Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Interactive Science Journals

Unfortunately, many schools are pushing Science right out the door and focusing primarily on math and literacy.  While these things are important and the foundation of every child's educational career... ignoring other subject areas is a horrible idea!

If you haven't started this already, it's definitely something to think about for next year.  If your principal tells you there isn't enough time in the day for Science.. you show her your science journals.  They are the perfect way to combine writing, math skills, and so much more with Science!

I just wanted to do a photo dump today so you can see the possibilities!!!!!





















Be the teacher that brings Science back to the classroom!

Click the picture to check it out!!!

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Out of this world Activities!!!

At the end of the year I LOVE to do a space themed unit.  Since I have not yet created math & literacy centers for Space.. I use a little bit of this and a little bit of that to create my unit.


We read all about Astronauts and fill in a tree map on my Promethean Board and on their own paper.



We review our color words in a fun way by searching for them with a hand lens.  They LOVE to do this!


We also have fun thinking of something that was a "blast" this year!  Then, we display our writing in the hall next to this cute little craft of mine.


They will review skills from the year using my math journal prompts.


And play a ton of fun math & literacy centers from Julie Lee's Spectacular Space Centers unit.

This isn't just my favorite unit to teach because it's the end of the year... it's also my favorite because every child is genuinely interested in this topic!!  It's a fun unit to end the year on!  If you're interested in some of the products click on the pictures to check them out!

Have a wonderful weekend.  And remember.. you're almost there!!!


Monday, May 12, 2014

May Math Journal Prompts- updated!!

Today I updated my May Math Journal Prompts and re-uploaded them to tpt.  I have added 5 more prompts that review some of the skills taught earlier in the year of Kindergarten.  That way, when you are assessing your students at the end of the year-- their math journal might be a way of reminding or refreshing their memories from earlier in the year.


Some of the skills include subtraction...


Critical Thinking Skills, Addition...



Sorting, Greater than...




And many others!!!


Don't forget if you have already purchased this pack you can go download it for FREE!  If not, it's the perfect addition to any math unit to help ya out at the end of the year. :)

Click the picture to check it out!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Spring Teacher Trends!


Who says teacher's can't be trendy??? 

Well, I have decided to dedicate a post every few months to "teacher trends."  I want to share some things that are in style, affordable, cute and comfy.

I'd like to start with a disclaimer saying.. I am not a model (so I may be standing awkwardly..).  I am not married to a professional photographer and my mom isn't one either.  Some of the things I am wearing might not be in stock any longer, but I try to pick things that are "in style" so you can find something similar very easily.

Outfit 1:  Denim Button Up Shirt (Target), Coral Capri's (Target), Sandals (Marshalls), Watch (Fossil) & Pandora Braclet


Outfit 2:  Floral Skirt (Very Jane), Black Shirt (Target), Necklace (Very Jane) & Wedges (Target)


Outfit 3:  Maxi Skirt (Very Jane), White Shirt (had it forever.. who knows), Watch (Fossil) & Sandals (TJ Maxx)



Outfit 4:  Shirt (The Polkadot Alley- they are on FB), Capris (Express), Necklace (Forever 21) & Wedges (Target)


As you can see some things that are in style this season are: teals, florals, wedges, chunky necklaces, Maxi Dresses and Skirts, Chevron, Denim Shirts, & jeans/capris that are light colors.

Some of my favorite places to shop that are affordable and fashionable are:



I hope you are inspired by some of the outfits I have shared today.  If you'd like to link up and share some of your Spring Teacher Trends Feel free to copy the button and link it back to my blog!


SJ is also very excited about Spring!!!  She loves playing outside with mommy.  

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!

Monday, May 5, 2014

Teacher Appreciation SALE and Mother's Day!


First of all-- Thank you teachers for all you do!!!!  I know from experience there is so much that goes un-noticed.  As a thank you I am participating in their cite-wide sale.  My store will be 20% off.  You can get an additional 10% off at checkout with the code: TPTXO.  Enjoy!!!


Second, I cannot tell you in words the amount of joy it brings me to be a mommy.  It is a hard job, but the best one I have ever had!

Don't forget to honor the moms of your students.  Below is an adorable craft you can purchase in my store.  Wait until tomorrow and you can get it at 28% off!!!!


Click the picture to check it out!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

End of the Year Take Home Pack!

Seriously, we are already talking about the end of the year.. Wow!!  I don't really want to say it went fast.. because some of you might yell at me.  I've had one or two of those years.

You always want to feel like you're sending those kinder babies off to 1st grade prepared.  While you might have some that will catch on no matter what, and some that will always struggle. Sending something home for your students to work on over the summer is a must!  I like to mention in my newsletter the week or so before I send it home, that it's not homework, I don't need it back, and to continue to practice some of the skills even after the pages are all completed.

Here is a preview of my Blast off to 1st grade pack:



The skills included are:
Counting to 100
Letter Writing
Name Writing
CVC matching
Beginning Sounds
Color Words
Count by 10s
Addition
Subtraction
Counting
Reading Comprehension
Real/Nonsense Words
Writing Sentences with the correct punctuation

Click the picture to check it out!


After purchasing this pack, you can put it together to send home a number of ways.  I like to print the pages front and back to save paper and either bind them with our school binding machine, or hole punch them and stick them in a folder.

Do you have any helpful tips and tricks to help get your kinders ready for 1st grade??