ScootPad

Have you heard of this gem? I recently learned aBout it through Pinterest.
Here is a link to the blog where I first learned about it.
http://www.lessonplandiva.com/2013/02/do-you-use-scootpadcom.html

Now here are my thoughts on this gem. First of all I set up my whole class in about 10 minutes. I did have trouble signing up using their google feature. I had to end up using a different email. After I was actually signed up and logged in, 10 minutes to put my kids in. I could even choose their usernames if I wanted. I didn't bring their username and password list home with me, so at the moment the computer generated them. However I love that I have the option to make them the same as the ones we use at school. Total plus. Also you can print out cards with their username and password.
Next I was able to assign homework based on common core standards. Honestly this was tricky for me. It took a day and I had to delete my original homework assignment before I was able to get it to work. Most likely user error. It was pretty self explanatory.
One thing I did do was make my own student account to try out to make sure everything worked.
In addition to the homework they have a self paced learning path also. This goes through the common core as well, but allows you to adjust the level of common core for those that need easier and harder practice
Now the big question, how will I use this in my room.
First of all, there will be one homework assignment per week for math and reading to complete. We have 2 computers, 2 iPads and access to laptops. We will go to our computer lab once a week to give time for this, if needed. Since not all my students have Internet at home, the homework section will be completed at school. The self paced section may be completed at home. This will give me more information on what my students can do and where they are. It also gives them added practice.
My referral link is posted below if you would like to try it out. It is free for the first 30 days, then $5 a month.
I will post more as we use it in class.
http://scootpad.com/247142

Homemade Valentines

I have a very active five year old son. In order to help with his attention and hyper ness we have cut artificial dyes out of his diet. Short side of the story is if it has a color word on it we usually don't feed it to him.
Well holidays such as valentines day bring out tons of candy. Not as much as Halloween, but still an excess.
This year we made the same candy less valentines as last year for my sons's class. The idea came from Pinterest. Melted broken crayons in heart molds, make awesome multi-colored crayons.
A few tricks we have learned to make this go easier:
1. Use a utility knife and cutting mat to take the paper off. This is so much quicker.
2. Use new crayons. Buy them at back to school time. I always buy like 20 boxes to use through the year.
3. Don't bother cutting the crayons into small pieces, break them in half and put the halves in separate molds. Much easier and quicker and works just the same.
4. Use a scrap booking tape runner. I prefer my pink A&G gun. I put one strip on card and stick smooth side of crayon down.
5. Also add a do not eat note on these. I have given them to 4 and 5 year olds and find this disclaimer important. (Nothing terribly bad happens if you eat a crayon, I ate one on valentines day in kindergarten, ok maybe 4. I did throw up but am perfectly fine.)
Hope you enjoyed this post and have another useful idea for candy free valentines.