Happy day after Thanksgiving! Are you suffering from a turkey hangover like I am?! I don't understand the words "moderation" or "restraint". Needless to say, I'm all about the leggings today :) Since December is quickly approaching...4 more days, what?!?!..I thought I'd revisit an old post all about our classroom elf. Here's a freebie for you and I hope you're able to use it in your classroom this holiday season!!! Click on the picture below to read all about how we celebrated with the elf in our classroom. … [Read more...] about Classroom Elf Freebie
freebies
Stoplight Sounds (Freebie!)
So, I was in Wal Mart the other day (I promise this isn't the start of a bad joke ;)) I was grabbing a few things from the travel section and found these great little containers. 97 cents a piece. Of course, there was no way I'd use them for travel purposes, but I knew they'd make a GREAT activity for the classroom! I picked up a red, yellow, and green because I knew I wanted to do something with a stoplight theme. They had orange and blue containers as well. As I was driving home it dawned on me. STOPLIGHT SOUNDS!!!! I could use the lids to segment sounds ...beginning (green)/ middle (yellow)/ end … [Read more...] about Stoplight Sounds (Freebie!)
Apple Fun For EVERYONE!
How many of y'all felt a little shift in the weather this past weekend?! I woke up to a beautifully crisp (what felt like Fall) day and it progressively got hotter as the weekend went on. As they say here in Texas, "if you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes." With the change of seasons impending, I couldn't wait to recap some of my favorite apple themed activities for you today and share with you some freebies a new addition to my little shop. One of my favorite things to do with ANY theme is to incorporate it wherever I can in the classroom. The easiest places to incorporate a theme...IMO....are in literacy … [Read more...] about Apple Fun For EVERYONE!
Write On Wednesday
It's Wednesday and the 3rd day in my weeklong birthday SALE-A-BRATION! Today we're talking all about writing... I know I've blogged about my writing station several times before so I won't go into great detail about it here. However, I do want to take a minute to tell you how much I love it. I've always had a writing center, but I struggled week-to-week with planning writing activities that kept my kids truly engaged. Keep in mind that my writing center is completely separate from Writer's Workshop. While I love for my kids to choose what they're going to write about, when they visit the writing … [Read more...] about Write On Wednesday
I Teach 1st….THANK YOU!
Hello from sunny...and HOT!!!....Las Vegas! I'm here in the city that never sleeps. Or is that New York?? Because it should DEFINITELY be Las Vegas if it's not :) Even the kids running up and down our hallway ALL night...screaming!!!...think so, too ;) I had a FABULOUS day full of fun at the I Teach 1st Conference! SO many amazing teachers here! Thanks to all of you who came to my sessions today. I hope you were able to take away some new-to-you ideas and activities to implement into your classroom and I hope most of what you heard today just reaffirmed all the good you're doing in your … [Read more...] about I Teach 1st….THANK YOU!
Sight Word Mastery & Intervention
One of the most frequent questions I get is all about how I teach sight words and what I do for the kids who continue to struggle with retention and application. That's a tough one, isn't it?! Especially when kids aren't developmentally ready to retain and apply what they've learned....but that's a whole different post. Today, let's talk about some classroom tested and effective strategies and activities that are both great for introducting & reinforcing sight words as well as activities that are great for intervention. For my last couple of years in Kindergarten, my kids (as you know) would come to me at … [Read more...] about Sight Word Mastery & Intervention
Suggested Summer Reading (Leveled!)
Hello friends! This will be a quick post as I have a full day ahead of me prepping for some PD I'll be doing in OK later this week. As I was going through some files to share, I came across these lists I created to send home with my kids last year. I compiled a list of different books parents can buy/check out from the library that reach their independent reading levels. I also included books that would be great for fluency! Parent notes are attached to the top of each list. I sent these home in my kids' portfolios at the end of the year. I also gave the parents a copy and explained it to them … [Read more...] about Suggested Summer Reading (Leveled!)
Ice Cream Day (End of Year THEME DAYS!!!)
So I heard from a little birdie that lots of you are either approaching your last week or are days away from your last day. Lucky y'all!!! HA!!! For those of you with a little more time on your hands, I'm going to be posting about different theme days for the next few days. This is how I survive the end of the school year. Our schedules are already wonky...guided readers have to be turned in and accounted for...nothing resembles normalcy WHATSOEVER!!!! Theme days get me by during these last few days of the year. They're fun for me and a BLAST for the kids. No better way to end a school … [Read more...] about Ice Cream Day (End of Year THEME DAYS!!!)
Let’s Get Ready for Earth Day!
Earth Day has always been one of my favorite events to celebrate with my school babies. There's just something about it. I love the sense of camaraderie we gain through our teamwork as we clean up trash around the school grounds, pay more attention to our recycling efforts, and love our Earth just a little more than we already do. As usual, this time of the year seems to speed by quickly and these events sort of pop up without giving us much time to plan or prep. I mean, it's not like we have a MILLION other things going on, right?! HA!!! I thought this would be great time to remind us of some fun Earth … [Read more...] about Let’s Get Ready for Earth Day!
All About the Weather! (Activities, Ideas, & Freebies!)
Happy weekend to you!!!! My weekend started off not-so-happy. My littlest bit was sent home Thursday afternoon with a fever. After a round of Motrin and lots of TLC, he was seemingly back to normal. Never ran a fever again. So weird! But his school day fever meant he had to stay home yesterday. I won't lie to you. I cherish days like that. Not the circumstances, but the moments when I can just soak him in just the way he is without any other distractions. I'm feeling a little sentimental...can you tell?! Now that the littlest member of my family is going on a full 48 hours of … [Read more...] about All About the Weather! (Activities, Ideas, & Freebies!)
Easter Freebie and A Few Ideas
Believe it or not, Easter is right around the corner! I'm not sure why I thought we had more time, but just in case you missed the memo too, we don't. We don't have much time at all. Next week to be exact. I'm in the process of helping the Easter Bunny gather lots of fun treats for the boys. I'm glad I didn't wait to remember that until the night before. Not that I know anything about that ;) I was at Michael's the other day and found these... Of course, I had to have them. Loved that they came 3 to a set. I'm sure they have something similar to this at the Dollar Tree?? All … [Read more...] about Easter Freebie and A Few Ideas
Sight Words!!! (Assessment, Activities, Ideas, & FREEBIES!)
Hello friends! I'm happy to say that after 5 weeks of traveling, I'm finally home and settled for a while!! I absolutely love getting to meet so many amazing teachers all over the U.S. It's definitely been the highlight of my year. Just this past week I had the opportunity to travel to Wichita, KS and work with some of the sweetest, kindest Kindergarten teachers. And let me tell y'all...they had some GREAT ideas!!!! One of my sessions covered sight words...mainly quick and easy sight word centers and activities to implement into the classroom for immediate practice and review. I usually get a … [Read more...] about Sight Words!!! (Assessment, Activities, Ideas, & FREEBIES!)
100 Day Freebie!!!
Happy MLK weekend!!! Do you get a 3-day break?? Or do you have to go to school on Monday?? The boys are off on Monday and we were thisexcited when they hopped in the car on Friday afternoon. My kindergartner exclaimed, "YESSSSS!!!!! We're off of homework for THREE whole days!!!! YESSSSSS!!!!" Bless him. So we celebrated with some coke floats from Sonic and took a little Sonic selfie to kickstart our extended weekend. Dang, I love those boys. Now let's talk 100th Day. That's right. The 100th Day of school. I know many of you have already celebrated. Lots of … [Read more...] about 100 Day Freebie!!!
Penguins!!! (And A Couple of Walruses, Too)
Teaching my kids about penguins has always been one of my favorite themes. There is just SO much you can incorporate in this thematic unit of study...science...math...literacy...a little bit of everything! If you're in the process of planning out your penguin activities for the next few weeks, I thought I could share a few ideas that might help make your planning easier :) First up, here are some of my most favorite penguin picture books. I don't get around to reading them all during our unit, but these are several I've read throughout the years and have loved. The Penguin Who Lost Her Cool is a great little read if you … [Read more...] about Penguins!!! (And A Couple of Walruses, Too)
Snowman Fun, Freebies, and a Place Value Sneak Peek!
Happy New Year, friends! 2015....really?!?! Have you made any resolutions? Me...notsomuch. Of course, I always want to be a better version of who I was the year before, but resolutions never quite "stick" if you know what I mean. Sure...I want to eat healthier. Work out more. Get more organized. Keep the house clean. Do the laundry...regularly ;) Yes...I want all those things. And to eat all the things and still be able to fit into my jeans. But really...I just want to have a great year filled with lots of laughter and more memories than I can count. Instead of a … [Read more...] about Snowman Fun, Freebies, and a Place Value Sneak Peek!
Long Vowels & Place Value
It's been a quiet few weeks here on the blog. Good reason of course...FAMILY TIME! And holiday fun. Lots and LOTS of holiday fun. I like to "unplug" this time of the year and get back to what's the most important...my family. No work. No blogging. No...well...nuthin'. Completely and totally necessary. We spent Christmas Eve with my sweet family here in Houston.... Then we woke up at 6 on Christmas morning...sang Happy Birthday to Jesus...opened our gifts from Santa...and headed to the airport to spend the remainder of our holiday vacay with our Indiana family. This … [Read more...] about Long Vowels & Place Value
Elfis is BACK & a HUGE Sale!
Our family elf, Elfabet, is back at our house and visiting us from the North Pole. He is one of my favorite family traditions because his silly hijinks always make my boys laugh. There is just no sweeter sound to wake up to in the morning, I swear. Not only are the elves flying back to homes everywhere across the country, but according to my calendar, they're flying back to classrooms everywhere, too. Last year I posted all about our classroom elf and I wanted to share that post again in case you could use this fun freebie in your class, too! Click on the picture below to read all about it. … [Read more...] about Elfis is BACK & a HUGE Sale!
Talk Turkey To Me!
How many of y'all are in scramble mode right now?! Scrambling to get things planned and prepped for your Thanksgiving festivities...and I don't mean your homebound celebrations. I thought I'd throwback to some old things I've done in my classroom for Thanksgiving and share a couple of new things with you as well. If you're still not done planning and prepping, maybe these ideas will help! First up, here are my favorite Thanksgiving books! Before I throwback, here's a little something new for this year. I created this supplemental math & literacy resource full of printables and writing craftivities to get you … [Read more...] about Talk Turkey To Me!
Celebrating Veteran’s Day (Freebies, Too!)
If you're anything like me, you are always looking for more ideas and resources to add to your ever growing collection. I do this for EVERYTHING. Constantly looking for new ideas...more resources...and more time. If anybody can tell me where I can find more time, I'd really appreciate it ;) That to be said, I want to share with you a few ideas to help you get ready for Veterans Day {next week...ALREADY!!!! Gah!!!} I absolutely LOVE teaching my kids about veterans and the sacrifices they make for our freedom. At my old school, veterans related to the students were invited to an assembly and … [Read more...] about Celebrating Veteran’s Day (Freebies, Too!)
Problem Solving in the Primary Grades
Are you sitting down?! Good. Because this may or may not be a lengthy post. On the off chance that it is {& by off chance, I mean it is}, go ahead and grab yourself a little something to sip on...and don't forget your snacks, too! Let's go ahead and talk a little bit about.... I don't know what it is, but I love teaching math concepts and skills. This always makes my mom laugh something fierce because I STILL...at 30 something...have to CALL HER when there's a sale so that she can tell me how much I'll be saving. If it's 10%, I got it. 50% off is even better. I mean, I can … [Read more...] about Problem Solving in the Primary Grades
It’s Tuesday & I’m a Little Batty
See what I did there?! In all seriousness, happy Tuesday!! Did y'all have the day off yesterday?! We did. All 3 of my boys had a "man day". That basically consisted of a lot of bathroom jokes, lunch out at Chili's, and a trip to Home Depot. I spent the day putting the finishing touches on my presentations for next week's Tennessee First Grade Conference. Will I see you there?! I sure hope so! If y'all haven't learned about bats yet, or even if you have, I just wanted to share a few things we've done in years past and give you guys a few more freebies to add to your ever growing collection of … [Read more...] about It’s Tuesday & I’m a Little Batty
Take Me Back & A Freebie
Hello October. I missed you. Don't you feel the same?! I took a break from blogging and whatnot to enjoy a very special Texas tradition...Antique Week in Round Top! I spent a day there with the girls and another day there with my mom and her friend. When it was all said and done, I ended up with a muddy pair of boots {my own}, two chairs, two quilts, some farmhouse decor, and great memories : Since I'm still trying to get into the swing of things...and get this … [Read more...] about Take Me Back & A Freebie
Apples, Apples, EVERYWHERE!
How many of y'all felt a little shift in the weather this past weekend?! Us?! Notsomuch. My Facebook feed was full of friends in other cities and states talking about the gorgeous fall weather & pictures of pumpkin spice lattes, infinity scarves, boots, fires in the fireplace, and weather report screenshots reading temps between 50 & 70. Lucky you. I lie. While I'm looking forward to Fall and all the nostalgia and comfort it encompasses, I don't want the weather to change. I'm a summer girl all the way. Okay, okay. I could do without the 90 degree temps. But I'd love for it … [Read more...] about Apples, Apples, EVERYWHERE!
Let’s Talk Word Walls
If you’re a teacher, there’s a good chance you’ve got a Word Wall in your room {either by desire or demand}. 9 times out of 10, the Word Wall you spent hours planning, setting up, & prepping is just a piece of wall décor. Am I right or am I totally off base?! Maybe I’m just speaking from experience. Hopefully you know what I’m talking about! I’ve always had a bit of an issue with my Word Walls. They’re not conveniently located. At all. And really, that’s all my fault. I could make it more accessible. I would always start out the year with a BANG….like we all do. I would … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Word Walls
