tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81997829304591969452024-03-13T11:30:27.045-04:00Teaching Young WritersWelcome to a stream of ideas as I venture on a journey to develop young writers. This blog will be influenced by my current reading list, conferences, colleagues, your comments and of course the students I work with each day. The connection between all forms of early literacy will also frequent the blog and their importance in the writing process for young learners.Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-45356111434164121112015-05-31T00:00:00.000-04:002015-05-31T10:05:33.513-04:00Chalk-A-Bration May 2015Well, the rain is really interfering with my ability to chalk my poem. BUT, it doesn't have to stop you! I've already seen some great chalk on Facebook. Be sure to link!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v3BEevYhc0/VDA0nfbI2-I/AAAAAAAADJM/T1QnAe1otWk/s1600/photo%2B%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2v3BEevYhc0/VDA0nfbI2-I/AAAAAAAADJM/T1QnAe1otWk/s320/photo%2B%25286%2529.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Starting this year, Chalk-A-Bration will go through October 31, 2015 and then take a break through the winter months. It will be back on March 31, 2016! Hope you can join each month with your own or some student work!</div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-68880023116194599052015-04-30T00:00:00.000-04:002015-04-30T00:00:04.077-04:00Chalk-A-Bration April 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
Chalk-A-Bration is today! Come enjoy a sunny day with my kindergartners.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtZ70oTpFvg/VUF89XnKt1I/AAAAAAAADV0/mT0DCEpDg8A/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B3.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtZ70oTpFvg/VUF89XnKt1I/AAAAAAAADV0/mT0DCEpDg8A/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B3.2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69ktycg-TeU/VUF9BLk5rDI/AAAAAAAADV8/OCaS2qET24U/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B4.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69ktycg-TeU/VUF9BLk5rDI/AAAAAAAADV8/OCaS2qET24U/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B4.1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Sunny Day</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Planting flowers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhleEXTKhSs/VUF9Cj9bdeI/AAAAAAAADWE/lx0PU087TDk/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B4.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhleEXTKhSs/VUF9Cj9bdeI/AAAAAAAADWE/lx0PU087TDk/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B4.7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Riding bikes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Going swimming </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Playing with chalk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Garter snakes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZjGNJLyfHE/VUF8vZ9v_VI/AAAAAAAADVk/oBuNlL7d1J8/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(100).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZjGNJLyfHE/VUF8vZ9v_VI/AAAAAAAADVk/oBuNlL7d1J8/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(100).jpg" height="127" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finding flowers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blowing bubbles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tfvqaTc_gk/VUF8wgvMVNI/AAAAAAAADVs/ekxL05Ct7eA/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(99).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tfvqaTc_gk/VUF8wgvMVNI/AAAAAAAADVs/ekxL05Ct7eA/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(99).jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Going for walks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sunny day</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Link your chalk poem in the comments. For more information see the Chalk-A-Bration tab up top!Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-57073849250908505032015-03-31T06:19:00.001-04:002015-03-31T14:00:19.240-04:00Chalk-A-Bration March 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to Chalk-A-Bration DAY! I hope you are rainless today and can chalk a poem to share. Link in the comments below!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2v3BEevYhc0/VDA0nfbI2-I/AAAAAAAADJM/T1QnAe1otWk/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2v3BEevYhc0/VDA0nfbI2-I/AAAAAAAADJM/T1QnAe1otWk/s1600/photo%2B%286%29.JPG" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>
We made a spring poem for the changing season that we all remember and love. Here is our chalk poem on this cloudy, drizzly day. Much different from what we imagine spring to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkguTRwYNRw/VRrgprfsSnI/AAAAAAAADUM/4A5qNe4Z1vo/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkguTRwYNRw/VRrgprfsSnI/AAAAAAAADUM/4A5qNe4Z1vo/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(8).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ba4Qv8EyDw/VRrgppicl5I/AAAAAAAADUQ/GsNlxpKBZM8/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ba4Qv8EyDw/VRrgppicl5I/AAAAAAAADUQ/GsNlxpKBZM8/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(9).jpg" height="320" width="140" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYznAGyW7HI/VRrgp_7OPCI/AAAAAAAADUU/VqfaFjmszuE/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYznAGyW7HI/VRrgp_7OPCI/AAAAAAAADUU/VqfaFjmszuE/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(10).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-81175936046740990592015-02-28T08:49:00.000-05:002015-02-28T08:49:31.118-05:00See You in March!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v3BEevYhc0/VDA0nfbI2-I/AAAAAAAADJM/T1QnAe1otWk/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v3BEevYhc0/VDA0nfbI2-I/AAAAAAAADJM/T1QnAe1otWk/s1600/photo%2B%286%29.JPG" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>
It's been a crazy winter in Michigan, as it usually is! I hope to get chalking with my kiddos again soon. In the meantime, if you got creative and want to share your link, leave it in the comments below.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a throwback chalk poem!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YndZcRSllVI/UX0d_Cf73bI/AAAAAAAAB4g/B-EJEd0u51Y/s1600/2013-04-27%2B16.14.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YndZcRSllVI/UX0d_Cf73bI/AAAAAAAAB4g/B-EJEd0u51Y/s1600/2013-04-27%2B16.14.28.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slice of Life Story Challenge begins tomorrow! See the <a href="https://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/challenges/">Two Writing Teachers</a> page for details!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn4IuETlvBE/T5cqCUshLWI/AAAAAAAABBY/kVqV4guaf8w/s1600/2012-04-24%2B18.28.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn4IuETlvBE/T5cqCUshLWI/AAAAAAAABBY/kVqV4guaf8w/s1600/2012-04-24%2B18.28.15.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-44122418436107072632014-12-06T09:29:00.001-05:002014-12-06T09:29:23.943-05:00Demanding Dudley: A ReviewIf you know me it is clear that my utmost purpose in my classroom is to build community and kinder kids. I am always on the lookout for books that emulate this message of kindness and courtesy toward others. Recently I was given the book, <i>Demanding Dudley</i> written by Deneen Renae and illustrated by Leslie Pinto, part of a series of books called The Wiblets. This book peeks inside the power of using our magic words, "please" and "thank you."<br />
<br />
Dudley is a comical monster who demands things from his mother.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thewiblets.com/books/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQd1VRCNp2Q/VIMSDE-yFTI/AAAAAAAADMA/On1POievsoU/s1600/aboutus-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Like most good moms, she responds gently with a reminder, ""Is someone being a demanding Dudley?"<br />
<br />
The book introduces children to words like, appreciated and thankful, explaining their meanings and how they make others feel.<br />
I would recommend this book to parents and teachers (prek-2) when helping children learn the power of kindness and being mindful of how we talk to others.<br />
Here is an excerpt from the book:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thewiblets.com/books/"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Avt9tf3OPBc/VIMSDOtvUZI/AAAAAAAADME/2g1pNjOzcZ4/s1600/meetus2-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The book can be purchased from <a href="http://thewiblets.com/">The Wiblets webpage</a>. Every purchase from their website contributes to the charity, <a href="http://thehawnfoundation.org/">The Hawn Foundation</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thewiblets.com/books/"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV_McA8IfMA/VIMSDxMobgI/AAAAAAAADMQ/q_atGNEDOxc/s1600/Demanding_Dudley.jpg" height="134" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-44198905878890523642014-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:002014-11-30T00:00:01.898-05:00Chalk-A-Bration November 2014This month's poem was inspired by something I saw on Facebook. A piece written by Naomi Shihab Nye. Read it <a href="http://davidkanigan.com/2014/11/16/gate-a-4/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LN0o6A9_5h4/VHpBMJ6iOfI/AAAAAAAADLg/O-O2Ig4JWKs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(46).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LN0o6A9_5h4/VHpBMJ6iOfI/AAAAAAAADLg/O-O2Ig4JWKs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(46).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MT7Eezo0a6g/VHpBQol1cVI/AAAAAAAADLo/Us2zNP5GqlA/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(47).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MT7Eezo0a6g/VHpBQol1cVI/AAAAAAAADLo/Us2zNP5GqlA/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(47).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The world </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
we live in…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Compassionate?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shared?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Love?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
This is the world I want to live in<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
A world of </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
compassionate </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
shared </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
love. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I hope you will share your own chalk poetry today and find inspiration to share with others. Link below in the comments!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
For more information on Chalk-A-Bration, click the tab above labeled Chalk-A-Bration. </div>
Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-49337266169235131782014-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:002014-10-31T00:00:00.573-04:00Chalk-A-Bration October 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Halloween! </span></div>
Today is Chalk-A-Bration, a celebration of chalk and poetry the last day of each month. This week we wrote a ghostly poem and students did chalk illustrations.<br />
<br />
I asked students, "Tell me, what are some things ghosts will do or say?" Below is a list of their ideas made into a list poem. Then students took that idea and made their own illustrations for the poem.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjeh8T-PMNA/VFLlekQQWWI/AAAAAAAADKU/-EOOBHtjRbc/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(34)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjeh8T-PMNA/VFLlekQQWWI/AAAAAAAADKU/-EOOBHtjRbc/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(34)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some students even tried to put some letters and words from the poem on their paper!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSH9c9B66Pc/VFLlW8Gk_PI/AAAAAAAADJ0/_igzshPW0dE/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(30).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gSH9c9B66Pc/VFLlW8Gk_PI/AAAAAAAADJ0/_igzshPW0dE/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(30).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBzCAuedCRg/VFLlXmGSc4I/AAAAAAAADKA/-hZLqcBjs_A/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(31).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBzCAuedCRg/VFLlXmGSc4I/AAAAAAAADKA/-hZLqcBjs_A/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(31).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ga7Dv1OlCM/VFLlXpQ_hgI/AAAAAAAADJ8/H4VuMup9whs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(32)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ga7Dv1OlCM/VFLlXpQ_hgI/AAAAAAAADJ8/H4VuMup9whs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(32)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are all the chalker!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCAQ8y3yuFM/VFLlcmg7E6I/AAAAAAAADKM/3HP1KZyB6j8/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(33)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCAQ8y3yuFM/VFLlcmg7E6I/AAAAAAAADKM/3HP1KZyB6j8/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(33)%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope you will join in for Chalk-A-Bration by leaving your link in the comments!</div>
<br />
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-78745836804758901562014-09-30T00:00:00.000-04:002014-09-30T00:00:05.614-04:00Chalk-A-Bration September 2014It's been a fun few weeks in kindergarten! We have been chalking about the moon using a favorite poem from <a href="http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2011/03/353-longs-to-hold-super-full-moon.html">Amy Ludwig Vanderwater </a> at The Poem Farm as our inspiration!<br />
<br />
Here is the poem we used from Amy:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOtYY9fXhkM/VCn30tVwr-I/AAAAAAAADHc/9BsbjOhUBJs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zOtYY9fXhkM/VCn30tVwr-I/AAAAAAAADHc/9BsbjOhUBJs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
And here we are chalking some stars to go with our moon and poem!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJDDhwnKod4/VCn3Yo58CaI/AAAAAAAADHQ/pi6nydqBYKI/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJDDhwnKod4/VCn3Yo58CaI/AAAAAAAADHQ/pi6nydqBYKI/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%283%29.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is our hallway display of the moon, stars and poem!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNJwmLNYfO0/VCn3XjnfwHI/AAAAAAAADHI/C5ZT4OW5dwY/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNJwmLNYfO0/VCn3XjnfwHI/AAAAAAAADHI/C5ZT4OW5dwY/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%282%29.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Join in the chalking fun here in the comments. Link your chalk and visit the other chalkers!Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-26893610535650055452014-09-14T08:39:00.002-04:002014-09-14T08:39:31.982-04:00Prepare To Be Emazed!A few weeks ago I stumbled onto a new tool for presentations called <a href="http://www.emaze.com/">Emaze</a>. It is much like Prezi but even faster and easier to make a presentation for your next session, classroom lesson or frankly just for fun. I sipped my coffee and made a presentation in about fifteen minutes. Simple! There are great templates and some Emaze presentations already created that offer inspiration. The other nice feature is you can make them private or public, as opposed to Prezi where all presentations are public. Very nice should you want your content to be viewed only by certain audiences and not shared.<br />
<br />
Check it out and see if you can be Emazed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://app.emaze.com/713030/chalk-a-bration"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJMSSkswO5M/VBWMNz-Oq8I/AAAAAAAADF4/PvdxQrwTQHU/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-09-14%2B08.29.38.png" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-17201162934134518612014-08-31T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-31T00:00:00.671-04:00Chalk-A-Bration August 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuBiOmqKoSk/U7CUbWpBfXI/AAAAAAAADD0/NPzuQKNeynY/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuBiOmqKoSk/U7CUbWpBfXI/AAAAAAAADD0/NPzuQKNeynY/s1600/photo%2B%286%29.JPG" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>
<br />
It's here again! I am sure many of you are getting ready or have already started school. I start on Tuesday and can't wait to share Chalk-A-Bration with a new batch of kiddos. Here is my chalk for the day. If you missed <a href="http://teachingyoungwriters.blogspot.com/2014/07/chalk-bration-july-2014.html">July's post</a> I included all the chalk dates and links to shirts! Get a shirt!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hullqPRfajA/VAI8DsabOQI/AAAAAAAADFg/rAS-GlBvZhE/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hullqPRfajA/VAI8DsabOQI/AAAAAAAADFg/rAS-GlBvZhE/s1600/photo%2B(6).JPG" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-8026816528932549132014-07-31T00:00:00.000-04:002014-07-31T00:00:01.717-04:00Chalk-A-Bration July 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdK1qzbRvis/U7CTxzrPbcI/AAAAAAAADDs/nVnBzL5uG6Q/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdK1qzbRvis/U7CTxzrPbcI/AAAAAAAADDs/nVnBzL5uG6Q/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" height="320" width="301" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5ZrG5bV5G0/U9mulimG-SI/AAAAAAAADEg/VvefS2p0Nvc/s1600/photo+1+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5ZrG5bV5G0/U9mulimG-SI/AAAAAAAADEg/VvefS2p0Nvc/s1600/photo+1+(28).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chalk dust </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
settles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like seeds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
planting poetry.</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Go out and plant some poems with chalk today! Link it up here and visit the other chalkers. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hT9LGO94Mx4/U9mupkvuOHI/AAAAAAAADEo/f8hvYo6G2vA/s1600/photo+2+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hT9LGO94Mx4/U9mupkvuOHI/AAAAAAAADEo/f8hvYo6G2vA/s1600/photo+2+(24).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How about a shirt?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chalk-A-Bration now has shirts to let you show off your chalky selves. Here are some links to get to <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/chalkabration">the shop</a> and some customized shirts too (<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/cp/customize/product2.aspx?number=1335922449">men's short sleeve</a>, <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/cp/customize/product2.aspx?number=1335921039">women's short sleeve</a>, <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/cp/customize/product2.aspx?number=1335920127">women's long sleeve</a>)!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Would you like the dates for all the upcoming Chalk-A-Bration celebrations?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here they are!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Sunday, August 31</span><sup style="color: #674ea7;">st</sup><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Tuesday, September 30<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Friday, October 31<sup>st</sup> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Sunday, November 30<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Wednesday, December 31<sup>st</sup> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Saturday, January 31<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Saturday, February 28<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Tuesday, March 31<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Thursday, April 30<sup>th</sup> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Sunday, May 31<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Tuesday, June 30<sup>th</sup> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Friday, July 31</span><sup style="color: #674ea7;">st</sup><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-83413557478459230962014-06-30T00:00:00.000-04:002014-06-30T07:38:58.153-04:00Chalk-A-Bration June 2014Check out the new image for Chalk-A-Bration! Hope you like it. Copy and paste to your post today if you like!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuBiOmqKoSk/U7CUbWpBfXI/AAAAAAAADDw/uE-ZZ7641Ek/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuBiOmqKoSk/U7CUbWpBfXI/AAAAAAAADDw/uE-ZZ7641Ek/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" height="200" width="188" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did some camping this past week at my favorite state park near Lake Michigan. I love it there. It has everything. Bike trails, walking trails, beach for miles, a river, a smaller lake in the middle of the park and of course ice cream at every camp store. What could be better? I found myself feeling refreshed after a long school year and a busy summer ahead; it was a nice break. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While on the beach I made a very organic display of the word Poetry. Loved it! It's hard to see on the sandy background but you can just make it out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyTUeq_ZT9Q/U7FMHm9tsuI/AAAAAAAADEE/RcChcnGAe18/s1600/photo+4+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyTUeq_ZT9Q/U7FMHm9tsuI/AAAAAAAADEE/RcChcnGAe18/s1600/photo+4+(15).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, now onto the chalk. I decided to do a throwback to one of my first chalked poems back before Chalk-A-Bration even existed. It is still a favorite. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bxqtSJyBlA/T2vUNq6WCnI/AAAAAAAAA58/UZXeQH6PmMw/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bxqtSJyBlA/T2vUNq6WCnI/AAAAAAAAA58/UZXeQH6PmMw/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" height="85" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Link up your chalk in the comments! Here comes July!</div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-69905938147717677612014-05-31T00:00:00.000-04:002014-05-31T00:00:00.830-04:00Chalk-A-Bration May 2014HI Chalkers! Hope you are having a great end to your school year. I still have a couple weeks to go but we are still chalking and having a great time together.<br />
I recently discovered Prezi and put together a little presentation about Chalk-A-Bration. It is very simple but was fun to put together. Click to view and see the Chalk-A-Bration videos from yesterday's celebration!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://prezi.com/d3kii8vleuqm/present/?auth_key=uin4ys5&follow=xtrstu9ymdi5"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tvn0t7FzSM/U4kRK0y8pOI/AAAAAAAADAg/kh0d69NZxEc/s1600/Writing+Workshop+-+Google+Chrome+5302014+71432+PM.bmp" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__hOekRY8vc/U4kSDIrpmwI/AAAAAAAADA0/v7wQlopLmP0/s1600/photo+1+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__hOekRY8vc/U4kSDIrpmwI/AAAAAAAADA0/v7wQlopLmP0/s1600/photo+1+(26).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dP7NmLjHtBY/U4kSDIOJdjI/AAAAAAAADAs/-u3Bx0rhnkI/s1600/photo+4+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dP7NmLjHtBY/U4kSDIOJdjI/AAAAAAAADAs/-u3Bx0rhnkI/s1600/photo+4+(14).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-32727415806770148072014-04-30T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-30T00:00:02.407-04:00Chalk-A-Bration April 2014Chalk-A-Bration snuck up on me this month. There has been so much poem love going on and poetry writing in all my corners of life that I wasn't realizing how quickly it would all end. But it doesn't have to! Join in each month right here for a poetry celebration with chalk.<br />
<br />
Here is my contribution for the month. I wrote it in the rain. I am hoping to get my students out today to chalk our poems but rain may defeat us. Might need to get creative!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VkGNsA1sVw/U2BLxVggi3I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/r989T6KYJ1I/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VkGNsA1sVw/U2BLxVggi3I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/r989T6KYJ1I/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Water streams</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thick dust</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
letters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
creating </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chalk puddles. </div>
Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-38533922916006225832014-03-31T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-31T00:00:01.324-04:00Chalk-A-Bration March 2014YAY! It is finally here. Spring has arrived and I cannot think of anything else, especially when I write. <div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgm4LSn2fS0/UziDN7Ns4HI/AAAAAAAAC5I/HuL_TD4dzZI/s1600/photo+4+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgm4LSn2fS0/UziDN7Ns4HI/AAAAAAAAC5I/HuL_TD4dzZI/s1600/photo+4+(3).JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>I hope you will join in with a piece of chalk and a chunk of sidewalk in your own neck of the woods to share with us here! Just write a poem or illustration, take a photo and link it up here from your blog!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My two shares and some of my children's work is below. I haven't seen my kids this excited about chalking in a LONG time. They were squealing when I told them it was time for chalk!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pllsJQkjea8/UziDOtRM1-I/AAAAAAAAC5k/I9cBbHRdwAY/s1600/photo+5+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pllsJQkjea8/UziDOtRM1-I/AAAAAAAAC5k/I9cBbHRdwAY/s1600/photo+5+%25283%2529.JPG" height="320" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lB18mf9wvQ4/UziDNTScQOI/AAAAAAAAC5M/Igbe_Zr-rnQ/s1600/photo+3+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lB18mf9wvQ4/UziDNTScQOI/AAAAAAAAC5M/Igbe_Zr-rnQ/s1600/photo+3+%25285%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the warm sun</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yl3f5LQOI28/UziDOVsVzbI/AAAAAAAAC5o/-ZaaGvKgp6I/s1600/photo+4+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yl3f5LQOI28/UziDOVsVzbI/AAAAAAAAC5o/-ZaaGvKgp6I/s1600/photo+4+%25284%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The neighbors even joined in a bit! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GHQlKsy-KY/UziDM6NMR7I/AAAAAAAAC48/hwrTuNGIYsY/s1600/photo+1+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GHQlKsy-KY/UziDM6NMR7I/AAAAAAAAC48/hwrTuNGIYsY/s1600/photo+1+%25285%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A road leading later to some hopscotch!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SdOETLEp8g/UziDNLHtbcI/AAAAAAAAC5c/IeDU_kXBehs/s1600/photo+2+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SdOETLEp8g/UziDNLHtbcI/AAAAAAAAC5c/IeDU_kXBehs/s1600/photo+2+%25285%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra0dEYvtN1M/UziDMcsT--I/AAAAAAAAC40/mcg5nazamCY/s1600/photo+1+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra0dEYvtN1M/UziDMcsT--I/AAAAAAAAC40/mcg5nazamCY/s1600/photo+1+%25284%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Outside</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bike ride</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sun chased</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
red faced</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
clear sky</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
happy sigh</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Spring's here,"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cheer!</div>
Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-39757872321539770162014-03-21T19:14:00.000-04:002014-03-21T19:14:11.026-04:00Know Your Higher Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRpSI2oRf7s/UyzHnGKLSUI/AAAAAAAAC1E/rdqhlZuUNl4/s1600/slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRpSI2oRf7s/UyzHnGKLSUI/AAAAAAAAC1E/rdqhlZuUNl4/s1600/slice.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Earlier in the week I sliced about talking to Barry Lane on the phone. Since then I have begun to implement some of the ideas from his new book, <i>Force Field for Good</i>. I am so excited by this program and its message. Imagine if we all chose to be our higher selves, what a world it would be!<br />
<br />
We scrapped our old rule chart and drew pictures of ourselves. I connected them in a circle writing our one and only classroom rule, Be Your Higher Self. It makes me a little teary every time I look at the chart. It reminds me what a group we have become and how connected we are, like a family. Here is our chart:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpKXVFtxxRo/UyzHcrQXXkI/AAAAAAAAC1A/7yV-JbSRH8o/s1600/higher+self+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpKXVFtxxRo/UyzHcrQXXkI/AAAAAAAAC1A/7yV-JbSRH8o/s1600/higher+self+chart.jpg" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-78772239145580161532014-03-18T17:23:00.000-04:002014-03-18T17:23:16.231-04:00I Am Your New Biggest Fan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7e3mwVfuhvw/Uyi4vlf0_ZI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/BIkPQ69gOeQ/s1600/slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7e3mwVfuhvw/Uyi4vlf0_ZI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/BIkPQ69gOeQ/s1600/slice.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I was in the hallway this afternoon talking with the preschool teacher down the hall. I had actually walked in from the playground with her class after seeking her out. We were chatting about preschool writers when I looked down. There, at his locker, was a little guy with a pen and a small notebook. He was intensely writing something down. Here was the conversation:<br />
Me: Whisper, "Oh my goodness, I love this."<br />
Her: "I know." Directed toward him, "Okay, I think snack is waiting for us in the classroom."<br />
Him: "I know, I just have to get this in here."<br />
Her: "What are you writing?'<br />
Him: "I just saw an eagle and I have to get it in my notebook before I forget."<br />
Her: "Oh, okay."<br />
I watched for a moment, then I couldn't help myself.<br />
Me: "What is your name?"<br />
Him: "James." He doesn't look up, I am clearly interrupting important work. Really, what was I thinking? So I continued to watch a moment. He cleaned up his notebook.<br />
I put my hand out, "James, I am your new biggest fan. Do you think when we see each other we could give each other a thumbs up since we are both in the super awesome writing club?"<br />
He shakes my hand, a little stunned, "Well, I like animals. My book is all about animals. Like at least 100, or 20...at least."<br />
Me: "Can you count to 20?"<br />
Him: "Almost!"<br />
Me: "Well, keep writing about those animals James."<br />
<br />
I don't usually visit the afternoon preschool class, so James was new to me. His enthusiasm for writing is clear. He is a writer. I've been giddy ever since.Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-65886184974949911902014-03-16T21:44:00.000-04:002014-03-17T09:48:51.069-04:00"Tell Your Story. If You Don't, Who Will?" ~Colby Sharp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RA6OV7ZY1PI/UyZS8TIG_UI/AAAAAAAACz0/7Wt7om2CGYU/s1600/slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RA6OV7ZY1PI/UyZS8TIG_UI/AAAAAAAACz0/7Wt7om2CGYU/s1600/slice.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is a little take away from the MRA conference I attended yesterday. I went to a session with Colby Sharp, Linda Urban, Katherine Applegate and Lisa McMann. Their message was to write, take risks and not to be afraid of failing. Not everything you write will be or needs to be groundbreaking. Stop trying to be perfect and make a mistake right away so the writing stays real.<br />
<br />
This made me think of one of my notebooks. When I got it and started writing in it I wanted it to stay perfect. Then I made a mistake on the first page. I decided at that moment it didn't matter. However, my initial feelings were this notebook will stay beautiful. Then I realized beauty wasn't going to mean flawless.<br />
<br />
The session was very inspiring and on my drive home last night this is what swirled in my head:<br />
<br />
"Writing notebooks are a playground and safe." Linda Urban<br />
"Don't be discouraged, you're making a difference every single minute." Lisa McMann<br />
"Everything you do matters." Katherine Applegate<br />
<br />
The session ended with a statement from Colby Sharp that teachers are awesome. He encouraged teachers to, "Tell your story. If you don't, who will?" I couldn't agree more. Blogging and talking with others about what we are doing in our classrooms is the only way to shift the eyes of those looking down on teachers these days.<br />
<br />
So, get yourself a notebook, make it a playground where you can kick dirt around and it's okay. Write about your frustrations in education these days and then write about what you are doing to change kids lives. Write about what you do to make a difference every single minute. Write what matters, because in the end it's the people. What we do to shape them matters more than any shifting eyes or judgmental glances. Your students matter, you matter and so does your story.<br />
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-61426201693048283292014-03-12T20:37:00.002-04:002014-03-12T20:37:54.715-04:00New Book!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2iSqStIIYQ/UyD9X88W6JI/AAAAAAAACy0/G99puwiKjeY/s1600/slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2iSqStIIYQ/UyD9X88W6JI/AAAAAAAACy0/G99puwiKjeY/s1600/slice.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I got a new book in the mail today! <i>Seeing the Blue in Between</i> compiled by Paul B. Janeczko.<br />
I'm almost halfway through it and really enjoy how quickly it reads. It is a book of advice and inspiration for young poets on their writing journey. There are 32 letters, written to the reader, throughout the book written by acclaimed poets who share a bit of their own poetry journey or tell young poets to be brave and write on. Each shares advice and then a poem or three follows. There are a lot of things I like about the book so far but my favorite is hearing the different voices from each poet. They each have a unique way of sharing this hopeful poetic message. They talk about their youth, their failures and moments of wonder. They share where they themselves find poems and how to look for them. I wish I had this book about twenty some years ago when I was a teen. It would have been nice to hear advice from these poets. I might have carried on with writing as a kid instead of stopping.Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-83265343572062015212014-03-11T18:56:00.001-04:002014-03-11T19:44:57.514-04:00A Conference Night Poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaDHXwtl7uA/UwLQauzHDfI/AAAAAAAACwA/_d3vny8r-xo/s1600/slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaDHXwtl7uA/UwLQauzHDfI/AAAAAAAACwA/_d3vny8r-xo/s1600/slice.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sitting across from her. <br />
She's tired, she's run down, <br />
she's had enough and here I sit. <br />
I sit with concern<br />
as I see each crease in her eye<br />
deepen with fatique and worry.<br />
I care. <br />
I wish for her. <br />
I wish for her son. <br />
I wish it were different. <br />
She's tired. <br />
She's done. <br />
At a loss.<br />
A sparkling tear, almost runs down<br />
but she breathes and I grin<br />
and we begin again.<br />
But there are so many qualities he has going for him.<br />
He has such a big heart.<br />
We care for him and his success.<br />
But it's hard <br />
and though I'm tired<br />
I might be run down<br />
I am not done<br />
and I will never stop<br />
and I will be here everyday<br />
showing up<br />
for him<br />
for you<br />
and I will wish it<br />
to be different.Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-19785880983480127482014-03-10T19:03:00.001-04:002014-03-10T19:03:13.824-04:00Chalk is in the Air!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaDHXwtl7uA/UwLQauzHDfI/AAAAAAAACwA/_d3vny8r-xo/s1600/slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaDHXwtl7uA/UwLQauzHDfI/AAAAAAAACwA/_d3vny8r-xo/s1600/slice.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I look at a day like today and I start to see a thaw happening. Writable surfaces are once again revealing themselves. It delights me. My husband has been chopping ice on our driveway, preparing it. The sun was melting more of it, though the driveway is wet, I hope it will dry soon enough. I will need to be patient as we await another snow storm this week and freezing temps. However, I know a day like today means spring is also waiting. Waiting for its chance to be more than just a presence but a semi-permanent state.<br />
Once it is here, I will no longer need to write my chalk poems on paper or easels. I will be able to abandon the little chalk boards in my classroom and I will be free to choose from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots anywhere (well, almost anywhere).<br />
Let the chalketry commence, (soon anyway).<br />
<br />
No idea why I have an affinity for chalk? I <a href="http://teachingyoungwriters.blogspot.com/p/teaching-journeys.html">celebrate poetry the last day of each month</a> with a chalked poem or illustration for any passerby to see. It is a fun way to celebrate poetry and playful chalk at the same time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3mUlMxA6cY/UBXdjK5UftI/AAAAAAAABSI/U0H3hWII_-4/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3mUlMxA6cY/UBXdjK5UftI/AAAAAAAABSI/U0H3hWII_-4/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-18931600805145205592014-02-28T00:00:00.000-05:002014-02-28T06:24:07.782-05:00Chalk-A-Bration February 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3mUlMxA6cY/UBXdjK5UftI/AAAAAAAABSI/U0H3hWII_-4/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3mUlMxA6cY/UBXdjK5UftI/AAAAAAAABSI/U0H3hWII_-4/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" /></a></div>
It's here again! Chalk-A-Bration DAY! So glad you stopped by to visit and I hope you find somewhere and some way to chalk a little something today. I can hardly wait for spring chalking!<br />
<br />
<br />
Just last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Dublin, OH for the Dublin Literacy Conference. I got to see old friends and even made some new ones too! While I was there I did a presentation on using poetry in the classroom. You might remember last month's chalk where I did a multi-leveled lesson and had the kids build a poem. Well, we did the same thing using a mentor text from George Ella Lyon and chalked our own <i>Where I'm From</i> poem.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you haven't heard George Ella Lyon read <i>Where I'm From</i>, it is worth a listen and very inspiring. Below I have a video with Lyon doing the reading. It is quite unique.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZdnHl_yW1dQ" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now onto the chalk! We started by talking literally about where we were from. Then we dug a little deeper. After listening to George Ella Lyon read where she is from, we were inspired. Those present wrote their own, <i>Where I'm From</i>, poem and chose their favorite line. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here, Tony Keefer, a new poetry friend, tapes his line onto the poem that the group built together.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WApzzGnDLG8/Uw_l5IROiqI/AAAAAAAACw0/76P-MAcQXvg/s1600/IMAG2200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WApzzGnDLG8/Uw_l5IROiqI/AAAAAAAACw0/76P-MAcQXvg/s1600/IMAG2200.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Below is the completed chalk poem. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLnMYadbJck/Uw_l5ipw96I/AAAAAAAACw4/rWilgc4FXbU/s1600/IMAG2201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLnMYadbJck/Uw_l5ipw96I/AAAAAAAACw4/rWilgc4FXbU/s1600/IMAG2201.jpg" height="320" width="169" /></a></div>
<br />
Thankful for sadness,<br />
mistakes and rebirth.<br />
I'm from loving arms<br />
I am from the connections of<br />
friends and long stretches of<br />
solitude.<br />
I am from playing with<br />
neighbors-kick-the-can<br />
in the evening hours.<br />
I am from warm hugs<br />
and licking the<br />
batter off the spoon<br />
I am from green<br />
meadows<br />
I am from pizza<br />
Friday and summer camp.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dublin was an amazing place to visit and have the experience of chalking together. I hope you will visit the other chalkers in the comments as well as all the Poetry Friday peeps!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poetry Friday is hosted by <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 19.5px;">Anastasia at </span><a href="http://www.asuen.com/poetry/" style="background-color: white; color: #c94093; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 19.5px; text-decoration: none;">Poet! Poet!</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8JYPeKEJ-1M/T2vS7cyZNHI/AAAAAAAAA50/gvNUbstBH2M/s1600/poetry+friday+button.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8JYPeKEJ-1M/T2vS7cyZNHI/AAAAAAAAA50/gvNUbstBH2M/s1600/poetry+friday+button.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Quick addition:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have a question for you, do you want to order a Chalk-A-Bration t-shirt? I am in the process of trying to decide if there is enough interest for ordering. Here is a view of what the t-shirt would look like if you would like to order one online. The downfall of this is there would be a limited time to order and the cost would be $30 (no profit). The other alternative is for me to make a shirt that is less expensive but could be ordered through me, shipped to you or sold when I get the chance to meet you at a conference. Let me know your thoughts on the idea!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Back</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InmJP_kQQeg/UxBxf4FOa9I/AAAAAAAACxM/hGUnWb5CfsE/s1600/Betsy's+Pending+INKs+-+Google+Chrome+2232014+64305+PM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InmJP_kQQeg/UxBxf4FOa9I/AAAAAAAACxM/hGUnWb5CfsE/s1600/Betsy's+Pending+INKs+-+Google+Chrome+2232014+64305+PM.bmp.jpg" height="320" width="190" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Front</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mcxhr11qlxU/UxBxf6BbjWI/AAAAAAAACxQ/PCn4E4B7R8E/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+2232014+64249+PM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mcxhr11qlxU/UxBxf6BbjWI/AAAAAAAACxQ/PCn4E4B7R8E/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+2232014+64249+PM.bmp.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-36115406486344473192014-01-31T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-31T00:00:05.088-05:00Chalk-A-Bration January 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to the first Chalk-A-Bration of the year!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had the pleasure of spending time in four different classrooms this week chalking poems. Yeah! How lucky am I? I visited, read poetry and assisted students in writing collaborative poems together in a unique activity. Here is the breakdown of my visits:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With each group I began by reading poetry appropriate to their grade level. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cej435OkLKU/UuqyK2EwKmI/AAAAAAAACs4/S-KpIQOg1Qs/s1600/IMAG2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cej435OkLKU/UuqyK2EwKmI/AAAAAAAACs4/S-KpIQOg1Qs/s1600/IMAG2094.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then students wrote in a small group, a pair or independently, a line of poetry about themselves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTtgyrWgywM/UuqydidlKbI/AAAAAAAACtA/SNCYwCl1Fwo/s1600/IMAG2104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTtgyrWgywM/UuqydidlKbI/AAAAAAAACtA/SNCYwCl1Fwo/s1600/IMAG2104.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wrote a title to their poem and students taped their lines to the title. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBE44plN26w/UuqyunuVSWI/AAAAAAAACtI/U-M001-8TIA/s1600/IMAG2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBE44plN26w/UuqyunuVSWI/AAAAAAAACtI/U-M001-8TIA/s1600/IMAG2123.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we had a finished product, students shared or I shared the poem with the rest of the class.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TSdL7J77QM4/Uuqy7baT_HI/AAAAAAAACtQ/Zyuz9in04V0/s1600/IMAG2113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TSdL7J77QM4/Uuqy7baT_HI/AAAAAAAACtQ/Zyuz9in04V0/s1600/IMAG2113.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are some samples of the finished poems we created!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kindergarten--A Classroom Collaboration. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5PJ3zevB4o/UuqzI4X8-yI/AAAAAAAACtY/B9w1VrcjWZc/s1600/IMAG2108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5PJ3zevB4o/UuqzI4X8-yI/AAAAAAAACtY/B9w1VrcjWZc/s1600/IMAG2108.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First Grade--A Classroom Collaboration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHuHZ5JVFgA/UuqzI5Z6gVI/AAAAAAAACts/24TjwoBGyGc/s1600/IMAG2119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zHuHZ5JVFgA/UuqzI5Z6gVI/AAAAAAAACts/24TjwoBGyGc/s1600/IMAG2119.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Second Grade--Small Group Collaborations</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJceD5lMTvI/UuqzJ9W22SI/AAAAAAAACuI/r6VNoFpybKw/s1600/IMAG2138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJceD5lMTvI/UuqzJ9W22SI/AAAAAAAACuI/r6VNoFpybKw/s1600/IMAG2138.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MD-RdC81SLs/UuqzJkk6UHI/AAAAAAAACuA/HbC5YrtD9Vs/s1600/IMAG2135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MD-RdC81SLs/UuqzJkk6UHI/AAAAAAAACuA/HbC5YrtD9Vs/s1600/IMAG2135.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDAidv1hd4o/UuqzK_gVzXI/AAAAAAAACuE/z-uP9cRHgPo/s1600/IMAG2139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDAidv1hd4o/UuqzK_gVzXI/AAAAAAAACuE/z-uP9cRHgPo/s1600/IMAG2139.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fourth Grade--Small Group Collaborations</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKZMN86K0bw/UuqzJsniybI/AAAAAAAACt4/OqoJU2M-CGY/s1600/IMAG2131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKZMN86K0bw/UuqzJsniybI/AAAAAAAACt4/OqoJU2M-CGY/s1600/IMAG2131.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJhKiektOqQ/UuqzJMo_2YI/AAAAAAAACuM/-MMvs9hNzTE/s1600/IMAG2130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJhKiektOqQ/UuqzJMo_2YI/AAAAAAAACuM/-MMvs9hNzTE/s1600/IMAG2130.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be sure to check out the chalkers in the comments below! I have blog posts here, there and everywhere today so I may not get back to round them up. Give those classrooms and chalkers some comment love by visiting their link. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-89891398138009160302014-01-05T10:41:00.002-05:002014-01-05T10:45:43.279-05:00Sunshine Award!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just before the New Year Franki Sibberson at A Year of Reading nominated me for the Sunshine Award. I had literally just read about someone else receiving this award on that same day and was so surprised by the nomination. Thank you Franki, it definitely brought sunshine to me on what was a cold and cloudy day in Michigan! (And now I just found out that Linda Baie nominated me too, from Teacherdance. Now I have to adapt my list of nominees)!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a little info on the Sunshine Award:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141412; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a way for bloggers to get to know each other and one of the cool things about it is that there are limitless "winners"! The Sunshine award gives others an opportunity to learn more about me as a blogger and then, in turn, I will send sunshine the way of 11 other amazing bloggers for you to get to know! Here are the "official" rules:</span></div>
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #141412; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 16px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Acknowledge the nominating blogger.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Share 11 random facts about yourself.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">List 11 bloggers. They should be bloggers you believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love!</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated. (You cannot nominate the blogger who nominated you.</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's Begin!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are 11 random facts about me!</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can play trumpet and piano.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have never been on an airplane.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I got married when I was 19.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I started out as a Music Therapy major, switched to Speech and Language Pathology and then landed on Education.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Both my parents were teachers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I started blogging in 2010 after a challenge by Stacey Shubitz that she was completely unaware of until recently.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love camping.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am more of a writer than a reader. I really need to get better at being an avid reader of all things and not just professional texts.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I never saw myself as a writer until recently. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I started writing poetry in 2011, before then it was sparse if ever.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love all things art. I wish I had more formal art training but for now I am a self taught mediocre artist. </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are the answers to the 11 questions from Franki!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">What is the best thing that happened to you this week?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I got to go for a run
for the first time in three months outside in the snow. I know this may sound
crazy but I love running in the snow! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">What is your favorite book of 2013?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>Forest Has a Song </i>by
Amy Ludwig VanDerwater</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Which TV shows do you watch regularly?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Not really anything
regularly. I don't have cable.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">What is the thing you are most excited about for 2014?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I am most excited
about going to NCTE for the first time in several years. I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">haven't been to
Washington D.C. since I was a kid!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Do you have any pets?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Yes. One dog and a
tank full of fish!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Is your favorite meal breakfast, lunch or dinner? Why?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I love dinner. I
suppose because it is the only meal I eat with my family all at the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">same time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">What’s was a favorite childhood book?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The Little Golden Book
of Words. My dad read it to me every night for as long as<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I can remember when I
was small. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I try not to but this
year seems to be an exception. I have several challenges on<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">my plate.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">What’s a favorite movie?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Ferris Bueller's Day
Off</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">What’s one thing you love to do when you have free time?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Write</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Who is an author you’d love to meet?</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Mary Ellen Giacobbe</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am nominating the following amazing bloggers in no particular order!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Robin at <a href="http://teachingtomorrowsleaders.blogspot.com/">Teaching Tomorrow's Leaders</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stacey at <a href="http://raisealithuman.wordpress.com/">Raising a Literate Human</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Elsie at <a href="http://lcinmo.wordpress.com/">Elsie Tries Writing</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mary Lee at <a href="http://readingyear.blogspot.com/">A Year of Reading</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amy at <a href="http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/">The Poem Farm</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
Margaret at <a href="http://reflectionsontheteche.wordpress.com/">Reflections on the Teche</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tara at <a href="http://ateachinglifedotcom.wordpress.com/">A Teaching Life</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beth at </span><a href="http://tinyreader.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tiny Readers</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
Robyn at <a href="http://www.robynhoodblack.com/blog.htm">Life on the Deckle Edge</a><br />
Ruth Ayres at <a href="http://www.ruthayreswrites.com/">Discover. Play. Build</a><br />
Jama at <a href="http://jamarattigan.com/">Jama's Alphabet Soup</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are the questions for these lucky 11 friends!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Where did you grow up?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who was your best friend growing up? What did they teach you?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who was the most influential teacher in your life?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What is the best thing you've ever written? What was it about?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What do you want to be when you "grow up?"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When was the last time you wrote someone a letter?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Where would you love to vacation?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What is a your best family tradition?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do you collect anything? What?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Did you ever learn to play an instrument?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who would you like to meet and what is one thing you would ask them?</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8199782930459196945.post-90054759514468735912013-12-31T00:04:00.000-05:002014-01-01T09:31:41.279-05:00Chalk-A-Bration December 2013: Chalk Three Ways<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3mUlMxA6cY/UBXdjK5UftI/AAAAAAAABSI/U0H3hWII_-4/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3mUlMxA6cY/UBXdjK5UftI/AAAAAAAABSI/U0H3hWII_-4/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" /></a>Chalk-A-Bration in December? Never thought I would see myself chalking in December, but here I am! I hope you will join me through chalk, whether it be real or drawn out on your iPad! Did you know there is an app for that? I wish I had created it. Linda Baie was the first to begin chalking for Chalk-A-Bration using an app and I finally got on board when I realized sometimes you just can't chalk on a driveway covered in snow and ice. But, occasionally you can!<br />
<br />
I was recently asked for some advice on chalking a poem. The chalker felt like her poem was too short.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Short is fine. Often I just chalk a stanza or a line from a poem. Especially when I am limited to the app version. When I am outside there are fewer limits; there's more space. I have also chalked on a chalkboard easel that I commandeered from my children. Chalking a poem is a challenge but a fun one. I hope you will join.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Since this question was posed I thought I would do three versions of chalking with the same poem. This will show some ways to make it work and make it fun!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFX8W6h_HAY/UsG-wfp5BxI/AAAAAAAACpg/H8_eOKl3xog/s1600/IMAG2040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFX8W6h_HAY/UsG-wfp5BxI/AAAAAAAACpg/H8_eOKl3xog/s200/IMAG2040.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ltaqQbarBIk/UsJLtNH7XoI/AAAAAAAACp8/zP6WtuOdZkQ/s1600/IMAG2875+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ltaqQbarBIk/UsJLtNH7XoI/AAAAAAAACp8/zP6WtuOdZkQ/s200/IMAG2875+(1).jpg" width="199" /></a><br />
Here is the poem in its entirety on my driveway. It was inspired by a new hobby of my husband's, penny art. He is taking old pennies, pounding them out with a hammer and putting poetic lines on them with metal stamps (this one has a <a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/and-because-love-battles/">Neruda quote</a>). The only space I had that wasn't ice covered was under my car, which worked out pretty nicely for a chalk poem in December!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sWoR66_dHg/UsGtwbWwT_I/AAAAAAAACpE/le-SWUBh3h4/s1600/IMAG2035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sWoR66_dHg/UsGtwbWwT_I/AAAAAAAACpE/le-SWUBh3h4/s320/IMAG2035.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Penny Jar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
a well of stories</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
a penny holds</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
each year a new</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
each year an old</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
a cent for candy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
a cent for tea</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
a coin to capture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
a story key</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is my little easel chalkboard. I chose four lines that I felt made their own poem and chalked them here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQt4oif1PJQ/UsGs2t81S0I/AAAAAAAACoY/Y3BZ0-IXXCw/s1600/IMAG2036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQt4oif1PJQ/UsGs2t81S0I/AAAAAAAACoY/Y3BZ0-IXXCw/s320/IMAG2036.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the app I have very little space. So I just "chalked" the title and my favorite lines. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Fh0TvckhMc/UsGtEM_wJ0I/AAAAAAAACo4/hqiuNelMbsI/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Fh0TvckhMc/UsGtEM_wJ0I/AAAAAAAACo4/hqiuNelMbsI/s320/image.jpeg" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Get your chalk, real or virtual, write up a poem and take a photo. Post it to your blog and link it here! If you use twitter, tweet your chalk using #chalkabration!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Let's Begin:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Linda joins us with a poem that is a shout-out to Chalk-A-Bration! She also offers a nice round-up of events in 2013! Be sure to go check her out at <a href="http://www.teacherdance.org/2013/12/special-time-one-night.html">Teacherdance</a>. </span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Stacey from <a href="http://raisealithuman.wordpress.com/">Raising a Literate Human</a> is chalking for the first time today using her iPad! Take a peek at a poem for her daughter as we round the corner into 2014.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Margaret and her students are chalking out the old year with great offerings today. Find them at <a href="http://reflectionsontheteche.wordpress.com/2013/12/31/chalking-out-the-old-year/">Reflections on the Teche.</a></span><br />
<br />
My mother-in-law tried to brave the elements but realized once she got outside, things would change. I love this un-chalked poem!<br />
<img height="150" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/994398_10202132119683372_551092914_n.jpg" width="200" /> <img height="150" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1524719_10202132139763874_793563760_n.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Leigh Anne is joining in for some chalk fun with the app today for the first time! Go see her OLW and poem for #chalkabration over at <a href="http://adayinthelifeof19b.blogspot.com/2013/12/chalking-in-new-year.html">A Day in the Life.</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Robin at <a href="http://teachingtomorrowsleaders.blogspot.com/2013/12/december-chalk-bration.html">Teaching Tomorrow's Leaders</a> wrote a poem and got some help from her kids this time around for Chalk-A-Bration. </span>Betsy Hubbardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492340502962987362noreply@blogger.com5