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Celebrate Summer with Camp GoNoodle!


It’s SUMMER!  Woo-Hoo!

Hey!  It's Holly here from Mrs. Ehle's Kindergarten Connections, and if you’re a teacher, like me, you are probably lovin’ the freedom and flexibility of summer. AHHHH.

However, if you are a momma (or daddy!), you know better than to think that summer is stress-free! #wewish

After about the third day of summer break, you probably heard this…
“Mom… I’m bored!” or “What can I do now?”

If you’re like me, you have a summer to-do list that’s a mile long…

Yet, you feel like summer is your chance to reclaim your Super-Parent status after having just spent the last 9 months of school in a guilt ridden too-much-school-work-to-do-to-be-an-epic-parent mode. #isitjustme #teachingisnevera40houraweekjob 

So just how do we do both?!   
You know… Getter’ Done and be Super-Mom.

Well… I have the answer!!!!

It’s  Camp GoNoodle!
Camp GoNoodle
Camp GoNoodle is a free online program for kids to stay active and be creative this summer! If you’re a teacher, then you probably already know and love GoNoodle for the classroom….. but now, as a PARENT, you’ll love this summer extension called…

Camp GoNoodle!

If this is your first time hearing of GoNoodle -- Camp GoNoodle is a great introduction that you can do with your whole family! 

Simply Click HERE to join for FREE!

Trust me, your kids will GO CRAZY for CampGoNoodle!

Here’s How It Works:
1. Head to “camp!” Each Monday starting TODAY (June 29th), a new set of five adventures will appear at campgonoodle.com.   #fourweeksoffun
2.  Go on new adventures every week! Each adventure uses GoNoodle.com’s active videos and games for inspiration, and challenges kids to use their imaginations, get moving, and be outside. Picture building your own DIY jetpack, creating an obstacle course race, or making sushi with things you already have at home. #somuchfun
Example Adventure

3. Sing along! Each week includes two brand new camp songs to inspire creativity and movement! #campjams
Camp Fire

4. Connect with fellow campers! Share your adventures using the #campgonoodle hashtag on social media to join the camp community. Each week, “Campers of the Week” will be recognized as “All-Stars” and earn exclusive Camp GoNoodle prizes. #lovethatgonoodleswag

5. Earn badges! Complete each week of adventure by printing the weekly badge to hang up, loud and proud. #bestcampever

All you need for Camp is...
 GoNoodleInternet MachineActive & Creative
a free GoNoodle account           a device with internet access          a family ready for adventure


Ready to register for camp? 

Simply go to campgonoodle.com RIGHT NOW and let the fun begin!

Note: If you are a teacher who already has a teacher/school GoNoodle account, you will need to go to this link to sign up to receive Camp GoNoodle emails:  http://gndle.me/1IdCN2F {This is important because Camp emails are only being sent to parent accounts. GoNoodle knows lots of teachers use their school accounts at home – which is completely fine, they just need to make sure they get those teacher-parents in the Camp email list too!}


So who’s going to join us in celebrating 

summer with Camp GoNoodle???


Let’s kick this camp off with a summer

 celebration linky party!


Share a few of your SUMMER loves…
while sharing Camp GoNoodle with rest of this world’s Super Moms (and Dads!)

Here are some of MY summer loves...


Now come on, campers! 

 Link Up! 

Below you will find all the needed "camp supplies!" LOL

Copy, paste and fill in your favs!

Copy and post this little camp pic on social media to spread the word about Camp GoNoodle!




And as a BLOGGER BONUS.... GoNoodle will be doing a (random # generator) drawing next Saturday (July 4th) to choose one lucky "linker" to win this awesome Camp GoNoodle prize package!  #campswag   

{Did I mention that GoNoodle is one of the AWESOME sponsors of our Vegas Teacher-Blogger Meet-Up?!   Oh, yah!!! Come on out and join us and pick up some awesome GoNoodle goodies in Vegas!}

Bloggers... Click below to grab the code to put this full linky on YOUR blog:

Now link up YOUR post below!



Create Your Own Shortcuts in PowerPoint for Mac

 
Hi everyone! It's Kristen from Ladybug's Teacher Files and I'm back with another time-saving tip for all you PowerPoint-printable-fiends! 

I think many of us are well-versed in keyboard shortcuts these days, right? Here are some of the most familiar ones you probably use without even thinking at this point:

command ⌘ + c (copy)
command ⌘ + x (cut)
command ⌘ + v (paste)
command ⌘ + z (undo)
command ⌘ + y (redo)
command ⌘ + s (save)
command ⌘ + p (print)
command ⌘ + o (open)
command ⌘ + b (bold)
command ⌘ + u (underline)

These are just a few of the most common shortcuts. If you already use them, you know how much time they can save, often helping you skip several extra clicks. 

But did you know you can create more shortcuts, coded exactly the way you like?

And it's very easy to do! 

Here are the steps...

1. Open System Preferences and head to the Keyboard section:  
 2. Click on Shortcuts (in the top menu):

3. Go to App Shortcuts (located in menu on the left):

4. Now look through the list of Applications to find PowerPoint:

5. The next step is to fill in the Menu Title. This is the exact name of the command, as seen in PowerPoint. I used the example of grouping. I like to group my pictures together in an individual slide (it makes it easier to copy and paste onto other slides) but there isn't a shortcut for grouping. So here's where I can make one:
It is important to type the name exactly as it appears in PowerPoint, or it won't work.  As I discovered through countless errors myself ;)

6. In that same box, you will see Keyboard Shortcut. This is where you can type in any combination of keystrokes for your shortcut. As you type your keystrokes, they will be recorded in the box:
I used ⌘g for Group:
Now when I hit ⌘g, my selected pictures automatically group together...no more selecting and scrolling through a menu of commands.

Something to watch for!
This will work for many of the basic commands in PowerPoint. However, some commands have ellipses (such as the command to format the background of the slide). And this must be written precisely as well:
The ellipses must be included. And, if you're thinking like me, that's just a simple three periods. This isn't always the case (as I learned the hard was) as it may be written as a true ellipsis symbol (and not just three periods). To make this ellipsis, you must click Option + semicolon. There is more information in this article: Create Keyboard Shortcuts for Apps

So once you include the ellipsis (correctly) and choose your keystroke combination...

...you will see your shortcut in the drop-down menu in PowerPoint!
 Pretty cool, right?

I really hope this was of some help to those of you looking for more shortcuts! If you'd like some more time-saving tips, please see this previous post here on Blog Hoppin':
http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2015/02/four-fast-tips-for-powerpoint-printables.html
Thanks for reading!

Gearing up for VEGAS: Hue Animation Studios

Hey guys, It's Megan and Kim here from Kindergals! We are getting pumped up and ready for Vegas. In a little over a week, we will have the opportunity to meet up with all of our blogging and teaching buddies! I cannot wait for the Teacher-Blogger Vegas Meet Up!

Today I am featuring, Hue, one of our amazing sponsors for the meet-up! You won't want to miss the great products HUE is giving away at our meet up!   They will be giving away 5 Hue Pro Doc cameras AND 5 Hue Animation Studio Kits! 

The HUE Animation Studio kits each include a HUE HD camera which is the smaller camera, single licence for the animation software and a 60 color page book.  The full description of the animation kit can be found here.  

The Hue HD Pro camera comes with its own software for recording video and editing images. 

Oh!  But that's not all!! Hue is also going to be giving away a whole school license for Hue Animation Studios!  Imagine the projects your school will be able to produce!

One of my favorite tools to use in the classroom is a document camera! Last year, I won a Hue Camera at the French Lick Blogger Meet-Up! The document camera I used previously was a school purchased document camera and the bulb busted! Can you guess what happened? The school did not have the funds to replace the bulb!! It was such a blessing to receive a Hue camera. Interested in checking out all they have to offer? Here is the link to their website! You can also find them on social media!

YouTube  
Twitter     
Facebook 
Pinterest  

In my classroom, I use my document camera to deliver instruction whole group, allow students to share their work. I also use it as an interactive white board by placing my iPad under the camera! My children LOVE using the document camera during station time to practice skills already taught.

Do you happen to have a HUE doc cam of your own?  If so, help us show this amazing sponsor some love by sharing your positive thoughts about this product HERE.

We can't wait to see all our old friends and make new ones! See you at the teacher-blogger meet up!

Go Ahead . . . Put All Your Chips on the Table

Good day to you my friends. It's Kelley Dolling from Teacher Idea Factory. I have two main goals today. Yep.  I am just gonna tell it like it is . . . no hidden agendas from me.  First, today's post is geared to help bloggers and/or teachers go ALL IN and join us at the annual Vegas Blogger Meet Up on July 8th. It's right around the corner, but there is still time to make arrangements.  

If you haven't been before, I know what you might be thinking.  Just get those doubts out of your mind.  Sure, it can seem like an overwhelming event . . . maybe even a little intimidating. However, let me assure you that this meet up is worth the little pit that might be in your stomach.  It goes away in a heartbeat and the evening is always SO magical and inspiring. 

This will be my 4th year attending the Vegas Meet Up and it gets better every single year.  I didn't know anyone my first year and just went solo.  It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.  But, it was the best decision I have made as a blogger to date.  I met oodles of my blogging heroes and connected with two gals who will forever be in my bestie clan!  We are actually rooming together this year!  Steph, Suz, and Kell back together again.  It's coming full circle in 2015 :)

The first meet up looked like this (2012) . . . we could actually sit :P
These girls . . . BBF :)
Bloggin' Buddies FO-EVA


Last year's meet up looked like this (2014) . . . standing room only!
This year we are getting some extra seating :)

Alright, so now that you all are (or already were) attending, I have one additional goal today.  My second tactical maneuver is to get you even MORE excited about the event.  This year is going to be BIGGER than ever.  The networking is going to be off the chain and the sponsors have ponied up some amazing goodies this year.  Let me showcase just a few for you . . . 

ALIVE STUDIOS
This company will blow your mind.  I met them for the first time last year at the California PK-1 Conference.  My mouth was hanging open as I stood mesmerized at their booth.  Well, they have jumped in on our Vegas Meet-Up and have offered up the most amazing product for our big giveaway - a Learning Alive Suite. Ringing in at a $1295.00 value, this prize will bring AUGMENTED REALITY into your classroom.  Yes.  You "read" me right . . . 3D learning. This company has embedded high-tech graphics, sounds, and other highly-engaging elements into stellar software programs that provide kids with different ways to experience and interact with both reading and math. 




This is so cutting edge.  Sure, the company offers up grant writing opportunities for teachers to follow to bring this into their classrooms.  However, wouldn't it be grand to just win one outright.  Aren't you so glad you are coming?


ELLISON
You know this company all too well.  I'll be honest . . . they make me drool a bit. Their shape cutting machines have been a staple in schools for years.  And, their products just keep getting better and better.  A monkey could operate one of their machines (love how easy they are to use) and they cut oodles of different materials (paper, felt, plastic, etc.) to make just about any curriculum-based shape your heart desires.  




Now that you are coming to the meet up, you can win one of these.  Ellison has generously offered up FIVE of their SuperStar machines.  I'm liking these Vegas odds  . . . much better than the tables :)  


  

SCENTOS
Guess what? Scentos is sending a giant stockpile of their goodies to our meet-up... for YOU! {Did your teacher heart just stop . . . mine always skips a beat when I think about their smelly markers.}  The coolest part is that they are sending all of their latest products this year. This newest line of goods is geared toward little artists - Scentos FirstArt.  They have the most amazing 
new line for kiddos with smaller hands. Their easy grip markers and crayons with friendly faces and characters encourage kids to experience colors, textures, and characters in a positive way!





As a thank you for taking the time to visit us today, we are going to toss up a little Scentos contest.  Wanna win a box jam-packed with goods from these guys?  Of course you do!  Just fill out the simple Rafflecopter below!  We will chose a random winner on Sunday.    


a Rafflecopter giveaway

So . . . are you going ALL IN with us?  Will we see you at this year's Vegas Blogger Meet Up?

Subway Art Decor {Freebie included!}

Hey, Hoppers!  This is Alisha from The Bubbly Blonde!  I hope you are enjoying your summer.  I know a few of you are just starting summer or even still waiting!  Once you get there, sit back & relax!  Besides thinking about decorating my classroom next year, my mind is 100% on summer mode! 

Today, I want to branch off of a post that Erica did a few weeks back!  If you didn't read it, go check it out now! Black and Bright Decor!  Do I need to say anything more?! 

http://imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2015/06/classroom-decor-ideas.html

It is so important to start the year off right and have your classroom setup in a way that will help form positive first impressions and build community in your classroom.  If you are proud of the classroom you have setup, students will also be proud!


In my classroom, I love to incorporate motivational quotes in my classroom!  It is a great way to "fill' a space on your wall, but with meaningful words that students can learn to infer, analyze, and make connections to!

{click picture to download freebie!}

At the beginning of the year, I take the time to read the quotes I have placed around the room and ask students to think-pair-share what they feel it means.  We do this throughout a couple of weeks, definitely not all at once!

It is eye opening to hear what they "think" the quote means.  We will then branch off of our conversation and make connections to the quote using examples that can happen in our daily lives, especially in our own classroom!  Throughout the school year,  I refer back to the quotes to continue to build classroom community, connections, and self confidence.

SitSpots - An AMAZING Classroom Management Tool!

In a few short weeks a whole lot of teachers are going to be taking over Vegas!

Are you going?

While we are there we are going to have a GINORMOUS meet up! Some beyond fabulous companies are sponsoring the event with lots of gifts and prizes! We are super excited.

One of our amazing sponsors is SitSpots.

The owner and creator of SitSpots is a teacher. She understands what we deal with in our classrooms each and every day! Her invention is PURE GENIUS.

SitSpots are a perfect alternative to those bulky, extremely expensive and easily dirtied rugs, foam mats and taped "sitting squares". 

In my room I've tried all kinds of things as a rug alternative. For quite a while I used those foam puzzle squares.
They get SO dirty and the kids picked at the foam. Disgusting.

I went on to try duct tape, but it left horrible sticky residue on the carpet.

Then I found SitSpots and heard angels singing. 
Seriously! SitSpots are the best addition to my classroom in a very long time!

There are so many colors to choose from so I was able to find just the right blue, purple and green to go with my room. When you need 30 spots of little peep bottoms, these spots do the trick! "Let's go to the spots!" I say. And off they go into neat little rows. 

My teammates have themed rooms like I do. Frankly there isn't a whole lot out there for dragonflies, but ladybug paraphernalia is abundant.
Cute, right? Well this room was screaming for some floor help!
We took some red SitSpots and added some black detail to make little ladybugs for her little ones to sit upon. So fun!

Not to be outdone, my friend in the room across the way needed a rug solution as well.
 What's more fitting for a QUEEN BEE than a floor buzzing with bees?
Her selection of yellow SitSpots was the perfect backdrop for the black accents that turned those circles into adorable bees.

There is just so much you can do with SitSpots. They aren't just a classroom rug alternative!
They are perfect for sight word walks, sight word bingo - floor size!, even a game of bean bag toss can be turned into a word or math practice activity using SitSpots!

My dear friend Kristin over at A Teeny Tiny Teacher not only uses SitSpots that match her decor as her classroom rug, she also uses a couple of the star shaped spots as the "performers spots" during her Readers Theater activities. Simply adorable.

Using SitSpots to help with lining up is fantastic. Whether your designating the place to stop and line up or individual numbered spots so the kiddos know where their place in line is located, SitSpots is an attractive, durable solution. They can be vacuumed over, put in the washing machine and will stay in place until you want to remove them. And, when you do remove them, there is absolutely no mess left behind. 
My latest obsession are the sea turtles! How cute would these be in an ocean/beach themed classroom!? LOVE THEM!

Yep, besides the usual shapes (circles, ovals, squares, triangles, etc.) there are objects! Palm trees, fir trees, butterflies, paw prints, people prints (footprints)... the list goes on and on. Visit their site to see the selection!

Not only are there a whole lot of shape and object choices, there are plenty of color choices, too!
I could go on and on talking about SitSpots. Head on over and check them out for yourself! They truly are AMAZING! We are thrilled to have them as a sponsor for our 2015 Vegas Meet Up and can't wait to visit their booth while we are there!

SitSpots on Instagram <---- They have some FABULOUS pictures showing all kinds of things you can do with SitSpots on their Instagram feed.