Frobscottle without the Whizzpoppers

One of my favorite books as a child was the BFG by Roald Dahl. I always try to read it or do it as a small group, if I have readers at the right level. I found an incredible resource on Teachers Pay Teachers for BFG Reading Comprehension.

This resource is great for day to day reading. I thought it would be fun to do something hands on so I decided we would make Frobscottle. I searched online and on Pinterest and I couldn't find much. SO I wandered the drink isle to come up with something pale green,that fizzed, tasted of vanilla, cream and the faintest hint of raspberry as described in the book. Here is what I came up with:

Raspberry Sparkling Water

Cream Soda- get a light colored one if possible

Raspberry Extract

Tropical Punch Pop Rocks (They are green)

Green Food Coloring

The reading group taste tested the concoction. We added a little here and there and then the group presented a summary of the chapter and passed out the frobscottle to the class. The class loved it. The teacher not as much......... 

Broncos Game Day Giveaways

Incase you couldn't tell I am a diehard Denver Broncos fan! I thought it would be fun to do something  for my followers this football season.

I need you to help me to cheer on my favorite home town team! Why you ask? Well because if the Broncos win I will do a giveaway after every game! You need to follow me on Facebook to see if they won and what the giveaway is. All giveaways will be done through Facebook starting with tonights game! Here is the schedule so you can stay posted! Help me cheer and you win! GO BRONCOS!!!!

KORE Wobble Stools

This summer after I attended InnEdCO I wanted to change my classroom to make all learners more successful. One of those things was to get some alternative seating. I have used "wiggle" stools in the past. I have not really liked them for a few reasons. First the ones that I have had did not stand on their own, the students were falling off of them and storage was an issue.  The next issue I had was I only had one in my room and the kid using it was "weird" or a distraction.  I found KORE Wobble Stools online and I NEEDED them for my classroom.

They are durable and come in tons of colors. They are very easy to assemble too!

With the promise of a review from me KORE generously donated five stools. Four for the students and one for me. I loved that I have one too. It took away any stigma about the stools. All of my students wanted to use them!

The purpose of the stool is to provide movement for the students with out the movement being a distraction to theirs or anyone else's education. KORE says:

"The leader in ACTIVE SITTING — enables and increases “SECONDARY FOCUS”! Think better which promotes better learning and attention to details.
Replace a traditional chair with a Kore---You will feel the difference! 
We simply weren't designed to sit still all day, yet many of us do - at work, at home, in a studio or classroom, in front of a computer. Ordinary chairs and stools force our bodies into unnatural, static positions, resulting in long-lasting physical discomfort. Kore chairs rock and spin on a gently domed base, encouraging active sitting and exercising the back. Improve your sitting experience and enjoy the long-term effects of a healthier back and happier muscles."

I really wanted to establish solid classroom routines before I introduced the students to the Wobble Stools. I waited for a few weeks and then chose a few students each day to try them out. I noticed the students that were wiggly were not so wiggly anymore! They also did not feel the need to get out of their seats. They worked! The kids loved them! Here is what they had to say:

They are smiling and love the stools!

" The Wobble Stool helps me get my work done. I can move in my seat so I don't need to get out of my seat. I like it because it helps me." - Third Grade Boy

" I like it because I can move. In my regular chair I feel like I just have to get out of it and with this I don't." -Third Grade Girl 

"I like using the stool it helps me focus." - Third Grade Boy

In my classroom I have three students that use the stools everyday. It has helped them with their behavior and the stools do not cause a distraction. I alternate the other stools throughout the classroom so that every student has a chance to use them. I have 7 stools in my classroom now. I am working to get more. I funded two of them through a grant and the stools are available in the Scholastic Book Orders Bonus Points catalogue. I have written grants to get more of them and I am anxiously awaiting the approval (fingers crossed!) I want to have enough for everyone and hopefully I will get there. The other teachers are working to fund them in their classrooms too. I have loaned a few out so they could see how they have worked for their students.


I really believe these are a great addition to your classroom. These stools go above and beyond the alternative seating movement because they really work for students.

Currently

Its September! I am linking up with Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade for September's Currently.

Listening- Sofia is on at our house often. This week Disney is running all of the Sofias that have Disney princesses. The girls LOVE it. I can handle this there are toddler shows that are worse. 

Loving- I had some Kore Wobble Stools donated. We just started using them in class and I love them!!!! I will write a blog post about them soon. 

Thinking- There is so much I need to do to get out of summer mode and back in the swing of things. Plus we handed out the iPads today so I am thinking about all of the new apps and functions of the new iPads!  

Wanting- I am all aboard the alternative seating train. The Kore Stools are a big start but I want more options for my kiddos. Now I just need to find a way to fund them! (Being a part time teacher I don't qualify for Donors Choose.) 

Needing- Its the second full week of school and I am already behind. (At least I feel that way.) 

Goals-

1. See above ^^^^^^

2. I will be starting Passion Projects now that we have our iPads. These are a way I can have the students take part in their learning I am really looking forward to it. 

3. I WILL lose the baby weight!!!! They are no longer babies it is time. I am thinking if I post it here I will have to do it. Right?