tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52167893772580534342024-03-27T02:38:03.983-04:00Smocus Smocus (Hocus Pocus)...Inspired Ideas in the Classroom and Beyond!Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-6531152845767359302017-08-21T22:18:00.002-04:002017-08-21T22:18:47.809-04:00Eclipse - a short story<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dbaH9DQPAJvQbuUa6rXJaGigy0_IhVZAX-0EiPGTaSIl53jszRY-_BJOZSOMV3OkBcpuauUPmeo6JL4om1t_g21yBypdQrJJt_LqhWcyaVbDri1OkV8yEpJBkNeuY6GHfD_pEi8dWBkq/s1600/Untitled+presentation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dbaH9DQPAJvQbuUa6rXJaGigy0_IhVZAX-0EiPGTaSIl53jszRY-_BJOZSOMV3OkBcpuauUPmeo6JL4om1t_g21yBypdQrJJt_LqhWcyaVbDri1OkV8yEpJBkNeuY6GHfD_pEi8dWBkq/s400/Untitled+presentation.jpg" width="302" /></a><br />
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I was inspired by today's eclipse to write a short story. It's a little dark, pun intended, </div>
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but I hope you like it. </div>
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Disclaimer - I made my own cover with an image off the internet, I did not take that beautiful eclipse picture in the cover below. </div>
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Here is the eclipse picture I took...</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And now for my story...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniGS36L1ZHWRmTfwMMIc0H7m9QFz2MRnfaODcLg18U4r7igbihQW-cawAm85HfiYd7qYsCoVSEVf-TvXRHd9DTR9QJkaf0w3PY2nfNjIcNuqjoUWN5Eg3ex-q4YrsyRIPg9mLbiFwpioM/s1600/Eclipse+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniGS36L1ZHWRmTfwMMIc0H7m9QFz2MRnfaODcLg18U4r7igbihQW-cawAm85HfiYd7qYsCoVSEVf-TvXRHd9DTR9QJkaf0w3PY2nfNjIcNuqjoUWN5Eg3ex-q4YrsyRIPg9mLbiFwpioM/s640/Eclipse+cover.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<b>Countdown: Two Days</b></h2>
<div class="p2">
The days leading up to the eclipse were buzzing with a frantic energy young Millie Pryce couldn’t comprehend. Her parents were only five, younger than Millie is now, when the shadow of darkness last crept through the small town of Stone Creek. According to the newspaper clippings she had found online, the eclipse came and went without much fanfare or interest. In fact, the only article Millie could find about the 1979 eclipse focused on a car that, in the total blackness, veered off the road and landed in the creek. But now, to Millie’s bewilderment, there were two days to go and all the adults in town were acting weird.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
People Millie had known her whole life were suddenly crazier than a cuckoo clock. Take old Mrs. Potts, for example. She had the best garden in town and was well known for winning baking contests. Her apple rhubarb pie was out of this world. However, Mrs. Potts was recently seen at the senior center wearing a foil hat. She claimed it’s to protect her from the UFO that’s going to block out the sun. Then there was Jim Stevens, who was a little odd to begin with, but was now mad as a hatter. He spent his days sitting on the bench outside the library, mumbling to himself. Once Millie had stopped to listen and thought she heard him say, “the darkness will bring the demons.” Millie laughed nervously but continued walking. <i>Crazy nonsense</i>, she thought.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
Millie sat in the car with her cheek pressed against the window, forced to accompany her parents on their latest crazed adventure. A cool breeze blew through the crack making the stifling heat inside the car bearable. Millie’s parents were inside the Shop ’N Save. They thought buying groceries was “too dangerous” for Millie and insisted she wait in the car. Everything had become “too dangerous” since the path of the eclipse had been announced. Stone Creek, population 1,238, was right in the center of that path. But as far as Millie knew, that wasn’t cause for alarm. Yes, they were directly in the path of totality, but it was just an eclipse, which happens about once every eighteen months. She’d googled it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
She sat there in the car and flicked through her Facebook feed, laughing at each preposterous post. It seems that Millie’s friends were having their own bizarre adventures with their families. Lola’s parents were as paranoid as Millie’s. They’d dragged her on a three hour car ride to pick up her brother a week early from summer camp. “It would be safer for him,” they’d said. Jake spent his afternoon helping his grandmother polish and sharpen all the knives in the house. Callum had the weirdest afternoon of them all. His father made him string barbed wire through the trees along the edge of their property. The strangest part about all of this was that their parents wouldn’t tell them anything. No explanation at all for their unorthodox change in character.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
Finally her parents emerged from the store, weighed down with bags of canned goods and jugs of water. “Apparently <i>my</i> parents think the eclipse will bring famine and drought,” Millie grumbled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
With a carefully planned eye roll and exasperated sigh, Millie stepped out of the car and opened the trunk.</div>
<div class="p2">
“The eclipse is only going to last 2 minutes and 37 seconds. You didn’t need to shop for the apocalypse,” Millie said as she crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s scheduled for the spring of 2032,” she added with a smirk. One last blow to show her parents how absurd this all was.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
“Millie, please. Just help us load the car. We don’t have time for this now.”</div>
<div class="p2">
“Listen to your mother,” Dad chimed in. “When we get home we need to board up the windows and add these extra locks to the doors.” Dad pulled a package of shiny silver chain locks, the kind you’d find in a hotel room, out of the paper shopping bag he was carrying.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Millie protested.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
“Nope. This is very serious, honey. But I promise, we will explain everything. When the time is right.” Mom said as she placed the last bag into the trunk.</div>
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<div class="p2">
<i>There’s no sane explanation in the world for this</i>, Millie thought.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
</h4>
<h2>
<b>Countdown: One Day</b></h2>
<div class="p2">
There was a mandatory meeting at the church on Sunday. All residents of Stone Creek were required to attend. Millie arrived early with her parents. Even though they haven’t been acting like themselves lately they still viewed tardiness as a sign of weakness. The church was sectioned off. All children under the age of sixteen were instructed to sit up front while everyone else sat in the back. Babies and toddlers were allowed to stay with their parents. Millie stepped into an empty pew so she could save seats for Lola, Callum, and Jake. Everyone must have been eager to get to the meeting because a steady stream of people flooded through the doors. Millie waved her friends over and they slid into position next to her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
“What is this all about?” Lola asked, with nervous fervor.</div>
<div class="p2">
“Who knows? The whole town’s being super secretive.” Callum answered.</div>
<div class="p2">
“It’s definitely weird.” Jake chimed in. “On the news this morning they showed clips from other towns in the path of totality and they have become tourist destinations! Their streets are flooded with visitors coming to see the eclipse. Everyone’s excited about it.”</div>
<div class="p2">
“I just don’t get it.” Millie sighed. “It’s a scientifically explained natural event. Why is everyone freaking out?”</div>
<div class="p2">
Pastor Briscoe stepped to the front of the room and the crowd immediately silenced. “Good morning, everyone,” the Pastor started. His eyes were bright and alive, but there was an edge to them that Millie had not seen before. The expression on Pastor Briscoe’s face remained warm and friendly, but the creases on his forehead and bags under his eyes suggested he had spent the past few nights awake with concern.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Tomorrow the world around us prepares for one of nature’s most beautiful sights, a total solar eclipse. However here, in Stone Creek, we will not bask in its magnificence.” The smile splayed across the Pastor’s face slowly began to fade. “Here the eclipse signals something more foreboding.”</div>
<div class="p2">
“Thirty-eight years ago a total solar eclipse passed through our town. We all gathered outside to watch,” the Pastor continued. “The air was abuzz with excitement. Children ran through the streets with sparklers while their parents sipped cocktails on their porches. Businesses shut down for the afternoon so the whole town could watch. It was as if time just stood still. And then it actually did.”</div>
<div class="p2">
<i>What?</i> Millie couldn’t believe her ears. The madness afflicting this town had spread to the Pastor, one of Stone Creek’s most respected leaders. She glanced at her parents, sitting about a down rows behind her. Their heads were hung low and Millie thought she could see her mother’s shoulders shaking, the way they do when someone cries.</div>
<div class="p2">
Pastor Briscoe’s voice turned solemn as he carried on. “As the blackness made its way through town, things started to change. Loved ones turned on each other, quarreling over petty issues, becoming violent. Cars stopped working, clocks stopped ticking, and the electricity went out. We were left alone and defenseless. It preyed on the weak first, feasting on the sick and elderly before coming after those who were stronger-willed. You see, the darkness covered more than the sun that day. It fell from the sky and poured into our souls, filling us with thoughts so evil and un-pure they must have come from the devil himself.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
Millie became suddenly aware that she had been holding her breath and let it out in one incredulous sigh. What the Pastor was saying couldn’t possibly be true. But as she looked around Millie saw the clouded eyes of adults lost in thought, many with a silent tear running down their cheek. Ana Cleary, who was only seven, sat next to her and began to whimper. Millie put her hand on top of hers in reassurance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
In the front of the church, Pastor Briscoe paused. He took a moment before speaking again, choosing his next words carefully. “The darkness consumed us, lasting for minutes that felt like eternity as chaos ensued. Families were driven to madness and literally tore each other apart. Pets who had been loyal to their owners for years suddenly turned savage. It was only someone with the purest of hearts who could save us.”</div>
<div class="p2">
Unexpectedly, the voices of the adults joined in with the Pastor:</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“A lone light will cut through darkness,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>carving paths for the brave to follow.</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The purest heart will light the dark,</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>bringing back each living soul’s glow.”</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-converted-space">
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<div class="p2">
The sound of the entire town speaking in unison startled Millie. A chill shuddered down her spine and she was unsure if it was from the sudden noise or their chilling words.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<b>Countdown: Two Hours, Eleven Minutes</b></h2>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The creek was the lifeblood of the small town of Stone Creek. Rich minerals along its banks provided luscious crops and much needed irrigation and fish in the creek were plentiful. However, on Monday morning when Millie and her friends arrived at their usual spot, the creek had changed. They gathered at the bend in the creek where the grove of trees stood in a near perfect circle. The first thing they noticed was the absence of fish. Usually the creek was teeming with fish this early in the morning. Callum walked up to the bank, bending close to the water with his ear, as if he was listening to gossip from a friend. “Odd,” he proclaimed. “The water doesn’t sound right. It’s not babbling over the stones like it usually does.”</div>
<div class="p3">
Lola went over to investigate. “You’re right. The creek is silent.”</div>
<div class="p3">
<i>Silent, </i>Millie thought<i>. Like the whole town has been</i>. Her parents were silent, too, the whole ride home from the church yesterday. No one wanted to speak about the events that unfolded nearly 40 years ago. Millie wasn’t even sure she understood what <i>had</i> happened. After everyone chanted that eerie rhyme, Pastor Briscoe continued his speech, “When the darkness passed, the town of Stone Creek woke up and if not for the loss of lives we would have thought it all a bad dream. We were caught off guard 38 years ago. But this time we are prepared. We know what is coming and we will fight the darkness.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p3">
At that, people started to collect their kids and quickly ushered them out of the church. Millie’s parents were not in a rush so she took the opportunity to go ask Pastor Briscoe a few questions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p3">
Pastor Briscoe had turned his back on the congregation and was almost to his office when Millie caught up to him. “Excuse me, Pastor?” Millie called out timidly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p3">
He turned on his heels, “Ah, Millie dear, how can I help you?”</div>
<div class="p3">
“I just have a few questions, sir,” Millie took a deep breath, hoping it would help her drum up the courage she needed. “What <i>exactly</i> happened in 1979? In the darkness? You said that someone with a ‘pure heart will light up the dark’. What does that mean?”</div>
<div class="p3">
“Perhaps these questions would be better suited for your parents, dear.”</div>
<div class="p3">
“But I just want to know what happened!” Millie couldn’t help but raise her voice. She was tired of no one telling her what was a going on. She was 16 years old and hated being treated like a baby.</div>
<div class="p3">
“Millie we are not trying to hide anything from you. We just want to protect you. You have no idea what this darkness is capable of. It will reach deep into your soul, prey on your darkest thoughts, and turn them into reality.” Pastor Briscoe became more and more agitated with each word, practically spitting out the last one. “I saw a man rip apart his entire family, limb by limb, because he was convinced it was the right thing to do. I saw a woman eaten alive by her own cats. And I watched the Culver family, as their little girl, driven to madness, ripped out every hair on their heads.”</div>
<div class="p3">
Without realizing it, Pastor Briscoe’s voice had become loud enough for the remaining townsfolk to hear. A woman stood nearby, covering her young daughter’s ears as she cried into her shoulder. Millie’s parents charged over, their faces both red with rage and ashen with fear at the same time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p3">
Her mom spoke first, “I’m so sorry Pastor. I’m sure Millie didn’t mean to upset you.”</div>
<div class="p3">
“It’s all right, Persephone. Just get her home and keep her safe.”</div>
<div class="p3">
A flock of birds lifted off the bank, squawking as they did so, pulling Millie from her thoughts and bringing her attention back to her friends. Jake was taking something out of his backpack. It looked like an old newspaper clipping but it was very small with edges torn at extreme angles. “I found this in my grandmother’s basement. Dad had me looking down there for more barbed wire… Anyway, its from the Stone Creek newspaper a week after the 1979 eclipse.”</div>
<div class="p3">
“What does it say?”</div>
<div class="p3">
Jake read, “Solar Eclipse Triggers Mass Hysteria. For unknown reasons, last week’s solar eclipse caused moments of temporary insanity in the people of Stone Creek. People in town reported being overcome with feelings of rage and immense despair. The population of this normally peaceful town was cut in half due to…” His voice trailed off.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p3">
“Keep going.” Lola pressed.</div>
<div class="p3">
“That’s all she wrote,”Jake said. “The rest of the article is missing.”</div>
<div class="p3">
“Something bad happened here,” Millie exclaimed. “And I don’t know if I believe the eclipse is to blame, but I do know that I don’t want to be here to find out. I say we get out of town as fast as possible.”</div>
<div class="p3">
The others nodded their heads in agreement. Callum’s eyes grew bright. “I just got my license last week!”</div>
<div class="p3">
“Congrats, bro, but I don’t see how that’s going to help.” Jake added sarcastically.</div>
<div class="p3">
“I can borrow my mom’s van and we can get out of here. We’ll drive as fast as we can and keep going till the eclipse is over.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
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<div class="p3">
Millie and Lola nodded in unison. It was a good a plan as any and since no one had any other plans, this would have to do. The group parted ways, going back to their houses to grab a few things, snacks, flashlights, extra batteries, and maps, before they hit the road. They all agreed to meet back here, at the Bend, at 10:45 . That would give them a little over an hour to get out of town before the moon began to shadow the sun.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<b>Eclipse: 11:52am</b></h2>
<div class="p2">
Her parents were furious by the time Millie got back to the house. They demanded to know where she had been and couldn’t believe she had left the house so close to the eclipse. Millie tried to explain but her parents were in no mood to listen. And she had to hurry if she was going to make it back to the Bend in time. The walk home had taken longer than usual since she was trying to avoid the curious eyes of neighbors. Everyone was holed up in their houses waiting for the “eclipse of doom” to arrive and someone strolling down the street would have certainly drawn attention.</div>
<div class="p2">
“I can’t believe you left the house at such a dangerous time!” her mother shouted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
“I just went for a walk to the Bend like I’ve done hundreds of times before.” She left out the part about meeting up with her friends and concocting a plan to get out of town. Millie didn’t know why she was lying. It just came so easily. And even though she now knew the reason behind their strange behavior, she still felt that they were holding something back from her. <i>If they can have secrets then maybe I should too</i>, Millie thought. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
“The eclipse will be starting soon,” Dad said. “And arguing won’t help. We need to work together if we are going to have any chance of surviving.”</div>
<div class="p2">
“Your father is right. Now, help him with these boards. We need to close up the windows while we still have time.” Millie could tell by the tone of her mother’s voice that this was not up for debate. So, she reluctantly picked up the nearest board and followed her father into the living room. Board by board, nail by nail, Millie helped her father seal the house while the minutes on the clock ticked away. She needed to leave now if she was going to make it back to the Bend. Millie’s phone vibrated in her pocket as she received yet another text, no doubt from Lola, alerting her to this.</div>
<div class="p2">
“Dad, it looks like we are going to need more boards. I can run out the shed and grab some for you.” If Millie could get out of the house and away from her parents’ watchful eyes, perhaps she could sneak off to the Bend.</div>
<div class="p2">
“No, that’s ok, kiddo,” Dad said as he wiped sweat off his brow. “Mom’s going to get them. You need to stay in here where it is safe.”</div>
<div class="p2">
“It seems to me we would be safer in another town!” Millie spat.</div>
<div class="p2">
“Look, I know that this is hard to understand. But it is the way it has to be.” Dad stopped and placed a hand on Millie’s shoulder. “Everything will be ok. We’ve prepared this time.”</div>
<div class="p2">
“Prepared for what!” Millie couldn’t hold back any longer. “You guys aren’t telling us anything! Are we really supposed to believe that some evil darkness is going to descend upon us during a common scientific event?”</div>
<div class="p2">
“Millie,” her mother entered the room leisurely, carrying a board in one hand and tools from the shed in the other. Among those tools was a hammer that she tightened her grip on as she approached Millie. “Why don’t you go lie down upstairs. This seems to be much, too much for you to handle.”</div>
<div class="p2">
Millie backed away slowly. She had never seen such a dark look in her mother’s eyes before. They looked bloodshot, but instead of being crisscrossed in lines of red, they were black as night. Even Millie’s father seemed taken aback.</div>
<div class="p2">
“The time!” Dad screamed, realizing a minute too late that they had not been paying attention to the clock. Sure enough the partial eclipse was underway. Darkness had begun to creep in. It started slow and continued to grow, casting a black scar that stretched across town. You could feel it in their air, things had started to change.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p3">
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<div class="p2">
Millie peeked through the boards she helped her father nail into place over the window. Through the narrow slit she could see the house across the street, an edge of blackness caressing it’s front porch. <i>It won’t be long before it swallows the house whole</i>, Millie thought. She watched helplessly as the light slowly receded from both the world outside and her mother’s eyes.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<b>Darkness: 1:21pm</b></h2>
<div class="p2">
Total darkness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
Millie had researched total solar eclipses online, all the kids had once they learned Stone Creek was going to fall in the path of totality, but nothing could have prepared her for this. It was an eclipse unlike anything she was expecting. The air felt thick and velvety against Millie’s skin. Everything she’d heard about other senses becoming heightened when one was taken away was a lie. She could not see her hand in front of her face. She also couldn’t hear her father’s voice next to her, or even feel the floor beneath her feet. The darkness had permeated her senses, making her numb to the world around her, and left her defenseless. Millie felt herself slipping, as though her body was sinking into the floor. Her thoughts drifted to the rhyme.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“A lone light will cut through darkness,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>carving a path for the brave to follow…”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<i>What the hell does that mean</i>, Millie wondered. But she didn’t have much time to think. While the darkness dulled Millie’s senses it seemed to enhance her mother’s. Millie’s vision was reduced to nothing more than shapes in the dark and she could see one coming towards her. The shape spoke as it neared.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
“We just want to protect you, Millie,” Mom said “We want to keep you safe from the darkness.”</div>
<div class="p2">
With a sickening thud, her mother brought the hammer down straight on top of Millie’s head. Blinding pain radiated across her skull and, despite the darkness, bright lights flashed before her eyes. Millie fell into a heap on the floor and shielded herself with her arms as her mother rained down blow after blow. She called out to her father who stood as still as a statue in the center of the room. “Please, help me!”</div>
<div class="p2">
The sound of Millie’s voice snapped her father to attention and he tackled her mother in one swift movement. They tumbled to the ground, each struggling to gain purchase on the handle of the hammer. Millie’s vision slowly returned as her eyes adjusted to the dark and she could see her parents wrestling on the floor. She began to inch away from them but the floorboards creaked beneath her and their heads snapped in Millie’s direction. Her parents eyes were a black abyss that took her breath away as she looked into them. It was at that moment that things started to make sense. Her parents were prisoners, consumed by a wickedness Millie could never defeat. A wickedness that would consume Millie as well either at the hands of her parents or the mercy of the darkness. Tears flowed freely from Millie’s eyes. She understood the rhyme.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“A lone light will cut through darkness,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>carving paths for the brave to follow.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The purest heart will light the dark,</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>bringing back each living soul’s glow.”</div>
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There is no heart more pure than one that sacrifices itself to protect the ones it loves. Millie fumbled around in her father’s toolbox for his lighter and dragged her ragged body towards the gas stove. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “It’s the only way to free you, to free us. I must bring light into the darkness.” She turned the knobs of the stove on high, letting the room gradually fill with gas. Her parents scurried towards her with murderous rage, but it was too soon to flick the lighter. Millie needed more time. She grabbed one of the boards off the floor and stood. With all her might she swung it out in front of her, knocking her parents over and into the next room. In the few moments it took them to recover the level of gas in the air had reached saturation. “I love you,” Millie whispered through her tears as she ignited the gas that surrounded her.</div>
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<b>Light: 2:47pm</b></h2>
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Little Ana Cleary blinked as she stepped out into the sun. The light was blinding after what felt like a lifetime in the dark. Tentatively, she walked out into the street, towards the blaze that had shone through darkness and pushed the shadows away. Ana was the only one to emerge from her house, her dress stained with blood and dirt, eyes searching for survivors in every direction. Two teenagers were coming up the street. Their appearances as disheveled as Ana’s, but their expressions were blank. One teenager, a boy, threw his hands into the air hopelessly ferreting around for what to do next. Ana started to move towards them, but paused briefly in front of the flaming house. She knew what needed to be done for the darkness had told her. When it poured its way inside Ana the darkness liked what it had found. It clung to her insides like oil, coating her soul in an inky blackness. <i>The purest heart did light up the dark</i>, Ana chuckled to herself as she grabbed a flaming branch off a tree in Millie’s front yard.<i> But my heart’s pure too, and now I am going to make everyone’s soul glow…</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-75621214419523938102017-06-17T08:51:00.002-04:002017-06-17T08:51:42.934-04:00Summer ReadingSummer has officially begun for this tired teacher, which means that I can now tackle some books on my TBR list :)<br />
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What books will you be reading this summer?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-86806645361485717132017-06-17T08:01:00.000-04:002017-06-17T08:01:04.819-04:00Using Tech to Assess Student Learning <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As teachers we have tons of papers to correct and tests to grade (my correcting pile reaches mountainous heights each week!) So, I was pretty excited when I discovered that I can create fun, engaging assessments that automatically grade themselves. </div>
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<b>KAHOOT</b> has totally transformed my classroom! I've been able to cut my correcting time in half and provide students with immediate feedback.</div>
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As an addd bonus, <b>Kahoot</b> is so dynamic that students actually ASK to take quizzes! I know it is important to assess student learning to check for understanding and mastery of a topic, however kids are assessed so much these days! In my district students take the STAR assessment, are assessed for fluency every quarter, take benchmark literacy assessments, math performance tasks, progress monitoring assessments, and the Smarter Balanced Assessment in the spring. WHEW, that's a LOT of testing.</div>
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So, what is <b>Kahoot</b>?</div>
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<b>Kahoot</b> is a FREE online, interactive quiz program that lets teachers create quizzes, surveys, and discussions that students play on their mobile device.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMiKnrH1iAplnsg91p8PEqFGq3Z-yMNVH8Ry6MEipUZWohGvX0WyiahqTLrPPcns9UL0b2YmKRACM61OMATyan8F852e-flXTf8Rxcc34F6vwwbFl6WVZxnbrOfW0z_uvovtvAIlJa8Zu/s1600/Kahoot+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMiKnrH1iAplnsg91p8PEqFGq3Z-yMNVH8Ry6MEipUZWohGvX0WyiahqTLrPPcns9UL0b2YmKRACM61OMATyan8F852e-flXTf8Rxcc34F6vwwbFl6WVZxnbrOfW0z_uvovtvAIlJa8Zu/s640/Kahoot+1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I created a quiz for the end of a 4th grade social studies unit on the 50 US states and capitals. My class was excited, engaged, and laughing... while taking a quiz!!<br />
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Head on over to <a href="http://www.getkahoot.com/" target="_blank">Kahoot</a> to try out a sample quiz and start creating one of your own! Click here to try my <a href="https://create.kahoot.it/#quiz/de739295-2d8e-4512-8205-9f2e26dccc31" target="_blank">50 US States and Capitals Kahoot</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-20796337188283626912017-03-10T22:21:00.001-05:002017-03-10T22:24:44.250-05:00Back in the saddle again!Writing while working a full time job and being a mommy of three is tough. Very tough. But, tonight a sudden burst of inspiration has kicked in (with a little help from several cups of vanilla chai tea) and I think I've finally nailed the rewrite of the beginning! There is still some tweaking to do, but I finally feel that I am on the right track.<br />
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<script src="//s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/pacemaker-project-widgets/js/pacemaker-project-widgets-loader.js?username=SDempsey&planName=my-first-novel&width=200&height=200&view=graph-daily" type="text/javascript"></script>
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And to keep me on track I've found this nifty website to plan my daily writing. Since I've been working on the same piece for the last year I'm starting off at 21% instead of 0. Feeling like a winner already ;-)<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-88084662927683790202016-08-02T11:03:00.001-04:002016-08-02T11:13:15.984-04:00Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmvnIAUZLizTqtfufaTsbvHs4zwJ4TgAIsr3umzOJzA4E6CeHhnM1HQY4UlQadC8FKLfKXiMoVew2WnpAvK1OE3tg4iLS610q9XarDRMIsZxNRfrVzvMQFrf910y3DajVWh_FOOd3kwY8/s1600/toptentuesday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmvnIAUZLizTqtfufaTsbvHs4zwJ4TgAIsr3umzOJzA4E6CeHhnM1HQY4UlQadC8FKLfKXiMoVew2WnpAvK1OE3tg4iLS610q9XarDRMIsZxNRfrVzvMQFrf910y3DajVWh_FOOd3kwY8/s400/toptentuesday2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today I'm joining <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/2016/08/ten-books-wed-buy-right-this-second-if.html" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a> for their Top Ten Tuesday linkup.</div>
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Ten books I'd buy right this second if someone handed me a fully loaded gift card</h2>
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This list is going to be tough to keep at just 10... I've got some new bookshelves going up and can't wait to fill them (not that I don't have enough books to fill them already, lol).</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The crates just need to be stained and secured. Then I can start loading in books!!</span></div>
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So, I'm basically going to work off my Barnes and Noble wishlist. Many of them are pre-orders that are coming out soon (not soon enough! I think I need one of the Ministry of Magic's Time Turners so I can get my hands on them now!), but the ones on my wishlist are available now.</div>
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Now, if the book gods will kindly give me my loaded gift card, I'll be off to the bookstore!</div>
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What books would you buy with a fully loaded gift card?<br />
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Happy Reading :)</div>
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-89392025850087806782016-07-31T11:33:00.001-04:002016-07-31T11:35:42.499-04:00A Wizardly Wonderful Week with a HUGE GIVEAWAY!<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday Harry Potter!! </span></h3>
Today is a wonderful day!!<br />
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been released and I have my copy!!<br />
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So once I am finished with this post I will retire to my chaise lounge where I will spend the rest of the day devouring this book! Sorry kids, you'll have to fend for yourself today. Mommy has lost herself in the wizarding world!<br />
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I've continued to spread the Harry Potter love into my classroom as I prepare for the upcoming school year. Last year I put up my HP pinwheels and fans...<br />
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And this year I'm working on a few more HP items. The Deathly Hallows was a HUGE book so I've still got a lot of pages left to work with!!<br />
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First up, an HP lantern to hang in my classroom:<br />
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I chose a large section of the book that still had the binding intact. Taking several pages at a time, I curled them in towards the center. Before hot glueing the pages to the center I ran a piece of sting through from the bottom to the top. I then tied some old beads to the bottom. I love the final look!!<br />
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My next project is one I am really excited about...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-7kck98i47GNrT3CnD-yqXOvZueETJAxLROP-iHeIOxuJAr7MSM961Aw9Fan87H1VObW1NbPfY3afcbwrRLnZfQEEeBrTTy6pYiSRs-4pZSPLQj2Zl5VVY9jF-4qe-9CnyJvacUKdqJE/s1600/HP+Decor+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-7kck98i47GNrT3CnD-yqXOvZueETJAxLROP-iHeIOxuJAr7MSM961Aw9Fan87H1VObW1NbPfY3afcbwrRLnZfQEEeBrTTy6pYiSRs-4pZSPLQj2Zl5VVY9jF-4qe-9CnyJvacUKdqJE/s640/HP+Decor+3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made the signs out of the cardboard box from our new washing machine. Each sign will hold the name of a different fictional place: Hogwarts, Ember, Narnia, District 12... I can't wait to finish and hang it in my room!!</div>
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There is also a pair of Harry Potter themed lamps in the works. I'll post pictures of those when I'm finished.</div>
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So, Harry Potter kicks off the beginning of a great week!</div>
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Teachers Pay Teachers is hosting their annual sale starting tomorrow!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/-smocus-Smocus-" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jvBOIMsTq7sxkhvoragDp6NCF6lbssEyUfMB3cdGNbIqadGqcu2TsOdc1CUveEOZGkfEPmtLZG_0LqwAYxMI7xU11aWREnjMQ3eyAth6as8fD7zqnv23GD_OI8Qj-lrl2mhX4rIT3PF1/s640/sale_740_400+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And I have a $10 gift card to give away!!</span></b><br />
Enter below for your chance to win $10 to spend on resources for your classroom this year!! Might I suggest an awesome display of middle grades novel quotes ;)<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Together-Quote-Display-2403595" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJoiBaWt-tzEHb7PFYRymInldeucZMSR-E9JMP3Z2OyFNJeBeC5DtvQ0L7jQWptr9ms2alj20OK_awWqergaYIAJwXc7cY0_xVDp-zoKgv1xmEtuLLkvRNrui_2qlQg-4I_eRnaHsePoM/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="6f75ea131" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6f75ea131/" id="rcwidget_w60woy2u" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Good luck, and happy reading!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-58169913439281977222016-06-27T14:21:00.001-04:002016-06-27T14:21:08.761-04:00Summer Reading 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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SO much to read, SO little time! Hopefully the relaxed pace of summer will give me more time to read and write. This is an ambitious list, but I know I can do it!</div>
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-36455623565963386832016-05-17T20:12:00.000-04:002016-05-17T20:16:01.087-04:00Red Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently read <i><a href="http://www.arbookfind.com/bookdetail.aspx?q=177801&l=EN&slid=14082714" target="_blank">Red Queen</a></i> by Victoria Aveyard. This new young adult series is about a girl named Mare Barrow. She is a poor thief from the Stilts, dreading her upcoming conscription on her 18th birthday. For over a hundred years Red soldiers have fought a Silver war, spilling their common red blood to protect their gifted, silver-blooded kings. Mare's story is one of bravery and courage. She stands up for what she believes in and will do anything for the people she loves. That's why it is so important for her to avoid being sent to war. For Mare's people, war means death.</div>
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You see, there are two kinds of people in the Kingdom of Norta. There are Silvers (Kings, Queens, Lords and Ladies) who have money, power, summer palaces and winter palaces. And there's everyone else, Reds like Mare, whose only purpose in life is to serve the Silvers. They are forced to be laborers, working hard for very little pay. The Reds outnumber the Silvers so why don't they fight back? Silver blood comes with supernatural abilities, powers that Reds don't have. Magnetrons can control metal, shadows can bend light, nymphs can control water, and strongarms have immense strength. But these are only a few of the amazing abilities silvers possess. </div>
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Their blood is a threat, a warning, a promise. <i>We are not the same and never will be</i>. This is the true division between Silvers and Reds: the color of our blood. This simple difference somehow makes them stronger, smarter, <i>better</i> than us. (page 9) </blockquote>
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One day, Mare discovers that despite her Red blood she has a superior Silver ability, an ability that could save her or doom her. Of course Mare makes this discovery in front of the entire Silver community where all eyes were on her! No one can know of her Red blood, so she must turn her back on everything she has ever know, anyone she's ever loved, and lie to the world. Pretending to be a Silver princess, Mare is forced to hide her true identity. </div>
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She has only one choice to make... </div>
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...play along or join the rising Red rebellion. </div>
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No spoilers here! You'll have to grab a copy of <i>Red Queen</i> to find out!</div>
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I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel. Victoria Aveyard expertly creates a world where anything seems possible. She makes the Kingdom of Norta feel like it's the town right next door. Best of all, Mare's story does not end here! After devouring <i>Red Queen</i>, check out the sequel <i>Glass Sword</i> and the novella <i>Cruel Crown</i>. (The action and suspense really builds in <i>Glass Sword</i>!) Aveyard is still writing the third book in the trilogy and I cannot wait to see where Mare's journey ends!</div>
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This book would make a great addition to your middle/high school classroom library. The Accelerated Reader level is 5.2 and the content is not too mature for your advanced middle school readers (no need to worry about language or sexual themes in this series). I put 2 copies of this out in my 5-6th grade classroom and they were snatched up right away. My students are making great connections between Mare and Katniss (<i>Hunger Games</i>). One student even said that "<i>Red Queen</i> helped to fill the void left behind when she finished the <i>Hunger Games</i> Trilogy!"<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-58499125928131225372016-02-21T14:37:00.002-05:002016-05-17T20:19:39.839-04:00Sunday Scoop + a GIVEAWAY!I had some new things to share so I decided to link up with Teaching Trio for this week's <a href="http://teachingtrio.blogspot.com/2016/02/sunday-scoop-22116.html" target="_blank">Sunday Scoop</a> and to <b>give away a copy of my new TPT product</b>!!<br />
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<a href="http://teachingtrio.blogspot.com/2016/02/sunday-scoop-22116.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiyFlNkzUFk-XBaczZNEvExKzWbYAELV-ERmuhSyZyaOLn9GEN_dGYhTvDfrOnfhyyco9_o3wHzkkkcEwGwiaHZIjlnBTeVp5in_dAfdwinrJclQwAoaD7Sd4dZTDeCd-rPoGkzxAMwQ9/s640/Sunday+Scoop.png" width="494" /></a></div>
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This week our school is participating in <a href="http://www.renaissance.com/readquest" target="_blank">Renaissance Learning's Read Quest</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRA_iAWo_00mB8StLIaNxngMivauYVKhbW-2AEahJcDbM0ZKYI4F3-JxeAD5ElB2uYdQDnk5zQYGhArsqTsPx5FDFbR5KDmSprf9KMWgOFo0RDrxmfGu2T1W77xwn-JYEvsZlQy6xrEHFa/s1600/Social-Banner1-Twitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRA_iAWo_00mB8StLIaNxngMivauYVKhbW-2AEahJcDbM0ZKYI4F3-JxeAD5ElB2uYdQDnk5zQYGhArsqTsPx5FDFbR5KDmSprf9KMWgOFo0RDrxmfGu2T1W77xwn-JYEvsZlQy6xrEHFa/s640/Social-Banner1-Twitter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our school uses the STAR assessment and one great component of that is Accelerated Reader (AR). Students can independently take quizzes after reading any novel or story in our text book. The quizzes are quick (only 10 questions each) and provide a quick check of the student's comprehension.<br />
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On Friday, February 26th, the site is hosting Read Quest to see how many AR quizzes students can take in one day. My class participated last year and it was a lot of fun. They took quizzes on their own books that they recently finished and they also read to younger students, then helped them take their first quiz. My 5th and 6th graders will be doing the same thing this year, reading to students in 1st and 2nd grade.<br />
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I'm also using Read Quest to help kick off a month long reading celebration! Our 2nd Annual Battle of the Books will begin next week!<br />
Here's a picture of last year's bracket:<br />
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Our new bracket (with all new books) will be going up this week. I'll post some pictures once it's finished. You can read more about last year's Read Quest and Battle of the Books <a href="http://www.smocussmocus.blogspot.com/2015/02/currently-february.html" target="_blank">{HERE}</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Now, about that <b>giveaway</b> I mentioned... :)</span><br />
This year I revamped my classroom library. I wanted to go for a more mature look since I would be teaching in the middle school for the first time. I teach reading and language arts and wanted to bring my love (more like passion) for books into the classroom.<br />
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So I started compiling a list of great quotes from Young Adult and Middle Grade novels. I've posted them on a wall in my classroom to pique student interest. I wanted them to see that a book is often more than it's cover.<br />
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Students LOVE the quote wall and it often leads to exploration of the featured books! Mission accomplished!<br />
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My gift, to the first person who comments on this post, it's a free copy of my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Read-Together-Quote-Display-2403595" target="_blank">Read Together Quote Display</a>!<br />
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Here is one of my favorite quotes...<br />
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So, leave your comments below and I will contact the lucky one who comments first with their freebie!<br />
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THANKS :)<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-56867720457361045402016-01-26T00:14:00.003-05:002016-01-26T00:15:52.536-05:00I looked UPSometimes books evoke a strong reaction from the reader.<br />
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I threw this book onto the other side of the couch with a WTF that was a little too loud for 10:30pm and sleeping children in the house!<br />
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I just finished reading We All Looked Up, by Tommy Wallach. This book had been on my radar for a while, stuck in the never ending queue of my Barnes and Noble cart. However when I came across it at Target during a recent grocery shopping trip I couldn't resist.<br />
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First of all, the cover is minimalistically beautiful and so soft to the touch. One look and I knew it had to be mine!<br />
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I binge read this book, polishing it off in less than a week (while also being a full-time working mommy of 3 little ones). Wallach's clean, clear writing reads effortlessly, making it possible to loose yourself within his pages for hours. This part below, was so good that I stuck it up on my classroom wall:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="readable">The best books, they don't talk about things you never thought about before. They talk about things you'd always thought about, but that you didn't think anyone else had thought about. You read them, and suddenly you're a little bit less alone in the world.</span></blockquote>
The story follows four teenagers as their lives intertwine while awaiting the arrival of an asteroid that has a 66.6% chance of wiping out the Earth. The characters see this as an opportunity to shed the labels that have controlled their young lives; the athlete, the slacker, the overachiever, and the promiscuous girl. It's like the Breakfast Club except that impending doom is all that is waiting on the other side of the library doors.<br />
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Challenges plague each character as they try to achieve their end of the world goals. Controlling parents, distant parents, partying, riots, and even a stint in prison doesn't break their spirit. Wallach makes you care deeply for each character. SO deeply in fact that the ending will leave you speechless. Then, when the words finally do come, you will find yourself venting to your husband as he's trying to fall asleep. The real reason why your blood pressure skyrockets at the end....<br />
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Spoiler alert!!!<br />
I REALLY don't want to ruin this book for you, however the author spoils the end on his website too, so I figured it was ok for me to do the same here.<br />
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The book just ends.<br />
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It's the day that the asteroid is expected to hit, the characters are together, they "all look up", and then it ends. Does the asteroid hit or not?!?!!<br />
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At first I was furious. How could he end the story here? I flipped the last few pages back and forth, over and over again, thinking that maybe I had missed something that would suddenly appear. But then, after processing it for a few moments, I realized that the ending was perfect. It was too expected to go for the "happy everyone lives" ending and if he went with the "tragic everyone dies" ending then there would be no narrator left to tell the story. Ending it where he did leaves our beloved characters still intact and our minds racing with possibilities. What more could you ask for?<br />
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<b>Recommendation</b>: Must read! While I discussed some details of this book with my 5th - 6th grade students, I will not be releasing it into general population in my classroom. The concept of this book and the mature themes (teenage partying, sex, drugs) make it more suitable for the high school crowd. This book will live on my mature readers shelf where any brave soul who borrows from there knows they need parental permission first.<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-10843548272081402442015-12-02T22:32:00.002-05:002015-12-02T22:32:56.547-05:00Currently DecemberApparently the only time I blog anymore is for <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/12/currently-december-2015.html" target="_blank">Farely's Currently</a>... (blogger fail)<br />
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The life of a working teacher/mother/wife/aspiring writer is busy, so blogging has taken a backseat. However I do have something exciting to share...<br />
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My 6th graders complete <a href="http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> this week and were all WINNERS!<br />
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<a href="http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJI_tW2nfteWCg3hGhAQR8sDE3F1RuRSehGAAy0uCXfoc34PEyOqTZjz0fwpVUH9qz4jpbpyekg1rkA3J6zs_2jL9XKTmBdmhf79JMiPo6neL2OuKwcPcrXInrYDUBd5AEEZJ07GrXbckK/s640/NaNo_2015_-_Winner_Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month, which takes place every November.</div>
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My students met their lofty word count goals and have completed rough drafts of their first novels! Now begins the long tedious process of editing and revising as we get our novels ready for printing in January. <a href="http://www.fastpencil.com/" target="_blank">Fast Pencil</a> (a sponsor of NaNoWriMo) is professionally printing paperback novels for students who met their word count goal! My students can't wait to see their stories in print!<br />
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And, just to brag a little, I've peeked at their writing... It's pretty darn good!<br />
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Check out this passage:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Autumn couldn’t distinguish how long it was before she had woken up. Thinking she should just sit and wait for death to come, but then she realized Summer was still in danger. Trying to crawl out of the car she sees Adrianna lying there. DEAD. </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-759e88e2-65c4-f9fa-635c-f980073913a3"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“ADRIANNA NO YOU ARE NOT </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DYING</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> TODAY.” Autumn yells, holding Adrianna in her arms, now covered in her best friend’s blood. She places her face against her chest, crying, hoping her tears would bring her back to life just like in the movies. After a few more minutes Autumn crawls out of the car and whispers “Goodbye Adrianna.” With tears still dripping down her face, Autumn starts to run as fast as her injured leg will allow.</span></blockquote>
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And this one:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You know that feeling when someone’s watching you, studying your movement and your breathing? Well, I’m feeling that right now, and I’m not appreciating it waking me up at one o’clock in the morning. Now I’m wide awake and there is no way I’m falling back asleep without doing a little investigating first. On my way out my bedroom door, I see them. Green, glowing eyes right there across the room.</span></blockquote>
I took part in NaNoWriMo with my students too! Here's something from my work in progress:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="mso-list: none; tab-stops: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">The sound of trees rustling in the breeze drifts
through my window. It’s as if the trees are whispering secrets to be carried on
by the wind. The way school children play telephone. Each tree changes the
secret slightly, adding the arrangement of their leaves and branches to the cacophony
of nighttime sounds. Their secret ends with me, drifting into my window,
gently tickling my ear, and lulling me to sleep. Their soft breath wraps around
me like a blanket and carries me into morning. </span></blockquote>
I am so glad that I decided to embark on this journey with my students. I was hesitant to at first, convinced that writing nonstop for a month would create anarchy in my classroom and start the Great Language Arts Rebellion of 2015.<br />
<br />
However, I read this book over the summer <i>Teach Like a Pirate</i>, by Dave Burgess. In it he said that teachers need to be passionate. Burgess wrote "It doesn't matter what subject you teach. You can become totally engaging to your audience if they can feel your passion and love for what you are doing. You will draw students in as if by some magnetic force." By participating in NaNoWriMo along with my students I let them be a part of something that I am very passionate about. They mirrored my enthusiasm for writing and were eager to start typing each day.<br />
<br />
Every Friday during NaNoWriMo we had "Proud Paragraph Parties" where students shared their favorite paragraph they had written during the week. I shared what I was working on as well and in doing so I became one of them. We were equals, all working and collaborating together. It was such a rewarding experience!<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays Everyone!<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-1145683437087700202015-11-01T12:44:00.002-05:002016-03-28T23:26:58.605-04:00Currently NovemberI can't believe it's November already!! Time to link up with Farley for this month's <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/11/currently-november-2016.html" target="_blank">currently</a>:<br />
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Fall is my FAVORITE season of all time! I love the colors, the smells, and snuggling up with loved ones on cool autumn nights. However this fall I have a whole new reason to be excited... NaNoWriMo (aka - National Novel Writing Month)!!<br />
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I stumbled across this over the summer as I embarked on my own writing adventure. Essentially it is the idea that if you write 1,666 words per day for the month of November you will have a 50,000 word novel at the end of the month. Sounds like a neat idea, but requires a whole lot of commitment and self-discipline!<br />
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My 6th grade Language Arts class got excited about a journal prompt one day and asked if they could turn it into a longer writing piece (most asked to write novels!) So I went to the NaNoWriMo site and found that they have a whole <a href="http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/node" target="_blank">Young Writers Program!</a><br />
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They have a whole curriculum with lesson plans and FREE workbooks for all grade levels (elementary, middle, and high school). I printed them out and bound them for my class and they were super excited. Here's the final product:<br />
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The best part, the whole workbook is written in language a middle schooler would use! My reluctant-to-do-anything 6th graders devoured this and actually read ahead!!<br />
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I also scored a NaNoWriMo classroom kit! It included a poster for tracking progress, stickers, buttons, and a deck of writers block cards:<br />
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I am so excited to begin writing with them tomorrow!! We've been working on the prep activities in the workbook and they have some pretty creative and unique story ideas. I've reserved the laptop cart for the whole month so we can write every day! My plan is to try a flipped classroom strategy where students watch video lessons at home for homework and then complete the actual work in class. Nothing but writing for our whole 45 minute block!!<br />
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If this sounds like something your students might be interested in, head on over to <a href="http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/node" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo's Young Writers Program</a>.<br />
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Don't forget to head back to Farley's page for more great <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/11/currently-november-2016.html" target="_blank">Currently</a> posts!<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-84298600957015260672015-10-13T23:45:00.001-04:002015-10-13T23:45:17.214-04:00NaNoWriMo :)I had a breakthrough last Friday with my 6th grade Language Arts class!<br />
<br />
They loved Friday's journal prompt so much that they asked if they could turn them into short stories or novels. I had planned to have students choose a journal entry to develop into a larger writing piece later on in the school year. However, their enthusiasm convinced me to embark on the adventure now!<br />
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The biggest question was how to structure novel writing for my 6th grade students whom I only see for 45 minutes a day?<br />
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During the launch of my own novel writing adventure this summer, I discovered NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). It's a great website designed to get you writing and keep you motivated. I remembered that November is NaNoWriMo (the timing couldn't be more perfect)! I checked out their site and found that they have a Young Writers Program geared towards educators and classrooms.<br />
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Best of all... they have FREE workbooks you can download for your students! Click on the logo to the right to visit their site and check out their free resources for educators. I will be binding workbooks together for my students tomorrow morning :)<br />
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I used NaNoWriMo's middle school workbook to plan out the remaining weeks till writing begins in November. The workbook includes everything students will need to plan their stories, including content vocabulary definitions. I'm going to try to FLIP my classroom, having students complete the lessons and do most of the reading at home so we can focus on writing in the classroom. Here's my rough outline:<br />
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Check out NaNoWriMo's free notebooks <a href="http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/workbooks" target="_blank">{HERE}</a>. They have one for elementary, middle, and secondary grade levels! It is an amazing resource. I can't believe it's FREE!!<br />
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I can't wait to set out on this adventure with my class! I think we are going to learn a lot from each other! I will post updates along the way :)<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-33601683837940432042015-09-27T09:44:00.001-04:002015-09-27T09:44:10.375-04:00Coming Back with the Sunday Scoop!I've been a bad, bad blogger....<br />
Not quite sure what happened in the month's of August and September, but it seems that I have completely neglected this little blog.<br />
A comeback is much needed and I can't think of a better way than to kick it off with <a href="http://teachingtrio.blogspot.com/2015/09/sunday-scoop-92715.html" target="_blank">Teaching Trio's Sunday Scoop!</a><br />
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I've taken on a new teaching role this year... I have always taught self-contained classrooms, however this year I looped with my students and now teach 5th and 6th grade ELA in a middle school model! It has been so hard for me to wrap my head around the concept of switching classes. I only get them for 45 minute periods and it goes by so fast!!<br />
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Since I have most of the same students as last year, I wanted to change my room up for them. I didn't want last year's fourth graders to come into fifth grade feeling like they were still stuck in an elementary classroom. So I spent the summer working on some new decor, rearranging furniture, and organizing materials. I'm pretty thrilled with how it came out!<br />
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To put the icing on the cake... My SMART Board was installed this week!!! I'm so excited to use it!!!<br />
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Here's one of the quotes up on my wall. Soon the whole display will be available at my TpT store!<br />
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Thanks for taking a tour of my room! Don't forget to stop by the Teaching Trio for more Sunday Scoops!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5216789377258053434%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EtVlRtNIv3k%2FVgff0v4E_YI%2FAAAAAAAABMs%2F9BAq8agqAow%2Fs640%2FSunday%252BScoop%252B9-27-15.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=qNoDaQFqMngV&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 106px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5216789377258053434%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EtVlRtNIv3k%2FVgff0v4E_YI%2FAAAAAAAABMs%2F9BAq8agqAow%2Fs640%2FSunday%252BScoop%252B9-27-15.png&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=qNoDaQFqMngV&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 106px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-22549181430223539182015-08-02T08:29:00.002-04:002015-08-02T08:31:45.295-04:00Currently AugustIt's <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/08/currently-august-2015.html" target="_blank">August</a> already!?!? Where has the summer gone?<br />
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I can't believe that there are only 3 more weeks of summer left... I need to get back into my classroom to start setting things up. Yeah, I know I still have plenty of time, but when you have three little kids in tow you have to set up a little at a time. An hour in the classroom here or there is all I usually get. So I have to do as much prep as I can here at home.<br />
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Check out this super cool poster I made for my classroom library:<br />
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(You can snag them for your classroom <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Honey-Im-Good-Reading-Posters-2001308" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</div>
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I'm LOVING our new driveway! The before and after difference is amazing! It will be so much easier to maintain in the winter now:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2Iuwl1Q-TH5jzKXLVdXwO5I9o4y8YMjQV4njH9eHYUZAmDTw9QzDnfw7GSouTr627plD5-jrIAo3bshy9WQRvOnDSTsNgNI3QkNsD4PSJ3u8Eth3ChjdGluGCm0G5C8QbHNi8MLgwrbK/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2Iuwl1Q-TH5jzKXLVdXwO5I9o4y8YMjQV4njH9eHYUZAmDTw9QzDnfw7GSouTr627plD5-jrIAo3bshy9WQRvOnDSTsNgNI3QkNsD4PSJ3u8Eth3ChjdGluGCm0G5C8QbHNi8MLgwrbK/s200/IMG_1049.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR5bCenx1i5iA7Ms2arUhaZq0IYbFSBR3lfT_rJ6BHxm9dukNtpD2XvWv6YivwRCWyYKpVhyphenhyphendrpi1902RDli5kI0Dq2No8lkH70vpxkReBdCbwn20vFiZpykzBPX5X8Gt4HPCiDxbmkQa/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR5bCenx1i5iA7Ms2arUhaZq0IYbFSBR3lfT_rJ6BHxm9dukNtpD2XvWv6YivwRCWyYKpVhyphenhyphendrpi1902RDli5kI0Dq2No8lkH70vpxkReBdCbwn20vFiZpykzBPX5X8Gt4HPCiDxbmkQa/s200/IMG_1218.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Writing has gone well this summer and I'm glad to be finally setting this dream in motion. As always though, there is never enough time when you've got three little boys to chase after! Progress is slow, but I am determined!<br />
<a href="http://www.languageisavirus.com/nanowrimo/word-meter.html" target="_blank" title="NaNoWriMo writing toys games & gadgets"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.languageisavirus.com/nanowrimo/word-meter.html" target="_blank" title="NaNoWriMo writing toys games & gadgets"><br /></a></div>
</div>
11316 / 80000 words. 14% done!<br />
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<br /></div>
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<br />
Happy August everyone! Make the most of your last days of summer! <br />
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<br /></div>
Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-65023207460012722932015-07-16T14:21:00.000-04:002015-11-01T11:24:47.694-05:00Writing Update... My favorite character Writing a novel is tough. I feel like one of my students; complaining that I have all these ideas in my head but can't seem to get them out onto the "digital" page.<br />
<br />
I'm moving along and making progress:<br />
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<div style="background: #66CCCC; font-size: 8px; height: 15px; line-height: 8px; width: 11%;">
<a href="http://www.languageisavirus.com/nanowrimo/word-meter.html" target="_blank" title="NaNoWriMo writing toys games & gadgets"><br /></a></div>
</div>
8767 / 80000 words. 11% done!<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
But it is slow going with three active boys running around. I thought summer vacation was supposed to be relaxing!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I just finished writing a new scene and I'm loving the way a secondary character is coming to life!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14.0pt;">“I’m a coming! Be right with
you.” came a low, gravely voice from the back of the store. His hair entered
the room before he did; like a dandelion circling his head, jet-black except
for a small white streak slightly off center. “What can I do you for today?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14.0pt;">The gruffness of the man’s
voice did not match his friendly face. Two shining eyes made contact with me
from behind his <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5216789377258053434" name="_GoBack"></a>glasses. He gasped as if in recognition
and his feet faltered slightly as he stepped out from behind the counter. I
quickly looked at the agents around me to confirm what I had just seen, but
they were too busy taking in the shoddy state of the shop. Their mouths hung
open in an obvious sign of disgust. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Wh-Why hello agents.” The
man said, his eyes finally registering the presence of the three agents in the
room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14.0pt;">There was something familiar
about this man. I had never been to see a Tech Mechanic before, and I am sure
that I had never seen this man before either </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">–</span><span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14.0pt;"> hair like his was something one would take notice
of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14.0pt;">“So how can I help you
today?” the man asked, looking from the agents back to me. I continued to study
his face to see if it would trigger any sense of remembrance. There were small
lines in the dark skin around his eyes, evidence that this man smiled often. His
hands looked weathered and worn after a life of hard work. Eyebrows like woolly
caterpillars crept along the thick frames of his glasses. He wore a dark blue
work shirt with the name Abbit sewn neatly onto a patch on the left pocket. The
man’s look was unique and worthy of remembering yet I still had no memory to
attach to him.</span> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14.0pt;">I just couldn’t shake the feeling that somehow I knew him.</span></div>
</blockquote>
I have this great mental image of Abbit and he has such an important role in the story. He's not the protagonist, but he is one of my favorites!<br />
<br />
Your thoughts? Is Abbit a character you would like to know more about?<span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-29278523117264231792015-07-14T13:23:00.003-04:002015-07-14T13:23:34.973-04:00Taco Tuesday... Pizza Rolls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLepVHAXQsSNWtytpTjm46Uotvb-UPDqdJQOSN3T7OBLYXAc4awyK-ZwsVTme1UL08MKhLoN_eJH5SXGfi3nLhZqLymguvlnUSPrGjebHA20sqvSjS9gW3cg9dhyhcj0QVicbY2A0nA3lh/s1600/Taco+Tuesday+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLepVHAXQsSNWtytpTjm46Uotvb-UPDqdJQOSN3T7OBLYXAc4awyK-ZwsVTme1UL08MKhLoN_eJH5SXGfi3nLhZqLymguvlnUSPrGjebHA20sqvSjS9gW3cg9dhyhcj0QVicbY2A0nA3lh/s640/Taco+Tuesday+Logo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Today I am sharing my middle son's favorite weeknight dinner...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/veggie-packed-pizza-rolls/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1OfJLCoDvXcVA-q4IBuX3uLkuWBTsJylQoLUTHBCQpzXLO2qGJJPwx2rRAobhYbw22Iw6Gb3Y8P0vqkkqHud_yL_G8_Q7IfhL6ul-0M5Zvj6e9PinmGk7ZyIZbG-bTqt5WV_gPWqpnde/s640/Veggie+Packed+Pizza+Rolls+Final+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, as you can see, I can not take credit for this recipe. This one comes from the talented minds @ <a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/veggie-packed-pizza-rolls/" target="_blank">Super Healthy Kids</a>. I found the recipe one day while looking up ways to get kids to eat veggies. My son wouldn't touch veggies with a 39 and a half foot pole! But he loves pizza!<br />
<br />
The trick is in the sauce...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIaktouPd8cwv4uu0Ucyw8Z4DkWyCFdDvzW-XeAGQqoK7RgwyGLLZBfOEmZOenkrnUn7ySvVoXcOJcpBBIK21CQ5mYisGZ6dD8UFJReZcuuH2C6HCEXzpdvezR4t_cz6VxjFxnO8M2T0S/s1600/Chopped+Veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIaktouPd8cwv4uu0Ucyw8Z4DkWyCFdDvzW-XeAGQqoK7RgwyGLLZBfOEmZOenkrnUn7ySvVoXcOJcpBBIK21CQ5mYisGZ6dD8UFJReZcuuH2C6HCEXzpdvezR4t_cz6VxjFxnO8M2T0S/s640/Chopped+Veggies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
All of these great veggies get sautéed then blended with pizza sauce. It's so yummy and you can't even taste the veggies in there! I usually make the sauce over the weekend and keep it in the fridge to use during the week. It also freezes well!<br />
<br />
Here's a peek at the process...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8jSBmN2LuEWZeHl0ynX5LqKX5H_fLouoUYxw5mj-xaLJybVAbZeffED-tQzb9LhDTfBZupjE_RYc3SoAeXeIf8nACl1kQWQ9yMBZlFtL8tV3r6XAEubAeUuqb73uvWZcMkLoAgXugXBM/s1600/Pizza+Roll+Instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8jSBmN2LuEWZeHl0ynX5LqKX5H_fLouoUYxw5mj-xaLJybVAbZeffED-tQzb9LhDTfBZupjE_RYc3SoAeXeIf8nACl1kQWQ9yMBZlFtL8tV3r6XAEubAeUuqb73uvWZcMkLoAgXugXBM/s640/Pizza+Roll+Instructions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For the full recipe head on over to <a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/veggie-packed-pizza-rolls/" target="_blank">Super Healthy Kids</a>! The recipe includes a recipe for home made pizza dough. I've never made it; I just buy the ball of fresh pizza dough from the produce section at Stop & Shop. Prep can get kinda messy on your counter, but if you make the sauce ahead, this is a quick and easy weeknight meal!<br />
<br />
Don't forget to linkup your favorite recipes below!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/view.php?id=545237" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a><br />
<br />
Have a great week :)</div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-47176917496484710152015-07-06T11:00:00.001-04:002015-07-06T11:10:45.917-04:00My first page - a work in progress...I woke up with butterflies in my stomach this morning!<br />
<br />
In my quest to make this the "summer of writing", I sent the first page of the novel I am working on to published author Dianne K. Salerni (She's the amazing author of the middle grades <i>Eighth Day</i> series). I stumbled across Dianne's blog last week and submitted my first page to her "First Impressions" posts. She posts an unpublished author's first page on her blog, offering up her valuable wisdom and expertise to help the writer make it the best opening page it can be.<br />
<br />
So, this morning my first page went up on her blog (cue queasy stomach)! I knew it was far from perfect and I'm so grateful to get feedback from published authors and Dianne's fans. I've got some issues with tense to fix and a little plot editing to do, but nothing I can't handle.<br />
<br />
I want to thank <a href="http://diannesalerni.com/first-impressions-dreamkatcher/" target="_blank">Dianne</a> and the other authors on her team (<a href="http://krysteybelle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Krystalyn</a> and <a href="http://mainewords.blogspot.com/2015/07/first-impressions-dreamkatcher.html#comment-form" target="_blank">Marcy</a>) for providing the opportunity for me to grow as a writer.<br />
<br />
Stop by her blog to check it out and let me know what you think!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://diannesalerni.com/first-impressions-dreamkatcher/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhA2iPuizBH_2F6SdvURPFT2aeYAoU8ftKho36nAw3tVzShwBQcWyNQRlKHyLkZdPmDS9cHTRp3aPlDmGtwxy2K2S8w2LaPjRVz2rGhj9O-v4R1kjZKzoTwm7afenrdHlqzhbwMOiwQiY/s200/salerni.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've read the Eight Day (loved it!) and now I'm on Inquisitor's Mark!</div>
<br />
Progress update... : )<br />
<div style="background: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #000000; height: 15px; width: 200px;">
<div style="background: #66CCCC; font-size: 8px; height: 15px; line-height: 8px; width: 8%;">
<a href="http://www.languageisavirus.com/nanowrimo/word-meter.html" target="_blank" title="NaNoWriMo writing toys games & gadgets"><br /></a></div>
</div>
6172 / 80000 words. 8% done!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for your continued support!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfehWdv31BLxXUsMsahyphenhyphenP9TlsPIx95XSAoM2HCbqaBTfjqNrd8qtrpWx4Abdet9vyu_lTvIDfj_4k67B4PF0Ma5n1GjtOgvLjxIzsi-oL6eXnw5vtWirVkY9vt-mcjnXemuPWOym7Jgsi/s1600/Signature.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-44328084111399872522015-07-01T01:12:00.002-04:002015-07-01T01:25:53.052-04:00Currently July... Working on a DreamJuly is here which means that it is time to link up again with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/06/currently-july-2015.html" target="_blank">Farley</a> for her amazing Currently Party!<br />
<br />
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<br />
I've decided that this summer I will start working on a dream that has been nagging in the back of my mind for a long time now... I'm going to write a novel. YIKES!<br />
I've always enjoyed writing and telling stories. There are tons of ideas floating around in my head, just never enough time to put them down on paper.<br />
But this summer there are no more excuses! I am making sure I set aside time to write.<br />
<br />
I'm off to a decent start...<br />
<div style="background: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #000000; height: 15px; width: 200px;">
<div style="background: #66CCCC; font-size: 8px; height: 15px; line-height: 8px; width: 6%;">
<a href="http://www.languageisavirus.com/nanowrimo/word-meter.html" target="_blank" title="NaNoWriMo writing toys games & gadgets"><br /></a></div>
</div>
4487 / 80000 words. 6% done!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've joined in on this 1,000 words per day challenge. Hope I can keep up! Check out my new <a href="http://smocussmocus.blogspot.com/p/writing.html" target="_blank">{WRITING}</a> page for weekly updates.<br />
<div>
<br />
The hard part comes next... sharing my writing with others. So here goes nothing! This is the paragraph I just wrote (literally 5 minutes ago):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: HelloSketchie; font-size: 14.0pt;">Gram handed me the bacon and
toast, neatly wrapped in a pocket of white linen. My breath caught in the back
of my throat as I realized that I’d seen this cloth before. My fingers
instinctively traced the edge of the fabric till they found the small
embroidery along the edge. Feeling each stitch, afraid that I might miss one, I
let the name “Grace Elizabeth Maple” pass slowly underneath my fingertips. “My
little GEM” Dad had always called her. The pain their absence caused was boundless, but just holding this handkerchief in my hands brought back warm
memories and the strength to continue on. </span></div>
</blockquote>
Once I have more I'll be looking for some readers. Any takers?!<br />
<br />
Happy July :)<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-44233919231344069772015-06-27T12:04:00.002-04:002015-06-27T22:31:09.343-04:00Sequel Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bq9szXjryQrKxiKXzb4U5UkztKToBIV7jcFg4ABSSlMe7Unrt5Ed8S9TTuXKuAD4xPntrD3e4oqmm0cmGGySU4NT0m4R-fcvBlh39ZZfWNTW44B1cEDYdE3M0umz-W-hf_iC8q_D4Hne/s1600/Sequel+Saturday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bq9szXjryQrKxiKXzb4U5UkztKToBIV7jcFg4ABSSlMe7Unrt5Ed8S9TTuXKuAD4xPntrD3e4oqmm0cmGGySU4NT0m4R-fcvBlh39ZZfWNTW44B1cEDYdE3M0umz-W-hf_iC8q_D4Hne/s640/Sequel+Saturday.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is nothing like finishing a good book<br />
& finding out it has a sequel! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even better if it's part of a series!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sequel Saturday celebrates second place,<br />
the books that come behind great books.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So grab a cup of coffee, cozy up on the couch,<br />
& read on about your favorite book's younger siblings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Welcome to the first post in my Sequel Saturday series!<br />
<br />
Today I want to share two sequels I'm currently reading and enjoying very much. The first in each of these series prompted a swift detour form my <a href="http://smocussmocus.blogspot.com/2015/06/walking-up-summer-slide-one-book-at-time.html" target="_blank">summer reading list</a> and a rushed order from Barnes and Noble :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmF0vCTAa_WFB2iiSv31Iu3TViLMUKI33tLFwaVmNw9xMjCiAFAqrEShrjUZHUPIKV11T0dzPENzEpPCdrI8nHNMZFuBebmXbFsoxJ1Ycih2Z9d6gAxY3WU4VTGRKu-mJ1wgAhsp6YG29j/s1600/summer+reading+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmF0vCTAa_WFB2iiSv31Iu3TViLMUKI33tLFwaVmNw9xMjCiAFAqrEShrjUZHUPIKV11T0dzPENzEpPCdrI8nHNMZFuBebmXbFsoxJ1Ycih2Z9d6gAxY3WU4VTGRKu-mJ1wgAhsp6YG29j/s400/summer+reading+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Variant Series</b> by Robison Wells<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgDWYjsqCHXb6ZguyuPs7PLH6J9f-5iB8yca1wDOunxVfSOuvn7OxRv-9Z8sNIfyDyFnZtouIn_8wn1u45Az62iKJQoZB2M5t9AD7tZT3NdhjEVNlJ4BucuMTGbJ36ziIIvshVbvjjC3k/s1600/summer+reading+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgDWYjsqCHXb6ZguyuPs7PLH6J9f-5iB8yca1wDOunxVfSOuvn7OxRv-9Z8sNIfyDyFnZtouIn_8wn1u45Az62iKJQoZB2M5t9AD7tZT3NdhjEVNlJ4BucuMTGbJ36ziIIvshVbvjjC3k/s320/summer+reading+4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I found <i>Variant</i> at the Scholastic Warehouse Sale back in May. It is a fast paced story about Benson Fisher, a boy who has spent his life bouncing from foster home to foster home, until he receives a scholarship to Maxfield Academy. Benson thinks this will be the point in his life when things finally start to turn around... boy was he wrong. Now he is trapped in a school determined to teach him nothing useful and monitor his every move. Maxfield Academy has no adults and the students have formed gangs in order to stay alive. Detention = death in this stunning debut novel. <i>Feedback</i> picks up right where <i>Variant</i> leaves off and proves to be equally riveting!<br />
<br />
<b>The Eighth Day Series</b> by Dianne K. Salerni<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrp_XGPQ7ZbrEf72oDDIDhMArqeVaMLjpSMZbHwTqv36mVySkiktaNrXn6vyiQ1vMNiFYtaMSdjNGMpf0axOP7xfRWcdA5N8wrAiXyeA-CpKBaiL-0bggxYBD6yKe98TVPFUPYEQDciQY/s1600/summer+reading+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrp_XGPQ7ZbrEf72oDDIDhMArqeVaMLjpSMZbHwTqv36mVySkiktaNrXn6vyiQ1vMNiFYtaMSdjNGMpf0axOP7xfRWcdA5N8wrAiXyeA-CpKBaiL-0bggxYBD6yKe98TVPFUPYEQDciQY/s320/summer+reading+3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I ordered the <i>Eighth Day</i> from my classroom Scholastic Reading Club flyer at the end of the school year. It's about 13-year old, and newly orphaned, Jax waking up one morning to a world without people. The following day everyone's back and Jax is left feeling crazy. But with the help of his guardian Jax learns that he is part of a select group of people who have the power to experience a magical Eighth Day, an extra 24 hours between Wednesday and Thursday. The story is exciting and rooted in Arthurian legend and magic! It was a big hit in my classroom and I'm sure the sequel will not disappoint!<br />
<br />
<br />
Check back soon for full reviews on all books featured here!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What are you reading this summer?</span></b><br />
Happy reading :)</div>
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Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-84639755464203387692015-06-23T08:54:00.001-04:002015-06-23T18:31:19.582-04:00Taco Tuesday - Overnight Cold Oatmeal!It's time once again for...<br />
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This week I want to share my favorite quick breakfast recipe. Mornings in my house are hectic... trying to get myself ready for work and 3 little boys dressed and off to school means that I don't have time for breakfast. Usually I end up grabbing something super unhealthy, smothered in chocolate, and loaded with carbs...<br />
<br />
I found a recipe online somewhere for Overnight Cold Oats and over time I adapted it a little. It is now my go to breakfast every morning!<br />
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<br />
This is easy to prepare at night after the kids go to bed. It only takes me about 15 minutes and I usually make 3 at a time. It's a simple recipe and just requires you to mix the ingredients together! The "magic" happens overnight in the refrigerator... The chia seeds soak up the liquid in the jar, making a thick, cold, creamy oatmeal!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG32EqshQVc_Pn4maOz4TN4PRT5JTZqz0FlFXLBLygUf2cCXg7aS7Bo0QmULTj-O9AevgJBA4ZexhkJVlEL6hkZDZmZIFBQ3pf9hCb1ywg3mzCp14K3zPoTOSZoEPt6zVWqfj9KHpg17C/s1600/oatmeal+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG32EqshQVc_Pn4maOz4TN4PRT5JTZqz0FlFXLBLygUf2cCXg7aS7Bo0QmULTj-O9AevgJBA4ZexhkJVlEL6hkZDZmZIFBQ3pf9hCb1ywg3mzCp14K3zPoTOSZoEPt6zVWqfj9KHpg17C/s640/oatmeal+4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just start with a glass mason jar, add the ingredients, mixing along the way, then cover and refrigerate overnight! (I found the plastic screw-on lids for mason jars at Wal-Mart). The best part about this recipe is that you can change up the flavors however you want! I've used many different flavors of Greek yogurt and different combos of fresh fruit. I like to put a lot of fruit in mine (strawberries are the best)!<br />
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Check out the full recipe and some of the flavor combinations I have tried:<br />
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Have a great recipe you'd like to share? It could be an original recipe, an old family favorite, or a great Pinterest/cookbook find. Post about it on your blog and link it back here (Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B321jSA3B6NaQi1hOUwyeEt6ZXM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download the Taco Tuesday Logo for your post)!<br />
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I can't wait to see what you're cooking up in the kitchen this week!<br />
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ENJOY, and thanks for linking up!<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-55129201584908399372015-06-16T00:00:00.000-04:002015-06-15T21:28:53.134-04:00The First Taco Tuesday Linkup!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Summer for teachers means more time for blogging! Summer gives us time to spend with our families, reflect on our teaching, and RELAX. And I can't think of a better way to relax than with FOOD.</div>
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This summer I want to build upon my stash of recipes for the school year (planning weeknight meals is my kryptonite). </div>
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SO, without further ado I welcome you to...</div>
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Since this is the first Taco Tuesday I felt it appropriate to begin with a taco/nacho recipe! (While Mexican food is amazing... Recipes do not have to be Mexican themed to share)</div>
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This is a basic nacho meat recipe that is quick and easy to prep and can be served multiple ways. I like to make a batch on the weekend and serve it up several different ways during the week! I store the meat a tupperware container in the fridge for up to a week.<br />
My favorite is with shredded cheese and tortilla chips!</div>
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I like my nachos spicy! When I make this I use HOT taco seasoning and HOT salsa. The best part is that you can customize the level of "hotness" to suit your tastebuds.<br />
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Have a great recipe you'd like to share? It could be an original recipe, an old family favorite, or a great Pinterest/cookbook find. Post about it on your blog and link it back here (Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B321jSA3B6NaQi1hOUwyeEt6ZXM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download the Taco Tuesday Logo for your post)!<br />
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I can't wait to see what you're cooking up in the kitchen!<br />
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Thanks for linking up!<br />
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Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-83329919753192517472015-06-09T23:21:00.000-04:002015-06-09T23:22:40.135-04:00Walking up the "Summer Slide" one book at a time...We've all been there before... That daunting task of getting students to read over summer vacation. As teachers we know how important summer reading is to help combat the "summer slide" that takes place over the months of July and August. Reading during the summer helps improve and retain literacy and language skills. Studies show that students who don't read or read rarely over the summer experience a decline or stagnation in their reading skills when school starts in the fall.<br />
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We don't want all the hard work done over the course of a school year to unravel at the beach or by the pool. We need to keep kids engaged in learning opportunities throughout the summer. Sounds simple enough, but how can we compete with the attraction of the great outdoors, sports, video games, and trips to the beach?<br />
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The answer is to keep reading FUN! We need to make reading as exciting as a pool party or the latest video game. Here are some tips for keeping reading fun and fresh throughout the summer:<br />
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<li><b>Use technology to your advantage!</b> Most families I know have an iPad or tablet and kids love to use them. There are some awesome interactive ebooks out there that will keep kid's attention. LeapFrog has some great ebooks for younger kids to use with their LeapPads. There are also some great sites out there that will help keep students engaged in literacy and language activities. <a href="https://www.raz-kids.com/" target="_blank">RAZ Kids</a> provides students with leveled texts that they can read themselves, have read to them, and even record themselves reading. They also complete quizzes after each book to earn points used to dress up their avatar. <a href="http://www.storylineonline.net/" target="_blank">Storyline Online</a> is a video database of favorite children's books read to you by celebrities. One of my favorites is Thank You Mr. Faulkner, by Patricia Polacco. It may be a picture book, but it's a good story perfect for 4th-5th graders. This book has a strong message about bullying and acceptance. Check out the Storyline video for this great book below:</li>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/abN2aP_Dzd0" width="420"></iframe>
<li><b>Find new and interesting books!</b> There is nothing more detrimental to a struggling reader than a boring book! To keep kids engaged you need to find out what they are interested in. Then search around to find books that are just the right fit. Throughout my 9 years teaching I've come across two very reluctant readers. Each one was considered a "troublemaker", did not care about their school work, and did not have any support at home. Instead of writing them off I guided them to read My Side of the Mountain, by Jeanne Craighead George (I based this on their love of the outdoors). The results were magical! Instead of being a distraction to the class with their usual shenanigans they had their noses in that book 24/7. Their classwork started to improve, homework was getting done, and their overall outlook on school changed. They were all the proof I needed that the right book in the right hands can be a game changer. Here are some great books, old and new, that might help grab the attention of your reluctant reader:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgKk58UFr9RpCELHqdwtxpoq6e_bt7KD-flaIh6SE_y-hYJukE72xkW_XV67_iDH9X2y5awT-Y0-MKqKpu-kuc6ufZvdV3kOXPBp65hV4-8MMKrrgAmyLJFBwvkb7HunV5-g2OQWBhIyz/s1600/Reading+Suggestions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgKk58UFr9RpCELHqdwtxpoq6e_bt7KD-flaIh6SE_y-hYJukE72xkW_XV67_iDH9X2y5awT-Y0-MKqKpu-kuc6ufZvdV3kOXPBp65hV4-8MMKrrgAmyLJFBwvkb7HunV5-g2OQWBhIyz/s640/Reading+Suggestions.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li><b>Create a climate for reading! </b>Students need to see you read! Simple as that. We all have busy lives and often think "Who has time to read for pleasure?" But how can we expect our children and students to read when we don't? Kids need to know that their teachers and parents read for fun. Seeing adults read creates positive role models for students and helps create a community of readers in your school (or home). I know it's tempting to sit and correct papers or wash the dishes while your students/children read independently but fight that urge! I bring in a book from home and read while my students do. They often ask me about what I'm reading and we'll have impromptu discussions about our books. Here's what I'm looking forward to this summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcehhQN46CQvBVwSOL0iLGef29LRiNuXh8jg-qjTCqvy3Mzhz2WPyx1dAYeuk2mEf-gIJoo5ZVLHGrerea0wgmwM566oF_LWEDZEXFHzoKAhBaZfAUiZGhvlrgWNr-GkKJQRl2tIaNMC3/s1600/Summer+Reading+Shelf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcehhQN46CQvBVwSOL0iLGef29LRiNuXh8jg-qjTCqvy3Mzhz2WPyx1dAYeuk2mEf-gIJoo5ZVLHGrerea0wgmwM566oF_LWEDZEXFHzoKAhBaZfAUiZGhvlrgWNr-GkKJQRl2tIaNMC3/s640/Summer+Reading+Shelf.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li><b>Celebrate reading accomplishments!</b> Every year our students in CT are asked to complete the Governor's Summer Reading Challenge. Mostly it's a pamphlet where students list all the books they read over the summer. It's cute, but alone it does not provide any incentive for students to read. At our school students get 1 inch of duct tape for ever book they read. Then, the use their duct tape to tape a teacher to the wall during lunch. It's fun, but it's not a huge motivator. I know a lot of schools that have great reading celebrations when school starts in the fall and I'm hoping that our school will soon too. This year I created a points system for summer reading that I will have my incoming students use. They get points for reading in various setting and for reading various types of text. During the first week of school they will count up their points and trade them in for a reward or celebration (I'm still working out what that will be...) Click on the image below to get this activity for your classroom: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Reading-Activity-1889464" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYjOXwQIVDKLlIa8_-tYacx4mwDztNpEINczOmelGHwfVFrXooHsCB6760mIFQJbFz7VSBx_bkwXrduLpst9yHNaQ9lP-GGn8c5nqoemOqKaQN04YRrLcGqMLVEnUnCMxbvJl3tDxrMgi/s640/Summer+Reading.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Good luck to teachers and parents everywhere as we battle to defeat the "summer slide"!<br />
I'd love to hear how you keep your students engaged in summer reading. Share your thoughts in the comments below!<br />
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Have a GREAT summer!<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-3290502387871507932015-06-02T20:42:00.001-04:002015-06-02T20:42:56.249-04:00Currently JuneIt's the FINAL COUNTDOWN!!<br />
I seriously can't believe it's June already! We're in the home stretch! School's out for us June 17th!<br />
So, I guess it's time to start thinking about summer with <a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/06/currently-june-2015-and-helping.html" target="_blank">Farley</a> and this month's Currently:<br />
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<a href="http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.com/2015/06/currently-june-2015-and-helping.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEPnUtSchyKEjLxQ2fOS2k7k7_F6X_bDRUJ5qJIrMcRhAUcYCL5cBmFmX39a8dlXICL5DWMsNGcVV5qDS6bwYIIq26gWKKOeMb2lGtsZyyEMKyp1ClGTsQfvRbJ9INya5kIOSK52PosRv/s640/Slide2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>LOVING</b>... my new "Teacherpreneur" Planner! I recently purchased some clipart from The 3AM Teacher on Etsy and she sent me a free gift, the complete HELLO Planner! I picked the pages I wanted, printed them off, and took them over to Staples to be spiral bound (only cost me $4.97)!!<br />
The end result is a super cute and very functional planner for all my blogging and TpT-ing adventures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBwRsP-u9cE907DxQHegd7NJM9Rs-pDeg0FT1dpTW7zVsBtL-RnK5GRmMel1aBbkwheZEC-4L9Lbq3Q9EQaNVJZzwofjxPofuEKn8LDQIoDbJecWlRL1XM3lh9sXR3xRqWutRGvD2B4g0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBwRsP-u9cE907DxQHegd7NJM9Rs-pDeg0FT1dpTW7zVsBtL-RnK5GRmMel1aBbkwheZEC-4L9Lbq3Q9EQaNVJZzwofjxPofuEKn8LDQIoDbJecWlRL1XM3lh9sXR3xRqWutRGvD2B4g0/s640/Slide1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had no idea Staples could bind books for you so quickly and cheaply! I've made my own lesson planning pages for years now and have always hated carting around a clunky binder. I will definitely be getting it spiral bound in the fall!!<br />
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Click on the image below to head on over the The 3AM Teacher's shop on Etsy.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200912218/hello-business-planner-for-any-year?ref=ss_listing" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfNFlvfwogQePWTIkEtbZ7H39J_leOqLQ_1mbSiwQ20YhSi_gOQB2KsjECvO-bH0BBN3BkC4wzbcX6yG5j3oDPTfcmR7QICB1aJi-QDMaReTUtBjNfPrn_VdOMNzvFTkggKo2nPdSxk3V/s320/3am_HelloPlanner_HOW+TO+USE+THIS+PLANNER2.png" width="246" /></a></div>
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<b>THINKING</b>... about a Disney trip this fall. Possibly without the kids to celebrate our 10 year anniversary (wow time has flown by!)! My husband and I have never been on a solo vacation and the idea is soooooo tempting. However I would feel so guilty going to Disney without the boys... DILEMMA!<br />
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<b>WANTING</b>... my nose to feel better. My adorable, sweet, loving toddler head-butted me over the weekend. Waiting to hear back from the doctor to see if there is a fracture... LOL, the joys of parenthood!<br />
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<b>NEEDING</b>... more time! Like always!<br />
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<b>SUMMER LOVIN</b>... time to plan and prep for another grade level next year! We got our teaching assignments today and it looks like I'm moving... again! 5th move in 10 years (all in the same little school). Back to 5th grade I go!<br />
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I hope you all have a great end to your school years!!<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5216789377258053434.post-19629545573054273442015-05-04T13:24:00.000-04:002016-05-17T20:25:59.511-04:00Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://techieturtleteacher.blogspot.com/2015/05/movie-clip-monday-54-how-bees-are-made.html" target="_blank">Techie Turtle Teacher</a> for...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeL9Vm-R-_5tNpyEnNBrHgen58n1EpuAnlsGq0WNGsjCxOcQSDVBZoEZSzSdMJKzuV53zXq5ueawb70X6NhhW_mNQVM-xrBGx6zjcrJcY84tXw0ZQFyLa2LJPKsBVwOuQxC1cAkpe5rO1/s1600/MovieClipMonday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeL9Vm-R-_5tNpyEnNBrHgen58n1EpuAnlsGq0WNGsjCxOcQSDVBZoEZSzSdMJKzuV53zXq5ueawb70X6NhhW_mNQVM-xrBGx6zjcrJcY84tXw0ZQFyLa2LJPKsBVwOuQxC1cAkpe5rO1/s200/MovieClipMonday.png" width="189" /></a></div>
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This clip is for pure enjoyment only! No lesson plan or educational objective here! I just wanted something fun to celebrate teachers this week... and who doesn't love a good Uptown Funk parody! So take a break during lunch, put down the pen, stop correcting papers, and get "funky" : )</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J6zcIFUvdJ0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!</span></b></div>
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Don't forget to stop by my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/-smocus-Smocus-" target="_blank">TpT store</a> and take advantage of a great sale!!</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/-smocus-Smocus-" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsdxZoFsOfBBVulM9vkR1Jycf02c6-lljG1SDUJFbbfNHLfcMggGSW9jJ9Z-sNEthEBi8a66Tf8n09RrCbMuw-4v4gvc3DyrbrRmFSrv3QpwHfUPIuanSxKh1WEBl_AOZNcBVxNcNR4jE/s640/sale_720_90.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thank you for all that you do!<br />
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<br />Stacie Dempseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17605466161087234735noreply@blogger.com0