Thank you cards! [FREEBIE]

As [dare I say it] the winter break winds down, here is a freebie alert!

Thank you cards for the all presents from the thoughtful kiddos!

Hoping you're still enjoying every minute of your break!

Have a Happy 2016!

Teacher Hacks (SmartBoard "pen"+To-do List)

SmartBoard "pen"
You'll need a small blaster (from dollar tree) and a pom-pom with some long lasting glue (i.e. gorilla glue, epoxy).
Make sure to put glue around the tip of the blaster (don't cover the tip cause as you extend the blaster,  the air will need to escape).
Voila! You have an extendable "pen" for your SmartBoard!

To-do List
Ikea Flinka frames (as in the pic) are no longer available but frame options are endless. Here are some super cute options: Ribba, Nyttja--just a few from Ikea. Pick out some scrapbook paper for the background. Then, print a "list" and with a dry erase marker, you can write and cross off 'til your heart's desire!

We got game...Wednesday!

I like a "game" that can be differentiated (or can progressively get difficult) for the students.  Maintaining a classroom is work enough and these games will hopefully ease some of the workload.

TOP 3 Games to use in the classroom:

1. Candyland (scour the aisles of your goodwill or any resale stores in your area)

Use the color cards and add sight words, addition or subtraction number sentences, sentences missing punctuation mark, CVC words etc. 

2. Roll Say Keep (many freebies out there, you just have to search for the perfect one for you!)

Create cards for the skills your students need to practice.  For example, in the beginning of the year, I make ABC cards, identify the beginning sound, find the missing letter (in ABC order) and rhyme with the picture.  Then, as the year progress, students use sight word cards, addition or subtraction problems, CVC words, and count the syllables.

3. Tic-Tac-Toe (create 3x3 table and the possibilities are endless)

Using a laminated {or placed in a re-writeable pouch} 3x3 grid, students will either read words, solve a problem, find the punctuation mark, produce a rhyme, or fill in the medial sound.

FREEBIES next Wednesday for each game!

Tried It Tuesday [but a day late!]-DIY sidewalk chalk paint

I was intrigued with the many recipes out there for sidewalk chalk paint.  So, I gave it a shot!  It was amazing and very very easy to clean up! (Just grab a hose and washes off immediately!)

Directions:
1. Combine cornstarch and water in one muffin tin.  Stir gently until smooth.
2. Add food coloring to make desired color and stir. (We had neon colors! It looked so bright and wonderful!)
3. Repeat until you have all the colors you want!
4. Use foam or paint brushes to draw! (We made cities, letters, a hopscotch---the possibilities are endless!)

Make It Monday!

Welcome! I may be late in the teacher's blog world but here's to a new adventure!

For my inaugural blog post, I wanted to share my newest obsession, a teacher's apron!  A Girl And A Glue Gun has a great tutorial!  Imagine the possibilities coordinating the fabric trim with your classroom theme color, adding clear vinyl pockets for CVC words, letters, and numbers to engage students!