Dollar Day Sunday!

Sadly it is the LAST day for...

The rafflecopters for the 4 $50 Gift Certificates are in FULL SWING!  Have you entered yet?!!
Make sure you do because they end at 11:59pm EST tonight!
Winners will be announced Monday morning- and gift certificates will be sent- just in time for TpT's Site Wide Sale that runs Monday and Tuesday August 4th & 5th!

Wouldn't it be nice to have...

You can find the entry rafflecopters here or at the bottom of this post!

And today's daily deal is

Simply type dollarsunday into the TPT Search engine (or click the hyperlink to take you there directly) and you will find a HUGE listing of $1 items! 

Each participant is slashing the price of 3 (YES!! THREE!!) of their items to just $1 all day long!

There is sure to be something for EVERYONE!!!

So what 3 'steals' and 'deals' will you find from me...

The first one up is...

My BRAND NEW set of 10 Community Helper Interactive Puppets!

 Aren't they cute?!

and they are super easy to make and modify and differentiate for all types of learners and grade levels!

The set is normally priced at $3- but for today only you get it for $1 or 10 cents a puppet!

Next one up is:

 

My Back to School Lapbook Set!

Here are some pictures of my sample book: 

it normally sells for $3- but only $1 for Sunday only!

PreK-2nd templates included, although probably best as an independent activity for 1st and 2nd!

Last on the list of $1 deals from me is:

My newest 'Color by CVC Word' addition to my store- Back to School version!

This is a 'phonics approach' to 'color-by-number!'

Students use the picture key to determine what color each section needs to be made.  They read the CVC word and match it to the picture key on the bottom of the page.  It's a fun way to practice decoding CVC words!

Here are 3 of the 6 pages from the pack:

They make great morning work/do now activities!  They can also be center extension activities, homework, placed in an early finishers basket and used in small group instruction!

This set is normally $2, but will be just $1 all day on Sunday!

Be sure to check out my other 'Color By CVC Word' sets in my TPT store!

Ready to snag all the great $1 steals & deals??

Head here now!

If you are planning on reading The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn this 'back to school'...

I have this adorable little craftivity in my store for $1 too!!!  

It's not a 'special 1 day deal'- come by anytime to pick it up!

Don't Forget....

to enter to win an iPad Mini be sure to visit this post!  

In addition you will find a freebie for Back to School using QR Codes in your kindergarten/first grade classroom that will only be free for the remainder of  the weekend!

The big site-wide 'back to school' sale on TPT is scheduled for Monday 8/4 & Tues 8/5

All of my products will be 20% off from Sunday-Wednesday!

Use the code BTS14 on 8/4 & 8/5 and get an additional 10% off!

Wouldn't you love to have $50 to spend those days??

Well...

Here is your LAST chance to enter the rafflecopters for the 4 $50 TpT Gift Certificates!

Entry window closes at 11:59pm EST 8/3.  Winners will be announced, and emailed their gift certificates, on Monday August 4th.  Good luck to everyone!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don't forget to visit all the participating stores:

An InLinkz Link-up

Enjoy your last day of our promotion and all the $1 deals!!!

Until next post,

Monday Markdown- 7/28, Back To School Lapbook & Hero Heart Fundraiser!

It's the LAST Monday in July- how is that possible?

But it is also time for...

I asked...and it appears you are all itching to grab my Sight Word Reader Bundles at 1/2 price...

SO...

YOU GOT IT!

I have 2 bundles- part 1 and part 2- so I will put BOTH of them on sale for this week!

This is my first set that has 29 books covering 30 words (he/she are combined in one book).

It is normally $20 (which is a discount than if you bought each pack of 5 individually) but will be only $10 this week!

This is my 2nd set that has 34 books covering 36 more words (yes/no and do/want are combined in the books)!  It is normally $25 (reduced from if you bought each pack of 5 separately) and will be only $12.50 this week!

Purchase both for $22.50- which is less than the regular price of Bundle 2 alone!!!

Not sure if they are for you?  

Try out my FREE SAMPLE!

In this sampler you will receive 2 full books- 'A' and 'Little'!  It has had over 27,000 downloads already!

So how do I use these books in my classroom?

On Monday of each week we build sentences in a pocketchart using the new word(s) and picture cards like this:

On Tuesday we review our sentences from Monday and then go onto our practice sheet.  This allows us to 'practice' using and writing the word(s) of the week:

On Wednesday we are ready to read!  We complete these books by filling in the 'missing word' (aka word of the week) and then reading our books:

The kids use their 'reading finger'- aka a plastic finger 'puppet' I purchased from Oriental Trading!

There are so many different kinds to choose from (click link above) that make reading more fun and interesting!!

In the beginning of the year, before we start making and reading our books, I have each child bring in an adult size shoe box (the kiddie size are too small!) that we decorate as their 'reading treasure chest!'

It has labels that say '_____'s Reading Treasure Chest', 'I love to read,' 'I am a reading star.' etc- I will try to remember to take a picture of them this year!!

They decorate it in school and after reading our first book, we place the book in our box and bring it home.  I tell them to keep it in a very safe spot!

Before copying my books, I write a note on the cover that says 'Time to Add This Book To My Reading Treasure Chest!' so that parents know it is a book to add to their boxes when they come home- although most of the kids are so excited they can read it they are eager to do it on their own without reminding!

As an added bonus, I ordered custom stamps a few years ago that say:

'I Can Read My Book!'

and 

'I Can Read My Book (with help)!'

I walk around while the kids are coloring their books and have each kid read to me.  I stamp it with one of the two stamps above and add a festive smelly sticker!  That way the parents know how their child did when it comes home and if additional practice and reinforcement is needed!

They put the books in their reading baskets for re-reading the remainder of the week.

On Thursday of the week we play 'Popcorn Words' on my EnoBoard:

They LOVE doing this...and its a great way to practice reading and finding sight words!

We do this with CVC words too!

On Friday we play 'Musical Words'!  I put the words we have learned on large size index cards.  The kids sit in a circle and I hand out 1 word.  I put music on and they pass the word around until the music stops.  Whoever has the word when the music stops must read it.  If they can't they pass it to the next person (as I note who had trouble with the word) and once it is read we throw it in the middle.  We continue until we have practice our pile (or set number) of words.  Later on in the year I also have them use the word in a sentence!

I use fun upbeat music and throw in some seasonal goodies when appropriate!

They read their sight word book one last time and I send them home!

In my experience this 'over exposure' and use of the words has worked WONDERS and nearly all my kinders leave the year reading and writing our list of required sight words with no problems!

Feel free to try any of the ideas!!

If you are looking for more Monday Markdown deals and steals, but sure to check out the linky on Kelly and Kim's Kindergarten Kreations blog!

I am highlighting this one I found:

Brenda Tejeda, of Tejeda's Tots, has marked down her September/Back To School Read-Alouds Pack to only $4!

Click to see all the info about what she includes for each of these stories:

David Goes To School

How Will I Get To School This Year?

If You Take A Mouse To School

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books

The Rainbow Fish

Chrysanthemum

The Kissing Hand

Hooway For Wodney Wat

The Gingerbread Man Loose In School

And if you are looking for another great deal for back to school to add to your cart...

I just uploaded this and it's 50% off for the first 2 days!

Only 1.50 and includes templates for Preschool-2nd Grade!

An editable BONUS photo prop is included too for taking fun first day of school photos!

One last thing to consider...

I am honored to be a part of 

And her fundraiser for her sweet soon-to-be-born baby girl:

She has 3 fundraising bundles that will run until August 10th.

There are 2 for kindergarten and one for grades 1/2.

You can find my Sight Word Sentence building pack (that I highlighted earlier in this post) as part of this bundle:

This pack is valued at $72 and is only $12!

The sight word sentence building pack I donated is $18- so you can get that, along with 11 other packs for less than the cost of my pack alone!

Please consider opening your wallet to help this family, and your heart open toward well wishes, thoughts and prayers.

Hoping you have a fabulous week!

I have some REALLY GREAT things I am involved in for you this week!

Stay tuned for posts and updates...you do not want to miss out on what's to come!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Until next post,

Getting Ready for the Last 10 Days of Kindergarten!

Cue the music...

It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!  

Da-na-na-nah....Da-na-na-na-nah...Da-na-na-nah....

We're almost down to 10 Days left of kindergarten!

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone (even with all the 'extra' days thanks to the snow)!

I have an INCREDIBLE group of amazing kindergarteners this year that have worked so hard!  So many of my students not only mastered the kindergarten curriculum (and beyond!), but also learned how to speak, understand, write and read English!

I wanted to reward them with a fun and spirited send-off!

One idea spiraled off another that led to all of what I am about to post about!

First I was going to make a banner- how perfect that 'First Grade' has 10 letters in it- we could take 1 letter off each day until the last day of school!
But then I was thinking....it is kind of like 'first grade' is disappearing, yet that is where they are headed!  So I thought...
What if I hang a balloon off each letter of the banner and we could 'pop' one each day!

(**NOTE: All of my kinders are heading to first grade this year.  Had they not, I would have done 'Summer Time' instead- still had 10 letters for the last 10 days countdown!**)

BUT...what if those balloons were filled with fun things to do...like sing our favorite songs, sit wherever we want for the day (they have been BEGGING for that all year), have a 'Frozen' vs 'Lego Movie' sing-a-thon, etc!

So I typed up 10 fun slips to 'slip' inside each balloon before I blew them up!

I sort of strategically placed them on the days I thought they would work best (our last 3 days are 1/2 days, we have field day in there, and our end of year ice cream party!) but shhhh.... don't tell my secret!  As far as they know I am equally as surprised as they are each time one pops!

If you'd like a copy of the 'First Grade' banner, I uploaded it to Google Drive and you can download it for free here!  The graphics are from Ashley Hughes, Educlips, Creative Clips and Hello Fonts!  If you are a first grade teacher, this would be super cute in your room at back-to-school time and/or throughout the year, as well!

In addition, I have planned 'Spirit Days' for the last 10 Days!

Starting on Monday June 16th, and ending on our last day, Friday June 27th:

Day 10: Silly Sock Day (wear silly or mismatched socks)

Day 9: Bubble Day (bring a container of bubbles)

Day 8: Field Day (if it rains, Silly Hat Day)

Day 7: Favorite Color Day

Day 6: Silly Hat Day (or Field Day make-up day)

Day 5: Dress Up Day (dress up however you'd like- fancy, in costume, etc!)

Day 4: Camping Day (bring a flashlight)

Day 3: Game Day (bring a game- no electronics)

Day 2: Ice Cream Day

Day 1 (AKA LAST DAY): Water Balloon Day (bring a towel)

During those spirit days we will also be working on our End Of The Year Lapbook to capture all the fun memories and things we learned while in kindergarten!

I know for many the school year is already a distant memory and you are probably reading this with a relaxing cup of coffee and maybe some sand between your toes!

I would by lying if I didn't say I was a tad bit jealous...but I will think of all of you laboring away in your classrooms of new kiddos as I have fun in the sun and sand in my shoes through September! ;)

Be sure to stop by throughout the summer!  I'll be catching up on posts I didn't have time to do and am part of a few blog hops that will bring along freebies, raffles, giveaways and more!

Happy Summer!

Until next post,

Mother's Day Lapbook, 'Diamond' Necklace and Tea!

One of my favorite classroom events is our Mother's Day Tea!

We transform our room into a pink and purple paradise to spoil and honor our moms!

Today was our tea and I think every mom and grandma that came had a splendid time!

The scene is all set for a wonderful tea party!

Each mom/grandma had a 'reserved seat' full of all their child's homemade treasures!

To make our reserved signs, I simply put a slit in a 1/2 sheet of cardstock that I had folded in half. I ran off a 'Reserve For ____'s Mom' paper (1/2 sheet) that had the words on both sides and had the kids write their names on both sides.  I inserted the paper into the slit and had a picture of them leaning against the 'tent!'

Each child decorated a program for mom!

It detailed our order of events and song list!

The back of the program had this poem with a tea bag and the back of their lapbooks had their flowerpot hand print and poem!

Their 'diamond' necklaces were ready to be presented to mom!!

So each mom will walk away with a lapbook about them, 'diamond' necklace and special program!

Our Enoboard got a 'face lift' for our slide show too!

 I had inserted each of their pictures into a slide and had them tell me why they love mom!  The show ran continuously in the background with music I had downloaded that was perfect for mom!  We had 'You Are My Sunshine,' 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' 'A Mother's Song,' 'In My Daughter's Eyes,' 'My Wish,' 'I Hope You Dance' and 'Safe and Sound' playing in a continuous loop, as well!

We had a TON of goodies that the kids served to mom!  They had to take mom's request and come get them their treats/tea!  No mommies were to do any work today!

The back drop for our presentation was our 'Whose Mom Am I?' portraits!

The children drew a detailed portrait of mom (we discussed what a 'portrait' was [head only]) and they wrote some clues about Mom!

Under each flap was the 'answer' as to whose mom it was!

The moms really enjoyed finding their glorious portraits- and once they found it, they got to take it down to take home!

This was a real easy and quick project- and one moms are sure to cherish for quite some time!

You can find the frames, writing prompts and answer reveal in this pack:

During the show we recited the poem 'We Love You More Than Applesauce!'

I had each of the children choose a food from the poem and they held it up during the show!  On the backs was a picture of mom, so that when we got to the line 'BUT we love our Moms the MOST!' they each held up their picture of Mom!  Oh how I wish I had a picture of it because it was SO cute!

But here are some pictures of our props!

 I LOVE these Mom pictures!!!!

So how did we go about making all these treasures we presented to Mom?

We started with our necklaces!

You can find all the directions and 'recipe' in this FREE download on TPT!

In the past I have used the salt/flour dough recipe that I included in the file, but this year I was pressed for time so used Crayola's Model Magic!  It dries in 3 days...and they were 10,000x easier I think it will be my new method!  I also happened to get the HUGE bucket for 50% off during a craft sale at Michaels, so I have enough left for next year too!

First rip off a piece

And have students roll it into a ball 

Then have the students push a dime into the center 

I used a pen to make the 2 holes for the string.  I choose to do 2 holes so that the necklace can lay flat when Mom wears it! 

I threaded ribbon through the holes while the model magic was still wet and it worked out beautifully!

I laid them out on wax paper to dry (the kids names were written on the wax paper too so I knew whose necklace belonged to who!).  The next morning I flipped them over so that the bottom could dry.  Within 3 days they were ready to be painted! 

The kids used regular school (tempera) paint them

I let them paint in whatever style they wanted!  Some chose a solid color, others rainbow and I had one polka dot creation!

And then when they were all dry I used this Model Magic Glaze to seal them (I only used it on the front because the warnings say it can stain clothing if it rubs on it, so I didn't want to get any moms mad if the necklace stained their shirt!) 

And the results were STUNNING!!!

This one got a 'crackle' effect when the glaze dried!

 The shine on them was incredible!

Our lapbooks were a HUGE hit!

This was my first shot at lapbooking...and now I am addicted!  I already have  Father's Day and End of Year packs set to go!

You need a file folder for each kid- or use a 12x18 piece of construction paper that you fold in the same manner!

Fold each side into the middle.  Then glue a piece of cardstock in the middle to make the book sturdy!

Add the elements included

 Color the decorative elements

And write about mom!

Glue the writing into the center/on the cardstock

And the decorative elements on the front 

I chose to include a ribbon so that I could tie it closed!

They wrote under the flaps

And our lapbook was all done!

On the back we made a handprint flower pot!

The flower were made with their thumbs (yellow) and fingerprints (colors)

To make the pots I used a sponge dipped in brown paper to make long rectangles.  They I cut them down and cut off the sides to make it look more like a pot! 

They came out too cute for words!

I know these books are going to be tucked away and saved in a special spot...and I would love to be a fly on the wall as they are pulled out in years to come for my little kinders to see what they wrote when they were little love bugs!

Everyone had a great time- and I surely heard some sniffles!

The children did a fabulous job and each mom/grandma left with a HUGE smile on her face and in her heart!

Seeing the kids present their necklaces to mom was beyond precious and I was so excited that each child in my class had someone come to be with them today!

Tomorrow I get to be on the other side as I am headed to my boys Mother's Day Ice Cream Social!  I can't wait to grab some special hugs and kisses!

Did you do any special projects for Mother's Day or possible try out the 'diamond' necklaces or lapbook?  I would LOVE to hear how they came out!!!

Wishing everyone a great Mother's Day!

Until next post,