Picture THIS! Monday Made It

Monday already? It's been another busy week of getting my classroom somewhat set up. I can't wait to see all of the Monday Made Its.

I've been crafting using photographs from family sessions. The possibilities are endless.I think it would be neat to document family vacations using different states you have visited. This idea might be great for geography lessons too. In first grade, we use the book ME on the MAP to create a great unit. I think this year I may assign students to fill in a state with magazine pictures or even real pictures. 

My sister in law helped me create the popular letter collages that I've seen floating around on Pinterest. You can click here to see step by step directions.  Now I want to find a source for wooden state cut outs to help me document my past vacations. Who doesn't love anything that involves mod podge and photographs. Smaller letters will make great Christmas gift ideas for students.

I finally got around to adding these labels to my bins. You can find these editable labels from KNJ creations. I am in love with them. Can you believe the difference? It also hides my clutter! I need all the help I can get in that department.

AFTER

BEFORE

Do you use Kagan Management Mats? I did until I decided to create my own using vinyl. You can use a cricut or silhouette to make these durable numbers. I love to group my students this way. Kagan is all about engagement.  When tables are labeled it allows for shoulder partners and face to face partners. It's also great to call all the ones to pick up papers or the threes to sharpen pencils. You should check out Kagan if you haven't heard of their awesome structures. 

 I went to Target on Sunday and found 18 more black cubes. I found them ON SALE. #SCORE 

Now each student will have a numbered cube to keep their belongings. This is in addition to their mailbox, cubby, and seat pocket.I have the top 18 cubes filled with various supplies. I like how they can hide clutter. Is it bad that I like to organize by stuffing? HAHA! I just throw my stuff in different bins. At least they are labeled. Hopefully this will hide my junk from Alison. 

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Can't wait to be inspired this week.You should  join Tara with your Monday Made It.

Oh the Places You'll Go

How do you celebrate Read Across America Day? Some years I go all out and others years I keep it pretty simple. The one thing we ALWAYS have is guest readers. Some even dress up and the children LOVE this day! In the past, we’ve also spelled words with Grinch glue, tried green eggs and ham, and even went on a field trip to a Dr. Seuss play.  

                      

Luckily this year we had some fun things planned. First we had the local high school drama club perform a pantomime. The kids were mesmerized. You'd be surprised at the support you can receive if you just ask and coordinate. Thankfully we had a sweet intern arrange for the high school to perform for all of K and 1st.

We also paraded around the school to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. First grade each chose a Dr. Seuss book and dressed like the characters or theme from the story. The rest of the school came out to watch and cheer. The onlookers were encouraged to cheer and boy they did! I had some of my first graders giving high fives and trying to through out Mardi Gras beads. Everyone seemed to really enjoy our little parade around campus. It was such a fun time. We can't wait to participate again next year.

My class chose the book Oh, the Places You’ll Go! We each wore a shirt from another place. We had globes taped on our backs and held signs from our "place."

Here are some other fun ideas

Sleep Book- Wear pajamas

The Cat in the Hat- Make hats and bow ties

Fox in Socks- Fox masks and crazy socks

There’s a Wocket in my Pocket- wear handmade pockets out of construction paper or fabric

500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins- wear crazy hats
Happy Birthday To You- birthday hats, balloons, and noise makers
Horton Hears a Who- wear elephant hats and carry the flower

I've also found some awesome songs for Dr. Seuss week. I'll leave you with these fun songs.

Vancemo has tons of great books made into fun songs. The students had fun singing along to all of them.

How did you celebrate Dr. Seuss this week?

Leave me a comment and I'll send my new behavior beads to 3 lucky winners.