The Joy of Teaching

What keeps you passionate about teaching?  This thought has been on my mind a lot lately.  I love teaching. Yet, with 5 more weeks to go, I can think of nothing better than summer vacation.

And, then, this happens.  

Those little moments in the classroom when you know, this is why you go in early and plan for hours on the weekend.

Playing School

Three of my kiddos had pulled up their chairs and selected a "just right" Bob Book to read.  I was so proud of them because learning how to read has been a challenge for them.  Yet, they did not give up.  They rose to the challenge.

Go here for more inspiration.

What keeps you going?

From my classroom to yours,

Teacher Appreciation Giveaway

I am so honored to be a teacher.  I am just as humbled to have you share my journey as a teacher by reading this blog.  Each day, I am inspired to do better because of you.  Your ideas, units, crafts, recommendations, and comments keep me going.

I can not think of a better way to say "Thank you" than by hosting a giveaway.  Recently, I was contacted by EAI to review a few of their products.  

My class and I used these  Ten Frame Match Games as part of our Math Routines and Math Work Stations. Oh, my!  I love these!  They are Common Core aligned and address many of the skills that my students needed additional practice with for mastery. 

I also was able to sample their SmartPAL Jr. Sleeves.  

The protective sleeves are sturdy and erase easily and cleanly.  Children can place the paper in the sleeve on their own.  The colors and size is great, too.  In fact, I have contemplated using them as displays for my student's writing and artwork due to the quality of this item.  

EAI has graciously agreed to give a set of these SmartPAL Jr. Sleeves to a Follower of my blog.  To enter, comment below with your email address.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, leave the name of your favorite childhood teacher or a teacher that inspires you today.  I will select a winner on Saturday, May 12th.  

In addition, EAI is offering an exclusive offer to Followers of my blog.  You will get free shipping for orders over $30 by entering this code: LWMPFREESHP13.  

Update:  Winner selected and notified via email.  

Thank you for sharing your teacher stories.  These stories were great reminders that we can make a difference in a child's life and future.

Happy Teaching!


Giveaway is open to US residents only.  
All opinions of these products are my own.

Journey to Neverland

This week we have been on an adventure to Neverland preparing to see a local production of Peter Pan. Our inspiration was this pop up book.  Each day we read one page from the book and followed up with an activity.

Here are a few samples of our learning.   

We've written about Peter Pan, answered whether we would like to be a kid like Peter or grow up and if we believe in fairies.

These Peter Pan themed math cards help reenforce ways to make a given number.

Imagination is the key to this math game as kids Walk the Plank to solve the math problem.

One of the highlights has been seeing a classroom full of Peter Pans!  I drew a simple pattern and folded it a bit in the front to give it more character.

The adventure continues next week.  We can't wait!

Happy Teaching!

A Peek Into Our Math Tubs

I love teaching math!  I love hearing my students talk about math and their thinking.  But if you were to ask my class what they love the most about math, they would say Math Work Stations.  They are so excited when I put anything new into our math tubs.

Here is what is currently in our tubs.

1.  Tops and Bottoms Subtraction.  

2.  Deedee Wills' Need for Speed Kindergarten Addition and Subtraction Fluency; an all time favorite!

3.  Miss Kindergarten's Flying Facts.

4.  Make a Ten; insect edition.

5. Subtraction Slide Down; a great visual and kinesthetic center.

6. GeoBoards on the iPad using First Grade Blues Skies GeoBoard It! unit.

7. March Madness Basketball Subtraction; a freebie from Primary Grafitti

8. Bloomin' Subtraction QR Codes from Smedley's Smorgasboard of Kindergarten.

My math program would not be as successful without the help from these wonderful teacher creations.  Thank you for being a part of our learning!

Happy Teaching!


PS-
Lois Lamb you are the winner of a Mrs. Wishy Washy big book.  Please contact me soon via email.

Wishy-Washy! Wishy-Washy!

I recently was contacted by Hameray Publishing to review their new Joy Cowley Collection.  I have used Joy Cowley's work in my classroom for over a decade so I was thrilled for the opportunity to preview some of her newer work.  

I decided to use these books (the two lower ones) with my Intervention group during our Interactive Writing session. Working for over a period of days, we used her work as a springboard for our writing.  

During the course of our sessions, I was able to show this group much needed mechanic and grammar skills. More importantly, they learned that writers are passionate about their work.  Each day, they looked forward to writing their story.  We planned, revised and reread our work along the way.  

I am excited to offer one of my Followers the chance to win a big book written by Joy Cowley to use in their classroom.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There's more!  Go here to enter to win over $400 worth of Joy Cowley resources or better yet, nominate your favorite teacher.

Looking for Wishy-Washy inspiration? Follow my Wishy-Washy Pinterest board.

Readers of this blog can save 20% off their purchase on the Hameray Publishing site by entering this code: ZJCC13; now through 6/30/13.

Happy Teaching!

Please note:  I was not compensated for this post.  I did receive two complimentary books in exchange for my opinion and review.  

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Craft

Spring is in the air!  I created this Very Hungry Caterpillar craft to go along with our study of insects.  

To make, you'll need:

a precut leaf

3 2"x7" lime green construction paper

1 2"x7" red construction paper

1 small post it for eyes

purple scraps for antennae

First, fold the post it in half and draw an oval.  Cut.  (Cutting the oval eyes was difficult for some.)  Finish the eyes with green marker.   Next, glue eyes onto the red strip.  Make the mouth.  Last, loop the red together.  Do the same with the green strips.  Carefully, glue onto the leaf.  Make antennae and glue behind red loop. Hole punch around the leaf to complete the project.

After learning about insects we made our own using a provided template.  

This one had a lot of character, although, missing a few parts.  

Science is in full swing in our classroom!  Let the discovery begin.

Happy Teaching!