Intense is an understatement

This Mimio Contest is CRAZY! People are going voting nuts. One second I'm losing and then within hours winning. I have employed coworkers, family, friends (including blogging ones), parents of my kids, and even my students; however, the competition is pretty stiff. 


Once again...any help with this is GREATLY appreciated!

I'm the multiple meaning words lesson.

Off to go bake brownies for my kiddos. They have an AR goal for every quarter. Those who accomplish their goal get to have lunch with me and share a special treat. Tomorrow is our AR luncheon day. 

And finally....I smell 100 followers in the near future. Already thinking of what my giveaway will be. I'm excited! Night friends. 

OH MY GOODNESS! NO WAY!

Ok...not to over use my quota of "help support" here, but I need some assistance this one last time (lets be honest Tanya).


I have a Mimio in my classroom. No surprise there...I have mentioned that quite a few times. Not so exciting....ready for the exciting part? A few weeks ago Mimioconnect.com had a contest for a "winter" themed lesson. So I submitted two lessons and assumed that I would never make the finals, BUT I DID! Mimio choose 3 lessons as finalists and my lesson on multiple meaning words made the cut. 


Winning prize: a MimioView document camera which will let me take video and pictures of what's under my camera and import them into Mimio lessons. I WANT IT! Now I sound like my 3rd graders...


This contest is now open for voting on Mimioconnect.com. <Insert fabulous blogging friends> Will you help me? Would you mind taking out a few minutes of your insanely busy teacher lives and voting for me? It would mean the world! 


Here is the link....


http://www.mimioconnect.com/mimioconnect_winter_lesson_contest_voting


I am the 1st lesson (Turn the light bulbs on with multiple meaning words.)

Here are some sample slides from lesson...

Thanks in advance! I truly appreciate everything you guys do to help out!

New Mimio Files

Hello bloggers. Sunday night already? How did that happen? 


I have added two new files on MimioConnect.com for those who are Mimio users. 

Please check them out. :)

One is a gallery pack, which contains different shaded shapes to display fractions. Just click and drag into your lesson for quick, already made examples of fractions! 

The 2nd file is for teaching fractions/equal shares. My students ALWAYS struggle with concept, so I wanted to create a lesson that was student friendly and relatable for them. Isn't food always intriguing for them? Enjoy!

I'm feeling so much better. Thank goodness because I can't miss any school with our "big test" coming up. Unfortunately to get to this point, I have slept the weekend away, but oh well. It worked. :) I did find the time to blog over at The Best Endings. I just finished the book "32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny." If you haven't read this book, please do! It's hilarious! Going to watch the rest of the football game. :)

One last thought...I HAVE REACHED 50 FOLLOWERS! Is that a milestone in blogging world? I doubt it, but I'm certainly happy! 

Mimio..anyone?

Does anyone have Mimio interactive boards in their classrooms? I have had mine for almost 2 years and I love it. I'm also a certified Mimio Master... which was a great experience. I learned so much on lesson creation and how to hook my students.

Even if you don't have a Mimio board, you can still use their software for free (one of the many reasons why I love Mimio). Click on the picture below to get started.

You do need a key to download the software but I have it and I'd be happy to share. Just comment this post and include your email. The software is totally free and can be used without a Mimio board.

On MimioConnect.com (a place where teachers post their lessons) my username is tvillacis. I have a ton of lessons on there which can instantly be used in your class!

Please comment if you do have a Mimio or any interactive board in your room. I'd love to get some new ideas!

Technology in my classroom? ABSOLUTELY!

Mimio is the core of my teaching. When my school's FCAT scores came in, I was pulled into the Principal's office and asked what was the contributing factor that made my scores so successful. Without hesitation I replied with "Mimio." Interactive boards stimulate students and engage them in the learning process. Rather than being spectators during a lesson, they are active participants who contribute ideas. I don't know what I would do without my interactive board.

Ok, that's enough lecturing for tonight.

I heart my Mimio. :)

Here are some snapshots of 2 of my Mimio lessons.