It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Hello, Friends!

First, it is CoLd here in the South.  I already miss my summer weather.  I believe that South Carolina decided to skip Fall this year.  I really think it went straight from the summer heat to the winter cold.  

Since it's all nice and cold outside, it made me realize that I need to finalize my next packet. My students are all ready for a little break.  After Thanksgiving, break I plan to bring out all of my behavior bag of tricks.  That sneak little elf will be making an appearance in my classroom.  

To help keep their behavior in check and to keep them engaged (you know teaching and reviewing is still going on) I created a Magic in the Classroom packet.  Click below to read more about it.  

 

Last, I am READY to get my eat on.  I love Thanksgiving food! This pregnant gal is beyond excited.  To keep my students engaged this week and next, I created a Turkey Poke game centered around multiplication facts.  My students LOVED it. Here's a couple of pictures of one of my groups in action.  

   

                 

Click HERE to grab this freebie for your students.

I hope you've all had a GREAT day.

Lots of love,

A Peek at My Week

Hello, Friends!

The weekends seems to go so fast.  I saw this picture as I was scrolling through Pinterest. Sums up how I feel.  I don't remember being this tired while I was pregnant with Brayden. But then again, I wasn't chasing a 2 year old after working all day either.  Any suggestions? 

I finally got my lesson plans done.  So, here's what I will be up to this week! I'm linking up with Deedee for her Peek at My Week Linky.

Reading:

We have been hitting informational text hard!  This week, we will be working on asking and answering questions during my mini lessons.  My book choices this week are from the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library.  These are the cutest little books full of information.  During my interactive read aloud, we will be discussing how the illustrations help us to answer our questions.  

Math:

We are still studying multiplication.  Our Multiplication Boot Camp is still going very well!

Click on the links below to check out what I'm using during my math centers.

Social Studies:

We will be continuing to learn about the key explorers of South Carolina and how they interacted with the Native Americans.

Writing:

We are continuing to study opinion writing.  Ashleigh's writing units have been so helpful as I learn all about 3rd grade.  Click below to check her unit out. We will also be reviewing opinions vs facts with my opinion cards.  

       

So, that's the plan for the week.  We've also got a Get Smart Assembly and a field trip to mine for some rocks this week, too.  

Busy, busy week ahead!  

Lots of love,

November Currently

Hello, Friends!

This year has FLOWN by!  How is it already November?!?!

Today, I'm linking up with Farley from Oh Boy Fourth Grade for her Currently linky.

First, I wanted to share some Halloween pictures with y'all! 

We get to dress up as a book character at my school.  I decided to go as Thing 1 and Thing 2.  My students loved it.  My son dressed up as Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates. He was the cutest pirate I have ever seen. ;-)
 

So, now on to what I'm currently up to in November.

Watching:

My poor baby was up all night wheezing.  So, I had to take the day off today to let him sleep and continue giving him is breathing treatments.  While he was sleeping, I get to watch my Sunday night shows.  Revenge and Resurrection were already recorded and patiently waiting to be watched. LOVE these shows! 

Loving:

Confession, pregnant or not I LOVE all things chocolate and candy.  So, I may be digging into Brayden's Halloween stash.  I read somewhere that it's called the Candy Tax.  Only fair right? ;-)  Luckily, he doesn't mind sharing with his momma. 

Thinking:

I have WAY to many things going on through my head right now.  The first is holy cow, Christmas is right about the corner.  I've got to get started with my shopping.  Then, I'm thinking about how Baby Hunter is also almost here.  So much to do before he gets here! I think I may need a nap, too.  Ha!  

Wanting:

As of right now, Baby Hunter's name will be Gavin.  My husband and I can't decide on a middle name.  He'll be here in 15 weeks.  I want to know his full name.  Like now! It's bothering me too much to not have made a decision by now. 

Needing:

Speaking of Baby Hunter, we need to add on another bedroom to our house. Gavin doesn't have his own room .  We've got to get a move in with things! Like I said 15 weeks give or take a couple.  I'm in stress mode! 

Reading:

Oh, how I wish I had time to sit and read.  I'm reading TOY MAGAZINES so far. Does that count?

I hope you all have had a great Monday!

Lots of love,

Multiplication Fun

Let's pretend that it hasn't been  a while since I blogged.  Yeesh!

It could be because...

I am expecting another precious little boy.  His name is still being decided upon.  His dad and I can't make a decision.  So, I've been beyond EXHAUSTED.  Teaching all day, keeping up with the house (attempting any way), and playing with a 2 year old has kept me busy, busy.  So, my poor little blog has been left alone.

We have been busy learning for the last couple of months.  I've been adjusting to life in 3rd grade.  It's going well by the way.  I do miss 2nd from time to time but I'm loving the independence these 3rd graders have. :-)

Yesterday, we started our unit on multiplication.  I racked my brain trying to figure out how to make learning our multiplication facts fun!  I decided that my kiddos would be going through Multiplication Boot Camp for the next 4 weeks.  My mini lessons consist of "drills" where they are learning and memorizing their facts.  Then, they break off into centers and I teach them strategies to help them to multiply.

Let me tell you that they are EATING THIS UP. I dressed up in my daddy's army pants yesterday and bought myself a plastic camo hat.  They thought that was the funniest thing ever.  No picture of me sadly...I forgot to have someone take my picture.

I bought them all "dog tags" to wear during their math centers and they know that their rank will change depending upon their math quizzes.  Love it!  We started out easy this week with 0,1,2,5, and 10 facts.  They are doing great! 

Here's a couple of pictures to show you what it looks like in action.

Here we are using strategies to help us multiply.  I brought out the army men and they used them to show equal groups and arrays.

Here you can see that I bought "dog tags" and camo tables to engage them even more. I still wear my camo hat every day for math.  The picture also shows us practicing our facts.  If my soldier gets the problem right, everyone must complete an army exercise.  If my soldier gets it wrong, they complete the exercise alone.  

I hope y'all have a great week.  I'll be back to share some of the other fun things we've been up to later this week.  

Lots of love,

Jeannie

Shark Week Freebie

It's Shark Week, Friends! 

I am so excited to be a part of this fun freebie link up where there are tons of freebies related to sharks.  So exciting!  I LOVE Shark Week and my students do, too. What better way to spark interest than sharks?!?!

Today, a team of bloggers has come together to help your students take a BITE out of learning with this fun shark theme.  So, let's dive on in and get started! 

First, let's talk about student engagement. There are so many fun ways to engage your students as you teach.  I LOVE to bring learning to life.  For example to learn about matter this past year, we put Mentos in Coke, melted crayons, and made root beer floats. I can guarantee that this upcoming group of 3rd graders know all about matter. Below is a picture of one of my students enjoying a root beer float. 

It also helps to pick topics that your students are interested in as well. Hence this fun shark theme! 

My students LOVE to Roll and Graph.  I love to have themed roll and graphs in my classroom for early finisher activities and to reinforce graphing concepts. 

For Shark Week,  I created a Roll and Graph Freebie for y'all. 

All you need is scissors, glue/tape, and a tissue box.  Print out the cards and glue/tape them onto the sides of a tissue box. Then, your students are ready to roll and graph.  As students roll and graph, they will be learning the names of the most popular sharks.  This would be great to tie in with some shark research! 

Click the picture below to download. 

Be sure to go for a swim in the JAWSOME linky party below. Every blog in the Shark Week Blog Hop features a fishy freebie for you and your students- but hurry! Shark Week only lasts until Sunday, August 17th  : )

An InLinkz Link-up

I Can Write Writing Posters and Templates: Updated File

Hello, Friends!

I finally got around to updating one of my first files.  My students LOVED using these templates in their writing center.  I LOVED them because I would print a bunch ahead of time and would have my writing center up and running for a good couple of months.  Easy, peasy!

Take a look at the updated file! I LOVE how it turned out.  

    

Here's an idea of how it works in my room.  Pictures to come with my new set of students soon! Students will choose a template from the writing center.  Above the writing center are posters that serve as a helpful reminder of what each template should look like. 

Easy, easy!  I hope that your students love it as much as mine.  I'm having a giveaway on Facebook.  Go enter to win yourself a copy! 

Lots of love,

Jeannie 

Take a Peek at What I Bought During the TpT Sale

Hello, Friends!

My biggest problem...I need more money.  Ha! Don't we all! But, I participated in the big TpT Back to School sale. I actually shopped yesterday and today.  And...that's all the money I can spend.  For now! 

I looked over my TpT wish list tons of times.  It was SO hard to decide what to buy.  It was extremely difficult this year since I'm going to a new grade level.  So many awesome things to choose from! So, I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin' to show y'all what I did decide to buy.

First up is Blair Turner's 3rd grade Common Core Interactive Notebooks Bundle.  Y'all, this is amazing!  I love using math journals and this will be just what I need to continue using them in my class.  

Next, I purchased The Brown Bag Teacher's Reading Response Letters.  I wanted to incorporate letter writing into my writing center this year.  Our school does Reader's Workshop for 3-5, but I want to try to merge Reader's Workshop and Daily 5.  Still trying to figure that out.  I think her product will be a great addition to my writing center.  I LOVE the examples that she has in her packet as well as the template to help get students started with their letter.  Love this! I am excited about reading my student's letters this year!

Then, I bought Ashleigh's Spiral Language Review Task Cards Bundle.  These will be a great addition in my WORD center.  I love how she starts out by reviewing 2nd grade language standards and moving in to the 3rd grade standards.  I cannot wait to get these printed and laminated!

Last, I didn't have to purchase my last item.  Why? TpT credits!  Y'all, leave feedback on your purchases!!  You earn points and can get items for free! Plus, we LOVE reading your feedback. 

The last item comes again from Ashleigh.  I may have to buy her whole store.  She's definitely going to be one of my go to people for 3rd grade stuff.  I bought (with my TpT points) her Super Testers Weekly Math Practice.  This will be great to practice those test taking skills since I will be administering the PASS test this year. Ugh! I needed this packet to help get my students ready.  She has one for language arts which I will be buying soon.  {I need pay day to come.}

I hope y'all found some great resources to use in your classroom and didn't break the bank like I did. ;-) Link up with Blog Hoppin' and show us what you bought!

Lots of love,

Jeannie

I Love a Good Sale!

Hello, Friends!

I'm always up for a good sale! Anytime I can save me some money, I'm there! TpT is having their annual Back to School Sale.  My store will be 20% off and with the Promo Code you can save 28%.  Like I said, yay for sales!

Below are some of my favorite back to school items from my store.  

Happy Shopping!

Jeannie

Classroom Library Labels: A Little Freebie for You

Hello, Friends!

I was able to get into my classroom on Wednesday and Thursday.  I've been working and working.  Legs hurt....feet hurt...back hurts. Why do I always forget how much it hurts to go in and begin to decorate a classroom. I worked from 8-4 on Wednesday and 10-4 on Thursday.  I'm glad the school is closed today because my body needs it.

I'm not going in at all next week.  It's the last week of summer before I officially have to go back. So, I'm spending it with my munchkin'.  Hence the reason I worked so hard these last two days. 

I didn't take any before pictures. I immediately went in and started working.  I am more than halfway done.  I worked my butt off these last two days.  The big reveal will be coming the week of August 12th.  :-)

I have a little freebie for you today.  I made some library labels for my classroom.  If you can use them, click either button below and go grab them.  

Lots of love,

Jeannie

2 Stars and a Wish for Back to School Time

Hello, Friends!

Today, I am linking up with Mandy from Mandy's Tips for Teachers to bring you 2 helpful hints to get your school year off to a great and smooth start.

Read below to learn 2 ideas that work great for that first week back to school and one wish that I have for the upcoming school year. 

First,I love using consensograms in my classroom.  I didn't take any pictures of my gallery walk last year.  So, thank you to Ginger from Ginger Snaps for having some great examples on her blog pictured below.  That first few days back is scary and awkard for both teacher and students.  By giving them a chance to get up and move the students begin to feel a little more relaxed.  As a teacher, you get some authentic data to learn about your kiddos.  It's so important to make good connections that first week back.  

So, decide on some questions to ask.  Write them on chart paper.  Give your students some stickers and have them walk around the room and answer the questions

Second, there's an old saying that food is the way to a man's heart.  I think food is the way to anyone's heart.  Food can be comforting.  What better way to get your students feeling a little less nervous than some food. I loved the idea of "Jitter Juice" and so did my students.   Once again, I didn't take any pictures of my students enjoying their jitter juice so thank you to the fabulous Cara from The First Grade Parade for the picture below.

All you have to do is read the book First Day Jitters. {LOVE this book} Then, make the Jitter Juice and enjoy.  I immediately saw my students "loosen up" and begin talking a little more. Their smiles at the end of the day are always worth it! 

Third, I have a confession to admit.  I am the world's worst person when it comes to organizing. My desk is always clean at the end of the day, but things are stuffed and crammed in cabinets and drawers.  Out of sight, out of mind. Right? Well, my wish is to be more organized this year. I'm getting rid of my teacher desk, so that should help.  I love the little e-card below.  I'm always more concerned with my little smarties and making sure they are engaged and learning.  Then, I clean like there is no tomorrow when I know there's a visitor coming.  

If you enjoyed these ideas make sure to follow me on Facebook or Instagram for some more great ideas.

For more star ideas more than 40 different bloggers, please browse through the link-up

below and choose a topic that interests you. Thanks for visiting!

An InLinkzLink-up

Lots of love,
Jeannie