Voice Booster Review and Giveaway

So, as an administrator, I am always on the lookout for resources and products that I feel will help my teachers. I search supply catalogs, make notes when I am in their rooms, and will from time to time offer to purchase something for their room that I know will benefit the teacher and students. It is one of the many reasons I LOVE being a principal- I get to help in ways I never could as a classroom teacher (though I still miss teaching in a classroom something terrible!).

So, when I was approached by a representative from Voice Booster to try out their audio system, I was VERY happy as I was looking for sound solutions for several teachers. Not only for my teachers, as our school sound system died and they offer a larger system that is portable- TOTAL SCORE!

I eagerly awaited the arrival of the two systems! I didn't have to wait long! WAHOO!

I was sent the personal size:

AND, this awesome larger size- that I call the CANNON...ha ha!

I have been SUPER impressed with both units. I have a teacher who snatched the personal unit right up and has been using it for nearly a week now. He LOVES that his students can hear him at all times. He said it took a bit of getting used to- as the unit will give feedback and squeal if the headset and the speaker unit get too close. However, he said that he likes that because if the class gets too noisy, he purposely makes it squeal to get their attention...ha ha! Not what I would recommend for it's use, but it works for him.

I love that it stays charged for so long. My teacher can teach confidently all day long and not stress about the battery dying. He is also letting the students wear it as they present to the class. He keeps the unit on his belt (it also comes with a strap that can be worn around the neck- which is awesome they provide that too!), and the student holds the headset and talks to the class. It really is making a difference for his class. They used to be much more rowdy, and he would have to raise his voice. It would sound as if he was frustrated or angry because of the volume at which he would sometimes have to speak. He said that with this system, he doesn't have to strain or raise his voice and the kids can tell the difference. He said it seems less stressful in his room now.

That was interesting insight from the teacher. I have other teachers that are excited to test drive the unit as well- IF, I can pry it out of his hands...ha ha!

As for the "cannon"- I just love that nickname, I have been SUPER impressed with it. Our school was asked to do a small program at a local bank. They said they didn't have any sound equipment we could use. I was a little stressed out and worried that I wouldn't get the sound I needed from this unit- after all- it was a HUGE area with a LOT of students (over 50) singing.

I was totally shocked when I pushed play and had to TURN IT DOWN because the sound was TOO loud! WOW! Best part for me was that all I needed was the stereo cord and may phone to use it. Plugged my phone in from the headphones jack and POOF there was the music I needed.

I havent' tried the SD Card slot or the USB port, but the fact they are on there is AWESOME!
Our school will get some SERIOUS mileage out of this baby for years to come. So, at the end of the day, I just have to say that I LOVE this company and their products. Am I getting paid to say that- NO! By now, I hope you realize that I am not going to say something on my blog I don't believe.

When looking at the cost of these units compared to others, and the features you get- these units are worth EVERY penny you will pay (and compared to others- it's a LOT less!)

Check out there STORE by clicking >>>HERE<<<!

AND- this is the BEST PART! I get to give one PERSONAL UNIT away for FREE! WAHOOOO!
Click on this >>>LINK<<<  or the picture above to visit the giveaway page!

Thanks for stopping by- and I hope you will click on over and check out their product line.
Good luck with the contest and come back again soon!
WAHOO!

-John, Created by MrHughes

Picture Your Selfie in Vegas Giveaway!

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!

 Can you picture it now?  YOU in LAS VEGAS? 

How about YOU in LAS VEGAS attending a one day session of the SDE conference?

Primary Chalkboard is giving away YOUR CHOICE of a 1 day session at SDE!

So, will it be Singapore Math, Differentiated Instruction, I Teach K, I Teach 1st, or the newly added I Teach 2nd? 

How fun is that?

BUT, that's not all, we're also including a $25 gift card to the SDE bookstore, CRYSTAL SPRINGS.

So, NOW can you picture YOURSELF in VEGAS?

Oh, you say you need money for airfare, hotel accommodations, or just some spending money while you are here?  Well, we've got that covered, too.  How about  

THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH

to help you out with that?!?!?

NOW, can you picture YOURSELF in VEGAS?

Here's how to enter for a chance to win.

Hop through our Facebook pages and collect a tip for your (possible) visit to Vegas.

Be sure to "like" each page as you hop through so that you can collect the tip.

Each tip will have a number on a playing card.

Add the numbers together and enter the sum  on the Rafflecopter on the Primary Chalkboard blog for a chance to win.

Be sure to add a comment and include #primarychalkboardsendmetovegas.

For an extra chance to win this, take a selfie, post it on IG with #primarychalkboardsendmetovegas 
Don't forget to tag us in your picture! @primarychalkboard

The winner will be picked on the evening of April 5th.

A HUGE thank you to SDE (Staff Development for Educators) for their kind and generous donation!

Good luck! WAHOO!

Product Review: Moby Max {and Giveaway}

Howdy Friends!
I have been AWOL for a while now, and it feels great to be back! 

And...

What better way to appear than with a PRODUCT REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY! WAHOO!!!!!

Today's' Topic: MobyMax

Overview-
 Mobymax is an online platform that give teachers access to varying topics for students to practice and master. It also offers prizes, reporting, one-to-one communication, among other motivational features. 

My Experience-
I have been using Moby Max for nearly two years. I just recently moved schools, so my use this year is less than I would like to admit. The reason? I only go to computers once a week, versus everyday like in the past. Set up on Moby Max is super simple and FREE, depending on the amount of access you want to features and data reporting. I used the FREE level for several months before moving to the paid platform. Why did I upgrade? Simple- it was inexpensive and it opened up a large amount of features that made it worth the cost. The content for the students in accessible in BOTH versions, however, so you CAN go the FREE route without sacrificing content!

Is it practical?
This is a question I ask myself every time I faced with the sign-up box. I have to ask myself, "Will I REALLY use this?". I always worry about getting my students loaded in the system, if it will be intuitive for my students, will the enjoy it, what makes it different from all the other platforms out there.

After spending time with my students on the program, I found that it was a platform that delivered exactly what my students needed- and I could access amazing reports- drilling down to each student's level.

Pros-
-Super easy to add students! I can add my entire class of 19 in about 3-5 minutes. I LOVE that the enrollment is hassle free. The screen shot below is ALL the information you enter, and you don't HAVE to put in. Easy-Peasy!

-I love that my students can compete in contests for prizes
-It offers a placement test in each subject so students are placed where they need to work automatically! No more guessing if they are working on skills the really need!
-The ability to easily see what skills the class as a whole AND each student are rocking- OR- which skills need more work!
-Kid friendly, easy to use
-Not overwhelming- just a few problems in each practice set with IMMEDIATE feedback!
-Works on ANY device!
-Web-based- can access from home
-Reports include minutes spent on assignments
-Students earn minutes (you decide how many) by working through lesson that they can use in the game arcade! (I usually give the students time once a week to redeem their minutes and just play. They LOVE IT!)
-Frequent contests for teachers to win great prizes as well

Cons-
-I gotta be honest- it isn't as graphically cutesy and eye-catching as some other platforms out there. My kiddos got over it pretty quick, and I reminded them this isn't a "game", it is interactive practice!


Cost/Pricing-
-FREE! WAHOO! Get started today: www.mobymax.com and create your FREE account!
-If you want ALL the bells and whistles, for just $99 a year for an unlimited amount of students, you can't go wrong!

Okay, okay...
So NOW that you have read my review of MOBYMAX, are you ready to WIN an ENTIRE YEAR of PRO FROM FREE!?!?!?!? WAHOO! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below! :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Holidays From Created by MrHughes (with A HUGE SALE, Linkies, Advents, and Hops!)

Howdy Friends!

The holidays are here, and they are bringing many wonderful surprises and events just for you! :) Keep you eyes open for several different events which I joined to show my appreciation for YOU! WAHOO!

Take a gander at the amazing line up of surprises and goodies just for you!

Let's see, first there is...

I Heart Math blog hop

Oh yes, and the Primary Chalk Board Advent Calendar Event with a new freebie and/or 50% off  for the day item!

"Happy Holidays! The Primary Chalkboard is celebrating this month with our own Advent Calendar. Each day we will have a little treat for our readers from one of our authors/bloggers. You can only get the treat on that day, so make sure you check back often."


Hmmm...oh yeah, and the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway with AMAZING prizes and chances to win gift cards EACH DAY!

AND.... Starting at 12 midnight Eastern time, you can get your shop on and save upto 20% using the TpT Discount Code at check out! WAHOO!

Thanks to Gina Wilson for Designing the Image Above.

Each event will be hosted on MY blog, so check back soon!

ALSO, if you haven't joined my newsletter list, I encourage you to do so using the form at the top of my blog. It's super easy, and starting in January, information, specials deals, and more will be shared. If you aren't on the list, you won't know about them Sign-up today! SCORE!


     Thanks for you kindness and support over the past several years! You are amazing and I truly enjoy interacting with you. Happy Holidays and please stop by again soon! WAHOO!

Quill Product Review and Giveaway!

Greetings Friends!
    I am happy to share with you something that I just got a couple of weeks ago and I use EVERY DAY! Quill.com contacted me to ask if I would like to try out a product and share my experience with my supporters. I was SO EXCITED for this opportunity!

I was sent this little gem:

     This cart is AWESOME! Before, I had to bend over or sit down (which I HATE doing while I am teaching. This makes it so I can stand AND teach. My document camera fits perfectly on top, and the black, non-slip mat, make the perfect background when projecting on the board. The top is adjustable. So, you COULD lower it all the way down and have a much lower cart. The doors lock on the front, so I can store computer/printer supplies inside and keep my students out. The wheels also lock in place so the cart doesn't go skiing across the floor! Oh, and it comes with a power bar (heavy duty use) and the mounting hardware to add it to the cart. Oh, and it had a pace to wrap the cord when not in use. This amazing piece of furniture is a MUST have in EVERY classroom!

     You can see that the height is perfect for me. You can check out this item HERE! And, before you ask, yes, it is TOTALLY worth the price! This is one sturdy cart!

     Now, the best part is, you can WIN this amazing Easel from Quill! It is a $320.00 Value and you can win if for FREE! WAHOOOOO!

They have generously donated one to ONE lucky supporter Use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to enter! If you win, it will be shipped directly to YOU! :) Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share the Wealth- RING IN THE NEW YEAR with FREEBIES and GIVEAWAYS!

Hey friends!

I wanted to get this linky up yesterday, but I have been super ill. But enough of the negative! I am so excited that this linky is going to provide you TONS of ideas for those first few days back after what I hope has been a glorious break for you. :)

Below you will find activities for both the NEW YEAR and beyond! Not only that, you will find a linky for the current giveaways that are being held, in case you want to press your luck and win some amazing goodies! WAHOO! (Scroll down for the giveaways if needed! :)

I will be back on New Year's Eve with a recap of 2013! Here is to a glorious, productive, and engaging 2014!

Cheers-

Mr. Hughes

Ring in the NEW YEAR FREEBIES! 

You may link up to THREE Freebies. They do NOT have to be themed. Anything from New Years through "Winter" is great! Please include the grade level! WAHOO!

CURRENT GIVEAWAYS! 

ONE Link Only & MUST Include an Ending Date!

Get the Goods! WAHOO!

Hey My Friends!

I hope you are well. It is has been a while. I have had some crazy things going on in my life but I think I am starting to get things back under control.

So... what has Created by MrHughes been up to???

Well, my oldest son (who is currently 13) told me he needed to start saving money for a mission and for college! He asked me for some ideas. He is a pretty good artist, so I suggested that he start making clipart. Of course I was mostly kidding. Well.... HE WASN'T!

He is addicted to his drawing. When he isn't at school, practicing his piano, or at basketball practice, he is drawing and getting after me for NOT getting his clip art uploaded!

Here are his current sets (he has 3 more waiting for me to edit and get uploaded).

Here is his FREEBIE set. I LOVE how they turned out. Click on the picture to get the FREEBIE!

This is his first paid set. I LOVE how he was able to get such great shading and detail into each piece. I also really like the sketchy feel of the pieces. Click the picture to check out this PAID set!

This set was just added last night. It is fantastic. I LOVE IT! Thankfully I get to use them for free... ha ha. He wanted to have more than just a regular bulb. So, he made an "ON" bulb and an "OFF" bulb of each color. He also loves to include a "bonus" image in each set. Sometimes he wants you to see what it will be, and sometimes he likes it to be a surprise. This set you can see the bonus image- it is a frame that has plugs on the ends. LOVE THIS KID!

Okay, okay, enough bragging about my son. Let me tell you about one amazing giveaway that is going on for the next few days! CHECK IT OUT! Oh, and enter it too!

Cheers-

Mr. Hughes

Who doesn't love a giveaway? Well, Krystal from Lessons From The Middle and Kate from Kate's Classroom Cafe have teamed up to create giveaway just for middle school teachers, as a little thank you for all you do! I'm excited to be apart of this middle school giveaway and there are lots of fantastic prizes to be won! Let's get to it!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Something NEW to VIEW! A $600 Giveaway!

     I am excited be teaming up with The Teacher Studio (along with many, many other bloggers) to bring you an AMAZING giveaway. You can enter for FIVE, yes 5 days to enter for amazing prizes!

     Before your click on over to enter the giveaway, I hope you will take a peek at my new Time Saver Book Report. 

     I created this resource for some fellow teachers at my school who were feed up with a majority of their students not completing and submitting a project for their book report, not to mention the 1-3 days of reading time it was taking to present said book reports. They wanted something engaging, timely, and concise.

     Enter the Time Saver Book Report Project. This project allows you to create and present book reports in about 60 minutes. Yup, in ONE reading class period, your students should be able to create AND share their book report projects. With two different formats, AND two suggested formats for presentations, this might just be the best thing that has happened to you so far this school year.

Included in the Time Saver Book Report is:

-Two different project sheets

-Two different participant logs (where students must record information about each book that is presented in the small group setting, or nine of their classmates books in the gallery walk option).

-Teacher Directions and Suggestions for Use.

Get it now for only $2.50 in one of my many shops.

Now, get on over to The Teacher Studio and enter for a chance to WIN BIG! WAHOO!

Cheers-
Mr. Hughes

The Wonderful Season Called Fall! (+Giveaway)

     Howdy Friends! Can I just tell you I LOVE FALL! The visual concert of changing  leaves, the cooling of the nights, the smoky smell of fires warming houses, the crisp air in the morning that clears the lungs... sigh. I LOVE IT!

     With that change, comes a change in our students as well. They get a bit crazy as they start to spend more time indoors and less outdoors. But, I have a solution. Creative and hands-on type learning activities give your kiddos a change to use that energy for good! :)

     I thought I would group all my fall-themed activities here to show you what I have! There are even TWO FREEBIES included below. I put the approximate grade levels under each item. To see the item in my TpT shop, simply click on the picture. :) (I also sell these items on ToolsforSchool.com, and Teachers Notebook if you prefer those sites!)

 Grade 3-6                             Grades k-2

    

  Grade k-2                             Grades 3-6+

     

         Grades k-5+                    Grades 2-6+ (FREE)

    

  Grades k-2                          Grades 3-6

    

                                Grades 1-6 (FREE)                Grades 3-6 

     I hope there is something that catches your eye, and DON'T FORGET THE FREEBIES! WAHOO!
To see my FREE Turkey Pick-a-Story in action, check out THIS POST. I think you will really enjoy using it with your students. I couldn't believe the creative stories that they created and shared... ha ha.

     So, the GIVE AWAY PART! That is easy! Click HERE to visit the All Thing Upper Elementary blog where the giveaway is being hosted. You will need to gather key words from EACH participant's blog to enter. It is will be worth your time. The Prize is a $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE to TPT (for TWO lucky winners). So, click on over AFTER you finish this post and enter to win. GOOD LUCK! :)

     Back to the post... The part I like best about Fall is CHANGE! 
     YOUR TURN! What is YOUR favorite part of fall? Leave a comment below. I would LOVE to hear from you!