Follow this 1 week itinerary in Athens, the capital of Greece. It has tons of ancient history, greek hospitality and of course seaside charm.
This post comes to you after my first 1st-grade Open House. Today I met my 28 wonderful, first-grade friends! And let me tell you – Houston, we’re not in 5th grade anymore! I received h…
We love sensory bags at our house. Ever since I made our first sensory bag, Jumbled Snowman, over a year ago, they are always a guaranteed hit. It is a great way to provide hands on play for toddlers and preschoolers. So of course our Study of the Stars would not be…
I and the children LOVE these AMAZING trash liner jellyfish. So simple, and yet such an amazing addition to our OCEAN/SEA theme. I have added a Youtube tutorial at the bottom. To make these I used two 10 gallon commercial trashcan liners, the ones for small office trash cans, at a cost of about 5 cents and about 10 minutes of time each. #1 The first liner is opened up, four "corners" [just grab the edge about every 1/4 around] brought together and stapled, then stuffed down into the center of the bag to create a bowl shape. #2 For the second liner, cut off the sealed edge. It is accordion folded in fourths. Unfold completely and fold over once to create a square, giving you four layers of plastic. Cut off the edges and cut into spiral. I did about a 1 - 1 1/4 inch thickness. The wider the strip the shorter the "tentacles." I didn't try to be that accurate or to make a perfect circle. I knew once they were opened out that it wouldn't matter. You end up with a pretty long strip. I folded it in half and cut it to create two strips of equal length. Since it's actually doubled over double layers, this gives you 8 tentacles total. Spread them all apart. \ If you try to attach them without separating them first, they will cling to one another and not fall properly to create the tentacle effect. Once separated, join them all together, placing them randomly together in a circle and stapling together. Since you have two sets of four of the same cut, this is important that they not sit perfectly together or it won't look right. Stick the tentacle staple up against the inside of the bowl shaped bag and push up with your hand. Collect all layers on the top, along with a string to hang if wanted, and staple. You can't see the staple on the ones I have up. The plastic folds over and hides it. The layers are: TENTACLES TOP OF BAG gathered together and folded over [pic below] BOTTOM CENTER OF BAG STRING FOR HANGING All are stapled through at once. I can now make them with just one stable through the whole thing, but it is easier to staple the tentacles first, then the top of the bag, then the combined pieces. These are WONDERFUL!! I'm so glad I came across the idea. I think my process is MUCH easier than the original instructions, which used clear rubber bands. This is an original idea of Casa Haus English that her daughter created for a school assignment. She placed her jellyfish creation on a stick and used it as a movable puppet. Our jellyfish did the same, which is really cool, but with 2 and 3-year-olds, playing with plastic bags just doesn't work. So, ours are hung from the ceiling. TUTORIAL I have received several emails about the bringing the "corners" together step, so have created the following tutorial. A couple of things to note is that for this one I used smaller liners than the ones in this post, and I folded the first liner in quarters rather than opening it out and folding it in half, so the tentacles came out shorter. Only the last staple is necessary. If you are making a lot of these, you'll probably get to the point where you can just hold it all together and only use the one staple. Tags: ocean, sea, theme, unit, preschool, kindergarten, child, care, childcare, daycare, beach, jellyfish, animals, craft, art, decoration, puppet, plastic, bag, trash, can, liner
Explore the classic baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction with this fun and thrilling exploding lunch bag experiment that will have your kids squeal with glee!
This kangaroo craft is so much fun to make and even has a pouch for you to put things in. A free printable template makes crafting easy.
This is lesson five in a 13-week series that I used in my class. I wanted one quarter to introduce the Old Testament with a basic timeline of the people and events. The students can learn what happened in the Old Testament and how those events lead to Jesus. These lessons are a combination of the Life Overview Series and other lessons. They have been updated and tweaked since I taught these. I will show you what I used to blend several posts into 13 lessons. It was basically pick and choose and you can change any to fit your needs. This lesson teaches about Joseph in Genesis. The lesson explains the Big Picture. I used Cathy’s visual with Joseph’s Coat and updated it to make it easier to use. Keep in mind these lessons are slightly longer with very different application reviews. I updated Cathy's coat visual. I rearranged the pieces so they are placed in order instead of random on the coat. I updated the lesson slightly to my style and for a couple of the pieces that I changed. I also added a couple of small visuals. Click here to see Cathy's original visual. Click here to download the updated version. If you prefer not to make the coat visual, this file has updated visuals and the adapted lesson outline. I print my visuals on cardstock, and tape each section of the lesson to the back. It keeps me on track and is ready for anyone else to use the visuals. This lesson outline is also included. Click here to download the visuals and lesson outline. The dreams are interesting to discuss and this worksheet will help the students remember who dreamed it. They just draw a line from the name to the correct dream. Some have more than one dream. There is an answer sheet with scriptures included. Click here to download. I designed this file folder game for the Life of Joseph. The (left) money bag is the cover and can be printed in color or black & white onto color paper. The (right) inside has the numbered 'coins' for the student to put Joseph's life in order. It can be used to review or discuss his life. The top is for the students and the bottom is the completed set for teacher's visual or if you want to use it already done. There is a list of answers with scripture if you want to make a lesson using this. This is designed so that if you prefer to cut out the bag... you can. It is a lot more work, but it can be done. Glue the cover on the file folder and cut it out (both sides of the file folder). Then, glue the inside on. The silver coins are 2" circles. I purchased a punch to make it (so much) easier and perfect. Click here to see the punch. Here are some hints to make it easier to use a punch: For this type of use, I remove the safety shield on the bottom. They usually slide or pop off easily to clean. I cut each strip pretty close (about 1/4") from the circle (but not on the circle). Turn the punch upside down and insert the picture (as shown) inside so you can place it perfect in the punch area to be cut. Squeeze and you have a perfect easy circle! The silver coin pictures can be kept in a sandwich bag, an envelope or these library pockets. You can find these just about anywhere. Craft stores, Dollar Tree and teacher supply stores. I plan to reuse these with future classes, so I did not glue the pocket onto the file folder. They can be Velcroed, but it is hard for the students to get them out of the pocket, so I keep them in a storage bag. Keep in mind, you can use the circle punch to cut circles from gray or silver cardstock for other lessons with silver coins. Click here to download the file folder game. I also used this Bible Timeline File Folder Game. I made the pictures into stickers (which they love!) and the students added to it each week. Even though we studied Jesus and Acts after this quarter, rather than removing any pictures, I printed those pictures already on the page along with a couple that we wouldn't have as it's own lesson. Click here if you want to print the one I used with some of the pictures already in place. This includes the completed teacher's visual also. The original file has a teacher's visual completed. and a student file folder without any pictures on the timeline. All pictures will need to be cut and glued or made into stickers to use. Click here to download the original. Click here to download the visuals. These updated visuals are all the visuals for Genesis 37 and include Joseph receiving his coat, his dreams and his brothers selling him. All are not shown. Click here to download the pictures to color. (These are the same as the visuals but are black & white.) Click here to download the 30 updated visuals. This is a variety pack for Genesis 39-46 since it covers so much! There is a visual(s) for each event that is in these chapters. Click here to download the pictures to color. (These are the same as the visuals but are black & white.) Click here to see the previous lesson in this 13-week series. Click here to see the next lesson about Moses. Click here to see more for Joseph. Click here to see the first lesson in this 13-week series. Click here to see the complete list and links for other lessons. Scripture References Genesis 37:3 Jacob gave Joseph the coat of many colors Genesis 40:5-13 Butler & Baker’s dreams interpreted Genesis 41:17-32 Pharaoh’s dreams Genesis 41:51-52 Joseph’s sons born Genesis 44:18 Joseph is even like Pharaoh Genesis 45:26 they told Jacob Joseph was alive Genesis 46:26 66 people traveled to Egypt Genesis 47:9 Jacob was 130 years old when he went to Egypt Genesis 47:11 they lived in Rameses Genesis 35:22-26 sons listed Genesis 41:45 Joseph married Asenath Genesis 41:50-52 Joseph had two sons Genesis 47:28 Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years and died at 147 years old Genesis 50:22 Joseph lived 110 years
Growth Mindset: The Power of Yet Recently my 1st grade classroom has morphed into a K/1 combination classroom and then resulted in HUGE gaps (academically, socially, & emotionally) between my s…
Comment modifier le patron du sac George pour en faire un sac de weekend (ou sac à langer) inspiration Rive Droite Paris.
This hearty Creole Jambalaya recipe combines sausage, shrimp, veggies and rice with the bold flavors of Cajun spices and creole seasoning. Loaded with bold flavor, this classic New Orleans one-pot meal is a lot easier to make than you may think!
International Dot Day, and one of my all-time favorite books, "The Dot" by Peter Reynolds, were my inspiration for this lesson! I wanted to come up with a new way to make a series of quick, colorful, one-of-a-kind "dots" that could be completed in one class session. With monoprints, only one print can be made from each design, but you can repaint the printing surface and make as many new designs as you like! These designs are styled after mandalas, circular designs with radial symmetry and repeating patterns.
This is something that I did last year at the beginning of the school year. The kids loved it and it's a fun way to get to know each ot...
Bonjour, je suis heureuse de vous retrouver pour vous présenter un petit tuto pour réaliser un tote bag réversible en liberty.
This Sloppy Joe recipe is as easy to make as it is tasty!
Many English words have roots derived from Greek and Latin, and understanding these roots helps students deduce meanings and make connections between words. It enhances vocabulary acquisition, supp…
What activities do you do the first week of school? I get asked that question OFTEN! So I am going to share a few of my "First Week Goodies" with you! I have to say--I can't take credit for most of them but I am great at stealing ideas from others! :) First, to get the kids moving, we get to know each other a bit! I always do this version of Classmate BINGO! I have the kids find another student to sign each square then they color it in. Besides, it is a great conversation starter! Afterwards, I always ask some students to share a few things they learned about their friends! Next, we do a series of ICEBREAKERS. These are great for any grade really. The Kinders and 1st graders might need some assistance with the writing ones, or you could just take those out. I believe I may have mentioned this in an earlier post, but I love doing this All About Me Bag activity. I ran them off on orange card-stock (we are the orange hall) and cut them out. Then I stapled them to a brown bag and placed one on each child's desk for Meet the Teacher Night (or the first day of school.) The kids love showing their items and I love getting to see a piece of them! Another thing I do on the first week is read my favorite read aloud! One of my all time favorite books to read during the first day of school is Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco. If you have not read this book, I encourage you to read it first before reading it to your students. I cry tears of joy every time I read it, I just cannot help it...it is a beautiful story. I am going to share a (free) activity that is great with this book and helping build community in your classroom! Here is a YouTube video reading of it, if you would like to listen to it before your purchase. I do recommend actually reading it to your students, vs. the YouTube video though. The connection with your students will be so much better! Check out my Are You Connecting? blog post to understand how to use this activity. Click the Link Below for the Activity: JunkYard Wonder Activity We also choose one day during the first week to do this digital spinner activity! The spinner spells WELCOME. The kids take turns coming up and clicking the digital spinner. Then the class answers the corresponding question on their task card. You spin until all questions have been answered. Great writing activity and awesome for getting to know your students. Another first week of school think I do is introduce my classroom management method for transitions.I must confess though, I completely "stole" this idea from the Mustache King at The Kindergarten Smorgasboard! When I saw what he was doing, I was sold! First, simply head on over to Amazon (because we all love PRIME right?) and snag a wireless doorbell! The wireless doorbell receiver simply plugs into the wall in your classroom, and the transmitter remote is easily worn around your neck, placed in your pocket, or just laid on your desk. It includes 50 chimes and no batteries are required! When you want to get your student's attention or it is time to move on to another station, center, activity, line up, etc...simply ring the doorbell and it chimes. What I really love is...the chimes are not annoying, they are almost soothing but still grab the student's attention. I will never go back to the vocal attention grabbers. I know those work for many, but for me...I enjoy this method! I hope all of these things help you out with your first few days! It's getting close! Let me know what you do for your first week! I am always looking for things to add!! (affiliate links are provided for your convenience)
6 Australian Animal Craft Ideas | Easy Paper Bag Platypus. Not only do I have a craft for you, but I also have 6 more Australian Animal craft ideas to add to your unit studies.
With warmer temperatures, kids are bound to spend more and more time outdoors. Many kids dream of going camping. Whether your camping trip is in the great outdoors, in a backyard tent, or an indoor fort, there are bound to be memories made. Not only do I have a fun camping craft to share, but I also have some great camping books for kids that you can pair with it!
Explore the best of Norway with our 7 days in Norway itinerary that takes you through the beautiful fjords, waterfalls, mountains, and towns
Our very first Zion Kids project was to do craft with the children. The story of the day of David Goliath and we did a google search and found an idea to make 5 stones and bag!! How cool is that!!!!
Let's welcome the bugs with these sweet bugs coloring pages for kids!
As you start to travel almost every week, your business trip packing list will become routine. You might find yourself packing for your corporate trip in less than fifteen minutes! When trying to create my packing list for a work
My free child's messenger bag sewing pattern is the perfect mini size for the special kid in your life. Get my kids messenger bag free sewing pattern!
Plan these simple and fun Paper bag STEM challenges for kids! Easy STEM activities that use what's around to encourage invention and design.
Going to school after the summer is always exciting as children prepare their new school supplies and meet new people. This free printable backpack template is one of our favorites! It will help prepare your little one for their new role as a student. Making our simple printable backpack template provides a fun and creative
The Kissing Hand is a classic book for many kindergarten classrooms on the first day of school. Here are 27 Kissing Hand freebies, activities and videos.
Believe it or not, I’ve shared 31 freezer prep sessions over the last year. During the “prep session,” all I do is combine each recipe’s meat, vegetables, sauces and spices in a plastic baggy…
Easy to Sew Messenger Bag Sewing Tutorial - written to help promote Jo-Ann and Waverly's Facebook #Waverize it contest.
Last year I set a goal to have Brooklyn be able to get her Good Canine Citizen award. Well if you spend more than two minutes around my dog you will instantly know we didn't reach our goal. She is a catalyst of bad behavior. So this year my goal has been for her to walk in Nashville's Christmas Parade with other Nashville Pitties. I always do a lesson on goal setting, but what good is a goal if you aren't organized enough to ensure the steps are in place to meet it? My goal for Brooklyn was a lofty one, in fact it was too big. So we are reorganizing to reduce the stress of dog and mother. This reorganization made and the stress I put on myself to accomplish made me think about how I could change my lesson on organization. After a lot of brainstorming and about 5 drafts here is my new lesson for 4th Grade on responsibility and organization: Lesson 1: We started with a scavenger hunt. I gave teams either an organized back pack or a messy back pack and a list of items. I started the timer and they were off. Most of the teams with organized back packs finished the scavenger hunt within 2-3 minutes and the teams with messy backpacks anywhere from 4-8 minutes. They really got into this, especially because I hid stinky socks, cereal, stuffed animals, and toys in the messy backpacks. Next we discussed that if you were organized that would save you about 2 minutes per day, just enough time to recheck your work, 14 mintues in a week, enough time to read a chapter or two in your new favorite book, and about 56 minutes a month, enough time to watch an entire episode of their favorite Disney show. We ended with a pre-test of work habits so they could identify what they specifically need to improve on. Lessons 2/3: We talked about responsibility and what it means. We watched the video "I Can Do It! Taking Responsibility" which shows the students different scenarios and allows us time to stop and discuss each one. Next we charted what kinds of responsibilities they had in 4th grade. We then role played different responsibilities (the examples are from AIM Education) and in teams practiced what we would do. For example: A new movie you and your best friend are dying to see has just opened up, and your friends wants the two of you to see it this Saturday. The trouble is, your science project is due on Monday, and you and your project partner agreed you would spend Saturday gathering plants in the park. What should you do? At the end of each skit we talked about the different feelings that come with responsibility: stress, disappointment, frustration, etc. That lead us to the postcard activity. I laid several postcards around the room each with a different picture on it. I asked the students to (in silence) find a card that represented how they feel about starting fourth grade and the new responsibilities they are taking on. When everyone had a card we broke into small groups and shared the card we choose and why. Next I asked everyone to set 3 goals for themselves: 1) Something they could accomplish this week. 2) Something they could accomplish in the next 2 months. (I like to remind them of their work habits pre test here) 3) Something they wanted to accomplish by the end of this school year. We then shared our goals with our small group and then with the entire class. I collected the cards and will give them to our students in two months with a personal check in note written on each. **In the past I have done this icebreaker with my faculty and with 6th grade. They filled out the card like an actual postcard and I mailed it to their homes half way through the year. Lesson 4: We continue our talk of responsibility and stress. First in groups they draw what it feels like to be stressed. Then each group shares and we look for similarities that we all have. Next we watch the Brain Pop on stress and at the end they go back to their drawings and surround themselves with things they can do to help alleviate their stress. To finish our series we take the same work habits post test and see if we have improved! Since I only see this grade once a month this 4 part series starts in Sept and ends at Christmas break. Before I know it the sleigh bells are ringing!
Did you know Canada's national animal is the beaver? That's right! Since March 24, 1975. The castor canadensis (beaver) became an official symbol of Canada when the National Symbol of Canada Act received royal assent, granting these remarkable creatures recognition for their sovereignty. Beavers are true symbols of strength and perseverance. Now let's learn a few fun facts AND make our own paper bag Canadian beaver! Fun Facts about Beavers 1.Beavers are true engineers of the animal kingdom! They build elaborate structures called lodges using branches, logs, and mud. These cozy lodges have underwater entrances to keep them safe from predators. Inside, they create chambers for sleeping, raising their young, and storing food 2. Beavers have a voracious appetite for bark and twigs. They love to munch on the bark of trees such as aspen, willow, and birch. They even create a healthy balance by felling trees to build their dams and lodges, which actually helps create diverse wetland habitats for other animals. 3. When it comes to hard work, beavers take the crown! They are known for their industrious nature. With their sharp teeth, powerful jaws, and strong front paws, they are excellent at cutting down trees and moving heavy branches. They can transform a calm stream into a bustling beaver pond by building dams made of sticks and mud. 4. Beavers are incredibly adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. Their webbed hind feet and waterproof fur make them excellent swimmers. They can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes! Beavers also have a special inner eyelid called a
Inspiring the creativity in you.
It only takes the airline losing your luggage once to never want to check a bag again. Here's how I manage to fit a week's worth of clothes in my carry-on.
Last summer we put in a small fire pit area in our backyard. We love using it and almost every time we have a fire going we make S'mores. As I added the ingredients to my recent grocery list, inspiration struck and this easy S'mores craft for kids was born! S'mores Writing Craft for Kids
This is lesson 16 in the Life of David series. David sent men to ask Nabal for food for feast day. David and his men have been protecting...
30+ Crockpot Freezer Meals to help you stay on budget and stock your freezer. The easy dump & go recipes a perfect for busy school nights.
Make some adorable sea otters with some brown paper lunch bags and our free printable sea otter template. Perfect for an ocean or sea life unit!
