1. First I go to the Santa Maria-Bonita Unified School District web page (a treasure trove!) and get the list of vocab words based on each reading unit.
2. Sometimes I use their choices of images (eh) but usually I go to Google images to find really cool pictures that illustrate the word. This is the most fun, and most time-consuming part. It's like when you have to look something up in the encyclopedia, and you get immersed in reading interesting little-known facts that you have to share with anyone who will listen, and then you forget what you originally wanted to research. (btw, yes, I did sing The Encyclopedia song as I typed that word...twice)
3. I import it all to PowerPoint, make one slide per photo and one slide per definition. I also make a slide of the book cover and one of the author and illustrator. I print these out, 4 to a page, and trim them just outside the frame.
4. I choose a bright paper color, and cut backings for each word. Of course I am OCD-ish enough that I want the color to coordinate with the book jacket.
5. Next I put the definition on one side, and the photo on the other side, and run them thru the laminator. While I'm doing this, I'm getting a little taste of my dream job: playing with the machines at Kinkos
6. I trim them, then use a pair of nail clippers to nip away each sharp corner. (Did I mention being OCD-ish?) Punch a hole, add a split ring, and voila! A learning tool for the classroom.
Fun, pretty, utilitarian, and it satisfies my Kinkos itch.
1 comment:
I'll bet you are loved by the teacher, kids, and your own g'kid. You are a star!
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