Ignore the Dust!

Yikes! My blog has been collecting dust! I have been away for too long. With the large class sizes and double the literacy work with the new common core, I have been swamped! I have working on two things.

I just finished up a super cute Valentine's Day game! I can't wait to have my kids play it tomorrow. It's a spin off a math game my math partner uses.


VALETINE'S STACK'EMS CARD GAME

I debated whether or not to make this a freebie. I finished it too late...Especially since Valetine's Day is tomorrow.

The other thing that has been occupying my life it this enormous Topic Sentence pack. A few months ago I realized my students weren't understanding topic sentences (from finding them to writing them. I have had to take a break because our Drama Club is getting ready to perform Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs of the Black Forest.

I apologize for the short post, but I intend to clean up the dust within the next few days.

Happy Valentine's Day :) Don't eat too much sugar!



Happy Blogging!

New Year, New Giveaway, New Author

How else should I kick off the New Year? A giveaway of course! And hopefully a new blog look!(I'm perusing the market for a new blog design)

Almost one month ago my friend published her first children's book. I thought I would get her started with this new venture with an author Q&A. I like the idea... Hmmm maybe I have an idea brewing in my mind for a recurring blog title. The only problem I might come across is finding authors to support the thought.

Without further ado, I introduce Leigh Anne Hainline, the author of The Day I Used Orange

1. Where did you get the idea to write this book?
We were asked in an art class while earning my Masters, to create a children's book. I knew I wanted it to teach something but not the average lesson. I knew rhyming words would be good for elementary students and teaching non-rhyming words would be a nice twist. The plot emerged from there and led me on a fun journey as I created the story line.


2. What is your target audience?
Pre-K to 3rd, (early elementary)

3. Do you plan on writing another children's book?
Yes! I have some ideas running through my head for another children's book. I'm thinking of continuing the series of teaching unique lessons through color words. (Plus after a book reading at a local school, some students gave me a list of book ideas they want me to write about, so I definitely have inspiration.)
During my 8 years of teaching, I kept a journal of funny student quotes and am considering compiling them for a book that will bring laughter and joy to teachers... because "Students Say The Darndest Things".

4. What was the most difficult thing about writing the book?
The most difficult part of writing this book was learning to have patience as it went through revision after revision. The writing process is there for a very important reason, but having to edit and revise so many times was taxing. It was totally worth it when I received that first edition print in the mail though. :)


5. What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I really enjoyed collaborating with the illustrator during the writing of this book. Hope Knight is such a talented artist and school art teacher. She was able to bring life to my words on each page that would capture the interest of the young reader. It was an amazing feeling seeing my dream become a reality in print!


6. Is there anything else you would like to share?


My favorite children's book is "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf. I read this book so many times, I can almost recite it from heart. That book captured me and got me interested in reading and telling stories, which has led to writing as well.



Interested in her book?
https://www.createspace.com/3949011?ref=1147694&utm_id=6026



And last but not least! THE GIVEAWAY!!! A copy of Leigh Anne Hainline's book: signed by author & illustrator.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Happy New Year!!

Kicking Back Into Bloging Gear...A Glance into 2012

It's the end of 2012 and the beginning of a new year. I can't believe how quickly 2012 went by. When I look back, it is crazy to think of everything that has happened this year. 5 HUGE events took place this year for me. When I look at them, some may not be so be to others, but they have all made it for one interesting and productive year.


5. Kidney Stones:
How I hate thee!!! There are no other words to describe my feelings for these things. I will keep it short and sweet. I have lost count, but this last go around was probably #9. Anyways, this is how the story goes: Had surgery, didn't work, paying it off, and now am looking forward to a future, more invasive surgery. BOO!

4. Teachers Pay Teachers:
I have had a store up and running for a while, but I wasn't really invested in it. Thanks to many friends, Bloggy Friends, and FB groups for promoting, promoting, promoting TpT I finally took the dive. It seems silly I know, but I am very frugal with my money and it seemed like a lot to invest in. My fiance and I had agreed that once I had made enough from the "free" account I could reinvest with the full account. Well, long story short I am glad I didn't wait. I made my money back in the first 2 weeks. My store is still small because I have had other things keeping me occupied. It is a work in progress, but well worth the investment. If any of you are debating whether or not to pay the money. I definitely recommend. If you're wondering... No, I am not being paid to say how wonderful TpT is. This is my own opinion and promotion.

3. ITeach Blog:
Even though I have had a slow end to the year, I began my blog a few months ago thanks to my friend, Abby. You guys may know her as The Third Grade Bookworm. She is wonderful and I truly look up to her and admire her love for the teaching profession. Please visit her blog and give her some love! If it wasn't for her my blog or TpT products would not be as successful. Thank you!!



2. An Imaginable Loss

I had a difficult time deciding between these two. Without a doubt, losing Ruby was probably one of the most difficult experiences I have ever had. You see Ruby was very special. She was loved by everyone at my school. Her sassyness, kindness, and love for all will forever stay in our hearts. I had her for two years. I spent many weekends with her, enjoying every moment. My heart was very torn as I watched my students hear the news. It was by far the most difficult day in my teaching career. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about her. I know she's in a better place and welcoming many others with open arms, including those from Sandy Hook.

1. Marriage: End on a positive!

I will keep this short...I am not a mushy person. The reason of my lack in blogging. I am very much a newly wed. Derrick and I were married on December 1st. Best day ever! We are still waiting for photos, but I have left a preview.

Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

Apologies for my lack of blogging…I’ve been super busy planning other things. I PROMISE I will be back in 1 week!

My First Linky Party! Currently October!

My first linky party! I came across this linky party at Oh' Boy 4th Grade... So here is what is currently going on in my world in October.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Walking Dead. My fiance and I are trying to save money for our wedding, so we have done away with cable. We temporarily have Netflix and Hulu. You better believe I was excited to see Walking Dead had new releases! Anywho, I AM NOT a fan of scary movies, but there's just something about this show that has me hooked!

I am really loving the fact that tomorrow is Friday!Friday means jeans and time to catch up with my friends.

All I can think about are the little things that are left to plan and fix up for my wedding. The big day is set for December 1st! Yes that is less that 2 months away. As I am actually typing this, all I can think of are these tiny boxes I need to finish. Ugh!

Inside there are mini pots, seeds for spring blooming, and a thank you card. It was a cute idea at first! Now I feel like I might be kicking myself as I keep procrastinating!


I have been dying to get my hands on the new iphone! Again... saving money stinks and I am waiting patiently until I can afford to renew my contract and buy this nice gadget! By the way... I am obsessed with technology. I wish apple would magically grant me my wish of donating me a nice little laptop to poor little teacher. Hee hee :)

R&R Oh man how I need some rest and relaxation. I feel like I have been going and going since the school year started. I'm sure it doesn't help that all the other surrounding counties just a week off.

Last, but not least...


Oh how I love thee! I have a blast reading this to my class. The witch is sooo much fun to act out. Honestly, I enjoy making my voice that old squeaky witch sound. I know... geeky!

Help, Help, Helping Verbs!

Apologies for my long hiatus from blogging. I guess it's only fair I post a freebie!

My school is very big on anchor charts and artifacts. Since learning about poster printing, I have done away with paper charts. I rarely use chart paper or markers to create my mini lesson charts. I love that I don't have to take those clunky charts home. I will say, the most tedious part is having to cut and put them together. I suggest starting with the 4 page posters, because they are easier to put together. My favorite is the 9 page poster. They're the size of regular chart paper. If you use these make sure to use the crop lines and have them overlap. The best tip I can give for the big 9 page poster is to tape it together on both the front and the back (that way it won't crinkle in the laminator). However, the nice clean laminated final product is well worth it. Hop on the poster making train! I promise you won't regret it! Oh... and for those of you who have figured out this new blogger ..... Can someone please tell me how to place spaces between my lines?

I have uploaded one of my anchor charts for helping verbs.
Enjoy!
Click here to grab this freebie from my TpT store!

Happy Blogging!