My Teacher ALWAYS says...

I saw this linky from Forever in First, and I couldn't pass it up! During my first year, I realized that I repeat some of the same things over and over to my students. As the year went on, the students were able to say my quotes before I even got a chance to say them! It's amazing what they pick up.

Our school really focuses on teaching students to be helpful, kind, and considerate of others. Many of you have probably heard this called "being a bucket filler." Whenever I see a student who needs to be reminded that he or she should try to be kind instead of yelling back at someone, I would say, "Be a bucket filler!" Works like a charm. I even had a time at the end of the day where the kids would share who filled their buckets that day!

This one just popped out of my mouth one day when I was explaining an activity they were going to work on. One of my boys asked, "Ms. Adams...What do you mean 'a piece of cake?'" I thought they all knew that idiom already! From that day on, anytime we had an assignment, they would go, "Will it be a piece of cake?"

Every time we would come back from out class or lunch or recess, I would get their attention in the hallway and tell them where to go. They got to the point where I didn't have to say it anymore! I switched it up sometimes and asked, "Where do we go?" They all would say "GO TO CARPET!"

When things weren't going their way, I would pull this one out. I would shrug and say, "It's cool," if I couldn't find something I was looking for. When the kids had to leave recess early, I would say, "It's cool" to show them that they don't need to get all worked up about it.

This was a hard one! Whew! Some students love to report to me. I would always ask, "Did you talk to him first?" to see if the student had tried to solve the problem before reporting to me. If they said no, I would have him go talk to the person and explain what bothered him. Usually, the problem worked itself out. If not, I'd step in and guide the confrontation. I need a recording of this quote so I can just click play instead of wearing my voice out repeating it!!

Let me know what some of your most used quotes are! I'd love to know what you tend to say often. :)

Twitter Chats - My Latest Obsession

It began with a little curiosity. You know what they say about that. I wanted to know what was so unique about Twitter. I thought it was just a bunch of people proclaiming their random thoughts into the world. I was wrong. #mindblown

I decided to participate in Really Good Stuff's #teachchat on a Wednesday evening, and I was hooked. I had to go to ALL the chats related to education. If I missed one, I was sad because I didn't get to be a part of the joy of conversation. Many people's schools have even allowed their teachers to use Twitter to receive PD credits! Can you believe that?

In case you're confused, here's the low-down. Twitter has this magical world of "chats." You can participate by typing in the correct hashtag (this symbol # plus a word) into the search bar at the top. Some people use Twitter programs to follow multiple streams of hashtags. 

Say you really enjoy gifted and talented education...there's a Twitter chat for that. What about kindergarten? Yeah, you guessed it, there's one for that too! If you decide to participate, all you do is write out your message and attach the appropriate hashtag to the end of the message! #easypeasy

Click the image to take you to a Google Doc that has all the Twitter chats that I follow and participate in, just in case you would like to join me! If you can't click the image, just click this link.

Word of caution: Every message you post will be seen by your Twitter followers AND the people watching the chat. Also, be careful what you say because it can be viewed by people in high places! (Such as Scholastic, Really Good Stuff, and even state Senators) The other warning I give is that most times, these chats are high-intensity and very fast paced.

Let me know in the comments if you have ever participated in a Twitter chat! If not, which education topic interest you most?

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Thank you!

I just wanted to post a quick "THANK YOU" to all of my lovely followers and viewers at home. ;) I reached a staggering 30,000 views today! Oh wow!!

When I reach 300 blog followers I maaay consider doing a giveaway, so I hope you're excited about that! Today, I started planning out future blog posts for this blog. I have a few updates to technology tutorials, and hopefully I can teach you some new technology tips to use in your own classroom. Summer is a great time to try out new things, so I hope you join in with me as we learn together.

I've been reading a LOT of professional development books recently, and I can't wait to share some of my knowledge with you. I may need your help in figuring out ways to implement what I'm learning. You all are amazing, so I'm sure you can help me out!

I have a really cool product created and almost ready for launch. I think you will like it a lot!

Again, thank you for all your views, comments, and joys you have brought me throughout my blogging journey. I can't wait to kick this blog back into action! It's been far too long since I posted frequently.

Post in the comments below if you have a suggestion for a tech tutorial that I can do for you!

First Day!

At the beginning of the school year, the children are anxious, worried, excited, and pretty much every emotion possible.

Today is like that for me! It's my first day of grad school, and I'm anxious, worried, and excited! I've got all my textbooks ready to pack into my bag. I still need to take off my chipping nail polish so that I can meet everyone looking much nicer. I may even paint my nails for this week!

I was introduced to a computer program called Evernote this past week. It's a place where you can take notes and pictures, and then the content syncs to all connected devices (like your iPhone or iPad!)

I plan on using it today to take notes in class, but you can use Evernote in many different ways, such as:

• Making and checking off your grocery list
• Planning supplies needed for a classroom party
• Writing your classroom inventory (so it doesn't take up computer space!)
• Storing all the fabulous ideas you find on teacher blogs!
• Keeping notes during Professional Development workshops
• Collaborating with your co-teacher next door to you and sharing documents with them

The list could go on and on! It has voice record, video record, and photo capture options as long as you have a webcam/microphone on your device. Very helpful!

You can go to their website by clicking here, and while you're at it, go download the free iPhone app!

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I have had something extra awesome occupying my time! I'm not sure if I'm allowed to tell about it at this point, but it has to do with design. I'm SO thrilled about it, and I have been working nonstop on projects for the team that I haven't stopped to think of new blog post ideas.

Let me know in the comments:

1. Do you use Evernote?
2. How do you or would you use Evernote?

Quick Tech Tutorial - Pin It Button!

I'm back with another technology tutorial! Have you missed those? I know I have! This time, it's not a web 2.0 tool. It's all about our favorite site, Pinterest!

Have I piqued your interest? :)

I hope so!  Here's the video tutorial to make it super easy to understand.



Here's the link to the Google Chrome Pinterest app: http://tinyurl.com/kl2s9rl

What do you think? Easy enough, right? I hope this was something that you can use. If you would like for me to make a tutorial for a pin it app button for the Firefox browser, let me know! Thanks for watching. I'd love to know what you would like to see next. I'm thinking of remaking my Prezi and Beeclip tutorials, so be looking forward to that!