Stop Summer Learning Loss

Click below to read a great list of activities to keep your child learning all summer!

Source: kidsactivitiesblog.com via Audrey on Pinterest

I also created a page on my class wiki for parents to learn about WHY their child needs to read and learn over the summer, and HOW they can do this: http://colwell2011-12.wikispaces.com/Summer+Learning

Book Exchange!

Would you like to get 36 books for the price of 1?! I need 6 people to continue this book exchange that a co-worker of mine passed on to me. If you agree to join this book exchange, then you'll mail one book to my kinder friend, Erika, and then you will pass my address on to 6 of your friends, who will then each mail me a book. 6x6=36 books!!! But you have to commit and follow through so that it works! :) If you're in, please leave a comment with your email address, and I'll be in touch with you to get you the addresses. See the letter below for more of the details!

New Classroom Theme?!

I have had a western, Texas theme for the past 3 years, and I think I'm ready for a change. I would love a calming environment with lots of natural colors and a somewhat earthy feel. What better way to do that than with a cute owl theme! The owl trend has been out for awhile now, so I should be able to find many cute things! Check out these cute and FREE owl printables! Owl Themepack Accents

Math Coach's Corner: Addition & Subtraction Structures

Math Coach's Corner: Addition & Subtraction Structures, Part 2:  addition and subtraction in word problems.

The are the kinds of problems that confuse many math students.
Part-Part-Whole thinking is an important foundational understanding for kids to master!

Check out this post with a good explanation of the types of problems for first grade.
 Might be good info for parents!

Celebrating Volunteer Week with VolunteerSpot

Celebrating Volunteer Week with VolunteerSpot

Learn about a website where you can create free sign-up sheets online!
Looks similar to Sign-Up Genius, which is FANTASTIC!!!

Great Student Friendly iPad Apps

Hot apps 4 hots slideshare version

View more PowerPoint from techchef4u

I have found many great app use ideas at TechChef4U's blog!

Timez Attack - Fact Fluency Video Game

Check out this video about Timez Attack. It looks like a great way for kids to practice addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts. The math facts are in the video game! It's free to use flashcards and one video game. The website also tracks student progress.

On Our Minds @ Scholastic | The official blog of Scholastic Inc.

On Our Minds @ Scholastic | The official blog of Scholastic Inc.: Book and education enthusiasts sharing breaking book and media news, stories of education and technology, and reflections on literacy. Join us!

Summer Bucket List!

Here's my... I want to make these for myself and my teammates to carry around ketchup and napkins and spoons for our forgetful friends in the cafeteria. ;) It's something I need, but I also want to prove to myself that I can be crafty and sew! Oh, I guess I better get that sewing machine I've been wanting too. ;)

Source: clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com via Hadar on Pinterest

I want to make a frame like this for the first day of first grade.

Source: Uploaded by user via Audrey on Pinterest

I want to try new recipes and cook for my family a lot!

I want to buy a new grill and make use of our patio, that I want to work on, and have BBQs with friends!

I cannot wait for the beach house trip with my family!!!! I want to MAKE MEMORIES with my family and especially for my boys!

I want to READ FOR FUN!!! :)

Teach my son the letters and sounds, by making it fun.

Workout and eat healthier!

Source: muffintop-less.tumblr.com via Audrey on Pinterest

This is starting to sound more like a new year's resolution list... Road trip with my hubby.

Visit my sister!

EOY Teacher Gift Tag

I made these little gift tags to attach to my EOY gifts for teammates. :) I'm going to get a beach towel monogrammed with their last initial and then attach a cute little summer treat with a ribbon. It was definitely Pinterest inspired. ;) I was inspired by this pin...

Source: therachelberryblog.com via Audrey on Pinterest

For more gift ideas, check out my "Gifts" Pin board!

Teach123: Homework Incentive

Teach123: Homework Incentive: A teacher wears so many hats!  We have to be a jack-of-all-trades.   Found at this neat teacher blog:

Source: teach123-school.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Guided Reading Blog

Check out this awesome blog full of Guided Reading ideas!!!!

Inventors & Inventions!

In our first grade curriculum, we're wrapping up the year by studying inventors and how they have changed the ways we communicate. I found this on an awesome first grade blog!

Primary Junction: Great Websites for Kids

Click to see: A list of great websites for kids by Primary Junction.

52 Ways to Use Wordle in the Classroom

If You Give a Mom a Muffin

If You Give a Mom a Muffin

The 100 Best Web 2.0 Classroom Tools Chosen By You | Edudemic

The 100 Best Web 2.0 Classroom Tools Chosen By You | Edudemic

My Oatmeal Kisses: Top Educational Websites for Kids

My Oatmeal Kisses: Top Educational Websites for Kids: Technology is pretty amazing!  There are lots of wonderful ways to help our child practice the skills they are learning in school. 
Check out this great list of K-2 appropriate websites.  Very attractive and engaging for young kids.

Thanks for sharing!

Friv Games - Fun Brain Games!

Friv Games - Tons of fun games.  Most of them are brain games and problem solving games.

Cute Mother's Day Crafy Gift Idea!

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Runners-Up in The Great Lemonade War!

I'm so proud of my school! We are the first runner-up in the national contest for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation!!! The contest is known as the...

Check out the wiki for all the info about our school's efforts! http://thelemonadewar.wikispaces.com/Slaughter%27s+Stand Check out ALSF for information on how you and your family, church, business, or school, can get involved and help find a cure for childhood cancer! http://www.alexslemonade.org/

Pizza Fractions - always a good visual!

These are great free, printables for setting up a pizza fraction station!

Another great end of year writing activity. Write a letter to the up-coming first graders!

Great end of year writing activity. Students can write to their teacher for next year. Super cute!

Boggle!

Great working with words activity!

Love me some Ron Clark!

I definitely want to read this book, and I'd love to go to one of his classes. He spoke at our school district's convocation one year, and he was outstanding. The End of Molasses Classes by Ron Clark—read an excerpt!