Product Updates

Since I am dusting off the keyboard, per se, and ending my dry spell of blog neglect, I wanted to share some projects that I have listed in my TpT store! If you're like me, TpT is a lifesaver when it comes to finding kitschy, creative, funky, clever, differentiated, and simple ideas to implement in the classroom. Sometimes, we, as teachers, need that last minute item that will seal the deal and reach our students. And if you're like me, you don't always have the time or energy to always make the activities yourself. Not only am I a seller on TpT, but an avid buyer as well. It is amazing how many early childhood products are listed on this site...and to think the proceeds go to hard working teachers...even better!

Shape Bingo

My kiddos and I just finished up our unit on 2d shapes. I actually made these simple bingo cards for a Fun Friday math activity. They are so simple and my kids loved reviewing their shapes through a fun game. Basically, each child gets a game "board." I put the printed pages in plastic sleeves to preserve them. In this product there are 3 variations. All are winners! We don't want any tears, now do we? To extend the activity, this file also has a center game for your math center in which students roll and record shapes using a wooden block. They simply roll the "dice" and color until they reach the top for the winner! 

   

                         

The Five Senses

This school year I have really been trying hard to incorporate at least 25-30 minutes of science instruction into my day--aside from integration into other areas. It has been a challenge, but my students absolutely love it and I enjoy it, too! I have been busy making products to go along with our science units and FOSS kits and came up with this Five Senses Booklet. It never ceases to amaze me how certain products are "hot." I created this little student authored book as an independent work component to go along with our study of the five senses. It has been my most popular product to date! The kids enjoy making their five senses booklets and there are two variations for differentiation--one version that is fill in the blank and one version that has the prompt written at the bottom for them. It also comes with Five Senses unit word cards for your writing center or simply to help you introduce the five senses. If you're interested, this is available in my store and you can get there by clicking the polka dot banner on the right of the screen. And the best part...it's only $1.99!

                   

 

                    

 

Isn't that "Tweet?"

So, my big thing this year is trying to contact my students' parents on a more regular basis. I have started sending home monthly "tweets" which are basically little announcements to parents letting them know how their child is doing. They are based on positive behavior, so I praise their child for what is going well. I also have a section that I add academic updates based on their child's growth. Below is a miniature version of what I send home. I haven't uploaded the larger version to my store yet, but like this one below, it will be free! This little note is easy to print and it comes in different versions. As you all know, I like birds and dots....so....

Thank you for reading my posts on this Magical Monday! Take a peek at my TpT store and see if anything strikes your fancy! Hang in there...Friday is right around the corner! 

*Tweet Tweet*

~Five for Friday~

Phew! What an exciting and exhausting first full week of kindergarten! I must say, having 25 little five year olds all day has worn me out! However, I am excited to link up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to share some cute ideas and tid bits for my Five for Friday! Let's not waste any time! Here we go!

1.) For my number one I am excited to share my Student at a Glance Assessment Checklist that I recently listed in my Teacher's Pay Teacher's store! It is a great little sheet that can be used to progress monitor and assess your students. I have used it for the past five years teaching kindergarten and just recently revamped it to include elements from the Common Core curriculum standards! It covers everything from letter naming and sounds to Common Core sight words to math skills involving addition, subtraction, number recognition, and 2D/3D shapes, just to name a few! Take a peek at it, it just might work for you, too!                            

Click Here

2.) For my number two I want to share with everyone my behavior plan that I am implementing this year. I have actually been using this for the past three years and it works great with my little ones and with my birdie/polka dot theme. Each child has a behavior nest. The ultimate goal of their day is to keep all of their eggs in their nests. As we all know with kindergarteners, they need lots of chances, which I readily give them. After 2 (or more) verbal warnings, the student loses an egg out of his or her nest. With each lost egg comes a consequence. If a student loses one egg, it counts as a warning. If a student loses 2 eggs, they miss 5 minutes of recess. If a student loses 3 eggs, they lose a portion of recess and a portion of center time. If a child loses all of their eggs, their parent is contacted. Luckily for me, this system works so great that I rarely have any children that lose more than 2 eggs. If they keep all of their eggs in their nest, they earn a special treat, which is usually a sticker or something yummy! They love getting their reward, so they usually keep all those eggs in their nests! I bought the little nests at a teacher store. I believe they are simply Carson-Dellosa cutouts. The eggs were made from laminated and cut out scrapbook paper. They are adhered to the nests with velcro! Perfect for removing and putting back!

3.) For my number three, I wanted to share one of the best center boards that I have ever used in my classroom. I work with an awesome team and they used this board before I began teaching kindergarten! It is perfect for rotating centers and calling small groups to my table to teach guided reading. These pictures aren't the best, but they at least show how the system works. By November, the children are pretty much able to understand the center board and where they are expected to go. And, of course, my teams are different colored...birds! Go figure!

4.) For my number four, I wanted to share with everyone a couple things that helped me to alleviate my stress with starting school...shopping and eating. Two of my favorite things! What is better than buying an adorable outfit for back to school? Not much! What is better to take the edge off of a stressful back to school week? A great dinner! So, here is my back to school dress that I wore for Open House and a picture of some yumminess that I treated myself to in celebration of back to school!

   Polka Dots...Go Figure!          Wasabi Sushi...Yummo!

5.) For my last Five for Friday, I want to add a celebration photo in honor of our "first day off" of the school year! I am excited about Labor Day Weekend and took this picture of Annie the Golden Retriever enjoying the view at North Myrtle Beach! Happy First Holiday of School, y'all!

Did you do something awesome this week at school? Head on over to Doodle Bugs Teaching and link up and share your stories or ideas! Click on the link below!

Here's to a relaxing, LONG weekend,