tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59826957883144163242024-03-13T23:10:47.798-07:00The HappyEdugatorTeaching ideas, strategies and resources for education for teachers, schools, and homeschool parents. HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-47388021876122857912021-12-05T12:30:00.004-08:002023-01-15T01:45:29.170-08:00Happy Holidays!<p><span style="background-color: white;">It has been a long time since I have posted anything. Life just got in the way and along came a pandemic. Now it's Christmastime once again, and I am sure everyone has busy lives at this time of year, so maybe you will relate. I hope everyone has an amazing holiday. I hope you are able to have peace, no matter what the circumstances. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">Some thoughts as we celebrate the holiday season: it is important to remember that not everyone looks forward to this time of year. Some people are not surrounded by large, wonderful families and friends. Some of us have problems during the holidays and are overcome with great sadness when we remember the loved ones who are not with us. For many, it is their first Christmas without a particular loved one, and many others have lost loved ones at Christmas time. Many people have no one </span><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">to </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.32px;">spend these times with and are besieged by loneliness. We all need caring, loving thoughts right now. I have seen and read about so much heartache and loss this season. My heart breaks for all those who feel the intense pain of loneliness, loss, financial stress, and grief. It is my wish that kindness and love will find you if you are suffering or hurting in any kind of way.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">If you are a teacher, I hope you find time to rest, relax, and recharge over this break. The days leading up to the holidays can be extremely stressful. Put aside some time for yourself and your family!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">So, it's winter...but don't let it get you down. Up here in the Pacific Northwest, it gets dark a little after 4 in the afternoon. The days are short, and the nights are long! It can get depressing, but if you keep your hands busy and your hearts light, it really isn't too bad. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Remember, you can still make a sock snowman! Fun to decorate with hearts for rosy cheeks.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZy5_GVajExABI3LJ6YP89i1TVW0Q3vN0hsmS9ghESwSSQicM1SA5cZx35sY_moaQHQ331WelSQ8MSZd2p7X1diPPyQ5ULFC0-n1i5YAcJcnhyjm_UDMpOmW5CizsygDJUULkee3fuHf4k1yjbefU9AabyZss2KjDrBe5exV0_rrk-rDBHy0tAkV_F=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZy5_GVajExABI3LJ6YP89i1TVW0Q3vN0hsmS9ghESwSSQicM1SA5cZx35sY_moaQHQ331WelSQ8MSZd2p7X1diPPyQ5ULFC0-n1i5YAcJcnhyjm_UDMpOmW5CizsygDJUULkee3fuHf4k1yjbefU9AabyZss2KjDrBe5exV0_rrk-rDBHy0tAkV_F=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">Another fun craft to do is to make a gourd Santa. A little red paint, felt, and glue is pretty much all it takes! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCSdJc9Bmv554F48qete-RrnshhRgePriqdUnEWklnv7h1JYo6AgNeNqBpU49o6fc665IJplpRCptz506J82M4Ex54irTD4ZittK8tOAaCK23e8ln94JxBTAXT-FerpKpB16x9StBAuXzksvpwJDHVIMap1t2jdEpfR-blB-dBxf1Sb0Z51gacaCuw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCSdJc9Bmv554F48qete-RrnshhRgePriqdUnEWklnv7h1JYo6AgNeNqBpU49o6fc665IJplpRCptz506J82M4Ex54irTD4ZittK8tOAaCK23e8ln94JxBTAXT-FerpKpB16x9StBAuXzksvpwJDHVIMap1t2jdEpfR-blB-dBxf1Sb0Z51gacaCuw=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you don't have a snow day and can't stay home, enjoy some fun winter activities in the warmth of your classroom. Take those old transparencies that you never use anymore...trace some stained-glass designs on them and let your students color to hang in the window. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhErApqjqM5C7TrmGdiFE8MCX0JO-KSMFOf2FSim_9fK_CeAAY63eWuM6B1dAYR5hNQL6yKrYwkHImFxpBPp8NdbG6WhjgGfhpFIQrKlcjup27f0GBLLgch6PqLmntRPC8xeWb_xqcYIk3372kJZC325WjO1ZgnQ6rWqbQxQogQgu1cCQAsqPcpyZ_C=s741" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="741" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhErApqjqM5C7TrmGdiFE8MCX0JO-KSMFOf2FSim_9fK_CeAAY63eWuM6B1dAYR5hNQL6yKrYwkHImFxpBPp8NdbG6WhjgGfhpFIQrKlcjup27f0GBLLgch6PqLmntRPC8xeWb_xqcYIk3372kJZC325WjO1ZgnQ6rWqbQxQogQgu1cCQAsqPcpyZ_C=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"> Or make some cute nutcrackers from paper towel rolls!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9mXeeDUSwcja3_NzDqda4pXg6UvTSHJLr-QZlw21RcRO9-i9PigM5kIYXvvNTKcZk6vAoI-5qH_v6EoeJT1k5hz40D7dOGZDrAuRCb_j7LAdoYq0tXYMBM5362_qONyqvxpadAjp6SSkazR3bt_xz4X-ONdGeLJDEzlQ2po7IORACMimWHfLj4Cdq=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9mXeeDUSwcja3_NzDqda4pXg6UvTSHJLr-QZlw21RcRO9-i9PigM5kIYXvvNTKcZk6vAoI-5qH_v6EoeJT1k5hz40D7dOGZDrAuRCb_j7LAdoYq0tXYMBM5362_qONyqvxpadAjp6SSkazR3bt_xz4X-ONdGeLJDEzlQ2po7IORACMimWHfLj4Cdq=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Remember, one of the most important gifts you can give this season is kindness. Be kind to all you meet, and when you go back to school, remember to be kind to all you teach. No matter how stressed you get, your students will always need your kindness. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As always, I will end with a freebie.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Christmas-Trivia-Sheet-w-Easel-Activity-176404" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRAke6yGY7n-OVzj34UjkOV-5R7_VqpsAnfjiewX597Tg8qTXDZHoMz8SWcBxi0jXyIvDRMBtVH0YxiuJr54oW9263oo3_BJxrqHx215wjTOGIq8zaRgfnvt8Wnl-Sir9YDEFcvtVqBvV03f0xVTqMwweYIAVof2uaplPN5Cqwm5qBHGNkHtN2IBCu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span><br />Best wishes for success always,</span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i>Deborah</i></span></span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></div><p><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></p>HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-10489046271435273272019-11-20T13:46:00.005-08:002023-01-15T01:44:31.054-08:00Thanksgiving Crossword PuzzleHello everyone!<br />
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I just added a cute little Thanksgiving crossword puzzle with a word bank to my store. You can pick it up for half price for 48 hours. It's just a little something fun the kids can do when they are getting restless for Thanksgiving Break. It is a mix of trivia about Thanksgiving past and present. Enjoy!<br />
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<img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Crossword-Puzzle-with-Word-Bank-Fun-Facts-5043162" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJg9D_8ZOSmuQYPxSVz5eHDUGlOD9bjnC3PHwylyArtGKITFDnpdtTy7-loxOUN1_GuBT32AD9YqBh5_9ew-fPte7yd6JUTebsZS9HAe4VM0hwDFHKpzPEI6_PfG0PaIT7uoEUuZ5bWRU/s320/cover+thanksgiving+crossword+puzzle.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Crossword-Puzzle-with-Word-Bank-Fun-Facts-5043162">Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle with Word Bank</a></div>
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Deborah</i>HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-43812963521661760872019-11-18T20:23:00.003-08:002019-11-18T21:47:26.595-08:00Thanksgiving is almost here...I can't believe it!Hello everyone,<br />
I am so shocked to realize that Thanksgiving is already upon us, and Christmas is just around the corner. How time flies!<br />
I thought I would share with you these cute ideas if you need a spark for your creativity.<br />
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Thanksgiving Minions - <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33anZUmzgC6fd2mcH1G4iXacErXqC1n2WP8d6S4mwGNT8N4Sl6oAZuU1MNv5HPTmJh-BgmJ0uTC3vGwpZjgfhxAdl-9w2WMbjrHuQDxDAAzbmNgYxWrGNo5JkYTK9TSF2zdXFK7xfmAQ/s1600/IMG_8358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33anZUmzgC6fd2mcH1G4iXacErXqC1n2WP8d6S4mwGNT8N4Sl6oAZuU1MNv5HPTmJh-BgmJ0uTC3vGwpZjgfhxAdl-9w2WMbjrHuQDxDAAzbmNgYxWrGNo5JkYTK9TSF2zdXFK7xfmAQ/s320/IMG_8358.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_Hje4U5copQMbJAT1NDuCJ-F_jHX3cRXKSaFqzUOOSf473wpVHGwdyCaE7PHQ1c6bMEiKvHL4S1LOL116kNYy4E2pmAclmlI6LSHh3CPUytgJPvwZT9QsPv3Kn3AhGURzoHn2QWqKwk/s1600/IMG_8491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_Hje4U5copQMbJAT1NDuCJ-F_jHX3cRXKSaFqzUOOSf473wpVHGwdyCaE7PHQ1c6bMEiKvHL4S1LOL116kNYy4E2pmAclmlI6LSHh3CPUytgJPvwZT9QsPv3Kn3AhGURzoHn2QWqKwk/s320/IMG_8491.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">My kiddos made cute little Minions to decorate our door. Our theme was " A Minion Reasons to Give Thanks!" </span><br />
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After we decorated our door with Minions and tissue paper ears of corn, we had another fun activity. We made turkey puppets!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXvr6XDlSMVQ5gUxgR6Ee2jva_yu5kqIRS41PHFbcUVfIM7aFidCepW3Y2MKydTGalWx_svLtvi2nMGlbf376QGGaoDuMGHJvtdkR08q3lmefJm3GehW09akfvcnuuyJclvIkYhJXDos/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXvr6XDlSMVQ5gUxgR6Ee2jva_yu5kqIRS41PHFbcUVfIM7aFidCepW3Y2MKydTGalWx_svLtvi2nMGlbf376QGGaoDuMGHJvtdkR08q3lmefJm3GehW09akfvcnuuyJclvIkYhJXDos/s320/IMG_8634.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
These were super simple to do. We made them in one afternoon. I made wattles out of red construction paper, feet out of orange construction paper, beaks out of yellow construction paper. Eyes and feathers were cut out of white copy paper. The pupils of the eyes were made black markers. The back was half of a paper plate. The kids had to color the feathers and their turkey backs, which gave me time to help them one on one assemble the pieces with glue. We let them dry overnight, and then they were ready. We learned a Thanksgiving song (available in my TPT store <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-A-Thanksgiving-Day-Song-56171">HERE</a>). Take a look at the product preview video and you can see the kiddos singing the song and waving their turkeys. (Parents gave permission to post their performance on TPT.)<br />
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We also made the cutest placemats and wrote what we were thankful for on them, colored them, and then I laminated them. I got the placemat templates from Fun Reading and Writing Resources on TPT. Here is the link: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Placemats-Craft-2878257">Thanksgiving Placemats</a> They came out great, but I forgot to take pictures. :(<br />
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If you stop by my TPT store, you will find some Thanksgiving Freebies. Every Friday in November, an amazing group of teachers and I are posting some great Friday Freebies.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Each Friday in the month of November, we would like you to know how grateful we are for teachers. Just so you know how much you are appreciated, stop by each Friday to grab a FREEBIE from my store and check this link to grab many more! </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2NkW1OA%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3JqqTj7iGQkgOWGhQAcbIMy1XCwSts5g8mMOmcGELSSRmmSlotj7aFF9I&h=AT1dp5ojUaOw2M9zQlvpR6SgT57a80CNcJrxXVSeUuLs_8TZlE89gfW15kctrC1FOWt64Job9EtE-ju-laYFIBeMhReHKq-QxiZJkRreo6K2AzEn9A4-AEFx4etgbIyjgZnK40ogh1dwopLGgO6C3CrpwyCgLbqJqv2xCwUtIfM7UrA01VRBuQJgR9S5qa4kcP22aBLzP13-kTALEujZScfVqUvGAHA2fch86tsjwCjQdRADAhFU7Gm-84qQ3IiUEwgkW-TSftzK2h8SJt11zv7-5SklZN89kiSBTVuZyNV9gJUq9sMYqRd-BtAPKNWAKof9gBdXfue8SlSuaClS88m-8-O6ex6S-GWd17g2y0JbSh3HP9QsznXbIBkoyyyokqKafJmoGHWwdBpwkhavZC32KfD2M4tURXN_ppLX36hCzKPd9QPUP3Ye93croqIljPjN3G2oOztPRwfG75JQyB5-ga5PvF3Gpq88pi2JNm1h0tizXYwvhAkBfnOum21L6-Xf6SXK04-vRk8qNykkcdy9EmEWXuccDoa0cVEMR7CZo6mE4CHqJrGcT74ROBE_leWAVnTOspjzF9zgfGs2ZxdZ6fJMwsO5pRygeGhiFuMs0AHLP5oMUM1h6-tRHm2hbtPfAgMqNbkoS_1cXy9Uqg" href="https://bit.ly/2NkW1OA?fbclid=IwAR3JqqTj7iGQkgOWGhQAcbIMy1XCwSts5g8mMOmcGELSSRmmSlotj7aFF9I" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2NkW1OA</a><br />
Mine are forever freebies, and I am posting them in a Friday Freebie custom category in my store as well, so they are easy to find quickly.<br />
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This group is in the process of organizing a great giveaway, so I will post about it here in a few days! You won't be disappointed.<br />
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Don't forget to follow my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyEdugator/">Facebook page</a> . I post much more regularly on my page. I just can't get to it all! Between <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/HappyEdugator/">Pinterest</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/happyedugator/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/happyedug8r">Twitter</a>, I just can't keep up with blogging as I would like to. I am sure you can relate!<br />
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Please follow me on TPT, and you will get notified whenever I update products or post new ones, have sales, or offer freebies. I am in the process of trying to update everything, which is keeping me crazy busy. I am also trying to add to my catalog, so please check it out. Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Sellers-Im-Following/Add/Happyedugator">here</a> to follow me. Thanks!<br />
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Best wishes for success always,<br />
Deborah<br />
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-39709817750905887792019-07-24T11:51:00.003-07:002023-01-15T01:48:09.996-08:00Back to School Tips for TeachersYes, I know. It is the end of July, and you're enjoying your summer. At least, I hope you are. I have had an amazing summer, so I haven't been writing. I've been out there enjoying life and spending time with family and friends.<br />
If you have been following me on Instagram (happyedugator), I have posted pictures there about some of my adventures. I especially enjoyed the TPT conference in Austin, Texas this year. I loved getting together with old friends and new, learning new things that can help me make better materials for teachers which will ultimately help children all over the world. Here is a picture of me with TPT Amy, our Director of Seller Happiness:<br />
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However, this post is not about summer... it's about going back to school. Now some of you just got out of school, and you may be thinking, "What!? I don't want to hear that!" However, some counties in our state are actually starting school on August 1, and I actually heard a few people say they were starting this week with students!! Many teachers are going back next week for preplanning and Open House! It seems so early, but that is a consequence of getting out of school in mid May, I guess.</div>
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So my post today is about getting ready for a new school year, and I have some tips for you. These are things that have made my life easier as a middle school Language Arts teacher and also as a 1st grade teacher, but they can be used across grade levels. </div>
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<b>1. Get some pre-sharpened pencils.</b> These are great to have on hand. I used to buy them just for testing, but now that tests are taken on the computer, I found they work well for having around for daily classroom use, too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD69vMwJVijYiLyJfR1mo_140f1bjLYxMZApbTmdV-49RpPSlAVGoQyGKs29PfnRqaJA2fpXFxL8s3S8SVC8Lqb0JM7lVfrIBEhv55rPDiGqto8Fe0QPDZPaZraz8QL02UPMNpeCXO6kg/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD69vMwJVijYiLyJfR1mo_140f1bjLYxMZApbTmdV-49RpPSlAVGoQyGKs29PfnRqaJA2fpXFxL8s3S8SVC8Lqb0JM7lVfrIBEhv55rPDiGqto8Fe0QPDZPaZraz8QL02UPMNpeCXO6kg/s320/IMG_3467.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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There is always that kid that doesn't have something to write with. You can make little flags out of patterned duct tape which will identify which ones are yours. </div>
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Speaking of pencils in the classroom, here is something that worked for me in Language Arts. I took the pencil sharpener off the wall. Nope, no pencil sharpener in my room. In middle school ELA, you can use pen. Just draw a line through your errors! Other alternatives... students bring mechanical pencils, extra lead, and personal pencil sharpeners with a container for shavings. I saved my sanity with this plan. Kids did not have to get up and use the pencil sharpener, and I never had to worry about emptying it out and dirty pencil shavings falling on the floor when they missed the trash. Yes, my custodians liked it, too. If you want to do this in math, just skip the pen, and require mechanical pencils. You can also buy little containers of lead at the dollar store for emergencies...I spent $2 on two, and they lasted me the whole year!</div>
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<b>2. Get a large, highly visible timer.</b> You can find all different types and styles on Amazon, but a timer is a necessity for smooth transitions from one activity to the next, especially if you are working in a long block of time. Here is mine, which is about 8 inches in diameter:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzepCNsDxkj5r3IbJrHoo6b59B6W_JltJdbr-xSzUliGPBJNuguL-vXsVz9UxwJS5I_WcMokBmX4yWbq9F8s02wUWH7IQLGRXgdB90AzQuP_J69892QluTqQMXfwaMf7TID1ds1AXerU/s1600/IMG_3459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzepCNsDxkj5r3IbJrHoo6b59B6W_JltJdbr-xSzUliGPBJNuguL-vXsVz9UxwJS5I_WcMokBmX4yWbq9F8s02wUWH7IQLGRXgdB90AzQuP_J69892QluTqQMXfwaMf7TID1ds1AXerU/s320/IMG_3459.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can also use a PowerPoint timer to show on your Smart-board or whiteboard. Here is a link to one you can pick up for just $3:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PowerPoint-Timer-Time-Remaining-PowerPoint-for-Classroom-Management-219968">PowerPoint Timer-Time Remaining PowerPoint for Classroom Management-219968</a></div>
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<img alt="PowerPoint Timer - Time Remaining PowerPoint for Classroom" height="150" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/PowerPoint-Timer-Time-Remaining-PowerPoint-for-Classroom-Management/original-219968-1.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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<b>3. Invest in some stamps.</b> No, not postage stamps. Get a set of stamps and an ink pad, and save yourself writing notes to students about their work. Need a homework pass? Stamp out a few! Editing checklist? Stamp it on their paper! Late work? Stamp it! Rough draft? Stamp it! Parent signature? Stamp it! Here is my collection that I loved using: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvkK-or6C1cBgCIpfemtEa0-u7B0YWLYFUjqyhbFu20td5zATlacHoHH-KEl_PkpSFaPwqpByt_nnCA1e7k9KR0TqLdWULOGAX65m_v6d5pezQewYpYqCZBhZfvcuOQz7YTxiND96QIQ/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvkK-or6C1cBgCIpfemtEa0-u7B0YWLYFUjqyhbFu20td5zATlacHoHH-KEl_PkpSFaPwqpByt_nnCA1e7k9KR0TqLdWULOGAX65m_v6d5pezQewYpYqCZBhZfvcuOQz7YTxiND96QIQ/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fD2M6xwFkVHgNZLxa0X3dd6Y2_qvPwi1cNs49K-R-zCUtYQnrJGogsNiUpJPP4pI0duFvGLvBD13XXRT9_09tk4kjOhyQqBWjTwRITCo8Gx84Cx_u3wrgSH_FfBZLPVMzbWOtzVWLtw/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fD2M6xwFkVHgNZLxa0X3dd6Y2_qvPwi1cNs49K-R-zCUtYQnrJGogsNiUpJPP4pI0duFvGLvBD13XXRT9_09tk4kjOhyQqBWjTwRITCo8Gx84Cx_u3wrgSH_FfBZLPVMzbWOtzVWLtw/s320/IMG_3461.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can find lots more online. There is a little investment, but really worth having, And ink pads can be purchased at the dollar store!</div>
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<b>4. Get a pretty notepad. </b>Sometimes it is necessary to write a quick note to another teacher, a parent, principal, or lead teacher. A pretty notepad will make you look so much more professional, and will bring a little beauty and joy into your day. If you can, get a personalized one. Then your name is already on it...here is mine that I purchased at a school fundraiser:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv9mZTmGcoNRfwgY3XH_IElHmj4hoyzh7hK6TnHUVJwWhJE7y_9AhxmtEkU9f14UEmPlWlPubVcKsOz498V2TClJ4YIe2ysCVqY38TkrhRvXyp8iAzxeveyvelodVhss-5SjD0tqVIG0/s1600/IMG_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv9mZTmGcoNRfwgY3XH_IElHmj4hoyzh7hK6TnHUVJwWhJE7y_9AhxmtEkU9f14UEmPlWlPubVcKsOz498V2TClJ4YIe2ysCVqY38TkrhRvXyp8iAzxeveyvelodVhss-5SjD0tqVIG0/s320/IMG_3462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another great one to have, is a pad with carbonless duplicate pages to send a note home. Then you have documented proof you sent a note home with a child when a parent says they never received anything. I used these from</div>
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<a href="http://www.hardinghouse.com/products/Products_Home.asp?SubCat=Notes%20Home%20Carbonless%20Forms">http://www.hardinghouse.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS2vThg3g5BUQdvMKhv1Emqk3RLtSihTzGx29DnzfyEKJU-8O9rmr0Su34phCvLohkMOv9xZtMg2EtkXKzK6b_HgydbONlpvb8uZYBBwsnhs-3z41KJvL33StqRFqrUzAHsI2sKjgiao/s1600/notes+home.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS2vThg3g5BUQdvMKhv1Emqk3RLtSihTzGx29DnzfyEKJU-8O9rmr0Su34phCvLohkMOv9xZtMg2EtkXKzK6b_HgydbONlpvb8uZYBBwsnhs-3z41KJvL33StqRFqrUzAHsI2sKjgiao/s1600/notes+home.gif" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Use wall space wisely.</b> Get a small whiteboard to put on the wall beside your door. It's a great place to put your daily agenda and kids will get used to looking there as soon as they come in the room. I told them to never ask me, "What are we doing today?" until they read the agenda. So much nicer than answering that questions 50 times a day! Also, it leaves space on your whiteboard for instructional information. Even better, find one that is magnetic. You can hang magnetic hooks on it for passes, markers, etc.</div>
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<b>6. Buy some cheap magnetic letters. </b>Yes, even middle school kids like those little plastic refrigerator magnets, but they are great for teachers. Use as headers - spell out AGENDA, ESSENTIAL QUESTION, EQ, STANDARDS, etc. What is nice is they are so easy to change out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-A3DfspOv4vyT7olCRMUgAPooJmJQpqTGjCOf4CFVkAwf8GGjmZR5ISe1kQ4Vft6kfCtH_3a3S3HCymQqQ52D3gBdCF1fbSx0jThbuLwnK8WLRX00LXuJHLTWoDkTggiXv4y3-PukjA/s1600/pismena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-A3DfspOv4vyT7olCRMUgAPooJmJQpqTGjCOf4CFVkAwf8GGjmZR5ISe1kQ4Vft6kfCtH_3a3S3HCymQqQ52D3gBdCF1fbSx0jThbuLwnK8WLRX00LXuJHLTWoDkTggiXv4y3-PukjA/s320/pismena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>7. Use duct tape! </b>It comes in many different patterns and will go with many different themes. Put some on the floor to mark where desks should go, decorate old cans for pencil holders, use to make little booklets by taping paper together and securing with staples, color code groups, etc. </div>
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There are lots of uses for duct tape. </div>
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<b>8. Make folders for each student. </b>In middle school, I kept a three drawer plastic bin behind my desk for each class. I gave students manila folders the first week of school to write their name on and decorate to make their own, and stored them in the bin. Every week, I had assigned a student helper to pass out the folders at the beginning of class and collect them at the end. Students put their work in the folders. A great benefit to this...if they forgot to put their name on their work, it was in a folder with their name on it! I just never had students access the bins unless they were assigned as student helpers that week. That way there was no possibility of cheating off someone else's work, telling me they turned it, etc. If it wasn't in their folder, it wasn't turned in. Period. Here is a full week of GOT folder activities from my TPT store - <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-First-Week-of-School-Middle-School-Language-Arts-GOT-Folders-2700043">Click HERE to get them for FREE </a></div>
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<b>9. Have routines in place from the first day of school.</b> Harry Wong is right about this. Establish routines. I was a pre-K teacher before I taught middle school, and routines are important for all children to feel comfortable and secure, and having routines in place helps keep them on track. Not everything has to be the same everyday, but basic classroom tasks should become routine. Especially have a routine for what to do upon entering the room. I always have a folder passer, a paper passer, and a warm-up activity or bell-ringer ready up on the board. Students know that once they cross the threshold, they are to come in, sit down, and get started. I use a catchy name for my folders...I call them GOT folders...Get On Task. Haha...call them what you will. If you are a middle school Language Arts teacher, here is a great bundle of Bellringers that addresses all of the standards and will welcome your students into the room: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bell-Ringers-Bundle-Full-Year-Common-Core-ELA-2384291">Bell-Ringers Bundle Full Year Common Core ELA </a></div>
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<img alt="Bell Ringers Bundle - Full Year - Common Core ELA" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Bell-Ringers-Bundle-Full-Year-Common-Core-2384291/original-2384291-1.jpg" /></div>
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<b>10. Have a calendar on your desk. </b>Every year at this time of year, I would search out stores for a nice desktop calendar that I could write on. I know I could use my computer for scheduling and such, but I liked the old-fashioned way of having it in writing right where I could see it. However, I thought of a way I could save money on this...I made a blank desktop calendar on my computer and printed it out on card stock and laminated it, Then I could fill in the month, dates, and schedule events with a dry erase marker...or better yet, a wet erase. I liked using wet erase markers so things wouldn't get wiped off accidentally being on my busy desk. Then I just used wet wipes to wipe off what I wanted to. </div>
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You can also buy a lot of cute planners out there, even at dollar stores, which will help keep you organized. For tech savvy teachers, use the calendar on your phone, keep notes in a notetaking app, and set alarms for everything. </div>
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As I always try to do in every blog post, I give you a freebie for reading! So I am sharing my blank desktop planner calendar with you. Just click the link here and enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Teacher-Desk-Planner-Back-to-School-Calendar-2649060">Free Teacher Desk Planner-Back to School Calendar</a></div>
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<img alt="Free Teacher Desk Planner - Back to School Calendar" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Free-Teacher-Desk-Planner-Back-to-School-2649060/original-2649060-1.jpg" /></div>
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Wishing you success always!</div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka HappyEdugator</div>
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-41375378309298716692018-03-18T19:13:00.003-07:002023-01-15T01:51:46.081-08:00Catching Up After Being on the Injured List - What We Did This Year So FarHello everyone, It has been a very long time since I have been able to write anything. I'm sorry if you missed me. On the fourth day of school this year, on 9-11 to be exact, I took a tumble in the classroom and injured my shoulder!<br />
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The school year started out great, and I was so excited to be in First Grade in a Christian School. It was going to be a change from a public middle school, and even stranger being all the way across the country in Washington state instead of Georgia. Whew! I was very happy to begin a new journey.<br />
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Then disaster...<br />
I was passing out take-home folders at the end of the day and tripped on a book. When I fell, I tried to avoid falling on a sweet little girl, and crashed with my arm outstretched like super woman.<br />
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<i>Me, with beautiful flowers from my school.</i><br />
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HOWEVER, I am not super woman, and all the force of the fall went into my shoulder. It resulted in several injuries, and I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room. I thought I had dislocated my shoulder, and they would just pop it back in, but unfortunately, a broken humerus is not humorous. I actually broke the ball of the humerus in the joint, tore cartilage, muscle, and tendons, and impacted the AC joint. It has been a long recovery. After 6 weeks out of the classroom in a sling as the arm healed, I went back to work, and had to stop again due to pain. My doctor tried everything, but I ended up having surgery on February 9th to remove bone from my shoulder to relieve pressure in the joint. I just went back to teaching this week, although I am still going to physical therapy and will be for a while.<br />
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Although I was out a while, when I got back, I was greeted by the sweetest little get well cards. The class I have is just as sweet as can be!<br />
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One of the first activities we did when I got back in October was a trip to the pumpkin farm. Then we had a fun Fall Festival and I dressed up as a farmer. It was so good to be out of the sling!<br />
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My kiddos made cute little Minions to decorate our door. Our theme was " A Minion Reasons to Give Thanks!" </div>
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I was still dealing with a lot of pain, but I wasn't letting it stop me at school. We made these great turkey puppets for Thanksgiving and had a delicious Thanksgiving celebration. </div>
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Christmas was just around the corner. We made Christmas decorations for the classroom, like this door decoration make with tissue paper, contact paper and green masking tape.<br />
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At this point, the pain was too much for me to bear. I had to leave the week before Christmas, but I was able to attend the Christmas concert.<br />
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I was also able to come back for the classroom Christmas party, and I got this beautiful ornament from the class with all their names on the back:<br />
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I rested over the holiday, and when I got back, I had lots of artwork like this one to greet me. My kids missed me, and I had missed them. </div>
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It was January, the pain was not going away, even with lots of physical therapy and the doctor finally got approval to do surgery from the insurance company. A couple of fun things we did before my surgery is we learned all about penguins with my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Penguins-PowerPoint-Fun-Facts-About-Penguins-139392">Penguins PowerPoint </a>and made cute little penguins.<br />
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We also did a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daniel-in-the-Lions-Den-Play-Script-and-PowerPoint-Dialogue-Prompter-Bundle-3618968">skit of Daniel in the Lions' Den</a> (which I wrote and is available in my TPT store), and we performed it at all school chapel. It was a great success!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlD3cf7_GG74-gt6uZMTgjnKbr-2R-5OrMZa0E4p0lyVzVQtxowG2byTMipxxLxaTEnxeXhiy6ULl8G3HP3SOaTE8WllAScWvUhBIEGtDCaMCqCUp3mLi3w54Mb68dSLyuv9XDiQ8QtY/s1600/IMG_3185.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlD3cf7_GG74-gt6uZMTgjnKbr-2R-5OrMZa0E4p0lyVzVQtxowG2byTMipxxLxaTEnxeXhiy6ULl8G3HP3SOaTE8WllAScWvUhBIEGtDCaMCqCUp3mLi3w54Mb68dSLyuv9XDiQ8QtY/s320/IMG_3185.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also had fun making my<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Groundhog-Day-Activity-Pack-475082"> mini books for Groundhog Day</a>:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVsy8BN3bGMVjBeidnClCWkYxKtRVeymEuwJDkjHbHHS7M1oJGv76VAi4rWNzvnVWwkVuLZwYpT6uRTAnUkC3CZT2DHW9WfnK4pU_76tgjCKKMPf8XqFTaL-pp4dDEHrfsRD4haccXNY/s1600/IMG_0237.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVsy8BN3bGMVjBeidnClCWkYxKtRVeymEuwJDkjHbHHS7M1oJGv76VAi4rWNzvnVWwkVuLZwYpT6uRTAnUkC3CZT2DHW9WfnK4pU_76tgjCKKMPf8XqFTaL-pp4dDEHrfsRD4haccXNY/s320/IMG_0237.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
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The weekend before I went into surgery, I got my Nashville conference T-shirt from Teacherspayteachers. I was so excited, and hopeful that I would be healed and out of pain by summer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpOQ8habe2U85Rz9RRVrqGszAXS0hIJa6m7zvcJ9Y5WXCmmWb9EgGRb81QjiLnP2chfmByMt4GzrtZjENJXEIfM0QzrzQDuNqgFtgnJ4dm3aytI1_iK4nGybJnIucFsqgquBXFokiuaY/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpOQ8habe2U85Rz9RRVrqGszAXS0hIJa6m7zvcJ9Y5WXCmmWb9EgGRb81QjiLnP2chfmByMt4GzrtZjENJXEIfM0QzrzQDuNqgFtgnJ4dm3aytI1_iK4nGybJnIucFsqgquBXFokiuaY/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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After surgery my family and the school again showered me with flowers, prayers, and get well wishes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLrAgesp7qptQmfFqLmXF2iTtWy8PynzGaTqdtodRACMozzZ7PS401XyLnAVkzbYuyRWshJQb8KYE0Wkk7wjx5fT8rACI7yEOAhwZyWBX3QnPIJCxW5BnfqBbgLBdZw2RskSq3oZ_8eE/s1600/IMG_0265.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLrAgesp7qptQmfFqLmXF2iTtWy8PynzGaTqdtodRACMozzZ7PS401XyLnAVkzbYuyRWshJQb8KYE0Wkk7wjx5fT8rACI7yEOAhwZyWBX3QnPIJCxW5BnfqBbgLBdZw2RskSq3oZ_8eE/s320/IMG_0265.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
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I hated that I had to miss the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Letter-to-Parents-Collage-Project-with-Example-Sheet-3009731">100th day of school</a> and Valentines Day, but my kids had fun doing their projects. Here is one with 100 Legos!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17txGBPHOJvEm3YozgZfBqExs9zruHUA16PNG9l93JlmuWLa5C3M7MLqdGLskXnId-qz2Yz91lkhIKjue8o3LIthlzr1KNDPHRFyWJ6BdOO50due1CPhPngZgxxXcQGdiaZ2fPldTBDs/s1600/IMG_0354.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17txGBPHOJvEm3YozgZfBqExs9zruHUA16PNG9l93JlmuWLa5C3M7MLqdGLskXnId-qz2Yz91lkhIKjue8o3LIthlzr1KNDPHRFyWJ6BdOO50due1CPhPngZgxxXcQGdiaZ2fPldTBDs/s320/IMG_0354.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
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So this week, I came back to school, just in time for St. Patrick's Day. We made shamrocks and learned about St. Patrick, and then I freshened up my bulletin board for spring!<br />
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So now I have brought you up to date on Mrs. Hayes's Happenings! It has been a rough year, but the surgery was successful in that the pain I was having has gone away! I am still having other issues, but I am slowly healing and hope to be fully recovered soon.</div>
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So, I hope to get back to blogging now that I can type without pain, and share with you the wonderful things we are doing in First Grade! Right now, I am very excited because I am watching them graduate from learning to read to reading for enjoyment. My kiddos love reading and are starting to read chapter books! The other day when it was time for recess, one of my kids actually groaned, and said, "Recess? Aw, but I'm reading!" </div>
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SUCCESS!</div>
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We are working on telling time on analog clocks right now, and having lots of fun with my new <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Telling-Time-to-the-Hour-and-Half-Hour-Digital-and-Analog-PowerPoint-3688651">telling time interactive PowerPoints.</a> I use them with Judy clocks, and the kids love it. </div>
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So glad to be back...watch my store for a new freebie coming out this week!</div>
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Best wishes for success always, </div>
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<i><b>Deborah</b></i></div>
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-17549474564954435992017-08-28T23:19:00.001-07:002023-01-15T01:54:55.586-08:00Changing Grade Levels, A Visit to the Library, and a Back to School FreebieWell, it has been a while since I posted. In fact, I just realized I have not posted anything since the TPT conference in Anaheim! I have had such a busy summer! Not only did I present at the conference, but I also was running a summer program for kiddos this summer. After I returned from the conference, I put all my energy having fun with them! We had a wonderful trip to the public library last week, and I think it was a fantastic place to go for a field trip. Our librarian took us in back to see the automated system that they have when books are returned. It was totally amazing how after the bar-codes were scanned, the books came down a conveyor belt, and were sorted into carts for their appropriate book shelves. This is just a small example of the larger system of the library here. Check out this link to see the automation in the main library system of King County, Washington. It is pretty amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fq3CWsyde4">King County Automated Materials Handling</a><br />
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Well, my big news is that I have just accepted a job at the private Christian school where I was running the summer program and I will be teaching First Grade this year! I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful school and can't wait to start the year. I wanted to let my followers know that they may see a shift in some of my focus now that I will be teaching primary instead of middle school.<div><br /></div><div>I am nervous and excited. We will see how I adapt to being with little ones again. I know I will be teaching manners and social skills in first grade. Oh, wait? Wasn't I teaching that in 7th grade? LOL<br />
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I plan to share ideas and I will write about my new challenges and successes changing grade levels.<br />
So, stay tuned...and may you have a great year. We go back to school September 5th!<br />
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As always, I have a BTS freebie for you here...<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Day-of-School-FREE-Checklist-3309493"><img alt="First Day of School FREE Checklist" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/First-Day-of-School-FREE-Checklist-3309493-1501784838/original-3309493-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Best wishes,<br />
Deborah<br />
aka HappyEdugator<br />
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<br /></div>HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-39301899760183668982017-06-02T01:36:00.001-07:002023-01-15T01:22:16.266-08:00Staying Hydrated While You Work Did you know that you have to stay hydrated in order to stay focused? No matter what you do, you need to drink water and lots of it. Whether you are teaching a classroom of students, or sitting in front of a computer all day, you need to keep the cells of your body happy and hydrated so they can work.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">w</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">ater </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">is
your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your
body weight</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">.</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">Lack
of water can cause dehydration. Even </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">mild dehydration can drain your energy
and make you tired</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">The US News and World Report’s health
coach and fitness expert </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">Yuri
</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">Elkaim
gives us this equation for figuring out how much fluid we need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">“The </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">basic equation for determining this is by
dividing your body weight in half. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you would need
100 ounces of water per day if you're not doing anything strenuous. If you're
working out, hiking, at a high altitude or outdoors a great deal, you're going
to need to </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">add
</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">to
those 100 ounces</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">Yuri also recommends checking your
urine…yup, he tells us to look at our pee! It should be clear. Not yellow or
orange, folks. If it is, you should drink some more water. If it is brown…go to
the hospital!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">You can get some of your water intake
from </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">coffee,
tea, or other drinks, but 60% should be pure water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">If you are exercising and sweating
profusely, Yuri recommends adding half a teaspoon of sea salt to one glass of
water to replace electrolytes. He doesn’t care for sports drinks that </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">are
loaded with artificial colors and </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">flavorings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">So, k</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">eep a water bottle with you at all
times.<span style="font-size: 24pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">Also, you need to avoid sugary drinks. Even if you don’t have diabetes, you may
be able to lower your risk of getting it later in life if you cut out the
sugar. Soft drinks and fruit juices are FULL of sugar…see the science
experiment one of our students did this year. She boiled off the liquid to
determine how much sugar was left in different kinds of drinks. The results
were astonishing…for instance:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">16 oz. Cola drink 11 tsp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">16 oz. Sports drink</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">4.2</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">tsp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">16</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">oz.</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">Energy drink 9.2 tsp</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">According to her research, in the United
States, the average person consumes more than 150 pounds of sugar a year
(almost half a pound a day)! 50 percent of the sugar we consume today comes
from high fructose corn syrup soft</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">drinks, salad dressings, ketchup and
sauces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">Ditch the diet sodas. I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">drank</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">diet</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">soda</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">for</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">years. I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">can</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">tell</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">you</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">what</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">my</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">experience</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">was.</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">GAINED</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">WEIGHT.</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">Then, after ten</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">years,</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">also</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">had</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">other
problems… </span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Constantia;">headaches, tinnitus, tingling and
numbness in my feet and hands, fatigue,</span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Constantia;">blurry vision, and loss of</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">balance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">did</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">not</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">have</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">diabetes.</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">My</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">sugars</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">were</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">still</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">fin</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">e</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">. I tried to figure out what the problem
was, and after lots of research, I zeroed in on aspartame. If you look it up,
all of those problems are symptoms of aspartame poisoning. ( I didn’t have any
idea it was poisonous, did you? So</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">why</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">was</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">it</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">in</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">my</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">diet</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">soda? ) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">quit</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">drinking</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">the</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">diet</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">sodas, and something amazing happened.
Within 3 weeks, all those symptoms </span><span style="color: #b8270a; font-family: Constantia; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">went</span><span style="color: #b8270a; font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="color: #b8270a; font-family: Constantia; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">away</span><span style="color: #b8270a; font-family: Constantia;">!</span><span style="color: #b8270a; font-family: Constantia;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #b8270a; font-family: Constantia;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b8270a; font-family: Constantia;">What I Drink:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">v</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">Coffee
in the morning with 1 pack of either stevia or monk fruit natural sweetener. (
If those are unavailable, I use 1 pack of sugar. I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">NEVER
use artificial sweeteners. I do add milk or cream if I am out at a restaurant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-special-format: bullet;">v</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">Water</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">all</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">day</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">long.</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">keep</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">it</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">with</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">me.
If I run out, it is an excuse</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">to</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">get</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">up</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">and</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">move, stretch, and get some more water.
Sometimes I will use a water infuser and</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">flavor it with lemons</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">or</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">strawberries.
(I appreciate the TPT water infuser bottle I got at last year’s conference!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-special-format: bullet;">v</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">Occasionally</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">will</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">have</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">some</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">tea
to have something different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-special-format: bullet;">v</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">I</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">also</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">drink</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">a</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">small
4 oz. juice glass</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">
</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">of</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">low</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">sodium</span><span style="font-family: Constantia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Constantia;">V-8
juice once a day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;"> I hope this helps remind you to stay hydrated so you can be more productive, no matter what you work at all day long. I will be presenting about keeping fit at the TPT conference in Anaheim, CA this July, and I hope to see you there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">Best, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;">Deborah</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Constantia;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b8270a; font-family: Constantia;"><br /></span></div>
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HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-4321875210942086082017-05-11T11:42:00.007-07:002023-01-15T02:05:49.471-08:00Sharing YOUR TIPS at the TPT Conference for Staying Fit While Working in Front of a Screen !I know teachers have been so busy with end of the year preparations and the Teacher Appreciation Sale on TPT, either buying or selling, so I know there is not much time to read blogs! Goodness, unless it is a significant giveaway, money saver or time saver, you probably scroll right on by. I hope you have all had a great year, and enjoyed the big TPT sale...my store still remains on sale today in case you missed it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2bZjeVZNBaSgQW6dzs9pqMFWCHq7j6-bIZf4Gu4uQV1rM1fFISY_-IJByZkVQPD_GhcQ1mdSu3erUQJfO0o2YHqVmPToa9KzN20ie8IwMvg9tyHnjluNg4JM1Qk7ECV-0XTH6X6UhcM/s1600/missed+the+TPT+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2bZjeVZNBaSgQW6dzs9pqMFWCHq7j6-bIZf4Gu4uQV1rM1fFISY_-IJByZkVQPD_GhcQ1mdSu3erUQJfO0o2YHqVmPToa9KzN20ie8IwMvg9tyHnjluNg4JM1Qk7ECV-0XTH6X6UhcM/s320/missed+the+TPT+sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am currently getting ready for the TPT conference in July, and very excited to bring to you <b><i>tips for staying fit and healthy when you work all day in front of a computer</i></b>. I will be presenting a short mini session sharing with you how I lost a hundred pounds while working full-time as a TPT teacher author. When I was diagnosed in February 2016 with type 2 diabetes and a silent heart attack, I knew I had to make some changes and take some positive steps toward living a healthier life. </div>
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At the conference, I am also going to share tips and tricks from other teacher authors on how they manage to stay on top of their health.<b> If you would like to participate, here's what you need to do:</b></div>
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<div>
1. Create and design a single page document (portrait orientation) that contains </div>
<div>
a short bio</div>
<div>
your three best tips for staying healthy</div>
<div>
a healthy recipe which you post in your TPT store for free (link to it)</div>
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your TPT logo</div>
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link to your TPT store</div>
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credit to any clip artists you use in designing your page</div>
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2. Email me your page with the above information no later than Sunday, May 28th to happyedug8r@outlook.com. </div>
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3. I will be sharing the booklet with all conference goers as well as making it into a freebie in my store for all to see. This is a great opportunity for you to share your tips that will help us all stay healthy and a fun way to get your name out there, too. We can all use a healthy recipe book! :)<br />
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I am looking forward to the conference, sharing my story, and your best tips and recipes!<br />
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Best wishes for success always,<br />
<br />
Deborah Hayes<br />
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P.S. As always, I like to share a freebie from my store. Here is a cup of kindness card for you to share with others!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Cup-of-Kindness-Cards-for-Teacher-Appreciation-2951855">FREE-Cup-of-Kindness-Cards-for-Teacher-Appreciation</a><br />
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<img alt="FREE - Cup of Kindness Cards for Teacher Appreciation" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/FREE-Cup-of-Kindness-Cards-for-Teachers-2951855-1493935108/original-2951855-1.jpg" /><br />
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HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-68988555158076627562017-03-20T20:24:00.003-07:002023-01-15T02:18:14.512-08:00Celebrating Spring, Presenting at the TPT Conference, and My Birthday!It's Spring! I saw daffodils and forsythia blooming today. It's still cold here compared to what we are used to, but we are so happy to see signs of a warm up.<br />
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I haven't posted anything since last month...been so busy! Finally getting settled in after moving to Washington state from the southeast GA coast, and stretched thin between posting on all other social media. If you want to keep up with my latest products and ideas, or just follow my personal journey, be sure to follow me on Instagram (happyedugator), Pinterest (happyedugator), Twitter (@happyedug8r) and Facebook (TheHappyEdugator).<br />
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<h4>
I have some exciting news! The TPT conference will be in Anaheim, California this year from 7/17 - 7/19. If you haven't been to a TPT conference, you should really try to go. The wonderful thing about the TPT conference is meeting up with your favorite teacher authors and meeting and networking with new friends. This will be my fourth conference...and I will have the honor of presenting! :) A little more on that below.</h4>
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I have been to all the conferences so far, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. There is such great positive energy there, and lots of takeaways that you can use in your teaching and in your product creation. Plus, you get to meet our founder Paul, our CEO Adam, and our Director of Seller Happiness Amy, and Elliot, Nicole and Jillian, and so many others from the TPT team that I can't list them all here. Here are a few photos of me with a few celebrities from the TPT stage last year at the Swan and Dolphin Resort in Disney World:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYHr8mJriGtcEkDNZ0tZpPS_ZKs8UpOA3VqGnFqSFJzXJYLYb653W0ql4wYtAUPWhaWxtVUZKfSnx5JM0syo5MO43231msTJgG4pNQkRKiXuv-D8TbS9T8MWKz5wJ-46s1f-BwNweKZM/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYHr8mJriGtcEkDNZ0tZpPS_ZKs8UpOA3VqGnFqSFJzXJYLYb653W0ql4wYtAUPWhaWxtVUZKfSnx5JM0syo5MO43231msTJgG4pNQkRKiXuv-D8TbS9T8MWKz5wJ-46s1f-BwNweKZM/s320/IMG_3198.JPG" width="242" /></a></div>
Paul Edelman, TPT Founder<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpQEQYdiV1OBcdgiq8j13nmixtPPapkvk6QKG2CabXxgRLNX_xQTHLKmIJzr1hFhRIYyvFl7ldoNoEfvWUG1NCoHJtzdFF6E5w0vJkD34I4VXnLoGshN2jyD31zsOjpyreP5UBhIrogU/s1600/IMG_3146.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpQEQYdiV1OBcdgiq8j13nmixtPPapkvk6QKG2CabXxgRLNX_xQTHLKmIJzr1hFhRIYyvFl7ldoNoEfvWUG1NCoHJtzdFF6E5w0vJkD34I4VXnLoGshN2jyD31zsOjpyreP5UBhIrogU/s320/IMG_3146.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Amy Borrell Berner, Director of Seller Happiness<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE3pHVpVjPUl2DFtZBXJTzHnjT7im3yV73utxW3LonG8F10IPCo26cEIXaIX7ZJcvkInv2pfsy1h75oLPKdM9H1s0M4yfdLAeB4oizD_9TzvaWOjl71rNw25n2AkKA9cEj-BwP7fBFHA/s1600/IMG_3179.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE3pHVpVjPUl2DFtZBXJTzHnjT7im3yV73utxW3LonG8F10IPCo26cEIXaIX7ZJcvkInv2pfsy1h75oLPKdM9H1s0M4yfdLAeB4oizD_9TzvaWOjl71rNw25n2AkKA9cEj-BwP7fBFHA/s320/IMG_3179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Adam Freed, TPT CEO<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_m4ks56EijhVYAK7IiSFgEoOUY-Xp3173kJOzrrgFXDQCptt6fN_RlDJRFRq8AJlBymQ0c-Cu9sr-GG46V98qgb7Pt8B8SV9U2PaA8bpxoh3-BOecJ-A9RCC_5ruiUhQOHP6XPXkHHw/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_m4ks56EijhVYAK7IiSFgEoOUY-Xp3173kJOzrrgFXDQCptt6fN_RlDJRFRq8AJlBymQ0c-Cu9sr-GG46V98qgb7Pt8B8SV9U2PaA8bpxoh3-BOecJ-A9RCC_5ruiUhQOHP6XPXkHHw/s320/IMG_3201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Dee Dee Wills and Deanna Jump, well-known successful teacher authors<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4RN8Fe-Sl22_M3Tir0O30I5dL2lSRCIrMttWeLbtCN1FqsZl2CgsehM6nGw6gHFTlXXOLATK9HVaH2xNkSU12bYde-OEAswiOqcN0GFGUKgysq4Wcjr1_D57vcYcypzjQaodBLI5eI4/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4RN8Fe-Sl22_M3Tir0O30I5dL2lSRCIrMttWeLbtCN1FqsZl2CgsehM6nGw6gHFTlXXOLATK9HVaH2xNkSU12bYde-OEAswiOqcN0GFGUKgysq4Wcjr1_D57vcYcypzjQaodBLI5eI4/s320/IMG_3221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Elliot Goodman, Team TPT!<br />
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This year's conference will be at the Hilton in Anaheim, right near DisneyLand!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC5ArU3_NMxGrYd0y6vywcsTye8h6ttaxFRL2vjYPnAbQVQbO2jhLvUnJqHVLVKhOEST9bNiG7aAGS0O5Y1SDYjpm2TfBMT0eclMwi-Z-gtegt1YMhmyCrr2nd1oKHax7XTvCCqGJyGU/s1600/hilton+anaheim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC5ArU3_NMxGrYd0y6vywcsTye8h6ttaxFRL2vjYPnAbQVQbO2jhLvUnJqHVLVKhOEST9bNiG7aAGS0O5Y1SDYjpm2TfBMT0eclMwi-Z-gtegt1YMhmyCrr2nd1oKHax7XTvCCqGJyGU/s320/hilton+anaheim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and I have been invited to present a mini-session this year:<br />
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Keep Fit and TpT: My Story</b></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>TPT creators who work full-time creating resources often gain weight sitting in front of a computer screen for hours with little or no exercise, sometimes eating mindlessly from stress. I will present ways you can stay healthy, even lose weight, and still create great resources, revise older products, keep up with SEO and product descriptions, and stay on top of social media. </b></span></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>My mini-session is for: All Teacher-Authors</b></span></span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_164073571" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday, July 18th</span></span>: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_164073572" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(100, 100, 100); cursor: pointer; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11 a.m - 11:30 a.m.</span></span></b></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you can attend. If you have been following my posts on social media, I lost a hundred pounds in the last year while doing TPT full-time, and I am excited to share with you some of the things I have learned along the way that may help you stay healthy and better focused on being a TPT author! I see so many products being sold out there for healthy eating, energy, and weight loss...but really, I don't think you need any of them. You can eat healthy and actually save money doing it! I will focus on useful tools for staying on track, healthy eating options, and how to squeeze exercise into the day while still working on the computer. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will also have some great tips from Carol Nieckula Beaumont from The Teacher Team, She has tons of tips and ideas for home things that can be done without equipment from her years at Crossfit and Fit Body Bootcamp. So if you come to California, I would love to see you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><h3><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>So, exciting, right! I have so much to celebrate! Springtime, being selected to present at the conference, and yes, my birthday is this month, too! </b></span></h3>
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Thanks for all your well wishes!<br />Deborah</h4>
HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-15399124718679626222016-11-25T21:00:00.000-08:002016-11-25T21:00:01.801-08:00Thanksgiving, Updates, Dollar Sale, Cyber Sale, and Christmas!I know I didn't post much about Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, right after Veterans Day, my whole family came down with the flu. It has taken us down. My five year old grandson Carter missed three days of school, including all Thanksgiving festivities, and slept through Thanksgiving dinner. He has been the sickest of us all, with his temperature spiking sometimes to 104. Poor little guy. My son cooked everything himself, since he seemed to be over the virus, and he did an amazing job. He cooked two turkeys, because someone gifted him one on Wednesday night in the grocery store. Now we honestly can't eat two turkeys, so he actually made a feast for our neighbors, too. If you have been following my on Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyEdugator/">The HappyEdugator</a>) or Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/happyedugator/">happyedugator</a>) you may have seen the photos of his amazing apple pie! Connect with me there if you want to see snippets of fun moments in my life. :) Even when I am sick, I can still snap a photo or post a link to a quick sale in my TPT store.<br />
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Now, it is hard to believe the holidays are upon use. I am still sniffling and coughing, but at least I am feeling a little bit better and can get up out of bed this morning. No, I am not a Black Friday person. I tried that one year. I ran to several stores at 5 a.m. one Black Friday to get the deals. Later that afternoon, exhausted, all the stores I visited had extended their deals...I could have stayed in bed and got the exact same discounts! So, I am not going to fight crowds, burn gas, and otherwise stress myself out. I am going to stay home, cozy with a cup of coffee, warm by the fire, recover quietly from the crud, and let the madness go on without me. After all, I can look forward to Cyber Monday!<br />
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I am excited to share that I have been working on updating resources in my TPT store, and I know you are going to love the improvements. However, I have over 1100 resources, so even if I updated 3 per day, it would take me three years to update everything! So, if you find an older resource, please be patient. One update I worked on this past weekend was on my featured freebie...so if you already have downloaded it, please stop by my store and download the updated version. I have added slides, information, graphics...I think you will enjoy the latest version...and if you don't already have it, you may want to download it and check it out:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Using-Quotation-Marks-Dialogue-Punctuation-PowerPoint-15855">FREE Using Quotation Marks - Dialogue Punctuation PowerPoint</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Using-Quotation-Marks-Dialogue-Punctuation-PowerPoint-15855" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FREE Using Quotation Marks - Dialogue Punctuation PowerPoint" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Punctuation-Punctuating-Dialogue-PowerPoint-1479949863/original-15855-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Also, I have joined again with a group of amazing teachers and we will be having a great $1 sale this Sunday. So make sure to check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/2gdGNev">Holiday Dollar Deals! </a></div>
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Now, I probably don't have to remind you that TPT is having their Cyber Sale this Monday and Tuesday, November 28th and 29th, 2016. My entire store will be on sale at 20% off, and with the TPT promo code <b>CYBER2016</b>, you can save an additional 10% off at checkout! HOWEVER, if you can't wait until Monday, my store will go on sale Sunday! So you can get great deals before you head back to school Monday. Just head to my TPT store here: </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/HappyEdugator"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN347JwfVMZlaLG5Eyy-cyRmXXe3fGGHvyf7swf4Hg0g-ktK3G76GI4Anbo-JSfqrHZemB3o_xiLNMYj0-NxUfZPiAchnDMl8jn9_3DgLOB6GbOnDVXvywdjm5J1ZydxyHZxKyqoBVng/s320/HappyEdugator+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/HappyEdugator">My TPT store: HappyEdugator</a></div>
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I am working on adding some new products this week, so this would be a great time to scoop up a steal, since all new products are 50% off for the first 48 hours! If you teach grades 4 - 8, you may be interested in this poetry product:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holidays-Around-the-World-Christmas-Around-the-World-Poetry-Activity-2890390"><img alt="Holidays Around the World - Christmas Around the World Poe" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Christmas-Around-the-World-Poetry-Activity-2890390-1480082678/original-2890390-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holidays-Around-the-World-Christmas-Around-the-World-Poetry-Activity-2890390">Christmas Around the World Poetry Activity</a></div>
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Look for more coming soon! Just let me get over this flu! :) I am also involved in a cross country move, from near Jacksonville, Florida to Seattle, Washington. We drove across the country in October, but I have to fly back and work on our house for a couple of weeks to get it ready for the market. So I am going to be extra busy this season, and I may not be able to post much here on the blog. Please connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyEdugator">Facebook</a>, though, because if I have any sales or specials, I will post them on my page. </div>
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As always, </div>
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I like to end with a freebie, just for visiting and reading my blog. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Christmas-Bookmarks-and-Gift-Coupons-999482"><img alt="FREE Christmas Bookmarks and Gift Coupons" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Christmas-Gift-Coupons-and-Bookmarks-075201900-1385695840-1479807034/original-999482-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Christmas-Bookmarks-and-Gift-Coupons-999482">FREE Christmas Gift Coupons and Bookmarks!</a></div>
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Best wishes for success always, </div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka HappyEdugator</div>
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-72510180039633297162016-11-02T11:05:00.004-07:002023-01-15T02:04:12.459-08:00Veterans Day ActivitiesWe survived hurricane Matthew with no damage, but we did have a lot of yard cleanup to do. Thankfully, we were able to get up all the limbs and get things back to normal pretty quickly and with minimal back aches!<br />
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Our big adventure then began. We drove across the country from Florida to Seattle, Washington. I should have written a blog just about our amazing trip, but I was driving all the time. Really...it took us nine days! We finally arrived after what seemed like forever, and I am now getting to spend some much-desired time with my grandchildren.<br />
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So, it is much colder here, and wetter. I have a nice little office at my son's house that I can hole up in for the winter. I should be warm and dry inside. However, my car is leaking water from the roof...I will need to get that fixed soon! It has rained steadily every day since we arrived last week.<br />
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So, I now have a computer set up and I can get back. November is here, and you may be thinking what to do now that Halloween and all the hoopla is over. Well, I always spend time on Veterans Day teaching kids about the importance of honoring our service men and women who protect us and our freedom. I usually had the Women's Auxiliary of our local Veterans come in and visit our classroom. They loved to do this, and would teach about the flag and how to fold it, etc. They will do this for elementary and middle school kids.<br />
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Also, being a Language Arts teacher, my students would also write letters to our sailors at sea. Our district encourages participation at all levels, since we have many military families.<br />
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The VFW also has an annual essay contest that my students enter every year. If you have a middle school student who is interested in winning $5000 or a high school student interested in winning $30,000, in scholarship money, you should check out the Patriot's Pen contest and encourage your students to enter. <br />
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I highly recommend this PowerPoint by Fun Reading and Writing Resources on TPT to explain to your students about the holiday:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-How-and-Why-We-Celebrate-Veterans-Day-PowerPoint-1535539"><img alt="Veterans Day - How and Why We Celebrate Veterans Day PowerPoint" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Veterans-Day-1535539-1477805475/original-1535539-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-How-and-Why-We-Celebrate-Veterans-Day-PowerPoint-1535539">Veterans Day - How and Why We Celebrate PowerPoint</a><br />
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My students love games and puzzles, and they hardly realize they are learning when they are doing them. I play the on-screen Veterans Day Word Jumble or give them hard copies of my Veterans Day Word Puzzles as fun supplemental activities. You can find them here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-Jumbled-Words-Game-1519743"><img alt="Veterans Day Jumbled Words Game" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Veterans-Day-Jumbled-Words-PowerPoint-Game-1519743/original-1519743-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-Jumbled-Words-Game-1519743">Veterans Day Jumble Words GAME </a><br />
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For upper elementary and middle school:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-Word-Puzzles-53390"><img alt="Veterans Day Word Puzzles" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Veterans-Day-Word-Scramble/original-53390-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-Word-Puzzles-53390">Veterans Day Word Puzzle</a>s<br />
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For the younger learners: (On Sale Today for only $1)<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-Activities-Print-and-Go-2198982"><img alt="Veterans Day Activities - Print and Go" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Veterans-Day-2198982-1478116373/original-2198982-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Veterans-Day-Activities-Print-and-Go-2198982">Veterans Day Fun Activities - Print and Go</a><br />
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Since this is an Election year, I like to do activities that are election related, but I don't get into politics at all with my students. My middle school kids always ask me who I am voting for, but I never tell. I explain about secret ballots, and then we have fun electing our favorite types of sentence structure... If you are interested in that middle school ELA activity, you can find it here:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Election-Day-Sentence-Structure-Election-1529396">Election Day- Sentence Structure Election</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Election-Day-Sentence-Structure-Election-1529396"><img alt="Election Day Sentence Structure Election" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Sentence-Election-Cooperative-Learning-Activity-1529396/original-1529396-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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I hope you have a great start to your Novemeber!<br />
Best, Deborah<br />
<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-36941551092045897512016-07-24T11:51:00.008-07:002023-01-15T02:06:57.907-08:00Back to School Tips for TeachersYes, I know. It is the end of July, and you're enjoying your summer. At least, I hope you are. I have had an amazing summer, so I haven't been writing. I've been out there enjoying life, losing weight, and getting healthy. My garden has been growing, and I have made some great recipes. I also spent some time at the beach, collecting shells, and being crafty making seashell mirrors.<br />
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If you have been following me on Instagram (happyedugator), I have posted pictures there about some of my adventures. I especially enjoyed the TPT conference in Orlando. I loved getting together with old friends and new, learning new things that can help me make better materials for teachers, which will ultimately help children all over the world. Here is a picture of me with Paul Edelman, our founder:<br />
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However, this post is not about summer... it's about going back to school. Now some of you just got out of school, and you may be thinking, "What!? I don't want to hear that!" However, some counties in our state are actually starting school on August 1, and teachers are going back next week for preplanning and Open House! It seems so early, but that is a consequence of getting out of school in mid May, I guess.</div>
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So my post today is about getting ready for a new school year, and I have some tips for you. These are things that have made my life easier as a middle school Language Arts teacher, but they can be used across grade levels. </div>
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<b>1. Get some pre-sharpened pencils.</b> These are great to have on hand. I used to buy them just for testing, but now that tests are taken on the computer, I found they work well for having around for daily classroom use, too. </div>
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There is always that kid that doesn't have something to write with. You can make little flags out of patterned duct tape which will identify which ones are yours. </div>
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Speaking of pencils in the classroom, here is something that worked for me in Language Arts. I took the pencil sharpener off the wall. Nope, no pencil sharpener in my room. In middle school ELA, you can use pen. Just draw a line through your errors! Other alternatives... students bring mechanical pencils, extra lead, and personal pencil sharpeners with a container for shavings. I saved my sanity with this plan. Kids did not have to get up and use the pencil sharpener, and I never had to worry about emptying it out and dirty pencil shavings falling on the floor when they missed the trash. Yes, my custodians liked it, too. If you want to do this in math, just skip the pen, and require mechanical pencils. You can also buy little containers of lead at the dollar store for emergencies...I spent $2 on two, and they lasted me the whole year!</div>
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<b>2. Get a large, highly visible timer.</b> You can find all different types and styles on Amazon, but a timer is a necessity for smooth transitions from one activity to the next, especially if you are working in a long block of time. Here is mine, which is about 8 inches in diameter:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzepCNsDxkj5r3IbJrHoo6b59B6W_JltJdbr-xSzUliGPBJNuguL-vXsVz9UxwJS5I_WcMokBmX4yWbq9F8s02wUWH7IQLGRXgdB90AzQuP_J69892QluTqQMXfwaMf7TID1ds1AXerU/s1600/IMG_3459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzepCNsDxkj5r3IbJrHoo6b59B6W_JltJdbr-xSzUliGPBJNuguL-vXsVz9UxwJS5I_WcMokBmX4yWbq9F8s02wUWH7IQLGRXgdB90AzQuP_J69892QluTqQMXfwaMf7TID1ds1AXerU/s320/IMG_3459.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can also use a PowerPoint timer to show on your Smart-board or whiteboard. Here is a link to one you can pick up for just $3:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PowerPoint-Timer-Time-Remaining-PowerPoint-for-Classroom-Management-219968">PowerPoint Timer-Time Remaining PowerPoint for Classroom Management-219968</a></div>
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<img alt="PowerPoint Timer - Time Remaining PowerPoint for Classroom" height="150" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/PowerPoint-Timer-Time-Remaining-PowerPoint-for-Classroom-Management/original-219968-1.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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<b>3. Invest in some stamps.</b> No, not postage stamps. Get a set of stamps and an ink pad, and save yourself writing notes to students about their work. Need a homework pass? Stamp out a few! Editing checklist? Stamp it on their paper! Late work? Stamp it! Rough draft? Stamp it! Parent signature? Stamp it! Here is my collection that I loved using: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvkK-or6C1cBgCIpfemtEa0-u7B0YWLYFUjqyhbFu20td5zATlacHoHH-KEl_PkpSFaPwqpByt_nnCA1e7k9KR0TqLdWULOGAX65m_v6d5pezQewYpYqCZBhZfvcuOQz7YTxiND96QIQ/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvkK-or6C1cBgCIpfemtEa0-u7B0YWLYFUjqyhbFu20td5zATlacHoHH-KEl_PkpSFaPwqpByt_nnCA1e7k9KR0TqLdWULOGAX65m_v6d5pezQewYpYqCZBhZfvcuOQz7YTxiND96QIQ/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fD2M6xwFkVHgNZLxa0X3dd6Y2_qvPwi1cNs49K-R-zCUtYQnrJGogsNiUpJPP4pI0duFvGLvBD13XXRT9_09tk4kjOhyQqBWjTwRITCo8Gx84Cx_u3wrgSH_FfBZLPVMzbWOtzVWLtw/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fD2M6xwFkVHgNZLxa0X3dd6Y2_qvPwi1cNs49K-R-zCUtYQnrJGogsNiUpJPP4pI0duFvGLvBD13XXRT9_09tk4kjOhyQqBWjTwRITCo8Gx84Cx_u3wrgSH_FfBZLPVMzbWOtzVWLtw/s320/IMG_3461.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You can find lots more online. There is a little investment, but really worth having, and ink pads can be purchased at the dollar store!</div>
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<b>4. Get a pretty notepad. </b>Sometimes it is necessary to write a quick note to another teacher, a parent, principal, or lead teacher. A pretty notepad will make you look so much more professional, and will bring a little beauty and joy into your day. If you can, get a personalized one. Then your name is already on it...here is mine that I purchased at a school fundraiser:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv9mZTmGcoNRfwgY3XH_IElHmj4hoyzh7hK6TnHUVJwWhJE7y_9AhxmtEkU9f14UEmPlWlPubVcKsOz498V2TClJ4YIe2ysCVqY38TkrhRvXyp8iAzxeveyvelodVhss-5SjD0tqVIG0/s1600/IMG_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv9mZTmGcoNRfwgY3XH_IElHmj4hoyzh7hK6TnHUVJwWhJE7y_9AhxmtEkU9f14UEmPlWlPubVcKsOz498V2TClJ4YIe2ysCVqY38TkrhRvXyp8iAzxeveyvelodVhss-5SjD0tqVIG0/s320/IMG_3462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another great one to have, is a pad with carbonless duplicate pages to send a note home. Then you have documented proof you sent a note home with a child when a parent says they never received anything. I used these from</div>
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<a href="http://www.hardinghouse.com/products/Products_Home.asp?SubCat=Notes%20Home%20Carbonless%20Forms">http://www.hardinghouse.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS2vThg3g5BUQdvMKhv1Emqk3RLtSihTzGx29DnzfyEKJU-8O9rmr0Su34phCvLohkMOv9xZtMg2EtkXKzK6b_HgydbONlpvb8uZYBBwsnhs-3z41KJvL33StqRFqrUzAHsI2sKjgiao/s1600/notes+home.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnS2vThg3g5BUQdvMKhv1Emqk3RLtSihTzGx29DnzfyEKJU-8O9rmr0Su34phCvLohkMOv9xZtMg2EtkXKzK6b_HgydbONlpvb8uZYBBwsnhs-3z41KJvL33StqRFqrUzAHsI2sKjgiao/s1600/notes+home.gif" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Use wall space wisely.</b> Get a small whiteboard to put on the wall beside your door. It's a great place to put your daily agenda and kids will get used to looking there as soon as they come in the room. I told them to never ask me, "What are we doing today?" until they read the agenda. So much nicer than answering that question 50 times a day! Also, it leaves space on your whiteboard for instructional information. Even better, find one that is magnetic. You can hang magnetic hooks on it for passes, markers, etc.</div>
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<b>6. Buy some cheap magnetic letters. </b>Yes, even middle school kids like those little plastic refrigerator magnets, but they are great for teachers. Use as headers - spell out AGENDA, ESSENTIAL QUESTION, EQ, STANDARDS, etc. What is nice is they are so easy to change out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-A3DfspOv4vyT7olCRMUgAPooJmJQpqTGjCOf4CFVkAwf8GGjmZR5ISe1kQ4Vft6kfCtH_3a3S3HCymQqQ52D3gBdCF1fbSx0jThbuLwnK8WLRX00LXuJHLTWoDkTggiXv4y3-PukjA/s1600/pismena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-A3DfspOv4vyT7olCRMUgAPooJmJQpqTGjCOf4CFVkAwf8GGjmZR5ISe1kQ4Vft6kfCtH_3a3S3HCymQqQ52D3gBdCF1fbSx0jThbuLwnK8WLRX00LXuJHLTWoDkTggiXv4y3-PukjA/s320/pismena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>7. Use duct tape! </b>It comes in many different patterns and will go with many different themes. Put some on the floor to mark where desks should go, decorate old cans for pencil holders, use to make little booklets by taping paper together and securing with staples, color code groups, etc. </div>
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There are lots of uses for duct tape. </div>
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<b>8. Make folders for each student. </b>In middle school, I kept a three drawer plastic bin behind my desk for each class. I gave students manila folders the first week of school to write their name on and decorate to make their own, and stored them in the bin. Every week, I had assigned a student helper to pass out the folders at the beginning of class and collect them at the end. Students put their work in the folders. A great benefit to this...if they forgot to put their name on their work, it was in a folder with their name on it! I just never had students access the bins unless they were assigned as student helpers that week. That way there was no possibility of cheating off someone else's work, telling me they turned it, etc. If it wasn't in their folder, it wasn't turned in. Period. Here is a full week of GOT folder activities from my TPT store - <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-First-Week-of-School-Middle-School-Language-Arts-GOT-Folders-2700043">Click HERE to get them for FREE </a></div>
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<b>9. Have routines in place from the first day of school.</b> Harry Wong is right about this. Establish routines. I was a pre-K teacher before I taught middle school, and routines are important for all children to feel comfortable and secure, and having routines in place helps keep them on track. Not everything has to be the same everyday, but basic classroom tasks should become routine. Especially have a routine for what to do upon entering the room. I always have a folder passer, a paper passer, and a warm-up activity or bell-ringer ready up on the board. Students know that once they cross the threshold, they are to come in, sit down, and get started. I use a catchy name for my folders...I call them GOT folders...Get On Task. Haha...call them what you will. If you are a middle school Language Arts teacher, here is a great bundle of Bellringers that addresses all of the standards and will welcome your students into the room: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bell-Ringers-Bundle-Full-Year-Common-Core-ELA-2384291">Bell-Ringers Bundle Full Year Common Core ELA </a></div>
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<img alt="Bell Ringers Bundle - Full Year - Common Core ELA" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Bell-Ringers-Bundle-Full-Year-Common-Core-2384291/original-2384291-1.jpg" /></div>
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<b>10. Have a calendar on your desk. </b>Every year at this time of year, I would search out stores for a nice desktop calendar that I could write on. I know I could use my computer for scheduling and such, but I liked the old-fashioned way of having it in writing right where I could see it. However, I thought of a way I could save money on this...I made a blank desktop calendar on my computer and printed it out on card stock and laminated it, Then I could fill in the month, dates, and schedule events with a dry erase marker...or better yet, a wet erase. I liked using wet erase markers so things wouldn't get wiped off accidentally being on my busy desk. Then I just used wet wipes to wipe off what I wanted to. </div>
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As I always try to do in every blog post, I give you a freebie for reading! So I am sharing my blank desktop planner calendar with you. Just click the link here and enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Teacher-Desk-Planner-Back-to-School-Calendar-2649060">Free Teacher Desk Planner-Back to School Calendar</a></div>
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<img alt="Free Teacher Desk Planner - Back to School Calendar" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Free-Teacher-Desk-Planner-Back-to-School-2649060/original-2649060-1.jpg" /></div>
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Wishing you success always!</div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka HappyEdugator</div>
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-72079907719816978042016-04-24T15:38:00.000-07:002016-04-24T15:55:27.200-07:00I'm back! 10 End of the Year Ideas for Tired Teachers and StudentsHello again! I had my surgery in March. The recovery from this second neuroma surgery has gone well. I am finally starting to feel better and I am walking better every day. The horrible nerve pain is gone, thankfully. I have just not had it in me to write at all, especially since I was diagnosed with diabetes, too. I have been spending a load of time learning how to eat better and take care of myself. Proud to say I have lost 26 pounds since February! :)<br />
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I was thinking about what I could write about since the school year is almost over, and I thought about how the last weeks after testing can be draining. The students are no longer motivated, teachers are tired, and everyone wants to do something fun to relieve the stress. Everyone is counting down to summer vacation. Yet, we still have to stay on task and have creative lessons that will keep students learning and engaged (without spending hours of planning!)...so what can we do?<br />
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Although I left teaching a year ago, I still remember how difficult those last weeks can be. If you are a new teacher, or if you just need some fresh ideas, here are ten ideas to help get you through those last weeks!<br />
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1. The weather is getting nicer, so take your class outside if you can. At our school, we just had to notify the office if we were going to be outside. I liked to carry a walkie talkie with me so I could communicate with someone in the building, in case of an emergency. Of course, you can also use a cell phone, but the walkie talkies were very convenient and you could just call a team member quickly. We also had a covered area with picnic tables called the "outdoor classroom." Just make sure you have a planned activity, so the kids aren't just thinking this is a recess. There are lots of things you can do outside...read under a shady tree, write poems, do a nature scavenger hunt, use colored chalk to figure math problems on the sidewalk or draw maps of places being studied. For a great STEM activity, construct paper kites or airplanes, and then fly them and see which ones fly highest, furthest, longest, etc.<br />
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2. Have the student write a speech and present it to the class. My students always liked to complete a "How to..." assignment where they were the experts on something and could teach the class how to do it. This can be done in any grade level. Make sure they have specific requirements, a clear rubric, and keep students who are in the audience engaged with an evaluation form, so that they are participating, too. Here is a link you might like:<br />
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Middle School/High School<br />
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<img alt="Speech Presentation - Teacher Evaluation Sheet" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Speech-Presentation-Teacher-Evaluation-Sheet-1475422/original-1475422-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Speech-Presentation-Teacher-Evaluation-Sheet-1475422">FREE Speech Presentation Teacher Evaluation Sheet</a><br />
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<img alt="End of the Year Speech Assignment" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Speech-Assignment/original-135592-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Speech-Assignment-135592">End of the Year Speech Assignment</a><br />
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<img alt="Public Speaking" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Public-Speaking-2219118/original-2219118-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Public-Speaking-2219118">Public Speaking PowerPoint</a><br />
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<img alt="Expository Writing - How to Project Assignment" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Expository-Writing-How-to-Project-Assignment/original-144852-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Expository-Writing-How-to-Project-Assignment-144852">Expository Writing - How to Project Assignment</a><br />
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3. An ABC review is a good way to review a book, a unit, or even the whole year. Students can write about something that begins with each letter of the alphabet from their book, their lesson, animals they have studied, or what they remember from the year. If they do the latter, they can make it into a memory book and illustrate it, too! Here are links to some ABC review sheets for various grade levels if you need one...<br />
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Middle School/ High School<br />
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<img alt="ABC Summary Sheet or Summarizer" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/ABC-Summary-Sheet-or-Summarizer/original-171527-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-Summary-Sheet-or-Summarizer-171527">FREE ABC Summary Sheet</a><br />
<img alt="ABC PowerPoint Project for Any Novel" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/ABC-PowerPoint-Project-for-Any-Novel/original-543025-1.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-PowerPoint-Project-for-Any-Novel-543025">ABC PowerPoint Project for Any Novel</a><br />
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Elementary<br />
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<img alt="Free Animal ABC Book" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Animal-ABC-Book-for-Free-Blank-1503796/original-1503796-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Animal-ABC-Book-1503796">Free Animal ABC Book</a><br />
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<img alt="ABC Book" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/ABC-Book-for-Free-Blank/original-176323-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-Book-176323">ABC Book</a><br />
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4. Make a memory book...if you don't use the ABC review above to make one, print out memory book pages for all your students and then have students complete one each day. After a couple weeks, they can be put together to make a nice memory book and then students can autograph them. Take a class photo to include in it. Here is a link to a memory book if you don't have one...<br />
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<img alt="End of Year Memory Book" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Memory-Book-for-Any-Elementary-Grade/original-132618-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Memory-Book-132618">End of Year Memory Book</a><br />
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5. Have your class do a service project for the school. Maybe the grounds need weeding, a wall needs painting, or a tree needs planting. Check with your administrator for ideas on what needs to be done to help spruce up the school.<br />
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6. Write an end of the year poem. My students enjoyed making Poet - T's, and they can do this in any subject, not just ELA. We also wrote "I AM" poems like we did at the beginning of the year and then compared them.<br />
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<img alt=""I Am" Poem" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/I-Am-Poem-Beginning-of-the-Year-Writing-Activity-036739300-1377636438-1461527818/original-849099-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-Am-Poem-849099">FREE I Am Poem</a><br />
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<img alt="End of the Year I Am Poem: Make a Poet T - Shirt Craftivity" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-I-Am-Poem-Make-a-Poet-T-Shirt-Craftivity/original-257760-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-I-Am-Poem-Make-a-Poet-T-Shirt-Craftivity-257760">End of the Year I Am Poem-Make a Poet T-Shirt Craftivity</a><br />
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7. Play some interactive PowerPoint games or do some gallery walks. Getting the students up and moving in an engaging activity will help them use up that pent up energy that can get them into trouble, and time will fly by before you know it! You can quickly and easily make your own games with these PowerPoint game templates:<br />
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<img alt="PowerPoint Game Templates BUNDLE" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/PowerPoint-Game-Templates-BUNDLE-1530734/original-1530734-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/PowerPoint-Game-Templates-BUNDLE-1530734">PowerPoint Game Template BUNDLE</a><br />
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8. Do activities in connection with things students love. Perhaps have ice cream with some ice cream writing activities? Make a cell out of different kinds of candy? Take an imaginary vacation in math?<br />
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<img alt="End of the Year Activities" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Ice-Cream-Writing-Activities-PowerPoint/original-251388-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Activities-251388">End of the Year Activities</a><br />
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<img alt="End of the Year Math Activity PowerPoint - Imaginary Vacation" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Math-Activity-PowerPoint-Imaginary-Vacation/original-132603-1.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Math-Activity-PowerPoint-Imaginary-Vacation-132603">End of the Year Math Activity PowerPoint-Imaginary Vacation-132603</a><br />
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9. Use menu choice boards to give students an opportunity to choose an activity to work on. Students who have a choice will be more likely to be engaged in their learning. They will feel empowered and put their best effort in their work.<br />
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<img alt="End of the Year Assignment Menu" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Assignment-Menu/original-58957-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Assignment-Menu-58957">End-of-the-Year-Assignment-Menu</a><br />
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<img alt="Multiple Intelligence Choice Board" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Multiple-Intelligence-Choice-Board/original-600427-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiple-Intelligence-Choice-Board-600427">Multiple Intelligence Choice Board</a><br />
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Students can also evaluate themselves or their classmates...<br />
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<img alt="Multiple Intelligence Self-Analysis" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Multiple-Intelligence-Self-Analysis-2124076/original-2124076-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiple-Intelligence-Self-Analysis-2124076">Multiple Intelligence Self Analysis</a><br />
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<img alt="End of the Year Superlatives: Most Likely To Succeed" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Superlative-Questions-Most-Likely-To-1250957/original-1250957-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Superlatives-Most-Likely-To-Succeed-1250957">End-of-the-Year Superlatives- Most Likely To Succeed</a><br />
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10. Finally, make sure you take time to enjoy your students and let them be creative. If you are reading a novel, or perhaps studying animals in science or a country in social studies, have them make clay models. My seventh grade class read The White Giraffe one year, and we fashioned animals out of modeling clay. It was so much fun! And here's a tip...all those blank transparencies you no longer use that you may have tucked away in a closet or drawer gathering dust...use them as place mats on the student desks. They throw them away when they are done, and the desks stay much cleaner!<br />
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Another option is to have students create songs, raps, PowerPoints, art, games, etc. to review the year. One year, I provided lots of magazines and let them make collages about the book Where the Red Fern Grows, which we had read in class. The creativity was amazing! They enjoyed it, they were learning, and time flew by!</div>
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You can also discuss with your students what books they might enjoy over the summer. Here are some reading lists you can give them to help them make some choices. </div>
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<img alt="Summer Reading List Grade 4 - 6" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Summer-Reading-List-Grade-4-6/original-247556-1.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Reading-List-Grade-4-6-247556">Summer Reading List Grades 4 - 6</a></div>
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<img alt="Summer Reading List Grade 7 - 8" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Summer-Reading-List-Grade-7-8/original-247597-1.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Reading-List-Grade-7-8-247597">Summer Reading List Grades 7 - 8</a></div>
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I hope I have helped you with ideas that will inspire you, so that you can enjoy these last few weeks of school with not stress! Don't forget, while your students are working on their engaging activities, pull out those early finishers to help you with end of the year organizing, decluttering, packing, etc. Then you will have a stress-free summer, too! </div>
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Best wishes for success always, </div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka HappyEdugator</div>
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-8969622931029262282016-02-14T16:40:00.000-08:002016-02-14T16:41:04.995-08:00Valentines, Heart Awareness Month, and Presidents' Day<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">
February is Heart Month in America and Canada. This special month was established to help raise awareness about heart disease and how to prevent it, since heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States.</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Heart Month is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Both organizations encourage people to help spread awareness about heart disease and stroke by doing simple things such as sending emails and e-cards to friends and family members that contain information about heart health. The organizations also encourage people to organize community events and campaigns to help raise awareness. I'm going to do my part by sharing my recent experience, which is why I have been absent from the blog for the last few weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">I am writing this post because I had a wake-up call myself this month. I was scheduled to have surgery on my foot, and went for the usual pre-op testing. A few days later my doctor called to say my EKG was abnormal and my glucose was high. I was scheduled to see a cardiologist the next morning. They ran another EKG and I was told I had had a heart attack! I did not know it...I could not think of a time when I noticed anything serious, although I have had several bouts of indigestion. This is called a "silent" heart attack, which can happen to women, who generally have different and milder symptoms than men. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">On top of it all, I was also diagnosed with type II diabetes. Double whammy. In fact, the diabetes may have caused the problems with my heart. So, I am undergoing more tests this week and making some major changes in my diet. I feel the need to warn everyone out there, especially women, to really take stock in what you eat and how much you excercise. I never thought it would happen to me! It can happen to you, too, especially if you eat a diet that is unhealthy and don't get enough excercise. I can make changes now, but I will always have to stick my finger and take medications for the rest of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Go Red For Women launched National Wear Red Day in 2003. It takes place every February on the first Friday of the month (the exact day I was diagnosed), encouraging women to wear red as a symbol for heart awareness. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Go Red For Women developed primarily because heart disease was seen as a primarily male affliction, with research ignoring gender differences. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Since then, the movement has claimed to have helped nearly 90 percent of women successfully implement at least one lifestyle change, more than a third of women lose weight, and more than 40 percent of women discuss heart health with their doctors.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">One in three women die of heart disease or stroke each year, according to Go Red For Women. These deaths are easily preventable through diet and exercise, as well as the consistent monitoring of cholesterol levels. In 2004, the American Heart Association began working to inspire, motivate and educate women about heart health.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"> Women need to realize that heart attack symptoms may not be the same as for men.You can read about warning signs here: <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Warning-Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_002039_Article.jsp#.VsEXCfIrLIU">WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK</a></span></div>
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The American Heart Association has lesson plans for educators for elementary and middle school that are available for free! I encourage you to go to their website and get these free materials. We need to educate our children so that they can lead healthy lives. Here is the link: <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Educator/FortheClassroom/For-the-Classroom_UCM_001115_SubHomePage.jsp">FREE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION CLASSROOM RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS</a></div>
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I am now on a mission to eat right and be healthy, but unfortunately, as my cardiologist said, I should have been doing that all along. I hope this post will help you eat healthier and stay in shape. Please learn from my mistakes. :)</div>
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So happy Valentines Day! I hope your heart stays healthy, and even if you don't have a special someone, that you have a great day and tell the ones you love that you love them. </div>
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Tomorrow is Presidents' Day, and many of you are out of school, or having a snow day from winter storm Olympia. If you are going stir crazy, here are some resources that you can check out from my TPT store. Oh, and I am excited that one of my freebies was featured in the TPT newsletter today! :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Clip-Art-Free-Hearts-1684737">Valentines Day Clip Art - Free Hearts</a></div>
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<img alt="Valentines Day Clip Art - Free Hearts" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Valentine-Hearts-Clip-Art-1684737/original-1684737-1.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-1706945">Presidents Day Fun Facts PowerPoint</a></div>
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<img alt="Presidents' Day" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Presidents-1706945-1455492225/original-1706945-1.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presidents-Day-2360460">Presidents Day Word Search</a></div>
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<img alt="Presidents' Day" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Presidents-Day-Word-Search-2360460-1454907728/original-2360460-1.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Happy-Apples-Math-Board-Game-143139">Happy Apples Math Board Game - Freebie from Newsletter</a></div>
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<img alt="Happy Apples Math Board Game" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Happy-Apples-Math-Board-Game-1455472306/original-143139-1.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leap-Year-2292183">Leap Year PowerPoint</a></div>
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<img alt="Leap Year" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Leap-Year-2292183-1454907728/original-2292183-1.jpg" /></div>
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Have a great week! If you are on a winter break, enjoy it! Stay happy and healthy!</div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka HappyEdugator</div>
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HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-74461511651170200392016-01-09T13:41:00.001-08:002016-01-09T13:42:57.323-08:00Getting Ready for MLK Day and Featured Author on TES!Happy New Year! I am sure you are all off to a great start on your New Year! At least, I hope so! I have been reading so many wonderful posts with great ideas for losing weight, eating clean, organizing and decluttering. Now I feel like I need to get busy! So, this evening I am planning to attack the closet in my office. I dread it, but I need to actually reorganize the entire office. I am going to try to to take it a little at a time. I read somewhere that is the way to go.<br />
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I have some great news. TES Global has launched their US site. They have been around a long time in Europe but are just starting out in the United States. I joined them in October, and I am excited to have been selected as their featured author this week! You can check out my interview right here: <a href="https://t.co/qaxM2Ng8eg">https://t.co/qaxM2Ng8eg</a><br />
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://t.co/qaxM2Ng8eg"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxdkke443Q6my6N2dfAElh7Lhyphenhypheng-9uP05IBNRb5RDiznynkxAGPmIivrD0hUUNkH3U2FcQ9-a0Di2PQgNSPTWd4MclHUcC0miKXyq1PtQv7jXUGU0OTbqV38kR56u31AD5prloLS-kkA/s320/TES+featured+author.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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I am sure many of you are getting ready to prep for Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month. One of my favorite activities to do with my 7th graders, who were familiar with MLK, was to compare Martin Luther King, Jr. to Malcolm X. Many of them did not know anything about Malcolm X, and when we studied the two activists, we found a great contrast between peaceful protest and violent protest. It brought up great discussion, and especially in this era and with current events, a very meaningful one. If you are interested in doing this, here are links to my MLK PowerPoint, my Malcolm X PowerPoint, and a Venn Diagram activity to compare and contrast the two. All of these resources are available on TPT, TES, and TN.</div>
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<img alt="MartinLutherKingJrPowerPointandMLKWritingAssignment2.ppt" src="https://d1uvxqwmcz8fl1.cloudfront.net/tes/resources/11107229/18a73165-7fc7-47cc-90f2-c4c8f762d59c/image?width=500&height=500&version=1448911932000" /><a href="https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/martin-luther-king-jr-powerpoint-and-writing-assignment-11107229">https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/martin-luther-king-jr-powerpoint-and-writing-assignment-11107229</a></div>
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<img alt="MalcolmXBiographyPowerPoint.ppt" src="https://d1uvxqwmcz8fl1.cloudfront.net/tes/resources/11116532/0a32039f-52ee-468e-b69f-553b3b5e0fb9/image?width=500&height=500&version=1442196242000" /><a href="https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/malcolm-x-biography-powerpoint-11116532">https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/malcolm-x-biography-powerpoint-11116532</a></div>
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<img alt="MartinLutherKingJrVsMalcolmXVennDiagram.pdf" src="https://d1uvxqwmcz8fl1.cloudfront.net/tes/resources/11113008/3c03fd65-8c67-4868-8de6-1f297362dadf/image?width=500&height=500&version=1441851652000" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/martin-luther-king-jr-versus-malcolm-x-11113008">https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/martin-luther-king-jr-versus-malcolm-x-11113008</a></div>
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Watch for more ideas coming this week! </div>
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As always, here is a freebie:</div>
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<img alt="Martin Luther King Day" src="https://ecdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-1649055-1452024549/original-1649055-1.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Martin-Luther-King-Day-1649055">Marting Luther King Jr. Word Search Puzzle</a></div>
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HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-16897650470179705972015-12-26T19:18:00.000-08:002015-12-26T19:34:41.771-08:00Merry Christmas!<span style="background-color: white;">Merry Christmas, everyone! A little late, but better than never.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I realize I have been MIA for a bit, but even though I had great intentions, I could not find time to blog at all over the last month! I flew across the country from Jacksonville, Florida to Seattle, Washington, to spend time with the kids and grand-kids. (You can follow me on Instagram to see the photos...grandmother's bragging rights. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/happyedugator/">https://www.instagram.com/happyedugator</a>) Then what do you know? I get back home to a sick husband who has the flu AND strep throat. Within 3 days, I had it, too! All my energy was sapped for over a week. Just as I was starting to feel better, it was hustle and bustle and get ready for Christmas! So here it is, the evening after Christmas, when it hit me that I haven't posted anything for almost a month. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">However, I am sure everyone else has busy lives at this time of year, so maybe you will relate. I hope everyone had an amazing holiday. I hope you were able to have peace, no matter what the circumstances. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">Some thoughts as we celebrate the holiday season: it is important to remember that not everyone looks forward to Christmas. Some people are not surrounded by large wonderful families and friends. Some of us have problems during the holidays and are overcome with great sadness when we remember the loved ones who are not with us. For many, it is their first Christmas without a particular loved one, and many others have lost loved ones at Christmas time. Many people have no one </span><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">to </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.32px;">spend these times with and are besieged by loneliness. We all need caring, loving thoughts right now. I have seen and read about so much heartache and loss this season. My heart breaks for all those who feel the intense pain of loneliness, loss, poverty, and grief. It is my wish that kindness and love will find you if you are suffering.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">If you are a teacher, I hope you find time to rest, relax, and recharge over this break. The days leading up to the holidays can be extremely stressful. Put aside some time for yourself and your family!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">If you follow me on TPT, you will know that I have been having a 20% off sale in my store yesterday and today. I am extending that sale for one more day, but if you miss it because you are spending quality time with family and friends, I want you to know that there are some great specials coming up next week, too! Follow my blog to keep up to date on the some deals that will rock your New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.32px;">Remember, one of the most important gifts you can give this season is kindness. Be kind to all you meet, and when you go back to school, remember to be kind to all you teach. No matter how stressed you get, your students will always need your kindness. </span><br />
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Best wishes for success always,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">Deborah</i></span></div>
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HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-43286230781641495062015-11-02T10:45:00.001-08:002015-11-02T10:46:28.791-08:00Thankful! How Being Grateful Will Make You Happier and Healthier!It is November already, and the year is flying by! Every year seems to go by faster and faster. As I sit and reflect about all of the things I have to be grateful for, memories of more difficult times arise. Yes, we all go through lifes ups and downs, but it is the down times that really make us appreciate it when we have up times. Unless you experience loss, hardship, and pain, it is difficult to really have a deep sense of gratitude for even the little things. There can be so many things in our daily lives that we take for granted. For instance,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> we take for granted having clean running water out of a tap. All it takes is to go on a camping trip for a few days to really get a feeling of how difficult even common everyday tasks can be when you don't have running water. </span><br />
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In today's busy world, we tend to stress over our agendas, worry too much about our problems, and panic when we can't acheive our goals. For some, the approaching holidays are painful, as they deal with health issues or memories of loved ones no longer here. There is also the constant strain of being connected, and sometimes the stress of the virtual world can also take its toll. However, even with all the wonderful apps available to help us get our lives in order and organized, there is no app for happiness. However, there is one sure way to find happiness: gratitude.<br />
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We all want to be happy, and we know that money can't buy happiness. Some may think so, if they have a lack of it, but people with lots of money still have problems. Just read the news. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading researcher on the effects of gratitude, has conducted multiple studies on the connection between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude definitely increases happiness and reduces depression.<br />
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According to his research, here are 3 ways being grateful can help improve your life:<br />
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1.<b> Physical health: </b><br />
People who practiced gratitude had stronger immune systems, fewer aches and pains, and lower blood pressure. They also exercised more, took better care of their own health, and slept sounder.<br />
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2.<b> Mental health:</b> People who were grateful experienced more positive emotions, higher self-esteem, increased levels joy and pleasure, added optimism and happiness, and felt more alive and awake.<br />
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3. <b>Social health and relationships: </b> People who felt gratitude were more outgoing, helpful, generous, and forgiving. They felt more empathy and compassion for others, and also felt less isolated and lonely.<br />
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You can read more about Dr. Emmons at his website:<br />
<a href="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/author/Robert_Emmons/">The Greater Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life</a><br />
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<img alt="Robert Emmons" src="http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/member_photos/photo_146.jpg" /><br />
Dr. Robert Emmons<br />
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Thanksgiving is a time when many people, like myself, start thinking seriously about what they have to be thankful for. However, we should be grateful all year long, not just at this time of year. Until we are truly grateful for the things and the people we have in our lives, we will never be satisfied with the things we try to acquire. Having gratitude will help us be happier and healthier all year long.<br />
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So now that we know the importance of gratitude, how do we teach our children to be grateful? How can they reap the benefits of gratitude in their own lives? Shouldn't we teach them to be appreciative and grateful for each and every day, because don't we want our children to be healthy and happy?<br />
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During the month of November, many schools have character education programs that encourage students to show gratitude. A great school-wide activity at this time of year is to organize a food drive to support a local food bank. Teachers often have students write about what they are grateful for. Kids love to describe what they are thankful for...and as long as you keep it light and fun, they won't complain about writing. My students would always love to write a short paragraph on these cornucopia writing sheets, color them, and place them on our door. Sometimes we would trace our hands, cut them out, and write five things we were grateful for on the fingers, with our names on the palms. Then, we would make a giant turkey tail (placed around a turkey body) out of all the grateful hands to display in the hall.<br />
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Here are some products in my store to use this November when you are teaching about gratitude:<br />
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<img alt="Thanksgiving Writing - I am Thankful Sheets" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Thanksgiving-Writing-I-am-Thankful-Sheets-1446473577/original-355084-1.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Writing-I-am-Thankful-Sheets-355084">Thanksgiving Writing-I am Thankful Sheets</a><br />
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<img alt="Thanksgiving Writing" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Thanksgiving-Countdown-Cards-1446473535/original-401753-1.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Writing-401753">Thanksgiving Writing</a><br />
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If you want a big bundle of all kinds of FUN Thanksgiving Activities, which includes the writing activities above, you can also purchase my<br />
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<img alt="Thanksgiving Activities" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Thanksgiving-Activities-2182915-1446476386/original-2182915-1.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Activities-2182915">Thanksgiving Activities BUNDLE</a><br />
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It is half off the bundle price for the next couple of days, so you can save more than 50%!<br />
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<b><u>FREE THANKSGIVING STUFF FOR YOUR CLASSSROOM</u></b><br />
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As always, I try to direct you to some freebies at the end of each post:<br />
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<img alt="Thanksgiving: Free Thanksgiving Maze" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Free-Thanksgiving-Maze-1446473286/original-368080-1.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Free-Thanksgiving-Maze-368080">Thanksgiving-Free Thanksgiving Maze</a><br />
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<img alt="Thanksgiving Acrostic Poem - Thankful" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Thanksgiving-Acrostic-Poem-Thankful/original-168397-1.jpg" /><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Acrostic-Poem-Thankful-168397">Thanksgiving Acrostic Poem-Thankful</a><br />
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As always, my best wishes for success in all you do! May you always be happy and healthy!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Deborah Hayes</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>aka HappyEdugator </b></span><br />
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-34152797221733829572015-08-24T09:59:00.001-07:002015-09-01T06:57:17.341-07:009 Back to School Tips for Student Success<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>B<span style="font-family: inherit;">ack to School Tips for Student Success</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you ready for back to school? Getting
back to a routine where kids can focus and pay attention for extended periods of
time can be a challenge, but if your students follow these simple tips, you are sure to
get your year off to a great start! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of us tell our students to do these things to get ready for state tests, but tell them to do them every single
school day! You will find greater success from kids who are just able to stay on
task. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">HAVE A GREAT YEAR! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number One: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Go to
bed on a school night at a reasonable time. Power down all electronics at least
an hour before you turn out the light so you can rest. Research has shown that
the blue light from tablets, cell phones, and even television can disrupt your
brain’s sleep patterns. If you don’t get enough sleep, you will end up falling
asleep where you are not supposed to! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number Two: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before
you go to bed, lay out what you want to wear the next day, put all your
homework and papers together in your book bag, make sure any papers you need
signed are completed, and decide what you are going to take for lunch or make
sure your lunch account is paid so you don’t have to rush around in the
mornings</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">! Set
your alarm for about an hour before you have to leave, so you will have time to
get ready. There is a lot of truth in the saying, “Early to bed, early to rise,
makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number Three: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
you get home, grab a snack and get your homework finished right away before you
do anything else. Then you won’t have to be rushing to get it done at the last
minute or when you are too tired to think. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number Four:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Eat
a good breakfast everyday and make sure you have some sort of protein (Milk,
eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">…). Stay away from too much sugar, which
can make you crash mid-morning. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This will help keep you focused and you
will be able to think clearer and have the stamina your mind needs to not
wander. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Five:
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get
to school on time (early if possible) and organize yourself. Get your materials
that you will need ready. Make sure your homework is handy with your name on
it, your pencils sharpened, your paper or notebooks and any other materials
your teacher requires ready. If you have to ask someone to borrow something, do
it before the start of class. It takes away from everyone’s learning if you
have to get your items together after the class has already started. Be
prepared so you don’t have to disrupt the class to take care of these
responsibilities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Six:
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
the teacher starts talking, you should stop! Make sure you put every ounce of
your energy on paying attention! This is why you came to class. This is the
reason you are here…to learn. There will be time to visit with friends, but
once class has started, open your ears and eyes, but close your mouth unless
your teacher directs you to discuss something or answer a question. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Seven:
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
the teacher gives directions, you should follow them very carefully. Sometimes
if you miss a step, you can get lost, and then lose focus. Raise your hand if
you really are not sure about what to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Eight:
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another
good way to stay focused on your learning is to share it with someone else.
When time allows, or when your teacher directs you to, explain a concept you
understand well to someone else. It will reinforce your learning and help you
remember it. You can even share it with your family when you get home. The more
you repeat something, the better you will remember it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Tip Number </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-weight: bold;">Nine:
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
you don’t understand something, the best thing to do is to get help as soon as
possible. You can’t afford to get behind. Once you get lost, it is easy to
daydream and get even further off track. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you would like to share these tips with your students at the beginning of the year, I have put them all together in a colorful and engaging PowerPoint:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Tips-for-Success-2031360">Back-to-School-Tips-for-Success</a></div>
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I hope you have a wonderful year and that all your students have great success!</div>
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I have to also tell you about a great deal going on this week. Several teacher authors have joined together to bring you a BTS Extravaganza, with sales, freebies and giveaways going on all week! </div>
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Stop by my Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyEdugator">https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyEdugator</a> and like the page to keep up with all the wonderful deals going on this week! Today, for instance, is Monday Markdown. These amazing sellers have marked down one of their terrific products for 50% off for today only!! Some are already discounted bundles that you can save an additional 50% ! The link is on my Facebook post...so stop on by!</div>
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Last, but not least, I know many of you enjoy my freebies with every post! Here is a freebie to help you hold on to those last days of summer! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Outdoor-Fun-Crossword-Puzzle-2045571">Summer-Outdoor-Fun-Crossword-Puzzle</a></div>
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<img alt="Summer Outdoor Fun Crossword Puzzle" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Summer-Outdoor-Fun-Crossword-Puzzle-2045571-1440086113/original-2045571-1.jpg" /></div>
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And here is one of my most popular freebies for back to school right now:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-2022047">All-About-Me</a></div>
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Have a wonderful week and a great school year! Don't forget to stop by my Facebook page to keep up with all the great deals this week, as I won't be posting them here. </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyEdugator">https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyEdugator </a></div>
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Best wishes for success always! Deborah</div>
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HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-30474421488078143212015-07-19T14:25:00.000-07:002015-07-19T15:29:15.012-07:00TPT Las Vegas Conference 2015 - My Biggest Take-AwayI am a little late in posting, due to health issues, but last week I was able to have a wonderful opportunity to meet and learn with other TPT sellers in Las Vegas, Nevada! If you are another TPT author/seller, you probably wish you had been able to go. If you are a buyer, you will benefit from the TPT author conference because you will see better products with you in mind. About 1100 teacher-authors from all over the country came together to learn how to create more and better products that you can really use in your classroom this year! It was fun, and I learned a lot. The mission of the conference was "Come Together, Go Further" and we added "Give Back." That's what the true spirit of TPT is...a professional collaborative community that wants to help teachers help kids!<br />
I couldn't walk around this year, like last year, because of my foot surgery, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I rented a little scooter, and managed pretty well (except for when it ran out of juice and wouldn't recharge...more on that later). Here I am on my "buggy"<br />
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Rachel Lynette was the keynote speaker. She is so sweet and values education and educators so much. She told her story, of how she began on TPT selling items she used in the classroom and books she already authored and sold on other sites, by answering an ad on Craigslist! That was back in the day! It was interesting to see how much TPT had evolved from a tiny one person website (Thanks to Paul Edelman) to what it has grown to be today. She found her niche in making task cards, and the rest is history. Not only have her kids grown since she began, but she pays it forward all the time to help teachers and authors help kids grow to their potential. There were so many people there, that I could not get my photo with Rachel this year, but I did get to say hello. She is very inspirational. </div>
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I got to see Deanna Jump this year, too, and give her a big hug. She did not present this year, but her smile is so contagious. Love that big Deanna smile! I missed out on a photo opportunity with her this year as well, but that's okay. I still have the ones from last year. (If you wish to see my photos with Deanna and Rachel, just check out my blog post about the conference from last year.) </div>
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I did get a photo with Paul, our founder, and Adam, our CEO. Check out my instagram photos of the conference to see them here: <a href="https://instagram.com/happyedugator/">HappyEdugator on Instagram</a></div>
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I learned many things a seller should know about product design and promotion, but if you ask me what my biggest take-away from the conference was, I would have to say KINDNESS. As teachers, we wish to serve others and be helpful and kind. That's why we became teachers...I don't think many of us chose this profession for the money. (hehe) However, we have a strong desire to make the world a better place by living every day teaching others what really matters for them to be successful in life. </div>
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For instance, back to my story about my scooter dying...and this is important...I went to the final meet-up on my dying scooter and plugged in to a wall near the back, hoping that it would charge up enough to get me back to the other end of the hotel to trade it in. I could not really walk around much, since my foot was still painful due to surgery. I wanted to go to the photo booth with my roommates, but I couldn't find them either. I tried to stand in line, but it was just too painful. As I was shifting my weight rather uncomfortably, one of the teachers behind me in line said, "I'll hold your place for you, and I'll come and get you when it is your turn." What a relief that was to be able to sit down...and so, even though I couldn't find my roomie, I did get a photo booth selfie (I tried to be silly):</div>
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Yet, my story of kindness does not end there. After I took my photo booth selfie, I retreated back to my broken down buggy. All of a sudden out of nowhere, a sweet voice asked, "Did you have anything to eat?" I didn't even know there was food! This lovely lady went and brought me a plate with a sampling of cheese and fruit, and I was so thankful for it, because I was getting hungry. </div>
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So, two random acts of kindness from two different people made my evening, and reminded me that sometimes it is just the little acts of being considerate and kind to other people and aware of their needs that can make all the difference. THAT was my biggest take-away from the TPT conference. We truly did come together, to go further and GIVE BACK. </div>
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That's what the sellers all did when almost half of them chipped in to give the corporate office an amazing gift, too! A lovely table for their new office. </div>
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As I alway provide a link to a freebie at the end of each post, in order to give back, here is one you might like:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Inspirational-Poster-Bird-Theme-1916649"><img alt="Inspirational Poster - Bird Theme" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Inspirational-Poster-Bird-Theme-1916649/original-1916649-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Inspirational-Poster-Bird-Theme-1916649">Inspirational Poster Bird Theme - FREE</a></div>
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Next week I will post another summer art activity and some deals for back to school. </div>
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Best wishes for success always, and remember to be kind! </div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka HappyEdugator</div>
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-38815714894777053292015-07-08T22:55:00.000-07:002015-07-19T13:03:24.995-07:00Summer and the Fourth of July<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July! I spent mine at
home with hubby and the doggies, and the rain made us have to cook hamburgers
and hotdogs inside, instead of on the grill. However, we enjoyed the down time
and I hope you did, too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are working a summer camp or program this year, you
might be interested in: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fourth-of-July-PowerPoint-262380">Fourth of July PowerPoint</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Camp-Award-Certificates-1250656">Summer Camp Award Certificates<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Very excited about some new ventures! Started my Instagram
journey a couple of weeks ago, and that has been fun, although it has taken
some of my time. If you wish to get to know me on a more personal level, I
would love to have you follow me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Second, I am excited about going to the TPT Seller
Conference in Las Vegas, NV again this year! I am looking forward to seeing
friends there, old and new, and learning so many new things! Can’t wait! To
celebrate, I have joined with an amazing group of teachers to bring you some
fantastic deals for Vegas week, which I posting daily on my Facebook page, The
HappyEdugator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am currently working on updating older products, and
making new ones. I never seem to have enough time to do everything I want to
do! I hope to be ready for BACK TO SCHOOL with lots of new and updated
products!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, to continue with my Summer Fun Activities posts, here
is ART Project # 2:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Suitable for Kids 8+)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sea Shell and Sand Picture Frame <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Materials:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sand, Sea Shells, White School Glue (or Modge Podge), Picture
Frame (can be an old one)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clean the picture frame to remove any dust or
grease on the surface. Let dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix the sand with the glue to make a paste.
Apply this sand/glue mixture to the picture frame and allow to dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add decorative sea shells with glue and allow to
dry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put in your favorite summer picture and display
with pride!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So excited to be in Vegas this week for the Teacher Blogger Meet Up and the TPT conference! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoyf4l5RLme1MCeLL8DEKffqMn5sSUFkUPXo0axvWzo6NFz8ttiv7wZeLcJ1V5rHwTUI6kSC7uZy4TKQYzF4uOJunJZooXiM1pMOSS9Lucy2AqYkVFIPW3XLOK-sfyCETSB3Z_VOnDf8/s1600/tpt+conference+selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoyf4l5RLme1MCeLL8DEKffqMn5sSUFkUPXo0axvWzo6NFz8ttiv7wZeLcJ1V5rHwTUI6kSC7uZy4TKQYzF4uOJunJZooXiM1pMOSS9Lucy2AqYkVFIPW3XLOK-sfyCETSB3Z_VOnDf8/s320/tpt+conference+selfie.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, thanks for stopping by and
reading my little blog. Here is a freebie for you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Inspirational-Poster-Bird-Theme-1916649"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inspirational Classroom poster!<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
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Have a great week! Deborah Hayes aka HappyEdugator</div>
HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-65939625278654509202015-06-17T08:32:00.000-07:002015-07-19T14:26:43.603-07:00Summer Fun, Healthy Recipes, Art Project, and Father's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello followers! I am sorry I have not been able to get
going this summer. I had planned to post on June 1, but I had surgery on that
very day, and didn’t take into account of how groggy I would be, and how that
brain fog would haunt me for a couple of weeks. I am doing better now, and am
looking forward to a restful and healing summer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I wanted to share with you the new TPT Summertime Picnic
Recipes Cookbook, put together by some of your favorite TPT authors (including
yours truly) and the best part of all…It’s FREE! For a sample, you can stop by
my store and pick up the Healthy Potato Salad recipe that is made without mayo!
If you like it, download the entire book, with about 75 delicious recipes
included. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Potato-Salad-Recipe-1885053"><img alt="Potato Salad Recipe" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Potato-Salad-Recipe-1885053/original-1885053-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I mentioned in my last post, that I would be posting a few
fun activities to do with your kiddos this summer. I love crafty and creative
things, and I wanted to share with you a few things that might keep you and
your kids busy this summer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Art Project # 1 - For older kids, teens, ages 12 -18<o:p></o:p><br />
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CAUTION: This project requires the use of hot wax and a hot iron. Adult supervision is required, and proper handling of materials is necessary to avoid burns.<br />
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BATIK<o:p></o:p></div>
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Batik is a way of creating a design on fabric by waxing any
parts of the fabric you don’t want changed and then immersing it in a dye
solution. When the wax is removed, the
design is colored, but not the rest of the fabric. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The best fabric for batik is plain, light colored cotton. A
T-shirt is fine, as long as it is cotton. Do not use a synthetic fabric because
the dye will not penetrate the fibers well and “take.” If the fabric is new, wash it in hot soapy
water first, rinsed and dry, to remove any chemicals or starches left behind
from the manufacturing process.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tack the fabric, stretched tight, to a picture frame or
canvas stretcher. Sketch a design on the
fabric with a pencil or even better, a charcoal pencil. Prepare the wax by gently heating 1 pound of
paraffin and 5 tablespoons of beeswax in a double boiler. Check the temperature
with a candy thermometer. Melt wax until it reaches a temperature of 170F
degrees. Using a small brush, apply melted wax over the parts of the design you
don’t want dyed with color. Let cool, so the wax has solidified. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Use only cold water dyes so the wax won’t melt. If the
design requires more than one color, start with the lightest. Prepare the dye
according to package directions. Untack the fabric, and soak it in the dye for
20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, and let dry. (Hang dry…do not use a clothes
dryer!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Apply the other colors, if any, in the same way. Remove the
wax by covering an ironing board with brown paper bags. Place the dry fabric on
it between layers of paper toweling. With a dry iron at one setting lower than
cotton, press the fabric on both sides, changing the paper toweling as the wax
accumulates. If you are using two or more colors, you don’t have to press out
all the wax after each dye bath: press out only the parts you want dyed with
the next color, and wax all the other parts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The apple design shown here was drawn on white fabric. The
apple itself was covered with wax, and the background randomly dribbled with
wax. The fabric was then dyed light blue.
Wax was pressed out of the apple, except for the leaf, and the background was
waxed. Then the apple was dyed red. Next the wax was pressed out of the leaf,
and the leaf was dyed green. Finally, the wax was pressed out of the entire
project, leaving a red apple with a green leaf on a light blue background. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUiMDyAh6DR_w6mUtOVOtAh44u2fI6bGT6yCNV0A_0dvVKPdcHgaA0yDB7RAuK02w6bpKuR98ftlsBXDGcmTEHmHHSQu8eOChRZ24pW4iO_wMI8sDIDxC2JC6h1lysOsiOE8GXDkJ7tk/s1600/black-frame-apple_MywizKt_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUiMDyAh6DR_w6mUtOVOtAh44u2fI6bGT6yCNV0A_0dvVKPdcHgaA0yDB7RAuK02w6bpKuR98ftlsBXDGcmTEHmHHSQu8eOChRZ24pW4iO_wMI8sDIDxC2JC6h1lysOsiOE8GXDkJ7tk/s320/black-frame-apple_MywizKt_.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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Remember… Father’s Day is June 21<sup>st</sup>. Do you have
something to give Dad that is from the kids?
No, not from the store, but from the KIDS? This product includes a great handprint
activity kids can make and put in a frame for Dad:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fathers-Day-1277557"><img alt="Father's Day" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Fathers-Day-Quick-Activities-Make-a-gift-for-Dad-1277557-1433954094/original-1277557-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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That's all for today. I have to go put my foot up...Have a great week, and a happy Father's Day! Come back soon for more crafty projects to try. </div>
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Best wishes, </div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka Happy Edugator </div>
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HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-48083948045839241942015-05-18T10:28:00.005-07:002015-05-18T21:23:12.044-07:00It's the End of the Year! Eight Tips to Keep Everyone Happy!Yay! Most teachers are counting down the days until the end when they wave the yellow buses good-bye, and parents are looking forward to having the kids home for the summer. While teachers are winding down, parents are looking for fun ideas of things to do with the kiddos. So starting June 1, I will be posting all about fun kids crafts and games that families can do that won't break the budget. I am very excited about this, since I just love doing fun activities and I have lots to share! Make sure you follow me if you are looking for fun things to do with your kids this summer!<br />
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Meanwhile, back at the ranch, teachers are just trying to hold it together and keep their sanity as the kids grow more and more restless. Many schools have field days during the last week, but due to some inclement weather in some parts of the country, a lot of kids are going to have to spend time indoors. Here are eight tips for teachers to try during the last week to help keep everyone happy. </div>
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1. <b>Try something new.</b> Now is the time to try a new approach, a new idea, or a new lesson you have never tried before. Testing is over, evaluations are finished, and the kids need a change of pace. If you read about it, saw it on Pinterest, heard about it from a colleague...now is the perfect time to see if you and the kids enjoy it.</div>
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2.<b> Go deeper.</b> You have spent 7 - 8 months building a foundation for your students, but maybe you just didn't go as deep as you wanted to. Now is the time to delve in, build upon what they know, and go deeper into your topic. Perhaps use this time to make a global or communtiy connection that will help solidify their learning and give students an understanding of how their learning is important in the real world. Use technology to connect with other students and other places. </div>
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3. <b>Explore the next level. </b>You can go deeper, but you can also go higher. Jump to the next level. Introduce terms and concepts that build upon what they have learned and build a bridge to what students will study next year in their next grade level. </div>
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4. <b>Listen and connect.</b> This is a good time to really connect with those students that may have needed more personalized attention from you. Target a few students you feel you would like to have a better rapport with, and then ask good questions and really listen to them. It may make all the difference in their lives if they leave with a positive attitude about education. </div>
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5.<b> Put students in charge.</b> Allow your students to take the lead and explore, discover, and examine what interests them. Using a differentiated menu plan is an excellent way to let their natural curiosity help them finish the year strong. </div>
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6. <b>Get physical. </b>If the weather allows it, take them outside. Even if it is just to read quietly under a tree. The fresh air will do them good, and the walk outside will be a refreshing change. Play an outdoor game, take a nature walk, use sidewalk chalk for artwork, fly a kite you made in math class, or fly paper airplanes in science and measure how far they fly. Engage your students with your subject in a new and energizing way. If you can't go outside, get physical and take brain breaks in the classroom. </div>
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7.<b> Keep focus.</b> It is tempting to get off course and just coast until the end of the year. Try to keep your focus on your learning goals, </div>
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8. <b>Take time to energize. </b>Don't be afraid to take some time in the evening to relax. At this time of year, it is easy to just burn out. Enjoy your family and come in each day refreshed and ready to engage in a spectacular end to your year and finish strong. </div>
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Here are some activities available in my TPT store that you might like:</div>
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Grade 4 and up - </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-I-Am-Poem-Make-a-Poet-T-Shirt-Craftivity-257760">End-of-the-Year-I-Am-Poem-Make-a-Poet-T-Shirt-Craftivity</a></div>
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<img alt="End of the Year I Am Poem: Make a Poet T - Shirt Craftivity" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-I-Am-Poem-Make-a-Poet-T-Shirt-Craftivity/original-257760-1.jpg" /></div>
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Grades 4 - 8</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Math-Activity-PowerPoint-Imaginary-Vacation-132603">End-of-the-Year-Math-Activity-PowerPoint-Imaginary-Vacation</a></div>
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<img alt="End of the Year Math Activity PowerPoint - Imaginary Vacation" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Math-Activity-PowerPoint-Imaginary-Vacation-1431397385/original-132603-1.jpg" /></div>
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Grades 7 - 12</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Superlative-Questions-Most-Likely-To-1250957">End-of-the-Year-Superlative-Questions-Most-Likely-To</a></div>
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<img alt="End of the Year Superlative Questions: Most Likely To..." src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Superlative-Questions-Most-Likely-To-1250957-1431833927/original-1250957-1.jpg" /></div>
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Grades 3 - 6</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Summer-Jumbled-Words-PowerPoint-Game-131712">End-of-the-Year-Summer-Jumbled-Words-PowerPoint-Game</a></div>
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<img alt="End of the Year - Summer Jumbled Words PowerPoint Game" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Summer-Jumbled-Words-PowerPoint-Game-1431834082/original-131712-1.jpg" /></div>
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Grades 4 - 8 ELA - </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Assignment-Menu-58957">End-of-the-Year-Assignment-Menu</a></div>
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<img alt="End of the Year Assignment Menu" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Assignment-Menu/original-58957-1.jpg" /></div>
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Not Grade Specific - </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Memory-Book-132618">Memory-Book</a></div>
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<img alt="Memory Book" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/End-of-the-Year-Memory-Book-for-Any-Elementary-Grade/original-132618-1.jpg" /></div>
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Stop by my store for more fun activities...like a quick Summer wordsearch or a Memorial Day word scramble. Just print and go:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Happyedugator/Category/End-of-Year">End of Year Activities </a></div>
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As always, friends, I also have a freebie to share with you...I have been doodling again. :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Insects-Clip-Art-1858194">Insects-Clip-Art</a></div>
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<img alt="Insects Clip Art" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Insects-Clip-Art-1858194-1431753575/original-1858194-1.jpg" /></div>
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Best wishes for success always, and finish strong!</div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka HappyEdugator</div>
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HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-90381236418439720482015-05-04T14:33:00.000-07:002015-05-04T14:48:07.400-07:00Earth Day, Teacher Appreciation, Mother's Day!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Latin-America-All-About-Latin-America-PowerPoint-145065"><img alt="Latin America - All About Latin America PowerPoint" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/All-About-Latin-America-PowerPoint-Presentation/original-145065-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have been absent lately due to some medical issues, which has slowed me down. I haven't been up to posting anything for the last couple of weeks, so I missed Earth Day. I have lots of Earth Day resources available in my TPT store, but if you want some fun time fillers, try my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-Word-Search-Puzzle-233098">Earth Day WordSearch</a> or my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-Crossword-Puzzle-233292">Earth Day Crossword Puzzle</a>. Kids enjoy doing them after Earth Day, too!<br />
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So, tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, and to celebrate, I usually show my students the Mexican portion of my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Latin-America-All-About-Latin-America-PowerPoint-145065" target="_blank">Latin America - All About Latin America PowerPoint</a>.<br />
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I have never spent much time on Cinco de Mayo, honestly, because I am always pressed for time teaching the standards! Aren't you? But it is a nice little break, and my students love it and get some great nonfiction reading time!<br />
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More importantly, to me, it's National Teacher Appreciation Day! Yay! Everyone should appreciate the awesome work that teachers do! My husband had to help me at school one year. When I had a procedure done on my foot, he wheeled me around in a wheelchair for a month (yes, I have a great man behind me). He told me that he was not aware of how little time I had to plan lessons...amazed at how much time I spent in meetings, conferences, etc. He couldn't believe I had no time to go to the bathroom, until he experienced it himself! Thank you teachers, for doing an often, these days anyway, thankless job.<br />
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TPT recognizes teachers, too, and so tomorrow they are having their end of the year Teacher Appreciation Sale, which runs May 5 -6. Just put in the coupon code ThankYou at checkout to take an additional 10% off your order. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Happyedugator" target="_blank">My store</a> will be on sale all week, and 20% off during the sale, so stop by and get your wishlisted items or get a head start on Back to School.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Happyedugator"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvoI5vUfbs7RPL1ykSypbHK1jTeuGvQsuNUqN1dNMvcRdUNSimIPaPeD0S82BvAWPGUAreV3LxqzGMH1u2NHr6zlhNYWwCCVsmVZxrK8i-ojJNxJDFWrpr9LdBEfyXW4OYCvTR6NU8lY/s1600/sale_300_250.jpg" /></a></div>
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On Sunday, we honor our mothers. One activity my students enjoyed was making Mother's Day cards using their mother's names and making acrostic poems using proverbs..or words of wisdom from generations of mothers! If you think this would be a fun activity, check out my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Proverbs-What-Did-Your-Mother-Tell-You-PowerPoint-240001">Mother's Day Proverbs- What Did Your Mother Tell You? PowerPoint. </a> Works great for upper elementary and middle grades.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Proverbs-What-Did-Your-Mother-Tell-You-PowerPoint-240001"><img alt="Mother's Day Proverbs - What Did Your Mother Tell You? PowerPoint" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Mothers-Day-Proverbs-What-Did-Your-Mother-Tell-You-PowerPoint-1430700415/original-240001-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here are some other fun ideas for things to make and do with your students for Mother's Day:</div>
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1. Make a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Gift-242862">Mother's Day Gift</a> - a flower pot for mom with adjectives that describe her. Includes templates and a list of great adjetives to describe MOM. K - 3</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Gift-242862"><img alt="Mother's Day Gift" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Mothers-Day-Gift-Flower-Pot-Craftivity-A-Mum-for-Mom-1430700432/original-242862-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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2. Write a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Verb-Poem-681043">Mother's Day Verb poem</a>! Best for Middle grades.</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Verb-Poem-681043"><img alt="Mother's Day Verb Poem" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Mothers-Day-Verb-Poem/original-681043-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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3. Create a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Coupon-Book-1834998">Mother's Day Coupon Book</a> Not grade specific. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Coupon-Book-1834998"><img alt="Mother's Day Coupon Book" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Mothers-Day-Coupon-Book-1834998-1430342731/original-1834998-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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4. Sing some <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Songs-1842629">Mother's Day Songs</a>. Pre-K - 3</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Songs-1842629"><img alt="Mother's Day Songs" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Mothers-Day-Songs-1842629-1430763672/original-1842629-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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5. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-My-Mom-is-the-Best-Craftivity-670726">Make a Mother's Day Handprint Craftivity</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-My-Mom-is-the-Best-Craftivity-670726"><img alt="Mother's Day - My Mom is the Best Craftivity" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Mothers-Day-My-Mom-is-the-Best-Craftivity/original-670726-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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6. Use a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Activity-Pack-237749">Mother's Day Activity Pack</a> One of my older products, but still very useful and fun. Not grade specific</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Activity-Pack-237749"><img alt="Mother's Day Activity Pack" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Mothers-Day-Activity-Pack-1430697074/original-237749-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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7. Learn about the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-History-Fill-In-128375">History of Mother's Day</a>. Best for grades 4 - 8</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-History-Fill-In-128375"><img alt="Mother's Day History Fill-In" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Mothers-Day-History-Fill-In/original-128375-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy some of these Mother's Day activities, and remember to make this Mother's Day special for your mother, too. And of course, as I always try to have in each post,</div>
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a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Free-37058">FREEBIE FOR YOU! </a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mothers-Day-Free-37058"><img alt="Mother's Day Free" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Cinquain-Poem-Writing-A-Holiday-Poem-Activity-1430532002/original-37058-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Best wishes for success always! Have a great week! -~ Deborah</div>
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-63050990653946520152015-04-13T18:22:00.002-07:002015-04-13T18:23:17.485-07:002000 Followers Celebration! Hello Everyone,<br />
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I am honored to have 2000 followers of my TPT store, so I am having a celebration. I have put my entire store on sale for 20% off for 2000 minutes! I am also sharing some freebies every day this week, so be sure to follow me and like my Facebook page (The HappyEdugator) to catch them all! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATV7TU7dCx15jq_vtys6JRhZu4lC8_c5k27rlJNVuduipVP3PI5f2-ZhzFxDpgljovl9vx3QRp58vNqlrsldgzSXo5y28ariakCoBIpz9H2LiVlB4G9sgv2Ac8rN5KOVWRAGIn4c9Bi8/s1600/Wow!!!%2B2000%2BTPT%2BFollowers!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATV7TU7dCx15jq_vtys6JRhZu4lC8_c5k27rlJNVuduipVP3PI5f2-ZhzFxDpgljovl9vx3QRp58vNqlrsldgzSXo5y28ariakCoBIpz9H2LiVlB4G9sgv2Ac8rN5KOVWRAGIn4c9Bi8/s1600/Wow!!!%2B2000%2BTPT%2BFollowers!.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the link to my first freebie...for reading teachers! </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Symbols-for-Reading-FREE-1809540">Symbols-for-Reading-FREE</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighMnq8BIHBz-d8wIdfRkmCDDjJSw2D9Tzu4de39D0f6jTeCnQU24ixKaa3FeIUQkAL-EA-bTjZit1VNDr3oMnyZVEs2bIoXnMzXnYZn-j6vkhffBkbtRz3-lQdfCUATDRVtvJpUu7Mik/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighMnq8BIHBz-d8wIdfRkmCDDjJSw2D9Tzu4de39D0f6jTeCnQU24ixKaa3FeIUQkAL-EA-bTjZit1VNDr3oMnyZVEs2bIoXnMzXnYZn-j6vkhffBkbtRz3-lQdfCUATDRVtvJpUu7Mik/s1600/Slide1.JPG" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylrJ1RuHuO0QXLbuD7Ey6FP38W7-yH7eb7FvZXhyK-ynmF4GxQej9rVlDuDAVR5Pi-3NiY0Fy4R7Fah6BBfoSiaXuHcMbd5ImVgvBRGfew-KQ9XDtObm5yODfmInB9-i5ZDmODUn0hD8/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylrJ1RuHuO0QXLbuD7Ey6FP38W7-yH7eb7FvZXhyK-ynmF4GxQej9rVlDuDAVR5Pi-3NiY0Fy4R7Fah6BBfoSiaXuHcMbd5ImVgvBRGfew-KQ9XDtObm5yODfmInB9-i5ZDmODUn0hD8/s1600/Slide2.JPG" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Thank you for following! </div>
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Deborah Hayes</div>
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aka HappyEdugator</div>
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5982695788314416324.post-21775249987853810192015-03-23T08:52:00.003-07:002015-03-23T08:55:24.367-07:00Spring, Birthday, Testing, Easter!Well, folks, yesterday was my birthday, and I am eligible for a few more senior discounts. To celebrate, I went out to dinner....A LOT, So, now I am going to have to spend the next two weeks watching what I eat. Hmmm...I am not sure that will work, because I am flying out to Seattle tomorrow out of Jacksonville, and spending two weeks with the kids and grandkids. Yay! So, I may have to put the diet off until after Easter.<br />
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To celebrate my birthday, pick up these bookmark or wristbands for free. Click on the link to pick them up...I will leave them for free until tomorrow!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Printable-Rewards-30-Bookmarks-or-Wristbands-487570">Printable-Rewards-30-Bookmarks-or-Wristbands</a><br />
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<img alt="Printable Rewards - 30 Bookmarks or Wristbands" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Printable-Rewards-30-Bookmarks-or-Wristbands-1427007608/original-487570-1.jpg" /><br />
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I am still dabbling around with clip art. Just for fun, you can download my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Clip-Art-1686076">Spring-Clip-Art</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Clip-Art-1686076"><img alt="Spring Clip Art" src="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Free-Spring-Flowers-Clip-Art-1686076/original-1686076-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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When your students get back from Spring Break, have them try to edit these sentences and fix the errors! Great for middle school...the sentences (and the errors) actually came from my middle school students. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editing-Activity-What-I-Did-on-Spring-Break-1699601">Editing-Activity-What-I-Did-on-Spring-Break</a><br />
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<img alt="Editing Activity - What I Did on Spring Break" src="https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Editing-Activity-What-I-Did-on-Spring-Break-1699601-1426651286/original-1699601-1.jpg" /><br />
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Testing is coming up soon, or may have already started in your area. I have many resources, especially for Language Arts, for test prep. Check it out here...<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Happyedugator/Category/TEST-PREP">TEST-PREP</a><br />
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I love creative writing, and my kids do, too. One of my favorite activities is to get students to write about giant eggs that show up in parks around the country. If you think it would be fun, too, my resource for this will be 20% off all week!<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Easter-Creative-Writing-1029647">Easter-Creative-Writing</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn0YSJWmDPOTYWjFW8lPQVQUyiNbaqowsZGzQTN04ROum-o4VKajMZGuIup_8ElbR4gRNjsGzbNjFkJqEcvrFLw1AJPg_kMlExdKTW4AxfLI8xFgFgDJRDoMfo9lxOYOnhT1XdyQu894/s1600/demoTheVeryLargeEggCreativeWritingActivity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn0YSJWmDPOTYWjFW8lPQVQUyiNbaqowsZGzQTN04ROum-o4VKajMZGuIup_8ElbR4gRNjsGzbNjFkJqEcvrFLw1AJPg_kMlExdKTW4AxfLI8xFgFgDJRDoMfo9lxOYOnhT1XdyQu894/s1600/demoTheVeryLargeEggCreativeWritingActivity.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have other <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Happyedugator/Category/Easter">Easter Activities here</a>, for lower grades as well as upper grades. Enjoy!<br />
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Thank you all for following me and watch for photos from Seattle! Happy Easter!<br />
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Best wishes always,<br />
Deborah Hayes<br />
aka HappyEdugator<br />
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Follow me on facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyEdugator">The HappyEdugator on Facebook</a>.<br />
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<br />HappyEdugatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05682988960667118870noreply@blogger.com0