I swear I must get this question no less than 50 times a day. I got it that much when I taught first grade and it was occasionally asked in 2nd grade, too. I do realize that reversals are common, but ANYTHING I can do to help my kids discriminate between the two, I’ll try!!! I usually always have this visual posted in all of my stations and various areas around the classroom just for a reminder. click on the picture to download All the girls I taught with the first few years of Kindergarten used this visual…I’m pretty sure it came from The Mailbox Magazine. Well, I remember one of the girls on my team telling … [Read more...] about Is that a B?? Or a D???
Uncategorized
Reading Strategies & First Week Highlights
HELLO my sweet friends! I’ve been without internet access since last week. Sad. But now it’s restored and I’m ready to share a few things with you!! Hard to believe I’ve been back in Kindergarten for 7 days. It’s like I never left! My babies are settled into a bit of a routine and I feel like things are running pretty well…so far :) I forgot how much I LOVE this age!!! EVERYTHING is new to them…books, centers, friends…it’s ALL new and I love seeing them *get it* for the first time! Last week was our first full week and it was jam packed full of SO much! I’ve been researching … [Read more...] about Reading Strategies & First Week Highlights
A Little Catch Up & A Classroom Tour
I had GREAT intentions of linking up with Blog Hoppin’ last week for Teacher Week, but shame on me…I did no such thing! I think it goes without saying that the beginning of the school year is always a little crazy, but in addition to getting things ready for a new year & attending lots of trainings, I was also planning a wedding shower for my sister. Have I told y’all she’s getting married?!?!? In two weeks?!??! Ohmiword. To say last week was INsane would be the understatement of the year. I had to unpack the rest of the boxes {an entire room full!!!!} and then get busy decorating. The good news … [Read more...] about A Little Catch Up & A Classroom Tour
Must Have Monday on a Tuesday…with a Technology Tip Thrown in the Mix :)
Is that title confusing enough for you? Well…I’m late for the party {Teacher Week!!!!} over at Blog Hoppin’…my FAVORITE time of the year! I met my sweet babies tonight at Meet the Teacher and oh my…they are PRECIOUS. I mean, absolutely ADORABLE. And I am exhausted! It was quite the busy day! Definitely feeling ready to tackle a new year :) And have I mentioned how much I love my new district?! And my school?! I feel so blessed to be part of such a sweet group of educators! Alright, now it’s time to party. First up, ‘Must Have” Monday…on a Tuesday ;) 1. My Silhouette Cameo. It has … [Read more...] about Must Have Monday on a Tuesday…with a Technology Tip Thrown in the Mix :)
A Decorating Tip, A Trip to Target, & A Linky Party
What a BUSY week this has been! I started new teacher inservice on Monday. That was also the first day for my boys to go to “school”. This is the first time they’ve been somewhere structured. We’ve been blessed with the most amazing in-home caregivers since my oldest was just a baby. We continue to feel blessed beyond measure because this little place they’re at now feels so much like home…it’s just AMAZING and the boys LOVE it!!! There are definitely benefits to small town living!! I spent LOTS of late nights up at school the last couple of weeks just trying to get everything sorted and ready for the … [Read more...] about A Decorating Tip, A Trip to Target, & A Linky Party
Back to School Shopping {A Little Sale :)}
I’m still trying to wrap my mind around going back to school on MONDAY!!!! Okay, okay…technically I’ll be *enjoying* new teacher inservice this week :) School doesn’t start ‘til the 27th. But still…tomorrow is the last day of my summer and I’m a little sad. Only because that means I don’t get to sleep in every day ‘til 9. Have I mentioned how much I love Mr. Spouse?!?!? Because I do. He let me sleep in every.single.morning this summer and never complained once. He’s also an early bird and loves drinking his coffee & watching the news in complete silence, but I digress. I’m joining some of … [Read more...] about Back to School Shopping {A Little Sale :)}
Schedule Cards are HERE!!!
Okay friends! They’re ready to go!! My schedule cards have been updated, revised, and uploaded to my TpT shop…for FREE!!! Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions. I’ve added lots of new cards, so I hope you’re able to find what you need. For those of you that have requested an editable version of these cards, I’m afraid I WILL NOT be able to share that with you due to graphic/font copyright. Thank you SO much for understanding!!!! If you are interested in adding any additional schedule cards to your collection that better fit your specific needs, you can grab the clipart from Scrappin’ … [Read more...] about Schedule Cards are HERE!!!
It’s In The Bag! {The One Where I Talk About How Much I Love My Cameo}
I got a Silhouette Cameo back in June. It’s been in the box since, oh, ummmmm…last night. I’ve finally started to make some headway in my classroom and I had some ideas for some décor I wanted to add to the mix. Enter the Cameo….aka: teacher’s best friend. I knew it would help me make my *vision* a reality. Ohmiword. I absolutely LOVE that thing! I’m SO sad I haven’t played with it sooner! Now I’m a project makin’ fool! Even though my house is currently covered in scrapbook paper, ribbon, and hot glue, I couldn’t be happier. I *LOVE* the way this turned out! My plan is to set … [Read more...] about It’s In The Bag! {The One Where I Talk About How Much I Love My Cameo}
A Blank Canvas
I finally had a chance to see my new classroom yesterday. For those of you wondering, I’m teaching KINDERGARTEN this year!!!!!! Back to my roots!!!! I swear I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret. I’m not a superstitious person by any means, but I wanted to make sure I had a classroom before I made the announcement :) I’m so excited! I taught Kindergarten for 7 years and I’m excited to go back. I’ll still be posting lots of 1st grade ideas as well, so for those of you that have emailed me wondering if I’ll be doing that, the answer is “yes” :) Now onto my classroom. My friends, it’s definitely a … [Read more...] about A Blank Canvas
Welcome to the Jungle
I hope visions of Axle Rose were swirling in your head as you were reading…ahem, SINGING…the title of this post :) Yes, you can thank me for that later. I was going through some old posts on my family blog the other day and I ran across an entry I made when I was teaching 2nd grade. This was all before I started The First Grade Parade. I took some pics of my 2nd grade classroom back in the day and thought I’d share just incase anyone is looking for some ideas. I couldn’t find the original pics on my EHD…{I didn’t really look very hard}…so I had to copy these from the blog. They aren’t the best quality, but you … [Read more...] about Welcome to the Jungle
Happy Birthday!
Since today is my birthday, I wanted to share with y’all what I do for birthdays in my classroom. I always hated having a summer birthday when I was growing up…no chance to celebrate at school! Dangit!! I know my school babies feel the same way, so it’s important I have a little something for everyone. Each of my kiddos gets to wear a H-U-G-E birthday button {you can get them at the Dollar Tree…and they’re the size of your head :) Seriously, though…they remind me of the big ol’ buttons that NKOTB used to sell…I had them ALL.} I adhere ribbon to it so they can wear it like a necklace…SO much easier than … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday!
Christmas in July :)
When it is hot and humid outside, sometimes you have to think cold! So here is the deal: Seasonal items have been placed on sale for JUST ONE DAY! Grab some Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter fun! A huge thank you to Babbling Abby for making this adorable picture! Babbling Abby Michelle Oakes Erica Bohrer Cara Carroll Anna Brantley … [Read more...] about Christmas in July :)
Tell Me More!
Do y’all know my Texas sister, Mrs. Lemons?! Okay, so we’re not *technically* sisters, but we live in the same state so that means we’re thisclose. I’ve actually gotten to meet her in person and lemme tell ya…she’s a doll. And she’s also hosting a little “get to know you/me” linky party, so I thought it would be fun to play along & link up! 1. I am the oldest of 4 and I ADORE my siblings! Even though they all refer to me as the “black sheep” of the family :) Stinkers!!! 2. Mr. Spouse proposed to me in my classroom in front of all my friends and co-workers on our one-year dating anniversary back in … [Read more...] about Tell Me More!
Mailbox Math
Hi friends! Are y’all enjoying summer as much as I am?!?! I’m *trying* to savor every little second before I have to head back to set up my NEW classroom!! Eeeek! I think I’ve said it before, but I LOVE teaching math. I wasn’t always a fan, but over the last couple of years, it’s become one of my favorite things to teach. I like math even more when I can integrate literacy into it. During my 2nd year of teaching, I had this little mailbox in my classroom. Book characters would write to my kids asking them to help solve a problem. This was my little way to try and incorporate math & … [Read more...] about Mailbox Math
Happy 4th!!! And a {Flash} Sale!
Happy 4th, sweet friends!!!! Hope you have a fun and SAFE day celebrating!!!! Just incase you're in the mood to shop, I'm having a 20% {flash} sale in my little TpT shop today only! Also, check out sweet Jodi's {from Fun in First} Have a Heart packet while you're there. Her brother-in-law had a heart transplant back in January and the proceeds from this packet will be used to help him out :) LOVE IT!!! … [Read more...] about Happy 4th!!! And a {Flash} Sale!
A Quick Little Update
I swore I was going to be better about blogging this summer, but as you can see, that just isn’t the case! After we got *almost* settled into the new house, we left for our 2 week family vacation up north. We drove. With 2 kids. For 20 hours. I don’t need to say anything else about that! Now we’re headed to Michigan for the rest of the week to celebrate the 4th with Mr. Spouse’s family. My family is housesitting for us, so I’m happy our new little home isn’t sitting all alone! To say we’ve been a *little* busy would be an understatment!! Here’s what we’ve been up to these last few days… … [Read more...] about A Quick Little Update
Beat the Heat {A HUGE, SUMMER SIZED GIVEAWAY!}
Wouldn't it be cool if you could enter a contest and pick your prize? You can! You can gear up for next year with 17 products from some of your favorite sellers. How cute is that graphic from Lindsey? Hop on over to Blog Hoppin' to enter. Hop on over to Blog Hoppin' to enter. Be warned... this is a quick giveaway! It will all be over on Monday night at midnight! … [Read more...] about Beat the Heat {A HUGE, SUMMER SIZED GIVEAWAY!}
Station Storage…How I Organize the Chaos :)
Hey y’all! I’m BACK!!! As of late last night, we are finally moved in! Can I tell you how THRILLED I am?!?! I think it’s safe to say we’ve been busier these last two weeks than we are during the school year. In addition to moving, we decided to *finally* potty train our three-year-old. {Well…in all honesty, he potty trained himself…PTL!} We spent several days at my parent’s house with all 4 of us sleeping in a king size bed. We unloaded WAY too much junk and moved it all into the house…let’s see, about 3 UHauls worth of *stuff*?!?!?! I’ve seen WAY too many frogs. AND…we finished filming … [Read more...] about Station Storage…How I Organize the Chaos :)
Giveaway Winners (5,000!)
Sorry to be posting these so late in the game…that’s just sorta my life right now! Without further ado, the winners are… These winners will receive all of the products in my little TpT store! And the winner of ALL future products is… Kim Fischer…you didn’t leave your email address so I have NO way to contact you!!! If I don’t hear from you by Thursday {6/7} morning, I will have another drawing!! Thanks for playing, y’all!! It sounds like EVERYONE has an amazing summer planned!!!! I’m throwing a 20% sale in my little TpT shop as a little consolation prize ;) HA! Today is closing day, so I’m off to … [Read more...] about Giveaway Winners (5,000!)
5,000!
I didn’t think I’d be back so soon, but I logged into my blog for the first time in a while {I needed to grab a printable! HA!} and noticed TFGP has 5,000 followers. I figured this would be a great time for another BIG giveaway! I’ll be giving away EVERYTHING in my TpT store to 5 sweet friends! I’ll randomly select the winners via Random.org and announce them on Sunday {6/3}. To enter, leave me a comment telling me about something fun you’re doing this summer :) Only ONE comment per person, please. ALL additional comments will be deleted. Please, please, PLEASE remember to include your email address in your … [Read more...] about 5,000!
Last.
In the LAST month… *I ate my LAST crispito cafeteria lunch {my favorite :)} *I celebrated my LAST Monday ever at my school *I went on my LAST field trip with my sweet first grade team *Enjoyed my LAST GOLD Day *Packed the LAST box in my classroom {by the way, I’m DEFINITELY one box short of being on an episode of Hoarders} *Took the LAST staple out of my classroom walls *Celebrated my LAST team dinner *Filed my last piece of paperwork and if my mind wasn’t in a MILLION different places right now, I’d happily share a lot more “LASTS” :) I’ve been absent for the last week{ish} thanks to lots of packing, a girls trip {our LAST … [Read more...] about Last.
Father Time
Our little countdown clock is telling me that there’s about 11 days left in the school year. WOW. We definitely haven’t slowed down the learning train in room 135. Infact, we’re just starting our official “time travel” :) We started the week with Father Time…he’s got all the time in the world :) We brainstormed a lot of different words that have to do with time. The red words are ways we measure time…days, hours, minutes, etc. The blue words are different places we can find time displayed…can you believe cell phone was the first word my class suggested?!?! HA!! I know that’s the ONLY way I … [Read more...] about Father Time
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day!!! I’m pretty much saying this to EVERYONE because as a teacher, we’re ALL mommas…the only difference is that we get to send ours home at the end of the day :) I’m so blessed that God trusted me to raise these two sweet loves… My boys woke me up with a sweet little card and Mr. Spouse surprised me with a little gift card and told me to take the afternoon to myself. I couldn’t say “thank you” fast enough! After church, we celebrated with a pizza lunch and some yogurt and then I headed out for a pedi and some shopping! I didn’t buy anything except groceries, but ohmiword…it was really nice to … [Read more...] about Happy Mother’s Day!
Synthesis Superhero & A Linky!
Can I just give a quick “Thank you!!!!” to my Houston friends who have emailed me and offered their help?!?! THANK YOU!!!! Quick update {if you’re interested}…put our house on the market around noon{ish} last Thursday and got a FULL.PRICE offer 6 hours later! Say what?!?!?! True! I mean, I knew God was going to take care of us, but I never could’ve guessed it would’ve been like that! Since then, it’s been a whirlwind. We headed down to our new town this past weekend and found ourselves a house. We’re in the process of putting an offer on it, so we’ll see how it goes! I’m faithful that God … [Read more...] about Synthesis Superhero & A Linky!
