Fun Five & Our New Baby Boy

Before the holidays, I started something new with my class. I must admit that I needed a few minutes to get some daily morning items completed... so this has worked perfectly! After a brief explanation of the activity and playing a couple of rounds of the game, students find their partner (they have the same partner every day) and  off they go.  They know that they don't have time to mess around, because I immediately start my timer for 5 minutes.  Most of the time they BEG me to let them play longer...and sometimes I fold  (when I'm not quite finished with my stuff).  We are working on equality and this is one of the games that they played last week.  Here is the sheet that they used on Friday.

Samson is the newest addition to our family.  I had forgotten what it was like to have a puppy in the house.  Oh My Goodness!!!  He is growing so fast.  He hasn't quite figured out the whole potty thing yet.  

I couldn't resist adding this picture.  It took a few days for Shadow to warm up to little Samson... but now she has become quite the little mother.

Must Have Picture Books Linky Party

I absolutely love picture books!  I switched rooms with my bestest teaching buddy at the end of the year, and I was shocked how many books are in my library that are mine!!!!   Wow!!!  I'm not even going to tell my husband about that!  While I was unpacking them, I found myself reading them.  No wonder it took so long to unpack my room!  

The Teacher Wife is having a Picture Book Linky Party. I almost decided not to link up because I know what it will happen. I need to be strong! I cannot afford anymore books! Seriously!

I want you to know that it was extremely tough for me to only pick a few books!!! After several hours of picking and changing my mind... here are ONLY 5 of my favorite books:

Underwear is one of my favorite picture books. I look forward to reading it at the beginning of each school year. It is a fun read-aloud which the students love! After reading the book, the students become very creative as they dress their zebra in their choice of underwear. It's amazing what items they come up with to decorate their zebra's underwear. If you would like a copy of the pattern we use click here.

I didn't discover Round Trip until I was in college.  It quickly became one of my favorite picture books.   The entire book is in black and white.  When you reach what you think is the end of the book, you flip it over and continue reading the story.   Each time I read this book, the students are amazed when I turn the book over and continue reading.  I love watching their faces!!  This book disappears quickly off the shelf and the children love looking at the pictures.

Silver Packages is definitely a book that you will want as a part of your library.  I cry every time I read this book!  It is a Christmas story, but not the typical story that is often read.  It is a story about giving back and appreciating what we have.  

Charlie the Ranch Dog is an adorable book that my students LOVE!  He lives on a ranch, with Susie (his terrier friend). Ranch life is hard work and Charlie makes sure that Susie does her job right!!     My students think this book is hilarious! When I read this to my students, it just seems natural to read it like a cowboy would. 

Last, but definitely still one of my favorites is Pete the Cat. After listening to a video on YouTube, this book quickly became a favorite of mine. I had it pretty bad, my husband thought I had lost it. The words were in my head and they wouldn't leave!!! I quickly ordered the book and shared with my first grade students. They quickly fell in love with Pete too.     Will I ever stop reading this book to my students? "Goodness No!"

Now it's your turn.   What are your favorite picture books?   Click on the button below to link up!!  

 

I Have... Who Has... Freebie & Enjoying Summer!

Summer is flying by so quickly!!!  I can't believe how much time I've spent reading!!  Speaking of time, I decided I would take a few minutes out of my precious reading time and make a game that my students love to play. I have... Who has... It's yours for the taking, but I must admit  I'm not totally happy with it yet.  Any suggestions on how to make it better?  Suggestions are welcome... but I must warn you I cry easily!  

Dr. You Know WHO - ABC Order Freebie

If you haven't already discovered  The 3AM Teacher's blog you need to do so... IMMEDIATELY.  She has quickly found a place in my heart.  I absolutely fell in love with her Dr. Seuss stuff!!!  Love Love Love it!!!!   For the last couple of hours I've have been playing... and then playing some more.   Wondering what to make...what to make... hmmmm

Since my firsties are continuing to struggle with ABC order, this is a couple of pages of what I ended up with.

Mrs. Bainbridge is hosting a Seuss linky party. If you looking for some cute Seuss ideas, click on the picture below which is will take you to a list of bloggers and links to their awesome creations. She is also hosting a giveaway for some Seuss stuff, so head on over there to join the fun.

Elf Homophone Concentration Freebie

I think I have probably broken the rules of blogging today.  But what's a girl to do when they are having soooo much fun!  I have graphics that I thought I heard screaming at me!!! Please pick me!  No, pick me... so... after much discussion with my graphics I chose some adorable elves.  Well, I must be totally honest, I chose them because they are so cute and well... because I am going to be doing lots of elf stuff next week.  We have been studying homophones just a tiny bit.  We definitely need a lot more practice.  So I created a concentration game.  Click on the picture to head on over to my TPT store.  If you download...  I would appreciate your suggestions or other comments. 

Have a great evening!  I'm ready to watch some football!  Let's go Pokes!!!!!!

Thanksgiving Contraction Freebie

My little firsties have been working hard on contractions for the past week weeks.  Some are still struggling a bit, so I created this to give them more practice.   I hope that someone else can use it!

 

"Orange" You Glad You Can Read Day

I'm so excited about tomorrow!!!!!  In our 1st grade classroom, we are going to celebrate all day long thanks to First Grade a la Carte sharing such a cute idea - "Orange" You Glad You Can Read Day.  I just couldn't pass up such a cute idea.  I shared the idea with the kids and they got soooo excited I thought I might have to cancel it.  They were so cute! 

I have a fun-filled day planned for them with all sorts of goodies.  And of course... everything has some connection to the color ORANGE!!!  

I created a few pages that we will also be doing. You are welcome to borrow them.

Happy Halloween!!

Thanksgiving Word Search

     I don't know about you guys but this school year is just zooming by.  Oh my goodness!  I can't believe that we are already into our 2nd nine weeks.  Conferences were last week and now with all that paperwork completed and filed, (thank goodness) I am ready to go forward with gusto!  We have so much to cover and so little time!!!
     Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  I made up this sheet for those last days when we might have just a few minutes to spare.  Like that is ever going to happen!  But, I will be ready just in case.  You are welcome to us as if you would like.