Just Checking In....

Wow! It feels like I haven't been on here in FOREVER! I have missed my little bloggy blog! I am finally in a place that has internet! My husband and I had a blast in the mountains! We stayed in an adorable little cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee, right outside of Pigeon Forge. We had three amazing days of mountain sight seeing, shopping, show hopping, and museum exploring! It was so fun! I most definitely want to go back to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! There is so much to see! Yesterday, we loaded up the car and headed to our next destination, North Myrtle Beach! I love the mountains and had a blast, but nothing beats hearing the ocean waves right outside your window! We are going to stay here for a week! As soon as I get back to Charleston, it will be time to get down to business! I have so much to do before school starts in mid August. If I don't start soon, I will have A LOT on my plate! But for now I am still in summer mode....this will do! :0)

Be back soon!,



~*Freebie Alert!*~

Just dropping by to let all my followers and friends know that I posted a cute FREEBIE on TpT yesterday! They are birdie themed teacher note cards that can be sent home with students. Kind of like "Your student is doing great and this is why" cards! Always brightens a parent's day! 

I also wanted to sign in and let everyone know that I will be out of commission for a few days! I am headed to the mountains and then to the beach! So ready for a getaway!

Head over to my store and check them out! All you have to do is click on the preview below! And remember...these are FREE

Happy Blogging,

~*Made it Monday 6/24*~

Hey Everyone! I hope this Monday finds you well! I have been pretty busy lately making some goodies for my classroom! Today I am linking up with 4th Grade Frolics to share one of my crafts!  Let the sharing begin!

I have to share a craft that I made for my classroom! A few Mondays ago I was hanging out at the linky party and visiting other amazing blogs to get ideas. I stumbled upon Rowdy in Room 300...an amazing blog that I love to follow. (Click on the link to go and visit Nicole's amazing blog). Well on this blog, I saw Nicole's idea of making survey boards for the classroom using magnetic pizza pans. I absolutely loved the idea but decided to tweak it a little and create a magnetic pizza pan daily schedule. I have always had a visual schedule in my room, but I have used velcro in the past, which tends to rip and tear my poster board. So, I thought, why not use magnets? So, here is my step by step daily visual schedule.

1.) I bought the supplies about a week ago. The owl-themed fabric came from Jo-Ann's Fabrics. I also bought the Mod Podge there, as well as the red and white polka dotted scrapbook paper. The pizza pan is from Wal-Mart for around $3.50! Can't beat that! And yes...it is magnetic. I made sure to check before I bought!

                                             

So the supplies needed:

1.) Pizza Pan

2.) Fabric

3.) Scrapbook paper or tissue paper

4.) Scissors

5.) Glue gun and glue sticks

6.) Mod Podge

2.) The first step was to cut the scrapbook paper to size and mod podge it to the pizza pan. I made sure to REALLY mod podge the paper on. I put several coats under the paper and several on top to make sure it gave it that "glossy" finish. (Make sure whenever you buy Mod Podge you get the finish you like. They sell matte or gloss.)

Pan and Scrapbook pieces

                                        

Let the Mod Podging Begin!

I love me some Mod Podge!

I didn't worry too much about the edge because I knew they would be covered up with the ruffles, which brings me to step #3.

3.) After mod podging and letting it dry a bit, I got my glue gun nice and hot. Using the fabric I purchased, I cut it into about six inch strips (about 1-2 inches wide). Using the glue gun, I scrunched the fabric and glued it around the edge of the pizza pan creating the "ruffles."

Cut Strips

                                         

The "Ruffle" Effect

First Ruffle

4.) As you can see, my first ruffle did not really cover the edge of the pan because I started it too far inside. So, I decided to add another ruffle to it to make it appear fuller and to cover the silver pan edge. Here is a picture of the pan with the second ruffle. 

Doubled Ruffle

5.) I really like how the second ruffle filled it out. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I have to "doll up" anything I make. So, using some left over fabric, I made a cute little bow and glued it to the top. Here is the finished product:

BOW = ADORABLE!

                                    

6.) Now, my PLAN is to print out my schedule cards. I have made them, but haven't printed them because I am not sure what my schedule will look like exactly. I probably won't know until the end of July. However, I am going to have cards that look like this (They will be sized to fit around the pan):

                                            

I plan to put a small magnet in the corner of each card. When the task is complete, the Schedule Helper will turn it over and this is what the back will say:

                     

                         

This way, the students will know what we have done. I am thinking about making a cute sign to place above or in the middle of the pan saying: "Our Schedule" ""Time Flies When We're Having Fun"--this ties in my theme-- BIRDS! When I finally print and create the time cards, I will post the FINAL product. 

I hope everyone enjoyed my Monday Made It! I guess I'll go and do laundry now! But before I go, don't forget to head over to 4th Grade Frolics and share what YOU did on this Magical Made It Monday! Click below to "fly" on over!

                                                        

Here's to a fantastic week!

Thanks for reading,

~*FiVe FoR FrIdAy!*~

Hello Everyone! Natalie, here at the Polka Dotted Chirp with lots to share on this fabulous, fantastic, Five for Friday! I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to share my Friday Five! This is my end of my second week of summer! It is flying by and I have come to the realization that pretty soon I will have to start buckling down again and getting ready for my upcoming school year! For now though, I'll share some Friday Fives that I happened upon this week!

1.) So, like many teachers, I am always up for a bargain! So, many of my shopping excursions include frequent trips to Dollar Tree, the dollar station in Michaels, Big Lots, and the Target Dollar Bin. If you're like me, you go in not looking for anything  in particular and then walk out with an entire bag full of stuff you "had to have." Well, this week I bopped into Big Lots just for fun and bopped out with this:

If you have read my previous posts, I am little obsessed with mason jars and anything "shabby chic-ish." Well, this was $9.99, so I had to have it. I have filled it with sweet tea and sitting in my fridge! Takes the effort out of pouring...summer laziness at it's best!

                                    

2.) My number two for my Five for Friday is my upcoming getaway with my husband! He is finally getting some time off from work, so next Wednesday we will be heading to the mountains! My brother and sis-in-law have a cabin in Tennessee, so we will be relaxing and getting some sight-seeing squeezed in. I have been to the mountains before and have driven through them, but I have never stayed and seen what all there is to do. We will be staying in Sevierville, close to Pigeon Forge, so there should be lots to keep us busy! 

                                                         

Which brings me to my number three that I couldn't be more excited about....

                                      

3.) My husband told me to google some things that I would like to do in the mountains...BIG MISTAKE. Aside from shopping, eating and taking in the mountain views, I stumbled upon the Titanic museum!!! I immediately revert back to my sixth grade self sitting in the movie theater drooling over Leo DiCaprio! Needless to say, we WILL BE going to the Titanic Museum! I have always been interested in the story of Titanic (even before the movie) and then with the movie my interest launched into a full blown obsession. Ooooh! I can't wait! Here's a pic of the museum! 

                                        

                                         

4.) My number four this week is my upcoming project making school buckets for each classroom teacher. My school is trying to incorporate the popular "Fill Your Bucket" theme that has spread across schools and classrooms. My assistant principal asked if I would make paper buckets to place outside of every teacher's classroom. As incentives, the teachers are to add "drops" (blue tear drop shaped papers) to fellow teacher buckets complimenting them on their hardwork. At every faculty meeting, teachers bring their drops and one is drawn for a special prize. It should be fun if everyone participates. It will also build school comaraderie, which is always good! Anywho, here is a little preview of the bucket for my room. 

                                                     

Hopefully, I can make some cute ones for all the other teachers and staff at our school! 

                                       

5.) And coming in at number five on my Fridy Five is a craft project that I am going to start next week or after our mountain trip. I was linking up about two weeks ago and saw on someone's blog an adorable pizza pan magnetic survey board (I can't remember who it was and I have searched the linky parties looking, but can't find it). It has ruffles around it and it was so cute (if anyone knows who it was, please let me know)! I plan on making a class schedule in the shape of a clock (pizza pan). The daily tasks will be on magnets that the students turn over once the task is complete. We will see how it turns out. I was at Jo-Ann's fabric yesterday and found the cutest bird themed fabric that will match my polka dot theme as well, so, here is a pic of the fabric. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

                                                               

Want to share your awesome Five for Friday? Head on over to Doodle Bugs Teaching and share what you did this week! Click below and link up!

                                                          

Happy Blogging Y'all!

*Chirp, Chirp*

~Natalie (The Bird Girl)

MaDe It....TuEsDaY?

Remix: Tuesday, Made It!

Well, I just got around to posting my Made it Monday! I guess I was still too busy daydreaming about being on the beach, even though I am back home...on my living room couch! Yikes! Anyways, I spent the greater portion of my day creating a unit that I have been dying to make. Well, I finally made it. So, I am going to "pretend" that it is my Made it Monday...even though it is Tuesday! 

Have you ever read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn? It is one of my absolute favorite reads. I think it is an adorable story and I look forward to reading it to my kids every year. I make a big deal out of the story and I absolutely love the cute crafts that go along with the story. I sat down today and created my Kissing Hand unit! I am so excited to use these cute ideas, necklaces, and center games in my room this year! This also makes me super excited to create the other book units I plan to make this summer. Here is a preview of my next few units to be made:
   

I am pretty pumped and excited about my Kissing Hand Unit...
Click below to check it out in my TpT store! 

Were you like me and had a slow go at making something on Monday, but squeezed it in your busy schedule (haha) on Tuesday? If so, it's not too late to divulge your craftiness! Head on over to 4th Grade Frolics and share it! Click below!

At it Again!

Well, it looks like I'm at it again! Seeing as how I got terribly sunburnt yesterday, I am lounging on the balcony today and taking it easy. I am so pasty and white that if I step out onto the beach for 10 minutes I get pink! Needless to say I was practically out there all day yesterday, so I am hurting today. I don't know how long I can stay away, though. I am sure I will end up out there in the water at some point later this afternoon...maybe when the sun isn't so blazing hot! Anyways, to pass the time, I started making my new job chart icons for next year. I have a job chart with library pockets (red with white polka dot pockets to be exact). On top of the pockets, I have a label of sorts illustrating the specific job. I decided to make some new ones to revamp it a bit. Here is what I have made so far!

I am loving the polka dots and bows. I think these will look super cute on my job chart. So far here are the jobs that I have: Line leader, door holder, caboose, calendar helpers, weather helpers, snack helpers, sweepers, table washers, paper helper, center helpers, attendance helpers, Ipad helper. Are there any other great jobs that I am forgetting? If so, comment and help me out! Also, these look a little blurry on here, but they are much clearer on my computer...go figure. Happy blogging!

*Chirp Chirp!*
~Natalie

Five for Friday!

~Five for Friday~

Happy Friday everyone! I am so excited that it is Friday and the weekend, but I am secretly lamenting how quickly my first week of summer came and went! It is already going way too fast! I had a fantastic week to say the least. Here are my top five!

1.) I know it isn't the most exciting thing in the world, but I bought a few goodies for my house that I can't wait to put out. I did some shopping for my back screened in porch and found a ceiling fan on sale at Lowes and an amazing area rug from Tuesday Morning!

My rug is just like this one, but it is a sage green instead of black! 

 

2.) Another exciting house addition are my awesome curtains that are finally finished! I am absolutely in love with them! They are so perfect for my space! Here is a picture of my living room:

3.) Coming in at number three this week is the awesome fact that I got to spend my entire day lounging in the sand at North Myrtle Beach! The water felt great and the sun felt even better! I'm pretty excited to repeat the process again tomorrow!

4.) My number four is for my movie date night I had with my husband this week! We actually skipped dinner and went and got a HUGE bucket of popcorn (you know one of those buckets you look at and think..."My God, who needs that much popcorn?") and two gigantic drinks. It was MORE than going to dinner! But, it was super fun and we saw a pretty hilarious movie. If you liked the Hangover, I suggest seeing Hangover 3. It was way better than the second one and was pretty crude and hilarious. Not to mention Bradley Cooper is in it....added bonus!       You're welcome....

 

5.) And last, for my Five for Friday, I want to reblog about my cute number line that I made this week. I am excited to print these out for my classroom this coming year! Head over and check them out in my TpT Store! 

 

Head on over to DoodleBugs teaching and share what you did on your Five for Friday! Click below!

 

*Chirp, Chirp!*

~Natalie 

 

"Shells in my Pocket and Sand in my Shoes"

Blogging here oceanside! My husband and I drove up to North Myrtle Beach for a little weekend getaway! I am so excited to soak up some sun and do a little shopping! Right now it is lightning and looks like rain is coming soon! If it is rainy and dreary tomorrow (and I'm not shopping somewhere, of course) I plan to make some more goodies for my classroom! But, if not, this is where I'll be....

"Toes in the water...not a worry in the world. Life is good today!"

*Chirp, Chirp*

~Natalie

Tuesday Cuteness!

                               

    ~Number Line Fun~

I had quite the busy day today. I babysat for a friend this morning (getting up at 7:30 was a little rough...not gonna lie), had a doctor's appointment, walked around downtown window shopping, had a great dinner, and still managed to make some new cuteness for my classroom this coming school year. As we all know, I am obsessed with polka dots, so my number line is...you guessed it! POLKA DOT! I actually made 3 number lines that I plan to use. One is counting by 1s as we count the days of school up to 180. One is counting by 5s to 100 and one is counting by 10s to 100.  I usually write the numbers on post it notes and stick them in a line around the perimeter of my room. But, these are so much cuter and will not look as messy/cluttery. Head on over to my Teacher's Pay Teacher's store and check them out! You can click below! See you tomorrow for Wacky Wednesday! 

Made it Monday!

~Made it Monday~

Happy Monday everyone! Phew! I must say, it felt pretty darn good to NOT have to get up early this morning! In fact, I slept in until 10:30! Nothing like starting the summer by getting TOTALLY off the routine. I'll be grouchy come August when I have to go back to the same old, same old! But for now, it's been amazing! 

I am so excited to link up with 4th Grade Frolics to share some things for my Made it Monday! In my Sunday Funday post, I talked about the dinner I made and saved the recipe for my seven layer salad to share today! It was the first time I made it and I actually got the idea from a faculty party we had last week! I made this huge, delicious and EASY salad and plan to eat off of it for the next week! Yum! Here is the recipe:

Seven Layer Salad

1 head of iceberg lettuce

1 bag of frozen peas

1 red onion

1 pack of bacon

8 boiled eggs

1 back of cheddar cheese (2 cups)

1 and 1/4 cup of mayo

2 tbsp. white sugar

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

1.) Lay the peas out to thaw. I actually forgot to do this so I heated them on the stove on low heat until they had thawed. Drain and pat dry.

2.) Boil eggs (if desired) and let cool. After they are cool, chop them up into quarters or smaller.

3.) Cut up the entire head of lettuce and place in a glass bowl.

4.) Chop up the onion and layer on top of the lettuce

5.) Layer the peas on top of the onion layer.

6.) Layer eggs on top of the peas.

7.) Layer bacon on top of the eggs.

8.) Finish by covering with the bag of cheddar cheese.

9.) In a separate bowl, mix mayo, sugar, and parmesan cheese to make the dressing.

The recipe I used called for it to be spread atop the salad. However, my husband doesn't like mayo so I left if off of the salad and stored it in a separate container for my portion. I think the dressing is delicious! 

Obviously, this recipe is hard to screw up and you can substitute and add whatever you wish! You can make it a 15 layer salad if you want to! If you have a pretty glass bowl, it makes for a good presentation as well. Here is what it will look like:

So, aside from loving my new and super easy salad recipe, I have been working like a mad woman to make some cute stuff for my TpT store and for my classroom. I teach in SC and this coming school year is the first year we implement the Common Core State Standards fully. My eyeballs about popped out of my head when I saw the list of 126 words! I basically needed to redo my entire word wall, so what other theme would I use than a polka dot theme? It took me a while to make, but I think it will be perfect! Head on over to my TpT store and check it out if you're feeling frisky! Click below:

Needless to say, this Made it Monday has been a success! I plan to make my entire summer a "Made it" summer. I have so many ideas and recipes to try! I am sure I will be sharing even more! Head on over to 4th Grade Frolics by clicking the button and share what you made!

Thanks for reading!

*Chirp Chirp!*

~Natalie

SuNdAy FuNdAy!

~SuNdAy FuNdAy~

Not too much going on in my house lately. I have had a fantastic weekend, especially knowing that my alarm will NOT be going off on Monday morning! *Sigh* Oh, how I love summer. So, I decided today that I would make a yummy Sunday dinner. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not the best cook in the world. So today, I actually did some domestic duties...I did laundry, cleaned the house, did the dishes AND cooked dinner! 

On the menu was pulled beef brisket (my husband made this...I have no clue how to do it), seven layer salad, onion rings, and Ghiradelli brownies a la mode for dessert. I am saving the recipe for the seven layer salad to share tomorrow for Made it Monday. It was fantastic! Mmmmm mmmmm! 

I also sat down and started working on some super cute things for my classroom and my TpT store. I am making some polka dot themed Common Core sight words for my word wall. I also sat down and made some practice folder grids of the common core K words and 1st grade words to use next year in my kids' daily folders. Looking over the words, I am a little anxious about them. There seem to be more than what I am used to to teaching. So, if anyone has some great ideas on how to introduce the words and get them all in, I am all ears!

Below is a little preview of my word wall words that will be for sale soon in my store! I am super excited about these! They are adorable!

Also, check out my practice folder grids 

by clicking the link below!

                                         

Here's to a great SuNdAy FuNdAy!

*Chirp Chirp*

~Natalie