Join a Mailring at the
Teacher Mailring Center
http://www.teachers.net/mailrings/
Peachy - Welcome to our discussion of ideas and themes for June!!
Kat/Kathleen - Well, how many are actually still teaching in June?
Peachy - What are some themes that you all use in June?
Jane/1/MO - what kind of activities do we use when the kids are ready to quit before we are?
Kat/Kathleen - This is the time of year when we do our caterpillar->buterfly theme
canuk - Our grade 1/2 isdoing dinosaur centres with the ECS as a sort of orientation for next year
Sarahw - kat-- I am teaching summer school-- three weeks worth of 1st graders who need reading help
Peachy - What types of things are you doing, Sarahw?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Themes we've done at the end of the year are dinos, summer fun/safety.
becca - Sarahw , are you familiar with Reading recovery
iram - I like doing an "under the sea" theme/unit in june.
KJ/IL - summer fun/safety sounds like a great way to end the year...
Kat/Kathleen - iram, I usually do under the sea, but I don't know if there will be time this year..
Sarahw - peachy--actually? panicking! I found the information at the last focus meeting on phonics quite helpful. Haven't done much on a "theme" yet
Debby - Camping would be fun
Jane/1/MO - iram that sounds like fun
Sara/k/Tx - We are studying Dinos right now. Dino food was GREAT!!!
canuk - that reading recovery is great - even in a modified way
Kat/Kathleen - what is dino food? :-)
Kim - Under sea sounds like a good summertime theme...
Sarahw - becca-- I've seen some RR things taught--no training
becca - Sarahw if you could modify Reading Recovery it would be great for those first graders
Gumbo/K/La - Down by the sea last theme for my group, too........
Jane/1/MO - at least it sounds cooler on hot days
iram - Last year we went on a big field trip to the beach and explored in tidal pools all day, it was so much fun!!
Kat/Kathleen - iram, do you make "fish in ponds (or oceans in your case)" cream cheese tintrd blue, spread on round cracker, topped with goldfish crackers?
Sarahw - good idea becca!
Kim - what about something tropical?
Peachy - Cute, Kat!!
Sarahw - kat-mmmm sounds like fun (gold fish)
Kat/Kathleen - iram, what state are you in?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I think kids respond well at this time of year to anything to do with water or dinos. I like the caterpillar/butterfly idea too. Camping would be fun...they could do some really fun stuff.
iram - Kat, neat idea.
Gumbo/K/La - Sounds like my kinda snack, Kat! :-)
Sara/k/Tx - Dirt=cocoa, squished bugs = peanut butter , dried grass= oatmeal, fat= butter swamp water= milk with green food coloring and crushed bones= sugar!!! Yummy!!!
iram - Oooohhh camping, that would be wonderful.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Last summer our first graders did islands (Hawaii and Puerto Rico). They had a luau, hula skirts, leis, etc. Really cute!
Peachy - I believe the May Mailbox had some neat things on camping.
KJ/IL - Camping would be fun...pitch a tent in the room as a reading area..have the students create the surroundings
Kim - Its good even to go hiking or exploring
Kat/Kathleen - Yummy isn't the word, Sara! ;-)
Jane/1/MO - set up a tent and let the kids use it for a quiet reading area!
Kat/Kathleen - camping sounds like fun, and diferent from the usual
becca - I did oceans to end our year and put water in the science center sand table. added some floating sea animals, corks, a spray bottle, plastic tubing. My kids loved it
Debby - Does anyone use the Mailbox month theme books? They have new ones for June, July and August.
KJ/IL - great minds think alike, Jane
Jane/1/MO - sorry KJ, same idea
Kim - what about a fishing trip? to learn about aquatic life
Kat/Kathleen - what kind of tent will stay up? one of those umbrella tents?
Sara/k/Tx - Camping sounds like fun!!!
Gumbo/K/La - You could make that 'practice' campfire we did in girl scouts--------pretzels, candy corn, and what else???? All edible and fun.......
Kat/Kathleen - becca, that sounds very appealing
Kim - Where can you get the Mailbox theme books?
Peachy - I have seen them in most teacher stores, Kim.
Sara/k/Tx - I got mine once a month at a teacher's supply store.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - You have to have marshmallows at a campfire (even if you can't really toast them)!!!!
Gumbo/K/La - We had our kdn aqua day last Friday--------pools, water games,etc. in yard..........FUN!!!
Kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, how does that practice campfire idea work?
Debby - I ordered mine from Mailbox magazinne but you can get them at the teacheer's store.
Jane/1/MO - use a small portable fan with red, orange and yellow crepe paper streamers
Pam1-2OR - If you are "camping," you could call your classroom "Camp Read-a-lot>"
Kat/Kathleen - Hi, Pam! :-)
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Ooooh! Cute idea with the fan, Jane!
Gumbo/K/La - box also has web site.......if you can't find them. Also have 1-800 number, too.
Kat/Kathleen - cute camp name, Pam
Sara/k/Tx - We had our Super Fun Day Monday....INDOORS due to smoke and haze...
KJ/IL - You can order the Mailboxes magazine out of "Teaching K-8"
Kat/Kathleen - lots of good ideas here!
KJ/IL - oooh, does anyone know the website address??
Peachy - Change "A Hunting we will go" to A Camping We will go for a song.
Kim - Teaching K-8? Im not familiar sorry....
becca - isn't it www.mailbox.com
Debby - Use artificial Xmas tree for woods
Kim - I'm new to this....
Sara/k/Tx - WE made small aquariums out of styrofoam meat trays and gold fish wrapped in blue platic wrap.
Pam1-2OR - I could get excited about this if we had more than 9 days in June!
KJ/IL - Oh, "Teaching K-8" is another teaching magazine
Peachy - I have a cute camping poem I'll post on the ec board.
KJ/IL - good idea, Debby :)
Gumbo/K/La - Kat-------can't remember it all, but you talk about all the things you need to build a campfire---------kindling (pretzels?), fire(candy corn????????) and I forget what else..........Rats!!!!!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Of course, you need to tell stories around that "cool" campfire. Maybe the kids could do show and tell, share one of their favorite activities, etc.
Kat/Kathleen - thanks, Peachy, would you put it into Lessons, too?
Jane/1/MO - these ideas would be great for summer school
Peachy - Yes, indeedy, Kat.
Kat/Kathleen - Boy, I like these camping theme ideas..
KJ/IL - These ideas will work great for me in the summer, I'm a coordinator for "Kaleidoscope Camp" a summer camp for 100 children ages 3-6 year
Sara/k/Tx - You could play a math game using 4x6 index cards folded in half- tents and beans =people. Roll dice and make up story problems.
Gumbo/K/La - Yesterday was our last of 3 kdn activity days------picnic and barbecue.......BIG crowd this year........Glad it's all over..........
Kat/Kathleen - Wow, KJ, you are busy!!
Jane/1/MO - bring in sleeping bags, rolled up for seats
Peachy - Now I wish I'd done this theme, too! Next year....
Jimmie/ESL/TX - BBQ??? You should have told me to come, Gumbo!
KJ/IL - Yeah..but I don't have my own classroom yet :( (teacher's aide) so I have time for coordinating summer camp..
Kat/Kathleen - I know, I wonder if I could switch gears so late??
Peachy - Sara/k that sounds great!
Jane/1/MO - we used some of these ideas in VBS
becca - KJ some advice make anything and everything that you can now!!!
Pam1-2OR - I think this would be a great theme for the rainy month of ___ (take your pick in Oregon!)
KJ/IL - keep throwing out those themes..I'm writing them all down :)
Peachy - Paint with sticks, weeds and rocks!!
Gumbo/K/La - I called all the (100plus) kinders to eat first and had parent who was REALLY P-o'd cuz he said he'd been 'waiting a long time to eat." Don't ya love it????????/
Kim - I'm writing them too!!
KJ/IL - becca..good advice!! I've tried starting...
kat/Kathleen - oh, Gumbo, that's unreal!
Peachy - Use a rocking boat for "fishing"
iram - It's so funny seeing all of these ideas that tie in with the hot weather. Right now I am living in very northern Canada. We'll be ending the year with our seeds unit, because it was too cold to plant them earlier!!
Gumbo/K/La - Hope ya'll post these camping ideas to lesson board-------would love to do it......next year0000kids' last day is Friday.......
kat/Kathleen - we should start a thread on the EC board for cmaping theme.. and in lessons, what do you say everyone?
Sara/k/Tx - Kat, will we get an "archive" of this? I forgot to write them down!!!
becca - To add to your camping pleasure... in girl scouts years ago we made rhythm sticks to beat around the campfire. Used big dowel rods cut into pieces and decorated with markers
Peachy - Hello Val!! Welcome!! We are talking about themes for June. Jump in anytime!!
kat/Kathleen - iram, you do what your enviroment tells you! :-)
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Sheesh! Gumbo, some parents are forgetful that they're volunteering to help the *kids*, aren't they? LOL
Debby - How about solar cooking? Smores in the hot sun.
KJ/IL - Good idea..you mean... list different theme topics & then everyone can post their ideas under them?
Jane/1/MO - Don't forget the s'mores
Sara/k/Tx - Hey, I made a "sit up on" when I was in GS.
Gumbo/K/La - Jimmie-----------this guy was not even helping---------resting in chaise lounge!!!!!!!!
kat/Kathleen - we'll try to do the archive, have them lined up waiting!
Peachy - Scavenger hunt!
Val - anyone a reading recovery teacher??
kat/Kathleen - KJ, yes, but putting them into lessons really saves them..on the chatboard they are temporary
Sara/k/Tx - Kat, I understand!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Gumbo, he's got some nerve!!!! He should have stayed home.
Gumbo/K/La - I have my situpon in the class--------made it when was leader few years ago------kids think it's 'way cool'!!!!!!
becca - Val, I sort of am. I was trained. Now I teach in the classroom.
KJ/IL - aside from camping, does anyone else have any theme ideas??
Sara/k/Tx - Val, no but we have the program on our campus new this year. Did great!
kat/Kathleen - Mary K&1 is a Reading Recovery teacher, she's not here yet, but ususally comes
Jimmie/ESL/TX - My goodness!!! I made a sit upon, too! I'd forgotten all about that thing. LOL (it's been a while..hehehe)
Val - I love it!!
Gumbo/K/La - Jimmie-----I agree about the parent------but he had Memorial Day off, so came to school to bother us!!!!
cathy k/pa - Hi everyone! Loving your ideas! I will use them with my all boy am k class next year!!!
Jane/1/MO - I like the ideas of under the sea
becca - Val, I have loved adapting the methods for my classroom
Val - I made a situpon too!!
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, what's a situpon?
Gumbo/K/La - Cathy-----------HI!!!!!!!!!!How ya doin, dawlin??????
Sara/k/Tx - Yeah, and my situpon has gotten much BIGGER now!!LOL
Debby - Isn't June Dairy Month? Milk and Ice cream!
Peachy - That sounds very fitting, cathy!!
Kim - what about under the stars?
kat/Kathleen - for under the sea the kids build baby food jar aquariums (not this year, no time)
becca - kat, it's a cushion you sit upon
Jane/1/MO - don't forget Fathers Day
kat/Kathleen - Debby, that would make a good theme for warm weather, iram, you could do that
Peachy - We just finished up with an ice cream theme.
Gumbo/K/La - My kids like to make puzzles using the wide craft sticks-----I have some sea life stencils that fit on them. Good for any theme if you can find the smalller stnecils.......
Pam1-2OR - cathy - I think an all boy K needs a truck theme!
iram - I was entering the exact same comment Kat!
kat/Kathleen - thanks, becca, pretty obvious actually :-I
Sara/k/Tx - Made out of newspaper and...I forget what I covered it with...
Kim - Anything for Fourth of July?
Val - we are doing a 1 week summer reading program with a nature theme
Peachy - OH, yes, Fathers Day!! Any good ideas for gifts, cards, etc???
kat/Kathleen - cathy, we have a big male pop coming in too next year..hmmmm wonder what that means?
becca - Sara I think we used a garbage bag for the cover-waterproof
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Milk and ice cream, under the stars...I'm beginning to remember the summers of my childhood more vividly (back when you could still see fireflies and the Milky Way from here).
canuk - In our Dino theme, we make paper mache dino eggs, the for a father's day craft make a hot-air balloon card out of them
Gumbo/K/La - Situpons are mats covered with vinyl, etc-------we used vinyl tablecloths to cover woven newspapaer strips..........Use them when camping so you don;t have to sit on wet ground........
Kim - How about a father's day luncheon to hand out the cards?
Jane/1/MO - Have the students to design a neck tie. use strips of paper or fabric
iram - I think it's nice to give fathers nice and pretty things too. EG. hand imprints, poems, flowers...
Gumbo/K/La - oh, oh------------just lost half of screen to whiteout!!!!
kat/Kathleen - Father's Day doesn't get much attention, we make the sentence strip "hug" with two traced hands on the ends, I love you this much!
Kim - you could serve golf ball cookies,
J@Va - Hello,Everyone! Has anyone ever tried making a shirt and tie card out of construction paper? It's great!
iram - The father's day luncheon is a good idea, esp. since many fathers don't visit much.
canuk - I preface the craft with "This is for Mom or dad or grandma or whoever you live with and love
Kim - yes a shirt and tie does work well....
Peachy - That's cute J@VA!
Sarahw - Back-- had to celebrate the end of school with some ice cream!
KJ/IL - other themes for summer camp?
Kim - It may be a good way to get dads involved
kat/Kathleen - J@va, we did one year, but for K the adults had to do too much of it
cathy k/pa - Right now I have dad's visiting the room. Today, one dad made pizza with the kids. He has a pizza shop.
Kim - arts & crafts?
kat/Kathleen - ok, Val, we'll watch for you!
Gumbo/K/La - We make Mother's Day AND Father's Day gifts cuz we get out late May, first week in June......That way Dads don't get left out
Jimmie/ESL/TX - See ya, Val.
Pam1-2OR - What about a portrait of "Dad"...draw with black marker first, then watercolor.
Jane/1/MO - Invite the fathers to help with the cooking,I've had cook outs for my class. Dads seem to enjoy getting to cook the hot dogs
iram - Right now I have barely any moms visiting, let alone dads!
Kim - that's a really great way to tie in the dad's-I bet pizza making was fun
J@Va - dad's rarely visit my room, Did your dad like it , cathy k/pa?
Jane/1/MO - we always invite some fathers to go with us on field trips
kat/Kathleen - next week is Word Walls and Journal writing
Peachy - Goodbye Becca. Thanks for coming!!
Kim - bye, becca...take care
KJ/IL - ohhhh, good topic!
Gumbo/K/La - Cathy----------YUM!!!!! Wished one of my kids' dad's owned a pizza shop.........We had pizza/watermelon day and have to rely on your basic Dominoos pizza!!!! :-)
Bob R/CA - Kat, that's 6/09 next week is Learning Centers
cathy k/pa - J@Va I always get a great response. Dad's seem to love to visit.
kat/Kathleen - Oh, Bob, next week isn't 6/9 ?? 8-(
Bob R/CA - slow down, Kat, I'm enjoying my youth! <g>
cathy k/pa - Gumbo, the pizza was great and the kids loved working with the dough!
Peachy - What recipe makes the strongest bubbles? They are great for summer.
Jane/1/MO - I've had a few fathers that have been room fathers. They have even helped with class parties
Sarahw - Kat-- better not be, then I would be a week done w/ summer school and my room isn't even set up yet!
kat/Kathleen - I'll e-mail becca so she won't have the wrong info
KJ/IL - :) LOL
kat/Kathleen - Bob, easy for you to say (about youth) ;-)
Kim - I must be going too, but when does this forum usually meet? It's great!
Sarahw - kat is trying to rush the summer!
Sara/k/TX - Am I here? Tried to log in again... Said I was already logged in.
Bob R/CA - Kim, every Tues at 9 Eastern for the EC meetings
canuk - Sunlight dishwashing liquid and glycerene
cathy k/pa - Jane,that's great! We are going to have dad's be room dad's next year. Sign of the times!
Bob R/CA - Peachy, you teaching your kids how to tell time like that? <g>
iram - Oh I just remembered a neat art activity. Bubble art, with tempura paint. Blow onto paper with straws.
Peachy - My fingers are flying!!!
Gumbo/K/La - Peachy------regardless of which recipe you use, make sure you let it 'age'--------much better after a week or so........
iram - Sorry, mix paint with soap!!
Jane/1/MO - We are honoring volunteers tomorrow and I've got to go bake bread
Sarahw - iram --you can also let them "bubble up" the paint and soap in a container and then put the paper on the bubbles.
Sara/k/TX - Don't forget to post camping theme on the EC board!
Peachy - Well, now. What would you all like to discuss???
Gumbo/K/La - I put dishwashing soap in all the tempera paint we use------makes cleanup much easier.........
Tony B/CA - Are we talking about cool things to do with the children in June? Sorry I'm late... busy guy ;)
kat/Kathleen - And post the ideas in Lessons, too!
Peachy - Thanks for the bubble advice, Gumbo. I didn't know it took that long.
canuk - There are quite a few early lit titles in the Prentice Hall catalogue with a camping theme
KJ/IL - hmmmm, the "Under the stars" theme was good....so was the "Under the Sea." any other ideas??
Debby - How about a watermelon theme?
kat/Kathleen - Tony, what cool things did you do with your little ones,,,were you there in may/june?
kat/Kathleen - addie, does a watermelon theme, I think
iram - Oh Debby, that would go well with my seeds unit.
KJ/IL - Since we are done with school on June 5th, I'
Sara/k/TX - Yes, Addie has a lesson thread.
Gumbo/K/La - Peachy--------we've just bought bubbles the last coupla years-----------get BIG containers really cheap at wal-mart, toysrus, etc........
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Watermelons can be fun. I only did it once several years ago. I can't remember everything we did.
KJ/IL - ooops, I'll use these ideas for summer camp, definitely!!
cathy k/pa - I am doing a Mystery Day , just a one day theme.
Tony B/CA - Are you kiddin me - I was a camp counselor at the YMCA for 4 and 5 year olds - I love the parachute activities - do you have access to a parachute? They sell them for schools (about $100)
Debby - You could do soome of the same activities that you do with pumpkins. weighing measuring counting seeds.
canuk - we did a rainforest/jungle theme - the kids loved it -and we pushed the conservation angle too
Sara/k/TX - I bet you ate watermelon...
iram - I'm envious of all these early "last days" we're out on June 25th.
Gumbo/K/La - Tryin to think of what kdn teacher dfoes in summer camp--------know she does pirates.......what else???????? Can't remember
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Debby, can we have a watermelon seed spitting contest? ;)
Peachy - That's what I've been doing, Gumbo. I thought the homemade ones were supposed to be stronger.
KJ/IL - other theme ideas?? Flying away (kites, birds, planes..the sky)
kat/Kathleen - flight would be a good theme, parachutes, hot air balloons, etc
cathy k/pa - Kids love parachutes!
canuk - Have you tried a dance unit with the parachute? only way I can get mine to do the mandatory folk dance bit of the curriculum
KJ/IL - Parachutes are great!!
Tony B/CA - OK, so parachute sit-ups with the kids estending legs under the chute, and doing sit-ups.
Peachy - iram, where are you?
Sara/k/TX - How about a patrotic theme.... July 4th!
Gumbo/K/La - This year in transprotation theme, in addition to paper planes, kids made the whirly gigs-------LOVED them........
iram - A teacher last year converted her whole class into a rainforest, green paper was put on the walls and then leaves and animals were put on the walls, it was amazing.
Tony B/CA - then, another is to hold the chute with both hands at waist level, throw out a few 6' ropes, and shake them around like snakes... ;)
KJ/IL - I've seen something like that...Iram...you can do so much with it!
Peachy - Red, white and blue splatter painting or marble painting....
Debby - Going with the transportation theme how about vacations?
Gumbo/K/La - Make red, white, and blue windsocks out of constructioon paper----------blue top part, cutout white stars, and red streamers.........Cute...
KJ/IL - Parachute idea: Play popcorn..have the kids shake as fast as they can..then add sponge balls & watch them "pop off!"
kat/Kathleen - Tony, you could also throw other objects onto the parachute: balls, stuffed animals..hey how about a circus theme?
iram - Or red, white, and blue pinwheels
Tony B/CA - ok, also, get a volleyball, or rubber ball, and roll it in a clockwise position - wavelike. Then, you can launch the ball like a slingshot straight up in the air - it's awesome
Valerie/NYr - anyone mention paper airplane contests
kat/Kathleen - the parachute looks like a circus big-top
Heidi - Saw an idea online... Camp LearnedAlot...with tents set up in the classroom, older kids read stories around the "campfire"
Peachy - They love that, Valerie.
Bob R/CA - Yeah - paper airpolanes! I bet you can find tons of plans on the web!
cathy k/pa - Valerie, i do a paper airplane contest on the first day of Spring , I call it Launch Off Spring!
Gumbo/K/La - Val--------we do that Use the learning links the kids count into color groups of 10, then fly planes, count by tens.........fun
canuk - Have the kids in teams , throw in 2 balls of different colours, then the last ball through the hole in the middle wins
Sara/k/TX - I like the circus theme, too!
kat/Kathleen - Oh, Valerie, fits nicely into flight theme
KJ/IL - snack craft idea for circus theme: cut apple into slices across & use one for the top & bottom of a "merry go round" hold up with mini pretzel sticks & add animal crackers with peanut butter as animals\
Peachy - Bob, are you getting a Southern accent???
Tony B/CA - OK, how about relays with dribbling around cones, doing over-under passes in a row, three-legged race, stuff like that...
kat/Kathleen - Heidi, that would be fun, there were some camping ideas earlier, watch the EC board and post that idea there with other camping theme activities
Tony B/CA - Cool KJ!
KJ/IL - ooops... didn't mean to overwhelm everyone with my idea twice :)
Sara/k/TX - I do an environment them woven into my Sea theme. (Pollution and Non)
Tony B/CA - yeah, cathy, right on! I love paper planes
Valerie/NYr - or a relay race to break a balloon placed on a chair..
Gumbo/K/La - MS Publisher has a whole section of paper planes, not to mention origami..........(It's what I paid the big bucks for.........0
Jimmie/ESL/TX - KJ, it was a good idea. Good ideas bear repeating. :)
Sara/k/TX - That sounds better than my Dino Food, KJ!
Gumbo/K/La - KJ--------cute idea..........
KJ/IL - :) Thanks Jimmie
Valerie/NYr - we did the paper airplane thing and had the kids create their own planes..grade 1 buddies..kids got awards for the farthest..looping...twirling...best decorated..and so on
Tony B/CA - I am a big fan of anything involving outdoor activity (or at least, physical activity with peers).
Gumbo/K/La - Kj------I hope I remember to write that animal cracker idea down when we do animals/zoo--------we graph animal crackers.........
Tony B/CA - Cool Valerie! Did you use a guidebook of some sort, or just let them go for it?
KJ/IL - Do your schools have "end of the year field day?"
Heidi - We have school wide Field Days
KJ/IL - Gumbo, just post a note to me if you need it again
cathy k/pa - that's great Tony! I will need many active activities next year. My am class is all boys!!!
Valerie/NYr - we had them go for it...they threw the planes and I would make up something..everyone went home with aa award...
Jimmie/ESL/TX - And, Tony, being able to get outside and do physical activities sure helps the kids at this time of year. They are just almost toooooo excited to even find their chairs, much less sit in one or stay focused for long periods. LOL
KJ/IL - wow, Cathy!
iram - We have a sports day, but we haven't began to plan it yet!
Gumbo/K/La - Thanks, KJ!!!!
Tony B/CA - You betcha!
Gumbo/K/La - iram--------where are you?
Heidi - We also have had Beach Day with a sprinkler and water activities
Valerie/NYr - outdoors..we had the kids relay race and change into adult clothes..it was hysterical
KJ/IL - "Duck, Duck Splash" is a fun game outdoors...(especially hot days) rather than playing duck, duck, goose..the person who is "it" has a dixie cup glass and they splash it on the other person..
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Yes, we have end of the year field day. The kids just love it. It's set up like a carnival with different stations. Then the last 15-20 minutes is the relays and tug of war.
iram - I'm in northern British Columbia, near the Alaska/Yukon border
Valerie/NYr - sitting on balloons was even more fun
Tony B/CA - When kids have excess energy, the best thing to do is burn it off with fun, cooperative, outdoor physical activity. Anyone ever hear of any bean bag games?
Gumbo/K/La - I'd like to see athread start on school field days-----would LOVE to organize one for ours next year............Please???????????
kat/Kathleen - oh, boy, sitting on ballons sounds like a blast!! (pun intended!)
Sara/k/TX - Our Field Day was held indoors due to the health alert due to fire in Mexico. FUN!!!
Peachy - I love that game KJ. Some of mine would cry though.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Just the ole stand by, the bean bag toss, Tony.
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, start one..we'll add to it, then put it in Lessons
Tony B/CA - I got a set of bean bags, and a cassette tape called "Bean Bag Boogie" - the kids loved it! We'd place the bag on the elbow, then the knee, then the foot, and do it all to some cool, rockin tunes ;)
Gumbo/K/La - iram---------must be beautiful country up there!!!!!!
cathy k/pa - iram, are you from 100 MILE hOUSE?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I like the sitting on balloons too. Our kids had to take water balloons and toss them back and forth like in an egg toss. They loved it!
kat/Kathleen - Tony, demo one for us ;-)
Tony B/CA - You can get colored bean bags with letters, or numbers, and play some pattern games
Gumbo/K/La - Kat----------are you my principal in disguise?????? :-) (Ask a quaestion and get to form a committee!!!!!!!) ;-)
canuk - KJ - Ithink some of mine would deck someone that threw a dixie cup of water on them
iram - A good bean bag game is "help your friends". bean bags on heads, those who are it chase others around and try to knock the bean bags off, if bean bag is off, sit down and wait for a fellow bean bagger to put it back on your head. if those who are it knock everyone's bean bags off they win.
Sara/k/TX - Tony, I've got that record, too!
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, I learned that from BOB!
Valerie/NYr - where can we find Bean Bag Boogie
Tony B/CA - use the numbered bean bags to play steal the bacon relay games (each child has a #'ed bag) - do simple math equations for runners ...
Valerie/NYr - I had 4th graders that would cry!!!!!!!lol
Tony B/CA - Sara has it, talk to her Valerie
Jimmie/ESL/TX - That sounds like fun, iram. Sort of like freeze tag, only with bean bags. :)
Tony B/CA - Cool iram
kat/Kathleen - iram, I can do that one tomorrow!
iram - nope, more north, over 18hrs north of!100mil house
KJ/IL - Canuk, ha! sounds like you might have your "hands full" with some of them :0
Valerie/NYr - Sara where did you find the cassette for Boogie?
Tony B/CA - sorry canuk, sounds like a management issue ;)
Gumbo/K/La - I havew the bean bag board from Lakeshore------erasable panels by holes, so can write different skill things on them------number words, etc. use it for different themes.........
Sara/k/TX - Val, I got it at a teacher supply store... awhile back...
Tony B/CA - just kidding canuk ;)
Valerie/NYr - I'll look for it...
Peachy - I did, too, sara/k.
Gumbo/K/La - MAke them-related'mats' -----ala shuffleboard-types and have kids aim for certain section on mat........
Gumbo/K/La - ........toss/throw beanbags at differnt parts of mat......
Sara/k/TX - I love Lakeshore!!
Tony B/CA - so... anyone make summer salads with the kiddies? Get together season-appropriate fruits and veggies and have a ball! (don't forget the ranch dressing)
Debby - I just got my Lakeshore catalog today It's wonderful!
Peachy - I do a "friendship salad" like that, Tony. Everybody brings a fruit or veggie.
Valerie/NYr - Kat have you ever made caterpillars with tongue depressers,pom-poms and flat magnet strips,and movable eyes..
iram - oh that's a good idea Peachy, saves money..
cathy k/pa - TONY. we did that during our nutrition unit.
Debby - How about a creepy crawly theme, snakes and snails...
kat/Kathleen - Val, I haven't that sounds cute!
KJ/IL - Debby...I like that!
Valerie/NYr - we did it with first graders
KJ/IL - spiders, frogs..that would be fun!
Tony B/CA - right on cathy and Peachy
Jimmie/ESL/TX - The caterpillars sound really cute!
Debby - Give them maggnifying glass to find things in the tall grass.
Valerie/NYr - Jimmie they look great on a magnetic blackboard or a fridge
iram - For spiders read Charlotte's Web....read it anyways, such a good story.
Peachy - I think I'm not thinking about it anymore. Can't have two of unemployed. I'm no spring chicken!!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - In my other classroom, I had a magnetic blackboard. In this one I have a bumpy refinished chalkboard. Boooo! I miss the magnetic one big time.
Valerie/NYr - isn't there a yucky site for bugs and insects...
kat/Kathleen - The magnetic board is great for the CHILDWOOD story magnets!
J@Va - I"m in the process of reading C. Web. It's such a great story. While I read, the class silently draws a picture of what they imagine is going on.
kat/Kathleen - WORMS!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - You may be right about that yucky site, Valerie. But I can't remember where it is.
Gumbo/K/La - Java--------I do the drawing thing with Two Bad Ants...........Fun idea.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Kathleen, you're making me really sad here with the story magnets and all. ;)
Debby - Afriend made a giant web out of elmers glue on bulletin board threw glitter on it while wet made a wonnderful web. The kinders made spiders for it all week.
Valerie/NYr - hang on I think I have it brb
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I **love, love, love** Two Bad Ants. One of my favorites!!!!
kat/Kathleen - Jimmie, you can make a magnet board..or use an old metal shelf
Peachy - I like that, Debby. Neat!!
Peachy - I love that, too, Jimmie!
J@Va - Who wrote Two Bad Ants was it the same person that wrote 100 ants?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I suppose so, Kat. But I loved my other blackboard.
Valerie/NYr - try http://www.nj.com/yucky/index.html
Peachy - Gumbo, what drawing thing with Two Bad Ants??
Gumbo/K/La - Just took down spiders kids made way back inn Oct--------used 2 sections of cardboard egg cartons, added pipe cleaner legs, 8 small dots for eyes, colored with markers----------hung them on huge spider web I got a bargain store.........
Valerie/NYr - http://www.nj.com/yucky/index.html
Gumbo/K/La - peachy--------read book and have kids draw what they think is being described.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I can't remember who wrote Two Bad Ants. :(
Valerie/NYr - that's the one...I was just there
Gumbo/K/La - Chris Van Allsburg, who wrote Jumanji wrote Two Bad Ants.........
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Duh!!!! You'd think I'd remember Chris Van Allsburg. My brain is obviously fried! LOL
Gumbo/K/La - jimmie-------I'm lucky I remember where I park my car everyday!!!!!!! :-)
Valerie/NYr - just type in a URL and it appears in blue on the screen..http://www.nj.com/yucky/index.html
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Gumbo, LOL!!!
kat/Kathleen - KJ, you have to type it precisely right, something I have difficulty with! ;-/
KJ/IL - ooops... http://www.nj.com/yucky/index.html
Bob R/CA - Jimmie, what's your email?
Valerie/NYr - if you are in school June 14..Flag Day..everyone dress in red, white, and blue
KJ/IL - topics we have talked about so far have included camping theme, circus theme, under the sea, under the stars, creepy crawly...have any others
kat/Kathleen - any ideas related to crickets, that would be a nice summer camp theme
J@Va - Sorry, I'm not in school on the 14th, we get out of school on the 5th of June. THANK GOD !!!!!
Peachy - The Very Quiet Cricket
Gumbo/K/La - how about-----------ICE CREAM????????? :-)
Debby - Have a patriotic parade!
Valerie/NYr - NY gets out JUne 24th
KJ/IL - I have a great "homemade icecream" recipe somewhere around here
canuk - Have you made ice cream by playing kick the can?
Valerie/NYr - paper plates and red and blue crepe paper
kat/Kathleen - canuk, no tell us about it!
Peachy - Make ice cream....go on a tour to Carvel...graph favorites.
meeha/ece/tx - We're looking at summer school themes of insects, farm animals, ocean and ???
Gumbo/K/La - differetn cones, make sundaes..............
Valerie/NYr - using a coffee can?
J@Va - I like the patriotic parade idea, debby!!! Maybe all do that for presidents day or memorial day next year.
kat/Kathleen - meeha, camping, watemelons
Debby - Peachy What's Carvel?
Valerie/NYr - make your own Sundae Day
Bob R/CA - Mmmmm -- Carvel!!
kat/Kathleen - meeha, I get confused when there's a holiday
Peachy - Ice cream chain, Debby.
Valerie/NYr - have the kids decorate floats using wagons
canuk - You put cream in a small can, then put ice and salt into a larger can, put the small can inside sealed up, then kick it around for a while - turns into ice cream
KJ/IL - mmmm, everyone can bring in their own ice cream toppings & share!!
Susan/2nd/NY - Teacher Creative Materials has a great thematic book on icecream
kat/Kathleen - canuk, you make ice cream by kicking a can?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - jimmiel@gte.net
kat/Kathleen - canuk, what kinds of cans do you use that seal?
KJ/IL - Canuk,,yep that's the recipe...what a great way to make it
meeha/ece/tx - formula cans, coffee cans, some of the powdered drink cans
KJ/IL - You can also use Canuk's recipe...using ziplock bags instead
Peachy - I'm doing that next year!!!! kick the can ice cream!!
KJ/IL - and shake them..rather than kicking them :)
kat/Kathleen - kick the zip lock baggy, sounds like fun! ;-)
Susan/2nd/NY - I missed some of this ...what is the EASIEST, idiot proof way to make icecream?
KJ/IL - But I like the can idea better :)
Valerie/NYr - I did that with ziploc bags..that works too
Susan/2nd/NY - would somebody PLZ email me the directions?
Valerie/NYr - we had more fun making floats
Peachy - Yum, Val! How?
kat/Kathleen - Even better, post it for all on the board and in Lessons!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Ice cream, floats....I just *feel* the pound sticking to my hips!
Bob R/CA - Susan, I have a few from some of the maillists - let me go check
J@Va - that kicking the can icecream sounds scary, does the can ever fly open?
Valerie/NYr - I'd have to look it up not available now..too dark to walk out to the "barn"
Valerie/NYr - the floats were made of paper and cardboard..pulled with a wagon...red, white , blue theme
kat/Kathleen - EVERYONE, if you scroll the left frame, there is an "archive button", has 3 of the live meeting sessions logs available
Bob R/CA - 6 recipes on the way to you Jimmie -- feel like colating them and posting to the lesson exchange? <grin>
Bob R/CA - KRUD - -WAS THAT SUPPOSED TO GO TO SUSAN!!! OLOL!!!
Gumbo/K/La - That is WAY cool, kat!!!!
Valerie/NYr - almost the same thing except use the ziploc bags..kids knead it...
Susan/2nd/NY - YES BOB....:-(
Bob R/CA - Susan, what's your email?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Thanks, Bob! You're worth your weight in gold. :)
Bob R/CA - (Jimmie, ignore those recipes!)
Susan/2nd/NY - SueAlice@aol.com
KJ/IL - do you add vanilla too it also??
Valerie/NYr - yes Jimmie you must post them....
Jimmie/ESL/TX - OK, Bob. I'll try. But if they look yummy.....??? Who knows.
Bob R/CA - anyone else need 6 ice cream recipes? heheh!
kat/Kathleen - Bob, please post them in the Lesson exchange ;-) I know how you love to type
Bob R/CA - Kat.... :o(((
kat/Kathleen - susan would you send me inof on that conference?
Bob R/CA - Ok, Kat -- for you, watch how fast it can be done...
kat/Kathleen - Now, Bob, we ask everyone else to do it..
Susan/2nd/NY - Sure will Kat
kat/Kathleen - you have some tech trick, or you'll make mary do it!!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Cool!!!! Jimmie Butt, jimmiel@gte.net. I'm glad to meet you, too!!!! :)
kat/Kathleen - A good bean bag game is "help your friends". bean bags on heads, those
Susan/2nd/NY - Kat..I need your email address to send you conference info
Valerie/NYr - me too Susan...
kat/Kathleen - kat@teachers.net
Bob R/CA - there :o)
KJ/IL - kat... you are in charge of hosting all the conferences??
kat/Kathleen - Susan, New orleans, Oct, right?
kat/Kathleen - Bob, you did it already???
Valerie/NYr - Bob you finished typing?heheheheheheh
kat/Kathleen - KJ, Peachy is hosting tonight :-)
Susan/2nd/NY - Yes..New Orleans
KJ/IL - That's what I thought...:) do you take turns>
Bob R/CA - yes, but I didn't bather to remove the HTML from one of the posts (I hate it when people use markup for email :o(()(((( )
kat/Kathleen - Bob probably scanned it or something
Bob R/CA - no scanning would have taken longer, just 1) sorted email by title 2) highlighted those cal;led "ice cream" (the subject) 3) hit "save as" 4) opened in text editor and copied to clipboard 6) pasted into lesson exchange
kat/Kathleen - oh, Bob you make it sound so simple
Bob R/CA - (so all 6 are in one lesson plan)
Gumbo/K/La - What conference in new orleans in Oct???????
Susan/2nd/NY - The ISTE conference
kat/Kathleen - Susan is presenting at a tech ed conference
Susan/2nd/NY - actually 2 presentations
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Oh, Bob. I wish I could do puter stuff that quickly and effortlessly. LOL Practice makes perfect, I guess.
kat/Kathleen - okay, Bob, thank you for sharing, Teachers.Net appreciates your help ;-)
Gumbo/K/La - Just a fair warning----------I'm not fixing continental breakfast for anybody............ ;-)
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, we could all stay with you!!!!!!
Gumbo/K/La - Kat--------I'm gonna be outta town then.........(When is the conference????????) ;-)
Susan/2nd/NY - conference is the last weekend in OCT
Gumbo/K/La - What is ISTE?
Bob R/CA - Susan, what is the conference about?
J@Va - what is ISTE, Susan?
Susan/2nd/NY - International Society for Technology Education
Susan/2nd/NY - It is a tech conference...like NECC
Bob R/CA - Ooooh! Kat, that's on the right coast, you going to represent us?
kat/Kathleen - Susan, Internat'l soc. Tech Ed?? or something like that
Susan/2nd/NY - keynote speakers, workshops, presentations, displays, etc.
meeha/ece/tx - Susan -- I won't be there. Sometimes I think my 3 year olds know more about the 'puter than me! Good luck!
kat/Kathleen - Sure, Bob..you can send me!
J@Va - OK< Now I know what you are talking about,ISTE!
Bob R/CA - I'll get my promotions director right on it ;o)
Susan/2nd/NY - YES....ISTE
Mary K&1 - Bob, Left coast, right coast, that's soo very cute!
Bob R/CA - LOL!
Gumbo/K/La - meeha-------kinda knocks me outta the loop, too!!!!! :-) I'm lucky I remember to shut the puter down instead of just runing it off!!!!!1
Bob R/CA - Thanks, Mary, I stole that from someone somewhere
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, I've seen some of your stuff..
Susan/2nd/NY - Give me a sec and I will get the url for the conference
canuk - Interesting with the technology push, do you think the rise in puter useage is going to be an equalizer, or will it push the gulf between have and havenot further?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - meeha, LOL!! I know the feeling. Went to computer lab one day with second grade. The lab manager was gone and all the puters were off. I said, "Well, we'll just go back to class.
Gumbo/K/La - That's Halloween time, 1st report card time, probablyopen house.......
kat/Kathleen - canuk, good question
meeha/ece/tx - canuk -- I don't know if the question will be have and have not or can and cannot!
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo is having open house for us!!!!!!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - and before you know it, 20 little kids are on the floor turning on all the computers. Out they came from under the tables, smiling and asking, "Can we stay now?
Gumbo/K/La - kat-----------that's all the purchased fonts......open house, only if you can find me!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! You don't wanna be arond me that time of year!!!!!
meeha/ece/tx - Turning on a whole lab can be rather a challenge! Takes a bit of work to get them all 'on the same program' where i was last year!
Susan/2nd/NY - www.iste.org/
click - Jimmie, That is GREAT! I dream of those days!
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, I'll buy you some of them crawbabies!! and sauce!
click - Jimmie, I'm a lab teacher.
Mary K&1 - Jimmie, see we can all learn from each other! That's a cute story
Susan/2nd/NY - The conference is Tel.Ed 98
Gumbo/K/La - we'll never have the problem of whole labs in our school system!!!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :-)
meeha/ece/tx - I love it, Jimmie! They really wanted to use the lab!
J@Va - we now have computer competencies that will be tied in to determining if we will get our continuing contracts for 1998-1999. It involves 10 competencies and we'll have to turn in a portfolio of work and presentations to the committee to review. YUCK!
Bob R/CA - that lesson set came out pretty well! :o)
kat/Kathleen - Susan, what is your topic?
Bob R/CA - (the one I just posted to the lesson exchange)
Susan/2nd/NY - so...who is going to be going to the conference in Oct?
kat/Kathleen - J2va, that sounds interesting, would you post about it on the cahtboard?
click - I'm going to go check out the site. Thanks Susan!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Great, click! Our lab managers do a great job with the kids..
meeha/ece/tx - I think we will be required to attend several hours of technology training (we got new classroom computers this past year) in the next school year.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Yes, they really love computer lab.
Gumbo/K/La - I live in New Orleans, but I probably won't be there.........
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, you could meet up with Susan somewhere
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Irving ISD had a bond election last fall. We're getting *tons* of new technology over the next three years. I'm soooooooo excited!
J@Va - I'll be glad to post it tomorrow on the Ec chatboard. There is also a clause on our contracts this year that states that all competencies must be completed by 2002.
Bob R/CA - Susan, if we're able, we'll get Kat out there in October
Gumbo/K/La - May try, but that is the busiest time of year............
Susan/2nd/NY - Great Kat...we can have Cajun food together!
Bob R/CA - (although I'd kinda like to see Bourbon Street meself!)
Susan/2nd/NY - The conference theme is All That Jazz!
kat/Kathleen - Interesting theme for a tech conference??
Bob R/CA - That's one of my favorite movies!!!! It's SHOWTIME!
Gumbo/K/La - bob-----walk past the Bourbo-cam while there and we can all look for you online!!!!
meeha/ece/tx - Earlier this year there was some talk of issuing notebook computers to the kiddos with textbooks on cd's to use for the school years. I can't help but wonder ... with the 'horror' of textbook counts, what would that count be like? I'm sure the day is coming....
Bob R/CA - Gumbo, I'm going to do a simulcat, I can rent this satellite dish that fits on your head, if you don't mind not having kids...
Mary K&1 - meeha, it would be cheaper
kat/Kathleen - good movie, yes, fosse
Gumbo/K/La - bob---------hahahaha!!!!!!!! (but there REALLY is a Bourbo-cam!!!!)
kat/Kathleen - Gumbo, at least you'll be able to recognize Bob!
Susan/2nd/NY - well people...I really need to get to some serious computer work...exploring the new national tech standards...NETS...going to write an article about it...goodnight everybody!
aggie/1/ca - bob--- I just posted a song for you on the primary mail ring. I want you and Tony to learn it!
aggie/1/ca - Hiya, Gumbo. Only 12 and a half more days!
Bob R/CA - Aggie, why come? If you heard my voice....!
Valerie/NYr - Bob,the ice cream recipes..what category are they posted under?
aggie/1/ca - Jess bein' funny, Bob.
Bob R/CA - Val, under games (hey, what do I know, I'm not a teacher!) and elementary, I think
meeha/ece/tx - aggie -- its been done since thursday, summer school starts thursday!
aggie/1/ca - Lucky you, meeha!
Gumbo/K/La - bye, susan........aggie-----3 more days with kids; 4 more days for teachers---------at least 4 weeks of cleaning and packing to d in that little time!!!!
kat/Kathleen - Bob, start using HT after your name, Honorary TEacher, right gang?
meeha/ece/tx - ....My niece and nephew in MI can't figure out how summer school can be finished two weeks after they get out of their regular year!
Gumbo/K/La - hhhhmmmmmmmmmmm, dunno about that 'free' title for mister bob.......... ;-)
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Kathleen, I agree. Bob teaches us a lot of things, too.
meeha/ece/tx - Gumbo -- that's the truth. Cleaning the room and packing it away for the summer takes quite awhile!
Valerie/NYr - ooookkkkkkkkk.you posted ice cream recipes under games...never thought of that....thanks.hehehehehehlol lol
kat/Kathleen - Bob R/CA/HT
meeha/ece/tx - kat, we can let him use it here (anyhow).
Valerie/NYr - Bob/R/CA/HT
kat/Kathleen - Bob, you posted the ice cream recipes under "games"?????
Gumbo/K/La - meeha-----------we have NO place to pack things-------no storage--have all my stuff in rubbermaid containers that I have to stack to the ceiling...........
Valerie/NYr - he did Kat..
Mary K&1 - ice cream is fun to play with
meeha/ece/tx - I've had rooms like that!
Jimmie/ESL/TX - One of my students asked his classroom teacher why she was taking the things down off the wall. She said that the school year was over. He asked, " Aren't you going to put it up again before school starts?" When she replied yes, he commented, "Well then, it doesn't make much sense to take it all down, does it?"
canuk - Isn't the push "Community of Learners" where everyone is a teacher?
Gumbo/K/La - jimmie--------out of the mouth of babes!!!!!!
Bob R/CA - Kat, what should it have been?
kat/Kathleen - canuk, it's true
meeha/ece/tx - what is that, canuk?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Makes sense to me to put it under games. After all we're going to kick cans, right? Isn't that a game?
kat/Kathleen - Bob, I gues we need a new category..
Mary K&1 - Jimmie, that's what I say every year also! Those kids are smart!
kat/Kathleen - but not games for ice cream recipes ;-)
kat/Kathleen - Jimmie, good point..
Valerie/NYr - it is there under games,elementary
meeha/ece/tx - aggie, are you having a hard time staying with us?
Bob R/CA - Kat, I can chgange it -- suggestions?
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Orlando, is so sweet, and obviously very, very practical. LOL!!!
Bob R/CA - (science? Art? Phys ed?)
kat/Kathleen - how about "recipes"
canuk - The world's a game and all the men and women merely players
kat/Kathleen - canuk, that's good, you should wirte that down ;-)
Jimmie/ESL/TX - canuk, I'm ready for intermission. I'm tired!!!! Whew!
canuk - I think I took a lberty with Shakespeare!
Mary K&1 - Bob, ice cream is a science thing
Bob R/CA - not the way I eat it
Valerie/NYr - yes We did it as a science lesson, Bob...
canuk - Change of state, senses -could be science
Bob R/CA - (I've never made it)
Bob R/CA - ok, so I lunched
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Buenas noches, meeha. Mucho gusto.
Mary K&1 - I'm going to eat some ice cream, all that talk made me hungry
Jimmie/ESL/TX - I wonder if Braums is still open. I don't have any ice cream.
Valerie/NYr - have a great tomorrow//NYS lotto is 25 mil for Wed...
Jimmie/ESL/TX - 'Nite, canuk and Mary.
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Bye, Valerie
Jimmie/ESL/TX - Good night, John Boy and Elizabeth.
