Huge TPT Sale!!!

Have you heard that TPT is throwing a huge back to school sale?  This is just in time for many of us to head back to school!  The sale is August 18th and August 19th.  Everything in my store will be 20% off!  If you enter the code BTS13 when you checkout, TPT will take an additional 8% off your purchase.  Now is the time to stock up on all of those activities you have been admiring and wishlisting!    Spread the word to all of your teacher friends.  You won't want to miss these bargains!

Be sure to check out TPT in the next couple days.  You won't find bargains like this all in the same store every day!  Click RIGHT HERE to check out my store!  Thanks for stopping by!  School starts on Monday.  I still have so many last minute things to do!  

Sandy

Back to School Snacks {O-Fish-Ally in....}

Back to school time is such a transition for everyone--students and teachers!  I have found out that my students' tummies are still on summer vacation.  Having a snack mid-morning is a must (for me, too)!!!!

I wanted to give my students a snack that they would enjoy, and also make it cutesy and something to remember at the same time.  I found a great idea on Pinterest using Goldfish crackers or Swedish Fish.  You put some of the crackers or Swedish Fish in a baggie and attach a tag saying, "You are O-Fish-Ally a _____ Grader".  I created tags that you can tape on, staple on, or attach with string or ribbon depending on your bags.  I have also created tags for Preschoolers through 6th Graders.  I used my three inch circle punch to punch these tags out.  Since these little tags often get thrown out, I have also created a large circle certificate that you can print and send home with your students on the first day of school.  My students last year loved this snack.  I have 28 baggies of Goldfish ready to go for this year!  This idea can also be used for the end of the year instead of back to school.  Just give the kids the appropriate tag sending them off to the next grade!

Here are some pictures of the Back to School snack tags for sale in my TPT store.  Click here if you'd like to check it out!

I am sure you are all busy in your classrooms!  When does school start for you?

Sandy

Working in my room...in July???

Happy Monday everyone!  It is hard to believe that July is coming to an end and I have spent time in my classroom already.  Teachers go back on August 19th in my district and students come on the 21st.  Does that seem early or is it just me?  I am reading that several of you are already heading back to school, too.  At least I am in good company!  I feel like I had to get in to work at school since my husband and I are taking a little trip to Florida...just the two of us.  I can't believe I am leaving my sweet little men for the first time.  My oldest sweetie Chase is four and I have only been away from him for four nights....ever!  One time was when I went to see Kenny Chesney (hello) with some girlfriends and he was home with Daddy, and the other three when I had my youngest son and was in the hospital.  That brings me to Max, my twenty month old little man.  I have never been away from him over night.  I know the getaway is just what Mike and I need, but goodness I am going to miss these boys.  They are my everything!  Like you all, I am trying to squeeze in all the fun we can have together while I can.  I have so much left to do in my class, but got furniture arranged and some little things put together.  I hope you are all getting a lot done if you head back soon like me!

My baskets that hold my copies for students.  Baskets from the Dollar Tree!

Chase my four year old love.  He loves to help me at school and is becoming quite the artist!  (Love the cheesy four year old smile)!!!

Have a great night!

Sandy

Scoot

Have you ever used a scoot game in your class?  If not, you are missing out!  Scoot is a fast paced game that can be used to review skills students have previously learned!  My students loved when we played scoot games last year in class!  I can't wait to use my new games with my students in the fall!

I have created two adorable apple themed scoot games reviewing sums to 10 using graphics and papers from Ashley Hughes.  If you haven't used her products, check them out here!

Included in each game is:

An introduction to scoot!

Directions on how to play!

Scoot cards with addition facts sums to 10

A recording sheet for student answers

And an answer key!

Each set includes 30 scoot cards for student practice.  Each set has different facts.  You can purchase them individually or bundled for a little discount!  I hope you can find a use for scoot in your room!  If you'd like to see these you can find them in my TPT store right here!

Thanks for stopping by!  I am off to rescue my youngest from the top of the art desk stool!  

Sandy

Brownie Points--A Whole Class Behavior Incentive

Are you looking for a way to reward the positive behavior in your classroom?  I know that is something that I like to do in my classroom!  Last year I stumbled upon the Brownie Points reward system here and knew I needed to try it in my classroom.  My students really enjoyed it and had fun brainstorming ways to celebrate once our pan was filled!

I created the titles Brownie Points, several brownies, and bought a baking pan from the Dollar Tree.  I hot glued some ribbon on the top back of the pan to serve as a hanger.  It was really pretty easy.  I went to my classroom to snap a photo of my pan and it has gone missing.  Let's hope it shows up before school starts or I will be creating another one!

I have made nine different versions to sell in my TPT store.  Please check them out if you are interested.  In my download I have included the titles Brownie Points, two different sizes of brownies for you to choose from, a mini certificate to give to the students when they fill the pan, and a sign that you can hang near your pan!  I hope you find one style you like.  If not, I am open to suggestions on different colors or designs.

Click here to check out my TPT store now! Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks for stopping by my blog.  Maybe you'll start the year with the Brownie Points incentive program in your classroom, too!

Sandy

First Day of School Homework!

Good morning!
Do you ever give your students homework on the first day of school?  I have for many years now and they secretly love it!  The activity I send home on the first day is a get to know you activity.  I attach a page to a paper bag explaining what they are supposed to do at home that first day of school.  Then the students bring their paper bag back to school on day two and share a little bit about themselves.  I enjoy this activity because I get to know my students a little better, I can see who the outgoing students are, the shy ones, etc.  This activity is for sale in my TPT store.  Check it out!  Maybe it is something your students would enjoy!

This is in my TPT store!  I hope it is something you find useful!
Click here to link to my TPT store!

I hope you have a great Sunday!  I am excited to spend some pool time with my hubby and boys.

Sandy

Welcome to My Little Blog

Hello to anyone who happens upon my blog!  I have been blog stalking for years now and have decided to take the plunge myself.  I hope to share lots of classroom happenings with you and a bit of my life outside of school!

I am a working momma like many of you out there.  I have two sons ages four and almost 20 months old.  They are the loves of my life.  I can't even remember what life was like without those two sweet babies.    They keep me busy when I am not at work and I wouldn't have it any other way!  I am so lucky to be married to a great hubby, too.  Mike and I are about to celebrate our five year wedding anniversary.  It truly has been the best five years of my life!  We share our home with a sweet yellow lab named Mazzie.  She just turned eight this summer and is amazing with the boys.  In addition to our two boys together, Mike had three kids from a previous marriage.  So I am truly a momma to five kids! Life is good and busy!

Thanks for stopping by!  I am excited about this new blogging adventure and sure hope someone can use some of the ideas I will be posting!