Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

 

 

In early March, we enjoyed Dr. Seuss' Birthday Week at school. Each day was a different theme, from slipping into a good book with slippers, wearing green for green eggs and ham, wacky hair Wednesday, crazy socks, and cat in the hat spirit day Friday. We had an absolute blast in first grade. My students told me it was their favorite week by far. The funny thing was it may have been one of the most dedicated weeks of working that we had. With an unexpected ice day and Open House scheduled during this week, it sure made for a crazy but super exciting week.  

 



My kids LOVED the purple hair. I can sure say it was one Wacky Wednesday.  I cannot tell you how many students asked me if it was real or told me that they could see my real hair underneath. Regardless it was super fun and a great way to celebrate Dr. Seuss week.

 

 

On Friday, I set up Dr. Seuss inspired stations. It included creating a Dr. Seuss character with play dough. Talk about the most adorable Thing 1. 

 

Thursday may have been one of the longest teaching days in my teaching career. I arrived to school at 6:00AM and left after 7:45PM. Our student lead Open House was a blur but so good to see the kids shine as they showed their parents all that they had done this year. Enjoy some pictures of our classroom projects.

 

 

 

Area Portrait People

Pizza Fractions

 Green Eggs and Ham Persuasive Writing

Thing 1 Riddle Books

 

I am so thankful for these 17 kids. They are all pretty special. I love the way they see me:)

Teacher Appreciation Week

Last week was teacher appreciation week. Boy was it filled with tasty treats and special activities for everyone around the school. It was a perfect way to end our previous two weeks of testing and a great way to begin our countdown for the final days of school. The week included PTA lunches, a first grade birthday lunch, secret goodies, and an early release team building competition. All I have to say is go team FIRSTY! "We are FIRSTy for knowledge" ...thus my fabulous teammate dressed as Einstein. I really enjoyed working as a first grade teacher this year and look forward to continuing my efforts in first grade next year. I'll also be working with some sweet summer school kiddos this summer and will send a few more updates on that as well.

I did want to take a moment to wish all of the teachers a wonderful last few weeks of school! You truly do inspire all those around you and make such a wonderful difference. Here's to 19 more days of school for many of my friends! You can do it!

ONE HUNDRED!

Today our First Graders celebrated the 100th day of school. While as a Kindergarten teacher last year, we held a parade and lots of different activities. This year was a bit more tame. We did enjoy 100 day badges, 100 pizza topping and graph morning activity sheet, and "if I had $100" writing. It was sure a fun and CRAZY day with my kiddos. I enjoyed my jean Wednesdays and of course anything that is a theme:) Wishing all my teachers a fabulous 100 days and the months that lay ahead.

I Have a Dream!

The topic of dreams have filled my classroom for the past week. With the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday right around the corner, my first grade classroom dove head first into the importance of having dreams and changing the world. I was so proud of my kiddos that I wanted to share their dreams with you. From the mouth of first graders...

I have a dream...

 I will do my best. I will be healthy.

No more wars.

So kids dont get stolen.

 About keeping the earth clean.

no sickness.

That everyone will be treated fairly.

That we all clean the environment.

 That everyone would work together.
No more bad guys.
That nobody will litter and treat others how you want to be treated.

  So thankful for kiddos and for their dreams!

Pinterest, My Number 1 Interest!

As most of us, I am pretty addicted to Pinterest. I think the title clearly exemplifies my feelings for the site. Since I am a first year First Grade Teacher, I have been searching for new activities for my kiddos. I have fallen in love with so many great ideas and blogs. Here are some of the fun ideas that I have found. If you are interested you can follow me on Pinterest. A great blog I have found through Pinterest is Made for 1st Grade. It has so many wonderful ideas, freebies, and kits for purchase. I have included some here for your reference.

Reach for the stars- Student Goals

 ABC Order

I'll be using this idea in my discussion of adjectives.

Thankful wheel

Sight Word Graphing

Synonyms 

 

 Synonym Directions

Tallie Fun

Lego Addition and Subtraction

Beginning Sounds, Blends, Spelling Fun

Fact Family Post it Fun

 Cookie Sheet Sight Word Activity
...

For all o fmy teacher friends out there, what are some other great sites and ideas that you have found?

A Room in Progress...

I think my facebook status says it all...

Today was the first day I felt like I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing;) This makes a teacher's heart very happy!

After much preparation, long hours, and valuable time on pinterest, I feel like I am coming into my own in my new first grade room. Here are just a few photos of a room in progress.

Here is to another exciting year in the teaching profession, a new home, new kiddos, a new grade level... but all an excellent adventure.

Because I'm a Teacher...

Being a teacher has brought me so much joy in my life. I feel that God las lead me to my passion and I could not imagine a more perfect profession. With that being said, there are some interesting facts that I have learned over the past three years. 

Because I'm a Teacher....

... I get up many days before the crack of dawn.

... I neglect my housework. 

... I get excited about garage sales.

... I love children.

... I love craft stores.

... I am addicted to pinterest.

... I love children's stories.

... I refer to little ones as friends, kiddos, and babies pretty much at all times.

... I give positive reinforcements with fuzzies and marbles.

... I mutlitask.

... I can handle boo boos, skinned knees, hurt feelings, and friends that are not saying nice words.

... I wait... A LOT.

... I walk with a bubble and tail.

... I am MIA during the months of August and June and many times in between.

... I sing EVERYTHING!

... I am an artist, musician, waitress, maid, friend, coach, and TEACHER.

... I love my summer.

... I go to sleep at 9:00.

... I live for spirt days.

... I love JEANS!

... I work with a lot of women.

... I love themed... anything.

For all my teacher friends out there... do you have anything to add?

Back in Session!

The past few weeks have been a bit of a blur. From trainings, convocation, room assignments, student numbers... things have been a bit crazy to say the least. Many of you have been wondering if I have a room assignment this year, and sadly things are a bit up in the air about my class. I first want to say that everyone has been absolutely amazing! I feel so supported and encouraged, but sadly our kinder numbers are just not there yet. So by next week (if not a few days later) I should know if I will be staying or finding a new home school. I am so thankful for the opportunity I was given last year and know that God truly has something perfect in mind for me. It will be so hard to leave my kinder kiddos from last year. Now of course they are big first graders and I just love those sweet kids. When I walk down the hall and see their sweet faces... I simply want to scoop them up and give them hugs. It will be hard to leave the staff and my kids, but again I am just ready and anxious.

For now I have had the opportunity to continue my work with the kinder kiddos. They are so cute and LITTLE. I forget how little they are. It makes me think of little miss Olivia and her first few days of school. I absolutely love what I do and I couldn't imagine anything else. And while I might not have my own classroom, I have loved helping in every way I possibly can.

Beginning Teacher...

This past Thursday, PISD held its annual Teacher and Beginning Teacher of the Year Gala. The theme: Teaching by Design. The decor was beautiful and the company was amazing. I was joined by my husband and fabulous teammates. I am thankful to work with women who continue to encourage and support me. I have grown so much throughout these two years and am thankful for the opportunity. The night was an additional reminder of God's blessings. I have been given an opportunity to teach, to change lives, and to make a difference. Three years ago, I would never have imagined my life to go in this specific direction. But it is He who directs our path in the manner that serves His purpose. I could not be more grateful and honored. Enjoy some pictures from our night.

Teacher of the Year- Ashia Bell
Beginning Teacher of the Year- Alicia Zellner

My amazing husband!

Kathi my Team leader and I

My ELC Ladies- Trout and Wallace

My Kinder Team!

Me, Ray, and Trout

 

Lisa, Susie, and Diana

3rd Grade Teachers- Ami, Wallace, and Samuels

 Ashia and Krisi

After dinner, Ray and I ventured out for Yogurt to continue our night of celebration. I am amazed at the people who are in my life. I am thankful for the continual encouragement and love! Happy Teacher Appreciation week to those that TEACH and serve!