tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28686474968492487702024-03-13T13:27:24.012-06:00Down the Hall in ThirdThis blog documents the day to day happenings in a third grade classroom. From sharing lesson ideas, favorite products, classroom inspiration, and the everyday, I look forward to sharing and documenting what happens "Down the Hall in Third", so thanks for joining me for the ride! Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-45416489785529699842014-07-21T11:52:00.002-06:002014-07-21T11:52:41.143-06:00Mathy Monday-Number TalksTesting, testing...is this thing on? It's been a while since I've blogged, but like many of you, my brain is shifting back into school mode whether I like it or not! So I'm jumping right back in with a Mathy Monday post about Number Talks, one of my favorite parts of my entire day. So let's get to it! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What is a Number Talk?</span><br />
Have you ever stumbled upon something, a product or simple routine, that yields amazing results? This past year, for me, it was the number talk routine. This short 15-20 minute snippet of our day transformed my students into mathematical communicators, capable of speaking about their conceptual understanding, constructing arguments about their problem solving, questioning and critiquing the reasoning of others, and eventually, using this foundation to write about their thinking.<br />
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A number talk is a daily routine in which students have a chance to deepen their mathematical thinking. For teachers, number talks are a great way to quickly and informally assess understanding while helping students transition from ineffective to more effective and efficient problem solving techniques. During number talks, a problem is posed, students solve the problem individually using their mental computation skills, then students discuss their problem solving while the teacher records their method. In the primary grades, number talks focus on developing number sense, building fluency with small numbers, subitizing, and making tens. In the intermediate grades, number talks still focus on deepening number sense, but also develops place value understanding, builds fluency, strengthens properties of operations and helps connect mathematical ideas. Number talks provide big bang for your buck!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where do you even begin?!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: normal;">As with any new routine, it's all about consistency and implementation. First, decide what mathematical idea you want the students to consider. Is it strategies for adding multi-digit numbers? Building equal groups from a set? Or determining a quantity of counters on a ten-frame. The beauty of number talks is that they can be modified and adapted to address almost any mathematical concept. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Next, set the purpose for your students and introduce the routine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">In my classroom, a problem is posed, students silently solve the problem mentally, then they give a "secret thumbs-up" (thumbs-up in front of their body) to let me know they have solved the problem. When the majority of thumbs in the room are up, I begin to cold-call students to share their thinking aloud with the class. As they share, it is your job to ask questions to help clarify and solidify their understanding. Over time, students will begin to ask questions of each other as their curiosity grows. Modeling good questioning and providing students with thinking stems is key in promoting student-to-student interaction. Simple stems like "How did you know to..." or "Why did you choose to..." and "I'm curious about the way you..." can promote a spirit of inquiry, which strengthens understanding for the student explaining, as well as those listening. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Now, this is important, in my classroom, we emphasize the thinking behind the problem solving, as opposed to the correct answer. And because of that, mistakes will be made. But guess what? There is power in mistake making. My favorite mathematician, Jo Boaler explains it: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> Allowing students to work through the thinking behind their mistakes has proven to be extremely powerful in my classroom. Of course, the environment in which students have a sense of safety to be able to take risks without fear of being labeled a failure is crucial in developing the growth mindset that Jo mentions above. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">So, what does it look like?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Number talks look different in every classroom, and as a teacher, you modify it to meet your students learning styles and needs. Youtube has tons of sample number talk lessons that teachers have shared from around the country. Here are a few of my favorites that illustrate how different it can look, yet also show how powerful the mathematical conversations can be.</span></span>
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My students loved the number talk routine this past year, and as their teacher, I loved the impact a small routine had on deepening student understanding, developing mathematical communication skills, and building confidence in our learning. I will definitely continue to number talk with my 3rd graders this upcoming school year. If you still have some fight left in you, I encourage you to check out "Number Talks" by Sherry Parrish.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935099655/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1935099655&linkCode=as2&tag=dowthehalinth-20&linkId=24XE4BGXAAV57CAS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1935099655&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=dowthehalinth-20" /></a></div>
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So what about you? Do you number talk? What has your experience been?<br />
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Happy Mathy Monday! Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-29586501659512755182014-03-09T17:00:00.000-06:002014-03-09T17:02:44.132-06:00The TestIt's that time of year...time for the big TEST!! For my 3rd graders, this is their first experience with State standardized testing, which means as their teacher, I have a big responsibility. Yes, I must prepare them academically, but more importantly, I have to make sure that their first testing experience is a positive one. So, like many classrooms all over the country, we go into "test prep mode".<br />
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I begin at least a month out, usually around Spring Parent Conference time. I make sure to talk to parents about the test and what they can expect. I also ask them to write an encouraging note for their child so that when we begin testing, their child has that extra little bit of motivation to help them get through those long days. In the past, my students have really LOVED these special notes. Most of the time they have notes from their parent or guardian, but every now and then, a drawing from a little brother or sister makes it into the mix. No matter who the note is from, the look of pride on my students' faces are priceless.<br />
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Another big component of "test prep" is minimizing fears and maximizing confidence. We talk honestly about the test-how long the sessions will be, what our days will look like, and what types of things will be covered on the test. They usually have TONS of questions, but taking time to talk these things out usually helps students feel less anxious.<br />
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In the weeks leading up to standardized testing, I do everything in my power to give my students as many opportunities for success as possible. This looks different for every student, but these small moments help build confidence. Every chance I get, I provide feedback for the things they are doing well, and then help to guide them one step further. <br />
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As testing gets closer (next week, for us) I always make a point to read "Hooray for Diffendoofer Day", by Dr. Seuss (and Jack Prelutsky & Lane Smith). This is one of my all time favorite books that highlights individuality and creative thinking. My students can connect to the students at Diffendoofer School, who are also taking a big test. Of course, because they have been taught to think, they succeed. Awww! <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">When it's time to cover the walls, I plaster them with motivational quotes and messages of support. I want to leave no doubt in their minds that I truly believe in them and think the world of them, regardless of the outcome of the test. And of course, being mature enough for testing makes you also mature enough for special treats and surprises along the way.</span><br />
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Do you have any "test prep" rituals that help get your students through testing? I'd love to hear, so share away! </div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-91145936629183217052014-03-09T16:47:00.004-06:002014-03-09T16:51:42.013-06:00March CurrentlyUgh! Where did February go? I spent the last week protesting the arrival of March (because, really, what happened to February?!) by pretending it wasn't here. It didn't work out so well, so I guess I'll finally post my March Currently with Farley from <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh' Boy 4th Grade</a>.<br />
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I can accomplish so much more when the T.V. isn't distracting me, and I have way too much that I need to accomplish, so Spotify it is. I L.O.V.E. the warm weather that we've had lately, because recess and duty is so much more enjoyable when you aren't shivering. But... warm weather brings with it energetic...squirrely...hyper kids, so I can't help but think that Spring Break can't come soon enough. Two more weeks! I want a second weekend to prepare for this week. I <i>only</i> have my evaluation observation, lesson plans, newsletters, copies, and centers to prepare. And finally, the mystery answers- What are things that gross you out for $1000, please. </div>
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Looking to procrastinate, or finally acknowledge March? Link up with Farley. </div>
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Happy Sunday! </div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-25808454979172076082013-12-01T20:43:00.003-07:002013-12-01T21:02:12.284-07:00December CurrentlyHello, blog world! Long time no see! What better way to jump back into the swing of things than by linking up with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Farley</a> and a new Currently, so here I go!<br />
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_self" title="Oh' boy fourth grade"><img alt="Oh' boy fourth grade" height="200" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/new%20album/farleybutton.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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It's been awhile...let's see if I still remember how this ol' thang works. </div>
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<a href="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/DecemberCurrently.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/DecemberCurrently.jpg" width="640" /></a>I'm listening to Sunday Night Football, my dog snoring (this is <a href="http://www.downthehallinthird.blogspot.com/2013/06/july-currently.html" target="_blank">not a new thing</a>), and an excited 5 year-old talking about Christmas from his bed. I'm loving my newest teacher-y Christmas décor that we picked up over the summer while visiting Bronner's Christmas Store in Frankenmuth, MI. </div>
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Like many of you, I'm thinking about my ever growing TPT wish list because there is a HUGE Cyber Monday (and Tuesday) sale happening tomorrow! <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Down-The-Hall-In-Third" target="_blank">My store</a>, like many others, will have everything you NEED (ok...want...badly) for up to 28% off when you use the code "Cyber". Don't miss out!</div>
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I'm so excited about my latest product, <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Santa-Math-Common-Core-Real-Life-Area-and-Perimeter-Unit-1003835" target="_blank">Santa Math</a>, which I <a href="http://www.downthehallinthird.blogspot.com/2012/12/santa-math.html" target="_blank">blogged about</a> last year. Snatch it up on sale tomorrow and Tuesday!</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Santa-Math-Common-Core-Real-Life-Area-and-Perimeter-Unit-1003835" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Santa-Math-Common-Core-Real-Life-Area-and-Perimeter-Unit-1003835" border="0" height="400" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/SantaMathPreviewCover.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Of course, I'm wanting Winter Break to be here quickly...but not before I finish decorating my tree and putting up the rest of my decorations. It helps that we only have three short weeks left, and that I will get to partake in my favorite Holiday tradition, which is baking with my Mama! Most recently, we've up the Pioneer Woman's rolls...like <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/10/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/" target="_blank">pumpkin cinnamon rolls</a>, and <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/11/blueberry-lemon-sweet-rolls/" target="_blank">lemon blueberry rolls</a>, and <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/08/caramel-apple-sticky-buns/" target="_blank">caramel apple rolls</a>. But we will bust out with the cookie baking soon enough!</div>
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I'm hoping to get back on the blog train again, so check back soon for what we have been up to. In the mean time, link up and share your own 'Currently'! </div>
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Happy Sunday!</div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-59125175083277346272013-10-03T10:00:00.000-06:002013-10-03T10:00:08.979-06:00Multiplication, Mice, and Math practicesI can hardly believe October is here! With cooler weather comes one of the concepts that students are most excited to learn about in 3rd grade...multiplication! I've written before about how <a href="http://downthehallinthird.blogspot.com/2013/01/mathy-monday-and-give-away.html" target="_blank">important the idea of multiplication</a> is in 3rd grade, and how the progression of concepts eventually leads to the concept of the <a href="http://downthehallinthird.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-distributive-property.html" target="_blank">Distributive Propert</a>y, but did you know that multiplicative concepts encompass an entire <a href="http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/3/introduction" target="_blank">critical area in 3rd grade Common Core</a>?!?! Let's just think about that for a second and 'word-nerd' it-- According to dictionary.com:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">critical-<i>adj</i> </span></div>
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<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td class="td3n1" style="text-align: center;" width="1%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">1.</span> </span></span></td><td class="td3n2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">containing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">making</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">severe</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">negative</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">judgments</span> </span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" width="1%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">2.</span> </span></span></td><td class="td3n2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">containing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">careful</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">analytical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">evaluations:</span> </span><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">critical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">dissertation</span> </span></i></span> </td></tr>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" width="1%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </span></span></td><td class="td3n2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">involving</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">critic</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">criticism</span> </span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" width="1%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span> </span></span></td><td class="td3n2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">forming</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">crisis;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">crucial;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">decisive:</span> </span><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">critical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">operation</span> </span></i></span> </td></tr>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" width="1%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">5.</span> </span></span></td><td class="td3n2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">urgently</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">needed:</span> </span><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">critical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">medical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">supplies</span> </span></i></span> </td></tr>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" width="1%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">6.</span> </span></span></td><td class="td3n2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">informal</span> </span></i><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">so</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">seriously</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">injured</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">ill</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">be</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">danger</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">dying</span> </span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" width="1%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">7.</span> </span></span></td><td class="td3n2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">physics</span> </span></i><span id="hotword"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">denoting,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">concerned</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">which</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">properties</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">system</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">undergo</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">abrupt</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">change:</span> </span><i><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">critical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">temperature</span> </span></i></span> </td></tr>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" width="1%"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">8.</span> </span></span></td><td class="td3n2"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">go</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">critical</span> </span></b></span><span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">(of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">nuclear</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">power</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">station</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">reactor)</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">reach</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">state</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">which</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">nuclear-fission</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">chain</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">reaction</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">becomes</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">self-sustaining</span></span> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Basically, with the help of multiplication, our 3rd graders will reach a state of nuclear-fission!! </span> But in all seriousness, I think the fifth definition sums it up best, multiplicative concepts in 3rd grade are "<i>urgently needed</i>" so that our students have a foundation so strong enough to support and deepen their understanding of later concepts and grades.<br />
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So, obviously, multiplication is important, but how do we, as teachers, build that strong foundation? For us, we start by thinking about the math ideas necessary to truly understand the <i>concept</i> of multiplication. Together with my amazing third grade team, we mapped out what we believe to be a logical progression of ideas that would support the bigger idea of multiplication in 3rd grade. Here is what we came up with: repeated addition, skip counting, equal groups, arrays, area models (area as additive, then multiplicative), and eventually, the concrete proof of the Distributive Property. In reality, these ideas will be the primary focus of our math instruction, and will take us until about mid-November until we move on to other (related) concepts.<br />
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We are currently in our third week of building multiplicative concepts in 3rd grade, and I can definitely say that my students are using a <i>very</i> wide variety of strategies to solve our multiplication math tasks. Today, we completed a "Mouse Problem" in which students were asked to select a number of mice to "buy" from the pet store. Each year, their mouse population increases in size (2nd year, population doubles, 3rd year it triples, and so on), and students were asked to figure out how many mice they would have by the 5th year.<br />
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And some of our progress with Math Practice Standards...<br />
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This last pic is my fav because it is SO 3rd grade. This student had a very interesting patterning strategy to find their products, and was extremely ambitious in the original number of mice they started with (501), but check out the "math" vocabulary! I LOVE "sixdupal" and the others that follow it, and I can definitely appreciate an attempt at attending to precision in our mathematics vocabulary.<br />
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Now that October is here, what are you working on in your classroom?Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-82376795033496930112013-10-02T21:42:00.000-06:002013-10-02T21:46:02.896-06:00October Currently!It's October already?! Where did September go? Either way, I'm linking up with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade</a> for the latest installment of the always interesting 'Currently'.<br />
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I'm listening to Property Brothers...like always. I love them, and pretty much everything on HGTV. It's mindless entertainment, and I'm all about it. </div>
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I've LOVING my 3rd grade team. Not only do we get a lot accomplished, but they get me. Not in a corny, soul-sister, type of way, but more of a no-judgment-when-I'm-hangry kind of way, and a listen-to-my-crazy-math-ideas way, and most importantly, a want-to-do-what's-good-for-kids way. Obviously, these chicks rock. </div>
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I'm currently thinking about Baltimore in 2 weeks, where I will be attending <span style="font-size: xx-small;">and presenting</span> at NCTM. It's like Math Christmas, and I love it. </div>
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Here in southern NM, we've had a bit of a crazy monsoon season. With that came mosquitos who are hungry for my blood. I'm in serious need of cooler weather...or better bug spray. </div>
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Like most teachers, I could use a few more hours in my day. More time with my students, more time with my family, and more time sleeping. Can someone do something about that, please?!</div>
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And finally, when it comes to Trick-or-Treat, I'll pick treat almost every time. Especially if it's an Almond Joy. Or a Reese's. Or a Snickers. But NOT those gross orange and black wrapped candy things. Yuck. </div>
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Happy October!</div>
Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-12994570726792202632013-09-09T20:14:00.002-06:002013-09-09T20:14:13.222-06:00Mathy Monday- MP EditionHoly moly! Has it really been over a month since I've blogged on here? Apparently, it has, but in my defense...back-to-school is all consuming! I consider it pure luck that I could even remember my password for this ol' thing. But now that I'm here, let's make this a Mathy Monday and chat about making the <a href="http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice" target="_blank">Standards for Mathematical Practice</a> accessible to kids. <br />
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New Mexico is one of 45 states that have adopted the <a href="http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards" target="_blank">Common Core State Standards</a>, and as a third grade teacher here in the Land of Enchantment, we are in our second year of adoption. It's actually a really nice place to be- we've had a year to play around and try things out, and now, we have a chance to keep what worked and refine what didn't. Our approach to introducing the Standards for Mathematical Practice is something that worked, and this is how we do it.<br />
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We begin each week by introducing the MP using the language directly from the Common Core. Often times (much more often than not), this language can be extremely challenging for third graders, but this provides the perfect opportunity to implore reading strategies for encountering unknown words while getting kids to "think about their thinking" in mathematics. <br />
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We start with an anchor chart with only the MP written (see picture below, blue ink). We dissect the language of the MP using prior knowledge, word association, context clues, and even dictionaries. As a class, we talk it out and break it down so that we come to a common understanding so that all students know what is expected of them. <br />
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From there, it's time to do the math. Math tasks are selected intentionally so that students have explicit opportunities to engage in the math practice standard. For example, for MP 1- Making sense of problems and preserve in solving them, students were given a multi-step math riddle that could be solved in many different ways, but would require perseverance to determine the correct answer. <br />
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As students work, I ask guiding questions that will help facilitate our summary at the end of the lesson. I craft my questions based on what students understand about the math practice (ex: What strategies are you using to make sense of this problem? Talk to me about how you are persevering through this tough work..."). By doing this, students have already began to think about how they use the math practice in their own work. <br />
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After students have had a chance to do the math, we come back together to summarize and debrief the math practice standard. I try and use the same guiding questions I used during the exploration so the language is consistent. I record student responses in another color (green) on our anchor chart. Your landing point should be along the same lines as the <a href="http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice" target="_blank">expanded MP standards</a> in kid-friendly language. Throughout the week, we constantly refer back to the MP standard, whether I am pointing out ways in which students are using it, students are identifying how other students are using it, or they are reflecting on their own use of the MP standard. Later, we add sentence stems to promote the use of the direct language when speaking and writing about our math thinking.<br />
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While this took time, it was well worth it. I was amazed to hear 3rd graders talking about "attending to precision" and "choosing appropriate tools strategically". More importantly, these are the habits of mind we hope to instill in our students, so being able to refer back to them while I am teaching helps build self-efficacy skills that are invaluable. <br />
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So, that's how I do it. In my second year, I am making small tweaks here and there, but I am seeing similar successes.<br />
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How are you tackling the Standards for Mathematical Practice in your classroom?! I'd love to hear and learn from you!Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-12268173100734849512013-08-17T08:27:00.003-06:002013-08-17T08:28:32.764-06:00Five for Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2013/08/five-for-friday-linky-party-august-16th.html" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs Teaching</a> for a (late) five for Friday! So here are my five random things from this first week back to school!<br />
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1. A gecko. That is what a sweet student lovingly brought to school to show their new teacher. Said gecko is also what escaped in my classroom and has yet to be found! Fun stuff!<br />
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2. My hubby always goes out of his way to make a big deal out of the first day of school. This year, I came home to some beautiful flowers and an AWESOME personalized Jam Box Bluetooth speaker for my classroom. Seriously, that thing and my husband rock!</div>
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3. My babies! My youngest started kindergarten this week and I <strike>didn't</strike> only cried a <strike>little</strike> lot. My oldest started fourth grade and I <strike>didn't</strike> only cried a <strike>little</strike> lot. They both LOVE their teachers, so I'm one happy Mama (despite my tears). </div>
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4. Do you know what's fun?! Running over nails and buying new tires! You haven't lived until you've bought new tires on a teacher's salary in August...</div>
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5. The Teachers Pay Teachers Back To School Sale starts tomorrow!! My cart already has $33 worth of materials in it, and I've only just begun. You can save up to 28% tomorrow and Monday by using the code BTS13. What's in your cart?!</div>
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Happy Weekend!</div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-6071220458279896402013-08-03T10:00:00.000-06:002013-08-17T08:05:15.975-06:00Classroom Setup Linky Party!!One of my all-time favorite ways to kill time is to look at other teachers classroom setup, especially during this time of year! Materials are organized, desks and cubbies are clean, and all those cute supplies purchased over the Summer are on display! What could be better?! I've decided to host one final hoorah Linky Party before we all head back to school...so show me those classrooms!<br />
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<a href="http://downthehallinthird.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/B2SLinkyParty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll start! I've posted this pic a few times already, but here is what I was working with: <br />
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And here is what I was able to squeak out: </div>
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My book quote wall up close...I <3 it!!</div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-21148845268496432322013-08-02T09:11:00.002-06:002013-08-02T09:57:15.503-06:00August Currently!August?! Seriously?! The same August that signals back-to-school? The August that means end of summer? I'm not ready for this! But I guess I'll put my big girl pants on to link up with Farley at <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh' Boy 4th Grade</a> for this months' Currently!<br />
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_self" title="Oh' boy fourth grade"><img alt="Oh' boy fourth grade" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/new%20album/farleybutton.png" /></a></div>
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Listening: I feel like this one signifies the fast-track in which I am turning into my Mother. A ball bouncing in the house now drives me absolutely insane (Hi, Mom!), and I find myself saying the exact same things she told us! I'm also listening to my youngest crunch his morning cereal, which is a colorful mix of Frosted Mini-Wheats and Lucky Charms. Yuck. Finally, the Today Show has taught me how to avoid an awkward hug. Helpful!</div>
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Loving: Yesterday, after a productive 4 hours, I can say that my classroom is done-enough that I won't have to return until our first report day, which is Tuesday, August 6th. I feel like this one can best be summed up with pics. </div>
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Before:</div>
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After:</div>
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Thinking: Today and Tomorrow, I'll be attending<a href="http://mc2.nmsu.edu/#ELLcon" target="_blank"> MC2 ELL Conference: Achieving in Mathematics for All Students in New Mexico</a>. There are so many fantastic presenters and topics to choose from, I don't even know where to start! </div>
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Wanting: Just a few more weeks of Summer! I say this every year, but the Summer flew by, I just want a little more time.</div>
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Needing: Coffee. Enough said. </div>
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B2S Must-Haves: A new planner to help stay organized, which I already have and LOVE, colorful pens (I <3 Ink Joy and Sharpie Pens), and labels for everything. </div>
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I'm off to get my coffee! Happy Friday! </div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-39884116339816799732013-07-31T16:24:00.001-06:002013-07-31T16:26:22.569-06:00Back to School GoalsMy summer is grinding to a halt, and I can hardly believe that teachers report back next Tuesday! I've been working away in my classroom, and can't wait to post up pictures to share what all I've done...but that will have to wait! In the mean time, I have linked up with <a href="http://iheartrecess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I {Heart} Recess</a> to set some Back to School Goals. So here we go!<br />
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<a href="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/BacktoSchoolGoals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/BacktoSchoolGoals.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Personal: We eat out WAY too much, especially when school starts back up. It's usually so hot still, and I'm tired, and the last thing I want to do is cook dinner, but my wallet (and waistline) says otherwise. I just need to suck it up and do it...and then I will have left-overs for lunch the next day! </div>
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Organization: Last year, our District moved to a Standards Based Report Card that required proficiency to be measured for every 3rd grade Common Core Standard. While all of my assignments and assessments are standards-based, I struggled to find a manageable way to keep up with it all. I'm working on it. Any suggestions?!</div>
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Planning: I don't know about you, but in my classroom, it seems like Science gets booted to the curb whenever time gets tight. I'm making it my goal to plan for more hands-on Science learning because we all know how much the kids L-O-V-E it!</div>
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Professional: I'm currently taking an online Stanford math class about how people learn mathematics. If I can successfully finish it, I'll consider that quite an accomplishment, because we all know how much extra time teachers have at the beginning of a new school year!</div>
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Students: My goal in this are is to inspire a love of mathematics. I hope I can wrangle them in with fun real life math projects, then keep their interest peaked with all the tricks I have up my sleeve!</div>
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Motto: Let them be little! I've shared this on my Facebook page, but something strange happens to my beloved kiddos between 3rd and 4th grade, and often times, 3rd grade is the end of the "little" kid stage. So it is my goal and motto to let them be little. We will have recess. We will read silly stories. We will learn lots and encourage each other along the way. We will have fun at every turn. We will make lifelong friends and play hard. </div>
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What are your Back to School goals? I'd love to read all about them! </div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-35954172236780974462013-07-27T08:48:00.001-06:002013-07-28T12:03:08.390-06:00Back to School Freebies!!If you're anything like me, you've been spending your time lately <strike>crying</strike> thinking about back to school. I'm always excited about a new school year, but I can't help but feel a pinch of sadness for the end of Summer vacation. But what better way to cure your back-to-school blues than with tons of FREEBIES!!!<br />
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I was so fortunate to be included in the Back to School Free-books, which are filled with tons of FREE resources aligned to the Common Core for all grade levels. What I love most is that the standards are listed on each page, so you know exactly what you are getting! Click on the pic and links below to snatch up your freebies! This one is my favorite...are you shocked?!?! <br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Math-Free-Back-to-School-eBook-for-Grades-3-5-791226" sizcache018373149333842964="3 4 2040" sizset="false" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span sizcache018373149333842964="3 4 2040" sizset="false" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKP-cvo_k-8/UfKflpaOAGI/AAAAAAAAkz0/EyyuNDjLIOM/s400/CC+Math+grade+3-5.jpg" height="400" jquery18201333291009166927="9" width="307" /></span></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Math-Free-Back-to-School-eBook-for-Grades-K-2-789584" target="_blank">CCSS K-2 Math Free-Book</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/COMMON-CORE-ENGLISH-LANGUAGE-ARTS-FREE-BACK-TO-SCHOOL-EBOOK-FOR-GRADES-K-2-795478" target="_blank">CCSS K-2 ELA Free-Book</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-English-Language-Arts-Free-Back-to-School-eBook-Grades-3-5-791088" target="_blank">CCSS 3-5 ELA Free-Book</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Math-Free-Back-to-School-eBook-for-Grades-6-12-790852" target="_blank">CCSS 6-12 Math Free-Book</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-English-Language-Arts-Free-Back-to-School-eBook-Grades-6-12-791295" target="_blank">CCSS 6-12 ELA Free-Book</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Science-Free-Back-to-School-eBook-for-Grades-6-12-790694" target="_blank">CCSS 6-12 Science Free-Book</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Social-Studies-Free-Back-to-School-eBook-for-Grades-6-12-790551" target="_blank">CCSS 6-12 Social Studies Free-Book</a></div>
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Happy downloading! </div>
Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-28807602346122043502013-07-25T10:31:00.000-06:002013-07-27T10:33:19.836-06:00M.I.A and Leibster Award!I have been M.I.A. as of late because...well, it's Summer! That, and I spent the last two weeks on a fabulous family vacation. We spent time with family, played the days away in lakes, and loved every minute of it! But with the end of my vacation comes the (almost) end of my Summer, as we return to school in two short weeks! I stopped by my classroom yesterday for a few hours to get a head start on unpacking, and this is what I am up against: <br />
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<a href="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/null-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/null-59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like the new neutral wall color, as I previously had what I lovingly referred to as "1950's Hospital Green". However, I was overwhelmed by all that I had to do...so I chose to do next-to nothing! I'll post up later about my progress, stay tuned!</div>
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In the mean time, I've been nominated for the Leibster Award by <a href="http://livelovelaughlearn3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2013/07/liebster-award.html" target="_blank">Janet at Live, Love, Laugh, and Learn in Third Grade</a>, <a href="http://tabletalkwithcandc.blogspot.com/2013/07/liebster-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Carrie and Caitlyn from Table Talk with C&C</a> and <a href="http://talesfrom3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2013/07/liebster-award-nomination.html" target="_blank">Colleen at Tales from 3rd Grade</a>! </div>
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To accept the nomination, I have to do the following:</div>
1. Link back to the blogs that nominated me<br />
2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers<br />
3. Answer the questions posted by my nominators<br />
4. Share 11 random facts about myself<br />
5. Create 11 questions for my nominees<br />
6. Contact my nominees to let them know I nominated them<br />
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I am choosing to nominate the following blogs that I follow and love, but I have no clue if they have fewer than 200 followers:<br />
<a href="http://realteacherslearn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Real Teachers Learn</a><br />
<a href="http://teachersareterrific.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teachers are Terrific</a><br />
<a href="http://mrsstanfordsclass.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Stanford's Class</a><br />
<a href="http://thirdgradeistheplacetobe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Third Grade is the Place to Be</a><br />
<a href="http://thirstyinthirdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thirsty in Third</a><br />
<a href="http://trendyinthird.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Trendy in Third</a><br />
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The questions I was given are below, and I copied and pasted some of my answers to the questions that were the same. <br />
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Janet's questions:</div>
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<li>Where do you teach? I teach 3rd grade at an elementary school in southern New Mexico!</li>
<li>How long have you been teaching? This is my 5th year teaching.</li>
<li>If you could have any super power, what would it be? Definitely teleportation! I love to travel, but don't really like the trip getting there. I'm usually too excited to enjoy the ride there, and am too anxious to get home on the way back...I'd rather just teleport!</li>
<li>What is your favorite weekend activity? Spending time with my family. And shopping. </li>
<li>What is the funniest thing you caught a student saying? Oh, man! There are so many to pick from. Off the top of my head, recently, regarding 'school shirt Friday', a student told me, "Is Friday the day where teachers get to dress-up like regular people?"</li>
<li>What are you reading this summer? Lots of mindless magazines (Real Simple, Food Network), <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0873536886/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0873536886&linkCode=as2&tag=dowthehalinth-20">Beyond Good Teaching: Advancing Mathematics Education for ELLs</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dowthehalinth-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0873536886" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Beyond Good Teaching</a>, and whatever pops up as free on my Nook!</li>
<li>If you were granted 3 wishes, what would you wish for? World peace, good health for my family, friends, and I, and lots of money.</li>
<li>What is the most exotic place you've travelled to? Probably Cozumel, Mexico. It had white sand beaches, warm water, and all the fancy coconut drinks you could handle!</li>
<li>Do you have any pets? If so, how many and what are their names? I have a black lab named Coco, who is the epitome of me in pet form. I love her to pieces!</li>
<li>What is the best advice you ever received? Greet your students with a smile everyday because it may be the only smile they see. </li>
<li>What is your favorite thing about teaching? The best thing about being a teacher is the impact you get to have on the students in your classroom! I love that "ah-hah" moment for kids when the pieces finally fit together, and the look of pride on their little faces. I also have frequent "ah-hah" moments, as they teach me something new each day!</li>
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Questions from Carrie and Caitlyn:<br />
1. What is your favorite grade to teach and why? 3rd grade! The kids still love school and their teacher, and the content is fun.<br />
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2. Tell us about your pet. If you don't have one, what would you get and why? I have a black lab named Coco, who is the epitome of me in pet form. I love her to pieces!</div>
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3. What is your favorite blog (besides ours)? I love <a href="http://www.missmathdork.com/" target="_blank">Miss Math Dork</a> and <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman Cooking Blog</a></div>
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4. What is your favorite musicians and have you seen any of them live? I love Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Jason Aldean. I've only seen Jason Aldean live, but I've seen him twice!</div>
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5. What is your favorite children's book? My favorite children's book is "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" by Judy Blume. It's silly and relatable. I read this book each year to my class, and without fail, it manages to hook in reluctant readers who then seek out and read the other Fudge books. </div>
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6. What is something new you've tried in your classroom that worked really well? I recently introduced a super-simple 'come together' attention getting signal that can be used by both teacher and students. When you are ready to come together, simply raise your hand. Students know (because we practiced lots!) that this means finish your thought and raise your hand, also. As more hands go up, the conversations die down, and soon, it is quiet! Works like a charm.</div>
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7. Where would you go on your dream vacation? Somewhere tropical. Warm weather, white beaches, good food, and family. </div>
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8. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? Definitely teleportation! I love to travel, but don't really like the trip getting there. I'm usually too excited to enjoy the ride there, and am too anxious to get home on the way back...I'd rather just teleport!</div>
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9. If you could create your "dream" school, what would it be like? Money would be no object, and it would be a true 'community' school with resources for families, like pre and post school care, skills training for adults seeking work, and English Language and GED courses for parents. It would be large, bright, with lots of storage, outdoor learning labs, HUGE classrooms, class sets of iPads, and happy, dedicated teachers.</div>
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10. What are your favorite movies? I'm a cheesy romantic comedy fan, so "Sweet Home Alabama" is my favorite. </div>
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11. What do you like to do in your spare time for fun? I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy cooking and yoga. </div>
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And last but not least, here are my answers to Colleen's questions:</div>
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<li> What is the best thing about being a teacher? The best thing about being a teacher is the impact you get to have on the students in your classroom! I love that "ah-hah" moment for kids when the pieces finally fit together, and the look of pride on their little faces. I also have frequent "ah-hah" moments, as they teach me something new each day! </li>
<li>If you could choose to any two consecutive months as "summer" break, which months would you choose? I'd stick with June and July, as those are the two hottest months where we live. Recess is no fun when you spend more time sweating than playing, and we all know how pleasant a classroom can smell with 25 sweaty 3rd graders in it!</li>
<li>What is your favorite vacation spot? Based on my most recent experience, my favorite vacation spot is Michigan in the summertime. My family is there, the lakes are amazing, and the weather is much better than ours here in New Mexico. It feels like home :-)</li>
<li>What is your favorite beverage? Iced coffee, sweetened with a little bit of cream! Yum!</li>
<li>What was the last song you listened to? Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"</li>
<li>What is your favorite tv show? "Property Brothers" on HGTV</li>
<li>Mac or PC? PC</li>
<li>If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? I'd love to live in a big city like New York or London, but I think the appeal would wear off quickly.</li>
<li>What is your favorite meal to eat? Carne asada tacos with lots of cilantro, lime, and guacamole.</li>
<li>What is your favorite grade to teach? 3rd grade! The kids still love school and their teacher, and the content is fun.</li>
<li>What are you reading this summer? Lots of mindless magazines (Real Simple, Food Network), <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0873536886/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0873536886&linkCode=as2&tag=dowthehalinth-20">Beyond Good Teaching: Advancing Mathematics Education for ELLs</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=dowthehalinth-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0873536886" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />" target="_blank">Beyond Good Teaching</a>, and whatever pops up as free on my Nook!</li>
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11 Random Facts about me:<br />
-I love to cook but HATE cleaning up. <br />
-My husband and I have birthdays that are one day apart.<br />
-If I wasn't a teacher, I would be a chef.<br />
-I HATE scary movies.<br />
-Math is my favorite subject to teach, and because of this, I try and integrate all other subjects into math.<br />
-I only found out about Teachers Pay Teachers last Summer. You wouldn't know that based on the amount of money I have spent there, though!<br />
-I really like tattoos. If I wasn't a teacher (and wasn't so indecisive), I'd have tons!<br />
-Mexican food is my favorite, and I can make some mean fajitas.<br />
-My vacations usually center around the new and delicious food I can find there. I'm noticing that many of my facts revolve around food...not surprising!<br />
-I have been known to cry at sappy commercials. <br />
-Colored Sharpies and baskets are my FAVORITE classroom supply. <br />
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Questions for my nominees:<br />
1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?<br />
2. What is your favorite subject to teach, and why?<br />
3. What is your favorite classroom tool or supply?<br />
4. What item could you not teach without?<br />
5. What is your favorite read-aloud?<br />
6. Do you have a theme for your classroom? If so, what is it? <br />
7. What is your favorite meal?<br />
8. What piece of advice would you offer to a first year teacher?<br />
9. When do you start back to school?<br />
10. How long does it take you to set up your classroom each year?<br />
11. Did you (or will you) take a summer vacation? Where did you go?<br />
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I can't wait to read the responses from my nominees! Happy blogging! <br />
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-35778877587865704702013-07-04T09:38:00.001-06:002013-07-04T09:38:48.618-06:00New TPT Favorite!Have you ever bought something on Teachers Pay Teachers that you absolutely love? Of course you have, but I'm talking L-O-V-E, love, keep a picture of it in your wallet love (kidding...maybe), so cute you don't want to use it love. Last week, I bought this exact product from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Perfect-Personalized-Planner-Customized-to-meet-your-needs-714722" target="_blank">Miss Math Dork</a>.<br />
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I had been eyeing her <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Perfect-Personalized-Planner-Customized-to-meet-your-needs-714722" target="_blank">Perfect Personalized Planner</a> for a few weeks. I saw it first on her <a href="http://www.missmathdork.com/2013/06/the-perfect-personalized-planner.html" target="_blank">blog</a>, and have had it in my TpT wish-list for awhile now. Last week, I finally bit the bullet and ordered my own, because every teacher needs a planner. She quickly sent me the Google Doc to fill out, and we were off. Within hours, Jamie was sending me proofs of covers to look, which totally floored me! Within 24 hours, she had created this beautiful creature: <br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Perfect-Personalized-Planner-Customized-to-meet-your-needs-714722" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/null-58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
She was so accommodating, even taking last minute tweaks I had. Needless to say, I followed the <a href="http://www.missmathdork.com/2013/06/the-perfect-personalized-planner.html" target="_blank">directions</a> she included on her blog, and sent it to Office Max to be printed that night! I chose to put glossy cardstock front and back covers, and it came out perfectly. <br />
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It has 2-page calendars, a place for notes and my to-do lists, product and blog ideas, TpT stats, and a year-at-a-glance calendar. </div>
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As you can see, it came out great. I L-O-V-E, love it, and would highly recommend <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Perfect-Personalized-Planner-Customized-to-meet-your-needs-714722" target="_blank">Miss Math Dork</a> and this planner. It is easily my most favorite purchase from TpT, which considering how many things I've bought on there, is saying a lot! </div>
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What's your favorite TpT purchase? Feel free to share links in the comments, I'd love to see some of your favorites! </div>
Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-43937973384769397512013-06-29T12:01:00.001-06:002013-06-29T12:04:36.756-06:00July CurrentlyWoohoo! Another month, another 'Currently'! I know it's a bit early, but once again, I've linked up with Farley from <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh' Boy 4th Grade</a> to share my very captivating list of pertinent info! So here it goes:<br />
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-Does your dog/cat/guinea pig/significant other snore?! My dog has taken up snoring like it's going out of style. Seriously, she often snores so loud, she wakes herself up. Do they make Breathe Right for dogs? I think I'll google that as soon as I push "Publish".</div>
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-I LOVE my new planner from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Perfect-Personalized-Planner-Customized-to-meet-your-needs-714722" target="_blank">Miss Math Dork</a>. I love it so much, I plan on blogging about it next week, pics and all, so come back to see it in all its' glory. </div>
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-We leave for vacation in 9 days, and it couldn't come fast enough! I'm ready to kick back and relax with my family in the beautiful state of Michigan!</div>
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-Last Summer, we took on retiling our entire house, but the fancy-schmancy new tile makes our walls look a little shabby. They need to be painted, and I want them painted, but the magical paint fairy has not paid us a visit yet. Sigh.</div>
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- It's been so hot here, and we (like most of the southwest) are in serious need of rain and cooler weather. But I guess that's the price you pay 'mild' winters and 'dry heat'!</div>
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-Finally, my tip is to always spell check and proofread! I'm sure we all have embarrassingly hilarious stories about spelling slip-ups, and it happens to the best of us, but accidentally omitting letters from words like "britches" and "pennies" can really change the entire conversation! And we've all seen the importance of commas. </div>
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Head on over to Farley's blog to check out the other 'Currently' blogs. </div>
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_self" title="Oh' boy fourth grade"><img alt="Oh' boy fourth grade" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/new%20album/farleybutton.png" /></a></div>
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Happy Weekend!</div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-91741767425505095442013-06-28T10:11:00.000-06:002013-06-28T10:11:02.760-06:00Five for Friday!<div align="center">
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Even in the Summer, I get excited for Fridays because they just <em>feel</em> special. But it is the end of June, which means my Summer is half-way over! Eeeeeeeeeeek! So in effort to not think about my quickly-fleeting summer, here are the five random images that sum up this past week. </div>
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1. Rainbow Chevron Labels</div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Chevron-Supply-Tub-Labels-736642" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/RainbowChevronSupplyPreview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made these for my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Down-The-Hall-In-Third" target="_blank">TPT store</a>, but they're just so...cute. Never mind that I already have my supplies labeled. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Stripe-Classroom-Supply-Bin-Labels-278497" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/718ff8fe5f2f5c4b0b8de3af833cfa05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Forget the fact that it took me several hours to print, laminate, hole-punch, and attach my book basket labels last summer. </div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Colorful-Stripe-Classroom-Library-Book-Basket-Labels-278228" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/d93ffa0ad8ef1535d04450078de5543a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I. Just. Have. To. So needless to say, my printer is printing, and my laminator is warming up. Time to do it all again! You can get your own Rainbow Chevron label cuteness <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rainbow-Chevron-Classroom-Label-Bundle-Pack-736931" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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2. It's been SO hot here. Like too hot to function. </div>
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It's been so hot that I don't even have the energy to elaborate further on this one. </div>
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3. Because it's been hot, we've spent most of the week inside! Yesterday, we went to a local jumpy balloon place where my boys ran like wild animals for a few hours. The air conditioner in this place was icy, so we were all happy! </div>
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4. Because it's been so hot (see #2 above), we've spent most of the week inside (see #3 above). We decided to hunker down in a cool, dark theater and see "Monsters University". </div>
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It was so stinkin' cute, I would highly recommend it. Both boys loved it, but my 9 year-old said, "That was my favorite Pixar movie of all time!". If that doesn't seal the deal for ya, I don't know what will. </div>
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5. Finally, I tried something new this week. For the first time in my entire life, I put on soccer cleats and joined my hubby on the field for a just-for-fun game. </div>
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Was I any good? No. Were the matchy-matchy pink socks necessary? No, I didn't even wear shin guards...but they sure are cute! Was it hot? Yes (see #2, 3, and 4 above). Did I have fun? Yes. Will I do it again? Yes. Moral of the story- try something new, you might surprise yourself.</div>
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Happy Friday! </div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-33525916888296860682013-06-25T16:25:00.000-06:002013-06-28T09:05:03.368-06:00Bloglovin Link Up!I am a Summer blog slacker, but I did manage to muster up the energy to join Bloglovin since Google Reader is going away. You can easily follow my blog by clicking that cute button to the right! <br />
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Since I'm in Summer mode, I was not looking forward to the DRAMA of re-finding all my favorite blogs, it's way too hot to deal with that mess! But much to my delight, it was drama free! One click, and all my favorites were there. It's like they created Bloglovin with Summer Me in mind!<br />
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Anyway, I've also joined up with <a href="http://www.toristeachertips.blogspot.com/2013/06/bloglovin-blog-hop-linky-party.html" target="_blank">Tori's Teacher Tips</a> for her Bloglovin Blog Hop Linky Thingamagig. <br />
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<a href="http://www.toristeachertips.blogspot.com/2013/06/bloglovin-blog-hop-linky-party.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sYYdyFQXYy4/UcmNbLCFsII/AAAAAAAAFXo/KISnlhe8BXI/s400/Slide13.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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I'm off to find some new blogs to follow, want to join me?!</div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-86191736229406126202013-06-05T20:14:00.003-06:002013-06-05T20:28:25.027-06:00Geometry Cafe!Throughout this past school year, I have been so fortunate to be part of an ongoing partnership with several wonderful professors and research mathematicians out of New Mexico State University. This partnership has opened the doors to many learning opportunities for both my students and myself, including several classroom visits from a real-life mathematician! <br />
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I can't speak highly enough about "Mr. Ted", as my students call him, because he brings his expertise and passion for mathematics to my students in a way that keeps them on the edge of their seats while deeply engaging in math concepts. According to them, he walks on water...and invented math. But that's a whole different post altogether!</div>
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Recently, Mr. Ted paid a visit to our classroom with one of my all time favorite math lessons, "Geometry Cafe". Common Core tells us that geometry is HUGE in 3rd grade, representing an entire Critical Area (that's 25% of ALL 3rd grade Critical Areas!!!). But as teachers, we know that in order for students to reach the depth of understanding mapped out in CCSS, the foundation is laid in the primary grades, and continues to build and extend all the way through high school. With that in mind, "Geometry Cafe" provides students with an opportunity to reason about shapes and their attributes through cooperative learning while using the <a href="http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice" target="_blank">Standards for Math Practice</a> to demonstrate their understanding.</div>
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The premise behind "Geometry Cafe" is that students are given a scaffolded geometric "order" in which they must fulfill for the "judges". Students use the Standards for Mathematical Practice to create the order and present their argument to the judge. The judges are responsible for critiquing the reasoning of their peers, asking clarifying questions, and finally, accepting or rejecting the 'order'. Since the order cards are scaffolded, students can choose to either continue to work on the same level of cards, or move on to more challenging, and sometimes even impossible, order cards. </div>
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At the start, students were told that while during this lesson, we would be focusing specifically on Math Practice 3 (Constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others) and Math Practice 6 (Attending to Precision), they would most likely need to use those MP's to explore polygons. Four students were selected to be the "judges"- three were chosen based on their strength in communicating ideas and critiquing the reasoning of others, and the final student was randomly selected. The judges were told that they were not allowed to "show" the groups how to solve their problem, but instead, must question, critique, and discuss what the group had done. <br />
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Students quickly began working in groups of three and four to draw and satisfy their orders on dot and grid paper. For the 'green' (easiest) orders, many groups were quickly ready to share with a judge. The 'yellow' cards took a bit longer, as they were more challenging, and many groups continued to work on yellow cards for the entire math time. Some groups chose to move on to the most challenging, 'red' cards, and this is where I some of the greatest examples of the Standards for Mathematical Practice in action. One group made sense of a single problem and persevered in proving it impossible for about 45 minutes! Another group sought out pattern blocks to (choosing appropriate tools strategically) to prove to their judge that their order was in fact, correct! Students were precise in their geometric vocabulary, especially when conversing with their judge and when sharing out their solutions with the whole group. <br />
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As a teacher who is still learning about the Common Core State Standards, I work tirelessly to create math experiences for my students that weave content and Mathematical Practice Standards, because the learning that results is priceless. Lessons like "Geometry Cafe" are gems, and Mr. Ted knocked it out of the park with this one.<br />
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Since you've made it this far, and with his permission, I would like to share* this lesson with you- <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5P3qeR-xLMndE9GMWFha1c5WFE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Geometry Cafe</a>. Included are detailed directions and a plan, as well as scaffolded orders for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. This is what I would consider math Christmas!! I hope your kiddos enjoy it as much as mine did.<br />
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**This lesson was graciously shared by Ted Stanford. It is his intellectual property, and we all know that stealing others ideas and property gives you 7 years of bad juju :-) </div>
Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-10633016796288489992013-06-01T20:43:00.000-06:002013-06-28T09:05:51.555-06:00June Currently! I can hardly believe it's June! It seems like it was only last week when I was anxiously counting down until the last day of school, and now, we're in full-blown Summer mode! To celebrate, I've linked up with Farley's <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh' Boy 4th Grade</a> June Currently, woo-hoo! So here it goes:<br />
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Since Summer has begun here, we are having a sleep over tonight, so I have had the pleasure of listening to three boys speak in horrible British accents for the last hour, lucky me!! They've chatted about a wide variety of topics from swimming to soccer...and it seems like their voices are getting louder and louder! Ahhh!</div>
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Despite the bad accents, I am loving that Summer vacation has already begun. It won't last long, though, as I start facilitation for Summer Math Academies on Monday. Lucky for me, I truly enjoy this work and am actually looking forward to it. That's also the reason I am needing a little motivation to organize my notes and finalize some things. However, I'm distracted thinking about a summer get away (<a href="http://www.kierlandresort.com/" target="_blank">this place</a> looks awesome!), and by wanting some ice cream (I do have a gift certificate!). </div>
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I think I'll let myself be further distracted by browsing through all the currently posts over on Farley's blog! </div>
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Oh' boy fourth grade" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/new%20album/farleybutton.png" /></a> </div>
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Happy Saturday night! </div>
Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-67540605874589129362013-05-27T11:56:00.000-06:002013-06-01T12:14:36.320-06:00End of a School Year!School is out here in New Mexico, which sort of explains why I have been such a blog slacker! That, combined with packing up my classroom, report cards, five field trips (yes, five!!), and everything else that comes with end-of-year craziness. So here's a bit of what I've been up to:<br />
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Field Trips: </div>
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While we had more field trips in the last few weeks of school than I had during my first 3 years of teaching, my favorite was a our third grade trip to White Sands National Monument. We had TONS of parents come along, which made this trip a total blast. We spent the day cooking out, playing in the dunes, and celebrating the end of a very successful school year.</div>
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Slime Time:</div>
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We finished our matter unit by making slime. The students had to determine which state of matter their slime belonged to, and then justify their reasoning with proof. This was tons of messy fun, and a great way to keep the kids engaged during the last hectic days of school. In case you're curious, our slime recipe included equal parts water and glue (we did 1/4 cup of each), 6 drops of neon food coloring, mixed well, and finally, 1/4 cup liquid starch. As soon as you add the starch, it begins to 'slime-up'...so disgustingly awesome!</div>
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Owl Pellet Dissection:</div>
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This is something I have never done in my classroom before, and I was...apprehensive, to say the least. All I knew was that students would be picking through Owl throw-up looking for treasure. Needless to say, I had it all wrong (mostly). The kids LOVED this activity. They dissected their pellet and matched the bones they found to bone-categorizing sheet I found on TPT to determine what the owl ate. They were like little detectives and found some interesting loot. I would absolutely do this again, and it wasn't nearly as gross as I imagined it to be.</div>
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Field Day Fun:</div>
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Field Day is like an end-of-year rite of passage, and this year, it was perfectly timed. It just so happened that on this day, my kiddos NEEDED some sort of physical activity in the same way that they need air and food. I'm sure any teacher in the final weeks of school knows what this is like! They competed in potato sack races, hula-hoop contests, tug-of-war, and other perfectly exhausting activities that helped to reign in that extra energy they came to school with. </div>
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The end of our school year was a blast, and I'll miss my sweet students, but I sure am glad it is Summer! Are you out yet? If not, when does your school year end?</div>
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Happy Summer!</div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-64966879482461713262013-05-06T18:51:00.005-06:002013-05-06T19:37:43.987-06:00Teacher Appreciation Sale!!Have you heard?!?!<br />
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There is a two-day <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Down-The-Hall-In-Third" target="_blank">TPT Teacher Appreciation Sale</a> starting tomorrow. My cart and wishlist are full and ready! My entire store will also be on sale, including <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Common-Core-Daily-Language-Practice-Year-Long-36-Weeks" target="_blank">Year-Long Common Core Daily Language Practice</a>, <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Boot-Camp-Grade-3-Common-Core-3OA7" target="_blank">Multiplication Boot Camp</a>, and cute<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pretty-Polka-Dot-Classroom-Label-Bundle-Pack" target="_blank"> classroom labels</a>! Don't forget to use code TAD13 for a full 28% off!</div>
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What's on your wishlist?! </div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-70559565759245075282013-04-26T09:42:00.000-06:002013-04-26T09:43:02.905-06:00Math Night and a Freebie!Just few weeks ago, we were celebrating all things<a href="http://downthehallinthird.blogspot.com/2013/04/literacy-nightseuss-style.html" target="_blank"> literacy in true Dr. Seuss style</a>. This week, we went all out for math! It should come as no surprise to you that I look forward to this night in a way that some people look forward to the birth of a child. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I have always had a flair for the dramatic...<br />
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Anyway, I do really look forward to nights like this because it is an opportunity to meet families, educate parents about your personal/school/district math teaching philosophy, showcase student work, and have some fun with math. This year, we were lucky enough to be able to send simple math activities and manipulatives with students so that they can practice at home. Kids went classroom to classroom to learn how to play a game, and then collect their loot. It was like math Trick-or-Treating!</div>
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The game I played is one of my all time favorites because it can be used to address so many important math concepts, including computational fluency. Since 3rd graders are expected to be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve multi-step problems, "Bowling for Numbers" seemed to be a good jumping off point. <br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bowling-for-Beach-Balls-Math-Fact-Freebie" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo BowlingforBeachBallsFreebie.jpg" height="240" src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i196/jarekleojana/BowlingforBeachBallsFreebie.jpg?t=1366990007" width="320" /></a></div>
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In this game, students roll two double-dice to come up with four digits. These numbers are then used to build as many equations using all four operations as they can to come up with an answer in the range of 1-10. When they come up with one of these numbers, they "knock it down" by crossing it out. If students get stuck, they get a second roll to try and knock down the remaining numbers. At the end of the game, all remaining numbers are added up to determine a score, and the lower the score, the better. My students love this game, and it was a pretty big hit with parents, too. I love this game because students happily sit and practice using all four operations, and it can be modified and differentiated for any grade level. Get your own copy by clicking the pic above! </div>
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PS- Have you seen double-dice?! Kids will do ANYTHING you ask if double-dice are involved! </div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-19782472658642067102013-04-17T19:03:00.001-06:002013-04-17T19:09:14.557-06:00Scientists in Action!We are down to our final 5 weeks of school and it is DEFINITELY Spring, which means my students are full of energy and excitement! I've learned that for my own sanity, instead of trying to control and minimize the Springtime-craziness, I must take advantage of it. So in these final weeks, we are pumping up the engagement with lots of hands-on, minds-on learning in all subject areas...especially science!<br />
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We've saved the best for last, and are using our final weeks to learn all about different states of matter. Last Friday, we took our learning outside into our school's courtyard to observe each state of matter within a balloon 'shell'. We filled several balloons with water and froze them to represent the solid, Balloons filled with water represented the liquid, and balloons filled with air represented the gas. </div>
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These little scientists took their jobs very seriously! They wrote down lots of 'sciency' words like 'airish substance' and 'liquidy inside' to describe the different balloons. Of course, we had to "remove" the shell to truly see what the insides looked like. You would have thought we took the kids to Toys 'R Us because they were SO excited! My favorite quote that goes along with the pic below: "THERE'S MATTER EVERYWHERE!!!!"</div>
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Next, we used resources from <a href="http://shenanigansinsecond.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hope King</a> to observe what the molecules look like within different states of matter. Using balloons as the molecules, I filled clear garbage bags up- the solid had tons of balloons tightly packed together, the liquid had several balloons that could move and flow, and the gas had very few molecules that had tons of room to move and float around. The kids were quick to make the connection, and ready to make their own molecule models. </div>
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Today, we explored the differences between observable and measurable criteria, created TPR to help differentiate between "volume" and "mass", and used our super science skills to classify a foreign object (Poprocks) based on its observable criteria. Much to their surprise, we discovered that our foreign substance had a solid shell, but a gas (Carbon Dioxide) center. It was also helpful that students came to the conclusion that by combining different states of matter, like solid and gas, and even solid and liquid (Poprocks and spit), weird things can happen! </div>
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Where will we go from here?!</div>
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I still have a few tricks up my sleeve! </div>
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What do you do to wrangle in the end-of-the year jitters?</div>
Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-71664267111476121942013-04-13T12:04:00.002-06:002013-04-13T16:54:04.799-06:00Spark Saturday<div align="center">
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I decided to link up with <a href="http://headoverheelsforteaching.blogspot.com/2013/04/spark-student-motivation-saturday-scan.html" target="_blank">Head Over Heels for Teaching</a> Spark Student Motivation Saturdays to share how Class Meeting helps to motivate good behavior, kindness, and community within my classroom. </div>
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From the beginning of the year, we have weekly class meetings each Friday. We always follow the same format to keep things running smoothly- encouraging words, class concerns, and goal setting. I start each meeting with encouraging words for the class that I have. Sometimes they are directed at the whole class, and sometimes they are directed toward individual students. I try and use this as an opportunity to highlight the good behaviors and choices that students are making in hopes of encouraging more of that from the entire class. You'd be amazed to see how reminding a student about a positive choice or action that occurred earlier in the week can fill them with pride and confidence.</div>
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Next, students have a chance to give encouraging words to one another. We have set guidelines that these encouraging words must be specific (as opposed to "thanks for being nice to me") and should be something above and beyond what is normally expected of all kids. I have been repeatedly blown away by the thoughtful, heartfelt words that students share with one another. I've had students talk about another child's academic progress, times where students have gone out of their way to include someone in a game at recess, or even a little bit of extra help offered during a challenging lesson. They are always so sweet, and students seem to love getting and giving these encouraging words.</div>
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After that, we spend some time problem solving. Students are given voice and can express concerns, and then other students offer problem-solving solutions. Many times, the solutions offered by the other students are enough to resolve the issues posed, and they feel empowered to know that they when they have concerns, we can work together to seek a resolution. </div>
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Finally, we set a goal for the upcoming week. Every now and then, I will suggest a goal based on something that comes from a class concern, but more often than not, the students will suggest a goal that is way better than anything I would have come up with! We work on the goal the entire next week, and revisit it and our following class meeting. </div>
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Class meeting has become a vital part of my classroom community. Students look forward to having that time to showcase the positive actions of others, problem solve, and work together to accomplish goals. </div>
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What are some things you do to 'spark' motivation in students? I'd love to hear all about it! </div>
Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868647496849248770.post-15950208077679585662013-04-11T21:14:00.002-06:002013-04-11T21:26:47.286-06:00Pizza Math!Now that Seuss-Mania is over, we are back to the grind because there is so much left to accomplish in 3rd grade. We are just finishing up with Multiplication Boot Camp, and I'm so delighted to say that ALL 23 of my students will be graduating from Boot Camp this week. Of course, we have to celebrate in grand style, and will be having a pizza party. However, I'm not going to let my little mathematicians off that easy! If they're getting a pizza party, they're going to have to work for it...so this week, we've had some major pizza problems!<br />
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On Monday, I presented them with the following problem: <i>"On Friday, we will be having a Pizza Party, but because I am so busy, I have no time to take care of the details. I need your help. Determine the type of pizza I should order based on what everyone likes. Figure out how many pieces of pizza each person will get, then plan out the types of pizza I will need to order to keep everyone happy. Use the menu from "Jason's Pizzareia" to calculate my total cost. Be ready to present your findings in a clear and organized way. Attend to precision because our party depends on it!"</i> <br />
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Students collected data and we recorded the results. Who would have known that some 3rd graders would prefer pineapple and ham, or even bell pepper pizza, over pepperoni?! </div>
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They worked in their groups to plan out the sizes and types of pizzas we would need. Students had to use different combinations of sizes and fractions of a pizza to make sure we would have pizza for everyone. Then they calculated the price using the menu provided. This took some serious perseverance and precision, but by the end of our math block, each group had a poster to present. They were shocked at how much pizza would cost!<br />
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By Tuesday, my sweet kiddos were gravely concerned about my bank account, and of course, their pizza party. Some students had even gone home and asked their parents if they could bring in money to help cover the cost. Oops! I was glad they were so concerned, because our pizza problems were continuing! Our math on the second day involved the students finding me a better deal on the same sizes and quantities of pizza. They used our fancy-schmancy Google Chromebooks to research local pizza places and their prices. Students compared prices, found deals and coupons, and recalculated our total. They were even kind enough to figure out my savings! $40-60 dollar savings...these kids are good! Spirits were definitely on the rise...but we still weren't done.<br />
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By Wednesday, my kids were acting like they were on an episode of "Extreme Couponing". "Mrs. Ward!! Domino's has a Monday-Thursday pizza special, we could move our celebration!" and "Five dollar Hot 'N Ready's!". They'd gone off the deep end, which was exactly where I needed them to be. </div>
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We began our math time by revisiting Mathematical Practice 1, which says that mathematically proficient students will "make sense of problems and persevere in solving them". All year, we have stressed that making sense of problems and persevering often involves revising the plan and creating a new course of action. Today, we would do just that. Students went back to the drawing board to find me my rock-bottom deal. Most groups scrapped all the special toppings and went with our top two choices. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This group got the total down to $27! Impressive!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We wrapped up our Pizza Math by talking about all the ways in which they used math to solve a real life problem- data collection, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, multi-step problems...the list goes on. Needless to say, these kiddos have earned their pizza party! Just another awesome week in 3rd grade.</span></div>
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Happy (almost) Friday!</div>
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Down the Hall in Thirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03144216870696069547noreply@blogger.com2