My Handsome Little Men. . .

Day 3 of spring break and I must say that I've enjoyed every bit of this (much needed) rest!  Today the boys took some spring photos.  They all turned out so stinkin'  cute that I had a hard time making my selection!  

Cute Stuff!

For the past couple of weeks, I've had a student teacher in my classroom, and she's doing all of the teaching at this point.  It's SO hard for me to sit back and be "invisible."  Today I took a walk around the building, and here are a few cute ideas that I found. 

 "Jean-ius Work". . .

 Haiku Poetry and Art from the 4th Graders...

Typing Superstars-from our technology teacher. . .

Ice Cream Sundae Fractions. . .

 I'm also working on a Dr. Seuss unit which should be ready to go by Friday.  Happy Wednesday!

-Brooke

Christian's Invitation

This weekend I have devoted a lot of time to planning for Christian's 3rd birthday party, which is about a month away.  I found the cutest idea for his invitations.  Even though I loved the Eric Carle "Very Hungry Caterpillar" cards, I think I'm going to go with this one.  

Remember, he was born on President's Day-so I think this one is perfect for him! All I need to figure out now is which picture I like best.  I'll probably just several of them since they're so stinkin' cute!  

Eric Carle Collection

Mrs. Daniels, a fellow blogger, told me last week that Kohl's has four Eric Carle books (The Groupchy Ladybug, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Mixed Up Chameleon, and The Foolish Tortoise) along with the matching animals right now for $5 each.  I picked up a set for my classroom and added some to Christian's collection-they are nice hardback copies so they're on the top shelf!  100% of the proceeds benefit kids!

A New Book. . .

I have to say that I'm a bit nervous about this post...but I would like to thank Mr. Perry for all of his encouragement!  

He is the one who talked me into publishing/writing a book.  I'd also like to thank April Larremore, who's blog-chalktalk 

(http://larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com/)

 inspired me to start blogging in the first place.  

During the break I actually wrote my first children's story.  It's called "5 Little Snowmen," and it's very cute.  

The book is dedicated to my two little ones (Christian and Solomon) because they both love books!  I posted it on TeachersPayTeachers, and it includes lots of activities (graphic organizers, discussion/comprehension questions, writing, pictures for retelling/sequencing, and a pocket chart version.)  I just got some reassurance from my team, and they thought it was cute...so here goes! 

Eric Carle Birthday Bash!

My oldest son, Christian, is turning 3 next month (I can't believe-seems like he was just born)!  I'm working on a birthday bash...Eric Carle style!  His favorite 3 things are food/eating, reading/books, and sports.  

I figure that I'll focus on the reading and books while he's young since he has plenty of time for sports later on!  I picked up these really cute party supplies from Target.  I'm also thinking about having an Eric Carle celebration at school (in May) when we finish our author study!  

stickers and table cloth

Party invitations and plates...

napkins and a book (found these at Mardel recently 2 for $5...might be something extra to add to the gift bags.  Each book has seeds inside so you can grow your own flowers)!

Desert plates and napkins

Student Treasures Publishing-a great resource!

Over the break, I picked these up from Target.  It was about $12.00 for  2 hardcover books, but there is a wonderful reading program that I want to share with everyone.   

The best part is...it's FREE!!! 

Go to http://www.studentreasures.com/

for all of the information!  We are going to get started with this project and place the books on display during open house.  

-Brooke

80's Day Rocks!

Happy 80th Day of School!

I have lots of pics to share...I know I could have used smilebox to make a slideshow, but I wanted to give you lots of laughs up close and personal!  My co-workers and students look "totally awesome" today!

More pictures to come...student work, 80's fashion, and fun!

Amazing students & families...so grateful!

We had a wonderful day yesterday.  

I am so amazed by the students and families that I get to work with each day!  

One family gave me this gorgeous candy bouquet...

The kids decorated sugar cookies

 

with sprinkles, frosting...

and more frosting!

They also made reindeer food with oatmeal and glitter.

We had a book exchange, and ended the party with a blast 

(a snowball fight with tissue paper snowballs)!

Now I'll get to spend the next couple of weeks with my adorable little boys and my wonderful husband!  

Christian

Solomon

Christian, Porter, and Solomon

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  

I'll be posting a couple of things for the New Year, Winter, and MLK in the next week or so.  

Have a fabulous break!

Cute Holiday Gift Idea...

Each year I like to make a "thumbprint" calendar with my kids.  This year they are soooo cute, and I know the parents are going to LOVE them!  They're very simple to make, and my favorite part about them is that each student's looks a little bit different.  This year I made a smaller version that I usually make because I wanted to use my personal scotch mini-laminator because I like the tight seal that's around the edge and there's no cutting!  However, I think I'm still going to have to use a full sized laminator.  

I can't believe I did this, but this year I did the whole thing for 19 students in one entire morning!  While the kids were working on "Daily 5" I pulled them over and we worked non-stop!!!

   January-snowflake (next year I think I want to make a little mitten)

February-heart

March-shamrock

April-umbrella 

May-butterfly (you could also make a flower)

June-lady bug

July-fireworks (I have also done a flag before.)

August-sun

September-apple

October-pumpkin

November-turkey

December-reindeer

I'm sure there are lots of other pictures or objects that could be made.  I have also seen this completed with a different page for each month of the year, but to save time I usually just use the one page calendar.


I used an inking pad from Lakeshore that saved lots of time.  I also used tons of baby wipes to wipe off fingers when we changed colors.

Calendar


Fingerprint Poem