Sunday, August 11, 2013
Pinteresting Projects
The world of Pinterest has engulfed me, swallowed me whole . . . yes, ladies and gents, my name is Zoraida and I am a Pinterest addict!
The very first Pinterest Project I took on was putting together a 'theme' for my classroom . . . and as soon as I can do a visual walkthrough, I absolutely will!!! In the meantime, I figured I could share what I believe will be an entirely efficient noise volume controller. I expect to let a couple of letters do the talking for me with respect to the class' volume. I cannot find the first source, however, I know that there are now many iterations on Pinterest for this concept and by no means could I take credit for developing this first. The options I have seen vary from foam letters to printing on magnetized tag board . . . This is my version of . . .
{NOISE}
The idea is that simple letters will remain on my front white board and will encourage all of my students to stay at the right volume. I'll explain the concept as a whole group exercise so everyone understands what NOISE is all about. I operate out of three volumes in my classroom . . .
{0} - No volume, chances are we are testing,
{1} - Classroom volume, your shoulder buddy or face partner can hear you, but, not the next table or the table on the opposite side of the room,
{2} - Outside volume, you are outside and want to get somebody's attention and may even need to yell to do so.
By taking away the E, S, and on, a class has the ability to take pause on their own and do a self-check . . . if only two letters are up, the N and the O, then the expectation will be that there will be no talking until further notice! All the while, there was no silly requesting of the behavior I do want to see in the classroom. I love how this is a more positive and acceptable way of getting student cooperation with noise volume in the classroom!
I love bright lime green a.k.a. chartreuse and found these wooden letters at Michael's. I found some paint and coated the letters using a foam brush until I got just the right color of green I wanted. Then I added the glitterized paint as the last coat of paint for some sparkle! Next, I cut pieces of magnetic tape and used superglue to the back of the letters! The magnetic tape was not sticky enough on its own without having to take the extra step of using superglue. Voila!
The very first Pinterest Project I took on was putting together a 'theme' for my classroom . . . and as soon as I can do a visual walkthrough, I absolutely will!!! In the meantime, I figured I could share what I believe will be an entirely efficient noise volume controller. I expect to let a couple of letters do the talking for me with respect to the class' volume. I cannot find the first source, however, I know that there are now many iterations on Pinterest for this concept and by no means could I take credit for developing this first. The options I have seen vary from foam letters to printing on magnetized tag board . . . This is my version of . . .
{NOISE}
The idea is that simple letters will remain on my front white board and will encourage all of my students to stay at the right volume. I'll explain the concept as a whole group exercise so everyone understands what NOISE is all about. I operate out of three volumes in my classroom . . .
{0} - No volume, chances are we are testing,
{1} - Classroom volume, your shoulder buddy or face partner can hear you, but, not the next table or the table on the opposite side of the room,
{2} - Outside volume, you are outside and want to get somebody's attention and may even need to yell to do so.
By taking away the E, S, and on, a class has the ability to take pause on their own and do a self-check . . . if only two letters are up, the N and the O, then the expectation will be that there will be no talking until further notice! All the while, there was no silly requesting of the behavior I do want to see in the classroom. I love how this is a more positive and acceptable way of getting student cooperation with noise volume in the classroom!
I love bright lime green a.k.a. chartreuse and found these wooden letters at Michael's. I found some paint and coated the letters using a foam brush until I got just the right color of green I wanted. Then I added the glitterized paint as the last coat of paint for some sparkle! Next, I cut pieces of magnetic tape and used superglue to the back of the letters! The magnetic tape was not sticky enough on its own without having to take the extra step of using superglue. Voila!
My Classroom
So this year is the year where I believe many, many significant changes are going to happen for my students as well as for myself. I decided to search for a theme that would really reflect this. In my search to find a suitable theme, I thought of how this new year will be for me in many ways going down a winding road that takes me to completely new places. The idea of GOING PLACES or taking a ROAD TRIP were born.
I had done my very best to stay away from Pinterest for so many reasons . . . I thought, it looks addictive . . . I'll spend all of my so-called extra time on it . . . but, in the end I caved thanks to a wonderful friend who helped get me hooked . . . Tina Salinas King . . . thanks for creating a complete Pinterest addict out of me . . . anyway, I am thankful nevertheless for this wonderfully all-consuming place where we all go for enlightened inspiration.
While Pinteresting one day, it is there that I began my fascination with all things Schoolgirl Style by Melanie Ralbusky . . . the woman has it together . . . classroom decor that is POSITIVELY enviable!!! It was there that I fell in love with . . . http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2013/04/road-trip/. These are a couple of the pictures where I was SOLD instantly!!
I assure you that it was precisely what I needed to get going and dream my little dream of taking my kids places this year!!
I have a thing about not wanting to see backpacks out in my classroom . . . so when I checked out my new room for the first time, I KNEW then that I had to find a way to cover the cubbies. I will be using the Linen Large Letter Postcard motif used in the Road Trip theme . . . somehow my wish of tying the fabric to my theme was solved when I found this fabric . . . and using Route 66 as a springboard for taking the Road Trip was materialized . . .
I had done my very best to stay away from Pinterest for so many reasons . . . I thought, it looks addictive . . . I'll spend all of my so-called extra time on it . . . but, in the end I caved thanks to a wonderful friend who helped get me hooked . . . Tina Salinas King . . . thanks for creating a complete Pinterest addict out of me . . . anyway, I am thankful nevertheless for this wonderfully all-consuming place where we all go for enlightened inspiration.
While Pinteresting one day, it is there that I began my fascination with all things Schoolgirl Style by Melanie Ralbusky . . . the woman has it together . . . classroom decor that is POSITIVELY enviable!!! It was there that I fell in love with . . . http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2013/04/road-trip/. These are a couple of the pictures where I was SOLD instantly!!
I assure you that it was precisely what I needed to get going and dream my little dream of taking my kids places this year!!
I have a thing about not wanting to see backpacks out in my classroom . . . so when I checked out my new room for the first time, I KNEW then that I had to find a way to cover the cubbies. I will be using the Linen Large Letter Postcard motif used in the Road Trip theme . . . somehow my wish of tying the fabric to my theme was solved when I found this fabric . . . and using Route 66 as a springboard for taking the Road Trip was materialized . . .
And to cover the cork boards in the classroom, I picked out this very interesting Route 66 fabric!
To add a dimension of space in the room, I did go ahead with a fadeless paper print in the form of rolling hills under clouds, this will go against the back wall for a great focal point in the room!
It is now August and unfortunately, my room is not yet cleared out. A whole domino effect has to happen first, the kind where two other moves have to happen so mine finally does, I am a bit concerned I must say. I expect this will change since I've got to attend New Employee Orientation beginning August 12th . . . yikes, does NOT begin to cover my anxiety!!! I foresee a CrAzY beginning to the new year!! Being a new 6th year teacher you would think I'm immune to the ensuing stress and NO, NOT REALLY!! Ha!!!
Writing
"If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don't write, because our culture has no use for it." Anais Nin
Reading
"A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting." Henry David Thoreau
This Blog!
"Literature must be an analysis of experience and a synthesis of the findings into a unity." Rebecca West
{ IN THE BEGINNING }
I was introduced to the blogging world in 2009, but, I cannot say that responding to readings was much fun! Ha! Well, I am in the year of many, many, many transitions. So, I decided it would be a great idea to take some time every other now and then and journal electronically via this brand new blog about how I am GOING PLACES personally and professionally this school year! I am about to begin a second chapter in my educational career in just a few short weeks. I will begin my sixth year in a new district, with a new and reinvigorated commitment to education. I soooooo look forward to all of the experiences that are sure to come my way! I feel like this blog can be what I make of it. This blog can be a place where I can shape ideas, investigate others, but, more importantly connect with other like minded educators inside or outside of my district, and wherever this tiny blog may reach!
I was introduced to the blogging world in 2009, but, I cannot say that responding to readings was much fun! Ha! Well, I am in the year of many, many, many transitions. So, I decided it would be a great idea to take some time every other now and then and journal electronically via this brand new blog about how I am GOING PLACES personally and professionally this school year! I am about to begin a second chapter in my educational career in just a few short weeks. I will begin my sixth year in a new district, with a new and reinvigorated commitment to education. I soooooo look forward to all of the experiences that are sure to come my way! I feel like this blog can be what I make of it. This blog can be a place where I can shape ideas, investigate others, but, more importantly connect with other like minded educators inside or outside of my district, and wherever this tiny blog may reach!
I am a bilingual educator that has been lucky to teach in a Dual Language program and teach all content in the past. It was truly rewarding to be able to teach all content in Spanish! As that program was phased out, it was interesting to say the least, becoming a Bilingual Teacher that focused on Language Arts and Social Studies. I realized one program had little to do with the other. My inclination for all things literary began back then. I believe it's my love for all things literary that have definitely energized me to take the next steps in my career.
I have found an abundance of educational blogs to follow that reflect passion for different things. Finding blogs that also incorporate the needs of bilingual children, now that's been a bit more challenging. As a Latina that loves her culture, and has worked to improve her community, I do hope this blog becomes an extension of that. So, what this means is that you are likely to pick up on some English as a Second Language practices along with bilingual ones by reading my blog!
I hope you are motivated to GO PLACES with me, won't you follow me on Bloglovin'? Select the Bloglovin' button and be one of the very first of followers of this most tiny and humble blog!
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