First Grade FUNdamentals!

Big News!!

2011-11-27T17:06:00.000-06:00

Oh, friends!! It has been *gulp* over 2 MONTHS since I've last posted! I have missed you all so very much, but... there's this little blessing that's been taking over all of my time :-)

That's right!! Meet my little "pumpkin"! The above pic was taken at 6 weeks, and today I hit the 15 week mark... so Pumpkin is significantly larger and more human-looking ;) Man, oh, man - this little wonder has been sucking the life out of me every day and making me too tired to even THINK about stalking blogland, let alone typing my own posts!! However, we have turned the corner, and my energy is back - just in time for the holidays!

I am hoping to get back into the habit of my nightly blog searches... I can't even begin to think about everything I missed while sleeping on the couch and growing a baby! Just wanted to say hello again to all of you lovelies and that I can't wait to dive back into the FUN!

I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving break... I know I have, and now I'm ready for the next 3 1/2 weeks until we hit the halfway mark of the school year! I can't wait to have some holiday fun with my little kiddos.

To kick-off my new beginning, there will be a sale going on in my TpT store from NOW thru tomorrow for Cyber Monday! Please stop by and browse around a bit! Click the pic to hop over!

PS - Can I tell you how fun it was to create something new... even if it was just this silly little notice of my sale!

Thank you! And "All on the Map"

2011-09-25T18:34:00.000-05:00

You guys are so wonderful at lifting a girl's spirits! Your comments and emails to me about my previous post really helped me know I'm not the only one out there who's so frustrated with the way teaching is heading. Some days, I am jealous of those of you who get to teach reading centers, but I don't even have that option with the way our schedule is set up. My kiddos don't go to centers, and they have no down time throughout the day when they aren't being directly instructed by a teacher. One of these days, I'll figure out a time when I can get these first graders into some fun activities where they can explore their learning a bit!! :-)

In other news... Here is the latest in my set of StoryTown activity printables! Click the pic to check out this packet that works with Lesson 6, studying the -all chunk!

Hope you all had a relaxing weekend! Have a tremendous week... may it be the best one yet! :)

Creativity in Teaching...

2011-09-23T21:09:00.000-05:00

Alright, y'all... I gotta be honest with you! I am W.O.R.N. out this week!! My kiddos seemed to have taken several steps forward in the past couple of weeks, but then the past couple of days, they've gone a little backwards, and I'm so tired :( Anyone else out there experiencing this same kinda slump?? Honeymoon's officially over, I guess!

While I'm being honest, I have to ask you guys...
Are you allowed to use those wonderful, God-given creative genes of yours in your teaching? Not just your management style, but your curriculum, also? Because, this year, I feel so squelched in that area. It breaks my heart to have all of these great ideas {many of which come from your FABULOUS blogs!!} that I know my kiddos would just die for, but I'm unable to use them!!

Instead, I turn the page each day in our basal... and teach it as it's written - with "fidelity." {Sometimes that word makes me shudder a bit...} And now, we have a new pilot math curriculum to follow, as well. It's written by the folks at the Board Office, along with a handful of classroom teachers. Once again, I turn the page and teach what's given to us. I did find out this week that we have a bit of flexibility in this math thing, but not as much as I'd like.

So... my question to you: How do you do it?!? How do you follow the rules, yet still fulfill that inner desire to be creative and help your kiddos learn as much as you know they can by creating lessons that are tailored to them and their learning styles??

I'm feeling a bit saddened this year... this isn't what I signed up for when I decided in 4th grade to become a wonderful teacher someday.

A Weekend for Remembering

2011-09-11T20:36:00.004-05:00

Hey you guys! I hope you have had a relaxing weekend and enjoyed your time with family :-)

This was not my ideal weekend, that’s for sure. Saturday evening, a colleague and myself went to the funeral of a 3 month-old little brother of a student of mine. Little Gavin was remembered in a very touching ceremony in which his mom and dad both spoke of the hopes and dreams that they had for their only son. Throughout the entire service, my little girl was just bawling, and it broke my heart, y’all. I am so glad I went, so she could see I care about her and her family. I let her know we missed her so much in class, and she said she’s ready to come back. We’ll see her tomorrow, and I will be greeting her with the biggest hug.

Then today, I, along with all of you, couldn’t help but travel back in time to ten years ago. TEN YEARS AGO. Holy moly. I remember like it was yesterday…

I was a freshman at Oklahoma Baptist University, and I was set to meet a buddy in the lobby so we could travel to breakfast. As I walked into the common room, my RD was watching the events unfold on TV. Unknowingly, I asked,

“What movie are you watching?”
”It’s not a movie… it’s really happening.”

Woah. My friend came in and we traveled in confusion to the cafeteria. In there, the big screen was showing footage, and we witnessed the 2nd plane hit. To say I was scared and disturbed is an understatement.

We walked in silence to our class (classes hadn’t been canceled yet, but they were shortly), where I was to take my first test of college ever – in government, none the less. My professor still had us take the test.

And I FAILED. But I didn’t care. My dad was on business in Atlanta and I needed to make sure he was okay. Since airports had shut down, he was unable to fly home, so his business buddies all decided to “steal” their rental car and drive it back to Kansas City. He was telling me of stopping off at Cracker Barrel and plugging in his phone {along with all of the others traveling home} on the hearth of their fireplace. But, he made it home, and my family was safe.

This was a day that changed our forevers. I will never forget.

Hug your kids. Love your family. Have a great week, everyone!

I’m trying something new…

2011-09-09T20:23:00.001-05:00

A few months back, Cara at The First Grade Parade suggested switching over to Windows Live Writer to create blog posts. I decided tonight (instead of working on more school stuff) to give it a whirl!

So far, so good… What about you guys?? Do you still use Blogger or did you get sick of it like I did! It seemed to give me so many problems, so I quit! :-) I’m loving how there’s a toolbar up here that looks like I’m typing in Word or Power Point! I’m so comfortable with those programs, that this just makes sense!

Thanks, Cara, for the suggestion!

Also, I think I LOVE short weeks! Every week should be 4 little days with a long 3 day weekend… don’t you think?!? We seemed to get a lot accomplished this week, and my kiddos had a treeeeee-mendous day today! I love it when I can enjoy a nice {competitive} game of Memory with two of my little beauties during indoor recess… PS – they totally kicked. my. tail. !!On another note, tomorrow evening I’m attending the funeral for the little baby brother of my student that passed away this week; I’m going with her Kindergarten teacher. I’m pretty sure this will be unlike any service I’ve ever attended… I’ve never been to a service for anyone that wasn’t an adult. So sad. :(

My heart hurts.

2011-09-07T20:14:00.000-05:00

Well, folks, I heard of some news this morning that I have never had to deal with before. One of my beautiful little girls' little adorable baby brother passed away suddenly yesterday.

We know no details.. she wasn't at school today (we only found out because Mom called the office this morning with the quick explanation of why my darling was going to be absent), but she will probably be back tomorrow.

After the shock and tears passed this morning, my head couldn't stop spinning... poor family! Poor little 6-year-old big sister who is left not understanding why her 5 month old baby brother is gone. I cannot even imagine, you guys.

What are your suggestions? How do I handle this and the questions that will come from my class tomorrow? How do I let this little one know I am here for her and it's okay to cry and be angry and take it easy? I've had parents pass away while I've had their child, but never a sibling and never so suddenly. My heart is hurting for everyone involved, and I can't wait to give my student a great big hug... it's all I know I can offer her for sure right now.

Welcome to the New Me!

2011-09-06T17:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, maybe not the new "me", per say, but the new blog for me! :-)

{I don't know about y'all, but this Tuesday-seems-like-a-Monday thing wore me O.U.T. today! Needless to say, the evening will consist of TV, blog-stalking, and my oversized chair. And maybe my "puppy", Lucy. Maybe.}

Thanks to Jenn and her hubby over at Dream Team Designs, this page has a new look that is ALL me. And no one else will have it, so I won't think I'm going crazy when I click someone's link and I see my freebie layout... haha!

If you are in the market for a new look, whether it's a personal blog or a teaching blog or whatever, definitely check out Dream Team designs... they are an incredible pair to work with and, as you can see, they do wonderful work! While you're checking them out, be sure to stop by Jenn's teaching blog - she's such an incredible inspiration!

Lastly, if you've been SOOO kind as to add my blog button to your sidebar, would you mind changing over to my new pretty button? Pretty please? If you do, please let me know in a comment and I'll be SURE to add your button to my bloggy-blog, also. Thank you kindly!

Made Me Smile!! :-)

2011-09-05T14:10:00.002-05:00

I hope this post finds y'all fully enjoying your day off today! If you live close to KC, you are also enjoying some BEA-U-TIFUL weather! Finally :-)

As I was watching the Criminal Minds marathon on A&E while cozying up with a blanket {yes, a blanket!!} while the curtains blew in the breeze, my phone alerted me that I had an email. I was nominated by sweet Nicole @ First Grade OWLs as one of her Top 10 Blogs! This made me smile, friends!

Here are some of my favorite blogs (many of whom have already been nominated, I'm sure, but I'll try to pick some new ones!!)... check them out and say hello!!

Primary Perspective

(there was no blog button here!)

Lastly... stay tuned for a WONDERFUL new look coming my way V.E.R.Y. soon! Eeeek! :-)

Accent Vlog Linky Party!!

2011-09-02T22:02:00.001-05:00

Happy LONG weekend!! :) In order to celebrate, I thought I'd kick off a party for us all... I hope you'll join in!

I saw this on a friend's blog, and loved this idea, especially since we're all over the US. Simply watch my video (it's less than 5 minutes, and Puh-LEASE pardon the 9:45 pm curly hair mess!), then shoot your own, and link up! You'll be reading a list of words whose pronunciations vary across the nation, as well as a list of questions that have different answers depending on where you are! It's gonna be fun... and good for some giggles! What better way to kick back and relax away from school, right??

Well, here goes nothing:

The instructions are to say these words:
Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

And answer these questions:
What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say to address a group of people?
What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?
What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
What is the thing you use to change the TV channel?

Have FUN! Add your link below, and please invite your friends... teachers or not!

Seriously?!?

2011-08-30T20:25:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness, you guys!! I had a first today. I'm in my 7th year of teaching, and I'm usually the teacher that gets the BIG TICKET kiddos - you know the ones ;) Anywho, I have a big ticket again, this year, but my story is not about him! It's about my sweet, quiet little Miss C.

Miss C must have been tired of waiting in line. So, what did she do? She BIT her neighbor. On the CHEEK. WHAT!?!?! I was flabbergasted. I have never seen a first grader bite in all my years. Have you?? Needless to say, mom was called and apologized for her daughter's behavior. Sigh... They're gonna keep me on my toes this year! :) Which leads me to my next point...

I am in LOVE with this! Check out the CFC blog and watch the Class?Yes! video! I am going to try this tomorrow. And the next day. And the next til it works!!

Three for Thursday!

2011-08-25T21:01:00.001-05:00

Once again, I'm joining in the FUN over at Blog Hoppin'! Here are my top faves in 3 categories: fonts, blogs, and online resources!! {Unfortunately, I'm apparently NOT very original! So many others share my favorites, too!}

Favorite Fonts:

Most of these are from Kevin & Amanda, but some are from Lettering Delights! L.O.V.E. me some fun fonts!

Favorite Blogs:

Oh man... SO many to choose from!! The first blog I was introduced to was The First Grade Parade, and I instantly was HOOKED on this whole teacher-blogging-thing! :)

I also love these blogs, among several others... please check over here ---------------> for more!!

Favorite Online Resource:

Well, I am in love. With pinning. And boards. Oh my. Whoever invented this wonderland deserves something grand. :)

Come on over and JOIN ME!

I hope you enjoyed my list... it broke the rules. I was only supposed to name one under each category. OOPS! :)

My home away from home!! :)

2011-08-24T21:18:00.001-05:00

Since we spend SOOO much time in our classrooms, we need to make sure we love them, right?!? This is why we work so hard the couple of weeks before school starts to get everything just perfect... and then (if you're like me) spend all year long making notes of how to make it better for next year! :)

Here's a peek into my little Room 108. Welcome! It's nice to have you!!

Walking into my door, here's the view you get! I'll show you around, heading to the right, and then we'll go all the way around the room!

Here is our large group area...to the right are my file cabinets and LOTS of StoryTown materials stored in color-coded crates!

As you can see, I have my calendar wall here; we don't do too much during calendar time b/c we only have 60 minutes each day for math... I want to be doing my lessons and having them go to math tubs rather than sitting here listening to the Star Helper tell them the date :)

{Forgive the random label on the calendar; our writing lesson had the kids labeling things around our room!!}

Above that is OUR BEST wall! Colorful squares of scrapbooking paper with my kiddos' names on the right side. Perfect frame for hanging wonderful work!

This is where I sit while teaching in whole group... Our Happy Habits posters are there for all to see all the time! I'm trying to think of something creative to do with the front of my Big Book storage unit - any ideas of how to cover the u-g-l-y grey?? Behind this space is my desk and our math wall that will change based on our topic of study!

Right now, I simply have up colors and easy stuff... it'll change soon! I CANNOT remember where I first saw these math key words, but I love them! My whole team has them up now, too!

Here is my teacher shelf with all my materials for the day/week/next week! Behind curtain #1 are my recess tubs, #2: my anthology readers and storage containers, #3: my math manipulatives! {Those curtains are the ONLY evidence of sewing I've ever done. In my LIFE.}

Here is my new Word Wall!!! I'm trying out an interactive one this year... so I laminated my papers and will sticky-tack my words onto the correct paper. The kids can hop up there, pull off the word they need, and get going with their writing! Wish me luck as I deal with how crooked they'll stick the words back up....!!

The colorful tubs are my math tubs (I put the numbers on after snapping this pic), and the rectangle table is my Guided Reading/Math group table.

Around the corner is my M.E.S.S of a library!!! I'm so embarrassed. This is definitely on my to-do list this year - get this thing under control!! I also store my whiteboard and clip boards down there on the left.

Here is my GR storage cart and student computer. The colored drawers hold nothing yet... but I'm sure I'll find math stuff to stick in there soon!!

My whiteboard! Above if are my StoryTown letters, below it are ways to Be In Control of us! You can also see my kiddos' tables and our focus wall.

Close up of the Focus Wall! Still a work in progress, as this is the first year we've used one. So far I like it... we'll see how I tweak it as the year goes on!

Here are the hooks we hang our bags on with their name tags. On the left is my daily Star Helper, our Give Me Five rules, and How We Get Home poster! {Plus evidence of my too-many storage bins... crates going unused!}

Well, there it is! I hope you enjoyed your visit... come back soon!! :) Join in the party at Blog Hoppin'!

Teacher Talk Tuesday

2011-08-23T21:45:00.001-05:00

{Pretend like I didn't just post 2x within 30 minutes of each other...}

I'm joining in again with Blog Hoppin' for Teacher Talk Tuesday! It's all about advice for new teachers... I'm definitely NO expert, but here's what I've got:

- LAUGH! Laugh at yourself and laugh with the kids. Let them see you're a real person with a sense of humor. It'll make them feel more comfortable.

- GO HOME! Pick one evening to stick around a work, but the other days, leave the classroom! Even if you're not married or whatnot, get out and about and keep strong friendships. You'll need outlets as you go.

- MAKE MEMORIES! Keep a folder, file, post-it pad.. whatever floats your boat. But write down the hilarious things that happen. Keep the handmade cards you get for the holidays. These items will help you remember what it was that got you into teaching in the first place. And on those tough days (which we all have!), pull out that file and remember the good things. Smile, it makes you feel better!!

And, that's all I've got. I'm pooped, and have to get ready for my LOOOONG day tomorrow (last day of meeting for grad classes - WOOT!). Can't wait to read all of your ideas and advice! Join in the party!

(The button is still not working for me.. I've done this a MILLION times, so I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong...)

So, I'm a little behind....

2011-08-23T21:33:00.001-05:00

But I hope you'll "meet" me anyways! :-) Here is my post to link up with Blog Hoppin'! I'm a teeny bit stressed out between the beginning of school, a new reading series, and other stuff, so this is a WELCOME distraction!!

Tell us a little something about you.....

I am 28 years old, and I just began my 7th year of teaching. I have always taught 1st grade, and, while I'd be open to a change some day, I'd be perfectly happy staying right here! I have been married to my hubby for 3+ years now, and we have a black lab "puppy" (she's over 1 year now...) named Lucy. She's my spoiled little baby!!

How long have you been teaching?

As I said above (I'm not good at reading all the way thru before I start something, oops!), I started my 7th year of teaching last week. I am 6 weeks away from finishing my Master's degree in Elem. Ed. and I can't WAIT for the boost in my paycheck!! I'd love to go back some day to study curriculum.

You might not know.....

That blind dates really do work!! My hubby and I met on a BLIND DATE! Good thing his best friend knew we'd be a great fit! So great, in fact, we met August 28, got engaged January 20, and married June 14!! Less than 10 months, start to finish :) As noted by my lack of ability to read something all the way before starting, I tend to jump right into things I know are good!!

What are you looking most forward to this school year?

I can NOT wait to see how math tubs work in my classroom! Even tho I was a slacker on my blog in posting about the Debbie Diller Linky Party, I sure read everyone else's posts! My whole team (even the 2 new ones!) is on board, and we're ready to get going!

What do you need to improve?

Oh dear. Hmm... where to begin!! I really want to stretch myself in the area of StoryTown - I tend to teach the basal and read thru the lessons as they are written and I don't think outside the box to much! I've already noticed in the 2 days I've taught it this year that my kiddos are going to need some serious brain breaks during our 1 1/2 hour ST literacy block! Eek!

What teaching supplies can you not live without?

My HUGE water bottle (I always forget how SORE my throat gets every August!), my Mr. Sketch smell-good markers, my Sharpie flip-chart markers, and tubs. Bins. Organizing items. I LOVE them! I have so many of them, and I can't stop from buying more!

I hope you'll link up for the PARTY! ( I don't know why the blog button isn't working for me... click the link at the top to join!)

A Few of My Favorite Things! Linky Party

2011-08-20T18:26:00.001-05:00

What a week... Meet the Teacher night and 3 1/2 days with my new little bunch of kiddos! I am plum tuckered out, friends. But, this is a great little brain break for us all this weekend... join in Fabulous in First's Linky Party!

Here are some of my contributions:

My favorite websites

(No, I'm not a Mom yet, but this site leads me to great budget-saving ideas!)

The Pioneer Woman! Yumm-o!

Click here to check out and follow my boards!

My favorite graphic and font sites

Due to some recent changes in some of these websites' policies, pleae read their TOUs carefully before selling/creating products with your purchases!!

My favorite home stuff

I just bought this Scensty warmer for home...

and this one for school! Shh... hubby doesn't know yet... :)

I have this stuff in every room of my house... LOVE it!

My favorite normals...TV shows, colors, movie... :)

I cannot get enough of this show! I just love Abby :)

Big Bang Theory... great for good belly laughs after a long day at school!

I love all shades of blues and purples... so soothing!

Ahhh... Ghost.

Gotta love Dopey!

Thanks for allowing me to take a little break from reality and revel in my favorite things for a while. I hope you'll take the time to share! Click Michelle's button to join in the F-U-N!!

Flash Mob 2011

2011-08-15T21:41:00.000-05:00

So... I guess I can cross "be in a flash mob" off of my bucket list! (Except I don't have a bucket list... but if I ever make one, I'll write that on there simply so I can cross it off...)

About 40 of us from the district were asked to secretly be a part of a flash mob on our first day of reporting back to work this past week. We always meet for breakfast before the Convocation and speaker begin, and our mob was the segue from breakfast into the auditorium! Check out the following pics of myself and a few co-workers. Some are blurry - but we were a movin'! :)

(I apologize in advance for the AWFUL face I'm making in the last picture - it was snapped in the middle of my, "Come on, guys, get moving already!" face... oops!!)

We were the first group to start the mob... no one really noticed yet!

Starting to get the idea here... all the dancers were forming a circle around the room.

Finally - jackets OFF! It was darn hot in there!

We moved our way to the middle of the room and now faced out towards everyone else.

Check out our shirts! It says MOB: Making Ourselves Better. This was the theme of all of the speakers in the best Convocation I've ever attended. It ended with our football coach coming out as Tina Turner singing "Simply the Best!" with 3 of our Board Office ladies in neon wigs as his backup dancers! HI-LAR-IOUS!

How did your district kick off the year??

First Day Read Aloud

2011-08-14T21:31:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow night I meet my kiddos and parents... and we begin class on Tuesday! Ahh!! So much left to do, so little time to do it... just breathe, just breathe... :-)

Every year I read Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth by Allison McGhee on the first day of school. It's a great story for the kiddos who are nervous about first grade!

Here is a listener's response sheet I'll use this year to get their creativity going... along with being our first paper for Our Best wall! The kids will write my name in the blank on the bottom. Use if you choose... just lemme know you liked it :)

Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth

I'm moving to Alaska.

2011-08-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

Ok, not really. But after these temps today here in Kansas City, I want to!! :)

Due to these Ca-RAZY high temps, our school's AC wasn't at it's best... so for the 3 or so hours I was there, I was sweating up a storm, and it was out of control!! To top it all off, I don't have a ton finished in my room, so I'm kind of stressing. Don't believe me? Check it out:

Here's looking to the right when you walk in the door. Check out the BOXES on the table yet to be unpacked!! The red paper will hold my new calendar area, and above that will be our student work frames.

Turn a little to the left, and you see stacks of stuff and a shelf FULL of junk!

Here you see the bones of my new interactive word wall! The black paper will soon be bordered and covered with colorful pages, one for each letter! The rug will be leaving that area and will be replaced by my small group table.

Here we have my new "Be In Control" area... I've had the posters, but made it cuter with yellow paper! Also, I'll need to put my new StoryTown sound/spelling cards up above my whiteboard.

Here is the view to the left when you enter my door. My cubbies will be moving, and that black area will be bordered and turn into my new Focus Wall!

So, you see?!? Lots of work to do still before August 15th for Meet the Teacher night... at least I have lots of time still to get it perfect! Thanks to you guys, I am insipired to do it better than EVER this year!

Another Sports Freebie Printable!

2011-08-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

I saw this great idea/poem on Pinterest the other night, and I knew I had to make one to fit our school's sports theme for this year!

Use if you choose... just leave me some love if you choose! :-)

Welome to Our Team!
{Baseball kids from Scrappin' Doodles}
{Background paper from Just So Scrappy}

I've Been B-U-S-Y!!

2011-08-01T16:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick rundown of my past couple of days... I know you all will appreciate my "hard work"!! :)

First - after checking out Little Priorities' post, I knew I had to make my own personalized binder. Check out the cuteness that is on it's way to me!! Click on the picture to get started on your own... a bit pricey, yes, but you can't beat a planner that just SCREAMS you!!

Today, I woke up with my hubby while he was getting ready for work. I decided to just stay up and get to cleanin'! In a matter of 3 hours, I had dusted, swept, mopped, vacuumed, and cleaned our 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room, stairs, and family room! Whew! Why do 2 people need so much space, again...???

After a much deserved rest and free cupcake from a local bakery, I hit up Office Depot for some Teacher Appreciation Week deals at 20% off! (Sign up for a teacher rewards card while you're there for the 20% discount.) I didn't buy too many fabulous things, but here are some highlights:

A pencil pouch, but in pretty purple, to go in my new binder! You know that when you have your collab meetings and whatnot, you're always needing a post-it or someone needs a pen :)

Basic and Neon colored Poster Markers!! Yay for pretty, bold, thick markers!

A new USB drive to store all of my TpT purchases, fonts, and cute graphics!!

A pack of colorful pens... just because :)

So... what did you do today? Anything fun??

Don't forget that all my TpT stuff is 20% off, and if you type in the code B1T1S at checkout, you'll get an additional 10% off!!

Back to School Sale!

2011-08-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Random Freebie Downloads

2011-07-31T13:23:00.001-05:00

So, while I'm recovering from a long day of antique shopping yesterday, followed by a store chock-full of Fiesta Ware dishes (I was in HEAVEN!) and a wonderful game night with the family... here are some easy downloads for you guys as you prepare to head back to school!

Let me know if you choose to use them, and become a follower while you're at it! :-)

Here's what I'm going to be using to grace the cover of my missed work folders this year: Simply glue onthe front of a folder, laminate, and fill with all the activities your students miss while absent! I've seen this floating around a few blogs and decided to make one of my own to fit my room:
We Missed You Folder

Another wonderful idea I've seen out there is making motivational privacy folders! This has been on my To Do list since May, but I kept forgetting to type up what I want on everyone's folders. Here are the sheets I'll cut up and glue onto the folders... use if you choose! (Here is my inspiration and a pic of how the final product can/should look! Thanks Natalie for a great idea!)

I will put their names on the cover page and glue that sheet on what will be the outside of the privacy folder when it's compiled. I'll copy the phrases on colored paper and glue them on the inside, as well as the stars and squiggles, just to give it some flair! :)

Motivational Privacy Folder
{Graphics from Just So Scrappy}

Help Me With... and a Sale!

2011-07-29T09:22:00.000-05:00

First off, thank you for the wonderful comments about my I Have, Who Has post!! As a thank you... the pack is 1/2 off in my TpT store for the weekend! On Sunday night at 10:00 CST, it'll go back to full price. Enjoy!

Alright - I have asked for your help before, and now I need it again! I REALLLLLY want to purchase either a Cricut or a Silhouette cutting machine.

vs.

Which one should I go with? I want easy and user-friendly! I am thinking the main use will be for vinyl purposes, both for school and home... so keep that in mind! Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

I Have, Who Has? All 220 Dolch Words!

2011-07-28T16:34:00.001-05:00

Ok, so if you just read my previous post, you know I was working on finishing up all 11 lists of the Dolch words and compiling them into an I Have, Who Has game. Well... HERE it is! Check it out! Be sure to see the post below for your FREE copy of List One!

Here are a couple pictures letting you see how I organize my I Have, Who Has games. I used a handy-dandy Dollar Tree tub and lots of pretty construction paper! (If I would have done this NOW, I would put super cute labels on each List's set of cards... but I didn't care so much back then... sigh) I hope you enjoy this game... it comes in SO handy for little 3-minute filler activities :)

Oh yeah... first 3 people to leave me a comment letting me know you want this and leave me your email... I'll send the files your way for free!! :-)

I Have, Who Has... List One!

2011-07-28T15:36:00.000-05:00

Check it out! Click on the picture for your FREE download of your copy of an I Have, Who Has game for first grade sight words! List One is up, Lists 2-11 will be coming before the end of the afternoon!

If you download, please leave me a little love :)

Don't get Heat Struck!

2011-07-20T14:21:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note between teaching, errands, and starting a new grad class tonight... :)

So, I'm teaching K Camp right now (for incoming kindergartners that need a little "boost" before August), and one of my darlings said the CUTEST thing today! We're in a suburb of Kansas City, and it's rather steamy outside today (at 2:15, it's currently 100 our there, feeling like 102!) so we had indoor recess. When I explained that the temps were too hot to play outside, little A piped up and said,

"Yeah, you don't want to get heat struck! It's the hottest day of the EARTH today!"

I love it! Kids are the best :-)

Survival Kit

2011-07-18T16:36:00.002-05:00

Each year, I put together a packet of info (as we all do) for my parents to take home so they know the basics of how our classroom will work! I call it their "First Grade Survival Kit" and here are some of the components of it for you to peek at. I hope you find something you can use! If you need me to email you editable versions, please leave your email in a comment and I'll send it your way! :)

(Graphics are from Just So Scrappy and ThistleGirl)

Survival Kit Cover

I got the following from a former teammate; I'm honestly not sure if she wrote it, borrowed it, or found it online!
The ABCs of Literacy

I pass these out and want them back ASAP - the info cards I copy front-to-back and put them on a ring that I hang by my phone in the room. Easy for me to keep track of everything!
Survival Kit Components

Plans and Procedures

It Ends Tomorrow!

2011-07-17T16:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for your WONDERFUL recommendations for a blog redesign... I've chosen to go with Jenn Bates from Finally in First - stay tuned for a brand-new, totally ME look!! :)

This is your friendly reminder (b/c I probably won't be on the computer tomorrow between teaching K-Camp, going to the doctor, and then finally working in my classroom) that my TpT sale ends tomorrow... click on the pic to check it out! :-) If you teach StoryTown, this sale is FOR YOU! I have lots and lots in there that would benefit you. Even if you don't use StoryTown, check it out for some wonderful Making Words activities!

Help me with... the Bloggy Blues!

2011-07-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

Now, don't get me wrong!! I loooove my blogging and blogstalking... my blues are coming from my layout!! :)

I loved this layout when I first began blogging back in the spring, but I've grown bored with it and I see it on lots of blogs (b/c it's so darn cute!). I'm looking for something new, and with my birthday coming up in 3 weeks, I'm asking hubby to buy me a custom-made design!

Here's where you come in - what designers have you worked with that you've had good experiences?? What about design elements - what shops are you finding great scrapbook elements from to use in your blog?? I'm not necessarily stuck to numbers/letters/rulers for a school look, but rather something fun and catchy and pleasing to the eye! Lemme know your thoughts, and I'll hopefully have something new to grace my screen here in a few weeks!

Thanks for your help, friends :-)

Christmas (shopping) in July!!

2011-07-14T21:00:00.001-05:00

I'm joining in the fun!! Click on the image to visit my TpT store, where everything will be 15% off starting Friday morning and ending Monday night at 10:00 CST.

While you're there, check out some of my newest offerings... I think you'll love them! :)

I know that there are lots of wonderful teachers offering amazing sales this weekend, so enjoy your shopping!!! I know I will! Be sure to check out my fellow TBA authors!

It's Not Too Late!!

2011-07-14T17:56:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but when all the talk of a Postcard Exchange began, I kicked myself for taking a couple days off of blogging and therefore missing out on my turn to sign up! Well, thanks to Ms. Didier, we have another chance, friends! :)

If you want to join in on the super fun writing activity for your kiddos, check out her site and see if your state is still available - there are A LOT of slots still open!! Spread the word and let's get this thing rolling... after all, only 4 1/2 weeks left til we ~~have to~~ get to head on back...!!

Making Words All Year Long - Alphabet Sets!!

2011-07-08T13:36:00.000-05:00

Upon request, I have created alphabets to accompany my original Making Words All Year Long pack! There is an alpha for each month, using thematic graphics just like before! There are 2 of every letter, 3 of some more popular letters. I also have included some blank programmable pieces with each alphabet set so you can custommize your own Making Words lessons each month!

Click on this picture to check it out:

Click on this picture to check out the original Making Words All Year Long pack:

Spread the word :)

Dot and Bob StoryTown pack

2011-07-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

Here's my way of feeling productive on this Friday morning... not cleaning house or making a grocery list!! :) Instead I play around with fun fonts and graphics to create something that I hope our first graders will just love! Click on the picture to view more sample pages... Enjoy!

I -HEART- Fonts!!

2011-07-05T14:47:00.000-05:00

Jenn over at Finally in First is hosting a font linky party... ooooh boy! My hubby will be so excited when I tell him how many new faves I found and downloaded on the computer! :-)

As for my personal favorite go-to fonts, here is my list.. some come from Kevin & Amanda, some from dafont, and some from Lettering Delights:

Be sure to head on over to add your fonts to the growing list!!

Birthday Week Giveaways!

2011-06-28T18:34:00.000-05:00

Check out Miss Kindergarten's Birthday Celebration! I'm honored to be a part of the "awesome bloggers" asked to partake in the giveaway :) Click on her button to get your chance to win!!

Get Up, Rick! Lesson 4

2011-06-25T16:19:00.000-05:00

Here's the Lesson 4 StoryTown pack - and final pack of the weekend! Thank you to everyone who have left kind comments, even if you don't use StoryTown... be sure to send colleagues who do my way! Time to enjoy a yummy steak & potato cookout :-)

Click on the picture to view more sample pages.

Lesson 3 - Big Rigs!

2011-06-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

So, I didn't meet my goal of getting 4 packs finished yesterday, but I finished 2 1/2! :-) Today's the day to finish the other 1 1/2... and here's one of them! Check out my activity pack for First Grade StoryTown's lesson 3 - Big Rigs! What a fun story :-) Found some great graphics to go along with it!

Click on the picture to view some samples:

Woohoo - #2!

2011-06-24T15:13:00.000-05:00

As much as the couch is calling me to nap on it.... I finished the Lesson 2 StoryTown activity pack. Check it out if you're interested by clicking on the picture! :)

Now... 2 more to go this afternoon! First, I think a 30-45 minute cat-nap is needed!

New StoryTown pack!

2011-06-24T14:06:00.000-05:00

So I finally got my tush in gear this morning and have started creating more activity packs to go along with the early StoryTown lessons!! Here is Lesson 1 - Let's Tap. Click on the picture for more images and information :-)

Check back later on for more! I'm hoping for 3 more this afternoon.... *crosses fingers that blogs won't distract me too much!!*

A Giveaway EVERYONE Wins!!

2011-06-18T15:20:00.000-05:00

Check out The Lesson Plan Diva for a great freebie for everyone!

Click here to get yours!

Free fonts, graphics, and more!

2011-06-14T22:11:00.000-05:00

If you aren't already a fan, be sure to "like" Lettering Delights on facebook to enjoy their freebie giveaway!! It's cute cute! :-)

Also, be sure to check out my Making Words All Year Long just below for a great activity for next school year!!

Making Words: Finished!!

2011-06-13T15:25:00.000-05:00

Whew! What a weekend :) I've been a little pre-occupied by this adorable cutie:

My hubby and I babysat his 2 1/2 year-old niece, and we had one packed weekend-o-fun! :) We had a bubble bath in our jacuzzi tub, had a mani/pedi session with a crazy color of blue (her choice!), saw Kung Fu Panda 2, played in the pool out back, went to McD's to play in the Play Place... and let's just say that I slept from 10:00 last night to 9:30 this morning! That little girl wore me out :)

Thankfully, my lab puppy, Lucy, kept her boxer puppy, Jack, company all weekend, so I didn't have to worry TOO much about him.... Lucy kept him in line!!

Okay, on to Making Words: All Year Long! After my long sleep, I woke up energized and ready to finally finish this file. There are 12 Making Words activities, one for every month. There are thematic graphics involved, and I think these will make a great center or early finisher activity... check it out at my TpT store!!

I will be also creating an alphabet of each of these graphic sets, thanks to Little Miss Glamour's great idea! Keep your eyes posted for that file soon. :)

2011-2012 Schedule

2011-06-08T21:11:00.002-05:00

Kathleen from Growing Kinders and Becca from Simply 2nd Resources are each hosting a linky party to share our schedules! Here's what mine currently looks like for first grade next year!

8:15 - Morning Work
8:25 - Tardy Bell rings/attendance/announcements
8:35 - Whole Group Math
9:05 - Math Work Stations
9:40 - StoryTown whole group
11:00 - Guided Reading
11:30 - Lunch
12:00 - Recess
12:30 - Writing
1:00 - Literacy Intervention Groups
1:30 - Author Study (read aloud)/Tier 3/Title 1 pull-out time
2:00 - Specials
3:00 - Science/SS
3:20 - Pack Up
3:25 - Dismissal

Link up to share how your day works - I'd love to see how you all "fit it all in"!! :-)

Now... off to FINALLY catch up on this week's Math Work Stations party!! I've been SO BUSY and haven't had a chance to read everyone's submissions!! Thank goodness my Master's class let out an hour early tonight! :)

Free StoryTown TpT Item!

2011-06-06T18:12:00.000-05:00

I saw this fabulous idea earlier this year from Kathleen @ Growing Kinders... and I knew I HAD to adapt it to fit my first graders!! (Mine doesn't have all the cute graphics, tho, I kept it pretty basic this go 'round.)

Even if you don't have StoryTown, your firsties may very well still benefit from this practice. If you have kindergarten, I strongly recommend visiting Kathleen's TpT store to snag some that are appropriate for your kiddos!

If you download it, please leave me some positive feedback :-) Click the pic to get it!

GIveaway!

2011-06-06T10:05:00.001-05:00

Head on over to Mrs. Randall's Learning Library for a great giveaway :)

Math Work Stations - Chapter 3!

2011-06-05T18:47:00.000-05:00

I can't wait for this week's installment of the Math Work Stations blog party! It's being hosted by Mrs. Parker... be sure to check out her site this week for great ideas:

If you need to read up on the chapter, you can do so online by clicking here! :-)

New Storytown TpT Item!

2011-06-03T17:03:00.000-05:00

One thing on my To-Do list is finished! :-) Only 73 more to go.... (it seems)

In order to make my planning of Storytown activities easier (at a glance), I created the following resource. It's a pack of 30 pages, one for each lesson. Each page has the lesson's phonics focus, spelling words, high frequency words, and vocab words! There's also an icon that coordinates with the week's Main Selection :-)

Here is a peek at a couple of pages... click on the first pic to vist my TpT store to purchase!

Now, onto the next item on the To-Do list! :-)

Help me with... 2 things!

2011-06-02T18:42:00.002-05:00

I've got some quick questions for you guys!

1) When creating units/activities to offer to other people, how do you get some pages to be 'landscape' and others 'portrait' in the same file?? I'm pretty computer savvy, but this has baffled me. I haven't googled it yet... I thought I'd ask some real experts first! ;)

2) I'm wanting to make my read aloud time purposeful next year, and I think that I want to do that by focusing on author studies. What are your favorite authors to study with first graders??? I'm looking forward to using my creative side to make some great activities to put out there in Blog-Land!

Thanks in advance for your advice... I admire you guys so much!

Math Party - Week 1!

2011-06-01T13:45:00.002-05:00

My, oh my... this is just the type of party I needed this summer!! My first grade team is changing a lot (going from 3 teachers to 5... losing one due to a new baby, so 3/5 teachers will be new to the team!), and with that change, we're switching up our math block also! I'm SUPER PUMPED! I love reading and all, but math is what really gets me excited because I can see my firsties really start exploring and discovering truths for themselves!

Several fab blog ladies are hosting a math party all about Debbie Diller's new book on Math Work Stations, so this will be giving me all sorts of inspiration to get my tush in gear this summer!

Today's Day 1 of the party... head over to Mrs. Wills' Kindergarten to read all about it:

As for my own room, I have to hang my head in SHAME as I answer the following questions:

- Materials used by the teacher first, then placed in the station: no
- Materials do not change weekly, but rather changed to reflect the students learning objectives: Umm... I put out centers/stations when I can. But we often don't have time.
- All students go to stations daily: Once again....no :( Only when time allows.
- Materials are differentiated: Nope.
- The teacher observes work or meets with differentiated math groups: When we have extra time, I'll pull back the kiddos that need reinforcement.

Now do you see that I mean?? I have SO MUCH work to do! My team is full of a bunch of rule-followers, and I am the queen of following rules. When we're given a curriculum to follow (in our case, it's Growing with Math), I follow it with fidelity. Well.... no more, I say!! I am going to teach my kiddos what they need to know in a way that helps them learn it best and put their new knowledge into practice!

So... please please please keep posting your GREAT ideas about math stations - I have lots to learn! Currently, my materials are in big tubs hidden behind curtains that only I can get to:

I am looking forward to seeing how I can best serve my little learners next year... be sure to check out the PARTY so you can add your ideas, too!! :-)

Making Words Sneak Peek

2011-05-31T12:45:00.001-05:00

So... I'm getting a good start on my Summer To-Do List, how about you??? :-)

Here's what I'm in the process of making today - but I think I'm winding down and needing to run errands, and I'll have to finish it tomorrow. But, I wanted to make sure you were on the lookout for the finished product!

Making Words: All Year Long! I will have 12 sets of making words cards that spell out a phrase that coordinates with the month it fits in (for example, August - Cooling Popsicles w/ popsicle graphics and September - Back to School w/ chalkboard graphics). There is also a recording sheet and silly sentence/picture page for each month. Anything else that would make this packet fantastic? Let me know and I'll see if I can throw it in there!

Here is a peek at August's activities:

Get on the Bus!!

2011-05-28T09:15:00.002-05:00

How many of you have a co-worker (or 2...) that have such a negative vibe that it oftentimes brings you down, too?? No fun!!! Well, have I got the book for you :-)

Our principal invites us to do a book study every year, and we follow that theme throughout the school year. We've done such studies as:

The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey

How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath

FISH! by Stephen Lundin

Whale Done! by Ken Blanchard

This year, our Principal decided to have us read our book over the summer so we can truly kick off the year with all of our new good ideas in place! I'm reading The Energy Bus right now, and when I'm finished, I will pass it along to one of my co-workers, and so on... by mid-August when we come back for school, we should have all read the book! I'm about half-way finished with it right now, but let me tell you - it's such an eye-opener! The power of positive thinking is truly remarkable. Now, I've heard most of this stuff before, but it's nice to be reminded every once in a while :)

If you want some light, fun, professional reading for the summer, check it out! You won't be sorry :-)

American Idol!! :-)

2011-05-25T19:12:00.000-05:00

Alright, y'all - who's gonna win it all?!?! I'm so torn - I love them both :-)
On another note: I cannot get into my dasboard thru Blogger... grrr...!! Oh well, commercial's over, so I gotta run! Enjoy your evening!

M.I.A.

2011-05-22T18:18:00.000-05:00

Oh how I've missed this place, y 'all!!

I have been away from the blogging world for way too long, and I'm glad to be back! My uncle is in the hospital so my whole family has been up there every night for the past 9 days. And you know what - they DON'T allow you to get on any sites ending with ".blogspot.com"!! What kind of waiting room is that, I ask?? :/ Anywho, tonight I'm home, and you'd better believe I've been doing some stalking :)

In other news... we're down to 1 1/2 days of school left!! On Tuesday at 11:30 CST, I will be kid-free until July! Now don't get me wrong... I would loop with these kids if it was a choice for me! I'd even take them through 3rd and 4th grade and state assessments and everything. They are fantastic. Wonderful. Sweet. Funny. Kind. Friendly. I could go on and on about this group. Instead, I will give tearful hugs on Tuesday morning and send them onto 2nd grade knowing I did the best I could do to prepare them for their future!!

Thank you to all who have purchased things from my TpT store lately - you are too kind with your comments and ratings! I am so excited for this summer when I have time to create more fun stuff to share with the other fabulous teachers out there :-)

Character Education Awards

2011-05-14T09:34:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you all, but I was DYING on Thursday when Blogger was down!! Eek! I may have a slight problem... Then with some family stuff yesterday, I wasn't on again, so I knew as soon as I was up and moving on this cool Saturday morning, I was hittin' the blogs!! :-) It's good to be back!

At our school, we focus a lot on character education (after all, what good is a lot of knowledge if you can't be a productive member of society, right???). As part of our end-of-the-year festivities, we hand out Character Awards to our kiddos. These can also be used weekly in the classroom to really show off a student who is shining!! I have added them to my TpT store, but I'll be happy to send the ZIP file of 20 awards to the first 3 people who leave me a comment + their email addy letting me know you'd like them!

The files include an award for each of the following traits: caring, common sense, cooperation, courage, curiosity, effort, flexibility, friendship, initiative, integrity, no put downs, organization, patience, perseverance, personal best, problem solving, responsibility, sense of humor, trustworthiness, and truthfulness.

Here's a preview of a few:

Remember, first 3 people who let me know that they want them and leave me their email address, these babies are yours! I hope you find them useful!! :-)

How many days left...?

2011-05-10T18:24:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it... only

So, of course, in true teacher fashion, I am deep into thinking/planning for next year!! :-) Here is the To-Do List I've already started for my summer... at least this is what I can remember. My real list is at school...!!

1) Reorganize my classroom library - you ladies have inspired me to make my library more functional and user-friendly for my kiddos! So, labels and reading levels on my books, here I come!

2) Rethink my indoor recess set-up - oh dear, indoor recess stresses me out!! I am looking to make it more organized and manageable next year... less of a free-for-all!!

3) Create new homework to correlate w/ Storytown.

4) Put up my new Focus Wall!

5) Move my room around to get ready for the THREE PARAS I will have in my room almost all day next year (1 student w/ autism, 1 student with microcephaly {small brain syndrome}, and 1 student with sever behavior issues).

6) Re-do my sub folder w/ fun labels and lots of easy-to-follow directions... I'm hoping to be needing a maternity sub here in the next few years to come, so I'd better start now getting it all organized!

7) Make new labels for my math manipulative storage tubs.

8) Create more early-finisher math activities that the kids can do independently.

I KNOW that there are a few more items on my list, so I'll update it when I get to school tomorrow! What's on your list to get ready for the new year ahead? Share your ideas here at Time4Kindergarten's Linky Party!

New TpT Item!

2011-05-06T22:34:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest installment in my Storytown activity packs... It's for Lesson 29, Sand Castle, and it's all themed around the beach! What a fun way to learn about the long OO sound :-) Pass it along to a teacher you know that teaches with Story Town!! (This was made with purchases from tonight off of Just So Scrappy... see my post below for details about their GREAT sale!)

H-U-G-E Sale @ Just So Scrappy!

2011-05-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

Don't you always wish that you had the cutest graphics around?? Well, now's your chance! Hop over to Just So Scrappy by clicking on their pic below to see their blowout sale... 50%-80% off of their tremendous stuff, but HURRY - it ends Sunday!! :-) I may or may not have just purchased 14 new great kits!!

Great Giveaway!

2011-05-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

Lorena at Little Treasures is hosting a 3 Part giveaway... check it out to get your bid in! :)

Have a TOUCHDOWN Recess!

2011-05-05T18:00:00.000-05:00

So, we have voted on a sports theme for next school year, and I'm getting excited about it!! Here is a pack of recess rule posters I created for our school. There is a rule for each letter in the word TOUCHDOWN, as well as a poster simply saying "Have a TOUCHDOWN Recess!"

It's only a buck in my TpT store, and if you want me to customize the file for your rules, just buy the item, and then email me with the changes you'd like, and I'll email you a custom copy! :) Spread the word and tell your friends!

Cinco de Mayo MANIA!

2011-05-04T21:47:00.001-05:00

In order to learn about Cinco de Mayo tomorrow, our kiddos are having a SUPER fun day! We will still be doing our literacy block, but after that... it's gonna be one big FIESTA down our hallway! :)

We will be doing classroom rotations, where the kids will travel from room to room to learn about Cinco de Mayo, the Aztec calendar, and even a Mexican hat dance! Then, we'll break open a pinata and play a fun game of Spanish BINGO!

To finish up our day, we will watch a movie all about Cinco de Mayo while enjoying chips and queso... and also they'll hear a rousing read-aloud rendition of Cinco de Mouse-O! This book is seriously so cute; click the pic and put it on your list for next year!!

Enjoy your day, however you choose to celebrate!

New TpT Item!

2011-05-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Here's my activity packet for Storytown Lesson 28 for first grade... At the Crayon Factory! Suuuuper cute and I can't wait to show it to my kiddos tomorrow morning :-)

(Also... here's hoping tomorrow's a BETTER DAY!!)

Scavenger Hunt!

2011-05-01T14:11:00.000-05:00

So, it's super rainy and kinda dreary here in KS today... what better way to spend the day than blog surfing?? :) (but, let's be real... that is a great way to spend ANY day, right?!?!) Anywho, head on over to Primary Graffiti for a super fun Scavenger Hunt full of great downloads :-)

Thank you Mrs. Saoud!

Help me with... A Sports Theme! :)

2011-04-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

Our school chooses a new theme very year to base our State Assessment assemblies and whatnot around. This really helps the kids to get excited about learning, even down in the first grade level!

The winning theme for next year is all about Sports... so I want to hear some great ideas you've used that can be based around that theme - classroom decoration, welcome boards, management systems, language in the classroom, etc! I'll cal our class a "team" and let them know I'm their "coach," but I want to go further than that and have a lot of fun with the big idea!

I hope you're having a wonderful start to your weekend!! The end is in sight... only 16 1/2 more days for us! :-)

Great New Website!

2011-04-26T21:35:00.001-05:00

Thank you for all of the great stories/comments regarding my latest crazy excuse - you gals were cracking me up!! So glad to be reminded I'm not the only one who deals with this *stuff* all day! :)

I've now seen this site (Tagxedo) mentioned twice on blogs in the past 2 days, so I knew I had to go try it out!! Here's the end result of a quick product using my blog:

I do an end of the year Wordle with my kids each year as a way to let each other know what we think is really great about them - we go around and add to everyone's Wordle with some sort of super kind sentiment, and it's really neat to see them light up when they print off and take home all of these compliments from their friends. If I have enough time to explore Tagxedo, we may choose to do this instead... who knows! Thanks TBA and Mrs. Randall for sharing the idea. :)

Tomorrow is field trip day to the Play Hospital and then the Farmstead!! Stay tuned for pics of my cuties!!

Have you heard this excuse before???

2011-04-25T21:38:00.000-05:00

No, no, not from a student! This excuse came from a parent in my room today... Please stick with me; it'll be worth it, I promise!!! It even involves the mafia... :)

We were asked to call families that hadn't filled out their Summer School enrollment papers yet, so I called my one little girl's house to talk to her mom.

(Background info that's important here: this mom has something wrong all the time... either hernias or breathing problems or allergies to things such as carpet and cockroaches. Also, the mom is on oxygen all of the time for her COPD, and she doesn't leave the house hardly ever. I had the older sister 5 years ago and never once met the parents, and that hasn't changed so far this year!)

Ok, back to my story... So I call Mom, and she tells me she had 6 teeth pulled this morning, so I tell her I'll keep it short and sweet b/c I'm sure her mouth hurts. I proceed with my schpeel about Summer School, and she tells me that she won't be enrolling her daughter. When I repeat that it's FREE for them, including breakfast and lunch, she tells me that they will be going to Mexico. Apparently, her mother in law is in trouble with the mafia down there.

Yep, the MAFIA in Mexico has been coming to her house at night and destroying things. And... 3 days ago, her son was kidnapped by the MAFIA and held ransom for all of their money. Soooo, after school's over, they're traveling there to make sure she gets to a safer location. So, my student won't be going to Summer School.

*Just so you know, I'm not being mean here... this Mom has all sorts of excuses, and after confirming that this is not a true story with my principal, I've decided that it is instead the CRAZIEST excuse I've ever heard!!!*

Can you top it?? Please share your wildest excuses! :-)

Winner, Winner!!! :-)

2011-04-24T22:30:00.000-05:00

Thank you ALL for the tremendous turnout during the giveaway! As much as I wish I could give each of you all a gift card, we all know that could take up my whole paycheck! Eek :) So, who won???

Mrs. Wheeler, you have 48 hours to email me and let me know your choice! Happy Monday, friend!!!

I -heart- Fonts!

2011-04-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

Oh goodness... this totally made up for my puppy being super playful way too early this morning!! :)

While looking at various blog design sites (I'm asking for a new design for my birthday!), I came across this hilarious video about boring fonts!! You HAVE to check it out:

Font Conference

Now, did that have you laughing?!? Thanks for sharing in my love of fonts, fellow bloggers!!

PS - Be sure to visit here to enter my "choose your own" giveaway! You have until tomorrow night at 8:00 CST... Good luck!

Choose Your Own Giveaway!!

2011-04-21T21:32:00.002-05:00

Alright, so Miss Indecisive over here can't make up her mind about what to give away! Sooo... the winner will get to choose from the following:

Rules of play are....

1) Become a follower of my blog or already be one!

2) Follow my TpT store
3) Blog about this giveaway on your own site and link back to mine!

4) Put my blog name in your blog roll on your blog

5) Bonus: Add my button to your site!

Be sure to leave a comment for each of the above options - you have 5 chances to win!! I will keep this open until Sunday evening, and then I'll make someone's Monday super happy by announcing the winner! :-)

Good luck and thanks for being amazing inspirations - you all make me want to be a better teacher!!

Cheesy, yes.

True?? You bet!!!

OMGoodness, you amaze me!

2011-04-21T16:47:00.001-05:00

Wowee!!! Just 2 nights ago, I was stuck at 91 followers, so I put a little incentive out there for more friends... and you came out of the woodwork! :) Last night I was in class all evening, and tonight I'm meeting my MIL for dinner - so stay tuned for the giveaway to come VERY soon!

In the meantime, leave me a comment telling me which would be a better gift card/certificate to receive: Target, Dollar Tree, Teachers Pay Teachers, or something else I'm not thinking of! I'll take your thoughts into account when making my decision!!

Thank you all very much for your support - you provide me with more inspiration than you know!

only NINE (9) more followers needed...

2011-04-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

... until I host my first giveaway - FINALLY! I'm thinking of doing something related to a gift certificate to a teacher favorite. Maybe Dollar Tree? Maybe Target? Maybe TpT?? Who knows! But, I do know that once I hit the elusive (for me, anyway) 100 followers milestone, there will be something that I'll send to one of you for FREE! :-)

Spread the word - and grab my button on the side -------> if you choose to!

End of Year Poem and Picture Card

2011-04-18T17:47:00.002-05:00

Here's another end of the year idea! I got this wonderful idea from my co-worker, and I can't wait to do it with my kiddos.

First, create a template (I used Power Point and my graphics) that you just love! Add the student's name and the poem (see the end of this post). Take an up-close pic of you with your kiddo, and put this picture into your template. If you save the whole shebang as a .jpg, you can upload it to Walmart.com or the like and get your poem cards printed off like a 4x6 picture that's nice and shiny! What a wonderful way to send your first graders off with a great memory of the two of you!

This is my template for this year:

This is the poem used (just found online in a simple search):

You’re a very special person,

And I wanted you to know,

How much I enjoyed being your teacher;

How fast the year did go!

Please come back to visit me

As through the grades you grow.

Try hard to learn all that you can,

There is so much to know!

The one thing I tried to teach you,

To last your whole life through,

Is to know that you are SPECIAL -

There is no one like you!

Book of Months FREE download!

2011-04-17T20:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday Evening, all! I hope your weekend was relaxing :-) As we wind down the year, I'll start posting some fun, yet still educational, activities that are easy to implement during those times where the Spring Fever/Summer Bug gets the better of the kids (or you!!).

First off, here is a Book of Months for download. Each month gets its own page and on each page, there's a place for holidays and birthdays, as well as a spot for describing words. Have fun!

(Cut out around the border, leaving a strip on the left for the staples! The pages are numbered in the bottom corner for ease!) :)

PS... if this looks familiar, it's because I recreated it from a resource book I saw once. I can't remember the original source, so if you know, please let me know!!

Blast Off!

2011-04-16T11:42:00.000-05:00

Our Storytown lesson this week focuses on Long I words and is centered around a story called Blast Off! Here is the printable I've made for this lesson... check it out! :-)

Happy Weekend, everyone!!

New Storytown printable + Musical Picture!

2011-04-15T16:25:00.000-05:00

As promised last night, here is a quick pic of my kiddos all ready for their dress rehearsal! Check out my cast of characters in the previous post! You can see Sleeping Beauty, Little Boy Blue, one of the 3 Little Pigs, Little Miss Muffett (with the curls), and Mother Goose (in the "Grandma" crochet sweater, according to her!). I love them :-)

**TpT freebie alert!!**
Here is the beginning stage of a project I'm working on. I'm putting together information sheets for parents/planning purposes for each Storytown lesson. So far, I have lessons 26-30 complete. I'll work on the rest as time magically appears! :-) These pages have the phonics focus, spelling words, high frequency words, and vocabulary words so that parents know what we're learning. They also have a clip art image corresponding to the lesson's Main Selection. Enjoy!

Lemonade!!

2011-04-14T21:38:00.000-05:00

(I have to say Sorry in advance... my camera is still at school, so some pics will have to come later! I know, boooooring!)

Tonight was our First Grade Musical, LEMONADE! My kiddos transformed into various characters, such as:
* 2 of the 3 Little Pigs (they had to wear pink shirts, and one of my tiny boys walked in wearing his little sister's size 3T bright pink shirt! When asked about his shirt, his response was to shake his pink corkscrew tail and say, "It's not the shirt that makes the man!" haha! LOVE!)
* Little Miss Muffett (complete with frilly dress, ringlet curls, and a high pitched scream!)
* Miss Muffett's Spider friend (who caused the above scream...)
* Little Boy Blue (with his trumpet to blow!)
* Sleeping Beauty (whose jeans were poking out from underneath her too-itchy dress... cute!!)
* A Billy Goat Gruff with drawn on beard
* Jack's Mom (of jack and the Beanstalk fame)
* and Mother Goose, herself!!!

The musical was absolutely adorable, save for the screaming baby that was not taken out of the gym, so the poor kids had to sing/speak SUPER loudly... I think I was more bothered by it than they were! Buuuut, they were fantastic and I loved every second of their performance!! :-)

Amazing Animals (take 2...)

2011-04-12T18:37:00.000-05:00

So, when I got to school this morning and started cutting out the activities I made last night to go with our Storytown lesson, I realized - I added the WRONG spelling/high frequency words to the papers!!! Sigh. Sooo, they are now fixed, and I've re-posted the activity to my TpT. Please take a peek!

Also, be sure to read my stance on my TpT products to the right... and email me if you need to! :-) I'll be working on Lesson 26 later on tonight, and I'll post that, as well.

I'm an Addict! (plus a working button)

2011-04-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

I got a very great email this evening! I am lucky teacher blog #50 to join Teaching Blog Addict! :) Head on over to check out my introductory post... as well as some other great stuff!

In the process of getting myself set up with this great new blog, I found out my own blog button was not working (go figure, right??). So, I made a new and improved and working button! Check it out below, and grab it for yourself if you feel so inclined! :)

Have a great Monday everyone!

New TpT Item!

2011-04-09T22:18:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I hope your weekend is going swell... the weather is SO beautiful here in Kansas, and I am very thankful for that! I've just uploaded my first item for sale onto TpT (I have freebies up, but so far, that was it!). Check it out to see if it's something that strikes your fancy. :)

I had this up about a week ago for a free download, but tweaked it a tad. Take a peek!

Also, don't forget to look at the post from yesterday about my need for Homework HELP!!

Help Me with Homework! (A Linky Party)

2011-04-08T18:12:00.002-05:00

Alright, I knew I'd have to start one of these for myself one of these days.... why not today? No one peed on the playground. No one threw a hissy fit tantrum. No one brought pickles for snack! There was a boy, however, who informed me while taking his DIBELS nonsense word fluency probe that he "knows about all sorts of nonsense, Mrs. Scoma." Ha! :)

So, the idea: since we got a new reading series this year mid-year (Storytown), we are wanting to create homework that is meaningful and helps the kiddos transfer their new knowledge. So... what do YOU do for homework? Is it weekly? Is it daily? Many subjects? Just literacy? Do you tie it into your reading series? I want to get a good head start on this project of mine so that when August rolls around I'm all set and ready to go. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated!

Please join in on the party below... and tell your friends that they're invited, too!! :-)
(to the lovely person/people who left me 2 ideas already... I realized I set up the wrong kind of Linky!! oops!)

One of THOSE days...

2011-04-07T17:24:00.001-05:00

Well, hello, bloggie friends! I'm so glad I get to come home and check in with you all at night. I know you will never do any of the following to me:

- have the big D on your pants.

- throw yourself on the floor in a full-out screaming fit. Twice.

- Pee in the corner of the playground. (and have a parent driving by see you do it and call the office)

- Fib about peeing on the playground.

- Forget what EVERY coin is called and what it's worth.

- Bring jarred dill pickle spears for class snack... messy. And may have contributed to #1.

Yep! This is the kind of day that the first grade team at our school had today.
TG(tomorrow)IF!!! :-)

Flood Drill: April Fool's Day 2011

2011-04-02T14:27:00.001-05:00

I'm just as bad as the kids when it comes to having fun on April Fool's Day :-) First off, my team all switched classrooms for the morning greeting time; THAT really threw some of our kiddos off!! Then, later on in the morning, we had our Flood Drill!

Since April is quite rainy here in Kansas, we have to be prepared for floods, you know. ;) So, we take off our shoes and socks, roll up our pants, and stand on our chairs, all lickety-split quick! I had the camera out b/c "our principal needed proof that we practiced the drill." I got some doozies of pictures! Enjoy!

(This last pic is my FAVORITE! Check out Mr. B in the back, with the red pants all the way hiked up! HE was SERIOUS about keeping them out of water's way!)

When finished, I told my kiddos that they passed the Drill, and "Oh, yeah... APRIL FOOL'S!!" They cracked up laughing and couldn't believe they fell for it! What a great time of laughter and fun in my room; I sure do love these kids!

I've Got Mail!

2011-03-31T20:01:00.000-05:00

When my hubby brought in the mail tonight, he handed me a package! I tore it open, and here is what I found:

I won a giveaway from Leslie at Fab in First, and my stuff arrived today! I can't wait to take my kids through this new Walk It and Talk It tomorrow morning! What a perfect activity for when I'm being observed ;) Thanks, Leslie!!

Egg-Hunt Surprise: A Springy Fact Family Activity

2011-03-30T22:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but my kids can't ever get enough fact family practice. It's great for my high kiddos who need an easy-on-the-teacher early finisher activity, but it's also wonderful reinforcement for my friends that struggle with the addition/subtraction relationship. Here's a simple cutesy activity that I hope you can implement in your own room! :) Yay Spring!

You Know You Teach First Grade When...

2011-03-30T16:14:00.000-05:00

I love lists like these! Reading other peoples' lists just make me smile and think, "I'm so glad I'm not the only one that happens to!" After reading my list, head on over to The Inspired Apple to join in the linky fun!

You Know You Teach First Grade When...

- Everything you own suddenly seems to be color-coded... even at home.

- Your holiday "wish lists" consist of organizational containers and resource books. Plus some new markers.

- You find yourself telling your HUSBAND, "I'll be happy to cook you dinner when you ask me politely."

- The sound of children you don't know sounding out words and reading a book while waiting for a table at a restaurant makes you smile really big.

- You have a kiddo tell you "I've been waiting three whole years for science like this... preschool, kindergarten, and now first grade! I'm so excited it's finally here!"

- You check your lovely bloggy friends' blogs NIGHTLY for any new and fun idea that you know will make your kiddos squeal with delight! :-)

- You wake up every morning ready to go, and you can't wait to see those smiling faces greet you at the door!

Egg-citing News!! And a miracle. :)

2011-03-29T20:41:00.002-05:00

This is one of our FAVORITE times of year in first grade... it's time to hatch real, live chicks!! :)

My team and I traveled to the farm today to pick up our 18 or so eggs that were freshly laid this morning. We put them in the waiting incubator and now we cross our fingers! In 21 days, we should hear a whole lotta peeping coming from our end of the hallway. It's always a great Kindergarten "field trip" to walk through the room and watch the newly hatched chicks waddle about. They're just so darn cute, it's hard to resist!

Here is the journal that we're going to be filling out as we go through this unit, along with a certificate for the "egg-sperts" when they've completed their studying! Use if you're able to :-) And stay tuned for chicky updates!

Chick Journal (here is the website that you'll use with this journal: http://chickscope.beckman.uiuc.edu/explore/embryology)

On an un-related note, check out the cuuuute story from my room today!
We were doing a word bulding activity where the kiddos cut out their own letter cards, and one of my sweet girlies lost her letter O. She was worried about it, but we made due and went on. After the activity was over and they were picking up, I hear her voice again say, "I found my missing O! I guess miracles really DO happen!" I love their innocence :-)

I Don't Do Literacy Centers...

2011-03-28T19:40:00.001-05:00

Okay, are you over the initial shock of the title yet? If not, don't read on until you are :) This is my post to add to Patton's Patch's linky party for today!

It's true - we don't do centers. In my school, we tried centers and guided reading the traditional way, but it just wasn't working for our kiddos, and our scores were showing that. So, our principal and reading guru headed out on the road to visit different schools to see how they do it. We are a Title 1 building with an ELL center, as well. We have a pretty diverse community and we have several families who move in and out over the course of their K-4 education. When looking for a fix to our problem, it was important to find a school that was similar in demographics to ours so we'd be comparing apples to apples. Long story short, we found the fix! We've been doing reading this way for several years now, and we are performing in the top 5% of all Kansas schools, so I'd say it's working! :-)

Here's what our literacy looks like:
*1.5 hours of Storytown Reading Series (whole class)

*30 minutes of writing (Storytown writing mixed with a district written curriculum - whole class)

*30 minutes of Storytown Guided Reading (small groups)
             Each student sees a teacher for this time, and we have 10 adults available during this time (3 first grade teachers, 2 reading teachers + their 2 paras, 1 SpEd teacher, 1 ELL teacher, 1 teacher aide), so the groups average about 5 kiddos each. We use the Fountas & Pinnell leveling system, so all of our kiddos are in groups with peers on the same reading level. These are flexible and kids move as their abilities change. The whole grade level moves kids at the same time for this, so, for instance, I only have 1 of my homeroom kids in my group along with 2 from each of the other first grade classes.

*30 minutes of Intervention Groups (small groups)
             Here's where all kiddos see an adult for another type of reading group! Once again, the kids are all shuffled and are grouped with like-ability peers. However, we don't do more guided reading at this time. This group works on a specific part of literacy that the kids need a boost in (phon. awareness, phonics, fluency, etc.). The teacher plans lessons based on the kids' needs and uses DIBELS to monitor progress to see if the kids need to move to another group!

*30 minutes of Tier 3/Title 1 time (small group, some students only)
            While most of the first graders head back to class for a read aloud and snack, the kids who struggle the most see our reading specialists for another dose of reading instruction and snack.

While it took some getting used to, we have found that the results FAR outweigh any uncomfort on the teachers' parts to get rid of centers. Our kids are getting instruction all day tailored to their needs. My strugglers aren't floundering out there in center time clueless and lost. It's great! :-)

Hope that all made sense!!

Great Giveaway!

2011-03-26T19:21:00.000-05:00

Michelle over at Fabulous in First is teaming up with two other ladies and hosting one tremendous giveaway!!

The winner will receive Abby's ever famous Clipboard Classroom Activities,

Deanna's Writing Templates and Michelle's Reader's Workshop Graphic Organizers.

You'll have Reader's/Writer's Workshop, centers or Daily 5 covered for quite some time!

Head on over to see how to enter :-)

I Won!

2011-03-26T18:59:00.000-05:00

I got an email this afternoon letting me know that I won Fab in First's Story Walk and Talk giveaway!

Thanks so much, Leslie!! :-) My kiddos will love this new activity!

Linky Party!

2011-03-25T18:13:00.000-05:00

Jennifer over at Rowdy in First Grade is hosting a "10 Things I've Learned from Teaching" linky party. I can't wait to read everyone's thoughts... but I had to get mine down on 'paper' first, so I wasn't tempted to use other ideas. :-) Here they are, in no particular order!

1. Do NOT try to break in a new pair of shoes while teaching! Save it for the weekend!

2. You can never have too many bags – canvas totes, ziplocks, plastic grocery sacks… they’re all good!

3. Even though I’m nearly 28, bodily function noises can still make me giggle. That’s embarrassing to admit!

4. It’s okay to cry with a parent over news, good or bad, academic or personal.

5. Kids get excited over the simplest things!

6. No matter how much a student aggravates me, his hug and his “I wuv you, Mrs. Stoma” will still make me melt. EVERY TIME.

7. When my students get hurt, I feel their pain! I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when it’s one of my own kids!

8. I LOVE new pens! And markers. And highlighters. And school supplies in general. I can always find room for something new!

9. Not all staplers are created equal! PaperPro staplers just do such an awesome job of attaching my papers to our really hard bulletin boards.

10. Every August, I find myself with excited butterflies – even more so than the kiddos, I’m sure!! I am always so eager to get a new year and a new adventure underway!

Head over to the Party and add your two cents! And happy Friday bloggie friends!! Enjoy the weekend :-)

On Saturday...

2011-03-24T22:14:00.000-05:00

Here's my next set of activities for my kiddos! We're on Lesson 23 of Storytown, and the main selection is entitled "On Saturday." It has kind of a fallish feel to it... but the main story has all sorts of red, orange, and green falling maple leaves, so I went with it! :-) Fall is my favorite season, so I was okay with it... just this once!

Please feel free to use and enjoy if you teach Storytown! (Or if you don't, but want to practice these words anyways!)

On Saturday Spelling Words and HWF

47 Days...

2011-03-20T22:06:00.000-05:00

Well, Spring Break has come to a close! Chicago was a BLAST... and my closet now has 2 new Coach purses and I have 2 new Coach ID holders to wear at school! :-) Plus, the hubby got to meet my wonderful great-aunt for the first time, and we had a grand ol' time hanging out with her!

Tomorrow morning, it's back to the grind. My student teacher finished before Break, so I'm back with my kiddos - I can't WAIT! I've missed them so much :-) We officially have 47 days of school left for the year, but...

One day is an inservice.

One day is Field Day.

One day is our Field Trip.

One day is a half-day (our last day).

So, really, there are about 43 days left! Holy Schmoly!

43?!? We'd better hit the ground runnin'... still have a lot to learn to be ready for Second Grade!

Have a Happy Monday, everyone!

I -Heart- Cute Graphic Giveaways!!

2011-03-16T16:16:00.000-05:00

This girl is in HEAVEN! There are two amazing giveaways going on right now to two of my favorite sites for amazing graphics! Check them out:

Head over to The First Grade Sweet Life for a chance to win a Scrappin' Doodles gift certificate! (Click her button)

Next, head over to Oceans of First Grade Fun for a couple of chances to win some great stuff from my NEW favorite place - Just So Scrappy Too!

Alright, back to my Spring Break fun in Chicago - did you really think I'd be able to stay away from bloggie-land for an entire week? Ha - no way! :-)

Spring Break!!

2011-03-13T20:25:00.000-05:00

What are your plans? I'm heading to Chicago - first time ever! Any suggestions...?? :-)

Let's Go on a Picnic!

2011-03-08T20:21:00.001-06:00

After seeing some AWESOME ideas at other fabulous blogs (check out Teacher's Pets on the right for some fantastic links!!), I got jealous since we teach Story Town and it seems as if all the good teachers teach Reading Street. So... I got creative myself! If you use Story Town, feel free to use. And if you know of a good blog of someone who teaches with that program, pleeeeeease lead me to it! :-) Thanks!!

Picnic Spelling Words and HFW

Flying High with Fact Family Kites!

2011-03-05T21:32:00.004-06:00

Here's something I threw together last night while thinking of a review math activity the kids can do after Spring Break! If you can use it in your room, feel free! Enjoy :) This is one of the first items I've made for others to see, let alone use! Please let me know if you have any suggestions for me as to how I can improve! :)

Flying High With Fact Family Kites

{Clipart from DJ Inkers - http://www.djinkers.com/}

{Fonts from Kevin & Amanda - http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/freescrapbookfonts/}

Rainbows, Dr. Seuss, and Tears.... lots of tears

2011-03-03T20:47:00.000-06:00

Ever have one of those days where your emotions are just ALL over the map??? That was my Wednesday...

First off, everyone knows that Wednesday was the best day to be a first grader; it was Dr. Seuss' birthday!! We got to celebrate and do fun activities and make Cat in the Hat hats and even sneak in a couple of great Dr. Seuss videos throughout our day. It's times like this that really make me loooove first grade!

However, in Room 108, our day was a little clouded. It was one of my kiddos' (Jake, we'll call him) last day in my room. We have been collecting data on this little one since Kindergarten, and the trend was showing a huge rise in daily aggression and use of inappropriate language. This data led to his team deciding that we needed to pursue a more specialized placement for his IEP services. In our district (only 6 elementary schools), we have one building that houses the ED program, and that's where we decided he'd be best served. Even though I know that this is the best placement for him and his needs, and I know that the rest of my class will be able to learn in a safe, calm environment... well, I still cried that day.

I teared up when telling my class (before he came in) that it was going to be his last day. I cried with his mom when he came in from breakfast and the kiddos swarmed him with "We'll miss you, Jake!" and all the hugs one could ever want! And I cried the hardest when I watched him walk out of our building at the end of the day with his grandma. The little stinker was walking away and he stopped, turned, and looked so wistfully back at the building he'd never come back to as a student. The look on his face will forever be in my brain. And I'll probably tear up every time I remember it. Like now. :(

Buuut, we did our best to celebrate Jake in our classroom that day! The kids made him ALL sorts of great handmade things to take with him on his way. We took class pics and buddy pics to compile into a memory book (that we sent over to his new school today to help him through this transition). We even had a cupcake celebration at the end of the day!!

While I was too emotional to snap pics of the class eating the Dr. Seuss-themed cupcakes, I made sure to keep one at home for me to capture the hard work of my hubby and myself. The kids loved them! And Jake felt like the most special kiddo on the planet. And that's just what I wanted him to feel - because, for yesterday, he was! :)

Here are the fantastic rainbow creations! If these don't scream Dr. Seuss, I don't know what does!! (Just picture a laughing class full of 6-7 year-olds in red & white striped hats unwrapping these beauties and eating them!)

I -Heart- Organization Tips!!

2011-02-26T10:23:00.002-06:00

Kathleen at Growing Kinders is hosting an organization Linky Party - fun fun fun! I love getting tips from fellow teachers, and it sure makes me fell better knowing I'm not the only one who struggles with filing and weeding and grading and, and, and.... :) Anywho, here are my few humble tips to offer up to my peers. If you have something to share, click the picture at the end of this post and join in the fun!

Literacy Materials

We use Story Town for our reading series, and it's differentiated for us! There are below level, on level, above level, and ELL strands of the series, and they're color-coded: red, blue, green, and rainbow, respectively. I don't have any ELLs in my room, so I only have the first 3 strands; I purchased red, blue, and green tubs/binders to store the coordinating decodables, guided reading books, and lesson plans. This way, I don't have to think twice about which resource I'm grabbing when going about my teaching!

As for Guided Reading specifics, I keep a tall cart o' drawers by my small reading table that has labels such as "student materials," "teacher materials," "comprehension," etc. Here, I store my all-star reader sunglasses, crazy finger pointers, before/after reading spinners, and deflated questioning beach balls. It's handy to have it all an arm's length away every day, so I can change up my plan if needed based on how the kids are interacting that day!

Math Materials

Like you, I have SO MANY manipulatives for math! It's great, but was overwhelming for me when I first began. So, I implemented a plan that I use for my home storage! I bought tons of clear shoeboxes and a few huge clear storage tubs. I put each manipulative into its own shoebox (red/yellow counters in one, tens rods in another, clear chips in another...), and then labeled the tops with masking tape. {I am thinking of making cutesy labels this summer to spruce it up a bit!} Then I neatly stacked the shoeboxes into the big tubs and labeled those lids with all of the items inside! Now, I slide out one tub off the bottom shelf, check to see if it holds what I need, and go from there! Much easier than baggies falling all over when I open a cabinet door!

Bulletin Board Items

I borrowed this idea from a wonderful co-worker, so I can't claim genuis on this! We have waist-high, flip top wooden storage options to us, and I used this for my bulletin board/poster storage. I stapled 2 pieces of posterboard together on three sides, leaving the top open to slide in my goodies. I labeled the outside with what's inside, and wha-la! It's stored!

Daily Materials

This is normal, and most people I know have this system already in place in one form or another, but here goes! I have a colored magazine holder for every day of the week, and an extra tub for "next week". As copy orders are filled or I find books to read aloud, I place them in the correct day's tub. At the end of each day, I pull out tomorrow's materials and lay them in order on my back shelf. At the end of each week, I empty "next week's" tub into the proper days for the following week! No more losing copies or forgetting to round up a read aloud!

Lesson Plans

Once again, an idea borrowed and tweaked to fit my needs! When searching for the perfect lesson plan book, I was unable to find anything that satisfied my needs for lots and lots of subject areas throughout my day! So... I made my own! Using Excel, I have made my own lesson plans that have varying box sizes to fit what I need to jot down for each day.

Lesson Plans pg. 1

Lesson Plans pg. 2

Okay, I'm done! Your turn!! Share your thoughts and join the party!

Another Wonderful Giveaway!

2011-02-24T21:58:00.001-06:00

Head over to Mrs. Wheeler's blog to check out the great giveaway she's hosting... I hope I win!! :-)

Who Can Beat $1.00 Sales???

2011-02-23T21:27:00.001-06:00

Thank you to Primary Perspective for offering up the link for these great Scholastic e-books on sale this week! Head on over and check them out... there are plenty of books for any classroom! Hurry, though; sale ends FRIDAY!!

First Grade FUNdamentals!

Big News!!

Thank you! And "All on the Map"

Creativity in Teaching...

A Weekend for Remembering

I’m trying something new…

My heart hurts.

Welcome to the New Me!

Made Me Smile!! :-)

Accent Vlog Linky Party!!

Seriously?!?

Three for Thursday!

My home away from home!! :)

Teacher Talk Tuesday

So, I'm a little behind....

A Few of My Favorite Things! *Linky Party*

Flash Mob 2011

First Day Read Aloud

I'm moving to Alaska.

Another Sports Freebie Printable!

I've Been B-U-S-Y!!

Back to School Sale!

Random Freebie Downloads

Help Me With... and a Sale!

I Have, Who Has? All 220 Dolch Words!

I Have, Who Has... List One!

Don't get Heat Struck!

Survival Kit

It Ends Tomorrow!

Help me with... the Bloggy Blues!

Christmas (shopping) in July!!

It's Not Too Late!!

Making Words All Year Long - Alphabet Sets!!

Dot and Bob StoryTown pack

I -HEART- Fonts!!

Birthday Week Giveaways!

Get Up, Rick! Lesson 4

Lesson 3 - Big Rigs!

Woohoo - #2!

New StoryTown pack!

A Giveaway EVERYONE Wins!!

Free fonts, graphics, and more!

Making Words: Finished!!

2011-2012 Schedule

*Free* StoryTown TpT Item!

GIveaway!

Math Work Stations - Chapter 3!

New Storytown TpT Item!

Help me with... 2 things!

Math Party - Week 1!

Making Words *Sneak Peek*

Get on the Bus!!

American Idol!! :-)

M.I.A.

Character Education Awards

How many days left...?

New TpT Item!

H-U-G-E Sale @ Just So Scrappy!

Great Giveaway!

Have a TOUCHDOWN Recess!

Cinco de Mayo MANIA!

New TpT Item!

Scavenger Hunt!

Help me with... A Sports Theme! :)

Great New Website!

Have you heard this excuse before???

Winner, Winner!!! :-)

I -heart- Fonts!

Choose Your Own Giveaway!!

OMGoodness, you amaze me!

only NINE (9) more followers needed...

End of Year Poem and Picture Card

Book of Months *FREE* download!

Blast Off!

New Storytown printable + Musical Picture!

Lemonade!!

Amazing Animals (take 2...)

I'm an Addict! (plus a working button)

New TpT Item!

Help Me with Homework! (A Linky Party)

A Few of My Favorite Things! Linky Party

Free StoryTown TpT Item!

Making Words Sneak Peek

Book of Months FREE download!