Tell Us About You Tuesday!



Hey Science friends,

Well, I am linking up with my friends at Freebielicious for Tell Us About You Tuesday. And it's early Wednesday morning, go figure. You know what they say for some people the wee hours in the morning are the most productive. I am a night owl and that is the way I have always been.

I am heading into my 16th year of teaching with a fresh and renewed mindset.

All of my career I have spent in Kindergarten which has been a true blessing for me.

I went to school and thought I would be a Science teacher because during my college years I truly recognized my love for the natural world and living things and I discovered the answers to many childhood questions I had about the world around me. In my last semester of college I took 27 hours just to take a kindergarten job that fell into my lap.

I live and teach deep in the heart of Texas. I have been here my whole life. Living in Texas my whole life, you would have thought that I had seen it all but that was not really the case until...one conversation kind of changed that all for me. Since I was a child I had always wanted to travel the back roads and see Texas! After sharing my childhood dream with my husband, it wasn't long before we hit the road! We hitched a little travel trailer and I swear we never looked back...not even once!

It is safe to say I have had my share of lakeside picnics along the dusty dirt roads of Texas. This experience has given me a chance to play around with my love of photography that I always had brewing inside of me but never knew I had a real use for until teaching and blogging came into my life.

I now have a lot of memories and pictures to share with my class when we talk about Texas and natural resources which also comes in handy for writer's workshop.

The sun was shinning so bright it was hard to tell what this picture would look like. I am sure there is a setting that I should have been using but balancing yourself on a kayak with a new camera this was my best shot.

My family and I are planning a future trip to Caddo Lake. I am looking forward to pictures from that area of Texas.

 I love cooking and I have a thing for setting the table. Inside and outside the table is always set. Setting the table for brunch is my all time favorite. Who doesn't like brunch? A laid back and stress free meal...ahhh! If I only have about one brunch a month, then I want it to be special! I blog about

that here!

 

 Until the back to school season gets in full swing I am sure you can find me somewhere between here and there on some dusty dirt road in Texas taking pictures and blogging along the way.

  



Are You Living?



Hey Science friends,

I am so excited to finally finish my I Can Be A Scientist~Learning About Living Things. In the previous years my students have really enjoyed slide presentations mainly because of the images. I don't blame them because I do to. Real images of living and non living things in our world can be breathtaking. As I have spent the summer camping in state parks in Texas, I am amazed at the beauty of nature that often we simply ignore. But when you have time to really look around there are beautiful shapes, colors and textures all around us but sometimes we are just too busy to notice. Considering I have spent the summer really observing living and nonliving things I was really excited to work on this project.  

This PowerPoint Presentation is full of slides and guided questions to help aid in discussions of living and nonliving and basic needs. When I am teaching Science, I love to have real life images and books that support what we are learning but that has been a challenge to find over the years. And because of that, I began to collect images.

The presentation has several rounds of high quality images that will go along with what we are learning and discussing in class. The guided questions are there to help scaffold the learning of new concepts. After a few rounds, the children are encouraged to justify their responses.

I know a plant is living because...

After we have spent three days of learning, discussing and notebooking about living and nonliving things and basic needs we move on to sorts. These can be printed, laminated and stored in Science centers or take home bags. We discuss and sort. When the children are using these independently or in small groups I get a chance to observe and listen and make note of any misconceptions. So while they are busy, I am busy assessing as I roam around. It is pretty simple. To conclude the unit I have enclosed printables that the children will use to record their thinking about living and nonliving things and basic needs. These printables serve as their documentation of learning.

And if you are anything like me and you love the ease of PowerPoint, you can add, delete or multiply slides. You can create more rounds of each series of slides because the kids will always ask for another round. If you need more information just click on the images above! Have fun investigating friends!

 



Science Notebooking 102!

 

Hey Science Friends,

There has been a lot of great discussion and talk about Science Notebooking but we are just getting started. Just in case you missed the Science Notebooking 101 post you can click on the image below to get you there before we jump right in to the next part.



Alright now that you have had time to think about what type of notebook you want to have your students use, now it is time to dig a little deeper. So now you might be asking actually what is a Science Notebook? A Science Notebook is a tool that Scientists use to record data and a place to record their thinking. That is it in the most simplest of terms. In the classroom a Science Notebook is used as a tool to help build processing skills and to help build Science content. The Science Notebook helps foster literacy as well. Inside the pages of a great notebook are wonderful opportunities for meaningful integration.

A Science Notebook does not replace a Science curriculum, it goes alongside any Science Curriculum that is used. For the young Scientist, a Science Notebook retells experiences, investigations, data and understandings. These experiences and investigations are recorded in pictures, numbers and words. An interactive notebook is used to help a child have repeated opportunities to connect and reconnect with the content inside.

 

Before jumping right in, it is important to consider what your goals are for using Science Notebooks. As I was planning my Science Notebooks for the year, I had to ask myself the same questions. I wanted to be able to use notebooking to extend literacy, to record thinking, to provide multiple opportunities to connect with the content, and to be able to use it as a tool during science discussions to foster oral language development. Additionally, I wanted my notebooks to support district, state and national Science Standards. And last, I wanted my notebooks to be loved and used on an ongoing basis for the entire year. And as an added bonus, I wanted my notebooks to serve as a tool for me to use to help assess the learning objectives presented and have a better understanding of what my students were learning.

Like I said in the previous post, I have tried and failed and tried again with notebooks in the past. My failures were based on not starting with considering the goals beforehand and taking the approach of jumping in and figuring it out as I went along. Based on my experience, I can honestly say that the "jump in and give it a go" method did not produce the notebooks I wanted and when it was all said and done, I still could not clearly define my goals. As with anything, begin with the goal in mind was never bad advice and you know your mom would agree!

So, where do we go from here? Next we will look at what Science Notebooks look like in the beginning. How do we start Science notebooking with young children?



Getting Started With Notebooking!



Hey Science Friends,

One of the most asked questions I have gotten over the years has been about Science Notebooking in Kindergarten. No matter the year this seems to be one of the most lingering questions. I have had many questions myself about notebooking in Kindergarten. We all wonder what is the best notebook? What in the world is inside and most important how in the world do we do this with Kindergarten? Over the last several years I have played around with different ideas and discovered things I like and things I don't. I have tried and failed and tried again and probably again more times than I am willing to admit. But I never gave up on the idea of incorporating Science Notebooks in Kindergarten...successfully.

I am currently working on a yearlong unit of notebooking so this is a hot topic on my mind right now. And if you are considering notebooking with your class this year now is the best time to start thinking and planning a few things and set yourself up for success. Now is the best time to decide WHAT the Science notebook will look like in your classroom. You have options. And you might as well get the materials on the cheap when they are on sale, right? But before you buy be sure and think about a few things because you will probably be using them for an entire year.

So, what are the options?



Spirals can be used for notebooking!

They are cheap.

They come in different colors.

They have lots of pages.

They have a large surface area to record.

You can hold a pencil in the spiral.

You can glue, tape or staple things inside.

They have a sturdy cover and back.

They lay flat on the table.

They have writing lines...but they are small especially for Kindergarten.

Composition books can be used for notebooking!

They are affordable when on sale but you have to hunt for sales and act quick!

They come in different colors.

They are more expensive than spirals.

They are smaller in size.

They have plenty of pages.

You can glue, tape, staple things inside.

They have a sturdy cover and back.

They do not always lay flat on the table.

They have writing lines...but they are small for Kindergarten.

You can find them with Kinder writing lines but they are more expensive.

Folders can be used for notebooking!

They are cheap!

They come in different colors.

They have built in pockets.

They have brads to hold paper.

They are not as sturdy as spirals or composition books.

You can use a folder per unit study because they are affordable if you get them on sale.

You can glue, tape, staple things inside.

They lay flat on the table.

You can determine the type of paper that goes inside.

 

Teacher made notebooks can be used for notebooking!

Construction paper is cheap.

It comes in lots of colors.

They are not as sturdy but could be laminated.

You can make different notebooks per unit study.

You can easily make different sizes and shapes.

They lay flat on the table.

You can glue, tape, staple things inside.

You can determine what type of paper that goes inside.

 

Three ring binders can be used for notebooking!

You can get them on sale but they are the most expensive option here.

You might be able to use them for several years.

They come in lots of colors.

They are sturdy.

They lay flat.

They stand up!

They have pockets.

They hold a lot.

You can glue, tape, staple things inside.

You determine what type of paper goes inside.

Once you have decided on the type of notebook you will use you are well on your way but one more thing to consider in...orientation. Yes, I said it...orientation. This is just something to consider based on many years of notebooking with Kindergarten. First, there is no right or wrong here. This is all about considering what is best for you and your style of teaching. The more consideration and thought that is given in the planning and preparing for notebooking the more likely you will stick with it...just trust me here without explanation. Like I said, there is not right or wrong.

I guess your next question is going to be what are YOU going to use this year. I knew it was coming. I have tried them all and I love and hate each one for different reasons so let's break it down on the deciding factors for my personal choice. First, I have tried them all. But this year I am using spirals primarily and at special times in the year I may use teacher made paper ones. I know you will ask why, so here we go! Folders are too flimsy for repeated use and I do not want to buy a million of them or decide how many and what colors I need. That's too much for me to deal with. Composition books have too small of a surface area for Kinder writing in my opinion and they do not lay flat. Composition books are more expensive than spirals. Binders are too expensive for me even if I can use them for several years. I suppose I can't commit to loving them for that long. So it is a spiral for me. And as for the orientation...landscape. If you know me you knew it was coming. My primary reason for landscape is because the lines in the spirals are too small for Kinder writing so if you turn it landscape orientation then you eliminate that problem. If I have something to go inside the notebook and it is portrait orientation, we just flip it and just keep working...no big deal.

This will get you thinking for sure. Stay tuned for Notebooking 102!

See you soon Science Friends!

 



What's Up With The Weather?

Hey Science Friends,

I have been out and about watching the weather! And as I was running around I cam across a few cute things that I had to have for some weather watching fun this coming year. You know reporting the weather is always a lot more fun if you have a cute outfit to wear, right? I knew it! I found this Backyard Explorer vest at Dollar Tree right along with the hat and glasses and before you knew it a Weather Reporter outfit was born. Just a Sharpie and a few little embellishments and we are ready to go! It was super easy and didn't take long! Now we are ready for a year of observing, recording and describing the weather!

 



Switching Gears!

Hey Science Friends,

Like I said last time... One of the benefits of having more than one blog is that when one blog is busy you always have the other blog to go to and post. And since it is summer it is the perfect time to shake things up a little. I usually keep this blog straight Science but like I said...it's summer so let's shake it up and get ready for a new year all the way around! So I am super excited about a few new things taking place in my room this coming year. I have revamped and rethought my Creation Station with the goal of full integration of Language Arts in mind. And I have really thought long and hard about those long forgotten Art Objectives. So I have created a few things to integrate into my Creation Station and I am pretty excited about it all. I can't wait for some real hands-on fun!

 

One of the first things on the list for me this summer was an activity for the first week of school as we were getting to know each other. And so I put together I Can Be An Artist~The ABC's of Me! Just perfect for Open House or Back to School Night. And you know I wanted this project easy for me to prepare as a teacher so it was created with that in mind.

 

And I have had such a wonderful response to all this artsy fun that it inspired me to create this as well. Just the right thing to add to any Creation Station for the beginning of the year! I'm on a roll and now I can't wait because this station is gonna be a hit! And we are going to be covering those standards like crazy! So if you are interested just click on the links for more information!



10 Signs Freebie!

Hey Science Friends,

Just cleaning up the files and wanted to share this printable with you. You know it is that time again when we are just starting summer vacation but yet our minds keep thinking about school. It's hard not to think about what is ahead when you are knee deep in organization of all sorts. This is a print and go freebie that you can print and have on hand for parent night or maybe tuck inside the sleeve on the back of your teacher binder. Either way, it is yours! Click on the image above to take you to the download. Don't work too much, it's summer!



Teacher Shirt Coupon Code!

 

Hey friends,

So the giveaway is over... And maybe you didn't win. But there is still some good news. You can use coupon code FREE20 to get 20% off your order of $20 or more! It's a great deal. I just ordered some shirts that were just $9 and they are so cute. The code is valid through June 15th so don't delay. Just think you and all your best teacher friends can order some shirts and have them ready to go before the back to school rush is in full swing. And you can have tons of time to shop for the perfect shoes and purse to go along with that new shirt! Head on over to Teacher Shirts and grab your favorite today!



Just Added Sunflowers!

Hey Science Friends,

I am super excited to let you know that my I Can Be A Scientist Exploring Life Cycles Print and Go unit now includes the sunflower life cycle and patterns for this craftivity! The best part is that if you have previously purchased this item all you have to do is re download the file to get the new updates! The file has now grown from 160 pages to 214! And if you are thinking about next year I bet you are going to be printing the apple life cycle printables to kick off your science for next year!



A Star Is Born!

Hey Science Friends,

I was busy making a Mind Jar for my classroom. During this process of trial and error with recipes, I discovered that the little Mind Jar was so mesmerizing and captivating that I had a hard time putting it down. I knew if I couldn't put it down then I would probably have a problem with the kids. I was originally was going to use this as a tool to provide a child with a Brain Break when he or she is acting inappropriately. After I experimented with it for quite some time, I realized this plan would never work so a star was born...My Star Gazing Jar. If you would like to make your own click on the image below.

I loved My Star Gazing Jar so much that I wanted to put this in my Science Center. I found a recycled basket, some Science books, a reading pointer and put my Star Jar into the basket. I loved the idea so much and I remembered that I had seen a great post about Galaxy Playdough and I thought it would go well with the contents of the basket. My new addition to my Star Gazing Science Basket just had to be a batch of Galaxy Playough by Fairy Dust Teaching. If you would like to make your own Galaxy Glitter Dough just follow along because it could not be any easier!

What you will need:

2 cups of plain flour

2 cups of water with black and blue food coloring

1 Tbsp. of cooking oil

1 Tbsp. cream of tartar

1 cup of salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix liquid ingredients in a large pan. (FYI: I found black food coloring in a large size at Big Lots - so I added the entire bottle! I added a small bottle of blue food coloring. It made the dough so deep and rich!) Begin to heat liquids.

In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients. Add to the heating liquids. Stir until the dough gathers and thickens. Cook until it gets that sheen to it. Let it cool slightly and then knead to bring proper consistency. Store in plastic container.

Now you are ready to get out there and explore, create and discover!