What a week... 5-4-F

I don't know about you, but this week has been nothing short of emotionally draining for me.  I feel like I could seriously do a 5 for Friday solely based on the tragic events that have occurred throughout the week.....However I refuse to focus on the negative!  So here it goes, a day late! :)

The usual link up with Kacey over at Doodle Bugs! :)

1. I will start with the ugly so I can end with the shine!  When this week began, I knew that it was going to be a hectic week, however I didn't realize with all of the tragedies that occurred it would be nearly as hectic as it was.  

The week began with the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon.  I have been asked if it makes me scared to run now.  My answer is no, in two weeks I will be participating in the color run.  Living in fear, is not living.  When it is my time, I will go, until then I will live my life to the fullest enjoying all of the little things!

Thank you Melonheadz for the pictures!

 Tuesday as I spent the day running around the school getting last minute things together for our class field trip on Wednesday, I learned that a student at the high school, in the town I live, was taken to the hospital after a self inflicted gun shot wound.  This event occurred on school property at the stadium.  Although it didn't occur in the district I teach in, it still hit me hard knowing the situation occurred. 

If you're a fellow Texan, you surely know where West is. This is a sweet little town that I drove through on my way to school when I was in college as I came and went from home.  Currently, I live about 45 minutes from West.  Being that both sides of my family are of Czech decent I always LOVED stopping to grab some fresh kolaches, especially the pineapple and poppy seed ones!! I have a huge weakness when it comes to anything with poppy seed!!! Waking up to find out the news of what happened on Wednesday night in West was devastating!   I can say though that I couldn't be more proud of how people from all over the state of Texas have responded to the tragic events!

Thank you Melonheadz for the pictures!

I could go on with more that happened on Thursday and Friday... but I will stop here.

2.  Let's get happy!  Saturday of last weekend, my mom and I had a garage sale!! I would say it was quite successful!  We had a couple of friends bring over items in addition to ours... I meant to take a "before" and "after" sale shot and of course I forgot.  We were able to get rid of A TON of junk and make a little money, too!! Altogether, we made close to $400 between all the families!  Not too shabby for cleaning out the house!  Around lunchtime that day, two of my brothers came over to start putting up the shed I bought a couple weeks ago!  Let's just say what looked like an easy job .... was anything but easy!  Seven hours later we were finally done!  B even got to try and give the boys a hand!  The picture below is a snapshot of the weekend, including her first ice cream cone, first fortune cookie, helping out with the shed, and helping mommy make dinner on Sunday!

3. On Monday, I began introducing "how-to" writing.  As we began this, we did a fun little activity to introduce it.  EDIBLE CHARLOTTES!   Yep, you heard it right, we made edible Charlottes.  Two years ago I did this with my kids and it was a hit.  It worked out perfectly that we were introducing expository writing and focusing on "how-to" writing during our Charlotte's Web unit again this year!  My kids were so excited about this and so was I!  I started off the lesson by simply explaining what we were doing, telling students the supplies they were going to need, and showing students how-to make the edible Charlotte.  From that point, it was all in the students hands.  

After they finished making their Charlotte, I of course had to get pictures of them with their Charlotte! :) 

Once they finished making their Charlotte, they had to complete their "how-to" brainstorming map.  Let me tell you, I think was the MOST engaged and quiet they have ever been during writing time.  I would say it was because they love writing, especially expository-how-to writing so much, but lets be honest....It is really because they knew that once they were done with their writing and I checked it, they could eat their Charlotte! :)

  My favorite part of this lesson is without a doubt, taking their writing and then making a Charlotte following their directions!  Let me tell you......... They learn really quick exactly how specific and detailed they must be with their writing!  Here is just a sampling of how some of the spiders turned out following their directions! 

*You may think some of these look close... but none of the "eyes" have anything keeping them to the crackers!!*

Click Here to get the directions & Edible Charlotte How-To Brainstorming Map

If you haven't had the opportunity to check out my expository freebie writing on TPT, click here to check out the post with more details on the unit! 

4.  Wednesday, was a much awaited day for my kids!  Our class field trip!  I have been hearing NON-STOP for over a month the countdown to our field trip!  Back in August, I applied for a Target Grant for field trips.  I was one of the lucky picks to receive this grant, so my class ONLY was able to go on a field trip for a day!  I decided to take my kids out to a local retreat and we worked on team-building exercises outside in the AM and were able to go to their on-site theater in the afternoon!  I will do a longer more detailed post later about this so not to clog up this post, too much!! :) 

5. While I had every intention of getting my current unit I am working on completed this week, it did not happen!! I completely blame the craziness of this week on that!! I have just been mentally and physically exhausted, so it hasn't happened!!   I spent extra time this week cuddling on the couch with this cutie, she doesn't like to share her time with the computer!! I can't say that I blame her! :)

As we look forward, as we reflect upon this past week, I will leave you with the verse below.  

Five for Friday Freebie!

Whew, this week flew by, probably because it was only a 4 day work week for me!! I hope you all had a marvelous week! I'm doing my usual link up with Kacey over at Doodle Bug's for Five for Friday! I am also linking up with Teacher's Blogger Addict for Friday FREEBIE!! :)

1.  This week we dug a little deeper into expository text.  I don't know who enjoyed it more, me or the kids!  Their pieces of writing are REALLY coming along!  Following the format of the writer's workshop, we of course did our mini lesson first.  We had to discuss the difference between telling all about something or someone and telling a story about something or someone.  Once I shared two pieces of my writing about the same topic (of course I forgot to take a picture of it... errrr!) they seemed to really get it!  On our first day of independent writing students simply added a list of things or people they know all about, of course I modeled this first!! On day two we began the brainstorming piece.  Oh. my. word.  These kids love anything to do with sticky notes and when they find out they get to use them to brainstorm (this was not the first time we've done this) their writing is SO much more detailed!! I swear some of my Lovies go through like 15 sticky notes for their brainstorming piece.  When picking my topic during my lesson I chose Mo Willems to write about.  First I wrote all the things I knew about him down on sticky notes, each thing on a different note.  Then, with the help of my kids we put them in the order we thought the information should be shared. 

The next day we spend some time talking about a good beginning and turning the sticky notes into sentences.

 

I then explained that IF they were to get done with their writing before the end of independent writing that they could begin their illustrations, so of course I had to QUICKLY model that!  Now, there is just one more thing we must do before we finish this piece of writing next week, the conclusion!!  Like I said above, their writings are really coming along, I love reading their work! :)

 These resources are available as a freebie on in my TPT store!  Click the picture below to check it out! :)

 2. Last weekend I spent some major time beginning my centers for the end of the year.  I've worked a little bit each night on them, I'm hoping to be done this weekend!! Check back soon to check them out!! For today I will leave you with a sneak peak of the craftivity that will be included in the literacy centers!   Ekk, I love these little baseball players! :)

3. Most all of my kids finished up their "What do they eat?" activity for Charlotte and Wilbur!  We should be finishing the book this next week or the beginning of the week after!! My kids are so hooked on this book! I love it! :)  Here are a few of my favorites that were created!

4. In our "Charlotte's Web" center this week, my kids had the task to write a persuasive article for the Weekly Chronicle to persuade readers to come out and visit Wilbur at the Zuckerman's Farm.  While there were some better than others, as with everything that is done in the classroom, I was in love with the creativity of some of their writings!

This is also my FREEBIE for this week!  Click this link to download the template from Google Docs! 

5.  While I spent quite a bit of time this week working on stuff for my classroom, I didn't sacrifice any time with my sweet girl, I try to wait until she goes to bed to begin working!  Tuesday after my workout, I decided I was a little too lazy to cook, SO we went to Jason's Deli!!  Let's just say my sweet girl thoroughly enjoyed herself! After eating a good bit of her mac and cheese, she decided she was ready for the frozen yogurt!! However when it came time to eat it, B decided it was a better idea to go back and forth between the froyo and her mac and cheese.  One bite of froyo, one bite of mac and cheese.  This went of for quite a while.  She was happy none the less!  :) 

It is our nightly routine to read before prayers and bed each night.  It is a rare occasion that I get away with reading only 2 books.  This little girls love for books makes my heart melt!  :)  Last night B was "reading" Goodnight Moon and telling everything "nite" and "bye" as she flipped through the pages!  Then this morning she decided to stuff her bag with AS MANY BOOKS AS POSSIBLE!  I think she managed to get about 10 books inside her bag before she became TOO frustrated with not being able to shove anymore in! 

Since yesterday was our Friday, we got to sleep in and enjoy the morning, even watch a little bit of her favorites Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First! :)  Tonight we will be getting ready for our yearly garage sale in the morning!!

Before I go though, I need some help!!! Our science fair is coming up soon.  I'm still STUCK on what to do.  Any suggestions of fun things you've done with your kiddos?!?

Have a great weekend! :)

Five For Friday

Whew, what. a. week.  I kid you not, this week has felt like I have been waiting an eternity for today to arrive!  Major props to all teachers to have to go through the prep and agony of sitting through standardized testing.  I am NOT the least bit envious, especially after doing two days of back to back small group administration!  I can't even begin to explain how happy I am that today is FINALLY Friday!

I meant to post this earlier this week and never got around to it...

Today makes 3 weeks straight that I have been able to post my Five for Friday!! Whoop, whoop! 

1.  Monday I began laying the ground work for teaching about the government!  We did our fun lesson about the Tired King, Louie.  If you are not familiar check out my post earlier this week about it!  The kids had a blast and when it came time to introduce the 3 branches of government, let me tell you, THEY GOT IT!!! Between the King Louie lesson and their new book (which they loved!) they are experts about the 3 branches of government and our government leaders!

2.  We continued to work our way through the Knuffle Bunny unit I bought from Hope King.  This week we focused on Character Traits that describe Trixie, writing stories about when we lost our favorite toy/stuffed animal/blankie, and finishing our glyphs from last week!! So much fun!!

3.  One of my new FAVORITE bloggers is hands down Tracy Teagler over at Creekside Tales.  If you haven't checked her out, her blog is a must!! She has so many awesome ideas, tons of freebies she shares with her followers, and just overall some great quality work!! I have bought several items from her and don't pass up any of her freebies.  A little while back Tracy posted about teaching No to Bullies, Yes to Buddies, she shared several activites she did with her kiddos and books used as read alouds.  I LOVE books, especially when they have a great lesson attached, so I immediately went to amazon and purchased the books!  We watched the Birds short film made by Pixar (like Tracy suggested) talked about how they treated others and then read a new favorite Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun!  We talked about how we are all Unique and how important it is to treat others, even when we aren't being treated the way we deserve to be treated.  The kids then completed one of the writing assignments she shared about bullying, shared ways they are unique, and made their unique bird!! I couldn't resist but to put all their birds on a "wire."  The kids loved the display and so have all of our friends that walk by our bulletin board daily! :)   Thanks, Tracy for sharing your great work!

4.  We are through week 3 of Charlotte's Web, my kids are HOOKED!  They loved as we read "never hurry, never worry" in a chapter this week!  I think there was a gasp of excitement from everyone of my kids because it is the quote on their bookmark! :)  They also get all excited when we come across our pre-reading vocabulary words!!  I'm so impressed with how well they have been using the words in context and identifying behaviors with the words... Their new favorite word is GULLIBLE!  :)

One of their literacy centers this week (and probably next because they are working hard with adding the detail) is to make plates full of Charlotte and Wilbur's diet!  They are making them 3-D and they are turning out SUPER cute! I can't wait so share some of their finished products!

5. As I was planning for next week with one of my best friends and co-worker Diana, we ironed out our writing plans for the next two weeks!  We are digging in deep with expository writing and really explaining the difference between expository and narrative writing.  In an attempt to scaffold the steps/lesson and make it as user friendly as possible for our kids we came up with a mini-book and outlines for the two types of expository writing.  This is my freebie for this week!  I am super excited because next week we will be making an "edible" Charlotte!  The kids will then be writing a How-To make an Edible Charlotte.  I did this two years ago and it really helped the kids realize how DETAILED they must be when it comes to writing a how-to!  Be on the lookout next week (probably on my Five for Friday) of our Edible Charlottes! :)

I hope you all have a FAST Friday and a WONDERFUL weekend!

Happy Easter!

I hope your weekend has been relaxing and full of fun time with your family, mine sure has been! I've been busy at work this weekend, too!  Not only did I manage to stock up on some great items from TPT due to the wonderful sales, but I managed to update my Charlotte's Web Unit, already!  I added versions of the book in color as well as the black and white!  I also added vocabulary cards that go along with the book, with and without definitions.  If you already purchased the unit, please go download it again for the new additions! :)

As I began thinking about this coming week and what I am teaching for Social Studies.... I became a little worried that I needed something to help teach this unit.  In the past, I have always used the lesson about the Tired King, Louie and his kingdom, to introduce government.  If you don't have any clue what I'm talking about you can click here and find the PDF version.  Basically, it is a story about how the king divided up his responsibilities among three departments, the law makers, the guards, and the judges.  Students then participate in an activity where they read letter from the people of the kingdom and students must decide which department is responsible for handling the letter.  Since this lesson is always such a huge hit, I will of course use it again! :)

This is not where I began to panic, my panic set in about the days following this lesson.  I am supposed to teach about the three branches of government, their responsibilities, and about our government leaders.  I needed something to easy to handle that the kids wouldn't lose and could actively be used as a resource.  This is the same type of panic that set in when I decided to create My Communities Interactive Book!  Since this book was such a BIG hit not only with my kids, but also as a resource in my TPT store, I figured something of this sort would solve my problem! Thus, I created my What is Government Interactive Book! I'm really excited about this, mostly because my kids LOVE having their own little book to use as a resource!  Seriously, we will be working on an assignment and they will ask to use their resource(s).  Makes a teacher happy, or at least this one!  :)  This book includes a table of contents, headings, sub headings, pictures, bolded text, and a glossary to help reinforce those wonderful non-fiction text features.

Now that I have my panic resolved, I need to get on making sub plans for Tuesday and Wednesday since I am being pulled to test students on the STARR test.  Yay for standardized testing, NOT!  So in my attempt to get started and not be a huge procrastinator, I will leave you some pictures from this morning! 

Wishing you all a marvelous week! :)

Egg-Cellent Five for Friday

Today is the start of what I have no doubt will be an Egg-Cellent three day weekend!! However, it is before seven and I am wide awake!  I am ready for summer so that I can retrain my body to sleep past 8 am!!  As promised, here I am back for my Friday weekly update, luckily I just happen to have enough energy to do this on a Friday and not my usual Saturday or Sunday!  :)

So here I go with my Five for Friday!

1.This week and week we spent some time talking about the night sky.  We have learned about where the moon gets its light from, the different phases of the moon, and how long it takes the moon to rotate the Earth. This week as we reviewed the phases of the moon the kids made a quick model of four of the most known phases.  I got this idea from a cute unit I bought last year, The Sun, The Moon, The Stars, from Yvonne Dixion over at Sassy in Second.  Wednesday and Thursday we spent some time talking about constellations and even making our own!  

2. If you ask my kids who my FAVORITE author is they will either tell you Mo Willems (my all time fave for chidlren’s books) and Gail Gibbions (I mean really who doesn’t love her books for teaching non-fiction!).  My favorite Mo Willems books though are all about Piggie and Elephant!  

 

I could tell you about 20 reasons why I love Mo Willems, but that would make this post excessively long, so I will just share one of the reasons that my kids have become obsessed!  I’m sure if you haven’t read the Don’t Let the Pigeon book series that you’ve at least heard about it.  This was Mo Willems first book series and so when he writes about others the pigeon gets jealous and “sneaks” into the books.  The pigeon is usually hidden in at least one place.  In some books you have to REALLY search to find him, but he’s there! This week we spent some time working on different activities that go along with his series about Knuffle Bunny.  I actually bought Hope King’s KnuffleBunny unit impulsively last year when I saw it due to my obsession with Mo Willems.  I didn’t ever end up actually using it last year, but when I saw Hope post about it a couple weeks ago and her suggestion of using it for Easter time, I was sold!  I quickly pulled open the unit and went through it finding things that I could throw into centers that my kids would love! Needless to say they had a blast using one of their our favorite book series to work on their skills of cause and effect, creating dialogue in their writing, and some fun with a Knuffle Bunny Glyph!  Next week I will be adding a few more things from the unit and things I've added discussing character traits and comparisons between the different books! 

 This was probably one of their favorite writing activities ever!! One of the unique things about Knuffle Bunny is that the background illustrations are all black and white photos and the characters are all animated.  The kids tried to use his inspiration and create a scene of their own! :) If you haven't read Knuffle Bunny, it's a must! 

3. We made it through four more chapters of Charlotte's Web this week!  Let me tell you, this is the kids favorite time of the day!  I love that they are just as excited about it as I am, one of my kids said after we read one of the chapters the other day "Man, this book just keeps getting better and better!"  The suspense of what is going to happen next (even though most of them have seen the movie) is exciting!  We all know that the books are MUCH better than the movies anyway! 

4.  If you caught my post earlier this week, you learned that Sunday night part of my attic fell into my garage.  Yep, that was fun, NOT!  You also would have learned that I got my NEW MACBABY!!! One of the very first things I did after I backed up all of my files from old Macbaby thanks to the awesomeness of the time capsule was create something new and fun for centers.  For some reason, compound words are never explicitly taught in second, however a review, especially when there are compound words on our assessments, is always great for my centers.  So I made a little compound word FREEBIE to share with you all! There are two different ways you can do this, you can have them do it independently and have students complete the recording sheet so you can check to make sure they really understand or they can play memory or you can have them do it independently first and then play memory with a buddy.  All of the above are possible. I also have it in color and the cards in black in white.  Whatever is best for your liking!  Click below to grab it FREE from my TPT store! 

5.  I have decided to take part in the Egg-Cellent Sellers Sale!  Go check out my store to find what my favorite five sellers are! :) 

I hope you all have a great Easter weekend!!