and joyful.

   This is an outstanding book to use in the classroom to help teach students about acceptance, confidence, kindness, and awareness of what teasing and bullying are. The book is a great example of how to handle bullying or teasing situations. Molly Lou Melon continues to stay positive and confident regardless of how others treat her and address the problem in a nonviolent way. This is a wonderful book for children and even adults who worry about what others think of them. It encourages us to do things anyway, regardless of what others think or say.

   David Catrow, the illustrator, paints imaginative illustrations for readers. Using bright and exciting colors. Each picture attracts attention and drives students to want to know more about what happens next.




Lesson and Activity

Content Area: Bullying, Confronting Fears, Self Esteem, Confidence, Kindness

Standards: 9 ) Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding. [RL.K.10]
8 ) With prompting and support, compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories. [RL.K.9]
1 ) With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text. [RL.K.1]
17 ) Describe the logical connection between particular sentences and paragraphs in a text (e.g., comparison; cause and effect; first, second, third in a sequence). [RI.3.8]
12 ) With prompting and support, describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text. [RI.K.3]

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time. 

Discussion: Ask students to discuss cause and effect. Why did Molly Lou's grandma tell her to "Smile big and the world will smile right alongside you?" What do you think that means? Why did the child at her new school think she was good at football? How come Ronald Durkin brought Molly Lou a penny?

Activity: Ask students to visualize. Molly Lou showed Ronald Durkin and the other kids the things that Ronald teased her about are all the things that made her special. Pick three things unique about yourself and visualize how it makes you feel special. Ask students to draw a picture and/or write these things. Hang artwork in the classroom or in the hallway. 

Reading level: Grades K-3

Interest level: Grades 2-4

Sources:
https://alex.state.al.us/standardAll.php?grade=0&subject=ELA2015&summary=2 
https://www.booksource.com/Products/Stand-Tall--Molly-Lou-Melon__0399234160.aspx
https://www.dogobooks.com/stand-tall-molly-lou-melon/book-review/0399234160
http://museumofdisability.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/4.-LESSON-PLAN-Stand-Tall-Molly-Lou-Melon.pdf
http://thepicturebookteachersedition.blogspot.com/2013/09/stand-tall-molly-lou-melon-by-patty.html

Integrated Arts In Early Childhood Education

Integrated Arts Digital Portfolio

Here is a Digital Portfolio I made for my 21st Century Teaching and Learning class. This presentation has many great resources for how to integrate the arts into the Early Childhood curriculum. Enjoy!

 
DIY Integrated Arts Crafts

Creative Movement Cube

 This was super easy and cheap to make.

Supplies:
Styrofoam cube
Cardstock
Scissors
Hot glue

I personally made each of the activities in a word document. I just typed the activity and inserted clipart underneath it. Once it was all printed out, I laminated it and cut it out, then hot glued each one onto the sides of the cube.

Classroom Use:
You can use this as a fun and interactive activity for creative movement. Have students roll the cube like a dice and do the activity it lands on.

http://choices4children.blogspot.com/2013/10/move-like-animal-cube.html

Drama/Theater Puppets

These were surprisingly easy and fun to make!

Supplies:
Felt
Scissors
Marker
Hot glue
Googly Eyes (optional)

I printed out the template from the website below and used it to cut out each piece of the puppets. Then, I hot glued them together and drew the mouths or noses on and added googly eyes! Super simple and cute!

Classroom Use:
These can be used for so many different things!

• They can enhance storytelling time or read aloud time. 
• They can be used for drama/theater. 
• Students can use them to help express themselves.
• Used as an interactive activity during centers.

https://30minutecrafts.com/2018/01/no-sew-felt-puppets.html

Sensory Letter Activity

Originally, I started to make the road letters myself but ended up printing out the road letters that were already made on the website below. However, if you want to make them yourself, I'll list the supplies below.

Supplies:
Cardstock
Black or grey construction paper
White or yellow marker or paint

Cut each letter from construction paper and glue them onto white cardstock. Add white or yellow road lines to each letter. Laminate each one (optional).

Classroom Use: 
Have students use hot wheels cars or their finger to trace over each letter. This is great to help them learn their letters and can even be used with numbers and punctuation, as well.
https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/product/road-letters/