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Fabulous Finds Giveaways

I'm linking up with Christy and Tammy over at Fluttering through First Grade for their Fabulous Finds Linky Party. Best part- I'm going to be able to give away my fabulous finds. YAY! Thank you Second Story Window and Candy Cottage.



First up- School Find
My must have for 2013 is any packet from Second Story Window. I just found out about this awesome store and wish I had known about it sooner.
I started 2013 with their Common Core Morning Work
It's simply amazing.


I also needed some homework and fluency homework. 
Double AMAZING.

check out the post here
If you're interested in learning more about their 2nd grade homework, you can get the table of contents here.  It goes through each day by topic and content.
Check out their Teachers Pay Teachers shop you can download a 10-page sample (pages 61-70).  That's a preview of 2 weeks worth of homework!



Check out the post here
The packet includes:
  • 35 common core aligned weekly 2nd grade passages and comprehension questions that cover a variety of genres
  • Parent note explaining how (and why) to do this assignment
  • Fluency bookmarks to remind students how fluent reading should sound
The format is so clean and organized on all of their packets. I love all of the instructions pages for teachers and parents. I'm going to have to say that these packets are MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE finds on teachers pay teachers. I use them ALL. THE.TIME
I love how they are all common core aligned too! Want to win a Homework packet or Fluency packet? Second Story Window was so kind to graciously donate a fluency packet or homework packet to a lucky reader. 
Sign up using the Rafflecopter below.

Home Find- Candy Cottage Reusable Gingerbread Houses 
Nobody has time to bake and assemble a gingerbread house these days. There just isn't enough time to do it all.
But, what we all remember most about gingerbread and the holidays, is the fun of decorating. The pure enjoyment and excitement of playing with icing, candies and other creative decorations and placing them on your gingerbread house, each piece adding to a happy memory.
The Candy Cottage
® makes those great memories possible once again...without the baking..and without the assembly.
Ready to decorate, right out of the box. Simply snap it together, grab some icing, a couple of your favorite candies and let the decorating begin! And it's reusable - season after season!



Want to win one? Follow the rafflecopter below. Candy Cottage was so kind to donate a candy cottage to one lucky reader.
If you don't have any luck and still want to purchase a cottage just email me. I have a nice supply. Yesterday I brought one over to my niece and nephew. We can't wait to give it a try this week.  I will also be using one in class on Valentine's Day! 
More pics to come!


a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners

I'm checking in to announce the winners of the past two giveaways. Hope everyone had a nice Monday. I'll be back soon to link up to

Autographed copy of The Potato Chip Champ-  Tammy



$10 to my tpt store- The Polished Teacher

The Potato Chip Champ Giveaway

Spotlight on Award-Winning Maria Dismondy
I  JUST LOVE HER STORIES!




Maria was born and raised in a suburb of Detroit. Maria grew up with two moms, two dads an older sister and plenty of grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles to love and appreciate her.

Inspiration for The Potato Chip Champ came from experiences in her own life. Maria has witnessed children struggle with wanting it all. She was inspired by stories of children who have barely anything and give away what they do have. After years of researching bullying, Maria has found that what the world needs is an increase in EMPATHY. The Potato Chip Champ teaches empathy and contentment in a silly story with witty characters. Maria writes stories that children need to hear.

Maria went to Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned her degree with a second major in Early Childhood and a minor in English. Maria studied abroad in Thailand for her master’s degree in Curriculum and Research.

Maria is a woman who wears many hats. Her favorite hat is, by far, being the mother of two little ladies. Next up (maybe even tied with being a mother) is being a wife to her best friend. Before becoming a published writer, Maria taught elementary school. She also teaches fitness classes. Maria loves photography and scrapbooking and tries to squeeze in taking classes on both in any free time she has. Reading is one of her favorite past times. She reads everything from young adult fiction to cookbooks to romance novels.

In 2007, Maria and her good friend Meg started a Non-Profit Organization called Making Spirits Bright. Together, they strive to make a difference in their local community.  You can find out more about them on their facebook page.

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, Maria’s first book, made her an award-winning author winning both an Eric Hoffer Award and a Gold Mom’s Choice Award. It was based off of Maria’s childhood experiences of being teased and bullied for her big hair and funny concoctions she ate for lunch. Maria co-authored The Juice Box Bully with Bob Sornson in 2010 and her third book, Pink Tiara Cookies for Three came out last January.

You can follow Maria on facebook or twitter. She has a blog called Be The Difference and writes about her experiences as a mother and gives advice and ideas to be used when parenting, teaching or dealing with character education.

You can purchase her books on her website at www.mariadismondy.com or on amazon or barnesandnoble.com

Maria is currently hosting this blog tour. You can find the schedule on her website under events. Would you like to win an autographed copy of The Potato Chip Champ? 
You can earn up to 3 entries. I'll pick a winner on Monday the 21st at 8:00 a.m. central time. 

1. Leave a comment with your favorite chip.
2. Follow Maria on FB! Leave a comment saying you do!
3. Follow Maria on Twitter. Leave a comment saying you do!


Maria's Blog: Be The Difference: http://www.mariadismondy.com/blog