tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69332738744955112282024-03-13T03:04:34.020-07:00My First LoveMy First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-76312831513833887202013-09-24T18:02:00.002-07:002013-09-24T18:03:08.663-07:00Better Late Than Never...My Classroom Pics!Hello lovelies!! I am SO sorry for being gone for so long. School started on September 9th for me, and it has been a non-stop whirlwind of activity like I have never experienced before. I seriously cannot remember a more stressful start in my 15 years of teaching. There are so many changes to get used to. I am usually one who embraces (and actually likes) change, but this is just too much.<br />
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My new schedule is KILLER. My little loves have the first specials period of the day and the last lunch/recess so we have 2 and a half hours straight of strict academic time. That is a long time for those new little loves! They are still practically babies and we have so much to throw at them. They are exhausted by lunch time. Thank goodness the afternoon is short.<br />
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Another major change is the <strike>elimination</strike> restructuring of our AIS (academic intervention services) program. We used to have 3 reading teachers and 1 and a half math teachers who pulled out our most at-risk kids for more intensive intervention. They were all reassigned to classroom and we now have 1 reading "coach" and 1 math "coach" for our building. They will be working with teachers only, not kids. They are going to be helping us figure out how in the world we are supposed to provide Tier 1 AND Tier 2 intervention WITHIN our classroom without support from other educators or paraprofessionals. Piece of cake, right?<br />
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My final major change is more personal. My biggest little love started kindergarten this year (I know, OMG!) and she is coming to MY SCHOOL! While I absolutely love the extra special time we spend together each day, it is putting a bit of a strain on my productivity. She is a great kid and always wants to help. We are finally getting into a groove together, but boy is she ready to go home when we are allowed to leave in the afternoon. Most days she is asleep before we leave the parking lot.<br />
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I am really hoping to get back on the blogging train. I know I will have lots to share this year. I know its a little late, but I still want to share some pictures of my classroom. I am really pleased with it this year, but I am a horrible photographer...LOL. One of my colleagues came in today and told me my classroom looks like a birthday party...LOVE!<br />
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This is my back to school hall display. I LOVE how it turned out. I used an adorable free owl craftivity from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Owl-Craftivity-320958" target="_blank">Amy Lemons</a>. Aren't they too cute?!?! I sort of have two themes going on in my room - owls and the pink/green/purple color combination. My classroom is definitely more of my happy place then ever before!</div>
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This is my job chart. I kept it the same as last year. It is actually the only board I didn't take down and do over. It is also the only board that doesn't match my color scheme, but I can deal with it! My little loves get a job every other week. I just move everyone over to the next spot when their group is up for jobs again.<br />
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I am in LOVE with my new Word Wall. I used this same system last year, but it was nowhere near as beautiful as this one! I used <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/LARGE-Bright-Polka-Dot-Word-Wall-Headers-Two-Size-Choices-707865" target="_blank">Erica Bohrer's Bright Polka Dot Word Wall Headers</a>. I also have her matching editable word wall cards ready to go with our Fundations Trick Words. There is a curiously strong magnetic peg at the bottom of each circle. I use binder rings to hold the words for each letter. My little loves can just take down a ring and find the word they need. I used to have a giant word wall that displayed all the words, but I needed the board space for my essential questions and key vocabulary.<br />
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This is my computer that is hooked up to the SMARTboard. Behind it is the start of my ELA/Daily 5 board. There is a lot more on it now, but I forget to take a new picture! The Daily 5 posters can be found <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Daily-5-Owl-Themed-Posters-282137" target="_blank">here</a>. I wish I could give credit for my adorable class rules, but there is nothing on the file and I can't remember where I got them. Please let me know if you know who made them. I love them!<br />
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I saw this sign at Christmas Tree Shops and HAD to have it. </div>
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I think it is absolutely perfect for the classroom!</div>
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This is a snapshot of part of my math bulletin board. I display the unit essential question and key vocabulary here. These are my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bright-Polka-Dot-Number-Signs-314282" target="_blank">Bright Polks Dot Number Signs by Erica Bohrer.</a> I love the ten frames on them! She has Owl Themed ones now, too. I might have to grab those for next year!<br />
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I found these cute owl bookends at CVS of all places. I couldn't resist! This is my large book display in the reading corner. I usually put books that I've read aloud to my little loves on these shelves so they can revisit them later. The READ letters were my first experience with Washi tape. I think they came out pretty cute!<br />
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The back (or maybe side?) wall of my classroom is all windows with cubbies underneath. There are about 36 cubbies. I have a basket full of books in EVERY. SINGLE. CUBBY. Yes folks, I have a LOT of books. I also have a bookshelf with 9 smaller baskets of chapter books. The purple baskets are my leveled books A-L. The green baskets have themes (insects, marine life, poetry and song books, favorite characters, authors, etc.) The end of the row has orange baskets with even more categories. You can also see my glorious new crate seats with the perfect owl fabric from Hobby Lobby.<br />
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I hung purple, green, and pink curtains on every other window along the wall. It makes the room so pretty and "homey" (is that a real word?). My wind chime is in this corner. I use it for transitions and as a quiet down signal.<br />
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Well, there you have it! I should've taken pictures of my tables but of course, I forgot! I don't have desks, I have rectangle tables that I group together for 4 or 6 students. Every group has a desk with a large pink or green bin to hold workbooks, writing journals, and book baggies. Each student has a pink or green little supply box for pencils, crayons, scissors, and glue sticks. I'll try to grab a picture soon!<br />
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Hope you enjoyed my classroom tour. Please leave me some love and let me know what you think!<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-1512144802448307982013-08-08T19:08:00.003-07:002013-08-08T19:10:41.111-07:00Firsts for My Kinder {Five For Friday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This has been an amazing week over at My First Love's house. My own Little Love, who recently turned 5, has been busy getting ready for Kindergarten. We are exactly one month away from the first day of school! Well, my little kinder-to-be had a week of many firsts! I'm including some of them into my Five For Friday. Lots of LOVE to <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kacey</a> for hosting this lovely little linky party! I'm using my new adorable Bright Scrappy Numbers from Graphics From the Pond. You can get your own <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bright-Scrappy-Numbers-SUPER-Pack-816177" target="_blank">{here}</a>.<br />
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We went on our first family vacation to Cape Cod. I am totally IN LOVE. It was such a awesome few days away with my loves. We stayed at a hotel right on the Nantucket Sound. My girls absolutely loved playing on the beach and swimming in the pool. We had New England Clam Chowder EVERY night with dinner. I have never known any other 5 and 2 year olds who love clam chowder, but my girls sure do! My Littlest Love had a little case of droopy drawers most of the time we were on the beach. It was so cute!<br />
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When we returned from our relaxing getaway, my lovely mother treated us girls to a day in New York City at The American Girl Store! Oh. My. Goodness. It was completely insane. Every little girl's (and big girls) dream. We had reservations at the Cafe. It was so fancy! My girls were treated like little princesses as they dined with their American Girl dolls. My lovely cousin graciously passed down her two dolls to my girls when she went away to college. My Littlest Love has a Bitty Baby and my Bigger Little Love has Samantha. Samantha is a discontinued doll, but she is so completely loved at our house. Here are some pictures from our fabulous day!<br />
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Another first this week at our house...<br />
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Santa brought my five year old a bike for Chrismas this year. Living on a mountain, we don't really have a safe place for her to learn to ride. After we returned from our fancy feast in the city, we went to Mr. First Love's parent's house. We finally had a chance to start riding that new bike! Do you see who is buckled into the seat behind her? That's Samantha in her new outfit from our shopping spree!<br />
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Our last "first" for the week...<br />
My big girl learned how to tie her shoes! I just know her kindergarten teacher is going to love this! She made up her mind one night that she wanted to learn. We practiced for a little while and then called it a night. Her daddy helped her the next night, and don't you know? She did it! She is now tying everything she can get her little fingers on. We are so proud!<br />
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My final Five For Friday is school related. I have been busy finishing the rest of my crate seats this week. Since Mr. First Love cut all the plywood for me, so I made some for his classroom, too!<br />
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I also had my first Washi Tape experience. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing...LOL! I found these cute wooded letters at KMart and found the tape at Walmart. I covered the letters, but now I think I need to do something to cover the tape! If ANYONE can tell me what I should do next, I will be your best friend! Seriously. I'm desperate. My tape is already starting to lift off:(<br />
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Well, that's a wrap! Have a wonderful week everyone! I am HOPING HOPING HOPING that the hallway floors are done being cleaned and waxed so that I can get into my classroom next week!<br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-33036442456763896642013-07-28T19:46:00.001-07:002013-07-28T20:01:07.118-07:00I've crossed over to the BTS Zone!!! {{Monday Made-It}}Let me start by thanking everyone who visited My First Love last week. It was my best week EVER:) As my Littlest Love's favorite character would say, "That makes my heart feel super happy!" As a thank you, please check out the giveaway at the end of this blog post!<br />
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Something happened to me this week. I can't exactly explain how, why, or when...but it happened. I suddenly went all BTS. I figured I better take advantage of it because with me, that BTS feeling can disappear as quickly as it shows up! <br />
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I am linking up with <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tara</a> from <a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">4th Grade Frolics</a> for her weekly Monday Made-It linky party. I love this linky because it has really motivated me to GET IT DONE! Beware - this is a LONG post because I actually made a TON of stuff for my classroom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fRm3TCp8C8/UfXVCw0huxI/AAAAAAAAAcc/MbLAbkAtIh0/s1600/3am_tara_madeitmonday_2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fRm3TCp8C8/UfXVCw0huxI/AAAAAAAAAcc/MbLAbkAtIh0/s320/3am_tara_madeitmonday_2013.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Click {here} to check it out!</a></td></tr>
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This week, my newly-turned-5 year old joined in on the action. She has become OBSESSED with my laminating machine. She practically demands that I print out more stuff for her to laminate. So...there has been a lot of downloading, printing, laminating, and cutting this week. Here are some of my favorites:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUDrX5kj1_I/UfXHFccqK1I/AAAAAAAAAa8/8arGPesNLqc/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUDrX5kj1_I/UfXHFccqK1I/AAAAAAAAAa8/8arGPesNLqc/s320/IMG_0453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aacckk! I love these! But I have no idea where I got them from! If you know who these belong to, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl Birthday Signs from <a href="http://www.acrossthehallin2nd.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Across the Hall in 2nd Grade</a><br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Owls-on-Dots-Clip-Chart-354392" target="_blank">Owls on Dots Clip Chart</a><br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Even-and-Odd-Owls-374750" target="_blank">Even and Odd Owls</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhNqR1d0FNk/UfXHJxWPuRI/AAAAAAAAAbc/hgZsnrNKxNc/s1600/IMG_0457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhNqR1d0FNk/UfXHJxWPuRI/AAAAAAAAAbc/hgZsnrNKxNc/s320/IMG_0457.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am totally IN LOVE with these!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Picture-Direction-Icons-bright-polka-dots-chevron-print-738701" target="_blank">Picture Direction Icons by Miss Kindergarten</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBHbfajKT68/UfXHJzRVmII/AAAAAAAAAbg/I9E_w_V-flA/s1600/IMG_0458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBHbfajKT68/UfXHJzRVmII/AAAAAAAAAbg/I9E_w_V-flA/s320/IMG_0458.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/LARGE-Bright-Owls-Polka-Dot-Word-Wall-Headers-Two-Size-Choices-721050" target="_blank">Large Bright Owls and Polka Dot Word Wall Headers by Erica Bohrer</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM1sz1x61Qo/UfXHKdVDuxI/AAAAAAAAAbs/527rTVR6fD8/s1600/IMG_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VM1sz1x61Qo/UfXHKdVDuxI/AAAAAAAAAbs/527rTVR6fD8/s320/IMG_0459.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bright-Polka-Dot-Number-Signs-314282" target="_blank">Bright Polka Dot Number Signs 0-20 by Erica Bohrer</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Language-Arts-Nouns-around-Town-752431" target="_blank">Nouns Around Town by Faith Wheeler</a></td></tr>
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Now onto the BIG stuff! I have been so inspired by everyone's Monday Made-Its, that I just had to jump on the whisper phone and crate seat bandwagon. Mr. First Love and I headed off to Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, and Big Lots the other day to pick up our supplies. Our garage turned into this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjiUPGgxEUo/UfXG20S0trI/AAAAAAAAAYw/xYB2Z9Z2MEE/s1600/IMG_0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjiUPGgxEUo/UfXG20S0trI/AAAAAAAAAYw/xYB2Z9Z2MEE/s320/IMG_0434.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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First up...whisper phones!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3mR3YlcRsY/UfXG8DlSTUI/AAAAAAAAAZc/r9WRjq3ORvQ/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3mR3YlcRsY/UfXG8DlSTUI/AAAAAAAAAZc/r9WRjq3ORvQ/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We started with a 3/4 PVC pipe and a hack saw.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHir_Nl3O08/UfXG8bIt2VI/AAAAAAAAAZg/HrlxzcSBtxQ/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHir_Nl3O08/UfXG8bIt2VI/AAAAAAAAAZg/HrlxzcSBtxQ/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We cut the pipe into pieces that were approximately 5 inches long.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got 3/4 90 degree elbows and some rainbow colored duct tape.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2zgDRQWdvw/UfXG9wC2BtI/AAAAAAAAAZw/GuDsHnl-XvM/s1600/IMG_0443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2zgDRQWdvw/UfXG9wC2BtI/AAAAAAAAAZw/GuDsHnl-XvM/s320/IMG_0443.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two elbows got pressed onto the pipe piece. It was such a snug fit that I decided not to use any sort of adhesive.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCsTD5OAgy8/UfXG_P9rOwI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/Y6kf1vFt_zU/s1600/IMG_0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCsTD5OAgy8/UfXG_P9rOwI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/Y6kf1vFt_zU/s320/IMG_0445.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I covered the pipe part with the rainbow colored tape. Viola! 10 new whisper phones!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6pmzuBn93g/UfXHBbacr-I/AAAAAAAAAaY/ZwPzTZkospw/s1600/IMG_0448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6pmzuBn93g/UfXHBbacr-I/AAAAAAAAAaY/ZwPzTZkospw/s320/IMG_0448.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own Little Love had a blast playing with one!</td></tr>
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Next up... SEAT CRATES!!! I am so excited about this one. I have been dreaming of making some of these for a long long time. I was at Big Lots last week and saw these adorable pink and green crates for 3 bucks! Then, at Hobby Lobby I found the perfect Owl fabric and knew I had to give it a try. I only made 1 so far, because I wanted to make sure I could really get it done right. There are 7 four coming next week! No, they are not all for me. Since Mr. First Love is helping me, we are making 4 for my classroom and 4 for his. Did you know he teaches first grade, too? {{{LOVE}}}<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCVGzJVs278/UfXGxFrxVaI/AAAAAAAAAYA/3jswjXvhwHQ/s1600/IMG_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCVGzJVs278/UfXGxFrxVaI/AAAAAAAAAYA/3jswjXvhwHQ/s320/IMG_0410.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nice man at Home Depot measured my crate and cut 1/2 inch plywood into strips for me. He said his big machine is not square and precise, so he didn't want to try and cut the actual rectangles:( I was totally hoping Mr. First Love could help me with the rest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9jhdFfMdmA/UfXG15NnyoI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Tac_EeGNY38/s1600/IMG_0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9jhdFfMdmA/UfXG15NnyoI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Tac_EeGNY38/s320/IMG_0435.jpg" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the strip we started with. I have 6 of these big boys. Each one can make two crates.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL0poJuuiYc/UfXG5C8MYVI/AAAAAAAAAZI/t6rZPU1wer0/s1600/IMG_0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL0poJuuiYc/UfXG5C8MYVI/AAAAAAAAAZI/t6rZPU1wer0/s320/IMG_0437.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We use this scary saw and a cardboard template to cut the rectangle for the crate opening.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erGeA-2OV7I/UfXG5F4azyI/AAAAAAAAAZE/Pl-VkckIs10/s1600/IMG_0438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erGeA-2OV7I/UfXG5F4azyI/AAAAAAAAAZE/Pl-VkckIs10/s320/IMG_0438.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since the crate corners are slightly rounded, we had to notch out the corners of the plywood just a bit. It's a perfect fit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgIds-A1n70/UfXHEhSfE2I/AAAAAAAAAa0/wH9T8PXduOM/s1600/IMG_0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgIds-A1n70/UfXHEhSfE2I/AAAAAAAAAa0/wH9T8PXduOM/s320/IMG_0451.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought 2x12x12 foam squares at Hobby Lobby. I was intimidated by the idea of using filler to make my own "cushion", so I decided to try this instead. For my next crate, I might cut a strip from another foam square to put next to the foam square so that it is the same size as the crate opening.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag_mjLASs34/UfXHNhskTMI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/PNbbMcMGWhI/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag_mjLASs34/UfXHNhskTMI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/PNbbMcMGWhI/s320/IMG_0463.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used a staple gun to attach the fabric to the plywood and added a little ribbon pull for easier opening. I am in LOVE!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Well? Did you make it to the end of my never-ending blog post? Thanks for sticking with me til the end! I hope you have a terrific week. Good luck to everyone starting school this week (I'm sorry...but I can't even imagine!). I am off for a little vacation in Cape Cod with the family for a few days. School for me starts the day after Labor Day, so I still have a lot of summer to enjoy. Love ya!</span><br />
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I think ya'll deserve a little giveaway for making it this far! How about one of my all-time favorite products!<br />
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This packet is jam packed with POPCORN word cards and activities! I really think you and your Little Loves with ADORE it!</div>
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<a id="rc-64bf2e1" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/64bf2e1/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" /></div>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-67898174981034569372013-07-24T20:16:00.001-07:002013-07-24T20:16:56.536-07:00And the award goes too...<span style="font-family: inherit;">ME! Well, sort of. But it is super fun pretending. I was so very excited to see in the comments of my last blog post that <a href="http://mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christy</a> from <a href="http://mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mrs. Holder's First Grade</a> had nominated me for a Liebster Award. I went straight to her blog (of which I am a follower) to check it out.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msED63t055k/UfCPEgn7n4I/AAAAAAAAAW8/Z_hiarOAC0Q/s1600/Liebster+award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msED63t055k/UfCPEgn7n4I/AAAAAAAAAW8/Z_hiarOAC0Q/s1600/Liebster+award.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. So, what is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. Isn't that sweet? Blogging is about building a community and it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and help spread the word about newer bloggers/blogs.</span><br />
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<b style="color: #726158; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;"><u>To accept this award I must</u>:</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">1. Link back to the blog that nominated me</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">3. Answer the questions posted for me by my nominator</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">4. Share 11 random facts about myself</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">5. Create 11 questions for my nominees</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">6. Contact my nominees and let them know I nominated them</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">Thank you SO MUCH, <a href="http://mrsholdersfirstgrade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christy</a>, for nominating me! I have been a part of the blogging community for such a short time, but I am so looking forward to getting more involved. All of you amazing bloggers have already given me the greatest gift - a renewed excitement and enthusiasm for being creative in my classroom!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">And without further adieu, my nominees are...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">1.<a href="http://thesweetestthing623.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Lauren</a> from <a href="http://thesweetestthing623.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Sweetest Thing</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Before I name my next nominee, I just have to ask all of you, HAVE YOU SEEN LAUREN'S GIVEAWAY? It is awesome. I am a follower of her TpT store, and I have to say that I am in LOVE with her products. Everything is super cute and useful for your classroom. Her blog posts are SUPER informative as well. You should definitely go and pay her a visit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2.<a href="http://525927.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Debbie</a> from <a href="http://525927.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Teise's Tidbits</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. <a href="http://twofriendsinfirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kheila</a> and <a href="http://twofriendsinfirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jess</a> from <a href="http://twofriendsinfirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Two Friends in First</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <a href="http://inthatroomwithheidiharrell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heidi</a> from <a href="http://inthatroomwithheidiharrell.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">In that Room...</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <a href="http://www.ckisloski.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Carolyn</a> from <a href="http://www.ckisloski.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kindergarten: Holding Hands and Sticking Together</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Questions for Me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1. Do you have a theme for your classroom? My classroom theme is OWLS with the colors purple, lime, and pink. I completely LOVE it.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">2. What's your favorite picture book? Enemy Pie. I just love the message it gives to kids about friendship.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">3. What's your favorite back to school activity? I actually love shopping for school supplies. I know - crazy, right?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">4. What grades have your taught and which is your favorite? I have taught 13 years of first, with one year of second way back near the beginning. My heart will ALWAYS be in first, hence the name of my blog...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">5. What are your favorite blogs (teaching related or other)? TOO MANY TO NAME! Some of my </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">faves are <a href="http://www.ateenytinyteacher.com/" target="_blank">A Teeny Tiny Teacher</a> and <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Doodlebugs Teaching</a>.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">6. What's your favorite subject to teach and why? I have a huge passion for reading and I love passing this along to my little loves.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">7. What's your guilty pleasure? Reality TV, all the way baby. I will watch ALMOST any reality TV show.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">8. What's your favorite movie? I like the oldies but goodies, like Dirty Dancing and Top Gun. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">9. Are you a salty or sweet kind of person? Both - Chocolate Covered Pretzels are one of my favorite snacks.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">10. What's your favorite classroom management trick/technique? I use 1-2-3 Magic in my classroom and at home with my own little loves. It has helped me so much!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">11. What's the best advice you have ever received? The best advice I have ever received is simple - If you are doing what you think is best for kids, that's all that really matters. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">11 Random Facts about Me:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1. I am an aquarius.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">2. I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">3. I am a former cheerleader.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">4. I don't love roller coasters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">5. My oldest daughter was born on the 4th of July.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">6. I have a serious obsession for cheesecake, but hardly ever eat it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">7. I go to crafts stores (Michael's, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby) more often than the grocery store...LOL</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">8. My youngest daughter is 23 months old and weighs 23 pounds...haha!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">9. I do not know how to whistle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">10. I am a night owl.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">11. I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">11 questions for my nominees:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">1. How long have you been teaching?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">2. What is the best "teacher book" you have read?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">3. Coke or Pepsi?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">4. What is your dream vacation?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">5. Do you prefer desserts or appetizers?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">6. What is your favorite blog(s)?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">7. Who was your favorite teacher?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">8. What is one of your personal goals for the 2013-14 school year?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">9. Do you use a store-bought or self-made planbook?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">10. Who is your favorite children's author?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;">11. How long have you been blogging?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I just wanted to say thanks again for the nomination! I am always looking for more followers as well as more blogs to follow, so please leave me a little love so I know where to find you. Happy blogging </span></span><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">everyone!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" /></span>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-47802386022884321772013-07-21T19:58:00.001-07:002013-07-21T20:18:17.984-07:00Crayons, Chocolate, Cake and Monday Made-It!Wow...July is flying by way too quickly! I have been super busy with my own Little Loves at home enjoying some much needed summer vacation. I managed to squeeze in about 5 days of curriculum work at our district office as well. I use those extra paychecks to pay for our much needed vacations...LOL! <br />
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Last week, Mr. First Love and I took our Little Loves to Pennsylvania for a few days. We went to the Crayola Experience. It was A.W.E.S.O.M.E. The girls got to do so many hands-on activities. They even made their own crayons and markers. Very cool.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kx1te4X3HY/UeyfBRrUZHI/AAAAAAAAAWY/_Y3JCcdrcdw/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kx1te4X3HY/UeyfBRrUZHI/AAAAAAAAAWY/_Y3JCcdrcdw/s400/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After Crayola, we went to Hershey. Everyone loved Chocolate World. The girls got to practice packaging Hershey Kisses. Here's a quick pic of my Littlest Love shaking her container up before loading it up onto the conveyor belt.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSEq6_mxJ2w/UeyfBS4RldI/AAAAAAAAAWM/RkOANIbbm9M/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSEq6_mxJ2w/UeyfBS4RldI/AAAAAAAAAWM/RkOANIbbm9M/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The day we went to Hershey Park was Hot with a capital H. We managed surprisingly well and made sure to drink a LOT of cold water. My Little Loves are total thrill seekers and wanted to go on every ride they could. We had a great time.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ShgDpYWagA/UeyfBQvFk9I/AAAAAAAAAWU/Sor4_naH1yU/s1600/Slide3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ShgDpYWagA/UeyfBQvFk9I/AAAAAAAAAWU/Sor4_naH1yU/s400/Slide3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As soon as we came home from our little getaway, it was time to start prepping for their BIRTHDAY PARTY!!! I love holding our annual birthday celebrations for the girls. It is my chance to put as much effort into something special for THEM as I do for classroom on a daily basis. When my first daughter was born, I was a little sad she was a "summer birthday". I know all you teachers out there can totally understand. But I quickly realized that having a summer birthday baby meant that I could go ALL OUT for her party because I had so much extra time. Three years later we were blessed with another summer baby. My girls' birthdays are one month apart, so this year we had a combined party for the two of them. They wanted a Mickey Mouse / Minnie Mouse party. I had so much fun with the party prep. It could be my favorite theme so far. And that is where my Monday Made-It comes in! I spent all week MAKING lots of things for the party. Here are some highlights:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq0izA_8wXs/UeyfBmDYjnI/AAAAAAAAAWc/cT4z94Tf7CQ/s1600/Slide4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq0izA_8wXs/UeyfBmDYjnI/AAAAAAAAAWc/cT4z94Tf7CQ/s640/Slide4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also have a Monday Made-It for school. I give my students Retelling Rings to use during Read to Self and Read to Someone time. After reading a book, they flip through their ring and answer the questions. Sometimes they answer in their own heads or into a Whisper Phone, sometimes they write the answers in their journals, and sometimes they share their answers with a partner. I decided my rings needed a little makeover. Check out the link below to take a closer look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZHRNrDYlKw/UeyfWHvGy1I/AAAAAAAAAWg/R1N1zz9CpaE/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZHRNrDYlKw/UeyfWHvGy1I/AAAAAAAAAWg/R1N1zz9CpaE/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Retelling-Rings-754328" target="_blank">Click HERE to check it out!</a></td></tr>
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Would you like to use my Retelling Rings in your classroom! Well, you are in luck! I will choose TWO winners to receive my Retelling Rings file for FREE! Good luck!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/64bf2e0/" id="rc-64bf2e0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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Have you made something this week? Don't forget to link up with 4th Grade Frolics!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHepZR5If_s/UeygPRz3bWI/AAAAAAAAAWs/OTUAoKInbMQ/s1600/3am_tara_madeitmonday_2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHepZR5If_s/UeygPRz3bWI/AAAAAAAAAWs/OTUAoKInbMQ/s320/3am_tara_madeitmonday_2013.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Click HERE to check it out!</a></td></tr>
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-75859597711121491912013-07-02T16:49:00.002-07:002013-07-02T16:49:45.116-07:00Goin' on a Blog Hunt!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7daISLrJ1u4/UdNjBEf4dLI/AAAAAAAAAVg/Yj7_K3PXwg0/s178/bloglovin4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7daISLrJ1u4/UdNjBEf4dLI/AAAAAAAAAVg/Yj7_K3PXwg0/s178/bloglovin4.png" /></a></div>
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Unless you've been hiding out underground for the past few weeks, you probably already know that Google Reader is GONE.GONE.GONE. I was really nervous about the big change, but I switched over to Bloglovin' and I am totally in LOVE with it. It is so easy to use and I LOVE my daily e-mails with the latest blog posts. It has been so much easier to stay up to date! </div>
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I would just LOVE for you to follow My First Love with Bloglovin'. I don't even know how to use those adorable new "Follow me on Bloglovin'" buttons, but you can click on my boring old Bloglovin' button on the sidebar.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Now that most of us are on summer vacation, why not use some of your downtime to find some new blogs to follow? </span><a href="http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2013/07/bloghunt.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Laura Candler at Corkboard Connections</a><span style="background-color: white;"> has started a super useful link up making it easy to follow. If you want to link up your own blog, be sure stop by </span><a href="http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2013/07/bloghunt.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">her blog</a><span style="background-color: white;"> to download the directions!</span></div>
<center><a href="http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2013/07/bloghunt.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.lauracandler.com/images/bloghunt.png" /></a></center>
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-43854327253779261062013-07-01T07:46:00.002-07:002013-07-01T08:00:22.605-07:00It's my first Monday Made-It!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci4GjHGtQm0/UdGVsLwbb_I/AAAAAAAAAVA/V6Mr7b7s57k/s1462/3am_tara_madeitmonday_2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci4GjHGtQm0/UdGVsLwbb_I/AAAAAAAAAVA/V6Mr7b7s57k/s320/3am_tara_madeitmonday_2013.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">{click here to check it out}</a></td></tr>
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Hi all! I am so excited to be joining in on the Monday Made-It Linky Party! I am not always good about remembering to take pictures or blog about projects, so I am hoping this will help keep me FOCUSED:) I have only been out of school for 1 week, so I am just getting started. I spent most of last week organizing my home office and cleaning out closets. I know, not so fun. But now... let the fun begin!<br />
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I am the proud mama of two beautiful summer birthday babies {not planned that way, in case you were wondering!}. Their birthdays are 1 month and 3 days apart. Last year was my Littlest Love's first birthday, so we had to have a special party for that occasion. This year, my Little Love is having her own "friends-only" party a few days after her actual birthday. Then, we will have a family party for both girls together in between their two special days.<br />
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One of my favorite Mommy Traditions is that I always make the invitations for my girls' parties. I have done ladybugs, Hello Kitty, Backyardigans, Brown Bear Brown Bear, Strawberry Shortcake, and two baptisms. I love being able to focus my creativity and wanna-be craftiness on something other than my classroom. Luckily, summer is the perfect time to do that!<br />
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You might have seen the invitations I made for the "Friends-Only" party <a href="http://www.myfirstlove123.blogspot.com/2013/06/happy-last-day-of-school-for-me.html" target="_blank">{here}</a>. That party is going to be at Build-a-Bear Workshop, so of course we are going with a teddy bear theme.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6b7QkrnTIo/UdGV8MJjxyI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/aWBvX8d5oVM/s1600/IMG_0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6b7QkrnTIo/UdGV8MJjxyI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/aWBvX8d5oVM/s320/IMG_0257.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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That party is just a few more days away! My Monday Made-It is the invitations for our Family Party. The girls decided on a Mickey Mouse/Minnie Mouse theme. I love it! There are so many awesome things you can do and the colors are great. So without further adieu...here is my very first Monday Made-It!<br />
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I am really still fairly new to the blogging world and would love to hear some feedback from you. I would LOVE to reach out to more people so we can share our experiences and expertise. I would be honored if you would follow me (on Bloglovin' of course) and/or "LIKE" me on facebook. Just click on the buttons on the side. Lots of love to you all!<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-18571269352167449442013-06-20T20:26:00.002-07:002013-06-20T20:26:13.587-07:00Happy Last Day of School For Me!Week after week, I have watched so many of the awesome blogs I follow celebrate their last day of school. It's finally my turn! We used to end our school year like this:<br />
Monday: Full Day<br />
Tuesday: Full Day<br />
Wednesday: 10:45 Dismissal<br />
Thursday: 10:45 Dismissal<br />
Friday: 1 Hour Turn-Around Day<br />
However, Hurricane Sandy caused us to miss so much school this year, that we had to have full days ALL.WEEK.LONG. Okay, so I'm exaggerating a little bit. We are getting out one hour early on Thursday and Friday. Whoopty Doo. Do you know how hard it is to pack up an entire classroom when you have all of your little loves with you ALL.DAY.LONG?? I was so uptight about getting it all done that I actually wound up doing a better job than usual. That left me some time to work on some ideas for next year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rA_R9yj3WAU/UcO9ci_laCI/AAAAAAAAASc/LvVMRhiqxZk/s1600/IMG_0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rA_R9yj3WAU/UcO9ci_laCI/AAAAAAAAASc/LvVMRhiqxZk/s320/IMG_0230.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought 4 of these Steralite 3 drawer units to hold my student supplies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNNdpNf82eg/UcO9dXYSVFI/AAAAAAAAASk/T18iREYdbXk/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNNdpNf82eg/UcO9dXYSVFI/AAAAAAAAASk/T18iREYdbXk/s320/IMG_0232.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the right, my old way of storing paper goods for classroom celebrations. <br />On the left, my new and improved Party Supplies crate!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocNaAi1T6Ek/UcO9qepJ7GI/AAAAAAAAATM/xc327gb6WM4/s1600/IMG_0271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocNaAi1T6Ek/UcO9qepJ7GI/AAAAAAAAATM/xc327gb6WM4/s320/IMG_0271.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I organized all of my anchor charts and weekly poems. No more digging through my locker!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWJX2cOg3CM/UcO9ldHm6TI/AAAAAAAAATA/rOe108Tb8hM/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWJX2cOg3CM/UcO9ldHm6TI/AAAAAAAAATA/rOe108Tb8hM/s320/IMG_0255.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brand new Teacher Toolkit! I even made one for Mr. First Love for Father's Day.<br /> I think I will probably put a little more love into new labels this summer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUkhfCQdrco/UcO9tmjQa-I/AAAAAAAAATc/hNgwFd5kqlc/s1600/IMG_0274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUkhfCQdrco/UcO9tmjQa-I/AAAAAAAAATc/hNgwFd5kqlc/s320/IMG_0274.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got rid of a LOT of "stuff".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Prd25fkzHnA/UcO9sLcTvYI/AAAAAAAAATU/m45Q2FC6QQs/s1600/IMG_0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Prd25fkzHnA/UcO9sLcTvYI/AAAAAAAAATU/m45Q2FC6QQs/s320/IMG_0276.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-XiFHTbQE4/UcO9xMcqG2I/AAAAAAAAATs/WBJrv3s3WfI/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-XiFHTbQE4/UcO9xMcqG2I/AAAAAAAAATs/WBJrv3s3WfI/s320/IMG_0278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally finished my Classroom Library re-organization. I LOVE my new bins and label holders. Don't mind all the bins on the ledge...they are proof of all my packing up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1l0DISXvHs/UcO9xBOzU0I/AAAAAAAAATk/6Ye6PCeFIfw/s1600/IMG_0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A1l0DISXvHs/UcO9xBOzU0I/AAAAAAAAATk/6Ye6PCeFIfw/s320/IMG_0280.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I turned this old Highlights Magazine sticker tower into a storage container for my calendar cards. LOVE!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dnpfkz3Qlw/UcO90sjYo6I/AAAAAAAAAT0/GJwNr1G2bmM/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dnpfkz3Qlw/UcO90sjYo6I/AAAAAAAAAT0/GJwNr1G2bmM/s320/IMG_0282.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am busy re-decorating my rusty old file cabinet. .. using colored duck tape! I will post a new pic when it is done.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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I'm also going to throw in a quick Five For Friday with Doodlebugs Teaching!<br />
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#1 - My oldest little love graduated pre-k! She will be coming to kindergarten WITH ME in September. oh.my.goodness. I cannot even possibly believe this is happening already! She also had her dance recital last weekend. She looked B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. and danced so well. I am so proud of her!<br />
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#2 - The end of dance class and the end of school means only one thing for me...end of the year GIFTS! Here is what we gave her teachers...<br />
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#3 - Check out this super sweet end of the year gift that I got my class today. Isn't it amazing?!?!?! I am just SO afraid that I am going to break it - I'm such a klutz!<br />
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#4 - My oldest will be 5 on the the 4th of July! Doesn't she have the coolest birthday? That's why we call her our little firecracker...LOL! She is having her first "friends" party at Build-a-Bear Workshop. I can't wait! She helped me make these adorable invites.<br />
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#5 - I am excited to begin my summer reading with this:<br />
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Happy summer everyone!!!<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-28626540208092993812013-06-20T18:39:00.002-07:002013-06-20T18:39:46.636-07:00Throwback Thursday....with a Cara Carroll Shout OutHi everyone! I'm sorry I have been MIA - this last month of school has been beyond crazy, busy, and stressful! So of course I am thrilled to start this post by announcing...<br />
TOMORROW IS MY LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! I can't believe I made it! This was a challenging year with the implementation of the Common Core and the new curriculum for both ELA and Math that went along with it, as well the start of APPR. I am super excited for summer to officially begin for me! I have already been working on some great new things for my classroom decor for next year, but I'll save that for a future post.<br />
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I saw Cara's new linky party posted on Facebook and knew that I just had to be a part of it. I am very new to blogging, but since Cara was my inspiration to enter the blogland, I decided to use my first post on my new blog design for my Throwback Thursday. There is a special Cara shout out!<br />
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Originally posted on March 28, 2013.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">Happy Friday Blog Lovers!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">I am THRILLED to be linking up with the fabulous </span><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #ae45dd; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kacey</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;"> once again for her weekly Five For Friday Linky Party.</span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">I am especially thrilled because tonight is a </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">BIG</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;"> </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">HUGE</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;"> </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">ENORMOUS</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;"> EXTRA SPECIAL night for me! Read on to find out more!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">1. Are you as totally in LOVE with my new blog design as I am?!?!?! This is my dream come true and it is all thanks to the amazing </span><a href="http://designbychristi.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #ae45dd; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Christi</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;"> from Design By Christi, a.k.a. Ms. Fultz, from </span><a href="http://msfultz.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #ae45dd; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ms. Fultz's Corner</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">! Seriously, she is terrific. I am embarking on a new and exciting adventure in the blogging world and without her help, it would be pretty DULL. I am forever grateful!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;">2. Today is my last weekday of Spring Break. Do you hear that? It is the sound of me boo-hooing all the way back to school. I have loved every minute of being home with my favorite big, little, and furry loves (and yes, I am talking about DIFFERENT loves - no one I love is big AND little AND furry, but I guess that could happen...). I am looking forward to Easter Sunday. My littlest love is going on her first egg hunt with her big sister and her 8 big cousins. I can hardly wait!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #2bb4b4; font-family: Englebert, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
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3. It's no secret that girls love buying shoes. But my latest shoe purchase? So NOT my favorite pair of shoes. Check out these puppies:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2Jx5ZAlPbI/UVTfE7sIYvI/AAAAAAAAAIE/L6CZsZP0JU0/s1600/12074_d_Polar+Trex+Boot+Cropped_220x231.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="color: #ae45dd; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2Jx5ZAlPbI/UVTfE7sIYvI/AAAAAAAAAIE/L6CZsZP0JU0/s1600/12074_d_Polar+Trex+Boot+Cropped_220x231.bmp" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
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Betcha' didn't think I literally meant puppies! My poor furry love scraped off a big chunk of one of his pads. We had to buy these special dog boots so that we can take him for nice long walks in the neighborhood. He loves his walks and has been so sad since he's been stuck in the house and yard:( I have to tell you, it was H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S. when I first put his boots on. First. he looked like Bambi learning to walk for the first time. Then, he looked like he was trying to Irish Step Dance! It will take some getting used to, but he'll get the hang of it...LOL!</div>
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4. I want to give an extra special shout out to the one and only <a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/" style="color: #ae45dd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Cara Carroll</a>! </div>
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<tr><td><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rYRlOqtt8k/UVThQMECgyI/AAAAAAAAAIM/wtq6NmfatTM/s320/FirstGradeParadeHeader.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Click <a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/" style="color: #ae45dd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a> to visit her blog!</td></tr>
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She is the one who inspired me to embark on my blogging adventure. I first fell in LOVE with <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cara-Carroll" style="color: #ae45dd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">her TpT products</a> and began using them faithfully in my own classroom. That, of course, inspired me to begin creating my own. Then I caught on to her her blog, <a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/" style="color: #ae45dd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The First Grade Parade</a>. It was through her blog that my eyes were opened to this amazing support network of teacher bloggers. You ALL are AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC. Thank you for letting me into your world!</div>
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5. And last but not least, I want to celebrate my official entrance into the blogging world with a giveaway! I know it's a little late, but you can still use it next week in your classroom. This is what my Little Loves will be doing when they are Working With Words. I've been so busy getting ready for my big unveiling, I haven't been creating. But, boy, do I have a bunch of things in the works! So, here you go - ENJOY!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxMqsOhB2Fc/UVTjln6vRLI/AAAAAAAAAIc/HV9NG0WhGvs/s1600/Slide01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #ae45dd; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxMqsOhB2Fc/UVTjln6vRLI/AAAAAAAAAIc/HV9NG0WhGvs/s320/Slide01.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EGGcellent-Word-Family-Fun" style="color: #ae45dd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Click HERE to go to my TpT store and grab this FREEBIE!</a></td></tr>
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Have a very Happy Easter everyone! Thanks for stopping by! I would love to hear what you all think of my new blog design, so please leave me some love if you can! </div>
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Oh yeah, one more thing. My First Love has a Facebook page, too. Make sure you check it out!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlrEgzbe--4/UVTi-1GrKBI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Ru5PYwA3KE8/s1600/fb-profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #ae45dd; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlrEgzbe--4/UVTi-1GrKBI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Ru5PYwA3KE8/s1600/fb-profile.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-First-Love/623291011019429" style="color: #ae45dd; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a> to go to my Facebook page<br /></td></tr>
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Thanks for checking out my throwback post! I promise I will have something new for you soon! Happy summer!<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-52918334255842743812013-05-16T20:40:00.003-07:002013-05-16T20:46:27.003-07:00Bye Bye Birdie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's that time again...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Five For Friday</a></td></tr>
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This week was Daddy & Me Night at Little Love #1's preschool. I was in charge of coordinating all of the food. I decided to supply the chicken nuggets and cupcakes. Her school logo has a rainbow on it, so we made rainbow cupcakes. They were a huge hit! And all the daddies were so super cute with their little loves.<br />
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We said goodbye to our feathered friends today. Don't mind all the poop in the bottom picture. That's just what baby chicks do. Kind of like baby babies. They were quite feisty when we had them out of their brooder box on Thursday so I knew it was time to head off to the farm. It's pretty very neat - a family friend of ours has a farm. She is actually the labor and delivery nurse who delivered both of my Little Loves. She takes our baby chicks every year and raises them on her farm.<br />
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Have I told you how much I love our new headphones? We have a community organization that raises money for the sole purpose of awarding grants to teachers in our district. Last year I applied for a grant for wireless headphones and new tape cassette/CD players for all of the first grade classes. I love how my little loves can sit anywhere in the room to listen to their books. And clean up is so much easier! Of course, now I wish I had asked for iPods instead...Oh well. Maybe next year!<br />
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Our district buys into a science program from our regional BOCES. Each grade level gets a living thing to investigate during their last unit of the year. First grade gets hermit crabs. I usually love these little guys. But not this year. That's because they are far from little! This year we got the biggest hermit crabs I have EVER seen. They can barely fit inside their shells. The kids all think they look like tarantulas. I just think they smell bad.<br />
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Can I get a WOOP WOOP! I gave our last Fundations assessment of the year today! Don't get me wrong, I like Fundations and it has certainly taught my little loves a lot about letters and sounds. But it can get rather um, boring. I've been thinking of some ideas for next year to help make it more interesting and take less time each day. I'd love to hear from some of you that use Fundations. How do you keep it interesting?<br />
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Have a great weekend and don't forget to spread a little LOVE around! (especially in the comments below!) I would also LOVE to have you as a new follower, so join in the love!<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-48035535726906779322013-05-10T20:37:00.005-07:002013-05-10T20:37:43.097-07:00What a week!This week was unbelievably jam packed and I am so excited to share it with all of you! I'm linking up with Doodlebugs for Five For Friday! I was so totally ready to write this post on Thursday night so I could link up nice and early on Friday but.... my fairly new MacBook Pro decided to play dead at precisely 7pm! Thankfully, all is well in Mac Land now so here we go!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2013/05/five-for-five-linky-party-may-10.html" target="_blank">Five For Friday</a></td></tr>
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1. This was chick hatching week! I was feeling pretty sad on Tuesday when all I heard all day was the cheers and excited screams from the other 3 first grade classrooms as their chicks started hatching. I just kept looking at my 2 little eggs that had teeny tiny cracks in them.<br />
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By the time I left on Tuesday, there were 4 eggs with teeny tiny cracks, but nothing else. I was actually scared to walk into my classroom Wednesday morning. I couldn't look in the incubator. I made one of the kindergarten teachers look for me. Then she started counting: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6! We had 6 chicks out of our 9 fertile eggs! Look at these cute little guys!<br />
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There were still two eggs with little cracks, so I left them in the incubator overnight and on Thursday morning, we met our last two chicks! We have 8 adorable fluffy friends. One of the K teachers takes them all home for the weekend every year, but I took home my two newest little guys. They are a little weak and their legs are a little funny looking, so I didn't want their big brothers and sisters picking on them. Look at my Little Loves loving on our babies:<br />
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2. Next week we are giving our post assessments. This is our first year with APPR and we are giving our local assessments for both ELA and Math. I broke out my Primary SMART Response System to do some quick math assessments with them to help them feel confident about their "big kid tests". My little loves had such a blast using their clickers to answer the questions. They didn't even realize when we were doing. They have all learned SO MUCH this year and I am so proud. I know they will do great!<br />
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3. Check out these A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. Mother's Day cards we made. I am in LOVE with them! And the writing inside! Oh my word. These little loves of mine are simply amazing and they sure do love their mamas!<br />
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4. Speaking of Mother's Day, I went to my own Little Love's preschool on Thursday for their annual Mother's Day Tea. It was one of those days where my heart just melted. Take a look at the adorable flowerpots by big girl and her bestie made for the teachers to show their appreciation! Wouldn't you love to get one of these from your students?<br />
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Afterwards, we went to the most incredible nursery to buy some plants for Nana and Gram for Mother's Day. Take a look at this place:<br />
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After MUCH debate, we finally decided on these two lovely hanging baskets to give our special ladies!<br />
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5. We have been up to our eyeballs in non-fiction! We spent a couple of weeks pouring over loads of non-fiction texts exploring the text features. We also read lots of books about chicks, of course! Now my little loves are writing their own non-fiction books about the animal of their choice. We will be presenting these books to our families at our Author Celebration in a couple of weeks. The kiddos have been working super hard on their research and I can't wait to see the final results!<br />
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Hope you all had a great week as well! Happy Mother's Day everyone! Spread that LOVE around (especially below by leaving a comment...LOL!)<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-10492133818418682832013-04-26T19:25:00.001-07:002013-04-26T19:25:05.200-07:008 More Fridays To Go {but who's counting?}As I have trained my kids to say during our morning calendar routine, "It's Friday - My favorite day of the week!" If I say that 8 more times, it will be summer vacation! Can I get a WOOP WOOP!<br />
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Friday also means, FIVE FOR FRIDAY! So here it goes...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2013/04/five-for-friday-linky-party-april-26.html" target="_blank">Five For Friday</a></td></tr>
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1. Tomorrow is this big guy's birthday:<br />
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I can't believe our first "baby" is going to be 7 years old tomorrow. We just love him to pieces. He still acts like a giant goofball most of the time, but he can also be a giant mush. Doggy Birthday Parties in our house always mean the same thing - Carvel Ice Cream Cake. YUM.<br />
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2. We had a half day of school on Monday for Parent-Teacher conferences. I scheduled my conferences last week for before school, lunchtime, and after school so I had my Monday afternoon free to work in my classroom. I REALLY wish I would've taken a "before" picture of my supply locker. I emptied the whole things out onto my tables and cleaned it up all nicey nicey. It's the little things that make me super happy. {happy sigh}<br />
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3. We are all about our EGGS right now. It is Day 10 of our egg incubation period and we have been busy learning about what is happening inside of those eggs of ours. One of center activities this week involved choosing an oviparous animal and writing a riddle about it. We are going to share them on Monday and the little loves will get to practice their inferencing skills. They came out super cute and I cannot wait to watch them present their riddles to the class. You can pick up a copy for yourself by clicking the link below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Whats-Hatching" target="_blank">What's Hatching!</a></div>
4. I am so unbelievably proud of myself for getting my act together last week and linking up with Jodi's Fly on My Wall Linky Party. It was so much fun to share so much of my day. You can see my blog post <a href="http://www.myfirstlove123.blogspot.com/2013/04/come-be-fly-on-my-wall.html" target="_blank">{here}</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fun-in-first.blogspot.com/2013/04/come-be-fly-on-my-wall.html" target="_blank">Fun in First</a></td></tr>
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5. Our school uses the Fundations program for phonics instruction. It can a little, ummmm, boring. I am trying to spice it up a bit. Check out this fun Suffix Sort I created for practicing adding -s and -es to basewords. It's on sale for only 50 cents for the rest of the weekend!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQAIg2FbyBk/UXs1RstexlI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/5MM1T9BnH9M/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQAIg2FbyBk/UXs1RstexlI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/5MM1T9BnH9M/s320/IMG_0076.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Suffix-Sort-s-and-es" target="_blank">HERE</a> for Suffix Sort</td></tr>
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Have a great weekend filled with lots of LOVE!<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-27745299014877574232013-04-17T18:34:00.004-07:002013-04-18T17:55:44.631-07:00Come be a fly on my wall!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SA_BgBhmy7I/UW9NkNUEmqI/AAAAAAAAAMo/GJep5TvUhMQ/s1600/Fly+Linky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SA_BgBhmy7I/UW9NkNUEmqI/AAAAAAAAAMo/GJep5TvUhMQ/s1600/Fly+Linky.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fun-in-first.blogspot.com/2013/04/come-be-fly-on-my-wall.html" target="_blank">Be a Fly on My Wall</a></td></tr>
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I have been wanting to join in this awesome linky since the first time I saw it! I have LOVED reading about a day in the life of my fellow bloggers. I am excited to try and paint a picture of a typical day in my life.<br />
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5:15am - WAKE UP. ugh. When my alarm goes off every morning, I ask I myself the same question: "Seriously?" I roll out of bed and head to the kitchen to let out the dog and give him breakfast. While he is outside, I find something I can <strike>inhale</strike> enjoy for breakfast. Then the whirlwind of showering, dressing, getting my two little loves up and dressed, last minute bag packing, loading the car, and driving off. I typically forget to breathe until 6:28am as Mr. First Love and I are halfway down the road.<br />
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7:30am - My day officially begins HERE:<br />
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BLISS. My friendly D&D staff know exactly what I want before I order. Except for those 2 weeks when they had irish cream flavored coffee. Delish.<br />
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I'm usually one of the first 3 teachers to arrive at school each morning. I chit chat with my FAB-U-LOUS secretaries, mostly about reality TV and my little loves at home. I leave my "To Be Copied" folder in my mailbox each day when I leave, so I can hijack the copy machine before everyone else! Once I'm in my room, it's another whirlwind of activity and I log on to the computers, set up the SMARTBoard files for the day, make sure my calendar, small group charts, Daily 5 Center activities, etc. are all ready to go.<br />
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8:25 The Little Loves have arrived! The classroom teachers have to stand outside the classroom doors during arrival to make sure the kiddos are being safe in the hall. My Little Loves come in, get unpacked and organized for the day, and get to work on their assigned Bucket Brain Booster activity. The activities include reviews and reinforcement of previously taught ELA and math skills. I do morning "housework", circulate through my small groups to check on everyone, and pull kids as needed to finish up missing work or do a quick intervention.<br />
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8:50 We do our calendar routine on the SMARTBoard. By this time of the year, my weekly calendar helpers can lead this completely unassisted. They love playing teacher!<br />
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9:00 Fundations. This is our multisensory phonics program. We are currently working on reading and spelling two syllable words. We use magnetic letter boards, dry erase boards, interactive SMARTBoard activities, sound cards, and do daily dictation.<br />
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9:45 So SPECIAL!<br />
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10:30 Snack Time! While the kids are eating snack, we either watch a Tumblebook on-line and take the follow-up quiz or watch a fun math video on Discovery Education. These are two of my favorite and most-used websites!<br />
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My content area instruction takes place from 10:45 - 12:15 and looks something like this:<br />
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10:45 Time to do some MATH! I really really really really (get the idea?) wish I had more time for math each day. I started my morning Bucket Brain Boosters this year because I was so desperate to get math tubs going in my room and this was the only way I could find time. Our whole class math lesson is from our new My Math series. There is an on-line component that has videos, games, and virtual manipulatives that work great on my SMARTBoard. We usually only have time to work through the lesson as laid out in the book, but sometimes I can squeeze in an extra hands-on activity.<br />
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11:15 Social Studies/Science. We do one science unit and one social studies unit each quarter. We are in my FAVORITE time of the year - CHICK HATCHING!!!! We are spending the first week of this unit integrating science and ELA. We are exploring non-fiction text features. The Little Loves are making their very own Non-Fiction Notebooks to help them learn how the different text features help us read to learn. We are using non-fiction books about chicks and other oviparous animals to help us with this.<br />
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11:45 Whole-Class ELA Lesson. We are using a brand-new teacher created CCSS aligned district curriculum this year in ELA. I was one of the teachers who worked on it, and boy, was it tough work! I learned so much about the CCSS and am enjoying leading my colleagues through this first year of implementation. We are learning about inferencing this week during ELA. Using poems from Georgia Heard's Creatures of the Earth, Sea, and Sky, my little loves are putting on their detective caps and making inferences to determine what kind of animal each poem is about. I LOVE listening to them explain their thinking!<br />
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12:15 My Little Loves head off for their 30 minutes of recess and 30 minutes of lunch. I know, don't hate me...I have a duty free hour for lunch. Sometimes I keep little ones in during some of their recess time to work out problems or catch up on missing work. We have weekly grade level planning meetings. But usually, I am running around my classroom getting organized for the afternoon before heading to the Teacher's Room for some much needed adult conversation.<br />
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1:15 We're in the home stretch! I spend the first 15 minutes after lunch doing a quick FOCUS Skill lesson. These are great little workbooks that focus on one reading comprehension skill at a time. There are 25 mini-lessons with a reading passage, multiple choice questions, and a short written response. We just finished Cause and Effect and are moving on to Sequence of Events.<br />
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1:30 Daily 5 Time, baby! My Daily 5 is my own little modified version. We used to do very involved centers that we had to prepare each week and then make sure every student completed every activity, yadda, yadda, yadda. I convinced my team that we needed to start transitioning to more of a Daily 5 model after hearing Mr. First Love go on and on about how awesome HIS Daily 5 was in his classroom. I have to admit, I can be a little competitive. *wink* I am TOTALLY looking forward to going to a more traditional Daily 5 model next year. I can't wait! This last hour of the day is also my intervention block, so the Academic Support Teachers pull out small groups of students for targeted reading and math support. I pull guided reading groups and hold individual reading and writing conferences during this time.<br />
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2:30 We made it! Whew. Another exhausting day. But of course, it's not over yet...<br />
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Thanks for being a fly on my wall. I hope you enjoyed it! I would love to hear your thoughts!<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-55220587039177002472013-04-05T14:32:00.003-07:002013-04-06T07:11:59.654-07:00T.G.I.FFF (Five For Friday)Wow! I cannot believe an entire week has gone by. 1 down, 11 to go (but who's counting?)!<br />
It was a very busy week as usual. It's time to link up with Kacey from <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Doodlebugs Teaching</a> and share my Five For Friday!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Five For Friday!</a></td></tr>
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1. I hosted a girls-only Easter baking party last Saturday for my girls and their cousins. We baked and decorated so many yummy treats to bring to Easter Dinner on Sunday. We had a blast! These were my favorites:<br />
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2. It was C.O.L.D. most of this week. Finally today it started warming up. When I came home from school I noticed this in our yard:<br />
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Yay! Our first sign of Spring! Thank goodness, because I have had about enough of this winter weather. My other surprise when I got home was not such a happy one. Both of my Little Loves are sick with fevers. BOO. DISLIKE. NOT FUN. Our first afternoon of beautiful sunny Springtime weather, and they are both snoozing with red cheeks on the couch watching the new Lalaloopsy show on Nickelodeon.<br />
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3. I have completely changed my morning routine. I have tried chit-chatting, quiet reading time, book shopping, morning work - I have tried it all! I think I finally found something that I am LOVING. I have written about my Bucket Brain Boosters before, but now I have a solid routine in place and my little loves are doing awesome! They are so quick to get unpacked and started on their assigned bucket activity. I can't believe how much extra reinforcement and practice they are getting with our previously taught skills. Here are some pictures of this week's Bucket Brain Boosters:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Silent-e-Goes-to-Hollywood" target="_blank">Corinna Curry's Silent e Goes to Hollywood</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SeQWWfaPiDA/UV88zyD5oGI/AAAAAAAAAKI/mBXX5lOewao/s1600/IMG_0490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SeQWWfaPiDA/UV88zyD5oGI/AAAAAAAAAKI/mBXX5lOewao/s320/IMG_0490.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Silent-e-Goes-to-Hollywood" target="_blank">Corinna Curry's Silent e Goes to Hollywood</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greater-Than-Less-Than-Work-Mat-and-Game" target="_blank">Floating Through First's Greater Than Less Than Work Mat and Game</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msS2ZXu5riU/UV881jiG9cI/AAAAAAAAAKY/74ZAy_Vl57s/s1600/IMG_0491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msS2ZXu5riU/UV881jiG9cI/AAAAAAAAAKY/74ZAy_Vl57s/s320/IMG_0491.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parts-of-Speech-Centers-Nouns-Verbs-Adjectives" target="_blank">Silly Sentences from Babbling Abby's Parts of Speech Centers</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Place-Value-Packet-of-Fun" target="_blank">Race to 100 from Cara Carroll's Place Value Packet of Fun!</a></td></tr>
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4. I went all out during one of my ELA lessons this week. We have been learning about synonyms this week and I decided to try and show the little loves how they can use synonyms to make their writing more interesting. I went a little old school and broke out the thesauruses. They had a BLAST! We created an anchor chart and I am super proud of it. Today, two of my girls came running over during Daily 5 to show me that they replaced the word "nice" in their writing. They were so excited and proud of themselves. I'm filing that one away in a happy place for when I am having a "not so happy" day!<br />
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5. I always thought I was really good at time management. Now that I am following so many of your amazing blogs, I am totally second guessing myself. I have been working on a new Working with Words unit for what feels like FOREVER. I just cannot find the time to get it done. I'm putting that out here in blogland so that MAYBE it will make me a little more accountable...LOL. Sunday night - that's my deadline. I hope I can make it!<br />
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Have a great weekend, friends!<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/birds/sig.png" />My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-4914778925801078032013-03-28T17:51:00.001-07:002013-03-29T10:13:34.934-07:00Five For FridayHappy Friday Blog Lovers!<br />
I am THRILLED to be linking up with the fabulous <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kacey</a> once again for her weekly Five For Friday Linky Party.<br />
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I am especially thrilled because tonight is a <strike>BIG</strike> <strike>HUGE</strike> <strike>ENORMOUS</strike> EXTRA SPECIAL night for me! Read on to find out more!<br />
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1. Are you as totally in LOVE with my new blog design as I am?!?!?! This is my dream come true and it is all thanks to the amazing <a href="http://designbychristi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christi</a> from Design By Christi, a.k.a. Ms. Fultz, from <a href="http://msfultz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ms. Fultz's Corner</a>! Seriously, she is terrific. I am embarking on a new and exciting adventure in the blogging world and without her help, it would be pretty DULL. I am forever grateful!<br />
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2. Today is my last weekday of Spring Break. Do you hear that? It is the sound of me boo-hooing all the way back to school. I have loved every minute of being home with my favorite big, little, and furry loves (and yes, I am talking about DIFFERENT loves - no one I love is big AND little AND furry, but I guess that could happen...). I am looking forward to Easter Sunday. My littlest love is going on her first egg hunt with her big sister and her 8 big cousins. I can hardly wait!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wo5KwZFzCss/UVTeMmgfdEI/AAAAAAAAAH8/Lrrh_DKv138/s1600/Easter-Eggs-in-Grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wo5KwZFzCss/UVTeMmgfdEI/AAAAAAAAAH8/Lrrh_DKv138/s320/Easter-Eggs-in-Grass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. It's no secret that girls love buying shoes. But my latest shoe purchase? So NOT my favorite pair of shoes. Check out these puppies:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2Jx5ZAlPbI/UVTfE7sIYvI/AAAAAAAAAIE/L6CZsZP0JU0/s1600/12074_d_Polar+Trex+Boot+Cropped_220x231.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2Jx5ZAlPbI/UVTfE7sIYvI/AAAAAAAAAIE/L6CZsZP0JU0/s1600/12074_d_Polar+Trex+Boot+Cropped_220x231.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Betcha' didn't think I literally meant puppies! My poor furry love scraped off a big chunk of one of his pads. We had to buy these special dog boots so that we can take him for nice long walks in the neighborhood. He loves his walks and has been so sad since he's been stuck in the house and yard:( I have to tell you, it was H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S. when I first put his boots on. First. he looked like Bambi learning to walk for the first time. Then, he looked like he was trying to Irish Step Dance! It will take some getting used to, but he'll get the hang of it...LOL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. I want to give an extra special shout out to the one and only <a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cara Carroll</a>! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rYRlOqtt8k/UVThQMECgyI/AAAAAAAAAIM/wtq6NmfatTM/s320/FirstGradeParadeHeader.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to visit her blog!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She is the one who inspired me to embark on my blogging adventure. I first fell in LOVE with <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cara-Carroll" target="_blank">her TpT products</a> and began using them faithfully in my own classroom. That, of course, inspired me to begin creating my own. Then I caught on to her her blog, <a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The First Grade Parade</a>. It was through her blog that my eyes were opened to this amazing support network of teacher bloggers. You ALL are AMAZINGLY FANTASTIC. Thank you for letting me into your world!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. And last but not least, I want to celebrate my official entrance into the blogging world with a giveaway! I know it's a little late, but you can still use it next week in your classroom. This is what my Little Loves will be doing when they are Working With Words. I've been so busy getting ready for my big unveiling, I haven't been creating. But, boy, do I have a bunch of things in the works! So, here you go - ENJOY!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxMqsOhB2Fc/UVTjln6vRLI/AAAAAAAAAIc/HV9NG0WhGvs/s1600/Slide01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxMqsOhB2Fc/UVTjln6vRLI/AAAAAAAAAIc/HV9NG0WhGvs/s320/Slide01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EGGcellent-Word-Family-Fun" target="_blank">Click HERE to go to my TpT store and grab this FREEBIE!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a very Happy Easter everyone! Thanks for stopping by! I would love to hear what you all think of my new blog design, so please leave me some love if you can! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh yeah, one more thing. My First Love has a Facebook page, too. Make sure you check it out!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlrEgzbe--4/UVTi-1GrKBI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Ru5PYwA3KE8/s1600/fb-profile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlrEgzbe--4/UVTi-1GrKBI/AAAAAAAAAIU/Ru5PYwA3KE8/s1600/fb-profile.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-First-Love/623291011019429" target="_blank">HERE</a> to go to my Facebook page</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-44105087575602333742013-03-25T20:06:00.000-07:002013-03-28T17:26:55.038-07:00Spring Breakin' It!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello Lovely Teacher Friends!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am FINALLY on Spring Break. Whew. That was a long stretch! We have always been lucky enough to have a week off in February after President's Day. This year it was taken away:( (insert sad violin playing here). I actually feel really bad for my neighboring districts because not only did they have a year without February Break, many of them lost days off os their Spring Break because of Hurricane Sandy and lots of late season snow. My district does a great job of managing snow days and such, so we were able to keep our WHOLE Spring Break. YIPPEE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week I joined a super fun Let's Get Acquainted linky party by Latoya over at <a href="http://flyingintofirst.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Flying Into First.</a> Here were my two truths and a lie from last week:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;">1. </span><span style="color: purple;">TRUTH </span><span style="color: #333333;">When I first started teaching, my principal made me lie about my age. He said that parents would go crazy if they found out he had hired a 21 year old...LOL!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">This really did happen! My first month teaching I was helping at a school event where the community helped to build our brand new playground. It was awesome! I was screwing in bolts with my principal and a new teammate and my age came up. I thought he was going to faint. He did ask me to never tell my age...he was only a little kidding!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <span style="color: purple;">TRUTH </span>I was a serious fighter when I was a teenager. I even won a bronze medal at the National Collegiate Tae Kwon Do Championships. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">This is true, too! My dad, my brother, and I are all black belts in Tae Kwon Do. My freshman year in college I represented my alma mater as the only team member and fought to win a bronze medal. I also won a silver medal at the Junior Olympics .</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;">3. </span><span style="color: purple;">LIE </span><span style="color: #333333;">I am seriously obsessed with crocheting. I have an entire closet in my house filled with only my crocheting "stuff".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">I don't know anything about crocheting, but I would love to! It looks like it would be a major stress reliever. ahhh...just thinking about it calms me down.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So far on my Spring Break, I have been taking it pretty easy. On Saturday, the family and I hung around the house and even settled down for a WHOLE FAMILY NAP. Even the dog joined in. It was bliss. We went out to dinner at Applebee's and used some of the gift cards our students gave us for Christmas. YUM!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday, we took an outing to Stew Leonards. Have any of you ever been to one? It is the world's most fun grocery store. My little loves had so much fun checking out all of the talking animals while I was checking out their YUMMO prepared soups, dips, and everything else you could want. I made Beef Stew in my slow crocker today with my goodies. DELISH! Can you tell I love food?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today was a day for some schoolwork. groan. I know...I always tell myself I am not going to do work on my vacation, but who can stick to that? Not this teacher. I am trying to reorganize all of my binders and files. It is a B.I.G. job. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tomorrow will be family time for sure. I'll be back soon with a SURPRISE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">~Danielle</span></div>
My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-12018423399180998702013-03-17T19:34:00.001-07:002013-03-25T08:40:10.709-07:00Two Truths and a Lie Linky Party!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi fellow blog lovers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As most of you know, I am quite new to the blogging world. I am slowly figuring my way as I go. I have been holding back a bit, because the amazing <a href="http://designbychristi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christi</a> is busy working on my new blog design as we speak. I am SO EXCITED. Seriously. I can't even take it. Once my new design is up, I will finally branch out into the blogging world full steam ahead. But I just couldn't resist joining in this great linky party hosted by Latoya from <a href="http://flyingintofirst.blogspot.com/2013/03/lets-get-aquainted-linky-link-up-all.html" target="_blank">Flying Into First Grade</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0CbppR4R5A/UUZ7KTeNjvI/AAAAAAAAAHk/9PzYIDNql8g/s1600/linky+party2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0CbppR4R5A/UUZ7KTeNjvI/AAAAAAAAAHk/9PzYIDNql8g/s400/linky+party2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are my 2 truths and a lie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you guess which one is the lie?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. When I first started teaching, my principal made me lie about my age. He said that parents would go crazy if they found out he had hired a 21 year old...LOL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. I was a serious fighter when I was a teenager. I even won a bronze medal at the National Collegiate Tae Kwon Do Championships.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. I am seriously obsessed with crocheting. I have an entire closet in my house filled with only my crocheting "stuff".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take a guess and leave it in the comments below. I will let you know the answer at the end of the week. Have fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~Danielle</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-34286778143913724612013-03-11T20:00:00.000-07:002013-03-11T20:00:01.765-07:00Top o' the Morning to Ya!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh.My.Word. Today I literally felt like this all day long:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJwafTkA6w8/UT6WxMLJGSI/AAAAAAAAAGc/VfVjPsq0feE/s1600/Stressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJwafTkA6w8/UT6WxMLJGSI/AAAAAAAAAGc/VfVjPsq0feE/s320/Stressed.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had a snow day on Friday, which normally is a very good thing. But we had none left, so it means we lose a day of our Spring Break. That is just about the worst news ever, if you ask me. To make matters worse, I have Open House TOMORROW NIGHT. We have so much to do and so little time! I jammed up the copy machine this morning trying to use construction paper in it. I promise, my colleague told me she does it all the time and it works "just fine". Well, it did not work just fine for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">my little loves worked SO very hard today. I am so proud of them. We finished two complete Open House projects today and they came out super cute! See for yourself:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Aren't they super cute! Major LOVE to <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Smart-Art-Place-Value-Leprechaun-Printables" target="_blank">Teacher to the Core</a> and <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Worth-More-Than-Gold-A-Writing-Craftivity" target="_blank">The Teacher Wife</a> for these great TpT products. They made a great addition to our collection of adorable Open House projects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am really looking forward to seeing all of my little loves with their fan clubs at tomorrow night's Open House event. It is so sweet to see them showing their families all around our classroom with their little hearts filled with pride. I'm so proud of them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the first year I am going to put out some of my intervention activities for the kids to do with their families. I tried to pick a variety of content areas to display so my little loves could show their loved ones what our class is all about. This one is a class favorite, and it's just in time for St. Patrick's Day:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Click <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lucky-Little-Words-A-Hands-On-Literacy-Activity" target="_blank">here </a>to check this product out at my TpT store!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's on sale until St. Patrick's Day! Hope you all have a fantastic week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lots of Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Danielle</span>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-59954248399843209012013-03-08T18:46:00.001-08:002013-03-08T18:46:37.732-08:00Five For Friday!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had so much fun with last weeks Five For Friday Linky Party. All week I found myself thinking, "I'll have to remember this for next Friday!" So without further adieu...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Here's my FIVE FOR FRIDAY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Everyone loves a SNOW DAY. Getting that phone call at 5am usually puts a huge smile on my face. But not today:( We used up most of our snow days in October during Hurricane Sandy because of the widespread power outages. Today's snow day means we just lost our first day of Spring Break. This is VERY.BAD.NEWS. It is going to be a long rest of the school year! But I guess it was the right call, judging from what I saw when I went to let my puppy love out this morning...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://www.thefirstgradeparade.blogspot.com/2013/02/im-goin-to-chicagowhos-comin-with-me.html" target="_blank">Cara Carroll's post</a> last week got me all jazzed up to introduce math tubs. Well, I got a little too excited and tried to do it all at once. My kids LOVED doing the hands on activities in small groups during math time, but we just don't have enough TIME in our schedule to do our textbook lesson AND math tubs. So I put on my thinking cap... and my little loves now have BUCKET BRAIN BOOSTERS. I am having my little loves visit a math tub first thing in the morning when they arrive. Each day, Monday to Thursday, they visit a different tub. On Friday, they complete any unfinished work from the week. It is going great! Looks like I have a LOT of laminating and cutting in my future!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Does anyone else out in Blog Land have Spring Open House at their schools? Basically, it is a night event where students bring their families to school to "Show Off" all of the hard work they have been doing in school. It is one of my favorite nights of the year, but it is SO.MUCH.WORK. I think my classroom usually looks "Open House ready", but I always seem to think I need to change EVERY.SINGLE.DISPLAY in my classroom. My Little Loves have been super busy preparing for their big night. We are writing paragraphs about important people in our country's history, making place value leprechauns, presenting community workers, remembering the first 100 days of schools, and much more. Check out next week's post for some pictures of our special night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. PROUD MAMA ALERT! My own personal Little Love is in Pre-K this year. This week, the hubby and I went to meet her teacher for our Parent-Teacher conference. We got to sit in her little chairs and see her work hanging up in the classroom. Her teacher gave us a GLOWING report and couldn't say enough about how well she is doing and how much she has blossomed this year. Every single skill and concept on her report card was marked as "mastered independently". She even told us that our baby is READING! Okay, so I already kind of knew that, but I really didn't think she would be reading in school. We are so proud of her!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Now it's time for a bittersweet mama moment. My Littlest Love is 19 months old. We turned her crib into a bed today on our unexpected day off from school. She suddenly became terrified of her crib that Sunday after a full year of being a perfect angel at bedtime. We were hoping that converting it to a toddler bed would help. Fingers crossed that tonight goes smoother than the last 5 did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love to you all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~Danielle</span><br />
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My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-13415015042539477302013-02-27T17:54:00.000-08:002013-02-27T17:54:01.319-08:00Hip Hip Hooray! It's the 100th Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Monday, we celebrated the 100th day of school. I cannot believe how fast this year is flying by. I mean, some days seem to drag on forever, but the year itself seems to be moving at lightning speed! I really wanted to make the 100th day extra special for my little loves, and I totally think I did. I made a cute interest-inspired entrance to get them in the mood right away. They loved it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">For morning work, I gave everyone these cute crowns my team ordered from </span><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/color-your-own-th-day-of-school-crowns-a2-48_6648-12-1.fltr?Ntt=100th+day" target="_blank">Oriental Trading</a><span style="color: purple;">. They worked so hard coloring in all their little stars. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After calendar and morning meeting, it was time for my favorite 100th Day activity - Fruit Loop Necklaces. Bowls of fruit loops and </span><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">little bags of Necklace tags were given out, and they set to work. I loved watching how carefully some of my little loves picked out their colors and designed patterns for their necklace. I used to use cut up straws as spacers between every 10 Fruit Loops, but at the last minute I decided to design, print, and cut out these adorable tags for everyone to use instead. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can check them out at my TpT store by clicking below:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-Day-of-School-Cereal-Necklace-Tags" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Click Here to Go to my TpT store</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During my mid-day block, I used a bunch of activities from <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/100th-DayIts-Kind-of-a-Big-Deal" target="_blank">Cara Carroll's 100th Day - It's Kind of a Big Deal</a> unit. So.Stinkin'.Cute. I have always made a special snack with my kids by having them pick 10 pieces of 10 different small snacks. This year, I had them make their snack mix and then use a handful of it to do the Scoop and Sort Graphing activity. I loved watching how engaged they were while completing this activity. You seriously could've heard a pin drop!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3n88BM9jsLY/US6zsMDklGI/AAAAAAAAADI/lW19uH96tZ4/s1600/IMG_0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3n88BM9jsLY/US6zsMDklGI/AAAAAAAAADI/lW19uH96tZ4/s200/IMG_0341.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNC3n_D8uEA/US6zq7OuFMI/AAAAAAAAAC4/dQSSwhzF4_M/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNC3n_D8uEA/US6zq7OuFMI/AAAAAAAAAC4/dQSSwhzF4_M/s200/IMG_0340.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gzIpTu-HVU/US6zydukCzI/AAAAAAAAADU/7-YTJ6WB9Cw/s1600/IMG_0342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gzIpTu-HVU/US6zydukCzI/AAAAAAAAADU/7-YTJ6WB9Cw/s200/IMG_0342.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next was the Counting Our Way to the 100th Day mini-book. We were able to practice our skip counting, addition sentences, tally marks, and coins while working through this book together. It was a great addition to our day!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After lunch and recess it was time for our 100th Day Hershey Kiss Scavenger Hunt! This is always a fun time. While they were in the cafeteria, I hid 100 Hershey Kisses in the classroom. On the bottom of each one was a colored dot sticker with a number written on it. As kids found the kisses, they removed the sticker and placed it in the correct spot on the hundreds chart. Those sneaky peeks found 99! We searched high and low for Number 35, but it was no where to be found (Don't worry, it turned up first thing the next morning near the coat hooks).</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We ended the day by planning our 100th day books. They wrote what they would buy with $100, what they could eat 100 of, what they would NOT want 100 of, and more. They did a great job on their little books.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall, this was one of the best 100th Day celebrations I have ever had! We all had a great time and I am already gathering new ideas for next year. 100 days down, 80 to go...</span>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-83717050183071073712013-02-20T17:56:00.000-08:002013-02-27T17:56:39.311-08:00Oh. My. Word. Could these be any cuter?<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I REALLY wish I would've been better about getting my blog up and running before the holidays. Part of our social studies curriculum involves learning about the different customs and traditions our families have during the winter holidays. My little loves had a homework assignment where they had to answer some questions about the way their family celebrates their favorite winter holiday. I have a pretty diverse class. I even learned some new things! After the homework assignments came back, we used them to create AMAZING writing pieces. I was in LOVE, LOVE, LOVE with them! I knew I needed a really special way to display their hard work. My Winter Kid Craftivity was born!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The template for this adorable project is available for purchase at <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cute-Winter-Kid-Writing-Craftivity" target="_blank">my TpT store</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check it out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-35647550631622442662013-02-18T19:47:00.000-08:002013-02-18T19:49:09.065-08:00Addition is such a HOOT!<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Common Core Learning Standards have brought may changes this year. One of the things I actually really love is that I can spend so much more time on basic math concepts. We are covering fewer topics now and we are able to really dig our heels in. We spent a LOT of time learning about addition this year. My kiddos learned so many new strategies and tricks for solving those number sentences. When it came time to teach the "Counting On 1, 2, or 3" strategy, I wanted to give my kids a little something special. I have a whole owl theme going on in my classroom this year, so I created a math sorting activity using...OWLS! My little ones LOVED it! They were so engaged in the activity. I encouraged them to talk the strategy out aloud while they played and I was so impressed with their conversations. I made one set of cards for each of the 5 table groups in my classroom. I added a great recording sheet for them to write down their observations after playing. It was a "HOOT"!</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFh1QwJmfOQ/USL15UM2T0I/AAAAAAAAABg/9S6DlQoTr4M/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Owl-Addition-Sorting-Sums-5-10" target="_blank">Click here to check out this item in my TpT store!</a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-24205129084305549642013-02-17T21:58:00.000-08:002013-02-18T06:53:31.814-08:00This time I really mean it!<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the other night, my hubby and I were driving home from a family birthday party. We always do our best talking in the car! He asked me when I was ever going to start putting some files up on TpT. I don't know why I have been procrastinating. I think I have just been very nervous! I don't like to do things halfway. I am intimidated by the many AMAZING teachers who have blogs that I follow. It seems like an overwhelming task. That's when he gave me the best advice - You don't have to dive off the high dive. Just dip your toe in. So that's what I'm FINALLY doing. I'm going to stop being scared and I am taking that little pinky toe of mine and dipping it in the pool! I am posting my first FREEBIE today and I am super excited about it. I actually created it for Mr. First Love's classroom because he has a cool star theme going this year. I hope you like it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kggsPhFVOU0/USI-78eF1yI/AAAAAAAAABQ/xvnTSfhm4G0/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kggsPhFVOU0/USI-78eF1yI/AAAAAAAAABQ/xvnTSfhm4G0/s320/Slide1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Number-Cards-1-20-colored-star-theme" target="_blank">Colored Star Number Cards 1-20</a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6933273874495511228.post-74255380104075611342012-10-25T18:51:00.001-07:002012-10-25T18:51:59.641-07:00Here I Go!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cannot believe I am actually doing this. I mean, I <i>really</i> can't believe I am actually doing this. I know NOTHING about blogs. I am very experienced in reading other people's blogs, but this is my first attempt at actually writing one. I have been so inspired by the remarkable work of so many talented teachers out there. As much as I have learned from these blogs, I do believe that I may have a few things to offer myself. My only hope is that I will learn more about blogging as I go, so that I can share my experiences and ideas with all of you. I am looking forward to being able to share the highs and lows of my life as a teacher. So without further adieu... HERE I GO!</span>My First Lovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497269973835949719noreply@blogger.com0