Sunday, May 25, 2014

Amusement Park Freebie

   What to do with only a few days of school? It can be difficult holding students attention while they so eagerly await summer break. To help our situation Wendie created a great activity that complements our Reading to Learn Roller Coaster booklet and completely engages our students. The other great thing is that it can be done as a completely independent activity- you don't need to have used our booklet.
   My students are very excited to get started this week. They will be working in collaborative groups to plan, design, and create a unique amusement park. I honestly cannot wait to see what they come up with. And with only a few days left in school I am completely over the moon that they want to do any work.

The best part! We are making it a FREEBIE for you to enjoy with your students. We would love to see any amusement parks your students create. So please share a pic. Download by clicking on the cover.


Saturday, May 24, 2014

End of the Year De-stress

Three more days of school left! I am sure many of us are experiencing all the emotions that go along with the end of the year. It is always bittersweet- I typically struggle with wanting (needing) a long summer break and the sadness of my students moving on :( Combine that with all the stresses of the end of the year deadlines and it's a miracle we keep it together. Plus the chocolate and caffeine help.

My teaching/blogging/creating buddy Wendie and I decided to take a break from all the madness and do something fun and nonschool related. We took a trip to San Juan Capistrano to visit the Cottage Home & Garden store. It was absolutely adorable! Wendie and I picked up a few miniature plants to create some amazing miniature fairy gardens. It was so fun- that I am ready to tackle the last three days. Doing something creative just feeds my soul and revitalizes me.

I totally want to replicate this landscape sample from the store.
See the cool wagon? I found one at the nearby antique store! I have all my mini plants to get started. Now I just need to find the miniature accessories to add. More shopping!

Just for fun-this beautiful butterfly landed right in front of me at the Cottage store. So lovely!

What a face! It screams take a pic of me. This was taken at the petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano.

Here is my point of this post... to encourage you to find a way to release the stress of the end of the year. Please share how you get you survive it all.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

S.L.A.N.T. Box Reveal

Sending Love Across the Nation to Teachers... SLANT! What a great way to get to know other teachers and have some fun. A big thank you to Jameson from Lessons with Coffee for putting this all together.

I was so excited to participate in April's SLANT box theme -"Spring into a Good Book." I was able get to know an amazing teacher from Kansas, Sarah,  from Mrs. Jones Teaches. It was really is nice to get to know another teacher-blogger.

This past week I received my box from the sweetest, savviest shopper I have ever met, Amy from Classy in the Classroom. If you check out her blog you will totally understand what I mean when I write "savviest shopper." She was so generous and thoughtful in every item she put in that box. It made me feel so special and I am so appreciative of her. Look at all my cute, wonderful, special items.

 I love, love, love, pens and markers. I cannot wait to use these lovely pens. So exciting!
I know...  how great are the colors. I am hooked on fairy gardens and will look so stylish while I work with my new scarf.
Chocolate the food of the gods. I cannot live without chocolate and now I can make the yummiest and cutest cupcakes ever! I love my cupcake kit and once I have made these I will share with you :)

See how exciting participating in the SLANT box is. It isn't about the things but that connection you make with someone that has a very special thing in common with you- teaching.




Friday, May 2, 2014

Let's Hear it for Teachers!

     For teachers this time of year can be a bit stressful. Between teaching and meeting our student's daily needs we have the added load of assessments, report cards, award assemblies, grade choice for next school year, moving classrooms, and a steady stream of paperwork from the office. It can be absolutely overwhelming! So, it feels very nice to be a little pampered.
    I know I am feeling super special about TeacherspayTeachers 2-Day Sale. I have some adorable fonts and clip arts on my wishlist that I have been waiting to purchase. Wendie and I have also added a fun Reading to Learn Roller Coasters booklet to our series. This booklet has some amazing history about roller coasters and the science behind these thrilling rides.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/2-Smart-Wenches
Thank you Jaime for the adorable TpT button.