Michelle Dupuis Education: January 2014

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Where do you find time to exercise?

Full time mom...Full time wife...Full time teacher...But I still want to stay in shape and exercise. Each week, I try to schedule in my two favorite exercises: Yoga and Bootcamp.

I like the relaxation and concentration I get from Yoga and the intensity and Kick A.. workout I get from Bootcamp.

How do I do it? Well it's not always easy because I want to spend as much time as possible with my family.

So here's my secret:

First part:

I sit down with my husband every sunday night (just did that part) and plan my week. After all the meetings and kids sports, I then choose what days or nights I can workout.

Second part:

Talk about it. Tell someone, anyone. I always inform my friends that I am going training on monday, thursday, saturday...for example.

I try to exercise 3 to 4 times a week. This helps me eat better and gives me energy.

RECAP:

PLAN your week and TALK about it.

You can do it!!!

Homemade Papier Mache recipe

If you're looking for an easy Papier Mache recipe, follow these steps:
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 4 cups of boiling water

1. Boil 4 cups of water.
2. While you are waiting for the boiling water, mix the flour and cold water together.
3. When the water starts boiling, add the flour/cold water mixture to the boiling water.
4. Stir, stir, stir...for 3 to 5 minutes. (If you don't stir, it will stick to the bottom!)
5. When it starts to thicken, remove and let it cool.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT'S TOO THICK BECAUSE IT WILL THICKEN WHEN IT COOLS DOWN.
6. Regrigerate and use (you can keep it for 2 days)

HAVE FUN!

You can use it for any project. We made rain instruments with recycled materials and papier mache. My students love this project.

Papier Mache

Newspaper is perfect for papier mache

My students then paint their rain instrument.

We use the instrument for writing projects. (writing a song or a poem)

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Gotta love guided reading!

This synonym search can be done during guided reading sessions.

Click HERE to print. This FREEBIE is included in a Guided Reading Pack.

Guided reading sessions with my students:

The first step is taking time to listen to each student read a leveled book. This helps me divide my groups.

This also helps me determine what their strengths and needs are.

Then, I try to do a guided reading session 3 to 5 times a week, while my other students are reading by themselves.

This allows me to help each student and work on strategies. It also allows me to see important concepts before, during or after the lesson. Here are some examples:

predictions, story map, synonyms, idioms and more.

Click here to see more activities:

Guided Reading