Summer Vacay

Okay so I've been super busy and I am just now able to sit down for a sec and blog.  Between helping a friend move into her new house, and taking care of all of my home stuff that doesn't get done during the school year (thoroughly cleaning, dog to the vet, summer dance camp for my daughter, etc.) I've been a busy woman.

But, my blog and my bloggy friends have been on my mind {promise}.  I just haven't had a moment to post pics of things my students created before we got out of school.  Those will come in the near future.  I've been creating a classroom management clip chart that I will share FOR FREE, with you guys after I get it laminated so you can see it in action.

Meanwhile, take a look at my "Back to School Math Centers" activities that I have been working on again and off again for the past 3 weeks.  It's only for 2nd grade teachers, but can be adapted for 1st and 3rd for differentiation among high and low students.  I am using it for a review of 1st grade concepts at the beginning of the year.  The students will work in groups of 3 or 4 and will rotate centers the 1st week of school.  It allows me to see what they have learned and concepts that need more reviewing.

Back to School Math Centers

Oh Gee Whiz & Letters to Troops

Oh Gee Whiz!

We still have one more week of school.  All of my Texas and Florida friends are out and I must say I am very JEALOUS.  I've got summer fever terribly badly.  There are so many things I need to do like...thoroughly clean my house from top to bottom.  I've got friends and family coming to stay with me each week through July.  I've been so busy with paperwork and grading that I've abandoned my home sweet home.  Forget spring cleaning, I've got to catch up before school starts again.  I need some help or some motivation for that matter.


Letters to Troops

Yep, just now posting the letters my class made to send to some troops in Afghanistan.  I wanted the troops to get them by Memorial Day, but it takes forever to get a package overseas.  So, I'm being told that they should receive the cards this week.  (These are included in my "A Salute to Our Veterans- Veteran's Day and Memorial Day Activities" on TpT.)

End of Year Luau

Today was full of fun, learning, more fun, and more learning.  Every year I like to have a Class Luau to celebrate the end of the year.  Who wouldn't like to celebrate with thoughts of Hawaii?  While I am completely exhausted, I know my students enjoyed themselves.  I have former students who come back each year with memories of their Luau.  It melts my heart!

Things we do:

Learn How to Speak like the native Hawaiians Days and Months

Explore the islands and land forms

Discuss the capital, state bird, state flower (and the fact that Hawaii is the 50th state)

Eat pineapples and coconut

Attempt to learn how to hula

Limbo (However, my limbo stick was broke this year, so that was a no go)

Read-aloud this book:

And PAR-TAY of course!  We had snow cones, cotton candy, and a pretty cool cake!

Then we had a little picture fun in our Hawaiian wear!

Okay, maybe not such a cute pic, but you get the idea! Ha!

We still have 4 days left and then my sweeties will officially be 3rd graders.  I am so proud of their accomplishments this year.  They are all so very precious to me.  I KNOW they will accomplish many great things.  I will miss them very, very, VERY much, but they will always hold a special place in my heart!

If you want to grab some of the printables I used for the Luau click HERE!