New week, New goals

Last week was a sad, sad state for this poor little blog.  

It was neglected.  Ignored.  Surpassed.

But...not forgotten.

Most weeks I feel like a chicken with my head cut off.  Okay, maybe not that drastic.  But certainly overwhelmed and out of time most days.  Like millions of other teachers August through June.  Last week may have topped the charts for me though as I found myself at school 4 out of the 5 nights.  I was a parent attending my own girl's Parent Orientation on two different nights, presented for parents at my Orientation (more on that later this week), and then stayed after many nights to prep for subs the following days for meetings.  Somewhere in there I think I taught some great lessons.  Maybe.  It's all a blur now.   

Anyway, I would love to say that this week will be calmer and my little ol' blog will take priority, but I can't promise anything.  It's shaping up to be another crazy one.  Thank heavens for this 3-day weekend!  I got a little rest and a little time to create.  #yippee

Here's a look at what we've been doing and some new items in store for you now!

Our class participated in our annual Marshmallow Towers challenge.  In 15 years of doing this activity, this was the first time I overheard a student asking God for help!  As I gave the "time check" warning, one little boy shared with his team, "I hope God will help us."  #diedwithsmiles

Not sure that God is worrying about how tall we make our marshmallow towers...might have bigger things on his plate...but oh, how it made me smile!  

If you're interested in doing this fun teambuilder, check out the freebie!

Then we did our Chrysanthemum activity.  Absolutely one of my most favorite picture books to read!  Love the way Kevin Henkes writes.  After reading the story and having great conversations about Victoria not "speaking with good purpose," we moved to our seats to review some color tips before starting our next part.  Check out our poster here.

These crayons have been one of my favorite additions to our class this year.  We used these before starting our Chrysanthemum letters.  We talked briefly about the color wheel and opposite (complimentary) colors.

Find your own crayons here.  They are perfect for viewing across a large room without taking up too much space in your room.

Then students split up and moved around the room to create their own letters.  Priceless!

Get the entire Chrysanthemum activity here.

(If you've have already purchased and downloaded this product, please go back to my store and download it again.  I noticed and fixed a typo!  Oops!)

Since we've already been in school a couple weeks now, my brain is already thinking about guided reading and workstations.  I have started prepping my kiddos for some Word Study stations as I think those as some of the easiest to teach whole group and then gradually release them for independent practice.

I have oodles of games and activities I have done over the years.  Many of which have been done in both third and first grade.  #notreinventingthewheel

Last week we tried out a couple to get our feet wet for some of our first literacy workstations in the next few weeks.  I always like to start with something very hands on to help motivate learners and get them moving.  Sooo...we did Stamp Words.

Anyone who knows me would agree...I HEART FONTS!!  So it's a reasonable requirement that every time I go to Target, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, or Michael's I check out what alphabet stamps are in the clearance bins.  (I also heart sales!)  Over the years I've collected quite the assortment of stampers...all in various fonts.  (One of the many things my husband often wonders why I have so many of...like shoes, clothes, hair accessories...right!?!)  I love setting up each table with stamps and some ink pads and letting them go to town exploring words with stamps.    

It's also a terrific activity to model, model, model the expectations with the materials the first time.  This way when students go to stations independently you can be sure all your juicy ink pads won't be left open to dry out or stampers sprinkled around the room.

To get all of these super spelling activities, visit my store.  I love these activities!  After being taught, many can be used for small groups, partner review games, independent practice, or even for a substitute if needed.  I love leaving notes for a sub that says, "Students will know exactly what to do."  How responsible of them!  

This week I'll be doing more of these activities and posting some pictures for you to see them in use.  

Tomorrow starts a new school week.  New week...New goals...

My goal for this insane week ahead is to post at least 1 (or more!) picture each day of an activity we have done this week.  Check back in tomorrow to be sure I've met my goal.  (Although, it will have to be after bedtime for the kiddos.  Ain't nothin' happening 'round here when the littles are awake!  That is for sure! #lovethemadness...or do I??)  

Stay tuned...