Check out my fun signature!!!

How cute is that???!!!

Tree map shape sort

Students cut the shapes out and glue the top half (the tree map) to the top of a piece of small construction paper. Students then sort the shapes on the tree map and glue. They must explain and justify their sort.

Break-Apart Train (4)

This is a game for unit 1 lesson 5 in Expressions Math (specifically the on level activity for differentiated instruction). I will put these in a sheet protector and have students play in pairs. One student will shake and spill 4 counters, then they will both record on their partner train. If the partners have already been used, they loose their turn and continue until the train is filled. The partners should be 1+3, 2+2, and 3+1...not necessarily in that order. When the train is full, they each erase their partner train and play again. Expressions wants students to see the partners several times to grasp the number partners of 4. 

Pattern Block Ready, Set, Action!

Here is a patterning board game. Students work together and roll a die, move the corresponding spaces, then extend the pattern by drawing it using white boards and pens. Get your copy ...

Story map

Above you will find the story map cards used for a poster. I will take a picture of my final product tomorrow at school but for those of you who want to see it in person come on down. Print the cards and glue on a poster board. Story Map goes at the top, then title goes on the left side of the poster board followed by characters, setting, problem, solution, and theme (the lesson learned). Laminate the poster. I use sticky notes to write on for each section and post on the map. 

The Kissing Hand

Another game created from the inspiring First grade a la carte. Students play in partners with one die. One partner rolls the die, moves their marker that any spaces and both partners draw circles to match the number. I explicitly taught students how to draw circles using this game. Upcoming lessons in math will require circles drawings to add and subtract. Grab yourself a copy below!

The Rainbow Fish

I was inspired by Kathy Law over at First Grade a la carte and decided to make this game to go with The Rainbow Fish. The directions are on the game. You will need to spend some time teaching and modeling how to play the game but it is well worth the time. The kiddos L.O.V.E. these games and it teaches students how to work together, it will tell you what your students know, and they will learn from each other as they play! Have fun;-)

WhaT TIME is it????

Time to go to bed!  That's what time! We are back to school tomorrow :-( Here is a time to the hour and half hour game. Print the mats, laminate, and there ya go...play over and over and over. The directions are on the game but feel free to adapt to your needs. Please share with me how you have changed the game to meet your needs! Have fun!

Substitute Binder

I found this great idea on another blog and thought I would make my own. I am going to put each page in a sheet protector then create a binder with emergency activities. Enjoy!

Daily Five - Strategy Reading Cards for CAFE

How fun are these??? I can't wait to use these.  Add one strategy at a time to your CAFE wall after you teach a focus lesson about each one. 

Last thing for tonight....very tired!

EEKK!!!!! Partner Reading/Daily 5 poster

I L.O.V.E this idea! This poem will go perfect when teaching students to partner read. I found the poem on a great blog and she found it on another blog!  How's that for stealing...I mean borrowing? HA! I changed the pictures to match my classroom and needs.  CLick the pic to get yourself a copy!

The Rules Of The Classroom!

This is a fun way to reinforce the rules of the classroom. It matches Dr. Jeans "Rules of the Classroom" song (the newest version) and the kids love it. We usually brainstorm what the rules of the classroom should be and with a "LITTLE" direction from me (wink wink), record them on a circle map. I like to illustrate each rule so kids have a visual to connect the rules with. We sing theDr. Jean song several times the first day and then I hand out this little sheet for kids to color. They take the sheet home and share with their mom and dad. 

Open House Scavenger Hunt

Hello friends!  With the start of school rapidly approaching, I find myself "shopping" in my computer files and finding many things I had forgotten about. This is one! Parents and students love this little activity...so I wanted to share it with you! Click on the picture to get your copy. Happy scavenger hunting!

Join me at the "Cafe!"

Hi there friends!  It has been a while but I am still here!  I have been addicted to reading two books, the daily 5 and The Cafe Book, over the last couple weeks. I am soooo excited to implement the great ideas found in these books in my own classroom. If you have not read these books, you must!  You won't  be disappointed- I promise! So...I have created cute headers for Cafe and would love to share them with you. Click on the picture above and save a copy for your classroom Cafe bulletin board.