Native Americans (freebie), cranberry relish, and fudge...

Yep, I did it all...first, my kiddos finished up their first research project on the I-Pads! They had to work in a group and make a poster to share with the rest of the class about one of six regions/tribes of Native Americans.  Each student had a square with specific information they had to find and illustrate.  The group of six then put their poster together and presented to the class.  This was an awesome way to jigsaw what can be a lot of information.  The kiddos loved being able to use the I-Pads to research and it really kept everyone engaged and talking about the topic.  In case you are interested, this is what we did...
Native American Poster Project


In the course of our studies on Native Americans, we came across a really simple recipe for Cranberry Relish that we decided to make for our Friendship Feast! All you need are these...

put them in a small food chopper...you get this....add sugar to taste...

and you end up with these...for your own fridge or as a gift!

This was a real hit! Not only with my class but with my family as well! I also now have a garnish for those turkey sandwiches I'll be eating for the next week or so! ;)

Speaking of turkeys...my daughter is obsessed with the mustaches...have you seen this new trend?  I know what to shop for this year! 

I also got a head start on making my peanut butter fudge this year! Yep...the first batch is already gone and peanut butter is on the shopping list so that I can make more!  I'll also be trying this fabulous looking fudge this year thanks to Pinterest!  It has definitely motivated me to try new things!  I think that's a good thing! 

So with visions of vacation dancing in my head, I'm off to enjoy a fire and a cocktail before going back to work tomorrow. Counting down the days til winter break! Enjoy =)
Sandy

October Currently....a little late!

     I know it's a little late but since it is October 13th I thought I'd link up with Farley's October Currently anyway!  Wow, every time I check it out there are more people involved! This blogging world is growing and growing! =)  So, here's mine...

First thing this morning I heard on the news about Jessica Ridgeway being found....so sad that our children can't even walk up their own streets and stay safe,sending positive thoughts and blessings to her family, I can't even imagine what they are going through! :(

I am loving that we are actually feeling a little bit of Fall weather here in Florida!  Yep that means that our mornings are starting out in the high 60's! Can you believe we get excited about that? ;)

Man do I have a lot of work to do this weekend! Our grading period is over and they all have to be entered by Monday! I'm sure you know that even though we have an inservice day, it will be spent mostly in training!  I also have a video (hate those) to make of myself and a lesson plan to write for my reading endorsement class!  It's almost over though,I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Yay =)

My favorite book this year is called Substitute Creature by Chris Gall

OMGosh...this is so cute!  I don't really have any behavior problems but boy oh boy some of my teacher friends do! This book had my kiddos so enthralled, I highly recommend, especially if you have any "creatures" who like to misbehave!!

So that's it for me....go link up with Farley here and join in the fun!

Farley's Currently

I gotta go get ready for a busy day of softball, grading and cleaning!

Happy Fall Ya'll! =)

Sandy

The Magical Product Swap

OMGosh...I can't believe I was lucky enough to participate in this awesome product swap!  I feel so honored to have been able to choose an item from Linda at
 

She has some of the most awesome units I've seen and I even had to purchase a few of her others!  I chose her Tomie dePaola unit for the swap and so far my kiddos and I are LOVING it!  I even introduced the unit on a day that I had an observation (you know how nerve racking those are!) and got an awesome review!  You should really check out her store and this fun unit here:

                                             Tomie dePaola: An Author Study 
                                 

There is so much to do that we will be enjoying Tomie's books for the next few weeks!  Here are a few of the text to self connections that my kiddos made:

As you can see, I'm horrible at taking pictures!  I even took my daughters IPod touch thinking hoping that it was my phone and not me!  Nope, its definitely me =)!  I will try on Monday to take a better picture of the anchor chart we made for author's viewpoint and will post our activities as we work our way through!  Gosh this unit covers so much...cause and effect, character traits,and writing activities.  There are even craftivities!  I highly recommend! 

Thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of this annual event!

This was so much fun and I promise that next year I will have a lot more to offer!
Have a great Night =)

Sandy

Show some random love...

This I just had to share! What an amazing way to help out a friend in need!  I'm sure you know Alisha over at The Bubbly Blonde Teacher and how awesome she is. Well she is holding a fundraiser for her friend Tiffany who is battling cancer.  Its a total win-win for everyone and I know I donated because it touched my heart and I hope we can give her some comfort at this difficult time. The package that you get for helping out is awesome too!  I think this is an incredible way to come together to help out and hopefully this will just be the springboard for more fundraisers to help out those in need.

 

Head on over and "Show some random Love"!

Sandy

I'm so bad....

I know I've been really bad about posting on a regular basis lately.  Getting set up at school has really kicked my butt been rough this year.  I'm thinking that it might have something to do with the reading endorsement I'm working on,the training to teach Cambridge, and just life in general. How do some of you do it all? Family,career,school,and then making things for the classroom,cleaning the house,etc... Sometimes I feel absolutely overwhelmed.

I absolutely love my kiddos this year,however, I really cannot say enough about how great it is to have a class full of little ones who already love to learn!  26 students though! This is the biggest group I've had!  I really hope I can keep up with it all and make it to Christmas!  It'll be so nice to be finished with my own schooling, for a while anyway ;)

That's all for now =)
Sandy

Back to school

OMGosh....I haven't been able to blog in forever....I know I should be doing it every day but I am going to shoot for at least once a week.  We've been back in school for a week now and I really did get and awesome group of kiddos this year!  I am thinking that I will enjoy teaching Cambridge even more than I had anticipated.  These little guys are really eager to learn and to please and that will certainly make for a pleasant year! 
I wanted to share my classroom library and my FACE of a reader board so far.  Of course they are both a work in progress but I am really happy with how my library has started to become organized. 

I know I really need to get a new camera,my phone does not take the best pictures!  I'm also still in the dark ages with that.  Anxiously awaiting my upgrade so I can make the switch from the yucky Blackberry to an I phone!  I know they take awesome pictures and I probably won't even need a camera then! =)
I hope everyone has an awesome school year!
Sandy

Getting ready and Cambridge Primary...

I have been so busy lately, I just haven't been able to fit blogging in! In the middle of taking 2 classes for my Reading Endorsement, I just found out that I will be teaching the 2nd Grade Cambridge class! I am super excited but it involves an online training class! Has anyone else had any experience with this program? I have googled but haven't come up with much other than the official site! I am thinking it will be interesting to blog about my experience as I go through this year! It should be so much fun to have a class full of motivated learners! I can't wait to see what depths we can go to!

I have also started getting my classroom ready,Yikes,we have to report on Monday July 30th! We are lucky that we actually got into our rooms a little early this year so I feel way ahead in that area! I've even fit in making some new products for my TPT store! I'd love for you to check out what I have so far and if you like, leave me some positive feedback!  I have a little activity that my kiddos always love to do the first week of school to share with you.  It's a "Find Someone Who" that I just added a little I-Pod to! I know my daughter is super attached to hers so I'm making up some things that I think will appeal to today's kiddos!  Enjoy!

Find Someone Who

Here's hoping I get a lot accomplished at school tomorrow!!  I'm almost done with my labels and now I'm thinking I need some new August calendar numbers =)
Have a good night ya'll!
Sandy

I'm so excited!

I was given an award! Me! I can hardly believe it! (I told you I was excited ;))  Teresa over at Fun Games 4 Learning just gave me this little award...

Thank you so much for checking out my blog and following me!

So here are the rules for this award which make it so much fun to win! I just love this way of sharing and discovering new blogs! =)

1. Follow the person who gave you the award (check)
2. Link back to the person that gave you the award (check)
3. Pass the award on to 15 new bloggers. (here they are...)

The blogs I've chosen are (drum roll please...)

Calling Plays in 2nd Grade

That's So Second Grade!

Splish! Splash! Ms. Lander's Second Grade Class
2nd Grade Glance
Being The Queen Bee isn't easy!
Tales of an Elementary Teacher
Ms. A to Z
Common Core Kids
First Grade Bloomabilities
Classroom Snapshots

Wow, that was a lot harder than I ever thought it would be!  I did discover some awesome new blogs though!
Well, I have to get to work on my Reading class. :(  What time off? 

Have fun blog hoppin'!
Sandy

I hope its not too late to Follow the Yellow Brick Road...

Gosh, I've been wanting to do this for quite some time! I've FINALLY finished my Back to School Match unit and I want to share it with you!  This is my first attempt at making a unit of any size so please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for improvement.  I chose a few skills that I want to quickly assess prior knowledge of and made simple activities that my kiddos (and yours) can work on in small groups.  Sometimes, I have the groups fill out the recording sheet together to save paper.  Check it out in my new TPT store...

Second Grade Spots and Dots

As you can see, I'm still learning all the nitty gritty details of this blogging thing, such as linking up my store ;)  Can anyone explain how I do this?  Anyhoo,the link is there so you can get to it!  If you like it and download it, I would love some feedback and a rating! Then you should go check out all the other cool free stuff at this awesome linky party!

Check it out here

I hope ya'll have a great weekend!

Sandy =)

Jello cake(huh?) and more sight words...

Oh boy, does Macy's do an extravagant awesome fireworks display or what?  We had thunderstorms with full on lightening in our town,so we ended up watching the fireworks on the t.v. while eating Jello cake!  Not my daughters idea of a fun 4th!  She did have fun however, when she helped me make the cake.  What is Jello cake you ask?  I'm gonna go ahead and share about this summer tradition in our family just in case you don't know what it is!  So simple, but so fresh and you can change it to taste by using different flavors of Jello.  You're probably thinking "who hasn't heard of Jello cake?",  but I'm sharing this because I had never had it until I met my hubby about 12 yrs ago.  Since then, I make it every summer.  So, all you need are these items...

I couldn't decide if I wanted red or blue so I got both but ended up using the blue. =)

First, you bake the cake and let it cool for and hour or so.

When the cake is cool, you want to poke holes in it with a toothpick. I poke them about an inch apart.

Next, you mix a small box of whatever flavor Jello you have chosen and pour it over the cake. Make sure you cover the whole surface of the cake.  Now, you want to put it in the fridge for a couple of hours so that the Jello can set.

So, once the Jello has set, you simply cover the cake with Cool Whip.  Most of the time, I leave the cake just like this...

However, I've totally been inspired by Pinterest and the blogging world so I decided to fancy it up this year.  I rinsed and cut the blueberries and strawberries...

and laid them over the cake in the shape of the flag!  I thought it came out nice,I got lots of compliments, and it was super yummy! =)

My whole family loves this cake and it sure doesn't last long,so if you need something simple to turn into a summer tradition...there ya go =)

 And speaking of traditions,I'm pretty sure that tracking mastery of sight word lists is a tradition in most K and 1st grade classes.  In my experience, it isn't done as regularly in 2nd grade.  I believe it should be and maybe in some places/schools it is.  Maybe my idea isn't nearly as creative as I think it is (lol).  My idea was a unit to go along with the monthly homework sheets I made up and plan to use this coming year.  So, I wanted to share a preview of the unit with you and hopefully get your feedback.  I am adding more as I go and hope to be finished by tomorrow.  I am going to print it all out and share my ideas for use this weekend.  So far I have this (and a little more ;))

I'm really happy with it and can't wait to put it to use this year.  I hope to see a big improvement in my kiddos reading with the added emphasis on sight words.  I think that the visual tracking of these sight words will motivate them to try harder.  You know they won't want their soccer ball to be the only one that didn't "Make the Goal"!  I also like that it will appeal to the boys,it seems that they are the ones who most often don't want to read!

So, tell me what you think,would you use a monthly unit such as this?  I'm fairly new to all this so I could use all the tips you have to share!  Thanks so much!

Its almost the weekend ya'll =)

Sandy

Currently, an update (with a freebie) and other randomness...

Wow, there are a lot of awesome teacher blogs!  I decided to link up with Farley's July Currently and couldn't believe how many already had!  I love her new "rules", especially the one about looking at and commenting on 3 other blogs! Everyone deserves some love...she is so right!  So without further ado, let me add my little name to the linky list and then you go add yours! =)  

 
and here are my thoughts...

Update to my sight word sheets...I am almost done with my monthly sheets.  After I posted the initial sheet I realized I really needed to increase my expectations in this area.  When I learned what other 2nd graders are doing in this area, I decided to increase the monthly words to 20.  I used the Dolch list and concentrated on grades 1 through 3.  I still like the way students will work at home with parents and how you can test right on the sheet.  I have a pocket page for each student in my data binder that I plan to keep these in.  I'm also going to add a monthly sight word mini wall so students can use these words during the day.  Anyhoo....here are the first 2 sheets for you, I'll add them as I go so keep checking back =)

August Sight Words

September Sight Words





Now on to the random part of this post...

As I pointed out before,I LOVE LOVE LOVE SkippyJon Jones!  I don't know why, but he makes me happy.  I also loved the idea of getting the kiddos engaged in writing by having a class mascot.  Taking SkippyJon home and getting to read to him,play with him,or even take him to the beach will give students something authentic to write about.  I believe it will also build community as they get to compare what each did with SkippyJon.  And to make it even better, Kohls has an ABSOLUTELY unbeatable deal right now!  I got 2 of the books and was surprised to find they are even hardcover! for $5 bucks!  I also got a plush SkippyJon who is much larger than I anticipated, and I got the backpack.  Now my kiddos will be set to take home SkippyJon, one of his books and all the materials they will need to document their adventures contained and safe inside the backpack!

I got all this for $20 bucks + tax!

I am going to make up some sheets to go along with SkippyJon and when I do (looking for good graphics) I will be sure to share them.  I'll also share pics as the kids get going on this next year! Do you realize that "next year" is only 4 weeks away? Yikes....I'd better get out the laminator and get going!! =)

Have a great Monday =)

Sandy 

So proud of myself :)

Well, it took me a couple of hours and quite a few replays of the tutorial but I did it!  I created my own button! I know I'm partial but I think its cute and it matches my current layout!

The cute little redhead is from Melonheadz Illustrating.  I love her stuff,she is so creative! I also watched the tutorials on Youtube by Ladybug's Teacher Files. She makes things really clear and easy to follow. So if you've been wanting to make your own button, I highly recommend her!

Happy Sunday ya'll :)

Sandy

The most generous giveaway ever!!

Short and sweet today....I'm working on putting some things together to start up my own TPT store but in the meantime...I'm hoping to win the most generous giveaway ever!!  Check it out over at Second Grade Smartypants!  I am just hoping to one day have 100 followers, I dunno if I'd be able to match their giveaway though.  Wish me luck and hop over to check out the awesome loot you could win!

Sandy

What I'm Loving Wednesday...

I'm working on gratitude...it is easy for me to pick out the not so positive things in my life.  Which is really silly because I have lots of positive things in my life that I should be focusing on.

Hence, my link up today.

I'm loving the new blogs I found that are not teacher blogs but inspirational blogs about the randomness and beauty of life. 

 What am I loving right now?

My four beautiful kids...this isn't the newest picture but with one at college in MA, one in Indiana,and one working an hour away, it isn't easy to get everyone together at the same time anymore.  I love that they have all become beautiful, intelligent,loving people.

LOVE that Vera Bradley is selling bedding now!!  How awesome is this pattern?  I love the bright colors!

Of course, I love that it is summer (today is officially the 1st day!),and that means I get to wear my flip flops EVERY day!! 

And last but certainly not least,I love this saying,it is my motto lately!  How much nicer would the world be if everyone followed this saying?

Link up and share what you are loving right now,let's practice gratitude together!

Sandy

Do you Pin?

I am pinning all the time!  It is one of my ongoing obsessions...I love how you have a visual of the idea that you love, available at your fingertips, waiting for the day when you have time to try it (or just dream about it)!  So  I'm linking up with Adventures of a Third Grade Teacher for her

linky party....I heart linky parties! Here are a few of my pins that are at the top of my "to do" list.

How cute would this be for your door?  I thought about using red, white, and blue flip flops to match the 4th of July theme!  Must do this ASAP!!

The ingredients for this baby are on the shopping list!!  A must for the backyard BBQ!!  I dunno about you but I can't wait to taste these!

Do you love motivational quotes as much as I do?  When I saw this, I knew right away I would copy it next year!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

 

Skippyjon Jones ROCKS!!  I am so starting the year out with his newest addition!  I use Skippyjon as a classroom mascot and the kids just love him!!  

I used these little coupons last year and they were such a hit!  My kiddos were begging for them daily!!  So much easier and cheaper than a treasure box and I love this way of organizing them!!  100% better than in the top drawer of my desk =)


So come follow me....I add pins every day!!

 

Link up and share your favorites!
Sandy =)

Sight words...important or overlooked? (and a freebie)

I admit that there is little emphasis put on sight words in 2nd grade at my school.  I know how important it is for primary readers to master their sight words but it seems that with all the assessments we hate are required to give,sight words seem to fall to the way side.  On top of SAT 10 and FAIR, we give quarterly benchmarks and monthly writing prompts.  So,in my first two years of teaching I have wasted spent a lot of time figuring out how to fit in fluency and sight word checks.  I think I have figured it out!!  This little sheet will involve families in their kiddos learning and save me time in the classroom.  I opted for monthly because that seemed realistic to me.  I like this sheet because students can be tested right on the same paper that they take home to study.  So what do you think?  Do you have a cool way to stay on top of sight word checks?  Would you use a sheet like this each month?
 August Sight Words
If you like this, I'd love a comment and don't forget to follow me!
Happy Saturday :)
Sandy

Summer reading...

Oh the beauty....actually having the time to read...summer is the best season for us teachers to catch up on reading!  Reading at the beach or by the pool is soooo relaxing.  What am I reading this summer?  Well,first on my list is an awesome little read about writer's workshop.  If you have struggled with how to set it up, this book makes it very clear with lots of mini-lessons right there for you.  I'm loving it!

I'm also re-reading this one and following the book study going on right now for grades 1-3.  If you don't use the Daily 5 I highly recommend you check it out.  You won't regret it!

After the Daily 5 comes The Cafe Book.  I just received my copy in the mail and can't wait to dive in.  I'm hoping to add a lot to my reading program next year and this seems like the answer to goal setting,assessment, and increasing student's progress.  With all the merit based pay talks going on out there I feel a little worried about making sure I am the most effective teacher that I can be.

And because it is summertime and we should relax a little bit,I simply MUST read the most talked about book out there right now and that is...

Fifty Shades of Grey!  I can't believe I haven't read it yet either but I will have that little problem solved in the next few weeks.  I can't wait!!






What are you reading this summer?  Link up here and share

I love a good book! :)

Sandy

Details of The Daily 5...

Are you ready?  I know I am!  The Daily Five book study for grades 1 - 3 starts today!  I have read the book and last year I even taught the lessons.  We built our stamina, learned about choosing books that fit just right ( I loved the shoe lesson!), and practiced each part.  Yet,somehow we never got to the independent part.  Maybe its our large class size, we have 24-26 students,no para.  Maybe it was my need for control?  I'm not sure but this year I am determined that we will be complete Daily Fivers!  I can't wait to join the book study that can be found here...

I am hoping that maybe there are others who struggled with how to organize the kiddos as they participate in their own learning.  Details is what I need....such as, how many activities do you have available for Work on Words and how do you make the materials available?  My class did Read to Self all together last year and I have to say I liked it.  It really made it possible for me to get all those pesky assessments done!  FAIR,fluency checks, and sight word checks.  UGH...all one on one.  How do you get it all done with no help?  The Daily Five of course!
So grab your book and a cup of coffee and share the details of how you do Daily Five in your classroom. I can't wait to learn!

Sandy

Tips and Tricks (and a freebie)

Some of the best tips are the obvious simple ones. So, I was up ubber early this morning (like 5am) cuz my hubs started a new job and as I was thinking of what to do today I came across an activity that my kiddos did for Mother's Day.  What does this have to do with tips you ask?  Well,as I uploaded the photos I recalled that I loved these portraits so much because of the tip one of my awesome teammates gave me.  As we all admired her student's work and how well they ALL seemed to draw, she told us about outlining the pictures with a black marker.  Who knew?  It seemed so obvious yet somehow I'd never thought of it!
Here are a few of my kiddos pictures

Aren't they adorable?  I got the simile paper as a freebie on TPT.  I did tell the kiddos that they could only draw from the shoulders up and that their picture should fill the page.  I also encouraged them to color in the background.
So then I started thinking about having students do portraits like these of themselves.  I made up my own page to go with the portraits and plan on putting them up the first couple of weeks of school while we get to know each other.  Maybe I will attempt a portrait of myself and make up a teacher sheet :)  What do you think?
Here is my sheet if you would like to have it...
I'm a Second Grader!



I hope you enjoy!
Sandy