Techie Tip: The Snipping Tool

Of course, my tips are usually for PC/Microsoft Users because that's what I have at home and school. I would love to buy a Mac, but I just can't bring myself to drop that kind of cash (yet). Anyways, I was wondering... do you ever use the Snipping Tool? It's Uh-MAZING! It allows you to select any image on your screen. It's most helpful when sharing shots with co-workers and students. Sometimes I use it to assist co-workers with technology questions via email. I'm a visual learner, so I find it helpful to send pictures in order to explain a step-by-step process.

I have a Smartboard and use it like crazy. It's a little absurd really. I rarely use my chart paper, which probably sounds terrible. Please don't judge. I'm getting better. Well, since there are so many amazing teacher authors out there, I have an abundance of PDFs and other images that I enjoy presenting to students. I also LOVE to write on them. Enter Snipping Tool. If you select the snipping tool it immediately allows you to select any portion of your screen. I especially like to use it on images that can't be copied in the traditional format {Control C}. It also helps me to stay technologically organized (because I'm not in the "real" world). I love everything I'm doing to be in one place or file. I often plan out a concept and save every part of the week-long plans in one document or Smart Notebook.

Here is an example: I always teach Magic or Sneaky E... I found a great poem (courtesy of Tales of Frogs & Cupcakes) to put into my Spelling lessons. So, I made sure the PDF was open and found the Snipping Tool in the Start menu. Then, I simply selected the area I wanted to snip. It always pops up in a new window. Just Copy and Paste into a new document like Word, PowerPoint, or SmartNotebook.

Open PDF and Snipping Tool

Select the portion you would like to cut. Copy.

Paste into a new document.

This has definitely become one of my favorite tools since discovering it a few years ago. I love technology and I love learning new tips and tricks. Do you have any techie tips to share?

Polite Peter FREEBIE

Hi friends!
There was so much interest in Polite Peter that I'm posting the PDF for everyone right here on my page! He's super cute! We had discussions about when Polite Peter would use each phrase. Then students completed the Polite Peter page. I plan to add cards that present students with different scenarios, which require them to respond as Peter would (this is great practice for my English Learners as well).

Click HERE for the freebie!

Enjoy!

Five for Friday on Friday the 13th

1. Hooray for Friday!!! You have no idea how happy I was when I woke up this morning. I don't think this smile ever left my face today! I finally had a pretty uneventful week of instruction. I know that may sound strange, but I really needed it in order to get my students into a routine. We've had half-days, a sick day, assemblies, Back to School Night...Not the way to establish routines. 

2. After spending just a few weeks of school together, I began to notice how my students were speaking to each and the lack of manners. “Move (because I need to get to my mailbox)!” Shoving in line (because someone is in the wrong order). I was surprised at the behavior because my students are pretty sweet kids. So, I figured this is just one more thing I need to teach them. I know it makes a world of difference, so I will definitely take the time to teach and practice kindness, patience, and respect.

We have been focusing on what a good citizen looks like both at school and in the community. I finally got around to printing copies of Polite Peter this week! He's so adorable and my students have been referring to him all week. "Polite Peter would say 'Excuse me'." I love it because I don’t have to sound like a broken record (which students eventually tune out). Leave a comment or shoot me an email if you'd like a copy of the Polite Peter pages.

3. Have Fun Teaching

Have Fun Teaching has some fun skip-counting videos! We've been doing them for Brain Breaks and I my kids go crazy for them! We've tried the "Count By Twos" and "Count By Fives" videos. They've got some great beats and I can definitely tell which kiddos have got MOVES.

Click HERE to find HaveFunTeaching videos.

Instagram: SuperSparklyin2nd

4.I have 400 IG friends! EEK! I never thought it'd become such an obsession. I follow teachers as well, if their accounts are public. I just love how easy it is to exchange ideas and see what other people are doing in their classrooms.Plus, you can find some great TpT packs and hear about sales and giveaways! Good stuff!

Check it out at TpT

5. I bought this pack from 24/7 Teacher and have been busy making copies! I was really interested in trying an Interactive Reading Notebook with my students this year, so I was thrilled when I saw what Amy had created. There are photos within the PDF so you know exactly what to do with the pages. I plan on putting them together for my students this weekend. I can't wait to share more about them as we use them.

I'm glad I was able to share a little of what I've been up to. I hope we all have restful weekends! I'm off for now. Ready to enjoy a date with my husband and the DVR!