3/25/2012

A Winner!


Congratulations to Andrea at Cheers to School.  Her comment was randomly selected on the Random number generator and she has won the $25 Gift Card to Amazon!




It looks like Andrea might be reaching the magic 100 soon.  Her blog is fabulous, and filled with terrific ideas.  I hope you can check it out.

Thank you all so much for participating.  I appreciate every one of you!  This was a fun way to meet new bloggers and exchange even more ideas across the miles.

Have a great week at school!




Congratulations clip art by Pam's Clipart.
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3/20/2012

Reading Phones

Do you use reading phones in your classroom?  I washed my set yesterday and will bring them into school tomorrow.  I can't wait to pass them out!  Here's the fleet:


I made mine 14 years ago and they are virtually indestructible.  Every year I clean them in hot soapy water, rewrite the numbers in black sharpie, and they're good to go.  My students keep them in their desks and use them whenever they like.

If you're interested, here are the directions for making them. This is what you'll need:

  1. 3/4" PVC tubing
  2. 3/4" PVC elbows

You can find the tubing and elbows at Home Depot or Lowe's.  I was totally clueless about PVC tubing!  Just ask someone there.  You'll need two elbows for each phone.  Cut the tubing into 3 1/2" lengths, then attach an elbow to each end.


Using a permanent marker, put a number on each phone.  Each student keeps their phone in their desk, to use as needed.

If you want a larger diameter phone, just use a larger pipe (1" or larger).  The 3 1/2" tube length seems to be about the right size for primary students.

If you feel like spending money on the commercially made phones, you can find them sold as whisperphones, toobaloos, and phonics phones.

Right track reading has a very detailed article about reading phones and why research supports their usage with students.

If you haven't made a set, try it!  They are so easy to make and your students will LOVE them!



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3/18/2012

$25 Giveaway!

It's here!  Finally! 


To celebrate making it to 100+ followers, and to thank you all for taking the time to visit, read, follow and comment on my blog, I'm hosting a Giveaway.  The winner will receive a $25 gift card to Amazon!


I've had the gift card for almost a month now, but have been so busy with assessments and report cards that I was unable to give the giveaway my full attention.  Now, hooray, here it is!




There are two ways to enter: 

  • Become a follower and/or comment that you are one.  
  • Blog about the giveaway for a second comment.  

The winner will be randomly drawn next Sunday, March 25.  I will leave a comment on your blog to let you know if you've won.  If you don't have a blog, please leave your email in the comment.


I'm just thrilled to be able to treat someone in this way.  You ALL are so inspiring to me!



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3/13/2012

Kinder - 2nd Linky

Jeannie at Kindergarten Lifestyle is hosting a Kinder - 2nd Linky Party.  It's a wonderful way to connect with other primary level blogs.  Check it out!



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3/10/2012

Seuss-y Doors

We had a great time celebrating Read Across America at my school. One of the activities we could choose to do was decorate our front doors.  Here are a few pictures of doors I found around the school.












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3/08/2012

March Lion/Lamb Writing Freebies

In the month of March we keep track of the outdoor temperature each day.  The children learn to read a thermometer, and to plot the daily temperature on a line graph.  This is done during our Calendar time.


The weather in March is so changeable.  I've saved past years' line graphs and have been amazed to see the wild dips in temperature. What will 2012 bring?

We also discuss lion-like weather as compared to lambie-like weather.  This year, March 1 was a snow day!  Talk about lion-like weather!

For a writing activity, I ask the children to think of what lion-like behavior is compared to lambie-like behavior.  When do they feel like a lion?  When do they feel like a lamb?   Interesting discussions, to be sure!

Below you will find a March lion/lamb poem and our lion/lamb writing activity.  Just click on the picture to download.





Enjoy the month!

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3/06/2012

Currently March

Oh boy!  It's March currently time.  I find that this monthly check in really does me a lot of good.  I can kind of get the pulse on my life in a way.  Fun!


Check into Farley's Currently Linky Party to see more.


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3/04/2012

Isn't it Lovely?

I found a wonderful surprise a few days ago as I was reading comments on my blog.  Barbara at Grade ONEderful had passed the Lovely Blog award on to me!  How sweet and thoughtful!  It's like receiving a pat on the back, a vote of support, or a high five.  Thank you, Barbara!


And now I get to pass it on to others, which is the fun part.

The rules ask this:
1.  Link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2.  Pass the award on to 15 other lovely bloggers.
3.  Follow the person who sent it to you.

I am passing the award to:

1.  1st Grade Learning Stars
2.  A Chocoholic Teacher
3.  All Things Katherine
4.  eighteen25
5.  Elementary Matters
6.  First Grade Exploration
7.  First Grade Serenade
8.  Hopping into First Grade
9.  Just Add Clipart
10. Literacy and Laughter
11. Mrs. T's First Grade Class
12. Our Camp Read-A-Lot
13. Treasures for Teaching
14. What's The Buzz in First
15. Rural Women Rock

I hope you all enjoy visiting these lovely blogs!

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