A Carnival-Themed Classroom!

I decided to keep my carnival-themed decor this year. I added a few touches this year. Here is my book corner. The "tent" is from Ikea. I have decided to just purchase a cheapy rug at Big Lots for $30 and pitch it every year. My kids track in mud from playing soccer at recess and it's not worth it to keep fighting an uphill battle. 

I love these faux clipboards. I attached a paperclip to them to just easily slip student work underneath and display! I even have a giant paperclip for added effect...

I bought this from Oriental Trader. If my students earn it, they get to spin the wheel. Whatever number they land on, they get to choose from that # of bag. Hey, you get to pick a prize from bag #7!!!!

I purchased this along with the wheel. It is a basic version of my very favorite PLINKO game from Price-Is-Right! There are little discs that students will drop, and whatever number they land on, that's the bag they choose from!

This is my favorite place to rest. This stool is so retro and swivels!

Ok, this is not really carnival-themed, but I had to get it. It was like $12 at Target! Gotta love Target!

Ways to Use Technology

Here are some cool tech tips I will definitely be trying in my classroom!

Zaption is a way to make videos on You Tube more interactive while showing them in your classroom. There is a quick and simple tutorial that you can watch. Basically, you can show a You Tube video that has questions, notes, open responses, and drawings. So, as you reach different points in the video, these little side bars pop up and you can ask your class questions or check for understanding.
Here is the link:
http://www.zaption.com/tours

Another cool site is Google LitTrips. Basically, you can choose from different books and travel/see photos of places the character goes or things the character does using Google Earth. In the book, Opossum Magic, the character eats different foods around places in Australia. Using Google Earth, you get to see the places the character visits. I LOVE Google Earth and am always looking for ways to use it in my classroom!
Here is the link:
http://www.googlelittrips.com/GoogleLit/Home.html

I am always trying to find and use the latest "tekky" stuff in my classroom, so stay tuned for more tips...