Bring Coloring Pages to Life in 3D with ColAR Mix App!

Recently, I stumbled upon this cool website/app called http://colarapp.com/ .  You need to check it out.  Kids can turn a picture into 3D art with a mobile phone or iPad.  1) You print a coloring page from the website. 2) Kids color the page in crayon or colored pencil (markers don't seem to work).  3) You or their parents download the ColAR Mix App onto mobile phone or iPad.  4) Using the App, you take a
picture of the colored page.  5) Voila!  The kid's colored page comes to life in 3D!

I think it's awesome for all ages.  It promotes fine motor skills and technology at the same time!  And if you're creative enough, you can implement it into your curriculum.  

I tried the bird and worm coloring page with my first graders, as it corresponds with our animal theme in science.  My students loved it!  

Enjoy!

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Reading Is Fundamental

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) is the largest children's literacy nonprofit in the U.S.  

RIF created this fun site for the early childhood group, which I love!

In the Babies & Toddlers section (ages 0-2), there are stories, nursery rhymes, lullabies, games, and finger plays, all to help parents/teachers to stimulate babies and toddlers in the early stages of literacy development.  

In the Preschoolers section (ages 3-5), you can read, sing, play, doodle, and explore.  

And of course, there's a Grown-Ups section filled with articles, activities, and more.

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Back-to-School Time for Parents & Teachers!

It's Back-to-School season means all sorts of feelings from children and parents and teachers!

There's excitement in the air...nervousness, sadness, happiness.  

Here is a fantastic resource for PARENTS and teachers regarding Back-to-School jitters at Reading Rockets.  Ultimately, Reading Rockets is a non-profit organization that teaches kids to read and helps those who struggle.  It's not just about the kids, but teaching parents how to teach their kids, too!  And of course, teachers.

For Parents:  here are some great tips on how to ease back into school, like:

Talk it up!

In the weeks before school starts, share your excitement about school with your child. Focus on the fun things he'll learn during the year, and all the different things he'll get to do, like go to P.E. class, music class, art class and the library. If you're excited, your child will be too!

For Teachers: here is a list of Top 10 Resources for Back to School, like:

Literacy-Rich Environments

Learn the "why" and "how" of creating a language- and literacy-rich classroom, especially for kids with special needs.

Happy 1st Day of School!

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FAMILY EDUCATION

As a teacher, it's true that teaching a child is a team effort!  One of the many ways a child succeeds is through the love and support he/she receives from his/her parents, teachers, and all he/she comes across with.  It takes a village to educate a child!  Isn't that a saying?  

Well, I've come across this wonderful resource, more so for parents/families, but also useful for teachers.  Afterall...we do need to work together as a team!  ;)

Family Education is a website with various subjects of focus: Pregnancy, Babies & Toddlers, Kids, Teens, School & Learning, Entertainment & Activities, Mom's Life, Food, & Community.  Each tab/subject has detailed information for your heart's desire.  In regards to Family Education being a teacher resource, well, it has parenting advice (which can also be teacher advice, to a certain extent) & many activities & interactive tools that can be adapted &/or used in the classroom.  The site is actually linked with TeacherVision, where you can find "lesson plans, printables, and more." 

There's just lots of knowledge shared on that site.  

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Remind101

Did you know about this? 
Remind101 is an app to text Message your class!  It's "a safe way for teachers to text message students and stay in touch with parents. Free."
Apparently, the ratings in the Apple App Store is 5 stars!  
Informative idea.  Quick way for teachers and parents to stay connected!

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Merry Christmas from Santa Claus!

A personalized video from Santa Claus that can be created by you for anyone you choose, young and old!

It's pretty great!

Check it out & make one or many for your loved ones!

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