I'M ON VACATION!!

Hi!

It has been awhile since I've posted - and for good reason!

Last week was the week before Christmas break, and there was a lot to do!  The best part, by far, was First Grade's 3rd Annual Grinch Day! 

 {I'm second from the left...and please ignore how unpretty our campus is.  We are S.O. overdue for a new building.}

The teacher's wore pajamas and/or a Grinch shirt.  The students rotated from classroom to classroom - each teacher had a different activity.  {Most activities came out of my Grinch unit, but it was deactivated for copy right issues..boooooo hisssss!}

Here are the activities we did:

Read aloud

Green Grinch Juice {very similar to Jitter Juice}

Noun sort

Math facts {using a circle map}

Grinch face craftivity

Bookmarks with a quote from the book

Alphabetical order

 

I was the read aloud teacher.  By the end of the day I was reciting the book by heart!

 

I also teamed up with Teacher Blogger Exchange to be a part of their Holly Bloggy Christmas.  I am partners with Katie from A Basket Full of Apples, meaning she and I are exchanging gifts.  Here is what I sent her.

This is a delightful organizational binder, folder, and calendar inserts.  I wanted to get one for myself, too!  I hope she likes it!

I also hosted a giveaway as part of Holly Bloggy Christmas.  My giveaway was a wonderful set of Sharpies!  Yet again, I wanted a set for myself!

The winner was Jen from Jen's Kinder Kids!  I hope you enjoy them as much as I would!

On top of running around last week like a mad woman to make sure I have everything done before the winter break - I am cat sitting for my boyfriend.

This cuties name is Darwin.  It sure has been interesting having him around.  I have two decent size dogs - 65 lbs. and 60 lbs.  They won't even look at Darwin!

This is my "little" girl, Dora, begging me to move the cat, ha ha.  She has not been a happy camper this week!  One more week, Dora.  Hang in there!

Now that school is out, I am doing some remodeling in my bedroom.  I probably won't have time to blog again until next week.

 

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday!

 

Happy Grinchmas!

Boy has it been a hectic few weeks!  I have been so preoccupied that I have neglected my poor little blog.  

So, I have this young man in my class.  Let's call him T.  He comes to school hyper and angry {quite a toxic mix}.  He has been my challenge all school year.  Mom's phone numbers do not work and his siblings are just as challenging.  I was seriously ready to bang my head against the wall.  I had no idea what to do to get T to stop being so angry so he can focus on learning.  {It is no surprise that he is severely below grade level.}  

I am sharing all that with you because T has made some major improvements in his behavior over the last week!  He is doing his work without redirection and smiles at appropriate situations! {He used to smile when he or another student would get in trouble.}  I am celebrating a small victory.  I just hope he keeps making progress!

**Update - My Grinch unit was deactivated due to copyright issues.  Sad face!!!  But the freebie is still available!! {For now...}

Subject change:  My Grinch unit is done!  I am so happy with this pack.  

The title page could be a little more creative but I seem to be lacking creativity lately.  This pack is full of literacy activities including alphabetical order, thinking maps, writing prompts, and craftivities.  You can get your copy here!  ...and because I love all of you who visit my blog - you can download the alphabetical order portion for free here!

 Subject change again:  My math grant materials FINALLY arrived!  You can imagine how excited I was when I had these boxes waiting for me in the office!

 I ripped into those boxes like a child on Christmas morning.  Check out my goodies!  I was awarded $380 to spend on math materials.  I can't wait to share these with my students!

That is all I have for right now.  I am going to make an effort to post more often!  Before I go, check out Teacher Blogger Exchange.  They are having constant giveaways.  I am participating in their giveaway.  My guest post will appear on December 17th.  Stop by to check out my giveaway - trust me, all teacher's would want it!

Happy Holidays!