0 LUCKY ME - ST. PATRICK'S DAY WRITE

I had to get a jump on St. Patrick's Day a little early because I will be breaking into school this weekend to hang my special March bulletin board.  This "Lucky Me" write cracks me up each and every year and it's oh so telling :)

I have perfected this bulletin board over the years (cuter graphics and more writing space . . . this is an older than old picture) and it has proven to be a real crowd pleaser.  I am sure all you savvy teachers out there know exactly what I mean when I say . . . there is just something about letting your babes' imaginations run wild with the "found money" fantasy.  Talk about gettin' lucky in the quality work department!  

Here are a few of my favorites . . . they are so in lockstep with their little personalities.  I was all smiles when I read these after school (this was done without support during reading centers)!  

This sweet little activity is in my Story Element Shamrock Packet . . . along with many other fun reading/writing ditties.  

Alright my friends . . . I am off to finish up my Main Idea packet.  I will be back tomorrow or Sunday with the skinny on this new collection and a freebie too! Merry Friday to you :)

Detail: LUCKY ME - ST. PATRICK'S DAY WRITE

0 IT'S TIME FOR THE ANNUAL POSTCARD EXCHANGE - SIGN UP NOW

I am teaming up with the eva fabulous Cheryl over at Primary Graffiti to help her get her annual Postcard Exchange up and running.  For the past 6 years Cheryl has hosted this wonderful event . . . I found out about it last year and I am in L-O-V-E!  I could not miss out on the opportunity to offer a helping hand to my bloggy buddy and get in on the action in the process :) #itsawinwin 

Here's how this exchange rolls . . . please read the notes carefully to ensure that you wish to participate (it does require some ciz-ash on your part for postcards and postage).  If you have ANY reservations about this, please pass on signing up until your questions are answered.  We are looking for a solid commitment when you type that name into our short Google Doc.  Sorry to be a bit poopy here, but the kids are served SO much better when they receive a postcard from each state.  

On that note, we are accepting TWO THREE (I upped it due to the overwhelming response) entries from each state and they are both open to ALL grade levels.  To make things easy on you, we have a sign up form in Google Docs.  This puppy is launchin' on a first come, first serve basis, so type F-A-S-T to ensure that you snag your state.  The forms are time stamped so we will know who signed up first when we compile our list.  ALSO . . . please make sure that ALL of your information is correct as you type and that you have filled out the email and shipping addy completely!  We will delete incorrect/incomplete entries.  

Alright, we're moving on to the supplies needed . . . 49 postcards, 49 stamps, and 49 labels.  I know.  I know.  It seems like a lot, but it's well worth it . . . believe me!  You will receive 49 postcards in exchange!!  My kids flipped out every time I told them that we had "mail."

You may choose to purchase or create your postcards once we have confirmed that you are in the exchange.   I sent a design off to Vista Print to save myself the headache of searching for state postcards.  However, it's your call. Remember . . . this exchange DOES cost money.  Expect to spend about $30 for postcards, postage, and labels by the time you finish.  Again . . . I promise that it is worth the time and money!

We will prepare the labels with each participants' name and addy.  You can print them out and stick 'em to the cards . . . this way we will save you at least a little leg work :)

We suggest allowing students to have ownership of the exchange by creating a message with your class.  This way it will be more meaningful when your students receive their cards.  We usually put facts about our school and class as well as info about our state in our messages.  Both Cheryl and I prepared the messages on larger sticky labels and had the kids stick them to the cards. However, if you have older kiddos, you may choose to have them copy the message that y'all came up with.  

All cards must be mailed by October 31st.  We all start at different times, so hopefully this gives you a little cushion to fulfill your commitment to the exchange.  

Instead of reading all the cards at once, I spaced them out over the span of a few months.  I read 3-4 each week and this lasted quite some time.  I posted a US map and we had the best time hunting down our new friends in relation to us.  Cheryl also suggests blowing your babes' minds by using Google Earth to show the address on the card.  When the playground pops up with kids on it, they freak!  They really think that they are seeing the friends that sent the card (and . . . in a way . . . they are).  HA!  

Finally today . . . once all of the slots are filled, we will send out an email confirmation (please do not order postcards or start the process until you have been confirmed).  We are hoping to have this process completed by the Labor Day, but we will see how things go.  You will need to reply to our confirmation within 48 hours (we will be sure to post it on our blogs too).  If a response is not received we will have to offer up your slot to the next person who signed up for your state.  

THIS SECTION WILL BE UPDATED DAILY 
(LAST UPDATE = TUES @ 6:15 pm PDT)

HOWEVER, AN OPEN STATE DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU A SLOT.

SORRY MY FRIENDS . . . IT DEPENDS ON YOUR TIME STAMP.

Alright . . . now that you are interested, we have some bad news.  The following states are already full . . . sniff . . . sniff . . . AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NE, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, SC, TX, VA, and WA. We have some fast friends out there :(  Again . . . I have opened up a bonus group (3 total).  However, the above info reflects ALL of the exchanges.   

Cheryl has a wonderful State Notebook freebie if you are interested.  It's for little learners and it's supa-cool!  Check it out HERE.

After all that, are you still interested in trying to get in on this deal??

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT OUR FORM - WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YA.

QUESTIONS?  Email me . . . kelleydolling@gmail.com

**NOTE . . . we had a few requests to include Canada in this fun program.  Unfortunately, this is a US exchange only this year.  However, Primary Teaching Resources is hosing a Canada Exchange.  Click here to learn more. 

OH MY . . . look at the time!!??!!  GULP!!  I best get to lesson planning.  I planted my flower beds today and left my plan book with a few too many holes.  I'd better start plugging away STAT!  Have a wonderful week my friends - it's just like riding a bike, right??!!  Hehehehehe . . . HUGS!!!

Detail: IT'S TIME FOR THE ANNUAL POSTCARD EXCHANGE - SIGN UP NOW

0 PICTURE PERFECT FREEBIE

It's picture perfect outside my window today, so it seems only natural that I offer up my Picture Perfect Sentences as a FREEBIE!  This fun sentence writing activity helps your kids practice writing detailed statements, questions, and exclamations!  I have done this activity for the past couple of years and they always love it.  The one thing I have learned is to put a time limit on how long they take to find their magazine photo!  The directions are outlined below.

CLICK HERE to print the directions!

CLICK HERE for the FREE worksheet!
Graphics by the amazing Erin Bradley Designs and Goodness & Fun.
Fonts from the awesome Fonts for Peas :)

Here's a fun example.  She found the best magazine picture.
I LOVE this kiddo . . . she's a 4th grader now.

Here's the bulletin board I made three years ago :)

On another note . . . I sure am feeling the love today!  A huge thank you to the following bloggers!  Thank you so much for taking the time to give a NEWBIE a serious shout out!  If you haven't seen these blogs yet . . . be sure to check them out :)

The 3 AM Teacher

2nd Grade Pad

Detail: PICTURE PERFECT FREEBIE

0 END OF YEAR POSTCARDS + HOME SCHOOL SCIENCE

I was trying to think ahead a little bit (now that's a scary thought), and I remembered how much fun my kids had with a mail/letter writing thing we did earlier this year.  With this in mind, I thought to myself, why not run with this on vacation-themed level . . . postcard-style??!!

Not only will this go with all the travel activities from my Summer Vacation Packet that I plan on running those last two weeks of school, but I know that my kids will absolutely eat it up.  

Back

Front

CLICK HERE to download your FREEBIE!
I heart you Scrappin' Doodles
License # TPT52127

Here's my plan.  The kids will design and write postcards back and forth for about a week.  I am going to kick off this activity as a center rotation.  The details are outlined below.

1. Copy multiple templates and cut apart.
2. Have your kids draw a numbered popsicle stick to determined which classmate they are writing to - it's non-negotiable!  If you don't run numbers or have "sticks,"  place your students names in a bin and have the draw this way.
3. Students will then address their postcard (I plan on putting the school's address on the board for them to copy) and write their letter.  I am going to make it more a compliment thing (i.e. what I'll miss about you), but do what floats your boat!
4. As students finish up the writing, have them flip it over and design the front of their card.  I will be breaking out my doodle and directed draw books as well as my colored pencils and sharp crayons.  
5. When finished students will place their postcards in our mailbox and put the "flag" up (I have a cool real one in my classroom that I will break back out . . . it just adds that extra sizzle).  If you don't have a mailbox, just designate a fancy box or bin as your holder!
6. At the end of the day the VIP will serve as mailman and pass out the postcards.  Anyone who wants to share can do so :)

I may keep this activity as a center or I may move it to more of an "I'm Done" activity.  It will depend on my kiddo's end of year attention span (if you know what I mean).  

**NOTE - if you run this as an "I'm Done" activity, make sure you have a system to ensure everyone will get an equal amount of cards by the time the week ends (i.e. they may not get one every day, but if they didn't get one today . . . they will get one tomorrow).  

If you like the flavor of this activity and are runnin' with a summer theme during your last few weeks.  You may want to check out my Summer Vacation End Of the Year Packet on TPT.

Also, I just have to ask . . . did you all see the awesome eclipse yesterday?  It was like home school science in my front yard yesterday evening.  My hubs was so excited - he loves this kind of stuff.  The circles that it created on our house were so dreamy.  I am glad I was able to catch it :)  

On a related note, I wanted to remind you all about an awesome giveaway happening over at Mrs. Stanford's Class.  It's a great one and you just don't want to miss out.  Click on the button below to magically connect to Jessica's contest ;)

Well, I need to scoot.  I gotta finish up my Open House movie.  I have been picking songs, croppin' photos, and adding the last minute touches all day.  Oh yeah . . . and I've been shedding lots of happy tears along the way.  I just love my babies and when you start gettin' my favorite songs involved it's sob city for this emo gal ;).  See you tomorrow friends.

Detail: END OF YEAR POSTCARDS + HOME SCHOOL SCIENCE

0 THE TRUTH ABOUT - END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY

Hello friends!  I am in such good spirits today.  Open House was a huge success and it was so great to see all of my babies.  They really worked as hard as hard can be for my long-term subby-sub and the room looked absolutely fantastic.  I meant to get photos, but once the kiddos came in I was oh-so distracted :). Boy, have I missed the hugs (you can only ask for your hubs for so many . . . and I am used to at least 100 per day).  One little boy even cried when he had to leave.  Then Miss Water-Works herself (yes, me) started tearing up too. They are just such great kids.  I am still prayin' that I'll make it back for all or at least part of that last week.  

I posted an end of the year bulletin board idea yesterday and wanted to make a little writing piece to go with it.  My kids LOVE to give advice and I thought this would be a fun way to welcome the crew who takes their place next year.  This activity is called, "The Truth About ______ Grade."  It's a quick writing activity that will fill a center rotation for us next week.  I plan on saving these puppies and having them out on desks during our annual day Meet The Teacher Night.  

Here's what I came up with.  I am showing the one I will be using, but the FREEBIE download includes versions for Kinder, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades!  

CLICK HERE to download your end of the year freebie!
A HUGE thank you to Fonts for Peas and KPM Doodles for the graphic support.

I gotta run again.  I am on my way to sneak into a grade level meeting.  

Shhhhh!!  Don't tell my super.  I am not supposed to be on campus!  Some "legal smegal" garbage :).  But, the principal is handing out grade level assignments today and I am brakin' all the rules!  Please. Please. PLEASE . . . let it be first grade!

Detail: THE TRUTH ABOUT - END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITY

0 MINI BOOK TEMPLATE - FREE CENTER!

Word peeps . . . my Earth Day unit still in the works, but here's a little something to tide you over.  Last year when I taught Kinder I ran mini-books as one of my constant reading center rotations (from about mid-March on).  This was a spin off of an idea from one of my very dear friends, Carol.  She was the bomb-diggity at good old Evergreen.  

On Mondays my kids were given an overall mini book topic and a basic cloze sentence to copy and finish.  They usually completed about 1.5 pages per day and finished up their books by the end of Friday rotations.

When I first started this activity I ran with topics such as My Brag Book that offered up the cloze, "I can __________."  By the time we rounded the final bend into late May and early June, the kids were given tougher topics like My Verb Book with the cloze "I know __________ is a verb."  The kids always looked forward to this station . . . they took such pride in being an author :). 

I have offered up a downloadable cover and book pages for you.  One is easier (perfect for Kinder) and the other is a bit lengthier (a fun writing activity for 1st graders . . . gonna let my kids run without a cloze this year).  You can find detailed directions and the templates below.   

1. Copy a class set of the cover pages and cut to size.  
2. Copy a class set of the book page template (back to back) and fold down the center.  Be sure you show them which page to start on . . . remind them how you open a book.  I made the mistake of overlooking this frontloading opportunity!!!
3. Write your cloze sentence on the board and host a discussion related to your chosen topic.  You may choose to just discuss a topic if you are teaching first.  
4. Writing can be done as a whole class activity or in a small group setting.  As student complete each sentence cloze (or page), they illustrate it.  
5. When all four pages are complete, attach a construction paper cover to the front of each student's book.  I was lucky enough to have a book stapler (thanks again Carol), so my construction paper wrapped around their pages like a book jacket.
6. Have your students glue a cover illustration page (see photo above) to the front of the book.  This is where the kids write the title and sign their name on the author line.  Finally, they illustrate their cover.
7. DO NOT miss out on the opportunity to host an author's chair with these.  The kids would beg me to do it . . . they never let me miss.  To save time, I had them buddy read.  They would partner up and read their stories aloud.  I usually had them trade partners two more times. (See photos/templates below!)

First Grade Template

Kinder Template

Cover 
(to glue on the front of the book)

CLICK HERE TO SNAG THE FREE TEMPLATES!

Detail: MINI BOOK TEMPLATE - FREE CENTER!

0 SKETCHIN' OUT SENTENCES - FREEBIE

Good morning gang!  How 'bout a spring-themed FREEBIE on this fantastic March morning?  I have done this as a center activity for years and I have repurposed it to fit just about every holiday.  The kids really love it. Directions for SKETCHIN' OUT SENTENCES are outlined below.  

1. Gather any spring or Easter-themed drawing books that you have hidden in your bookcase.  I have a couple Ed Emberly and other fun doodle books that contain bunnies, flowers, eggs, chicks, baskets, and other timely directed draws.  If you don't have any books like this, you can find themed images or directed draws on your computer to print out.  
2. Invite your kids to peruse the books looking for a picture they would like to draw.  Students are to sketch out this picture in the first box on their worksheet.  Remind them to include a "setting" . . . no floating rabbits pretty please!  
3. Ask your students to write a detailed sentence on the first set of lines that corresponds with the picture that they drew.
4. If they finish prior to the center's end, ask them to color their creations!

NOTE: You should be able to drag the image to your desktop and print from there.  Or, you can open the image in a new window and click print (don't forget to change your page setup to landscape).

Detail: SKETCHIN' OUT SENTENCES - FREEBIE