Super Sleuths Blog Hop #2

This is a blog hop, and you are at the second stop! If you just started on my blog and want to go to the very beginning (so you don't miss ANY freebies), click on the image below to head to Carla's blog.

Along this journey, you will learn about various reading strategies from reading coaches/specialists ranging in grade levels. You will also be able to collect freebies at each stop AND enter for a chance to win a special prize at the very end. So get out your magnifying glasses and gloves, and start collecting!

 Drawing Conclusions/Making Inferences

If you've followed me for a while, you may know that I LOVE a good mystery! Growing up, I read Encyclopedia Brown, Nancy Drew, Mandie...if it had a mystery title, I was going to read it. Last year I started creating little "cases" for my kids to solve. These are great for drawing conclusions because the students have to use the clues given to solve the "crime". They're my own little nod to Encyclopedia Brown's short mysteries. I give just enough clues for the student to figure out the mystery, but they aren't so obvious that students get it immediately. They have to really investigate.

Sometimes I will hand out copies and have students highlight important information. Sometimes we leave it all on the Promethean board and dissect the information as a class. But students HAVE to give evidence, and that evidence HAS to be factual. When I did these in 5th grade last year, we talked about "circumstantial evidence", where students would add something like "Well, she MAY have done..." - which I found out from my hubby isn't exactly right, but it sounded more investigator-y. I wouldn't have been corrected if Steven wasn't a Criminal Justice teacher. Anyway, that doesn't count because we're ASSUMING. Using factual evidence builds a stronger case and keeps us from wrongly accusing someone.

I created a new freebie which I just added to my stores yesterday. This link will only take you to the free item until the hop expires, so make sure you grab it quick and tell your friends to stop by the hop! 

This is now a paid resource, but you can purchase it in my TPT or TN stores!

Now that you've learned a little more about drawing conclusions, you're ready for my clue. On your form, record the letter...

Thanks for visiting today.  I hope you'll enjoy my unit with your students, and if you'd like to keep informed of upcoming events from our group, please follow me on Bloglovin!

 I appreciate your interest in reading instruction and wish you a wonderful school year. Now, on to the...

  

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1. Comprehension Connection

2. Dont Let the Teacher Stay Up Late

3. The Reading Tutor/ OG

4. Learning Fundamentals

5. Reading and Writing Redhead

6. Ms. Ds Literacy Lab

7. Conversations in Literacy

8. Teacher Mom of Three

9. A Day in the Life of a Title 1 Teacher

10. Luckeyfrog"s Lilypad

11. Curious Firsties

12. All Four Reading

13. Thinking Out Loud

14. Ms. Jordan Reads

15. Big Time Literacy

16. Read with Me ABC

17. Teaching With Nancy

18. This Little Piggy Reads

19. The Literacy Minute

20. Book Units Teacher

21. Reading Toward the Stars

22. The Literacy Garden

23. Im Lovin Lit

24. Ripper Resources

25. Teachers Take-Out

26. Sweet Integrations

27. Reading is Elementary

28. The Rungs of Reading

Teacher Fitness Thursday: Motivation

Today is the second month of Teacher Fitness Thursday, and I want to talk about motivation. Who or what motivates you?

Love this picture I have on my Pinterest

I know this has been an issue for me recently. I have actually gotten down to a number that I like, but there's still a lot of "muffin top" that makes most of my pants unflattering on me. I'm not exactly happy with my shape because I can't actually buy bigger pants since my legs (and butt) are back to being skinny. It's not proportionate, and it eats at me.

When I started my weight-loss journey about 2 months after having Keagan, my sole motivation was getting back into my pre-pregnancy clothes. It helped for a while, and I was slowly able to wear most of the tops and dresses again. I had mini celebrations when these items fit and when I could actually button pants from before (with my overhang, but still). I've been able to do that for a while, though, and I've struggled to find new motivation. I think that's why I've hit a lot of rocks where I just give up and stop working out for a season (like right now). My motivations aren't deep enough.

What I need to focus on are positive people who are becoming stronger and healthier even if their body types aren't perfect. I know I'm too hard on myself, but the truth is that I shouldn't just give up on workouts just because I'm not seeing the body image that I had before. Honestly, that was more of a teenager body anyway, and I don't need that! I should embrace my curves while trying to tone and define them a little more.

Some positive people I like to follow:

Mama Laughlin: This girl has had two kids and lost a whole heck of a lot of weight! She's very honest on her blog and shares the good and the bad. Right now, she's pushing herself even more and actually training for a bikini competition just to prove that she can. Do I have ANY desire to do that? No. But props to her for the confidence she has found and is spreading to others through her blog.

The Biggest Loser in general: I just really love this show! It's more than just a competition. It's a life-changing event, and I have so much respect for the coaches, "contestants", and everyone else involved with the show. They do so much good, and I have cried multiple times watching it. My FAVORITE contestant from the show is definitely Danni, the winner from last season. She just has such a positive attitude and really works hard to stay healthy.

Before, During, and After Blog: Bethany is actually a personal friend of mine from elementary school. She had a baby near the end of the school year (taught high school math in DC before deciding to stay home this year), but she continued with CrossFit through the ENTIRE pregnancy! Seriously. This is a picture of her at 8.5 months. All I wanted to do when I was pregnant was sit on the couch and eat whatever I wanted. Now she also shares about how she handles being a new mom and the real struggles with losing weight after baby.

I'd love to see what inspires you to get up and get active! Maybe we can help each other come up with more ideas. I know I could use a few more ways to help me actually get out of bed and pull out my workout DVDs. 

Confession: I didn't end up working out yesterday. My excuse? They are painting the inside of our house, and we don't have any of our blinds up. Who would have actually seen me working out at 5 am? Nobody probably. Maybe the garbage men? But now I can't do my workout in the living room (where our only TV is) because we have furniture in the middle from the kitchen. Guess I need to find other ways to be active at least until our downstairs is finished. Shopping trip tonight? Maybe!

Oh, and don't forget that tomorrow is the big day for our Super Sleuth Blog Hop. You won't want to miss it!

A Reflection on Fitness and some reminders

I'm linking up with two posts today, but they are related to one another. Plus this is something I've been struggling with lately and want to get out there. I know I'm not the only one or the first linky wouldn't even have become a topic. Click on the icons below to join each linky.

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The first is a new linky from Sunny Days in Second Grade. Each week leading up to the new year will focus on a different truth. Sometimes we need to sit back and be completely honest with ourselves. For me, I've been in a bit of a rut when it comes to fitness. It started a few weeks ago when I got sick and couldn't do my workout, but I don't have an excuse anymore. It's time for me to get back into my routine and wake up early to work out. I've lost my weight, but if I want to really tone up it's going to take some dedication. 

And that leads me to my "Tried-It". I wanted to share what I've been doing to get in shape (and what I WILL start back tomorrow). 

I bought Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred off eBay during the summer because I LOVE her on Biggest Loser and liked the idea of a quick 20 minute workout. I did Insanity at the end of last school year, and it was great. But I was waking up at 4:30 every morning, and although I was gaining muscle mass I wasn't seeing the inches go from my waist, which is my problem area since giving birth. So I decided it was time to switch things up.

This workout has three levels that get progressively more difficult. Each level has:

• a quick warm up
• 3 sets of Strength (3 mn.), Cardio (2 mn.), and Abs (1 mn.)
• a short cool down

It takes about 25 minutes for all of it. I have done levels 1 and 2, and when I started level 2, I saw my weight start dropping quickly! I actually lost about 5 pounds just in that stretch (which also coincided with the beginning of school and me becoming a little more active in general). If you're looking for a good workout, I would recommend trying this!

Two quick reminders before I go:

I know I'm a week late technically, but this Thursday will be the second Teacher Fitness Thursday, my monthly linky party. I want to talk about motivation this time around because I know I need it! What motivates you? Get your posts ready, and PLEASE help spread the word! I'll be honest. I was pretty discouraged when only 2 people linked up last month. I hope this will become more successful and really help create a community of teachers who want to get healthy.

Then be sure to stop back by my blog on Friday for the big blog hop. I can't wait to see what other great freebies have been created for you (and me)!

Science Mentor Text: Nightsong

I've been waiting to link up with this book for TWO weeks now, and I'm so excited to share it! Last year, someone posted about this book, and I had to check it out because it just looked adorable.

So when I got some money to spend at the end of the school year, I added this one to my cart (along with Stellaluna, which I also love). This one is all about a little bat, Chiro, who is scared to venture into the darkness on his own. His mother tells him to use his "good sense" and his special song will light the way. Not only is the language in this story beautiful (and I may be using it with my 5th grade to talk about the author's craft), but the pictures are equally lovely!

I chose this book for science because it is a GREAT way to teach younger students about how echolocation helps bats "see" at night. Obviously their voice doesn't actually work as a flashlight, but students can picture it helping the little bat find food as he "sings his song".

I think Stellaluna may still by my favorite bat book, but this one definitely wins a spot on my list! I'm very glad I made the purchase and can use it this year.

Also, don't forget to check back by Friday for our big Super Sleuth Blog Hop! There will be tons of great reading freebies that you won't want to miss. Speaking of, I need to get to work finishing mine...

Five for Friday

I know, I did SO well posting during the week for a little while, but it's been an entire week with nothing. Not like it's been a quiet week, but when you're stuck in bed and then don't have a phone (because yours needed to be repaired and the store didn't have loaners - I did that Wednesday and just got a loaner tonight), it's hard to find time to share.

Last week, I posted about my undefeated Mercer Bears. They ended up losing their first game after travelling to San Diego. Still, they played well and are looking good. I'm proud and think they will win quite a few more games this season.

I didn't mention my OTHER undefeated team! We lived in south Mississippi until I was in high school, so I have been a Saints fan for years. My sister sent this jersey in the mail last week, and Keagan proudly sported it Sunday (even though the game wasn't showing in Richmond) as the Saints went 5-0. 

Oh, and even if you're not a Saints fan, I HIGHLY recommend following their games this year and checking out Erin's blog (I'm Lovin Lit) after every win. Just sayin...

On Monday, I got so miserably sick that I ended up having to let my last two groups of the day play games while I did everything in my power to not fall asleep. I got home and went to bed at 5, then I stayed there until almost 10 the next morning. It was AWFUL! Not exactly sure what, but I had a fever and terrible headache. And I couldn't eat anything (except crackers, of course). When I got back to school Wednesday, this goodie was sitting on the counter by my mailbox waiting for me! 

I especially laughed about the Lysol wipes. Not sure if my Secret Pal knew I was sick (it appeared Tuesday), but how appropriate!

I finally got my Oriental Trading shipment Monday (and into the classroom Wednesday), so my students will now have "Read to Self" bags. We aren't in my room for long, but I want students to already have a few books on their level for when I am working with individuals. 

I made the labels on my own and laminated them. Sorry I can't share them, but I bought the frame and don't know a way to make them editable without infringing on copyright. The frames are from Bubbly Borders and More, and the font is Sketch Rockwell if you want to make them on your own.

We did some visualizing with fourth grade this week, and I was thrilled to try out Amanda Madden's Connecting and Visualizing Packet that you can read about in her post here. The kids had a blast with it, and I love the outcomes!

And finally, I wanted to let you know about an event you won't want to miss! Carla from Comprehension Connection and the ladies from The Rungs of Reading have been gathering as many Reading Specialist bloggers as they could find to put together a blog hop, and we are getting our freebies ready for you. Mark your calendars and get ready to collect a lot of great products!

Five for Friday - October 4

So, my alma mater started up football again after a 72 year hiatus, and it has gone very well for them so far! They are undefeated, and the game last week really showed how well they're doing! Alex Avant even helped bring the team national recognition by landing this play in ESPN's Top 10 Plays for the week!

Go Bears!!

We went out to the state fair on Sunday for Keagan's very first trip. It was a little too crowded for our liking, but Keagan loved seeing all of the animals!

I always like to look at what the students have entered because it's always so fascinating to me. This year, they had a book project that some middle schoolers had done: Table for Two. Each table was set in a theme for a book they had read. Most of them were not familiar to me (or just not very good), but this gives you an idea, although I don't know what book it was for.

We started doing secret pals at my school last year, and I didn't exactly luck out. Our VP drew my name last year, and I spent most of the time with nothing. I will say that when he did send gifts, they were very nice to make up for the empty spaces ($25 gift card to BN and then another gift card at the end of the year for Bed, Bath, and Beyond). But sometimes a girl just wants some random chocolate in her box to surprise her. We drew names two weeks ago, and I have a good one this year! This was in my box earlier in the week and I quickly devoured it. Actually, there *may* have been a few KitKats missing already when I took this picture...

Some of you with sharp eyes noticed the Duck for President book in the last picture. We had SCA elections today, so I read this book with one of my 3rd grade classes to introduce some election vocabulary. It was cute because we saw our guidance counselor putting up students' signs as I was taking my group back, and one said, "That's campaigning!" Yes, it is.

Last week, I talked about how we were starting to become "Word Wizards", and I have to say that it's not going quite as well as I hoped. I guess it's part of being an "extra", but they're either forgetting the sheet or just not doing it altogether. I'm not throwing in the towel yet because I think it's important, but it is a little discouraging. Here's a quick example of what they do, though (and yes, I'm aware that I overshot it on the words this week - I'm dialing it back a little already).

And yes, he technically didn't use "misconstrue" properly, but once again I overshot it with the words. You get the idea though, right?

Happy Friday!

Currently October

I'm a day late for Farley's currently, but better late than never, right? Can anyone else believe that October is actually here? I've been excited for fall this year and trying to figure out what Keagan will be for Halloween, but the month has actually come! I felt like this September would never end, so it's exciting to finally be into the second day.

My loving, thinking, and needing all go together. I am on my third week of working with groups, but I still haven't back into the groove of things. My goal is to have lessons for next week done and ready to go by Friday, but that's what I said last week. We'll see!

As for new sweaters, I feel like my fall/winter wardrobe is lacking. Last year, I wasn't quite ready to buy a lot (plus we weren't in the position financially) because I still thought I could lose some more and get back into my pre-baby clothes. Well, I have been hovering right around the same weight for a few months now, so I think I'm where I will be. I've pretty much accepted the fact that my middle is just going to be bigger, even though I'm working out and have done a lot. It's time to get some looser, cuter tops that will hide my current "muffin top" and look a little more flattering. I found some really cute things at Target (my new favorite go-to store for clothes) and think I may splurge on a few this week. It's time.

Most of you may already be aware of Picmonkey, but I LOVE it for a quick way to add my blog logo to a picture I post. That way, if someone pins an idea from my blog, people can track it back to me a little easier! All you do is go into www.picmonkey.com and click on "Edit a Photo" at the top. It will open a window for you to select your photo from the computer. There are tons of edits and touch-ups that you can do, but if you click on the butterfly for overlays, there is an option at the top to add your own. I just click on that and find the file for my blog button (which I always save on my computer). Then I make it smaller and add it to the corner of my picture. Done! Here's a quick sample from last week that only took me a minute to fix (no touch-ups or anything):

I hope my tip helped, and have fun checking out what other people are "currently" doing!