Five for Friday

I'm joining in the party to share some pictures of our week! Thanks Doodle Bugs Teaching for hosting such a fun weekly party.

The first graders performed the Interplanetary Jammin' musical. It was a big hit with the parents. I was so proud. Just curious... how many teachers do you have on a grade level? We have 9 first grade teachers so our musical was spilt up into two different nights. 

We had a special visitor all week leaving us clues and treats. We tried really hard to trap him but no luck. I used this wonderful packet to teach inferring. I *highly* recommend this for inferencing skills. We can't wait to see what happens on Monday.

I tried to blur so I don't give away too much. 

Bee Oreos from Lucky the Leprechaun 

Our trap to try and catch Lucky.

We shared why we are lucky! I loved looking at their cute responses. 

I'm trying out a new behavior system called the Super Improver Wall by WBT. I'll be blogging about it this weekend. It's all about setting goals for children and recognizing their improvements. I also do something similar for AR. Each student has their own individual goals.

Take the Lead and Read! AR pack

Spring Break is definitely here in my hometown but just not for me! Our spring break is one week away. Luke Bryan was at my husband's beach store this past week. I'm loving his new album. 

Check out the spring break madness!

I'm off to eat dinner with the family! I'll be back later this weekend for some fun new ideas.

Is there a such thing as a low key party? plus winners !!!

Is there a such thing as a low key party? Oh my... I am exhausted! I did get to dart out of school right at 2:00 and now relaxing after a hot shower.

Here are some of my tips. I'd love to know your tips!

1. Have a guest reader - You can really get ready if there's a reader keeping your little ones occupied

2. Pick one craft and don't try to do it on the day of the party. I always run out of time at parties so rarely do I do crafts the day of the party.

3. Kids love using their five senses. I try to fit in some curriculum during parties. This year I covered our Science Unit: five senses.  At Christmas we will be doing a goods and services unit and Holidays Around the World.

4. Keep them busy! Packets are a plus! There are tons of free packets on tpt. Students always need something on their desk. I love my pumpkin time unit and can't wait for Holidays Around the World.

5.  Use signup genius to get donations for party food or supplies. This year we had Chick-Fil-A.  Three parents sent in money other parents sent in paper products, cupcakes, drinks, etc.

How do you keep SANE on holidays? I swear Halloween is the worst :)

Favorite Halloween Games:

Guess the Ghost

Witch Hat Horseshoe

Mummy Wrap

Mystery Jars

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween. 

Here are the winners for the recent giveaways

Door Hanger from Elizabeth Ann's : Sara Brown

Kidecals gift certificate : Sidney Ellen Mckay

Camera Dump

This was one busy week: Open House, Patriot Day and First Lady of Florida visit! I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs and also getting a head start on my Saturday Snapshots because I'm off to Biloxi tomorrow bright and early. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

We love Julia Cook! Her stories are awesome. We are working on not erupting (interrupting) with our volcano mouths and being a danger ranger instead of a tattle tale.

We predicted what each big word in the Pledge of Allegiance meant and then researched the words by looking them up in dictionaries and using online resources. I hope the students have a better understanding after this process.

One of my favorite stories to read in 1st grade is I AIN'T GONNA PAINT NO MORE! by Karen Beaumont . I introduce labeling this way. Of course I also let them label me with post-its. I sure hope the sweet mother I had volunteering doesn't post the picture she took :) 

 

Finally developed the pictures for our Birthday Board. Where do you send your pictures? Right now I'm using Wal-mart and Sam's because it's cheap. 

I'm in love with my new seat pockets from HAPPI NAPPI. They are amazing. They holds binders, tons of journals, workbooks, etc. They supposedly last for 6-10 years. Definitely an investment but so worth it in my eyes. They are made from durable denim. 

Open house picture !

Florida's First Lady came to visit our class on Thursday. It was a nice treat. Mrs. Ann Scott read Officer Buckle and Gloria and also answered many questions. My kids were ecstatic. 

I'm announcing the winner of the soothing box Sunday !