# data[].attributes.body
Some of the ways I bring movement and creativity into my classroom are:
go outside and move in a circle studying vocabulary
show fingers or move to a corner when choosing answers form a video such as study jams
draw vocabulary words to show vocabulary
toss a ball and play/stop music to review vocabulary words
mystery pictures to reinforce concepts
Does anyone have any background music they use in the classroom they would like to share?  I like the idea of playing music at times, especially during quizzes to break up the silence in the room and also to help those distracted drown out any classroom noise.

# data[].attributes.body
~Have taught for 24 years in all grade levels at some point.  :)  I have been in JCS for 13 years, at 3 different schools.  I am currently taking classes to get my Master's at ECU.

I have heard that this book is all about enthusiasm and making the classroom an exciting place to be.  I have heard of several opportunities within the county to attend a seminar when he comes to town, but had not been able to attend. This study is a great substitute!

Looking forward to meeting some of my new family at RES!  :)

# data[].attributes.body
Lori Keith

# data[].attributes.body
I dread reading students’ writing that is not edited already for the “big stuff” like a capital letter or a end punctuation where it is supposed to go.  I usually just put my head down and get to business to get through it.  :0  I went into the teaching profession a long time ago because I LOVED pioneer history and “touristy” things and wanted to bring that into the curriculum. I even decorate my home as if it is a log cabin.  I love to READ, of course, and sew and try my hand at anything creative.  Travel is a FAVORITE.  I get excited when I see the kids are really having a ball when they are learning.  But I also want them to learn how to sit and work as well.  It is a skill that we are losing in society--how to listen and engage WITHOUT technology--and even though, kids’ brains are changing, I want them to be changing in a good way.

# data[].attributes.body
This is my 2nd year teaching. I taught kindergarten last year and am currently teaching kindergarten. I love this grade because there is so much growth that takes place over the course of a year!

I did not know much about this book, but it was recommended by teacher friends who read it last semester and I am excited to read it.

# data[].attributes.body
My first days are spent teaching a growth mindset and a passion for just enjoying a book without any strings attached.  No work, like worksheets or questions to be answered or what is important for school.  Rather, I get the kids to answer, “What do you think?  Why?  What was your favorite part?” TO EACH OTHER.  Because listening (and discussing) is a skill that is, was, and will be a highly valuable 21st Century skill. ALWAYS NEEDED, no matter where you go in life.  I always have my students fill out an interest inventory at the beginning of the year.  As I learn about them, I can match books to their preferences and trip the trigger to finding books are entertaining.  And, WHO KNEW?  FUN! Because they are reading things that interest them.

# data[].attributes.body
I could sell tickets to my novel-writing (think NaNoWriMo), pioneer-skills, my escape rooms, any of the “educational extras” that I buy and have the kids lead up by reading the directions, doing the activities, and then reporting to the class on them (Really, I only buy them because I was curious about it and didn’t want to be the adult with the “kid-thing”!!!), or hopefully, new this year, podcasting and producing.  I usually “sell” it ahead of time by commercialling the “What’s next?” whether with podcasts I make or handing out tickets with a “SAVE THE DATE”note.  The negativity I just ignore.  I do my thing and hope others are following...

# data[].attributes.body
I like, “If you are ever feeling down, get your body into a powerful posture.” It helps!  Also, not this chapter, but I love it--p. 48--THE KEY TO FAILING WITHOUT QUITTING IS TO SHIFT YOUR PARADIGM TO BELIEVE THERE IS NO TRUE FAILURE, ONLY FEEDBACK.  When it comes to little ones, transitions will kill you!  Bless their little hearts, they only want to talk, play and be social until I can direct their attention to the screen.  :) I still believe you have to “sell it” --your lesson--and keep going, and keep selling, until their glazed eyes tell you it was enough for today.  Like Scarlett, know that “Tomorrow is another day.”

# data[].attributes.body
This is my 9th year teaching (7th in Kindergarten--I taught 2 years as the AIG teacher). This is my 2nd year in Johnston County Schools. I have a masters in Elementary Education and am currently working on my National Boards Certification.

I was interested in this book because my classroom theme is "pirates" so it drew me in :)

# data[].attributes.body
My least favorite part of the curriculum I teach is pretty much all of social studies standards, but it’s Because I haven’t found a good way to make it fun and so much more emphasis is put on reading and math so it gets pushed to the back burner.
My hobbies and personal passions include dance, my family and animals. I am able to incorporate all of these into the classroom: dance with brain breaks, my family when I’m modeling narrative writing and animals when we focus on informative writing.
Immersion in my classroom looks like me in a station with a group of students working on skills they need or playing a learning game on the floor. The only time I am at my desk is when the students are not in the room.

# data[].attributes.body
Week 4: Chapters "Transformation" and "Enthusiasm."Dave asks a couple of tough questions in this chapter: "If your students didn't have to be there, would you be teaching in an empty room?" and "Do you have any lessons that you could sell tickets to?" So I'll ask you to share the answer to one of these -- do you have any lessons for which you could sell tickets?

more_vert
Lori Keith

TIMP3
5h
Lori Keith
I could sell tickets to my novel-writing (think NaNoWriMo), pioneer-skills, my escape rooms, any of the “educational extras” that I buy and have the kids lead up by reading the directions, doing the activities, and then reporting to the class on them (Really, I only buy them because I was curious about it and didn’t want to be the adult with the “kid-thing”!!!), or hopefully, new this year, podcasting and producing.  I usually “sell” it ahead of time by commercialling the “What’s next?” whether with podcasts I make or handing out tickets with a “SAVE THE DATE”note.  The negativity I just ignore.  I do my thing and hope others are following...


 Your avatar

Add comment
 
add
 Week 5: Chapters “Crafting Engaging Lessons” and “The Third Circle.”What were your take always from these chapters?

more_vert
Lori Keith

TIMP3
5h
Lori Keith
I like, “If you are ever feeling down, get your body into a powerful posture.” It helps!  Also, not this chapter, but I love it--p. 48--THE KEY TO FAILING WITHOUT QUITTING IS TO SHIFT YOUR PARADIGM TO BELIEVE THERE IS NO TRUE FAILURE, ONLY FEEDBACK.  When it comes to little ones, transitions will kill you!  Bless their little hearts, they only want to talk, play and be social until I can direct their attention to the screen.  :) I still believe you have to “sell it” --your lesson--and keep going, and keep selling, until their glazed eyes tell you it was enough for today.  Like Scarlett, know that “Tomorrow is another day.”


 Your avatar

Add comment
 
add
 Week 6: Chapters "I Like to Move It, Move It," "Long Live the Arts," and "What's in it For Me?" There are so many hooks discussed and Dave shared so many great questions, I am not going to list them all here. What I'd like you to do this week is tell us about how you are going to incorporate movement, art, and/or connections to students' own lives in your lessons. 

more_vert

add
 Week 7: Chapters "All the World is a Stage," "Stand and Deliver." This week share how you make changes to the physical space your classroom, move around in your classroom to involve your students, use contests or missions to encourage learning, or use any of the other hooks in this section.

more_vert

add
 Week 8: Chapters “Advanced Tactics” and “Around the Edges.”Which hook mentioned in here chapters do you feel is one you can easily incorporate into your classroom? 

more_vert

add
 Week 9: Building a Better PIRATE:Dave starts this section by asking the tough question, "Do you want to be great?" How would you answer this question? How do you strive for greatness and stay positive?

more_vert

add
 Week 10:Thank you to all of the dedicated educators who made this discussion such a success. Hopefully you have already used some things you learned from the book in your classroom or have shared this book or some lessons learned with your fellow teachers. For this final week, please feel free to share some of your take-always or changes you have already made in your classroom.

more_vert
Shelly

shellythompson
5h
Shelly
 Your avatar

Add comment
 
add

# data[].attributes.body
I do not currently have any lessons that I would call "ticket lessons". I teach very little whole group in the classroom so I struggle with thinking of something that would be considered a "ticket" lesson. I do know that if the students did not have to be here, I would still have a classroom full. This is evident in the fact that when we have classroom parties or celebrations with the parents, and the students have a choice to leave and go home, they choose to stay and continue learning for the day. After reading, I realize I need to do a better job of not dwelling on the negative, or what "didn't work." I too often find myself dwelling on that and beating myself up about it instead of moving on and doing something new the next time.

# data[].attributes.body
Be Prepared. Be Planned. Be Ready. Be Enthusiastic.
-Layer engaging strategies throughout the lessons, not just in the hook.
-No content standard is more important than building the love of learning and having fun!

# data[].attributes.body
I incorporate movement and art into my classroom daily. I came from an arts integrated school, so this comes easily to me. Students are always moving around the room to learn and drawing/painting in the classroom.
One idea from these chapters that I found fun and want to try soon is creating a human graph and using our bodies to solve math sentences/equations

# data[].attributes.body
-use certain motions for key words (for math we have hand movements for plus, subtract, equal)
-when reading, we have certain motions for characters in books that we do every time I read the characters name
-changing voices during read aloud
-presenting info from multiple spots in the room. (I have several chairs around our whole group area and the students have to turn their bodies to face me in whichever chair I am sitting in)
-students change tables they work at daily as they work on a different station task each day
-students choose where to sit/lay/work during writing time daily
-passing props or concrete examples to examine (shapes, letter cards ect.)

# data[].attributes.body
-treasure map or scavenger hunt through content (students love a good hunt...especially since we have a pirate theme in our classroom!)
-contest hook or review game hook...its always fun to incorporate a little friendly competition!

# data[].attributes.body
As educators, I would hope we all want to be great...if not, we are failing our kids!
To strive for this, we need to not hang around negative people. Surround ourselves with positives and let the negatives roll off our backs.
I personally need to take the advice that it's not a 100% or nothing game when it comes to student engagement. No matter how engaging or crazy or fun we make our lessons, we will not have 100% of our students engaged, 100% of the time! It was a relief to read this!

# data[].attributes.body
One of my biggest take aways was about rigor. So many people do not understand the meaning of this word in the context of the classroom. It should NOT mean more workload, or harder to pass the class. It SHOULD be about improving higher-order thinking and offering real-world applications.
**Creativity is one of the highest forms of critical thinking..AMEN!
**do what is right for your students and don't let the critics steal your enthusiasm.
Pg. 173 "Great teaching can't be scripted!" PREACH!

# data[].attributes.body
This is my 4th year of teaching.  Every year has been in 5th grade teaching Math and or Math and Science.  I didn't have any idea what the book was about, however I was intrigues by the title.

# data[].attributes.body
I still need to find ways to transition better that are smoother and less noisy.  At times I get distracted or remember something I wanted to say and it takes away from the engagement of the students.
Some days I have a lot of confidence about my presentation and others I am a little nervous about making sure the students will be engaged.  In both Math and Science, I try and let the interactive dialog among myself and my students carry the lesson. You have to be prepared to do improve daily because you never know where the discussion may take you.

# data[].attributes.body
This is my 21st year teaching (ack!!  That makes me feel SO old!!!).  I've taught kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and have been our school's Literacy Coach.  Currently, I'm teaching 2nd grade and it's definitely my "happy place".  I have my Master's in Literacy and teaching reading is my passion.  I'm getting ready to celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary and we have 2 beautiful daughters...8th & 11th grade.
I have friends who read this book in the fall and recommended it for our spring reading. I'm all about trying to incorporate passion into my teaching, so I'm excited to gain some new ideas!

# data[].attributes.body
This is my 26th year teaching!  Yikes!  I have taught 1st grade, 3rd grade, and been a remediation specialist.  I have my National Board Certification and love working with children!  My husband and I have been married for 23 years and have 3 children, 20, 16, and 15.  We are BIG time Duke fans!
I picked this book because several colleagues reccommended it and I am always looking for ways to increase student motivation and interest in my classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a fifth grade ELA/SS teacher. I am in my 17th year of teaching. I spent my first six years teaching in Nash-Rocky Mount Schools in third and fourth grades. We moved to Johnston County when my husband was promoted and we had to be closer to Raleigh. I have been teaching ELA/SS in fifth grade in Johnston County Schools for eleven years and this is my sixth year at Riverwood. I have a great husband (we were high school sweethearts) and two beautiful daughters (7th and 3rd grade) who keep me very busy between dance and music lessons/practices/competitions. I don't know a lot about the book. I wanted to read this book because I saw all the great things people were saying about it especially on education social media sites. It was on my top ten list to read. I want to learn some new things to help me be a better teacher.

# data[].attributes.body
My least favorite thing to teach in kindergarten is probably science and social studies. I think it could be so much fun if we had time, but I never feel that we have enough time. I also disliked these subjects when I was in school, and therefore don't have a huge passion to teach them now. I believe it could be more interesting and fun if we had time! My personal passions include my family, sign language, and llamas ;) I get to incorporate sign language into my classroom and my classroom theme is llamas. It's a win win!

To be honest, I don't always do the best job of total immersion in my classroom. I feel that I can do a better job. However, each time I sit with a group during their center, I see the benefits of total immersion, especially when something is brand new. I plan on immersing myself more in the months to come.

# data[].attributes.body
What parts of the curriculum do you "dread" teaching? Have you been able to get past that dread and and focus on your professional or personal passions? What are your hobbies or personal passions? Have you found a way to incorporate your personal passion into your classroom?  And what does total immersion in your class look like? Or what do you hope it will look like?

# data[].attributes.body
Do you have any first day(s) of school practices that you use to connect with your students? Have you found it makes a difference later in the school year when you make an effort to connect with your students early in the school year? And what kinds of opportunities do you give your students to ask questions?

# data[].attributes.body
The first days of school for kindergarten are filled with how simple procedures that aren't so simple for 5 year olds. We have to teach so many little things like how to get up from a chair, come to the carpet, go to the bathroom, line up, hold a pencil, use scissors, etc. I incorporate a lot of stories into my first days of teaching, as well as throughout the year. This helps the students get to know me as well as each other. Books & stories help us connect.

Kindergarten students seem to ask lots and lots of questions, and I always welcome them. If we don't have time during class, they know they can ask me at recess or in the afternoon.

# data[].attributes.body
In kindergarten, there are not very many long and drawn out whole group lessons. I do LOVE teaching students various signs in ASL that help students' brains, coordination, and communication. I would like to think that some of these ASL lessons that are incorporated into the everyday things would be able to be called ticket-worthy. My students are always very engaged and they love to learn different signs and teach them to others.

# data[].attributes.headline
Chapter 2                          I dread teaching fractions.  There are so many aspects of it the students get overwhelmed.  I found force and motion in Science challenging because at times it can be hard for the students to relate even though there are labs that we do with the students. I do try and use as many real life scenarios as possible for both the math and the Science lessons to make it relevant. My passions I try and instill in my 5th graders are hard work, being responsible and knowing habits they form know can impact them as they move forward.  I also try and share stories with the students to let them see I am human.  I think sometimes I find myself being the lifeguard.  I am walking around while the students are working or in centers, but am I fully there.  Probably not always.

# data[].attributes.subject
Chapter 2                          I dread teaching fractions.  There are so many aspects of it the students get overwhelmed.  I found force and motion in Science challenging because at times it can be hard for the students to relate even though there are labs that we do with the students. I do try and use as many real life scenarios as possible for both the math and the Science lessons to make it relevant. My passions I try and instill in my 5th graders are hard work, being responsible and knowing habits they form know can impact them as they move forward.  I also try and share stories with the students to let them see I am human.  I think sometimes I find myself being the lifeguard.  I am walking around while the students are working or in centers, but am I fully there.  Probably not always.

# data[].attributes.headline
Chapter 3 I like doing some sort of All about me activity that I then post in the room.  I enjoy reading them as well as the students enjoy reading each others comments.  I feel it is a risk free activity for the students on the first day when they are feeling things out.  I encourage students to ask me questions any time during the lesson.  If they have other questions and we can get to them and it doesn't need a timely answer I tell them to see me in the morning by the door, at recess, or when switching classes.

# data[].attributes.subject
Chapter 3 I like doing some sort of All about me activity that I then post in the room.  I enjoy reading them as well as the students enjoy reading each others comments.  I feel it is a risk free activity for the students on the first day when they are feeling things out.  I encourage students to ask me questions any time during the lesson.  If they have other questions and we can get to them and it doesn't need a timely answer I tell them to see me in the morning by the door, at recess, or when switching classes.

# data[].attributes.headline
Chapter 4 Some days I think my room would be close to empty.  I have a very challenging block that I find myself having to stop and start a lot which causes disconnect.  Some of the students in that block don't display a drive for learning or see the importance of it.  On the other hand, a majority of the students I teach are very engaged asking questions, participating, and wanting to learn.  My students seem to really enjoy playing battleship using the coordinate grid system we teach as well as using Twizzlers to understanding dividing fractions.  I guess those are more activities than whole group lessons.  As far as showing enthusiasm, I try to be funny, share my love for learning and let them know I am always there for them and the only dumb question is the one they never ask.

# data[].attributes.subject
Chapter 4 Some days I think my room would be close to empty.  I have a very challenging block that I find myself having to stop and start a lot which causes disconnect.  Some of the students in that block don't display a drive for learning or see the importance of it.  On the other hand, a majority of the students I teach are very engaged asking questions, participating, and wanting to learn.  My students seem to really enjoy playing battleship using the coordinate grid system we teach as well as using Twizzlers to understanding dividing fractions.  I guess those are more activities than whole group lessons.  As far as showing enthusiasm, I try to be funny, share my love for learning and let them know I am always there for them and the only dumb question is the one they never ask.

# data[].attributes.headline
Chapter 7 students move around if we do centers, but overall they probably aren't as active as they should be to maximize engagement.  I did like the idea in the book to put a question on the board to use as a hook.  The students tend to read what I write on the wall.  I will put math warm up questions on the board, however they are mainly computation not critical thinking.

# data[].attributes.subject
Chapter 7 students move around if we do centers, but overall they probably aren't as active as they should be to maximize engagement.  I did like the idea in the book to put a question on the board to use as a hook.  The students tend to read what I write on the wall.  I will put math warm up questions on the board, however they are mainly computation not critical thinking.

# data[].attributes.body
The very-most basic way to incorporate "art" is to have my students (ELA teacher) draw their vocabulary words. I tell them this is a quick sketch of the connection they make to the word, NOT a Van Gogh. It could be straightforward, or it could be more personal, but it must somehow connect to the definition of the word. Sometimes, the stranger the connection, the more it is remembered.
To meet speaking and language standards, nothing is more effective than getting students to take sides in a debate, usually something kicked off from the reading text of the day. They must take a stand, get with their peers, if necessary, for scaffolding support, on opposing sides of the classroom, find evidence for their opinions, and then give their reasons to the class.  Even young students can learn this skill--"Why is pizza on Fridays a good idea?"

# data[].attributes.body
When I first started teaching 24 years ago, it was just coming into vogue that students could be out of their seats and still learning in a classroom. Today, my students, in the course of 90 minutes utilize all parts of my classroom, visiting a nook, corner, or table as needed to conduct their lessons. This movement is good psychologically, and it is good physically. They have the choice where they work, and know the procedures for where they work. They can build "forts" with my storage crates (uh, a testament to the fact that I REALLY have collected too much stuff--DON't tell my husband unless you want an hour-long lecture) to get more privacy to read or write. I LOVE breakout activities to encourage independence and problem-solving! And, my last tip is to use situations in Social Studies to come up with stories on the fly that include students' names in the circumstances. Students give automatic engagement when they hear their names or their friends' names!

# data[].attributes.body
I am LOVING the independent learning playlists and pathways that my team here at RES is sharing with me! We are moving forward, and really using Google Classroom to a fuller potential! Also, I am immersing my self in Google Slides, and really getting an education! I have now set up a "tracked" Table of Contents page, so that each student can go directly to their page, take a picture of their work and upload it for a digital portfolio that all in the class can see. They are curious about what their friends are doing, so they go read theirs, and now they are getting review of the lesson--sneaky!

# data[].attributes.body
I need to constantly remind myself I am here for the kids FIRST!  That simple thought always brings my mind back around!  I also try to remember that life is not won in big WINS, but in small tweaks to my habits daily.  This is perseverance!
For me, this book is about putting the FUN back in school, and we learn while we get. I went into teaching because I had fun and I learned. A certain color personality does this well. :) "Fun" inherently makes for more positivity. And the best recipe to avoid burnout? Keep taking risks and changing it up in the classroom!

# data[].attributes.body
I have dived into the Google Slides ideas and digital portfolios as previously mentioned. I have tried to incorporate more motivational and growth mindset quotes posted around the room.  I have used the students' books that they have read for their 40-book challenge to get the students involved in more voice and choice in their reading, as well as publishing favorites on the bulletin board. And my biggest takeaway? Don't give up on finding more interesting ways to present and engage a lesson because
of FEAR--whether others' or my own!

# data[].attributes.body
I think for me my least favorite thing to teach is science.  I love the topics we teach but so often our focus is reading, writing, and math.  It has taken a lot of work to integrate our various science standards into our daily teaching.  There are times though when science has to be taught as a stand alone subject and that can be difficult with the schedule we have.

For me, my personal passion is my family. We love participating with our kids in their activities as well as supporting them with their school work and goals for the future. I think I relay that in my classroom, as I often encourage the kids to be a learner in other ways besides in the classroom. We are always sharing stories they write in our author's chair or finding a place on the map that comes up in our lessons. Showing students that there is always learning to do encourages them to strive to be a lifelong learner.

# data[].attributes.body
I dread teaching writing. I hated writing in school and still do. I think since I am not good at writing, I have more of a tolerance of it with students. I love to read and started the 40 Book Challenge and I have loved talking to my students about books I have read, they have read, or that we have read. I try to have total immersion in class, even when they're working independently. I try to be walking around, or even make comments when watching a video in class. But it can be hard because sometimes my classes feel like a three-ring circus and I am the lion tamer. I would love to bring in my love for camping and hiking into the classroom. I like technology and normally have some technology things in class. I also started the Coding Club at RES.

# data[].attributes.body
I have tried to in the last couple of of years get away from doing so much with rules and procedures the first day of school. They are just trying to get back into a routine. I do some and then try to do some games like "I am going on a picnic and I am taking (an item that starts with the first letter of their name). Then they have to have to remember everyone's name and the item of all the kids before them. It is fun and gets the kids to know each other and have a good time. It also helps me with names. I also in the first week of school have students to talk about what it means to work in groups and what kind of student they want to be. Then towards the end of the week, we do a choice board of getting to know you activities and I have taken the time to sit down with each student to do a mini interview with them of some questions I already had them answer (5 short questions about themselves). I think this helped me to get to know my students better. Students can ask me questions during morning work, put a note in my Notes to Teacher basket, email me. Some do take advantage of these things. In reading this section, his teaching methods sound cool, but I know that is not my personality at all and I sometimes think that my students probably don't enjoy my class because I am a pretty serious person. I want to try to incorporate some humor into my class and some things that students like to do too.

# data[].attributes.body
Our first days of first grade are spent trying to get to know all about our students and their likes and dislikes in addition to rules and procedures.  We connect through fun literature and often pick out stories with characters who are not making good choices...which the kids LOVE and we talk about what the characters are doing wrong.  They love to point out what others can improve on!

As far as questions, my students know they can always ask and we will answer.  We do practice and model how to ask especially when we are teaching, working in a small group, talking to another adult, or on the phone.  Kids have to know what is acceptable and what is not.

# data[].attributes.body
My least favorite thing to teach is math, however when my student's write about their favorite part of their day, it's often math!  I guess that means I must do a good job of hiding my dislike for the subject! :) Reading is my passion, so therefore I tend to immerse myself fully in teaching it each day.  I work with small groups and one on one with my students.  I try to "reach" them right at their level to ensure growth. I also love to bake & cook.  I sometimes incorporate this passion during my FriYAY STEM activities.

# data[].attributes.body
The first week of school is all about building a strong & positive rapport with my students.  I stress that we are a "family" and that only "kind hearts" are allowed in our classroom.  This is done with a lot of classroom discussions, fun children's literature, hands on activities, and more.
My students know they are always allowed and encouraged to ask questions...not just to me, but to one another. I try to teach them that they can learn a lot from one another by asking questions.

# data[].attributes.body
If I had to sell tickets to one of my lessons, I think I would sell tickets to my FriYAY's. These are theme based STEM activities that I plan according to what we've been studying for the week. Some of the most "popular" FriYAY"s I've had so far this year are our Fairy Tales FriYAY and our Chocolate FriYAY. The kids look forward to Friday's and don't even realize how much they're learning while having fun!

# data[].attributes.body
For me I think any time you create lessons where students are actively engaged you have that enthusiasm for learning. As part of our economics unit in Social Studies we talk about goods and services and how they relate to us.  My students particularly love the pizza making assembly line we create to model how factories create items.  We also talk about how consumers may or may not choose to purchase our products depending on the quality.  They love this and are vey serious about creating good quality products!

# data[].attributes.body
I don't know if I really have any ticket worthy lessons right now. The students do love playing Kahoot games and we do reenact battles/events in social studies that kids will ask when we will do the next one. I don't feel like I am a very exciting teacher but that I try to provide a variety of activities that help students learn.
In trying to be more enthusiastic, I try to seem excited about what I am teaching and add in my own thoughts and feelings about a passage/book/social studies lesson that we are doing in class. I just feel like I am not a very exciting person (which is just my personality).

# data[].attributes.body
Take aways from these chapters:
Presentation is important, students need to be engaged and excited in order to want to learn & continue that throughout the lesson
Transitions are important to keep students attention, teacher needs to be prepared-I try to be but it has been hard lately when I have all of my materials pulled up on the smartbaord and it takes my computer minutes to transition from one thing to anther.

# data[].attributes.body
I like the idea of contests and review games. The students get excited to review material in a fun way and are usually cheering for each other. It helps build a classroom community and the students get a chance to work together.

# data[].attributes.body
I strive for greatness by being prepared, working with my teammates, showing enthusiasm with the students, and help them ease the pressure of testing. I tell them it is just another day to show how much they have learned. One area I really need to work on is trying to not be so "business" likr a majority of the at times, I think I take the fun out of things because I am so focused on the end goal and wanting the students to achieve it I forget to stop and smell the roses and really enjoy the students in the my classes at times.

# data[].attributes.body
Engagement in lessons is super important. Sometimes I struggle with a few students who don't ever seem engaged. I am learning to engage them in creative ways. This chapter was a reminder to create lessons and change things up that will engage and excite students.

# data[].attributes.body
I love to incorporate movement and art into my classroom. Well, I love to incorporate movement and Mrs. Gonzalez loves to incorporate art. We work together to have a craft station each week that Mrs. Gonzalez runs that goes along with our theme of what we're learning for the week. THe students LOVE going to her table. We incorporate movement through GoNoodle and other ways of moving around the classroom, going from station to station, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi! This is my 7th year teaching here at RES.  I taught 4th grade for 6 years and this is my first year teaching second.  I'm from New Jersey and graduated college from Wesley College in Dover, DE.  I moved here in 2012 and love it!  I've been engaged to my fiance , Kenny, for forever...not really forever but for 8 years..one day we will get married!  I have a crazy 4 year old daughter, Kennabelle, who is in Pre-K here this year.  I chose this book because of everyone's positive feedback and I am really enjoying reading it so far!

# data[].attributes.body
I have been teaching since 1975!!! minus 2 baby years. And Erin thinks she’s old!! I have taught all grades k-8, 25 years in kg and now my 12th year at RES teaching 2nd grade. A lot less demanding than kindergarten. I love teaching kids. I chose this book because Adam recommended it.

# data[].attributes.body
Since I typed this whole thing up and it mysteriously disappeared, I guess I have to say I dread technology. I also dread testing. So much time is lost for teaching due to testing. I believe I would be able to spend more time teaching fun science activities and social studies projects if I didn’t feel like I had to hurry and catch up in ELA due to lost teaching time. My passion is my 2 wonderful, beautiful grandchildren. I’m never able to spend enough time with them.

# data[].attributes.body
Oh, no! Don’t get me started on testing again! Before the mClass window started the first day of school I used to take a few  weeks to get to really know my students, help them to know and trust me and to learn classroom expectations. Unfortunately that gets pushed aside for testing.

# data[].attributes.body
As I was saying before I had more technical problems...... if you asked my kids they would tell you that they love when I read to them. I try to pick literature that we can discuss and teaches them things (my last year’s class called them life lessons). My reading to them has many purposes: I try to incorporate our ELA standards, When we read topics in the book that interest them, I try to find further information in the form of a short video during snack time, many times the kids go home and research interesting topics from the book, we also try and relate this book to previously read books. There is a lot of discussion during my reading.

# data[].attributes.body
My classroom is open and has good walkways for students to move freely. We have a large/whole group area at the front of the room. I move around when giving instructions or whole group lessons and make students turn their bodies to see me. We use a lot of sign language to signify different things throughout the day. Students move seats constantly for various centers and stations.

# data[].attributes.body
We use the contest hook to have competition as we race to write sight words on teams or do other friendly competitions for a prize. I also like the Chef Hook because food is memorable and we often have special snacks to go with things we are learning in class.

# data[].attributes.body
Of course I want to be great! ;) Don't we all? I strive for greatness by keeping my priorities straight. I was taught early on a few things from the teacher I student taught under that have changed how I teach for the better. These things are to do what's best for kids, leave work ON TIME after the day and go home to be with your family, and don't get too involved with the negative. Sometimes I can tell that my students need to regroup and that it's okay to just read them books for a little bit on some days. The students need to be loved and feel loved in my classroom. Sometimes we all need a break from work. Keeping my family my #1 priority and going home to them on time by leaving work at work helps me be a better teacher. I come to work early, plan, and leave on time to show my family that they are important to me. This makes a world of difference. Also, staying positive by not letting negative influences or people with bad attitudes get to you. I try to stay out of the teacher lounge so to speak, and remember that the kids deserve what we have to give them, no matter what outside factors we are unhappy about.

# data[].attributes.body
"Great teaching gets messy sometimes and we have to constantly be aware of the changing landscape in our rooms and make 'moves' based on what works, not on what is necessarily theoretically ideal...or scripted." Great teaching can't be scripted. I need to remember this and continue to look for teachable moments throughout the day. Some of the things that stuck best with my students were not things from a textbook or curriculum guide. I also love the importance of creativity and want to incorporate more of that in my classroom.

# data[].attributes.headline
Susan Smoak
My take away is how critical student engagement is during the whole lesson.  This was a great reminder that knowing your content is not enough.  Students have to be entertained to stay engaged.  Keeping distractions/interrruptions  to a minimum helps students stay focused.

# data[].attributes.subject
Susan Smoak
My take away is how critical student engagement is during the whole lesson.  This was a great reminder that knowing your content is not enough.  Students have to be entertained to stay engaged.  Keeping distractions/interrruptions  to a minimum helps students stay focused.

# data[].attributes.headline
Susan Smoak
We use movement a lot to keep our students engaged.  In Fundations, we have a hand motion/movement for each sound to help students remember them.  They love finding them in their reading and using them during our lessons.  This is a great way to keep the kids involved and engaged during what can sometimes be an otherwise dry lesson.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Susan Smoak
We use movement a lot to keep our students engaged.  In Fundations, we have a hand motion/movement for each sound to help students remember them.  They love finding them in their reading and using them during our lessons.  This is a great way to keep the kids involved and engaged during what can sometimes be an otherwise dry lesson.  

# data[].attributes.body
I love making changes to our classroom and switching up our physical space for the kids.  I think it keeps them guessing about what is going to come next.  They love changes and are eager to try something new.  We also use the growth mindset but not to compete against each other, instead we focus on competing against ourselves and trying to improve for next time.  The kids love to show how they have improved on a particular skill or how they have reached a new level of learning.  Having them take ownership in their growth is a huge part of our babies growing up!

# data[].attributes.body
I love the idea of the props hook and the mystery bag hook.  I think these would be easy to incorporate and would keep the kids even more engaged.  They love a good mystery so even allowing them to feel inside the bag or just see into a small hole would totally allow that mystery to keep them engaged.

# data[].attributes.headline
Susan Smoak
I would hope we all want to be great if we are working with children every day.  It is definitely a challenge some days more than others!  I always try to remind myself what if one of my children were in this class?  I want them to be engaged, be motivated, learn a lot, and feel success every day!  It is a tall order sometimes to stay positive but we need to do it all the time because the kids deserve it!

# data[].attributes.subject
Susan Smoak
I would hope we all want to be great if we are working with children every day.  It is definitely a challenge some days more than others!  I always try to remind myself what if one of my children were in this class?  I want them to be engaged, be motivated, learn a lot, and feel success every day!  It is a tall order sometimes to stay positive but we need to do it all the time because the kids deserve it!

# data[].attributes.headline
Susan Smoak
Take aways...this book was a great reminder to think outside the box and try new things.  It is easy to get into the habit of doing the same old thing but different lessons and activities are better fitted to some groups of children than others.  Don't be afraid to try new things

# data[].attributes.subject
Susan Smoak
Take aways...this book was a great reminder to think outside the box and try new things.  It is easy to get into the habit of doing the same old thing but different lessons and activities are better fitted to some groups of children than others.  Don't be afraid to try new things

# data[].attributes.body
I agree with the comments above about being carefully of doing what has worked in the past and making sure it is what works for the students you are currently teaching. I find with flexible
grouping what works for one block may not work at all with the students in the other block.  Also, making the students did deep into topics really helps their understanding and retaining of the information for future discussions on the topic.

# data[].attributes.body
I have re-enacted battles in social studies in my class to get the kids up and moving and see the battle from both sides of the fight and they love this and ask for more. I love the author's idea of creating a Trail of Tears. I would love to do something like this, but it is kind of hard to find somewhere kind of quiet and safe for our students. When I was at West Clayton, I was at the end of the hall and it faced the woods at the time. I took my students outside and had them picture in their minds what it would be like to be a soldier in the Civil War and come right through that area to go to battle and then write about it. It was quiet and seemed somber enough to create the mood.
I also use Scoot activities either in the classroom or in the hallway to take something that is normally boring like grammar and use it for practice or as an assessment.. It just gets the kids up and moving.
I have also done a preposition/prepositional phrase scavenger hunt throughout the school and the kids loved it.
I just tried Quizlet Live this week and this gets the kids up and moving to find their groups and play the game and it was so much fun.
But I need to remember to do more of these things and not just have students sit in their seats. But make sure to do a variety because their excitement becomes less. They love new things.

# data[].attributes.body
This year I have started using floor lamps and not the fluorescent lights in the classroom. I also play music in the mornings and throughout the day, most of the time it is instrumental music that goes along with a holiday or movie soundtrack.
I put a Question of the Day on the board most mornings that ask students to reply during homeroom or when we are unpacking when switching classes. Sometimes it is class based to get students started thinking about what we are going to do for the day or just to get to know them more and build those relationships.
I try to show pictures, short videos, or artifacts in social studies to make it real for the kids.

# data[].attributes.body
Students love contests. I tried Quizlet Live in my class this week and loved it. I reviewed vocabulary and social studies concepts with it. I have also used Kahoot that is more of an individual format instead of the team concept but it still is a competition.
I have a lesson I've done in social studies using candy to represent taxes that Britain collected before the Revolutionary War. The kids get mad when their candy is taken away for taxes especially if it is something they can't help like they wear glasses or wore jeans. Kids love candy and food.

# data[].attributes.body
My first days of school are spent mostly talking and sharing.  We do a lot of get to know you activities.  I always make sure I participate in the activities too so my students can get to know me as well.  Establishing trust right away is important to me.  I want to always make sure that my kids feel comfortable coming to me for anything.

We ask a lot of questions in our classroom!  Especially with all of the nonfiction text we have been reading lately, the students and myself have had TONS of questions.  We are quick to look it up to find the answer and the majority of the time it sparks an interesting class conversation.  My favorite questions  are the student questions that can be answered by another student.  During those times I tend to stay quiet and listen to their discussion.  I'm always amused :).
D'Ercole

# data[].attributes.body
My biggest take away from these chapters was "engagement!!". It's very important to know your content...but even more important to create lessons that will engage your students. This not only helps to hold their interest, but helps ensure they retain what they learn.

# data[].attributes.body
GoNoodle is a favorite in my classroom. I don't just utilize it for indoor recess. We sometimes do the "calm down" movement activities....or to make cleaning up more fun (and sets a great time limit), we use the "Clean Up" song. There are many different options to choose from...and a ton are educational reinforcement of standards I'm teaching on a daily basis in my classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
My favorite thing about my classroom is the "physical space" I allow for my students. I do this with multiple flexible seating options for my students. We move around all day long.....for literacy centers, math centers, shared reading, fundations, etc. My kids do NOT sit in a desk the whole day. This has truly increased their attention spans & level of engagement. Because my students are scattered about in different seating options, I'm always up & moving around my classroom. It's not unheard of for someone to walk in my room and take a minute to "find" me! LOL! I will never go back to the old school way of ordinary desks.

# data[].attributes.body
I have utilized "Techno Whiz" hooks and "Mission Impossible" hooks in my classroom this year. My kids love making videos to "show what they know" on informational topics in literacy centers. They also utilize "chatter pics" to describe characters in fictional books they've read. We often do "scavenger hunts" for various topics (reading, math & science)

# data[].attributes.body
Absolutely! I strive to be "great" on a daily basis. As educators, that's our job...to be great and inspire "greatness" in our kids. I try to keep my students forefront in my mind when I get in a rut or feel negative. They are what keep me positive.

# data[].attributes.body
This book has definitely pushed me to channel my "creativity" and my "enthusiasm" more in my classroom. "By lighting yourself on fire with enthusiasm, you can become a beacon of bliss amidst a bastion of boredom and banality". (pg. 71)
I love that quote! I will definitely try harder to be the "beacon of bliss" for my students!

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, I want to be great but I don't want to say that out loud. I think we all want to be great. This time of year with the hustle and bustle and spring break is still a ways off, it can be hard to stay positive. To keep me going, I try to remember why I do this job: it's for the kids. We may not always see the fruit of our labors but I hope it is there for years to come. It's like at church, I hope that I have at least planted a seed even if I don't see the full the impact at that time. I just try to do the best I can

# data[].attributes.body
There were a lot of good things in this book. My take aways and what I am trying in my class are to have quick transitions to keep the students on task, get the students interested in the lesson before the lesson begins, try to bring movement into class or take it outside when you can.

# data[].attributes.body
Even in March, everything is still very new to me since this year is my first year in 2nd grade.  I'm constantly changing up what I do as I find out what works best for this age group and particular group of children as well as for myself.  As of right now I'm not sure if I have any ticket worthy lessons.  I don't teach whole group lessons often other than introductions/conclusions to standards so most of the "lessons" are center activities.  I put a lot of time and effort into creating each center and the students really enjoy them.  They have especially enjoyed the pathway that I created and incorporated into my center rotations this week.  I'd like to think that even if my students did not have to come to school they would still choose to be here in our classroom.

D'Ercole

# data[].attributes.body
I incorporate art into my centers each week.  I love being able to allow my students the opportunity to create.  In the beginning of the school year I used to make tracers and templates or examples for the students to follow.  One week I forgot so I just let the students figure it out on their own and their creations blew my mind!  I was so amazed by the creativity and outside of the box thinking.  I haven't made an art example since!  As far as movement, my students are allowed to get up and move to wherever they'd like to at any time during centers.  As long as they are on task and completing their work I don't mind.  In math we do a lot of rotating centers so every 25 minutes or so the students get up and go to a different center.  We do many interactive smartboard lessons (when the smartboard actually works properly) also which allows the students to be up and moving.  I have also done a few scoots and scavenger hunts in math recently.  My kids really enjoyed the scavenger hunt that allowed them to hunt up and down the hallway.  :)
D'Ercole

# data[].attributes.body
My students are rarely in a chair.  Every Monday they are able to choose their "seat" for the week.  It's always a fight for the short desks in the middle of the classroom so they can sit on the floor.  During centers my kids are able to sit wherever they want and can change their spot at any time.  The princess tent is the most popular work space in our classroom.  I'm definitely going to need to get more tents for next year! I try to rearrange my room often also.  My kids like when I mix it up!  I also play music ALL DAY long in my classroom (8 hour Disney Parks and Rides loop).  The kids enjoy it and have told me they work better with background music.  I love it too and really like the atmosphere it creates.
D'Ercole

# data[].attributes.body
My biggest take away was engagement.  When ever I plan a lesson or my center activities for the week I always ask myself "is this something that you would enjoy doing?".  My students all learn in very different ways so I always make sure to provide several options for every center each week.  Most of my students are very hands on and like to create.  I feel like they are most engaged when they are given the opportunity to be creative and show how they learn in their own way.
D'Ercole

# data[].attributes.body
I love the idea of the props and mystery bag. I feel like it would be pretty easy to incorporate into all subject areas. My kids are very competitive this year and love to "win".  We have used Kahoot to review topics before quizzes and assessments and they absolutely love it.  I have done many scavenger hunts in my classroom this year too, especially with math.  The students are always engaged and really enjoy working together and collaborating to complete the tasks.

D'Ercole

# data[].attributes.body
I strive for greatness by making sure I have an open mind. I am always open to trying new things in the classroom. I think collaborating with teammates plays a very important role in our greatness. The willingness to share ideas and activities with others not only helps my develop my greatness but the greatness of my fellow educators as well. I think being open minded also helps me to remain positive as well. My "go with the flow" attitude significantly contributes to my positivity, too.

D'Ercole

# data[].attributes.body
My biggest take aways from this book was to be adaptable and to not be afraid if something doesn't work out as planned.  Being willing to switch gears at any given moment is very important.  The quote "great teaching can't be scripted" really stuck with me.

D'Ercole