Postings on...HOLD!

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to put my postings on HOLD for several more days.  I'm WAY far behind in grading papers and life just isn't getting any easier right now.  I will be taking a break from the blog and will pick it up again VERY SOON...I promise!  Spring has definitely SPRUNG...finally!  Below is a good book to get you interesting in taking a break and relaxing!

Spring Thoughts for this Blog

After two busy weeks and the looks of my current schedule with three children playing spring sports...I've given some thought to how I could possibly continue to write each day a bit...

Well, it ISN'T possible...so, for the next several weeks I will make some changes to this blog.  After all, I've got to sleep sometime!

It's going to be near impossible to just exist...with ball practices on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Bible study on Wednesday evening, the after school program I work on Thursday evenings, my new cleaning job on Friday nights, ball practices again on Saturdays, and worship services on Sunday...there is no room to breathe!

Could you leave a post and tell me your favorite part of this site right now?  I want to keep that part going!

Special Days for March 14-20th

Poison Prevention Week

This is always celebrated the third week of March.

The theme for National Poison Prevention Week is "Children Act Fast...So Do Poisons!"

This is a great time to make young children aware of the dangers of regular household cleaners, detergents, medicines, and beauty supplies.  There are upwards of 2 million reported poisonings every year with half of those in children under 5 years old.  The above poster was created for a poster contest promoting the idea of locking up poisons and keeping them out of reach of young children.  Go here for some helpful poison control tips from About.com.

Ideas for this week:

*Make stickers for your students from address labels and list the Poison Control Center number, 1-800-222-1222.

*Conduct a poster contest using the theme above.

*Have students explore the Texas Poison Control Center site for valuable information.

*Have students make a list of the items under a sink at their home.  Hold a class discussion about several of the items.

*Look through local newspapers, sale papers, or magazines and cut out pictures of items that are potential poisons.  Make a collage of those items and display in the classroom.

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Brain Awareness Week

The brain is a complicated, yet interesting organ.  There is a really neat website here at BrainsRule.com with lesson plans and activities to explore.  This is a Nebraska website using their state standards.

There is a page of questions and answers here.  These questions and answers are more geared toward Middle School students.  And, go here for some information about "Brain Food"!

Brain Awareness and Poison Control connect very well together since poisoning can greatly affect the brains ability to function!

Do you have an idea for Brain Awareness week?

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Wednesday, March 17th is St. Patrick's Day

We are usually NOT in school during this upcoming holiday.  This is our usual week for Spring Break...but, thankfully, this year our Spring Break is actually during Spring!!  Woohoo!

The meaning of St. Patrick's Day according to Wikipedia.com is: Saint Patrick's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig) is a yearly holiday celebrated on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (circa AD 387–493), the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. It began as a purely Christian holiday and became an official feast day in the early 1600s. However, it has gradually become more of a secular celebration of Ireland's culture.

I found it interesting while reading Wikipedia.com, that the original color of St. Patick's Day was blue! 

Resources and Ideas:
* Go to enchantedlearning.com for lots of St. Patrick's Day activities and printables.  You may have to sign up and purchase a membership to access all of the printables.
*Kaboose.com has a vast selection of St. Patrick's Day art activities.
*Despite the cool temperatures, go on a 4-leaf clover hunt!  Dry any lucky charms found and laminate for students to keep!!!
*Discuss green and all the different shades of green.  Then, make a poster displaying the greens.
*Make green with yellow and blue food coloring or paint!
*Hold a "Wear Green" Contest...who can wear the most greeeeeeen!!! 

Do you have any special activities you have tried and know the students enjoy?  Please share!

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Coming Soon....information for the other TWO fun days this week!

The First Day of Spring

National Agricultural Day

Coming Tomorrow... Special Days for March 14-20

Sorry...I'm still spending a lot of time AWAY from the computer.  There are several interesting days this week.  I hope to have them posted tomorrow evening.  In the meantime, enjoy the beginning of your work week!

Friday's Finale

Thankful to have made it through this LONG week...enjoyed being outside in the Spring-like weather!  Just not looking forward to the even longer week coming up.

I have morning and afternoon bus duty...plus, our school hours are extended due to extreme winter weather.  So...my days ALL next week will be from 6:45 am-3:45 pm.  ACK!  Report cards go out next week and my two little girls begin ball practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays...  Oh yeah, we have an Easter Egg Hunt and a birthday party next Saturday!

Any suggestions?

Thursday's Thought

"  I like coming to school now!" 

This made my day, FIRST thing this morning!  The above quote came from one of my struggling students, who has gained nearly a whole year in reading and math, but remains unprepared for promotion.  THIS is why I teach!!!  I love to watch the transformations that happen in those 180 days.

I'm really NOT sure why this precious child just "now" likes coming to school.  I'm still teaching the same ways and maintaining the same routines.  But, I've noticed many more smiles and interest in the last several weeks, even if an answer is incorrect.  I will probably never know the impact I've had on this child's life, but I hope and pray my few days have helped mold what this child will become.  Little does this innocent child know that one of this week's vocabulary words, HONOR, was put into action with that simple statement above!

Wednesday's Website

This is a very resourceful website.  There are many activities, both printable and hands-on for prek-6th grade students.  These activities span the curriculum.  There are also quizzes and worksheet generator tools to help you customize your own worksheets for your themes of study.  There are even foreign language resources!  Go on over and check out the infinite supply of resources at apples4theteacher.com.  You won't be disappointed!

Tuesday's Tip

I've been away from the computer ALL WEEK running here and running there...running around everywhere...like Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book with feet here and there and everywhere!

So...I guess it's catch up time!  I believe it when life "wakes up" in the Spring.  We have SOOOO much going on both at home AND at school.  How is your life awakening this Spring????

Tuesday's Tip: Newsletter Homework

After several years of teaching, I discovered that "telling" students to practice spelling, vocabulary, and reading and math skills, etc. doesn't mean a whole lot.  The students have no idea HOW to practice and many parents are unsure of where to start, too.  Because of this, I began including skills and simple practice activities on the back of my weekly newsletters.  I also make a tiny space for parents and caregivers to initial when complete.  Below is a copy of the "Academic News" portion of my most recent newsletter.  I create my newsletter on PrintMaster with three columns.  My students and parents ALWAYS know what to do!  You may notice spelling activities at the bottom of the first column.  I have a list of spelling activities with their explanations that the students keep in their daily binders if they need to refer to it.  Tweak this to suit your classroom's needs.

Monday's Moment

Today went rather smoothly considering we're now adjusting to a new school schedule because of the many snow days we experienced in February.  I'm finding MOST of my MONDAY Moments occur while using the new Promethean Board!  It seems, I am constantly forgetting to click on the necessary tool to enable me to write or erase, which then causes all kinds of giggles.  The kids really get a kick out of my booboos while using the Board!

Did you have a Monday Moment you would like to share?

Special Days for March 7-13th

Ok - so I'm STILL running a little behind.  I'm barely keeping my head above the water right now.  Think I'll repeat Thursday's Thought - Whew!  Praying for this week to be a little calmer...

 )()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()(

This is GIRL SCOUT Week!  This is the season for Girl Scout cookies.  Yum!  Be sure to support your local troops and stock up your freezer so you can enjoy those cookies ALL year.

 

Wednesday, March 10th is Harriet Tubman Day

 

I'll have to say I've only touched on Harriet Tubman each year during Black History Month.  So, who was Harriet Tubman?  She was a Civil War Spy that helped slaves get to free areas of our country.  Click here for a nice biography that is kid friendly.  Here is a very kid friendly site with all sorts of activities regarding Ms. Tubman.  I like to read Follow the Drinking Gourd since this book is about slaves escaping to freedom.  Teachervision.com has a several pages of Harriet Tubman printables for the younger students.  (You can get 3 items free, but anymore and you have to sign up.)  Please, share how you study about Harriet Tubman!

Thursday, March 11th is Johnny Appleseed Day

The resources for an apple day are endless...

Please, everyone share YOUR apple day fun!
Don't forget to include some links!

Thursday's Thought AND Friday's Finale

Yay for the SuNsHiNe!!!

My thought for Thursday goes along with our Finale...

WHEW!

I can't put it any other way...our FIRST FULL WEEK since before Christmas break!  And, it's been a doozy...  I'm glad to be back on a predictable schedule, but we end the week with news of having to change our "predictable" schedule because of the many snow days.  Our school board voted to extend our school day for the next 13 days.  We will now go from 7:45-3:15 for the next 2 1/2 weeks - all to make up just ONE day.  WHEW...again!

I've had so many WHEW moments...and I've been SOOOOOO pooped...I've been behind ALL week at posting!  Oh well, I'm sure all things will return to normal soon.  

^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!^!

MORE HANDWRITING POEMS:

The Letter D

Dd Dd Dd

D is for dinosaur,

Skating on the ice,

Eating a donut

And a dish of rice.

The Letter E

Ee Ee Ee

E is for elephant,

Beating on a drum,

Wearing purple shorts

And chewing bubble gum.

The Letter F

Ff Ff Ff

F is for fish,

Swimming in a lake,

Blowing out candles

On a birthday cake.

Tuesday's Tip AND Wednesday's Website

Calling ALL parents!!!

I get an email newsletter from education.com and enjoy reading the tips they offer for all learners, from preschool to high school.  This particular newsletter I get contains tips/activities for learning at home.  Since I stay involved with my own four children at home, this gives us ways to interact and learn WHILE having fun. These activities can also be included on your classroom newsletters to give parents at-home learning ideas.  Our school system requires parent involvement opportunities...so, these activities are a GREAT way to meet this standard!  Below is a small snippet of my most recent email newsletter.  You can also visit education.com and click on the "Tips from Teachers" in the right column to subscribe.

3rd Grade

Cook Up Some Science!

by Julie Williams, a credentialed elementary, middle, and high school teacher from Palo Alto, California.

As winter days continue, remember that there’s lots of warm and cozy third grade learning available right in your kitchen! Third grade math includes extensive work on fractions and measurement. In science class, students transfer these skills into early experiments that show what happens when you blend ingredients.

Cooking helps all this science make sense, often with delicious results. While we may take it for granted that eggs, flour, butter and sugar can be mixed with baking soda, heated up, and eaten as cookies, the chemistry behind all that is really quite sophisticated. One batch of chocolate chip cookies, for example, may require just one teaspoon of baking soda. But try a little practice with the scientific thinking processes of prediction, cause and effect: in part of a batch, leave out that baking soda. It's the ingredient that makes cookies spread: see what happens without it!  Click here for another of our favorite kitchen chemistry experiments: making marshmallows you can drop into your hot chocolate.

Monday's Moment

Monday went VERY well!  With all the activities around my building this week and it being only the second full day to use my new Promethean Board, I thought for sure we'd have a Monday Moment of some sort.  But, to my surprise things worked out great!  I'm so thankful to have had a prosperous, yet uneventful day.

Quote - When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.  ~Confucius

So, if you had a Monday Moment that made you want to hit the rewind button and write a new script...please, share it!

Special Days February 28th-March 6th

It's Read Across America this week!!!!

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Monday, March 1st is National Pig Day

Believe it or not, according to Wikipedia, this "holiday" was begun by a TEACHER in 1972.  Ellen Stanley and her sister, Mary Lynne Rave wanted to celebrate one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animal...THE PIG!!  Visit this Wikipedia link for more interesting information about National Pig Day.

() Click here and you can sign up for a free trial at lessonplanet.com and get pig printables and activities for ALL grades.

() Here at about.com are some National Pig Day crafts.

() Click here for another short informational page about National Pig Day from holidayinsights.com. 

() There are lots of CUTE coloring pages here and they are FREE!!!!

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Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss on Tuesday, March 2nd!

I'll bet MOST of you already have a favorite activity you like to do with your students on March 2nd EVERY year!  Would you be willing to share???  There is an abundance of activities, printables, and celebration activities for this day.  It's the Day we "Read Across America"!!

Dr. Seuss happens to be one of my favorites.  I remember reading One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish until my book began falling apart and knew EVERY word!  My children have always LOVED Dr. Seuss.  In fact, my five year old (who hasn't even been to preschool and won't enter Kindergarten until THIS fall) can read The Foot Book and Green Eggs and Ham without missing a word!!!  THANKS, Dr. Seuss

Below are a few activities, but I want to read all about your favorite!

() My school always has RIF (Reading is Fundamental) Day.  Click here to read more about RIF Day.  Each student is able to pick a book and take it home for keeps.  I always give my students a "Share Time" after they've chosen a book.

() Make Green Eggs and Ham!!!  This is a favorite among Kindergarten teachers.  Here are several Green Eggs and Ham recipes.  Or you could try gourmet Green Eggs and Ham with this recipe from Tyler Florence at FoodNetwork.com.

() If your students have a designated computer day/time, they can take a trip to Seussville.com for lots of learning fun!

() For those of you that read "The Grinch", there is an interesting quiz here.

() Click on the interactive games link for innumerable Dr. Seuss resources including Math and Science with Oobleck, and other interesting links.

() Horton Hears a Who craft is located at this link.

() Found another great resource at my newest favorite website PrometheanPlanet.com.  Click here for Dr. Seuss flipcharts!

There are SOOOOOO many things to do for Read Across America!  Please share!!!

Friday's Finale

Our week ended with warm sunshine and recess OUTSIDE!  Yay...even though we spent yet another snow day AT HOME.  Below is a picture of the excitement my students and I experienced this week.  I hope your week was exciting and profitable!

My new Promethean Board!!!!

And...my little munchkin practicing her spelling words on SpellingCity.com.

Thursday's Thought

My thought today resembles last week's...Where is Spring??????  We've had yet another snow day...ugh!

Please chant LOUDLY:

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

Wednesday's Website

... A picture of my new state-of-the-art resource!

My new favorite website...Promethean Planet!  I've finally been brought into the 21st century.  I wanted to post a day late on Thursday evening so I could include a picture, but couldn't wait.  As of noon Wednesday CST, my classroom now has a Promethean Board.  It's new and up-to-date with speakers that make you feel like you are in a theater!  Woohoo!  So...in the next few weeks, Promethean Planet WILL without a doubt become my favorite website while I build my resources for this "new toy".

Until now, my searching on Promethean Planet has been VERY limited.  But, I can't wait to dig in.  One of the first things I want is a timer...I like for my students to be aware of the time they have for an activity.  They are so used to hearing me count...SLOWLY from 5 to 1, I'm sure they will enjoy actually being able to SEE a timer!

Help me out!  If you have this state-of-the-art equipment, please let me know some of YOUR favorite activities for your Promethean Board.  And, give me some more sites to search for activities!

Tuesday's Tip

Do your students have MESSY desks?  Do they leave every STUFF everywhere every afternoon?  Have you ever dumped a desk out and discovered unfinished work, pencils, and leftover snacks?  Arghhhh....  There is no easy fix, that's for sure!  But, maybe the Desk Fairy can help.

Occasionally, the Desk Fairy (my oldest daughter) will come for a visit in my classroom.  He/she is unannounced and unexpected, and will make her appearance AFTER the students have all left or BEFORE they arrive in the morning.  She picks out the THREE neatest and most organized desks and leaves a special recognition on the desks.  I use a cone that says A+ and a piece of candy or small trinket.

My students have always enjoyed this.  And, it's an incentive for them to keep their work turned in, and their area clean and organized.

Monday's Moment

Today's moment was fortunately...not an embarrassing or humiliating one.  It was a YIPPPPPPEEEEE moment!  The story goes this way:

The schools in our area are catching up with the 21st Century and have made a concentrated effort to provide a Promethean Board, Smart Board, or Interactive Board of some sort for EVERY classroom teacher.  It's been a work in progress.  I'm one of the last on the list...for no particular reason.  But, TODAY...I got confirmation that MY Promethean Board would be delivered and installed by THIS FRIDAY...Wooohooooo!  Guess I'll be posting some exciting lessons in the near future!

OH HAPPY DAY for my students and me...we will be "cookin' with gas" now!

Special Days for February 21st-27th

Wow - this week will keep you busy...as if you weren't already with your regular curriculum!  Wink...wink..

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 Sunday, February 21st is National Sticky Bun Day
A Fun Food Holiday

What better way to celebrate the "Sticky Bun", but with sticky buns!  Bring a dozen to share with your students.  Or, make some with your students!  Earlier in the year we read the story Hedgehog Makes a Cake.  So, I made the cake from scratch and my students were just in awe!   Here is an easy bread machine recipe for cinnamon rolls...and they are definitely sticky.  So, I guess it would suffice to call them "Sticky Buns"!  The bread machine just makes the dough...and it's a little noisy.  But, the sticky buns are out of this world!!!!  Yummy!

Go to "My Punch Bowl: Reasons to Celebrate" for an explanation of "Sticky Bun Day".

Here is Wikipedia's definition of a sticky bun:

Sticky buns are a dessert or breakfast pastry that generally consist of rolled pieces of leavened dough — sometimes containing brown sugar or cinnamon — which are then compressed together to form a kind of flat loaf corresponding to the size of the baking pan. Before the dough is placed in the pan, the latter is lined with the "sticky" ingredients like maple syrup, honey (or both), as well as nuts and perhaps more sugar and sometimes butter. After the buns are baked, they are inverted so that the pan lining then becomes a topping. Commercially produced sticky buns, however, are usually just baked in an aluminum loaf tin, which allows the topping to suffuse the buns, making them sticky throughout. The way the buns were baked allows them to more or less be pulled off as individual servings, although it is often a futile effort.  Sticky buns appear to have a Germanic origin and were originally known as "Schnecken". Wherever 18th-century German settlers (such as the Pennsylvania Dutch) went, sticky buns have remained long after many other cultural traits have disappeared.

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Monday, February 22nd is George Washington's Birthday

Since President's Day was recently celebrated, you've probably already covered George Washington!  Unless, of course, your area has been like ours...snow, snow, snow!

Celebrate President Washington's birthday with a birthday party!  Make birthday cards!  And, give thanks for one of the most important forefathers of our nation.

Happy Birthday, President Washington!

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Wednesday, February 24th is Flag Day in Mexico

 

Here is another way to teach multiculturalism in your classroom.

Go here to find an article on the history of Mexico's flag.

If you are a  member of enchantedlearning.com, you can click this link to preview the Mexican crafts, activities, and printable they have available.  You can view some of the resources without a subscription.

Click here for another page of helpful and interesting information about Mexico and their flag.

I LoVe this activity with HEALTHY FOOD!  You can have this for snack after learning all about Mexico!  It's an edible Mexican flag.  Thanks to familyfun.com.

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Friday, February 26th is Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Many people think fairy tales are for the young...but, I believe fairy tales are for everyone!  We ALL need to hear and read stories with toils, trials, and HAPPY ENDINGS!  Check out the resources below to help you celebrate "Tell a Fairy Tale Day".

Definition of a Fairy Tale

A fairy tale is a fictional story that may feature folkloric characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, giants, and talking animals, and usually enchantments, often involving a far-fetched sequence of events. In modern-day parlance, the term is also used to describe something blessed with princesses, as in "fairy tale ending" (a happy ending) or "fairy tale romance", though not all fairy tales end happily. Colloquially, a "fairy tale" or "fairy story" can also mean any far-fetched story. Fairy tales mostly attract young children since they easily understand the archetypal characters in the story.

Thanks to gone-ta-pott.com for this definition.  Click on the previous link for more information about this holiday.

 

Click here for an online fairy tale unit!

 

This link from Susan Stein in another online unit with LOTS of links to other resources.   I have not tested the links, so I can't assure you they are all working.

 

Wow - I didn't know there were SO many fairy tales.  Go to wikipedia to view a list of hundreds of fairy tales!   I'll have to say, I've only read a handful of them.

 

Here at abcteach.com are fairy tale activities, coloring pages, crafts, crosswords, flashcards, story starters, etc.   You may not have access to all of the resources unless you are a member.

This is a great fairy tale unit shared online by Colleen Gallagher.  There are pictures of a bulletin board, learning center, worksheets, and lots of directions for hands-on activities.

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Saturday, February 27th is Polar Bear Day

 I had never heard of "Polar Bear Day".  Here is what I found concerning this interesting day.

#1 - From: Holiday Insights - Polar Bear Day celebrates the world's largest carnivore. A polar bear can grow up to nine feet tall(when standing) and 1400 pounds. They are a favorite at zoos around the country. Polar bears live at the North Pole region, and are native to Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia.  Need some ideas on how to celebrate today?  Tops on my list is visiting the local zoo to see  live polar bears. Teachers like to use this day to teach about polar bears and other bears, as kids are fascinated with all kinds of bears. Also, check the nature channels on cable Tv. The networks often pick up on holidays like today, and run documentaries.

#2 - Send an ecard from HiCards to celebrate the world's largest carnivore!  Introduce other to "Polar Bear Day".

#3 - Here is a page of information from about "Polar Bear Day" from Holiday Soup.

#4 - They have some really neat activities for younger students at Kids' Soup.  Unfortunately, you have to pay for a membership in order to access the printables.  I am not a member, so I haven't thoroughly reviewed this site.  If you do, please come back and share your experience!

#5 - Here is an extra fun "Polar Bear Day" activity for younger students, too.  This one has a story to go with it.  You will need a plastic bottle shaped like a bear (honey comes in these bottles), bleach, and yellow, blue, and red food coloring.

#6 - Go to DLTK's Growing Together site for various activities about polar bears.

#7 - Now wouldn't this be FUN!  Here are directions from Squidoo for making an igloo using plastic milk jugs!  Wow - sounds like a classroom winter project!

Friday's Finale

We made it to school for an entire day today...and, the best part was the weather!  We experienced a bit of a heatwave with temperatures soaring around 50 degrees.  Needless to say, we couldn't tear ourselves away from recess...so we gave our students (and ourselves) some much needed Vitamin D exposure.  Boy, was nearly an hour in the sun uplifting.  And, warm enough to enjoy WITHOUT being bundled up like Randy on The Christmas Story.

Honestly, I didn't feel very successful as a teacher today.  One student slept the ENTIRE morning,  many just couldn't stay focused on our lessons, another had the wiggles, and yet another needed a speeding ticket for talking too much!  Arghhh...and, when my students' parents check out the newsletter they are going to think I've lost a few marbles.  We are experiencing some heavy-duty catch-up work, not only at school, but also at home...sorry to my wonderful, supportive parents.  We've got to get them ready for 3rd grade!

Does anyone know a Spring Dance routine?  The Snow Dance is no longer the hype...

Handwriting Poems - Letter A, B, C

Recap - Before all this snow that has kept us out of school for 14 days...I had planned on posting at least two poems each week.  Now, I guess I'll post three to catch up!  These poems are simply fun poems for practicing handwriting.  I always have my students illustrate to show comprehension.  There are plenty other skills that can be covered when using these poems.

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The Letter "A"

Aa  Aa  Aa

A is for alligator,

Sitting in a pail,

Licking a lollipop,

Holding its tail.

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The Letter "B"

Bb  Bb  Bb

B is for bear,

Winking an eye,

Eating a piece

Of blueberry pie.

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The Letter "C"

Cc  Cc  Cc

C is for camel,

Riding in a car,

Playing some music

On a polka dot guitar.

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Thursday's Thought

Enough with the SNOW DAYS!!!  Yes, a few are enjoyable, but we've had at least 2 or 3 EVERY week since our Winter Break...ugh.  It's time for S...P...R...I...N...G...  That being said...here are some SPRINGTIME thoughts for those of you with the same feelings.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.  ~Proverb

Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love! 

~ Sitting Bull

 Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"  

 ~Robin Williams

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. 

~Anne Bradstreet

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.  

~Audra Foveo  

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another.  The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.  

~Henry Van Dyke 

Wednesday's Website

Wow - these snow days are really getting me off track!  Finally, back to the grind tomorrow...even though it's Friday...  Hopefully, we'll have a full week of school next week.  We've used ALL of our allotted snow days plus one.  There's extra school time in our future!

Today, I've decided to share one of my favorite sites...as far as helping you get rid of "stuff" and saving some money on some items that you want.  I discovered FREECYCLE.ORG last year when I wanted an Staples "EASY BUTTON" for my classroom.  I wanted to use it during  my reading groups and math board times as an incentive for student participation.  This was one of my first "wanted" posts.  Within a couple of days...I had two generous offers!  I took them both...one for my reading table and one for my math board!  My students LoVeD them last year and they LoVe them this year.  Plus, I saved around $12 since I didn't have to purchase them. 

So, if you have some odd and end items that you would like for your classroom...this is a great place to start searching!  Plus, if you have other items you would like to have or pass along...this is a great avenue.

Tuesday's Tip

Spelling Practice Fun - Part 1

Boy, do you tire of having your students write their spelling words 2x, 3x, 5x, or even 10x each?  I can remember as a student I would cRiNgE every time my teacher made this assignment.  And, what did YOU do when your teacher assigned this... if the word was "blueberry", did you make lines ALL THE WAY down the paper for the 'b' and 'l'?  I know I did!  This taught us nothing...and repetitive writing still teaches nothing!  I've since discovered MANY ways to really practice spelling words...and have FUN at the same time!

The five suggestions below also help get parents INVOLVED with their children, which is greatly needed in today's society.

At-home practice:

1. SHAVING CREAM SPELLING - Squirt on a counter top or in the shower and spell away.  (Also helps teach responsibility in that the children have to clean it up!)

 2. EDIBLE SPELLING - Spread pudding or yogurt on the counter top...spell and eat!  (Yes, the children can clean this up, too...or the doggie!  haha)

3. SANDPAPER SPELLING - Write the alphabet on an 8x11 piece of sandpaper.  Students trace the letters with their fingers AND spell aloud.

4. BACKSCRATCH SPELLING - Who doesn't like a nice backscratching?  Why not work on creating mental images, gross motor skills, handwriting, and spelling ALL at the same time?  My parents and students DO NOT like this one at first.  But, the more they practice...the easier it gets!  You must draw the letter S...L...O...W...L...Y and LARGE.  It's also a great way to practice correctly forming the letters.  This is usually one of my students' favorites after a couple weeks of practice!

5. ALPHABITS or PASTA WORDS - Suggest that parents purchase a box of "Alphabits" cereal and/or a bag of alphabet pasta.  Students can sort the letters once a week, spell their words, then enjoy a cereal treat or glue the pasta to a piece of paper.  Parents could help sort into vowels and consonants!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Do you have a special "AT-HOME" activity that your students enjoy?  Please share!

Technical Difficulty!

Well...I've had to kind of REORGANIZE my blog.  I've been experiencing lots of technical difficulty.  So rather than finding a tech-savvy individual to pay and fix, I've decided to restart it myself...sorry!  It'll be unsightly and boring for a few days!

Funny...I managed to find it all already...but, I'm still attempting some changes to try and fix the technical difficulties I am experiencing.

Monday's Moment

It's impossible to post of Monday Moment in the life of a teacher when we are ONCE AGAIN at home for snow!  Yes, our school board had actually voted to make today, Presidents' Day, a regular school day in hopes of depositing an extra snow day into our bank.  But, Mother Nature had a different idea...we got our usual Presidents' Day off...and now have ONE snow day in our bank, which we will be using tomorrow!  Ughhhh!!

To make this Arctic winter even worse...the weather man is again predicting snow until Thursday.  The longer term weather prediction even includes snow in March, thanks to El Nino!  Guess we're having our Spring Break right now.  Argh!

Back to the Monday Moment...this week, in the life of a mother!  You would have to be a neighbor of mine to get the full picture (no pun intended).  As my two year old wanted to go outside and play in the snow, I decided to attempt to build a snowman in hopes of my four children helping.  Little man wasn't interested, my two little girls were at the neighbors, and my big girl wouldn't come out because I was wearing her boots!  So, I spent 20-30 minutes getting a really good snowman bottom going...with my behind shining to all my neighbors.  Then, of course, my little man decides it's time to go inside.  Ugh...  I'll have to remember that  mental picture tomorrow as we finish our little snow friend.

Special Days for February 14-20th

WOW - too many good choices this week...and, they are all very close together!

Now that Valentine's Day is behind us...we celebrated this "day of love" on Friday with a valentine box contest and sharing valentines with our special classmates.  Because of so many snow days...I just couldn't have a big shindig.  The children certainly enjoyed their afternoon together anyway!  There are MANY exciting days to choose from...again!

Valentine's Day, of course!

 One of the special things I ALWAYS do in my classroom is have a Valentine's Box Contest.  I have THREE winners:  The Most Creative Box, The Most Unusual Box, and The Most Unattractive Box.  The last prize is always the most fun since many of the children "try" to win this one!  I've never really had an "unattractive" box.  They're usually all really cute!  I have other people from our school building to judge.  This eliminates favoritism within the classroom.

My gift to my students is a free homework pass!  I simply create and print these using a program that creates labels, and viola!  (I use PrintMaster.)  Simple, inexpensive, and extremely desirable among students.  When the homework pass is used, it can ONLY be used on a written assignment and must be attached to the assignment for a grade of 100!

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Chinese New Year is Sunday, February 14th

The Year of the Tiger

Now, I've never actually taught Chinese New Year so this will be a new idea for me.  I recall having a mini-lesson several years ago, but that's it!  However, the more I read and discover, the more I believe this would be a FUN day to promote multiculturalism.  I've posted some links below to help you get started!   Keep in mind, Chinese New Year is a 15-day holiday!  Please...leave a post on your favorite Chinese New Year activities.

*Here is a Chinese lantern art activity with step-by-step pictures.

*Familyeducation.com has several Chinese New Year printables available.

*WOW - lots of information and activities here including crafts, printables, coloring pages, stories, games and jigsaws.

*WOW - once again MANY more Chinese New Year activities here at Kaboose.com.  The cardboard tube red firecrackers especially look fun!

*www.apples4theteacher.com always archives a wealth of information, activities, and lessons.  Here is the Chinese New Year page.

Maybe these will get you started for Chinese New Year.  Please...share your Chinese New Year activities in the comment section below.

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Monday, February 15th is Presidents' Day

There are so many ways to teach about Presidents' Day.

Here are some ideas you can focus on:

*our current president, Barack Obama

*the first presidents that helped establish our nation

*a favorite president

*some fun facts about past presidents

*student chosen presidents

*the president's responsibilites

*Washington DC and The White House

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Tuesday, February 16th is Mardi Gras

Fat Tuesday?  Ok...this is a brand new one for me.  Anyone have any suggestions for teaching Mardi Gras??  Because of 11 snow days so far since Christmas break, I won't get to indulge in this special day.  However, I plan to find some time next year during our busy days to teach this bit of culture.

*Here is a link for a Mardi Gras mask craft and a Miniature Mardi Gras float at www.familyeducation.com.

*Here is a complete unit plan for 3-4 grade using Illinois state standards.

*Here is a lesson plan for a Miniature Mardi Gras float parade.

*Go to DLTK's site for a more kid-friendly Mardi Gras.