Photos, a FREEBIE, "The Mitten," and Other Winter Activities!

Snow, snow, SNOW!  Our typical Wisconsin February weather has arrived!  I am not a fan of the cold or the snow, but... at least the weather correlates with the theme many of my kiddos have been working on - WINTER!

(Actually, I am still sitting at home right now because our school district is having a 2-hour late start, due to the weather conditions.  What a perfect time to finish up a blog post that I started...mmmm...last weekend, LOL!)

 

One of my 2nd grade groups read and compared two versions of "The Mitten" - one story told by Jan Brett and the other story told by Alvin Tresselt.

 



 

 

The kids cut out two huge mittens (one yellow, one white - like the stories) using butcher paper.

 

 

 

We used words as well as images to discuss the similarities and differences between the two stories.

 

 

I picked up the printables for FREE from the amazing Mrs. Bell at A Place Called Kindergarten.  She always has the most amazing stuff on her blog...love her!)

 

 

The cuties - showing off their hard work!

 

 

We practiced a Readers Theatre version of "The Mitten," and then performed in front of the two classes that these kiddos come from.

 

 

Performance #1

 

 

Performance #2

 

 

(Haha!  My little munchkin on the right must have known Mrs. Unger would use these photos on her blog, as he covered his face with the mask for me!)

 

 

My hardworking group of 2nd graders also completed the "If I Lived in a Snow Globe" writing project, made infamous by Pinterest.

 

 

We used styrofoam plates (with the center cut out) and laminated their photos so that it gave the project a "glass" look.  All dressed up in their winter gear, the kids posed for the camera, acting out their winter activity.

 

 

If you would like the FREE "If I Lived in a Snow Globe" writing printable, visit Ms. Watkin's blog, "Ginger Snaps," by clicking HERE!)

 

In order to correlate this fun writing activity with a learning target for my school district, I had to direct my students' writing a bit.  So I created a pre-writing activity that they had to complete before putting their final product on their snow globe template.  If you would like your own FREE copy of this pre-writing four-square grid, help yourself by visiting my TPT store!

 

 

Here are some close-up shots of their work:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was too late for this year, but I ordered this book, "The Snow Globe Family" by Jane O'Connor, for next year.  I do not have it yet, but according to Amazon, it is en route.  :)

We also recently read a winter-themed emergent reader that these kiddos just LOVED!  We read it, read it, then read it again until the kids were able to read it fluently.  Here are the steps we took to get there:

 

1) picture walk

2) teacher reads, students follow with their "reading finger" (or we also have mini magnifying glasses in my room that the kids like to use)

3) teacher and students read

4) students choral read

5) students partner read

6) students silent read around the room

7) students read to the teacher

 

 



 

 

 

We have actually been doing SO much more with our winter theme in this group, but (silly me) I frequently forget to take pictures.

 

So...on to First Grade!

 

 

When working on writing with my First Grade buddies, I have noticed that they struggle because of a weak foundation of the basics.  So I went on an online hunt to find a winter-themed writing activity that matched their current ability level...and in walks Ms. Rosenberg and her AWESOME "Winter Rebus Story" activity on TPT!  Have you ever heard of rebus writing?  I had not.  The kiddos incorporate pictures into their writing.  I LOVE this idea because they are able to write creative stories without getting stuck on those "big" words and they are able to focus their attention on sight words and decodable words.

 

 

 

 

My friends in First Grade also completed their calendars for the month of January.  I forgot to take pictures of their completed work, but here are pictures of my example calendar:

 

 

As you can see, I never got around to do the writing piece, but - of course - my kiddos sure did!

 

 

Well, that is it for now!  I will continue to (try to remember) take pictures of the winter activities we do over the next weeks and then blog about them.  Until then, stay warm!  As always, thank you for stopping by!  :)

 

Free and Fun Fonts for You!

Happy (lazy) Sunday, everyone!  Peeking out my window, it looks like my baby, my husband, and I are living in a snow globe.  :)  What a perfect kind of day for writing a quick blog post.

 

Many of you out there in the blogging / Pinterest world have talked about how awesome iFontMaker is, so I did some research myself.  I found out that I could not download this app on my Google Nexus, BUT...I was able to convince my sweet hubby into letting me download it on his iPad (hehe).  Click HERE if you would like to look into this cool app yourself.  The cost is $7.00, which is totally worth it - in my opinion!

 

Anyway, I am still a novice, but I do have a few FREE fonts to share with you that I have created.

 

 

(The adorable pink and swirly frame that you see is from the one and only 3 AM Teacher.  If you are unfamiliar with her amazing frames, clip art, and other goodies, I suggest you check her out!)



 

Okay, so this is my first time trying to share fonts.  I have "published" them on iFontMaker's website, so they should be downloadable (Is that a word?) to the public.  If you have any troubles, PLEASE let me know, so that I can attempt to fix the issue - but hopefully, all goes well!

 

Click on the links below to download the fonts:

 

Amber's Cuteness

 

Amber's Fun

 

Amber's First Attempt

 

Joe's Font

 

Well, I suppose I ought to go do something more productive (and probably far less fun than blogging) with my day.  I hope you are able to use these fonts in goodies that you create for your classrooms.  As always, thanks for stopping by!

 

 

 

 

 

Teacher Appreciation Days - Discounts for YOU!

When I told my husband last weekend that I wanted to go to Barnes and Noble because they were having a 50% off all holiday books sale, he knew I would be gone for a few hours and my wallet would come back a little lighter.  :)  For the first time since I became a mommy, I was able to go into one of my FAVORITE stores, sip on a Spiced Vanilla Latte, and casually peruse every book in sight.  Ahhhh!  It was wonderful.

 

 

Before I get into the treasures that I found, I need to tell you that Teacher Appreciation Days at Barnes and Noble have started - Saturday, January 12th through Sunday, January 20th!  With your educator's card, you will receive 25% off EVERYTHING in the store (not just classroom-related items).  If you do not already have an educator's card, simply bring proof of employment to sign up.  On regular days, you receive 20% classroom-related items only.

Okay, now on to the goodies!  Here are some children's books that I am excited about:

 

"If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King," "I Have a Dream," and "The Skin I'm In"

 

The "I Have a Dream" book included a CD of Dr. Martin Luther King's original speech.  One of my 4th grade groups is currently listening to and talking about this infamous speech... and they are so loving it!

 

 

"Looking After Louis" by Lesley Ely is about a boy with autism and how his peers respond to him.  The story sends such a powerful and important message about compassion and understanding.

 

 

 

 

"Incredible You! 10 Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Through" by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer... I am looking forward to reading this one at one of our upcoming Goody Goody Club meetings at school.  :)

 

 

"Leave Me Alone:  A Tale of What Happens When You Stand Up to a Bully" by Kes Gray and Lee Wildish is a straight-forward and simple story that shows children the importance of using their voice when they are not treated fairly.

 

You can go ahead and ignore the price tag that says "$19.99" because I got this "Alphabet Exercise" DVD for FREE!!  (Okay, maybe I had to buy two other DVDs to make that happen, but I am not the type of girl to pass up a Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal!)

 

 

I have to admit that I was disappointed at the selection of holiday books that were left when I arrived.  Oh well, at least I got these for 50% off!

 

 

 

If you ladies love Harry Connick, Jr. like I do, you will enjoy "The Happy Elf," especially the CD that comes along with the book.

 

 

My 2nd graders are in the middle of their "Winter" thematic unit, so I thought these bargain books might come handy at some point:  "The First Snow" for $5.98 and "Cub's First Winter" for the same price.

 

I have been trying to pick up gifts as I see them on sale throughout the year (instead of Christmas shopping at the last minute).  I found these... all for 50% off.  Don't you just LOVE that!?

 

Despite the fact that I was at Barnes and Noble last weekend, I already have plans to return tomorrow!  I know, I know...I have a book and coffee disease addiction.  Here are some books I have my eye on (among many others):

 

"Splat Says Thank You!" by Rob Scotton

 

"Being Frank" by Donna Earnhardt is about a boy who is a little too honest and learns a good lesson.

 

"Snowmen at Work" by Caralyn Buehner

 

I absolutely LOVE this book and the powerful message that it sends!!  The story is about an apple who meets a new friend, a worm.  The apple is teased by other apples for "having worms."  The apple is hurt and a little confused, but he continues to love his friend.  Eventually, the worm leaves without saying goodbye because he cannot stand to see his friend teased so badly.  You will have to get your hands on the book to read the ending!!  :)

 

"Watch Your Tongue, Cecily Beasley" by Lane Fredrickson is about a girl with poor manners who sticks out her tongue all the time... until one day some strange items get STUCK to her tongue!  She learns an important life lesson through the process.

 

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On a completely different note, today is a big day for me - I put up my very first product on Teachers Pay Teachers for sale... and I have to admit, I am a bit nervous about it.  I have always posted everything for free (which, by the way, I will continue to post FREEBIES) because it has never cost me money to make them AND the word "infringement" scares me, LOL.  But this time, I purchased some clip art and I thought I might try to make that money back.  Anyway, I think I followed all guidelines and I do not believe I have broken any rules, so hopefully this is a good start!

 

Soooo... if you are looking for some fun Community Workers Matching Cards to compliment our "Community Workers" unit, I would absolutely LOVE if you visited my TPT store by clicking HERE!

 

 

As always, thank you for stopping by!  :)