Best and Brightest!


I'm joining up with Christina from Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge for 2012's Blog Best and Brightest linky party!

Most Popular Post
My most popular post is the one I did about Integrated ELD last spring after visiting Myers Elementary in Salem, OR.  This school uses Integrated ELD and OCDE Project GLAD® strategies to teach all students.  They also use the Daily 5 and some teachers were starting Guided Math groups, as well.  It was amazing to see the learning taking place at this school!

Favorite Freebie
Another popular post of mine is my post about Whole Brain Teaching.  I made a freebie of the rules, and included different genders and races to accommodate all classrooms!  And after I posted this, the teacher from those awesome videos emailed me.  I have to admit, I was a little star struck!! I definitely plan to incorporate more WBT strategies in 2013!

Favorite Post
One of my favorite posts is about boosting vocabulary in the classroom.  I shared how I utilize table group names and TPR to teach difficult vocabulary words.

Favorite Product 
My favorite product is my Calendar Starter Set.  The math program at my new school does not have a calendar component, so it is up to me to create one.  I found an old pocket chart in a drawer and have been making calendar pieces each month.  So far, I have 3-D shapes and place value in my TpT store.  I'm working on a time set, as well as a money set.  Those should be out by at least the end of January.

Favorite 2nd Grade Blogs
Now for my favorite bloggers - this year has been so amazing for me since I started my blog.  I joined Teaching Blog Traffic School and met so many other bloggers.  From commenting on blogs, joining linky parties, and participating in fun things, like the Teacher Blogger Gift Exchange and the Product Swap from Mrs. Stanford's Class, I have met even more amazing bloggers!  On my side bar are my absolute besties that I love to chat with online and even text and talk on the phone with some of them!  Here is a list of my must-read 2nd grade blogs:
Falling into First      
What are your favorites from this year?

11 comments

  1. Replies
    1. You are so welcome! I just love all your products and creativity!

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  2. Loved all your pictures from your most popular post! This has been a fun linky!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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  3. I'm so glad you posted this because I somehow missed that post about the school in Salem. You took such fabulous photos (I need to remember to do that when I visit schools)! I LOVE those heart words and the anchor charts for ea and bossy e words. I think I'll copy those for my classroom during break!

    And did DDSD really lay off all the ESOL teachers?? I had no idea!! Were they all put back into regular classroom positions?

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    1. Yes, they did eliminate all ESL teaching positions. All classroom teachers now teach a 30 minute ELD block and grade levels do "Walk to ELD" to group kids of similar language levels. There is a Language Specialist in each building (2 at Mill, since the ESL population is so large) and they oversee the program and do the necessary paperwork. They also kept some assistants to help in classrooms. I haven't heard anything negative, so it must be going well!

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  4. Don't you just love WBT? I am totally hooked and it's awesome to see how many teachers Rachel inspires with her videos- she's amazing :) Wishing you continued success in 2013!

    ~Stephanie
    3rd Grade Thoughts

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    1. Rachel is so amazing! I want her to start a teaching blog! Right now she just has a classroom blog with some WBT stuff on it. I think she would fit in so nicely with the blogging community!

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  5. Woo-Hoo! I made the cut! I'm honored and touched and I feel so special! Love your blog and our blogship!

    Ѽ Lori
    Teaching With Love and Laughter
    luvyorkies@gmail.com

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    1. Silly Lori, I am so honored to be YOUR bloggy buddy! Your passion for teaching just oozes out of your blog and I love reading it!

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