New Year's Dot Pages

It's almost time to pull out the pots and pans and ring in the new year!  Are you ready?  We are and that's partly because we don't have any crazy New Year's Eve plans.  Nope.  Nothing at all.  My little family of four will be hanging at home and that's OK with me.  HA-HA!  Littles in bed on time, cozy clothes, and a glass of wine... sounds about perfect in this phase of life.  Would you agree?!

BUT for a little festive fun I did make these New Year's Dot Pages and the girls loved them!  

They are perfect to use with bingo daubers, do-a-dot markers, Target mini-erasers, or pom poms and provide easy entertainment with very little mess!

Dot pages are awesome for kiddos because they help build hand coordination (just look at that concentration) and fine motor skills.

Use them at home with your own kids or print and add them to a center for that first week back to school!  You can grab them for FREE by clicking here or on any image in this post.

Happy New Year!

Student Holiday Gift Idea!

Holiday break is quickly approaching and if you're like me you still might need a quick and easy gift for ALL your kiddos!  Have no fear, I know it's a crazy time of the year, so this FREE tag and some #dollartree bubbles (4pk) make this gift cute, easy, and affordable.

I was browsing my local dollar tree when my pre-schooler spotted this adorable 4 pack of holiday bubbles.  She just HAD to have them and I of course said yes because right away I knew these would make for easy student gifts.

When we got home I pulled out my Christmas ribbon and made a tag that reads "have a bright and bubble holiday break!"  Gave it a hole punch and TA-DA!!  Holiday gifts are done!   

Looking to make your own?  Grab the tag by clicking HERE or on any of the images in this post.  

Happy holidays friends.  The end is near!

Back to School Gift Idea

With everyone in back to school mode my teacher heart is missing the classroom HARD!  I can't tell you how much I miss setting up a classroom and all the excitement of what is back to school.  This year with my move back stateside I had originally planned to go back into the classroom, but after much thought and consideration, I have decided to stay home another year with my little girl.  And although I am OH SO GRATEFUL for this opportunity there is a part of me that knows I'm really going to miss not actually being in the classroom again for another year.  I am a teacher.  I miss not being in the classroom.  But I know the years go fast and I LOVE my job at home. :)

With that being said, I am always thinking TEACHER-LIKE and I was browsing the Target Dollar Spot when I came across some adorable reward bracelets.  The ones that caught my eye had motivational quotes on them like "dream big," "never give up," and "yes you can."  This stuck out to me because although these would make great reward bracelets I thought they'd make even better back to school gifts.

It's so important for our students to know that we believe in them and that together we will make the year great.  We are the ones who will be pushing them to succeed and cheering them on the entire way so why not let them know that from the get go.  You can download the gift tag by clicking HERE or on the picture above.  Wishing you all a wonderful back to school! 

And hey if you teach in San Diego I'd be happy to come help you set up your classroom or just chat about school things.... I'm serious.  Ha-Ha

How to Plant a Seed {Quick FREEBIE Post}

Hey All!  Just a quick little freebie post because my teacher brain is always on...

Yesterday Riley and I attended our very first mommy and me playgroup!!!  In all honesty I was pretty nervous to go but I am so glad I did!  The moms were really nice and their kiddos were just adorable!!!  I'm positive we'll go back and I'm excited to get the know the mommas and their babes better.  

 At these meet ups they like to have a little activity for the kiddos to participate in and this week it was painting a flower pot and planting a seed.   While the kids were planting away, my teacher brain couldn't help but think how this activity is great for a spring plant theme and how this particular activity could easily be tied in to 'how to" writing!!!  So here's a quick little FREEBIE for you to use if you'd like to do this activity with your kiddos.

And for you info here's a look at what I found at the Dollar Store for garden supplies.  

Happy Teaching!

XOXOXO

Talk TURKEY to me!

Aright people it's time to talk TURKEY!  With Thanksgiving next week it is the perfect time to bring out the turkey activities and have fun teaching all about these quirky animals.  To get started I always like to see what my kiddos know by asking them "what do you know about turkeys?" and charting their responses on a schema chart.  This is an example of the chart I'd make.  You could draw it out on chart  paper and fill it in with sticky notes or use it with a projector.  I made it in color and black and white. Grab it FREE by clicking the image below.

Clipart by Krista Wallden of Creative Clips and Border by Sandra Macadamias

After charting our schema we'd then read a variety of nonfiction turkey books throughout the week.  We'd add our new learning to the chart and discuss any misconceptions.  Here are my favorite nonfiction choices.

Turkeys on the Farm by  Mari C. Schuh

Turkeys by Aaron Carr

All About Turkeys by Jim Arnosky

Turkeys by Hollie Andres

Next I'd have students complete a labeling activity like the turkey one included in United Teaching's Label It set. Check it out by clicking on the cover image below... IT'S FREE!

Lastly, I'm a HUGE fan of tree maps, so for writing I'd pull out my turkey tree map activity set.  We'd get to work filling out what turkeys can-have-are as a class and then students would write their own sentences and complete the turkey craft to attach their writing to. 

The craft can also be used as an add on to make a silly turkey hat!

Do you tie in teaching about turkeys when talking about Thanksgiving?  What kind of activities do you do?

It's Wednesday of Halloween Week...

How's it going?  Be honest.  Are things a little crazy? Ha-Ha

I know this week can be a little tiring and the closer you get to actual Halloween, and maybe a Halloween event at school, the more your littles seem to chat and squirm.  Am I right?  During weeks like this it is so important to keep your kiddos busy, busy and one way to do this is to have early finisher activities ready to go.  So today I'd thought I'd share a quick FREEBIE with you that is Halloween themed and can easily be copied off and set out for those early finishers.

This Halloween crown is a 1 page printable that your kids can color and fill in the beginning sound for the pictures on the back band.
Click the image below to grab it FREE.

Clip art by Krista Wallden of Creative Clips & Fonts by KG Fonts

And if you are still not sure what you will be doing on Friday for Halloween, I have a set of Halloween Stations that just might be perfect for you and your little ones.  Included in this set are 5 stations that you can have your kiddos rotate through for some organized fun!  They are great to use for what might be termed your "class party" to help keep the kids engaged but not have the typical HUGE party mess.  I have included direction sheets for each station which makes it easy for volunteers to run and station signs so students know where to go next.  Check it out.

Halloween Moves Activity

Spookley the Square Pumpkin Craft

Hope you all are surviving the week!  Happy Hump Day!

BOLO: Be on the Look Out for...

Happy Monday All!  

This past weekend I was browsing the seller's forums when I came across a post from Stephanie of Principal Principles sharing info about a fun new monthly linky called BOLO!  This link up is all about "being on the look out" for some brand new products that will be in your favorite TPT stores soon!

With my LO keeping me very busy, I've been trying to work on a few products from my "to make list" that I know can easily be worked on here and there when I just have a few spare minutes.  Last week I started on my Alphabet Flip Books and I'm excited to give you all a sneak peek at how they are turning out!

**Now in store HALF OFF 10/1-10/3!!!**

Here's a look at the current cover.  I've played with the colors a bit and I think this one is the winner!  What do you think of it?  Any suggestions?

 This set of flip books will include 36 flip books. One for each consonant and three for each vowel sound (short, long, and combination).  Each flip book is made from one printable page making for easy prep!  This is what the "short Aa" page looks like and for stopping by you can grab it for FREE by clicking the image below.

I've also included a student direction sheet just in case someone would like their kiddos to make these in a center.  Do you think this is helpful?  Would you change anything about it?

Well, I hope you enjoyed this product glimpse and I'd love to know what you think so leave me some feedback below.  And be on the look out because I promise to have this product in my store by Friday and it will be 50% off for the first 24hours.  

Now if you'd like to get a sneak peek at more great products be sure to head to the blogs below.  Just click and go!

XOXOXO

Back to School To Do List!

I am a total list person.  I have a shopping list, a TPT project list, a blog list, a dinner list etc.  You name it and I probably have a list for it.  I tend to get a little overwhelmed when I feel like I have a lot do do and this can lead me to forget things, so making a list is my way of calming myself.  I LOVE looking at a list, completing a task and then crossing it off!  There is just something about seeing that BIG SCRATCH through a task that makes me smile.  And don't even get me started on how happy it makes me to throw away a completed list!  Uh... insert crazy happy dance here.

With back to school quickly creeping up on us all, I decided that I'd whip up a little set of back to school to do list printables.   The first of which is general list of things I'd have on my to do list.  I like to start big and then create smaller lists as I go.  

 I also made a blank sheet to create additional lists and another version that includes to do, to buy and a notes section.  

Lists really help me feel organized and accomplished so I know these printables would be perfect to keep me on track!  Do you have a back to school list started?  What are some are some other general must do things for back to school that I left off?  

If you like these printables click on the image cover below to grab them for FREE in my store.  They come in color and B&W.  Talk to you soon!

XOXOXO

FREE End of the Year Autograph Book

Hi there friends!  I hope that you are enjoying your weekend and all set to wrap up the school year.  I know sometimes I need something "extra"  to fill time during the last days and so I created this simple FREE autograph book.

The book consists of a cover page, an optional "my classmates" page (extra time filler -haha), and autograph pages.  Just print off the pages and let your littles get to work, then turn on the music and have a "signing" party.  I included cover pages for kindergarten, first, and second grade.  You can pick up the freebie from my store by clicking on the picture above.  

Have a GREAT Sunday!

Word Work Printables Freebie

Today I am here to share my latest FREEBIE with you all: A Sample Set of my Word Work Printables!  I posted a few sets in my TPT store a few weeks back, but thought I'd add a sample set so people could try out the pages first.  Be sure to download this freebie from my store.  If you do like the pages, I'd appreciate any and all feedback.  Thanks!

The sets include 3 printables for each included spelling pattern.  These pages could be used in centers, for small group work, as homework, for interventions etc.  Here's a little more info about each activity sheet.

Spin, Find and Trace: Students will spin the spinner, find the word, and then trace it.  *To make the spinner students will need a paper clip and pencil.

Color, Make and Draw: Students will color the spelling pattern words, make words by adding in letters and then read and illustrate three words that include the spelling pattern.

Read, Highlight and Write:  Students will read simple sentences and highlight the  word in each sentence with the specified spelling pattern.  They will then write these highlighted words at the bottom of the page.

Here are the Word Work Printable Sets I currently have available in my store. 

Now be sure to head on over to my store and pick up the freebie.  Happy Monday All!  Have a great week.

Last Five for Friday of February!

Happy Friday!

Ummm can you say TPT sale?!  I love when TPT has site wide sales because not only do I see a fun little spike in my sales but it is a great reason for me to shop too!  So how did you all do?  I have to say this time around I went a little overboard. Ha-Ha  A few things I was really excited about came from Sonya-Dehart-Designs.  Have you browsed this shop?!  It is full of great finds and her sale was rockin'.  Here are two of the sets I bought from her shop and each one cost just $0.95!  Go check her out!

Click picture to be taken directly to this product.

Click picture to be taken directly to this product.

I know it's kinda early but I finished up this little Easter bag a few weeks ago and thought I'd share it all with you today.  Click the picture below to download it from my store. 

Did you know that Kelly Malloy from An Apple for the Teacher is having not one but THREE super giveaways!  Be sure to hop on over to her blog (which is awesome by the way) and enter!  I am offering a winner's choice gift for the K-2 winner. :)

 This week I took some time and cleaned house on Pinterest.  I have to a admit that when I started on TPT I went into the forums and joined pinning parties like crazy!  It wasn't until jus a few weeks ago that I realized this was doing nothing for me!  My boards were becoming filled with product covers, many of which are not things I would have pinned normally and then to my knowledge I found out that many times my pins were just being put on boards that no one visited.  So I literally have been spending time deleting and cleaning up.  I even stopped many of the collaborative boards I had originally joined because they were filled with mush!  So now I'm back to real pinning and it feels good.  But to be quite honest I really don't know much about pinning and how to truly use it for marketing so that's something I'll be working on.  If you want to check out my boards and follow along click below.

And in baby news I am thrilled to announce that we found out...

During the scan she was so precious.  I just wish I could see her everyday.  So in Love!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!