Hakkunah your Mantra

For the past year or so, I have been eyeing these gorgeous bracelets. On them, have a 'mantra' like "Dream Big" or "C'est la vie". I've been so hesitant to buy one because I could never figure out what my mantra would be.   I thought about "Don't stop believing" because I have a hard time believing in myself. I constantly doubt myself and look towards others for affirmation instead of inside. (Wow, that got deep quick) But, they didn't have that and as much as I LOVE my 80s hair bands, I think I need something more specific. More meaningful. More me. (And as for the believing part, I'm still learning and growing)..

Today, I think I found the perfect two that really sum up something that I need to do daily. "Let your light shine" and "Oh, the places you'll go!".  When I saw "let your light shine" I did not think of it as a , "let's brag about me" but rather be the positive light in your life, in your kid's life and those around you." Shine by example. As for the "Oh, the places you'll go" I chose that because the book has always spoken to me. I am in control of my own destiny and I can steer myself in any direction I choose.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself Any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go. So, what would your mantra be?

You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s A Great Balancing Act.

And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.) KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

Just Checking In

Well, my class is in the thick of their presentations and I am just so super impressed with their hard work and creativity. Actually, I'm kinda blown away. My teacher heart is just beaming with pride. For me, it really helped to break this project down. I'm sure the parents are cursing me under their breath, but seeing how hard these kids work while in the classroom is well worth it. 

The first night, I had them write down 10 interesting facts. Then the next night, they wrote 10 important dates and facts. Sounds like a lot of work, but it really helped them really understand their Famous American. Then they had the choice of presenting- either a poster or power point. I'm so glad that we did a PBL that integrated technology so the kiddos had a better understanding of using Google Docs. (WHICH I LOVE!!) The kiddos doing the poster had to present their important dates in a 'creative' flow-map. Boy did they ever. As I was walking around monitoring I saw some creative juices flowing. One student is doing Rosa Parks and decided to draw a bus. Each bus window, has the date and information and then a picture to go with it. Another is researching Dr. Seuss and choice to have each frame look like a book because he wrote a lot of books! WOW!!! I can not wait until they are finished so I can share them with you. 

One of my favorite parts is when the kiddos dress up and become their Famous American and tell all about them. It's quite cute and the kiddos just LOVE it. 

If you are doing a Famous American biography report or Famous Person, check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store Polka Dotted Pencil Store. Also, if you haven't already, please follow my blog and my store. I can not wait until I have my first big sale and share freebies I find along the way. 

Famous Americans Report

Hey There! I'm currently on my Spring Break, but like most teachers I continue to work on things while on my "time off". We are about to start our Famous Americans report and I am so excited. The kids absolutely love this project and I do too.  The kiddos pick out their Famous Americans book and will read over Spring Break. (Sorry no athletes) Then all next week, they are researching and putting together either a power point or poster of their information they have gathered. Then the fun part- they get to dress up as their character!! Now, I am ALL for costumes and making it seem legit, so I go above and beyond to make these Famous Americans get the "royal treatment". The table I have them present from is decked out in Red, White, and Blue. I have a Flag projected on my Smart board. (It also acts as a great back drop for filming) And, you can't forget the 'mood music'. It sets the tone for everything. I am a HUGE fan of Hans Zimmer's playlists. Anything really will do. But my favorite is from The da Vinci Code. Here is the youtube link: Mood Music . I'm thinking this year It would be really fun if I have the "Famous Americans" give their autograph out. I'll think about this... If you are curious as to the handouts I use, check out my TPT store. Polka Dotted Pencil. Can't wait to share our presentations!