Bookmarks For You~~Freebie!

I've been praying that this year, somehow, someway, words of encouragement would flow abundantly for the staff at my school.  Not unlike the five-year-olds I teach, I began to search outside of myself for who could do this for us... and I sensed a finger pointing straight at me.  A simple start these bookmarks may be, but they come from the heart!


I'm also planning a "milk and cookies" break on our last teacher workday, in my (hopefully) completed classroom.  I wish you all could be there!  Come back to see pictures on August 8!

Bookmarks PDF

Keep Calm

My favorite (so far)....

click for point of origin

Math Vocabulary Binder Sheet~Freebie!

This sheet can be used on the cover of your math binder!  I used many different fonts; you can upload to UPS and they will likely have everything needed on file.  Since I don't own a color printer, I will be using UPS to print my document, lol!


Thank you to everyone who has joined me on this blogging adventure.  So many of you have enriched my teaching; I hope I can give back to you this year!
Math Vocabulary PDF

Shoes-mini unit~Freebie!

Is it wrong for me to hope that my kinders choose velcro shoes for the new school year?!

Mrs. Tabb is sharing the love!  Hop over to her site and check out this adorable unit.  It will be a perfect springboard for the infamous shoe-tying battle!

 SHOES...a Mini Unit!

To-Do List for Document Prep~Freebie!

Are you saving and printing, downloading and desktop filing?  If you are like me, your computer desktop needs a bit of housekeeping and your paper stack is growing!


TA-DA!  A simple sheet that will help you to organize the important stuff for the beginning of the school year  
(the second page is blank with a pencil border):
Documents to-Do List

STAMP the color words~Freebie!

I whipped up a simple stamping activity for color review!  I'll try to add more colors on a second page; check Scribd for an update.  Also, I'll be double-checking the clipart to credit the designer :-).

Stamp the Color Words

Ms. Winston Is A Star!

Through the beauty of the internet, I followed a trail from Pinterest to Ms. Winston's Class Site.  The link will take you directly to the page for teachers.  Check it out--you will be thrilled!!

Um, Spell Much?

Should I be worried that my 18-year-old son just misspelled "friendship" in his thank-you notes?  

"i before e, except after C, or when sounded like A, as in neighbor and weigh"

Sometimes the oldies are the goodies!

Many Freebies & A Giveaway

The Lesson Plan Diva is celebrating 500 followers with a freebie-fest!  There is something for everyone.  She's also giving away an awesome gift...hop over!

Math Work Stations~ Ch. 7 Geometry

I LOVE GEOMETRY!  Seriously, I walked out of college geometry with a 100%.  The life application skill that I retained is an ability to rearrange furniture in unbelievable ways.  Nice, right?  :-)lol


This year, thanks to our book study, I hope to incorporate geometry work stations into our math time.  The workbook we are using touches briefly on dividing 2D shapes into equal pieces.  Of course, there are SO many more geometrical concepts!


To share, I found a great online source for mandala coloring pages. This selection includes many "easy" versions with identifiable shapes.  Kindergartners are always amazed at the variety of designs, created simply by choosing different colors.  Mandalas provide a fun way to discuss shapes and patterns.  Because I am also the art teacher for the K-1st grade combined, I add these pages to the "I'm done!" box.
Coloring a pattern can be very relaxing!


Enjoy!

The Book Whisperer~ Chapters 1 & 2

"Donalyn Miller, will you be my friend?!"


That is the question that floated through my mind as I read chapter one of "The Book Whisperer".  My earliest memories involve books.  From Dick and Jane to Trixie Beldon and Anne Shirley, I have considered book characters to be a window to my soul.  Through books, I visit unbelievable places, consider new ideas, and somehow process the real stuff that is life.


I'm still a book purist--I like the weight of paper and binding, the turn of the page.  It is no surprise that my classroom is filled with a wide variety of books, in many locations around the room.  I love sharing my favorite children's books with my kindergartners.  


After Christmas break, the children will begin to use 'zippy book bags' during our literacy block.  These bags are filled on Mondays with appropriate choices for each child's reading level and interests.  I'm pondering how to provide quality reading time, from day one, to a wiggly group of young five-year-olds.  Perhaps creating book sets--white board & crayons, felt pieces & small board, etc., with books--will engage some of my more kinesthetic learners.  I also hope to lend books this year.  Because our classroom collection belongs almost entirely to me (or the library), I have hesitated to do this.  Losing a book hurt$!  :-)


My ten-year-old son is a dormant reader.  We're heading to Barnes & Noble later, to begin a comic book collection.  I am thrilled that he wants to read!  And, you never know, I just might find a new book for my reading basket!

101 Summer Fun Ideas

July 3 is the day I was adopted.  All my life, this day has been celebrated, almost as much as my actual birth day.  In keeping with the joyous mood of the day, I offer a celebration of summer!


I found Laura Winslow's site through a link at A Holy Experience.  Every time I visit Ann's blog, I am given a dose of calm and quiet.  Maybe I'll start a Pinterest board that is filled with her photographs!

Summer Fun Ideas Laura Winslow Photography 8x10

Back-To-School Ideas

While trying to avoid the heat, I've bookmarked a page that must be shared!  
Check out Mrs. Kilburn's back-to-school ideas!  


I integrate theme work across the curriculum and Mrs. Kilburn's site has been incredibly helpful!

$9 Target Goodies

Ladybug's Teaching Files is hosting a Classroom Linky Party!

It is SO nice to know that I am not alone!

The basket will join a colorful bunch that I use for leveled readers.  If there had been more, I'd own them today!
I love the pointers, too!

Staples and Wal-Mart are also proving to be goldmines for classroom treasure.
The tiny lantern is actually a powerful light--
the flashing red light is a bonus, IMO!