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Monday, July 30, 2012

Monday Made It and Giveaway Winners!

All set for another Monday Made it hosted by Tara at 4th Grade Frolics. This project is super-duper easy.  I had a extra yellow pocket chart for counting hundreds, tens and ones.  I decided to use it to store and organize my many remotes.  


Since I haven't been to my classroom yet this summer, I had to paint the picture for you by explaining.  Each pocket holds my remote control for the ELMO, DVD/VCR, and SMART board projector.



I have folded back the top part and stapled it to my bulletin board.  I've decided to label this remote keeper this year.  The REMOTE STASH. I wanted to make a big mustache to go on the label. I couldn't find clip art that would allow me to give out a freebie.  So I made my own on paint.  If you like it, feel free to click on it and take it.

Winners of my giveaways are:  



Thank you to all who entered. I loved reading all the comments about your Christmas traditions, and how you dress for the school day.

In trying to include more items in my TpT store.  I'm working on Common Core Math products.

My latest is this one:

If your district was like mine, you just received a big poster of the Mathematical Practices.  If you teach primary you know that they aren't in kid friendly language.  I added some clip art and examples to help students understand. So if you are interested  click on the picture to hop on over to my store.

I had to share these pictures of my little prince at a Fire Awareness Event at my husbands previous workplace (Mormon Station State Historic Park).  He loved the park and museum.  He did really well with all the sights and sounds.




I can't wait to see what everyone made.




Monday, July 23, 2012

Monday Made It- Giveaways


Here again for another Monday Made It hosted by Tara at 4th Grade Frolics. This project is not too original but I decided to make it reflect myself. I decorated a clipboard. I got this one at the Dollar Tree. I painted the back and then decoupaged my printouts.



I'm not sure how long these will last since they are made of cardboard.  As always, you get what you pay for at the Dollar Tree.  


Please stop by and enter my drawings.  Just click on the picture. One of the items is this Angela Moore bracelet.
The other item is for The Elf on a Shelf.
Can't wait to see what everyone made.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Angela Moore and Common Core (A Giveaway and a Freebie)

Have you ever heard of Angela Moore?  Well I have another giveaway, an Angela Moore Bracelet. I know it doesn't involve the classroom.  But come to think of it, if you look good you probably rock your lesson plan too. You can enter below on rafflecopter.  This is what it looks like.  It is her Nautical Breeze Lime/Turquoise Classic Bracelet. 

Now on to Common Core.  Well after having a year of implementing common core math, this year I want to try and focus more on the math practices.  You know those eight math practices that all students must work on and that continue on to high school.  I'm still trying to figure out how to perfect my anecdotal notes but I thought this would help.  Using these questions during a math talk can help to see where the student strength and weaknesses are. Just click on the picture to get the all of the pages.





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Parent Involvement - Linky Party



Tammy at 123 Teach with Me is having a Get Parents Involved Linky Party.  I haven't had much parent involvement over the years. I completely understand that parents are busy but I have provided opportunities for them to see their child shine.  I love to have performances and a time for the children to share their wonderful work.  

My favorites have been when they have written a book, we have had an Author's Tea Party.  I wish I had photos, but I was too busy planning and hosting each event that I never asked for someone to be the photographer.  I will next year. Our theme the last time was the Mad Hatter Tea from Alice and Wonderland.  I asked the kids to dress up if they liked.  I gave the girls bows on a head band and the boys had sentence strip hats with a Mad Hatter cut out on it.  

I provided punch, sandwiches and a cake.  The kids and their parents sat and heard each child read their page of the book.  It was a wonderful opportunity for the class and families to get together.

I also love to have the kids perform Johnny Appleseed.  All the students have a part, they take pride in their costumes and creating the background.  We have the performance and then celebrate by eating all things made from apples.  
 Please stop by and enter my giveaway!  

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Christmas in July Giveaway!



I am long overdue for a giveaway, and, I just reached 250 followers!


 I think that is rather amazing. 


You might already have this little gem, but if you haven't, he is a great addition to your classroom during the holidays. 


 I couldn't afford him in the past,  
so, last year I used a stuffed little guy that was more within my price range. 

Well my hubby being the great guy he is, (and rather frugal) got me more than one after the holidays and this extra one needs to find a home.  

You will receive the following if you are the winner:  
There is an amazing website too, Elf on the Shelf.

I used the Magic Elf Activity from Kerri B.
The students really loved it!


Here is her link. 




There are other packets and activities out there of course.


I found this parody of it but I have yet to read it.






Here is a freebie! So you have to hop on over to my store to pick it up.   Hope you like it.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, July 16, 2012

A Tale of Two Apples

Another week for Monday Made It!  Visit Tara at 4th Grade Frolics and join the party!



I picked these two apples awhile back at a thrift shop and finally got around to putting a twist on them.  I painted the pi symbol on one and I decided to decoupage the other.

Before


After


After


I found this great tutorial on decoupaging an apple at Catnip Studio . The directions are very clear.  I only have the before and after since I thought it was a total FAIL (last night when I was exhausted) but it turned out okay for a first try (after a good nights rest). Tissue paper is probably too thin for this project but there was no turning back.

I'm not sure what I'll do with the apple Pi one considering we don't cover that in second  grade. The other one matches  my wreath so it might hang out in a corner of my classroom.



Catnip Studio Chronicles

Please be sure to check out several freebies at my TpT store.

I'll be able to check out all the wonderful crafting after my son goes to bed tonight.  I'm hoping that will be at a reasonable hour, especially since there are so many links to check out.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Monster Theme Anyone?

I had a burst of creativity when I didn't have t.v. to distract me.  Our dish box gave out and we are waiting for a replacement.  So good things come out of not so good things.  

Today my little boy was successful with potty training so I'm hoping it will continue to be successful.  Sorry if this is T.M.I for some of you.  I would really love to get him out of diapers.  One of the prizes I won in a giveaway was a Gift Certificate to Target and it went to purchasing those lovely diapers.  

Okay back to what I created, sorry for the tangent.  Since, I'll be using My Class Dojo again next year I decided to make some items for my class and they just so happen to also be in my TpT store.  I loved the monster avatars they have so I have been making a lot of monster items.  


Here are a few new items and some freebies.  Please follow me on my TpT store if you take a freebie.  I would so appreciate it.  





Click on any of the previews to go to my TpT store.

Here is the lovely freebie.  
These are Monster Check for Understanding Cards. Just click on the picture to pick it up. There are 2 more options the students can choose from.  You'll see.

Directions:
Print on green, yellow, and red paper. Cut and laminate. Hole punch a corner and place a ring to keep them together. You can have your students let you know how they are doing quietly.

Since, I'm missing my crazy ladies , I mean Housewives of New Jersey and Watch What Happens. I'll be doing a Monday Made It.  Will it be a disaster?  I hope it will be usable.  We will see.



Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Monster Shapes and a Wonderful Book


I just finished playing with my Shape Monster clip art and created this new item for my little store.  Stop by and check it out.  As a freebie, I have posted my Monster Shape Award.

I'm kind of bummed I didn't make anything for Monday Made It, I felt I was doing so good with keeping up with making some great stuff for my class.  






I  just finished a wonderful book by a fellow blogger-

Sunny from The Caffeinated Teacher


The Caffeinated Teacher

I highly recommend this book.  She is a true Phoenix. As a teacher I can relate. As someone who has also experienced the loss of an innocent childhood (the aftermath/fallout in adulthood) and has kept going, I can also relate.

I would have finished the book in one sitting but my little boy got up from his nap.  When he went down for bedtime I picked right up and couldn't put it down until I read the last page.

I'll be looking for her next book.

Click on her blog button and look for the book button on her blog to order your copy. 






Sunday, July 8, 2012

More Giveaways and Fun

Well I have been busy resting (Is that an oxymoron?)  and trying to play with my little boy without having to pick him up or play rough with him. I wish I would have planned catching up on some movies while I am recovering but I didn't.  I got to watch super silly shows like, Jerseylicious, Hip Hop Atlanta, Dance Moms,  they aren't very enriching.  Just plain drama filled.  Oh and my Housewives of New Jersey.  


I so want to have a giveaway.  There are so many going on that I need to tell you about them.  


Check out: 





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A giveaway worth $500.  Exciting!




She is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to Target and an item in her TpT store.



Jennifer is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to TpT!

I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award! 



Thank you to the following lovely bloggers for giving me this cool award:


thecaffeinatedclassroom

Ann from The Caffeinated Classroom






Teaching Joys


Fifth Grade Fancy

Hilary at Fifth Grade Fancy

Now..for the rules of these awards! It's really quite simple!

So here are the rules of the award:

1.  Thank the blogger who nominated you.

2. Include a link to their site.

3. Include the award image in your post.

4. Give 7 random facts about yourself.

5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award.

6. When nominating, include a link to their site.

7. Let other bloggers know they've been nominated.

Here are the random facts about myself.

1.  I can not cook, my mommy tried to teach me, but it didn't take.
2. I met my husband on the internet, (don't judge) I am living happily and in love.  He is the best man ever.
3. Crime dramas are my favorite.  I miss Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Monk.
4. I don't wear make-up often but love Mary Kay.  Another oxymoron.  
5. I wasn't a fan of coffee but since becoming a mom it is a life line.
6. I just signed up for Kaia Fitness, (umm this is going to be tough) I'm trying to get healthy. Once I get the okay from the Doctor. 
7. My husband and I are trying to learn about all things - Autism right now.

I am kind of late on doing this post so I hope these bloggers haven't been nominated/awarded yet.  Here are the awesome bloggers:  

1. Shannon at Kindergarten Hoppenings
2. Chantelle at  The Teaching Bug
3. Elizabeth at Mrs. Olson's Rockin' Kindergarten Krew
4. Ms. M. at Ms.M's Blog
5. Jessica at Under the Alphabet Tree
6. Mrs. McHaffiek at Beg Borrow and Steal
7. Sunny at The Caffeinated Teacher
8. Kris at I (Heart) Teaching
9. Yolanda at Oceans of First Grade Fun
10. Jenn at Finally in First
11.  Alysia at Miss B, Busy Bee
12. Mr&Mrs at Meri Cherry
13. Cecelia at I Love 1st Grade
14. Katie at Queen of the First Grade Jungle
15. Laurie at First Grade Lyon's Den

I hope to be posting some freebies tomorrow.  Until then...

Monday, July 2, 2012

First Grade at Storybook Cafe: Giveaways Galore and My Goals!

First Grade at Storybook Cafe: Giveaways Galore and My Goals!: WOW O WOWWIE Have you seen all the really great Giveaways out there? They are all over the place I tell you! (junie has been on my mind of l...



Check it out!

Monday Made It ~ Organization


Another week for Monday Made It!  Visit Tara at 4th Grade Frolics and join the party!


In trying to get organized I decided to get some magazine holders and label them myself instead of buying these.  The only down side is that the folders can't sit horizontally.  

I found some tags I could print off.  I couldn't find the source of my labels but they were similar to these.  They were for labeling hangers/clothes.





 Here are mine. I think the hanger hole was on the stripped part and I just taped the bottom to the top using clear packaging tape.  You can also see my Doodle Bugs notebook/portfolio in the Monday slot. 



I can't wait to see what everyone else created!