Then she will need to buy some picture books to teach the lessons...
I have an issue. It involves picture books. LOTS of pictures books. I'm pretty sure the producers of Strange Addictions have me on their radar. If there is a book...I want need it.
Already have a copy? Should probably get an extra. Not right for my grade level? Never know, might need it someday.
Now that you know my secret you can imagine how my heart began to race and beads of perspiration began to form on my forehead when I saw these books at Goodwill. I frantically searched the bottom of my purse for spare change and decided it would be no problem to change the dinner menu from salmon to peanut butter and jelly. Priorities. Protein is protein - right?
For those of you who don't know, I have a very talented hubby who draws for a living. Yup, that means when I think up an activity at 1a.m. (because that's when all the best planning is done) that requires a picture of a pink polka-dotted pig playing in a puddle...I can get one. I know, I'm spoiled ...don't be a hater.
His name is was Mr. Bubblegum, but it seems he's having some sort of an identity crisis. You know those artsy types, they are always reinventing themselves. I am a little sad that he will no longer be Mr. Bubblegum. It goes so well with The Bubblegum Tree don't ya think?
At least he didn't come home with a motorcycle... or a new sports car... No, he's still driving the old Honda but he has a new name - Hoot & Crow. I know cute right?
Misty over at Think, Wonder, & Teach is having a giveaway with Hoot & Crow (formally known as Mr. Bubblegum). Check it out.
Speaking of giveaways, you have one more week to enter mine. Next weekend we will be selecting the lucky winners. Check out the goodies here.
And now it's time to par-tay! Jeannie over at Kindergarten Lifestyle is having a linky party and she's invited all the kinder-2nd grade bloggers! Hop on over and check it out.
I know some of you have already had Spring Break (lucky) but I'm counting down the days over here! We all have a bad case of spring fever. In honor of spring, here's a little buggy word work for you. There is a sorting sheet and cards for each vowel. The kids draw cards and add a dot to the ladybug that has the same sound as their word. It can also be played as a game. Have partners choose a bug and take turns drawing cards. If the word matches their bug they can put a dot on and see who had the most dots to win. You can use lots of things for the dots. I like to use flat glass beads and I always keep a tub of them on hand for markers. Gotta love the Dollar Tree! Of course if it's a really buggy day I will break out the chocolate chips (that I might or might not take a handful of). Sometimes you just need some chocolate. Can I get an amen? Click the pic to download the whole set. Happy Spring!
I am soooo doing the happy dance right now. I'm happy it's Friday!
I'm happy to be a guest over at Teaching in High Heels! Hop on over for some writing magic!
I'm happy to reach 100 followers!
We're talkin' next level happy dance. You know what I'm talking about. The better-close-the-blinds-so-you-don't-embarass-yourself kind of dancing. But that's the great thing about blogland. You can't see me so...I can do some next level happy dancing, in my pajamas, while holding a hairbrush and lip syncing and you'll still be my friends (not that I would ever go that far). I love blogland!
I have reached 100 followers and I'm super excited! To celebrate Mr. Bubblegum and I are having a giveaway! You know I have to bribe him with cookies to get him to draw things for me. Well...this time I made a double batch. I did it for you my fabulous followers. All 101 of you!
Mr. Bubblegum agreed (after wiping cookie crumbs from his mouth) to create 3 custom images for one lucky winner. That means you pick it...and he draws it!
Another lucky winner will get to pick two sets of clipart from Mr. Bubblegum's Teacher's Notebook store. (UPDATE: Mr. Bubblegum has changed his name to Hoot & Crow. You can read about it here. Still the same great clipart at the same place just follow the link!)
Lastly, I'm sure you're wondering what I'm going to do (besides make cookies). Well...I don't have a store, and I can't draw, but I can get a little crafty. I'm going to pull out the glue gun and whip up a class set of Editing Eds.
To enter, leave a comment for each entry you make and be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you!
Here's how you enter:
1. Follow The Bubblegum Tree
2. Add The Bubblegum Tree to your blogroll
3. Follow Mr. Bubblegum (Now Hoot & Crow) on Teacher's Notebook 4. Make The Hoot & Crow shop a favorite
5. Blog about this giveaway 6. Leave a comment telling me what makes you do the happy dance
Yesterday I shared some tater activities we use to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in our class. After we finish up our potato investigations we get ready to walk the runway! For homework, my kids have to create a potato person using various craft supplies, food, or found objects from around their house. When they bring their snazzed up spuds to school we have a Potato Pageant. To enter, each potato contestant must fill out a Tater Trait sheet that will help the audience get to know their special spud. Click the pic to download a tater traits freebie!
As they walk down the runway I MC the event by reading the traits using my best Ryan Seacrest voice. Each contestant goes home with a ribbon denoting their stand out quality (prettiest eyes, best dressed, most heroic, etc). I'm always amazed to see what the kids can come up with! I love how they can turn this...
Into this!
Is that the cutest little tater tot you've ever seen or what?
St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and of course we'll be lovin' all things green that day but to add a little twist (think curly fry) to the festivities here are some tater activities for your little tots. I know...the puns are bad. I have issues. I can't help myself.
Here are some of my favorite potato picks!
I love reading the Irish Folktale Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato to my class. This tale about a lazy man and his potato problem is one the kids always love. It is a great text for discussing character/problem/solution and covering these CCS:
RL.2.1. Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
RL.2.2. Recount stories, including fables and folktales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral.
RL.2.3. Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
RL.3.2. Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.
RL.3.3. Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
Kathy over at First Grade a la carte make an adorable game to go along with the book! Head on over there to download this great freebie!
The non-fiction book From Eye to Potato is great for covering non-fiction text features! We use it as a springboard into our potato investigations. We measure, weigh, describe, and EAT potatoes! Click the picture below to download a copy of our Meet My SPUD-tacular Tater booklet that we complete during our investigation. This is just the beginning of the potato palooza...check in tomorrow to see some lovely potatoes ready to walk the runway at the Potato Pageant.
To make your book copy the cover on brown paper. Copy pages 4 & 5 and 3 & 6 double sided. Copy pages 2 & 7 and 1 double sided. Then you should be able to fold these pages together and tuck them right into the cover. The last page of this document gives you some graphics to use for your class potato tasting graph! I think your kids will love this a-peeling potato activity!
