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