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?

Make Your Own Image & 100+ Fab Followers!

I'm new to the world of blogging, so this may be (yawn) old news to you. I was bouncing up and down because I was so proud of myself when I figured it out though. ^_^ I've seen some really cute Bloglovin’ graphics and decided to make my own. So, you need Powerpoint and Paint. Got it? Awesome!

Here's what I did:

1. I opened Powerpoint and chose the rounded rectangle shape. I changed the color to pink.

2. I inserted a text box and typed in the “P”.

3. Open Paint. Select the images and copy them.

4. Paste the images onto the new Paint page.

5. Select your image and crop it to eliminate the white edges.

6. Resize depending on how large of a graphic you’d like. I reduced my image to 20% (vertical/horizontal).

6. Save as a PNG and insert into your blog as an image.
Check mine out on the right! I've included some screenshots below as well. I hope this helps someone. 

*If you'd like to donate an item to my giveaway please see the form at the bottom of this post.*

Step 1

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Step 5

Time seems to have gotten away from me! I've been meaning to put together a giveaway to celebrate a milestone...I've gained 100 followers! I would love to invite you to share your blogs, stores, and items with my followers. If you'd like to donate an item please complete the form (I would appreciate it so so much). I'll gladly offer you any item from my TpT store in return as well.

Looking forward to this celebration! 

My 1st Five for Friday & Statigram

Hooray! It's officially summer (as if I wasn't already acting like it was). I am SUPER excited to have some free time because I am extremely so busy during the school year.

1. Magazines

Hey, that means...no.... really?? I can ACTUALLY sit and read a magazine?! Every year I consider canceling my subscription, but can't quite bring myself to do so because I really enjoy thumbing through my magazines.

2. Statigram

I just discovered Statigram! A way to display Instagram photos on your blog or facebook. Yipee! I love being able to display my photos right on my page. The process was very easy.
You simply sign in with Instagram. Select the tab that says <Promote>. Find the site you'd like to share on. I chose <On your blog or website>. These were the settings I chose, but of course you have other choices for displaying your photos. Check mine out over on the right.

3. Planner Inspiration 

There are some fabulous planners out there. However, when it comes to my lesson plans I've discovered that I absolutely LOVE typing mine out (it looks so nice and neat). Of course, when I add or change them I MUST reprint them, but it's totally worth having an organized plan book. So I was snooping around etsy and found some good ideas. Then, while trolling around Instagram I found Cheryl's (Primary Grafitti) creation! It is fantabulous! So now I have a better idea of what I'd like to create. Wish me luck!

4. Bloglovin

Several people said Bloglovin wasn't so scary and they were right! I signed in with my gmail account and VOILA the feed from my favorite blogs appeared. I even downloaded the app on my phone! Today I added my blog and the button to my site. Where's the easy button?

5. Common Core PD Yipee

I had the opportunity to attend two days of Common Core PD. It was extremely valuable as a teacher with limited understanding or exposure to the Common Core standards. We'll be implementing them this upcoming school year. I'm nervous, but ready for the challenge. I know that through training and research my comfort will build. I am always willing to take the initiative and seek out resources whenever I have questions.

Happy Friday!