Wonder Wall

Hi Friends!
Don't you just LOVE Pinterest?  I am a visual learner, so it's perfect for me:)  However, the only problem with Pinterest is that I keep finding things I want to make for my classroom.  My most recent find is this...A Wonder Wall.
Here's my inspiration: {Here}



 



Our students are so full of wonder about the world around them and as teachers we don't always have time to answer their questions. Ask your students to write their question on a post-it and put it on the Wonder Wall. Later, when you have time, you can ask a student to share what he/she is curious about.  As a class, you can try to answer the question and if no one knows the answer, you can discuss how you might find it.  Then, you can do a little research together to find the answer. 

Here's my Wonder Wall:

 



Mrs. Meacham is AWESOME!

Hi Friends!
Do you know Mrs. Jessica Meacham?  She has an AWESOME website for teachers that you just have to see.  It's called Mrs. Meacham's Classroom Snapshots.  Jessica is a first grade teacher and generously shares almost everything she creates. You can literally spend days looking at all of her wonderful ideas and materials she has created.  I hope you will take some time to visit her website.  I promise you won't be disappointed! 



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!!!!