HOLY MOLY IT'S NATIONAL AVOCADO DAY

It's National Avocado Day and nationaltoday.com recommends celebrating in the following ways:

1. Break the guacamole barrier. If you're creative in the kitchen, the avocado and the blender are your friends. ... 
2. Have an avo-makeover. Mashed avocado with banana and olive oil make a great hair conditioning paste. ... 
3. Nurture the pit and grow a house plant.

You can always celebrate by doing the "Banana Dance" (aka "Guacamole Song") with me.

http://bit.ly/drjean_guac

Form the banana, form, form the banana.  (Bring your right arm up)

Form the banana, form, form the banana.  (Bring your left arm up.)

Peel the banana, peel, peel the banana.  (Bring your right arm down.)

Peel the banana, peel, peel the banana.  (Bring your left arm down.)

Go bananas, go, go bananas.  (Jump around and act crazy!)

Go bananas, go, go bananas.

 

Form the corn, form, form the corn.  (Bring your right arm up.)

Form the corn, form, form the corn.  (Bring your left arm up.)

Shuck the corn, shuck, shuck the corn.  (Bring your right arm down.)

Shuck the corn, shuck, shuck the corn.  (Bring your left arm down.)

Pop the corn, pop, pop the corn.  (Jump on the word “pop.”)

Pop the corn, pop, pop the corn.

 

Form the mango…

Do the tango!  (Dance with a partner.)

 

Form the orange…

Squeeze the orange!   (Hug a partner.)

 

Form the tomato…

“Th” the ketchup!  (Thumb down and pretend to shake a ketchup bottle.)

 

Form the carrot…

Feed the bunny!  (Fingers over head like ears.) 

Form the avocado…

Guacamole!  (Shake your head and arms so your cheeks wiggle.)

https://www.tiktok.com/@chipotle/video/6717776814602816773?lang=en

Maybe I can "Guac" your word with my "Toolkit for the Virtual Classroom."

https://teacher-toni-9ea4.mykajabi.com/humanside 

DR JEAN'S TOOLKIT FOR THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

Next week I'll be offering a two hour workshop to help get your heart and hands ready for the challenge ahead of you.  Most trainings have focused on devices and technology.  Schools are more than screens!  Education is about children, families, and teachers - and that's what my webinar will be about.  

THE HUMAN SIDE OF THE DIGITAL CLASSROOM

 

 

FAMILIES

 

A  Attitude - Encouraging a positive attitude

 

B  Building Bridges - Relationships and expectations

 

C  Creating a Home Learning Environment

 

 

CHILDREN - What do children want and need?

1.    I want to be loved.

2.  I want to feel good about myself.

3.  I want to play and have fun with my friends.

 

 

TEACHER - HIGH FIVE for Learning Actively and Interactively

 

1. Circle Time Smiles  

2. Management Tips and Tricks

 

3. Sing to Learn

 

4. Game Time

 

5. Play Breaks 

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

There are two time options.

12:00 - 2:00 PM (est)

4:00 - 6:00 PM (est)

HOW DO I REGISTER?  

12:00 PM Checkout: https://teacher-toni-9ea4.mykajabi.com/offers/mc6KgPEt 

4:00 PM Checkout: https://teacher-toni-9ea4.mykajabi.com/offers/oLVCzkrV

Questions?

Yes, there is a $25 registration fee.

Yes, there will be a handout.

Yes, there will be a limited number.  (We may offer it again if numbers increase.)

Yes, there will be time for questions and for you to share your great ideas.

Yes, I AM EXCITED TO SHARE AND LEARN WITH YOU!

VIRTUAL SCHOOL BACKPACK

When I did the Region 10 Conference this week one of the participants asked if I would share some ideas for supplies in the virtual classroom.  Districts have different guidelines as to what we can ask parents to provide, but these are items that I think could be open-ended and  used for multiple learning experiences.  What would you add or delete from this list?

 

Dear Families,

One of the joys of going back to school is getting a new backpack and preparing school supplies.  A virtual classroom should hold the same excitement for your child.  Take your child shopping (online or in the store with a mask) and let them select a backpack. This backpack should ONLY be used when your child is “at school.”  That way these items will feel “special” to your child.

 

These are some materials that you will want to include.

 

Pencils

Crayons

Whiteboard

Dry erase markers

Spiral notebook

Pocket folder

Sticky notes

Scissors

Glue 

Small stapler

Tape

Construction paper

Copy paper

Optional:  markers, highlighters, colored pencils, stickers 

 

Note!  Use a backpack that your child already has, a cloth bag, or a plastic tub.

WHY?

Why are some of the items on the above list?  During the week of July 2nd-10 on my blog I described different learning activities with whiteboards, play dough, sticky notes, etc.  

                                 DR. JEAN'S TOOLKIT FOR THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

I've got a new "virtual" workshop for the "virtual" classroom.  

Email drjean@drjean.org for more information.

Whether your classroom is in the school building or on a screen, you’ll be ready to start the year with Dr. Jean’s BACK TO SCHOOL TOOLKIT.  You’ll discover ways to connect with your families and children, songs to get them learning on their feet, strategies to engage them, and games and hands-on activities.  

 

Ready!

Welcome Kit – Getting to Know You

Communicating with Families - Expectations

 

Set!

Start with a Song

Morning meeting (calendar, goals, etc.)

Singing and Dancing Letters and Sounds

Musical Moving Math

Tips and Tricks  (Attention grabbers, transitions, etc.)

 

Go!

Active Learning

Intentional Teaching

Learning Games

What to Do Instead of a Worksheet

Brain Breaks That Reinforce Skills

Memory Makers - Special Days 

 

VIRTUAL CONFERENCES

Friends, most of you are like me and will NOT want to get on a plane this summer or be in large groups. The good news is that two of my favorite people are hosting virtual conferences. And they are FREE!! And you won't have to wear a face mask!!!  This is like winning the lottery!!!

SOAR TO SUCCESS!
Vanessa Levin's conference will focus on pre-k and preschool educators.

https://shy-morning-8475.ck.page/13a644fdbc  

 

Note!  Copy and paste it into your browser.

                              


K/1 VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
Deanna Jump's conference is for K-1 Teachers.

https://deannajump.com/gyto-k-1-virtual/

                                 

It's kind of hard to sing and dance by yourself in front of a computer screen, so I hope you'll join me! Both conferences will have some of the top presenters in the country, and you won't want to miss learning the latest and greatest activities and strategies. 

Here's a special prayer that came in our church's weekly newsletter.  I was so touched by it that I wanted to share it with you.  It was written by Carol Ferguson at Crescent Springs Presbyterian Church.

A PRAYER FOR OUR STUDENTS

Jesus, friend and teacher,
we pray to you for our students,
and for all they've lost,
for the games, meets, and matches,
the dances and dates,
the projects and performances,
the labs and studios,
the graduations and awards nights,
the chatter of the lunch room,
the meetups with friends,
the routines and normalcy.

Even so we give thanks
for the virtual learning,
the texts and tiktoks,
human connection through technology.
We lift up the flexibility, compassion,
perseverance, and creativity
of our students, your incredible children.

Help them grieve what they have lost,
celebrate the strength they have found,
and remember that they are never alone,
but always accompanied by your love.

We pray in your holy name.  Amen.

                                             

JOIN ME!!!

I've got some exciting presentations coming up this spring! We'll sing, dance, have fun - and you'll leave with tons of new ideas you can use in your classroom. 

February 28 & 29, 2020
Pasadena, CA
Southern California Conference for Pre-K, TK, Kindergarten, and First
socalkindergartenconference.org

March 6, 2020
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Preschool Association
georgiapreschool.org

April 4, 2020
Vicksburg, MS
Early Educators Conference 
msullivan@vwsd.org


April 18, 2020
Wise, VA
Southwest Virginia Early Childhood Conference
scr5e@uvawise.edu


April 25, 2020
Mt. Vernon, IL 
johnsonp@rlc.edu

 

My goal is to remind you how much fun teaching can be!!!! 

NAUGHTY OR NICE?

If you've been "nice" then maybe someone will give you the gift of going to a workshop in 2020. Can't wait to meet you!!!

January 7, 2020
Fort Worth, TX
The Learning Center of North Texas
www.link-ed.org
www.tlcnt.org

January 28, 2020
Jacksonville, FL
Early Learning Coalition of North Florida
elcnorthflorida.org

February 28 & 29, 2020
Pasadena, CA
Southern California Conference for Pre-K, TK, Kindergarten, and First
socalkindergartenconference.org

March 6, 2020
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Preschool Association
georgiapreschool.org  

April 4, 2020 Vicksburg, MS
Early Educators Conference
msullivan@vwsd.org

Wise, VA
April 18, 2020

Southwest Virginia Early Childhood Conference
scr5e@uvawise.edu

April 25, 2020
Mt. Vernon, IL
johnsonp@rlc.edu

LET'S BE BESTIES!!!!

JOIN ME FOR A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR!

I'll be looking for the St. Louis Arch when I fly there in 

December for the workshop I'm doing for ILASCD.

I hope it will be a spoonful of sugar to help the school year go down!

December 4th, 2019, 9:00am - 3:30pm | Wildey Theatre 

Make Learning Planful, Playful, and Purposeful with Dr. Jean

 https://illinoisascd.org

And January 7th I'll be in Fort Worth - STEAM Ahead!
www.link-ed.org

Since it's almost Halloween, I have a candy story for you today.  I would NEVER use it with children, but it might be fun when you need a laugh or a smile at a faculty meeting. And, you might be surprised how aggressive grown-ups become over candy bars!!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TEACHER

You will need to take a look at the story to decide which candy bars you want to use.  You can easily adapt it to any situation. (It would be fun at a birthday party, family reunion, etc.) The first teacher to raise her hand when a candy bar is mentioned gets the treat.

Your alarm goes off long before you are ready to get up. It really doesn’t matter what time it is – you still are not ready to get up. But you go through the motions of getting ready and before you realize it you are already at school. You walk in the door and are twisted and pulled in ten different directions – just like Twizzlers.
The sink in the room is stopped up, a mother wants to have a long discussion with you, and here come the twins, also known as the Sugar Babies,  
who are on a sugar high. It’s barely 8:30 and you can tell it’s going to be one of those days.

As you settle into the morning routine, out of the corner of your eye you notice the school guinea pigs, Skittles and Snickers, 
are trying to break out of their cage. Luckily, Ms. Baby Ruth, 
your wonderful team teacher, catches them and secures the cage. 
The Three Musketeers, 
Todd, Robert, and Jeremy, are having a contest over who can run the fastest and Anna and Maria are arguing over who’s coming to their birthday party. You smile and pat yourself on the back for “rolling with it” just like a Tootsie Roll.

Twix 
answering an email and welcoming a new child, the teacher next door wants you to come see the store she set up in the math center. “Oh, Miss King,” you exclaim, “It looks just like 5th Avenue.” 
The books you ordered three months ago have just arrived and the children thank you for Good and Plenty 
things to read. 
Sophie, better known as Butterfingers 
is getting frustrated trying to make something in the art center.  You give her a little help and she smiles and says, “You’re such a Lifesaver."

The day proceeds without a major incident. Well, if you don’t call Kevin dumping a jar of glitter all over the floor. Every time you walk you feel a Crunch. 
After lunch you get a Starburst 
of energy and begin on the Mounds 
of paperwork that must be done.

When the children finally leave there is a knock on your door and in walks your principal Mr. Goodbar 
Today is Pay Day! 
You open your envelope and realize you will never be paid for what you are worth – even if they paid you 100 Grand.
 So here are some Hugs and Kisses 
(pass these out to everyone) to thank you for what you do!

ACTIVE LEARNING #14 - DANCING STANDARDS

All you need is some good music and a little enthusiasm and your students will master those sight words, math facts, and skills as they move and have fun.  Model these movements and then invite the children to join you.
                                           
Note! Children can do these standing up or sitting in their chairs.

Disco Dance – Put right index finger in the air and point to the left. Bring right index finger down by your side. Spell words or count as you move.



Swim - Pretend to swim by stroking arms as you count by ones, fives, etc. Can you backstroke? Sidestroke?

*Swim as you say letters and hold your nose and wiggle down as you say the word.

Funky Monkey - Fists out in front and move them up and down as you read sight words or count.
                                                                                   


Hitchhike - Right thumb up and move across your body and then left thumb and move across the body as you count, read words, etc.

Chicken - Hands in armpits and flap like wings as you count or spell words.
                                


Pony – Pretend to hold reins as you rock back and forth and say letters in a word. Lasso (arm in the air) as you say the word.
                                                


Batman – Make “v” with index and middle fingers and swoop them across your eyes as you count or read words.

Salsa - Left arm bent with index finger up in the air as you say an addend. Right arm bent with finger in air as you say another addend. Hands on hips and wiggle as you say the sum.
*Adapt for subtraction or other math facts.

Bollywood – Right palm up in the air like you’re screwing in a light bulb and then left palm down like you’re turning on a water spicket. Children can read sight words or repeat other information as they make the moves.

YOU CAN SING AND DANCE AND LEARN WITH ME AT THESE UPCOMING WORKSHOPS!

September 21, 2019

Early Childhood Conference

Virginia Beach, VA

CCPADirector@ccumc.net

September 28, 2019

Fargo, ND

2019 Early Childhood Conference:  Unstoppable Superheroes

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/area-preschool-advocates-24809011892

October 4, 2019

Columbia, SC

South Carolina AEYC Conference

scaeyc.org

January 6, 2020

Fort Worth, TX

The Learning Center of North Texas

www.tlcnt.org 

January 28, 2020

Jacksonville, FL

Early Learning Coalition of North Florida

elcnorthflorida.org

February 28 & 29, 2020

Pasadena, CA

Southern California Conference for Pre-K, TK, Kindergarten, and First 

socalkindergartenconference.org

March 6, 2020

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Preschool Association

georgiapreschool.org

April 4, 2020

Vicksburg, MS

Early Educators Conference

msullivan@vwsd.org

April 18,2020

Mt. Vernon, IL

johnsonp@rlc.edu

SUMMER CHEFS

I'm packing my suitcase and getting ready for some learning FUN!

Chicago, here I come on July 23rd!

https://illinoisascd.org/professional-learning-opportunities/upcoming-conferences-workshops/event/2019/07/23/summer-kindergarten-with-dr-jean---make-learning-planful-playful-and-purposeful

And, Dallas, I'll see you on July 25th &  26th!

http://www.frogstreet.com/splash/

How about some summertime snacks today?

Fire Cracker Sandwich 
Bread
Peanut butter, jelly, or other favorite sandwich filling
Clear plastic wrap
Yarn or ribbon
Cut the crusts off the bread. Flatten the bread with a rolling pin. (The children just like to "smush" it with their hand.) Spread on your sandwich filling. Roll up tightly like a jelly roll. Wrap in a piece of plastic wrap. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap and tie with a piece of ribbon. It will look like a firecracker! 

                        


Edible Mud Pies 
Instant chocolate pudding
2 cups cold milk
Flat bottom ice cream cones
Plastic container with tight sealing lid
(Place the pudding mix in the plastic container before starting this activity.) Ask the children if they've ever had mud pies. Tell them you have and they're delicious. Show them the container and explain that it's dirt. Pass it around and let them smell it. (Be cool and don't let on!) Build vocabulary by talking about how dry the dirt is. What's the difference between dirt and mud? Suggest adding a liquid and pour in the two cups milk. Seal tightly, then pass the container around the group, encouraging each child to "shake, shake, shake." Open it up and have the children describe what happened. Serve in the ice cream cones.
Adaptations: Add seeds (sunflowers) and a worm (gummy worm). 
*If you can find pistachio pudding you can make alligator pie.

Trail Mix 
Cheerios
pretzel sticks
raisins
fish crackers
chocolate chips
ice cream cones
Mix all the ingredients together and serve in an ice cream cone.
Yippee ti yi yo! No mess because you can just eat the cone when you’re through with the mix.
*Use cheese crackers, sunflower seeds, M&Ms, or other dry cereals in your trail mix. 

                                  

Ants on a Log 
celery
peanut butter
raisins
Take a stalk of celery (the log). Spread peanut butter (mud) in the celery. Place raisins (ants) on top of the peanut butter. March the ants into you mouth! MMMM!
*Use cream cheese instead of peanut butter to make “birds in the snow.” 




Ice Cream in a Bag 
1 gallon size heavy duty zip bag
1 sandwich size heavy duty zip bag
1 cup whole milk
1 heaping teaspoon of sugar
1 squirt chocolate or strawberry syrup
2 handfuls of ice
1 tablespoon rock salt
Pour the milk, sugar, and chocolate in the sandwich bag and zip. Place that bag in the larger bag, and then fill with ice. Sprinkle on the salt and zip shut. Throw the bag up and down for about 10 minutes until it starts to harden.
*Wear mittens or gloves to keep your hands warm.
*You can also make homemade ice cream with a small and a large coffee can. Fill the smaller can with the ice cream mixture. Place it in the larger can and pack with ice and salt. Children can “kick the can” until it freezes.

Pudding Pops 
1 large (4oz.) package of regular pudding mix (not instant)
3 cups milk
large marshmallows
popsicle sticks
paper cups
aluminum foil
Stir the pudding mix and milk until well blended. Fill cups half full with the pudding mixture. Put a marshmallow on the end of the popsicle sticks, then insert them in the cups. Cover with foil to keep the marshmallows down. Freeze and enjoy!
*For healthier frozen treats, freeze fruit juice, yogurt, or smoothies.

Life Preserver Sandwich
Bagel
Cream cheese
Blue food coloring
Fish Crackers
Add a few drops of blue food coloring to the cream cheese. Let the children spread the cream cheese on one half of a bagel. Decorate with 4 or 5 fish crackers.