Y'all.... I survived the first three days of school!!! It went something like this... 4:00 AM... I'm wide awake? WHY? Who knows... I wo...

Wow - what a year! When I started at my new school this past year, after having resigned from my school district last year, I didn't know. I didn't know anything. If I was going to stick with it, like it, hate, love it, or anything, really. I just kind of went in with an open mind. It was a WORLD different than what I had been doing for the last 18 years, but I really LIKED it. Now that I won't be a first year teacher (after 18 years lol) and my kids won't be first year students with a new curriculum and expectations, I really do plan to blog about more, and create more to go with what our curriculum is. If you want to see my last post, which I did before school even started, it's HERE on my personal blog. I never even GOT to my teacher blog. ha! The last three days were early release so I just used those days as our theme days. 1. Summer Time 2. Game Day 3. Hollywood Stars One of my favorite things we do is these Party Pineapples! Gosh, I love them every year. I put them on black paper to frame them, and then give them a "plaque" and make an art gallery out of our front walls. If I had a hallway where people walk through, I'd hang them, but I don't, it's just us 2 teachers upstairs, so, we hung them for us to be happy looking at them. These take ALL day almost, so it's a great early release day activity. On this same day, since it's "summer themed," we celebrate the summer birthdays (including mine!). I got this idea from another blogger, Stephanie, but you use ice cream sandwiches instead of scooping ice cream! It's magical. lol. We do alllll the toppings, but the ice cream sandwiches are a game changer. The next day is Game Day. Basically, I just do a bunch of Minute to Win It Games. I have a few parent volunteers to man the stations, and they rotate after a minute. Here are some ideas we did this time. Fruit Loop Stack (on a popsicle stick) Cookie Face Tic-Tac Chopstick pick up M & M straw (pick up an M & M by sucking through a straw and place it into another bowl) They also did paper airplanes this day and bubbles during recess. Here are some ideas on THIS post. Other seasonal Minute to Win Game Posts HERE After the games, we came back and did a directed drawing from Art Hub - pineapples, of course. Another thing we spend a few days doing is their Memory Book. I have stored their pages from the beginning of the year, and after they finish their end of the year ones, I staple the books together. I LOVE being able to see how much they've grown in the school year. Look at the difference in their drawings and writing from the BOY 👆to the EOY 👇! You can find these memory books HERE. And on the last day, we do our classroom awards. I got the red carpet idea from a blogger, Reagan, MANY years ago. I get the red rolly paper for them to walk on and then a red tablecloth from the dollar store and put yellow stars on it as the backdrop. It such a POP for the pictures! This year, I got smart and just made a template in PPT with a star and typed in their names and printed them on yellow paper. Then I had my daughter cut them out. ha! And we ended with movie day - popcorn with M & Ms in it. Click the link to find some other END OF YEAR IDEAS Check out my post on End of the Year Books. to see which books I like to read. I always plan to read them all, but of course, time runs out, like always.

Need a way for students to reflect on the past school year?! Look no further! This simple and ready-to-use Last Day of School Reflection worksheet is just what you need! Students draw and color what they look like on their last day of school. Then they answer the end-of-year reflection questions. Here's what you'll get: ✅ My Last Day of School Reflection Worksheet The best part? You'll love that your students are having so much fun doing a New Year's activity! It's a really good way for students to reflect at the beginning of a new year! This worksheet is quick to print and easy for students to understand. Your students will be learning but will be having fun in the process! It is also easy to assign a substitute to do with students. You may also like... End of School Year and Summer Bundle New Year's Resolutions Worksheets Bundle Summer Bucket List Art Copyright © Liddle Minds

Do you have a challenging class this year? This post has 5 behavior management strategies to try!

Introducing the iconic Rolex Chronograph, reference 4767, a true masterpiece of horology. This watch is a testament to Rolex's commitment to precision and innovation. The 0.36mm stainless steel case is a perfect blend of style and durability, making it a timeless piece that will last for generations. The closed caseback ensures that the movement is protected from dust and moisture, ensuring its longevity. The manual movement of this watch has a special history, having been used in some of the most iconic Rolex watches of the past. The pointer_date, day_display, perpetual_calendar, chronograph, and small_seconds complications make this watch a true marvel of engineering. The Rolex Chronograph reference 4767 was first released in the 1960s and quickly became a favourite among watch enthusiasts. Its popularity has only grown over the years, and it remains one of the most sought-after watches in the world. Experience the history and precision of Rolex with the Chronograph reference 4767. This watch is a true masterpiece that will stand the test of time.

It is important that students learn to appreciate the significance of ANZAC Day and the sacrifice of our brave diggers. This wonderful hands-on activity has been designed to engage students in celebrating ANZAC Day and its infamous biscuit as well as provide opportunity to practise the skills of procedural writing. This procedural writing activity can also be found in our ANZAC Day Activity Bundle.

This blog post explains how to explore Australian Geography and Landmarks with your students through our new and exciting resource.

One of the best things to do on the first day of school is plan cooperative learning activities where students can get to know one another.

The landmine exercise device has exploded in popularity over this past year. Here's what I consider to be the best landmine exercise for each muscle group.

It's Earth Day! Check out this FUN and INTERACTIVE activity for Earth Day! This resource for Earth Day is educational and engaging and all wrapped up in a FUN and ENGAGING FLIP FLAP BOOK® and/or Lapbook!

This blog post explains how to explore Australian Geography and Landmarks with your students through our new and exciting resource.

1-2-3 Come Do An Icebreaker Craft With Me What’s On Your Mind? Is an easy and interesting way to get to know your students. Use it as a fun icebreaker for the first day or first week of school. You can do these in class, if you’re looking for a filler, or if you're presse...

What do you do between standardized testing and the last day of school? I'm sharing my favorite activities to keep 4th and 5th graders engaged in learning.

Lucky number thirteen! I love the number 13 - it's my favorite. Hubby and I were married on Friday the 13th and 13 has always felt like a pretty lucky number to me. Let's celebrate my 13th follower!!!!! For our social studies unit on families we talked about how we and our family change over time. Click here for a cute little timeline worksheet. Click here for a different look of the same worksheet.

Can't get to the playground? Pull out these simple, FREE Playground Coloring Sheets for Kids. Perfect for kids of all ages.

This blog post explains how to explore Australian Geography and Landmarks with your students through our new and exciting resource.

Want a super special activity for the end of the year? This craftivity provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their past year by creating a camera mobile which they can treasure for years to come. In the activity, students create a camera with 6 hanging pictures. The individual pictures ask students to detail the following: ♥ Something I’ve learned… ♥ My favorite day… ♥ The best book I’ve read… ♥ Something I’m proud… ♥ This is my teacher… ♥ My goal for next year… Depending on your students’ abilities, they can fill the pictures with text, drawings or a combination of both. I have included step-by-step instructions as well as the pieces you will require. All you need is cardstock/cardboard (or thicker paper), twine (or string/yarn) and tape/glue. I have also included an AUS/UK version with alternate spelling for the words color (colour), favorite (favourite) and learned (learnt). The finished product is approximately 60cm in height. Please check out the preview for more details!! ♥♥♥ Follow me to be the first to hear about FREEBIES and updates ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥ Earn TPT Credits when you leave feedback ♥♥♥ I welcome and appreciate any feedback, comments or suggestions. You may also contact me on [email protected]

I have a new favorite chart! I found this on pinterest and knew it would be great to use during the first week with my new little first graders. Amanda (the smartie who made this) from First Grade Garden graciously allowed me to share a printable I made to go along with her anchor chart. I was so busy my first week that I never got around do doing this activity with the kids, so I'm saving it for one of those days when I think they need a big reminder about being good listeners. Also, I may tie it in with a writing lesson on labeling. Click the image to download this document. 

Canada Day is fast approaching (July 1), but I’m more intrigued by this great craft from Australia (Australia Day is January 26). Many thanks to Phillipa at House of Baby Piranha (!) for this…

The "little brother" Daytona was yesterday. In the past, only true or supposed connoisseurs shone with a Tudor Oyster or Prince Date and showed off their "Daytona" at a low price. This hype, which was founded back then, continues to this day and has gained even more momentum in recent years! The Prince Date Chrono presented here dates from around 2002 and has just come from a Tudor service. The case is in very good condition. The service adhesive is still present. There are only slight scratches and signs of wear on the bezel ring. The dial and the hands are in excellent condition. A new, original Tudor strap is installed, as is a Tudor folding clasp.

Master cutting kids need to practice scissor skills a lot... so here are 20 fun ideas for cutting practice!

We have an Art Hive at One Heart Counseling Center and we want to share the different community art projects that our community has done over the past year.

For the past several years, I've given each of my new students a MYSTERY GIFT at "Meet the Teacher" night for them to take home. The catch? The CANNOT open the gift until the morning of the first day of school. What's the purpose? I got this idea from Hope King several years ago when she hand delivered mystery gifts to her students before the first day of school. The goal is to build excitement and anticipation for the new school year. We want our kids to be COUNTING DOWN the days until the first day of school, and I have found that these mystery gifts are a way to get them doing that! I give each student that attends open house one of the gifts and they take it home with them. They stare at it for the next several days (hah!) and they are allowed to open it up as soon as they wake up on the first day of school. What is the gift? You can literally turn ANYTHING into a mystery gift. For several years, I gave bracelets that all matched and they represented our classroom community. For the past couple years, I've changed it up. Be creative and think about things the kiddos in your community are currently excited about. I went with bracelets several years ago because the students in my community LOVED Lokai bracelets. Come up with something fun and unique for your kids! I do try to steer away from something "educational" because I want it to be something the kids will actually ENJOY. Although new crayons are great, I doubt my kids will be SUPER pumped to receive them as a gift. ha. What do I include with the gift? I always put a BIG do NOT open sign on the front of the gift, and then a note inside with the item. I personally think the note should be special for your class! You can grab mine HERE. Gift Ideas: Bracelets: Other items: All Amazon Links are affiliate links and I get a small commission if you choose to purchase your items though them. = )

You could just pitch it in the recycling bin, but we have 10 better ways to reuse old paper that can save you money as well as helping save the planet.

Get the inside scoop on which mattresses are actually worth buying.

Over the past few years, I have struggled and struggled with my students on their innate desire to stand up at the end of class. I would make an almost daily reminder that they need to stay in their seats until the bell rings. I would get frustrated that just as it seemed that the procedure would […]

25 Expressions of Time Past, Present and Future PAST Yesterday Last week Last month Last year A little while ago An hour ago This morning In the past A long times ago The day before yesterday Recently In 1989 When I was born One week ago PRESENT Today This week This month This year At the moment Now At this time Nowadays These days Right now As we speak FUTURE Tomorrow Next week Next month Next year In an hour Soon In the near future Later this evening In the future Way off in the future The day after tomorrow

I started back to school this past week with my kids on Tuesday. I had such a great first week and I am so excited to be back making musi...

Looking for fun Back to School Themes to use in your classroom? Check out these fun, play-based preschool activities for the first few weeks of school. Lots of math, literacy, patterns, tracing and more hands-on fun.

I had done a few different centers in the past, mostly with my upper grades, and not very well thought out. This year though, one of my personal goals was to incorporate centers in a way that was well-planned, gave students lots of ways to practice a concept, and gave me more than one way to assess students. I'll have another blog post coming soon about the centers I did, or you can see a video of them on my Facebook page. Today though I want to talk about how to prepare your students for centers in the music room. Before really diving in to centers this year, I talked to some classroom teachers to learn more about how centers worked in their rooms. Each person I talked to said, take the time to go over each center with the whole group before ever dividing the class for centers. Since I don't have as much time as a classroom teacher (my classes are 30 minutes and are back to back), I decided that instead of trying to cram it into the beginning of a class period and then starting centers that day, I would take a class period to discuss all my centers. So I'm going to share with you how that day went. Since this was my first time doing centers at my new school with these students, I had no idea how long it would take to explain all of the centers and how everything would work. I figured if I have lots of extra time, we will play some singing games that I pulled patterns from for these centers, but this actually took about 25 minutes with both of my classes. I brought my classes in and had them go to their assigned seats in front of the board. I said that we would be doing something kind of new in music the next few times we have class so I wanted to share with them about it today so that we could spend all of our time in centers the next two times. Instead of having all of the centers spread out around the perimeter of the room, which is where I put them when we were actually doing centers, I lined up all my centers at the front of the room under the board. On my computer, I had the zip file that contained all of the PDFs for each file pulled up so that as I was going through them with the whole group, if I wanted them to be able to see something better, I could show them the PDF version instead of the tiny cards I was holding for some of the centers. We walked through all of the centers in order. I read through the directions and we "played" each center one or two turns. For some centers I would have a small group of students come up and be the demonstration group as the class watched. I asked if there were any questions about each center before moving on to the next one. My students knew that they needed to ask any questions they had on this day so that they wouldn't come up asking me questions on the actual center days. The students were really interested and engaged the whole time. I think there was a little bit of mystery to it, like "OOO, I wonder what is going to be at the next center" or "I wonder what those manipulatives are going to be for" and that kept them really focused on what we were doing. Students asked good clarifying questions about the individual centers. They also asked about their groups. I have about 28 kids in each class and set up 8 centers. Most of my groups had 4 students in a group, some had 3. I assigned all groups by typing up a list. I emailed the list to their teacher and asked their teacher to line them up in that order (so the four students in group 1 are first, followed by group 2 and so on....) the next time they came to music. I also had her double check my groups to see if there would be any issues that I maybe hadn't foreseen. This was a really good idea because the next time they came to music, I met them in the hallway and they were all in the right order. I had the centers so that center 1 was closest to the door and then they went in a circle around the perimeter of the music room, so as the students followed me in, I basically dropped off four at a time in the order they were in at each center as we went around the room and I was with the last 3 or 4 students at the "teacher center", center 8. I didn't have to waist any time putting kids in order or reviewing directions for any of the centers. I had directions for each center posted at each center in case they forgot or were absent when we went over the centers, but there seemed to be no issues with students knowing what to do at each center. I only had one student come up to me the entire two days of doing centers and it was because of an issue with a group member, so I think that is pretty darn good for our first time! I hope this gives you maybe a new idea about how to prepare your students for centers so that they feel set up to succeed at each one without needing to ask questions during centers. I feel like taking that day to go over them at a relaxed pace, sending the centers groups to the teacher, and having students come to music on centers day already in order really helped everything to go smoothly. Do you have other ideas that I haven't thought of? Share below! Wanting to take the guesswork out of creating centers? Here are centers sets I've created and used with my classes:

The Presidential Election will be here before we know it. I loved having a mock election in my classroom.

Reading Comprehension can be difficult for student, even those with great reading skills. Support students by giving them the language they need.

Hola chicos!!Hoy damos por finalizada la unidad de los transportes y aprovecharemos estos dos últimos días para repasar el contenido que hemos aprendido. Lo haré de forma lúdica y el que quiera puede hacer las fichas que os adjunto.Escucha esta canción, que seguro que te gusta...Después de recordar los días de la semana os pongo una canción de los meses del año...Ahora nos toca poner en práctica lo que aprendimos. Recuerda que BEFORE significa ANTES y AFTER significa DESPUÉS, es importante para

This is the Lent foldable we used to take notes over our discussion of Lent from the past few days. It will make a great addition to a notebooking project or could be hung up as a simple Lent decorat