I'm the kind of person that likes to get ready for the next year before the end of this year. I know. You can call me crazy. It's ok. I understand. But it's the way I am. So what am I getting ready? Forms to send home during Meet and Greet: My Parent Survey (it's free!). I keep this in my communication folder. This is what I send home so that I can take pictures for my blog. I know it has my information on it, but if you need it for something else, then maybe you can use it as a template. Click HERE to download it. And I send this home so that I can show some movies that are apparently PG. Click HERE to download it. Click the picture below to get all these forms in my {TPT store} I'm also restocking my calendar bins for next year! Head over to {THIS} post to see how I organize all of my monthly calendar-type activities. I already have my calendar pieces done...but I'm getting ready all the pages that I want to use IN the calendar bundle. Check out my post on the calendar bundle HERE. Our monthly poetry covers are printed up for the year. Find out how I use poetry in the classroom and download the covers for free {HERE} I also have our monthly writing journal covers ready to go... the journals themselves aren't done yet, but hopefully I'll have a wonderful parent volunteer next year to do them for me. See how I use the journals and download the covers for free {HERE}. I've also sent my Spelling Journals to the Print Shop. I'm opting to use these this year instead of doing my phonics notebook, only because it's my first year in First grade AND at my new school, so I want to see what they can handle before I dive in full force! haha. But I used my Phonics Notebook this year and LOVED it...You can check that out HERE. I've also sent my Vocabulary Journals to our print shop (I like send things to the print shop because they copy off a whole class set, with a cover and back cover AND bind them with a spiral thingy.... to me, NOT having to do it is worth me paying for it! lol) Check out my vocabulary Journals HERE. I also have copied off all the writing pages and family notes for our Monthly Family Projects! IF I have enough time, I might even get frisky and run off all the templates for the crafts! I'm also getting ready our Memory Books for next year... as we're finishing up this year's Memory books! lol You can read more about them {HERE} There are "All About Me" pages for the beginning of the year and the end of the year, so you can see the difference between the 2 times of year. It's always so fun to see the changes! Then, there are monthly writing pages, so the students can write about what they learned that month. The kids have really been having fun with this. Check them out in my TpT store {HERE}. You can grab a FREEBIE from these memory books {HERE} I have also printed out and laminated my personal behavior charts that I use from Rachelle. You can read my post on how I use them {HERE}, although, I must say, I am thinking of changing the plan...again! haha! I've also printed up my name tags for next year - I love that I don't have to go on a hunt to buy them every year! They have everything I want on them! You can download them for free on {THIS} post. I've had my wonderful parent volunteer trace and cut out my jerseys for me. In the beginning of the year, the kids decorate their jersey with their number on it and I leave them up all year. Why do they have numbers? FOR SO MANY THINGS! I have a post on what I use numbers for {HERE}. And last but not least, I got all planned out for next year! I came across Traci's curriculum planner, and I knew it would be perfect for me since I don't use the district adopted series. I have my whole year planned out! This is such a beautiful sight. I wish I had this for this year as a first year 1st grade teacher. but now I won't be so "lost" next year - haha! Check it out on Traci's blog {HERE}! WHEW!! That's a lot! And I still have more on my list to do for next year! And, um, this year isn't even over yet - haha! Oh well. I will be thankful next year in the beginning of the year.
Create delicious Watermelon Jam in just 30 minutes with our easy recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to desserts. Make it today!
With a staggering variety of coastlines – from sheltered nooks of sea on the Mediterranean to romantic cliffs in Normandy – France’s best beaches embrace just about every taste.
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Who's ready for some relaxing beach time? I know I am! It's time to paint your very own little beach to escape to.
Check my list of the best Montenegro beaches that includes quiet hidden beaches, wild beaches where to camp & secret beaches where to swim!
Mallorca has a lot of beaches, but if you're looking for the best Mallorca beaches with the most beautiful views, these seven beaches on Mallorca won't disappoint.
Here are the best things to do in Tropea Italy. Enjoy this town in Calabria and its pristine beaches, sunsets, tartufo, seafood and people.
As part of the tie-in with our thematic unit on oceans and beaches, we have been learning about the story of Jesus helping his disciples fish. "'I'm going
Materials: Gorm basic unit, plus extra wood for roof structure, and tongue and groove
16 Make-Ahead Cold Lunch Ideas to Prep for Work This Week - Try prepping these awesome cold lunch ideas when you can't reheat your lunch!
I can't believe it's the end of 2016. Here's to another "Top Posts" to wrap up the year! So, the top posts of the year are the ones that have the most pageviews and "shares." Sometimes, I'm not sure why, but I just roll with it. ha! 1) Class books for the year - my kids LOVE doing class books! 2) Organizing your Classroom Library - I LOVE organizing, so I'm glad this is one of your favorites too. lol 3) Hellooo, February - prepping things for the new month! 4) Getting Ready for February - apparently, February is a popular month?? ha! Or... maybe I blogged more that month than others?? haha! That one is probably it. 5) Morning Routines - I absolutely LOVE my mornings. I'm so glad this was a popular post! 6) All About Plants - the model is pretty cute, don't you think!? ;-) 7) Fun with Frogs - I love little froggies! 8) Getting Ready for Reading Week - I love dressing up for Reading Week! Fun little freebie to download over on that post. 9) Spelling Journals - A Classroom Lifesaver.... and still true, to this day! 10) Math with Unifix Cubes - my kids LOVE doing math with cubes! 11) Making Phonics Fun! - A weekly routine of our phonics. 12) Learning with Worms - one my kids' most FAVORITE weeks! 13) First few days of First Grade - honestly, I think I post about this every year, but I seem to forget EVERY year the first few days... or even weeks. I feel like it's child birth. The giving birth is not so fun (aka - the first few days of 1st grade) but the outcome of the birth is beyond wonderful (aka - October through May)... haha! 14) Math Centers for the 1st week. Again, same concept as above - haha! 15) Gold Medal Students - my version of a "Student of the Week." and finally... 16) All About Me week! If you want to see previous years' "Top Posts" posts... Top 14 in '14 Top 15 in '15 Also - just to end the old and start the new with a bang - I'm having a New Year Sale! Everything in my store is 20% off!
There’s nowhere in the world like the Galapagos Islands. I'm not kidding; marine life from all different parts of the world collides here.
7 Cheap or free things to do in Virginia Beach when you can't go to the beach. Spirits tasting, self-guided mural tour, work out on the beach, henna tattoo...
Kauai, Hawaii, has blossomed big time! So what are the best things to do in Kauai today? Paddle the Wailua River, take a hike, go tubing, visit the Kilohana Plantation, experience a thrilling helicopter tour and more!
There is sooooo much to do on the Big Island! Here are a few of my favorites: Touring the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm (you get to hold a seahorse!!!) and hiking to an incredible green sand beach. Been to the Big Island? What's you're favorite thing to do?
Wondering how to whitewash wood? Read on for a simple tutorial for whitewashed wood planks for walls or ceilings.
Last week we sent a bunch of Scout Books to SXSW in Texas with @rohdesign and @austinkleon for their Visual Notetaking 101 Panel. These guys take awesome notes, and they designed this pocket notebook to offer you a chance to create beautifully illustrated notes, too. The cover features illustration exercises for better notetaking. Count yourself lucky if you were at the panel and received one of these! They ran out right away! Collectors item.
Lanzarote is an island full of impressive landscapes and beautiful view points. Go off the beaten track and discover the hidden gems of Lanzarote.
São Miguel island, in Azores is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. This guide will make your experience as good as possible
From everything you need to bring to the best campsites around Portugal you can find everything about camping in Portugal here.
Looking for some quality beach time in Thessaloniki? Here are the best beaches near Thessaloniki, whether you like lively beaches or quiet, sandy beaches sheltered in coves.
We knew there was much more to Hvar beaches than the usual and we wanted to provide you with the most relevant and extensive guide on the best beaches on Hvar
Making bread at home has never been easier than with my recipe for the Easiest 2 Hour No Knead Bread. Only 4 ingredients and 2 hours to hot, delicious bread on your table.
Get this list of our top favourite 12 activities and recommended attractions for the best Coromandel road trip of all time!
Every Summer my husband and I look for beaches close by for weekend trips and every year we have a hard time finding one we know we will like. Last Summer we went to Cape May, New Jersey and we absolutely loved it! You can read all about that trip here. But, this year we...Read the Post
Are you looking to be inspired with coastal or seaside decor this Christmas? Or just something to remind you of the tranquil and fun vibes when visiting the beach? If this is you, then catch the wave with these 12 Coastal Beach Christmas Tree Decor Themes! My entire home has always been filled with coastal
For most, Benidorm conjures images of mahogany-hued OAPs on mobility scooters with crepey necks, drunken stag and hen parties with 'Lads/Ladies on tour' emblazoned on their t-shirts and... well, a severe lack of anything authentically Spanish. But there ARE plenty of non-tacky things to do in Benidorm if you know where to look. The Costa Blanca destination
There are many lists of things to do in Maui, but here are some things you should NOT do while visiting our island. Tips from a local resident.
I have been dying to link up with my sweet friend Kacey over at Doodle Bugs for her Five for Friday post. Well, I have come to this realization...that is never gonna happen! :) By the time Friday night hits...this teacher is so doneeee! So...pretend today is Friday! Here is how my week went down! 1: SLEEP You know you are exhausted when you fall alseep in your school clothes and don't wake up until 6:30 a.m. True story. On Monday night, I told myself that I would lay down for just a second, and before I knew it, it was 6:30 the next morning. I was still asleep...fully clothed...jewelry and all! My husband even tried to wake me up and then he gave up! {Not sure if I believe that story!} :) ...seriously though, I need summer to get here ASAP so I can be awesome every single day! Ha! 2: Summer Writing Fun After a week of state testing, we are back to a normal routine. This week, we spent a lot of time writing our way through my End of Year Writing Bundle. The kids loved thinking about and planning their futures. After that, we also planned our summer with our Dive into Summer Writing. Love how these turned out, but I love these sweet babies even more! Going to miss them so, SO much! {But we won't talk about that right now!} 3: Do the Harlem Shake A few days ago, I posted about my end of the year behavior management system. If you missed that, we are using balloons! :) So...what was day three you ask? Make a Harlem Shake Video. The kids brought props and were counting down the seconds until go time! Here is our Harlem Shake... 4: Science Experiment Fun I love living so close to a local university. They are always so wonderful about bringing experiences directly into the classroom. On Friday, our kids were instructed by the 5th and 6th graders {they were trained earlier in the week}. During this time, they completed 12 hands-on science experiments! Such a great way to give ownership to our older kids and build school community throughout our grade levels. Also a great way to keep our kiddos engaged during these last few weeks! 5: End of year mayhem! Oh my...I can feel it inching closer. Today, I will be working on my classroom awards and finishing up my end of year gifts. Here is a little peek... I will be posting more about this tomorrow! Be sure and link up with Doodle Bugs to show us your week! Have a great weekend!
A guide to the top things to do and places to visit in Athens, Greece, including the Acropolis, Lycabettus hill and more!
Greetings from beach-land! I've been on family vacation this week, and this experience, first of all, has been amazing. North Carolina has just blown my
