I'm back from a two-day conference in Oklahoma where I got to meet and talk to so many amazing Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers. It was definitely a busy two days, but so much fun!! I absolutely love working with teachers!!! One of the sessions I presented was all about vocabulary. I'm such a huge believer in intentional and explicit vocabulary instruction that not only focuses on academic vocabulary words, but Tier 2 vocabulary words, too. It's so important for us as teachers to provide our kids with instruction that targets vocabulary retention. Not only do we want our kids to know what words ... Read More
Writing Interventions, Guided Reading, Behavior, & Vocabulary (with Freebies!)
Yesterday I had the privilege of talking to some of the most wonderful teachers in the world...my Texas teachers!!! Okay, so I'm a little biased ;) Honestly though...it was such a GREAT day in Austin. SO much to cover!! Writing interventions, guided reading, behavior management, and vocabulary! This is how I typically feel after a day full of talking... Hahaha!! I absolutely love it! The exhaustion is most definitely worth it! I promised my Texas teachers I'd pop-in today and leave a few goodies to download :) If you attended my Writing Intervention session, you might remember me ... Read More
February Science!
Last week I got to travel to Columbus for a quick day of fun and learning. Of course, it was FREEZING in Ohio and this Texas girl forgot her jacket at home. Praise God for heaters. I'd say it was a nice change of pace compared to what we're experiencing in these parts, but NO. It was not. I'm convinced it shouldn't be that cold anywhere!! Ha!!! My husband has decided that we need to take the boys skiing over Spring Break (I've never been!) and so I fully plan on sitting by the fire sipping a hot chocolate cocktail while the boys tough it out in the cold. That's something I can handle. ... Read More
Lots to Cover
Happy Sunday, friends! I just wanted to pop-in real quick to say "hello!" and give y'all a quick update because I've had several questions about a few resources and I figured this was the easiest and most efficient way to give y'all the details :) First up, I'm hoping to see some of my Ohio friends this week at the SDE Ohio K Conference. This will be a quick trip for me...less than 24 hours in Columbus!...but I'm really excited about getting to share with teachers some of the things I'm most passionate about. Vocabulary, Behavior Management, Math, and Anchor Activities!! It'll definitely be a BUSY, but fun!!!, ... Read More
100th Day Planning & Freebies
I wanted to get a jump start on the 100th day this year since I've talked to so many teachers who are in the process of planning theirs. This may be premature, but hopefully a few of these ideas will help you as your plan your 100th day celebration this year!! I know I like to be prepped and ready even though I'm most known for flying by the seat of my pants :) This is one of those days that deserves thoughtful consideration because it can be SO MUCH FUN for you AND your kids!!! And SO very full of meaningful learning and content at the same time :) For the first few years of my teaching career, I didn't ... Read More
January Science…with Math & ELA, too!
One of the common things I hear almost in every state I visit with every set of teachers who come to my sessions is that teachers are in need of more science resources. Not just an experiment to do here and there, but science with "meat". Science activities that have cross-curricular connections and can be fit in at any time during the day. Science lessons and activities that not only reach specific standards for a set amount of time, but lessons and activities that span a variety of concepts and skills so that instruction and practice can be reinforced through spiral review all year long. I get it! I do!!! ... Read More
The Snuggle Is Real – Team Gift Idea & Printable Tag
Looking for a easy and affordable gift to give to your team?!?!? Something that doesn't break the bank, but cute and useful?! How about a blanket?! Maybe I'm the only one who doesn't think there's such thing as too many :) Right now Wal Mart has adorable leopard print blankets for $4.98 and Old Navy has their fleece selection of blankets on sale for $5. A steal!!! I personally think blankets make great gifts...especially this time of the year! DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE GIFT TAG Stay cozy, friends!!!! ... Read More
Holiday Fun (& A Few GIft Ideas)
Let's talk holiday fun! I know this time of year goes by in a flash, so here are some easy to implement activities that you might be able to put to use before winter break in just a few not-so-short days :) At the beginning of the month, my kids were telling me ALL about their elves at home. I thought their little conversations were a perfect springboard for a little graphing activity… “Do you have an elf at home? Or not?” We graphed the data and then made our very own little elves…then we filled out our elf applications to send to the north pole. The holidays are the ... Read More
Holiday Craftivity with a Vocabulary Twist
I know how fast and furious these 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break can be, so I wanted to revisit an old post today to share one of my favorite ideas in case you haven't seen it yet! Not only was this activity absolutely precious, but we were able to weave in a vocabulary lesson with it as well and for the remainder of the year my kids had a solid connection to the focus word (overlap). Anytime that word came up in a book, in conversation, etc., my kids would say, "remember when we made the overlapping Christmas tree?!" And if I stopped to ask what that word meant, they could tell me without faltering. ... Read More
Guided Reading Activities
Hello from New Orleans! I'm in Louisiana today for the SDE 1st Grade Conference. Fun stuff! So excited to meet the teachers here, share a few things, and (fingers crossed) eat some beignets :) Have you heard that TpT is having their sitewide sale today and tomorrow?! Here's a throwback to me in first grade to celebrate!! Hahaha!!! You can check out my holiday resources and more in my shop. Don't forget to use the promo code SMILE at checkout to save 28% on your total purchase! This past weekend I added a few new things to my store. If you already have my Guided Reading Phonics Bundle ... Read More
