I Love Heidi Songs!

Hi Friends,
I am a huge fan of Heidi Songs.  My favorite Heidi Songs DVD is called Sounds Fun Phonics. It's perfect for first grade, but would be great for kindergarten & 2nd grade as well. 

 



As you can see on the DVD cover, it helps kids learn 25 primary sound spelling patterns and 3 basic phonics rules using songs and movement.  These are the ones that are included:







My students loved learning the songs and dance moves that go along with each of them.  If you are looking for a fun way
to add singing and movement to your phonics lessons, I highly recommend this Heidi Songs DVD.  I love it as much as the kids!

Library Tub & Reading Buddies Box

Hi Friends,
I used my Cameo for the very first time today to cut some letters out for my new library tub.  I got  the tub at Walmart for under $5.00.  I used Post-It Craft Paper which has a full-adhesive back.  It's like contact paper and comes in a variety of colors.  I believe you can find it at Staples.  Here's how it turned out.



It's very simple, but will do the job of toting and housing our library books from week to week.  (I think I need to add something to the top ring of the tub!)

I also bought a decorated plastic box from Walmart to store the Beanie Babies (Reading Buddies) my students will read to this year.  I was using larger stuffed animals, but I just don't have the space in my classroom.  Here's a picture of it.





Well, now I can check off two more things on my To-Do List:)

DIY: Learning Target Frames

DIY: Learning Target Frames
I was on Pinterest yesterday and saw ANOTHER cute idea for framing learning targets/objectives.  I've been wanting to make these frames for a while, but just haven't gotten around to it.  So, today I decided to make my own.  Here's my inspiration from Pinterest which is explained in detail on the blog My Own Twist on Things.



Here's what I used to complete this project:

5    8 1/2 x 11 black frames from the Dollar Tree

5    Color coordinated pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook paper

5    Pieces of white cardstock paper cut to desired size

Sticky letters (black letters from craft store & others from Dollar Tree)

Black fine tip marker
Adhesive squares

Here's a close up of each of the frames and then the final project.



Here's my final project!! (Not too bad for a beginner!)

My Teacher Always Says Linky

My Teacher Always Says Linky

 





My friend Tammy over at Forever in First is hosting a linky. 
If you've never read Tammy's blog, I HIGHLY recommend it.  She always writes interesting and thoughtful posts and shares lots of great ideas!!  Join this linky if you have some sayings you would like to share.

Here are some of the sayings I use over and over in my classroom.

"Stop whining and start shining."

We've all had students in our classroom that like to whine about everything we do.  As soon as the whining starts, I say in a nice teacher voice, "Stop whining and start shining."

It always seems to work!

 

"Treat others like you

would like to be treated."

I use this saying often.  I think it's important for kids to think about their actions or words in this context.  How would you feel in someone did/said this to you?

 

"You have a brain, so use it."

Some kids like to let others do their thinking for them.

(No explanation needed:)

 

"Instead of saying I can't how about

saying I'll give it a try."

I try to teach my kids to replace "I can't"

with "I'll give it a try." 

Can't Hold Us In School

Can't Hold Us In School!

Hi Friends! 

"Can't Hold Us In School" is the title of a video that the Wilson Middle School teachers & staff in my school district put together as a way to say goodbye to some staff that are leaving and to welcome summer.  I thought they did a great job!!  Enjoy!

 

What a fun staff!!!!

Flyswatters...SPLAT!

SPLAT!  SPLAT!  SPLAT!

It's that time of year again.  The flies will be making their way to your neighborhood to bug the heck out of you very soon.  If you are in need of a new flyswatter, check these out.  I found them at Walmart and picked up a couple for a sight word recognition game my students like to play. 

Here's how I use them in my classroom.  I have sight words posted on a pocket chart.  I divide the class into two teams.  One student from each team stands in front of the pocket chart with a flyswatter.  I call out a sight word.  The first student to swat the word earns a point for his/her team.  I have a small class, so kids gets several turns in a short time. There are lots of variations of this game.  If you use flyswatters in your room, I would love to hear how you use them.

Listening Center

Hi Friends!
I can't believe it is May already!  I have 15 days of school to go and year 27 will be complete!! 

Today I would like to share my Listening Center area with you and some tips on making it run smoothly.  Here's a picture of my Listening Center materials.

As you can see, I use a 3 tier metal shelf with the books & CDs on the top shelf. I usually have anywhere from 6-8 books & CDs in the tub at one time. Each book/CD is stored in a plastic baggie.  I purchased most of my books & CDs from Scholastic.

The headphones on the second shelf are WIRELESS and I can't tell you how much I LOVE the listening center now because of this.  NO MORE TANGLED WIRES!! 

The third shelf holds the CD player.  I have labeled each of the buttons on the player with numbers, so the kids know which button to push first, second, etc.  I spent a lot of time at the beginning of the year teaching EVERY student how to operate the CD player and the headphones.  It has really paid off.  I rarely have someone ask for help. 

  

My students love going to the Listening Center every day.  I love it because it's wireless!!!