Emperor Penguins and TLC

One of my very first creations for TPT was an Emperor Penguin Scrapbook...Not bad for a first timer but I recently took another peek at it and knew it needed a little TLC! So....I gave it some! I reorganized the unit and made it look a little prettier. My firsties loved making the scrapbook and I think yours will too!!!

I have revamped the pages above but wanted to show you an example of some the pages my firsties created.  Grab the Emperor Penguin Family Scrapbook and engage those kiddos!

Reading Response Activity for Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett

Hey my friends...did I mention how much I loved craftivities when I taught 1st grade???? WELL....I DID and so did my firsties.  It was a fun and engaging way to learn!!! Jan Brett is one of my favorite authors and I have a lot of her Christmas books so....it was only natural to create this latest craftivity...a reading response activity for Christmas Trolls. Grab it HERE.

Make 3 Wishes...A Different Kind of Give Away!

I have the most incredible hubby ever!!! He lets me bounce my ideas off of him all of the time and then he gives me some GREAT ideas!!! This next idea came from him!!! 

I want to create the items that you guys really need and want! So what better way to do that then to get input from you!!! So...Make 3 Wishes was born! Here is how it works:

Download the Make 3 Wishes document from my TPT store HERE.

List up to 3 items you want created.
Over the next few weeks I will be choosing ideas and creating! 
• If I choose one of your ideas you get the product for FREE and an additional $10 worth of product. I will email if your idea is chosen. It’s possible that I could choose all 3 ideas you submit. That would mean 3 FREE products and $30 worth of product total!! WOOHOO! 
•Just for submitting your ideas you can also list an item that you would love to purchase at 50% off. I’ll put that item on sale and email with details.

You will email the completed copy to learningwithfirsties123@gmail.com.

Can't wait to see all the great ideas!! 

Thanks for being such awesome teachers!!!

Do You "I Can"?

This year I have moved to a new school and play a part in the leadership team as the instructional partner. It is an expectation of the team that I can statements be posted.  But we knew that the teachers needed the research that supports why we use these statements. They needed the "why" so that the statements could be used effectively. Just like our students teachers need purpose in what we do. We embedded a short PD in our instructional meetings that gave our teachers the "why." I want to share the article with you guys so you too will know why I can statements are so IMPORTANT!!! Take a moment to watch the short PowToon and read the article.  I can statements are powerful!! They will make a difference in your students' learning.  Watch for more posts about I can statements, formative assessments and more...

"Knowing Your Learning Targets"

Silent E is a Ninja

Change up your routine when you teach silent e ....start calling it "NINJA E."  Your firsties will love it!! I am sharing my "NINJA E" unit and in it you will find:

• The link to the video my firsties requested EVERY SINGLE DAY!
• Making Ninja E Words
• I Have Who Has Card Game
• Ninja E flap book
• Anchor Chart

Silent E is a Ninja

Literature Circles and Craftivities

Tonight I want to introduce you to my friend, Christina. She has just joined the TPT community and created some AWESOME products!!! Right now her focus is on creating QUALITY literature circle projects for your firsties that soar and those that try so very hard to soar!!! She chose two of my favorites and I'm sure you have read many of them to your firsties...Magic Tree House & Henry and Mudge. The literature circles are common core aligned. She gives background on why lit circles are so effective and explicit directions on how to run the lit circles in your classroom.  Take a peek at a quote from one of the lit circle projects.  Christina states, "I care about all of my students and I feel that it is my job to ensure ALL of my students are truly as successful as they can be. So, I began to think of how to inspire my struggling readers while propelling my on-level readers into the world of chapter books and increasing the rigor for my high- flyers…voila…I created Lit Circle Projects for my first graders."  Guys...it doesn't get any better than that! If you have always wanted to start lit circles but have been unsure how to do it you need to purchase her lit circle projects and if you want to extend the unit you could pick up some of my craftivities that work beautifully with a couple of the books.  

Magic Tree House Midnight on the Magic Flute Lit Circle

Magic Tree House Dinosaurs Before Dark Lit Circle

Henry and Mudge and the Best Day of All Lit Circle

Henry and Mudge and the Bedtime Thumps Lit Circle

Henry and Mudge Craftivity

T-Rex Craftivity

Create excitement in your classroom with these lit circle projects!!!!

Sam Come Back Craftivity

Even though I am not in a first grade classroom anymore my heart is still there and sometimes I even get to go back as an Instructional Partner! Some of the firsties at my new school made my Sam Come Back craftivity and I am in LOVE with them!!! LOOK at them!!!

I'm so proud!!!  Way to go Ms. Morris first grade class!! You guys rock!!

If you want your firsties to make these cuties you can purchase the literacy activities for Sam Come Back or just the craftivity. 

Pin It to Win It!

I have almost reached 1000 facebook fans so I want to play a game with ya'll to celebrate!!!

Let's play Pin It To Win It!!!

Here's how it works:

1.  Go to my TPT store board on my pinterest page here. 

2.  Choose 1 item you want to win and comment under the picture with your email address. 

3.  Pin the item to a board of your choice.

I will randomly select a winner Friday, Sept 5 @ 4:30 p.m. CST. Winner receives the item that he/she pinned.

****Remember the winner must leave their email in the comments of the picture (so I can send the product to you) and pin the 1 item.

Good Luck!!!!!

Back to School Freebies and Tips

First, let me say I am so sorry for being so silent lately but school has started for me!!!! Do I need to say more?? ;0)

Hurry over to TPT and download the Back to School Free eBook From TPT Authors!  It is filled with lots of freebies and back to school tips!!! I must say I am pretty proud that I got to participate!!! Look for my Learning With Firsties page!!!

BACK TO SCHOOL TPT SALE AUGUST 4 & 5

It's that time of the year!!! TPT's annual Back to School Sale!  Save 28% in my store with the code: BTS14. Get those wishlists ready and shop away my friends!  I know I will be!!!  Here are some of my Back to School items I thought you might want to check out!!

Me in My New Classroom Lap Book & Craftivity

Gnome Theme for the Classroom

Mustache Theme for the Classroom

Interactive Math Notebook

Interactive Reading Notebook

First Grade Envision Math Focus Walls

First Grade Reading Street Unit 1 Activities

Where Are We Clip Chart

How We Get Home Clip Chart

Interactive Notebooks and Standards Based Report Cards

My district transitioned to standards based report cards last year and it was a mind shift for both teachers and parents.  Over the summer I began to create interactive notebook activities and it dawned on me that these would be great portfolios for standards based report cards.  It definitely would not be the only thing you need to use in order to assess your students but it is a quick snapshot.  If you haven't tried interactive notebooks I urge you to start.  Not only is it engaging for the kiddos but also gives you another way to assess your students.

I've started two interactive notebooks to help you get started in both reading and math.  I will be creating and adding more activities as the year goes on. 

Interactive Reading Notebook

Interactive Math Notebook

 

Classroom Themes

Hey Guys!  In this part of the south we are starting to gear up for Back to School...I know, I know who goes back this early???!!!!! Well we do!  So...if you are looking for something new for your classroom decor take a peek at these 2 themes I put together this summer.

Mustache Theme

Gnome Theme

July Fun and Free Facebook Hop

So excited to participate in the July Fun and Free Facebook Hop!  Lots of Back to School Goodies.  Look for this picture:

You will see the picture on the left side of the

 Facebook pages under Apps. 

You can start on my Facebook page.

For my freebie I have included a section from my new interactive math notebook.

Two For Tuesday

Woot! Woot!  It's Two for Tuesday time!!! Today you can get 2 of my products, Gnome Decor for the Classroom & First Grade Envision Math Focus Wall Understanding Addition, 50% off!!!

Gnome Decor

Envision Math Focus Wall Understanding Addition

More Deals

Where Are We Display

Isn't this just the cutest???? Sayward printed the "Where Are We" at a decreased size and then put them on a round cookie sheet.  It will be so adorable hanging outside of her classroom!!

Where are We

The finished product.

Gnome Theme for the Classroom

Whew!!! It's done...the Gnome Theme for the Classroom is up on TPT.  Sayward has been busy all day printing and laminating. When she takes a breather she promised pics of her work in progress! I'll post them as soon as she sends them.  Here is a preview of some of the fun things included in the packet. 

Gnome Theme

She bought several sheets of scrapbook paper and put it in frames.  She then printed the gnomes and cut them out.  I can statements will be written on these!!

She decreased the size of the "Where Are We" when she printed and then put it on a round cookie sheet.  How cute is that???!!!!

Living vicariously through my bestie since I'm not in a classroom! ;0) She is transforming this desk into a seat for the "gnome of the week."  Absolutely ADORABLE!!!!

Wednesday's Weekly Favorite Pins #4

I am on a roll today!!! Three posts in one day!  The Wednesday Weekly Favorite Pins have proven to be pretty popular these last few weeks and that makes me happy. Love sharing these great ideas!

Over at Mrs. Patton's Class she blogs all about how her kiddos wrote about themselves before they wrote about characters in books.

What a great way to practice addition!!! No directions with this one just the pic but I'm sure you guys could create this one easily!

We played Scoot often and my firsties LOVED it!!  Laura Candler talks about playing Team Scoot. My firsties always had a partner when we played Scoot so I think team scoot is an awesome idea and allows for lots of discussion. 

Managing interactive notebooks can be challenging especially with the littles.  Check out Teaching With a Mountain View's post about a great way to manage those notebooks.

Worksheet Wednesday

Here is a quick freebie for you guys today!  It is so very important for our kids to take ownership of what they are learning.  In the book study that I am currently participating in I was gently reminded about how we need to conference with our students and allow them to have voice in their goal setting.  While conferencing with your firsties fill this form out together then come back together and give feedback on their progress.

 Freebie 

Book Study: The Literacy Teacher's Playbook...Interpreting Data

• Today we are focusing on Chapter 3 in The Literacy Teacher's Playbook...Interpreting Data & Establishing a Goal. Okay I love this next quote but as an Auburn girl it pains me to write it..."Set goals-high goals...When you have a goal to shoot for, you create teamwork, people working for a common good." Paul William "Bear" Bryant. I have always set high expectations for all of my students.  Everyone needs a goal to shoot for...even teachers.
• In reading this chapter I was reminded about how effective goal setting and feedback can be!  Teach to those goals and give those babies feedback. They need it so they know which direction they are going.
• When you set a goal look for opportunities for growth in more than one area!  You want to be able to have multiple times to practice.  Don't just hit it and move on.
• Conference with your students to set their goal...lead them to the goal that their data supports.  Use the data you have and bring it to the conference. You want their input so they own their goal.  Example of leading them towards a goal:  "One thing I notice is ______.  What do you think?"  Let's motivate our students by letting them have voice!

I made us a superhero goal setting sheet.

Click here to get the freebie.

An InLinkz Link-up

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two for Tuesday #5

Woohoo!!! It's Two for Tuesday time again!!! Today I have a HUGE deal if you teach first grade Envision Math.  You can get all 16 focus walls 1/2 off!!!  

1st Grade Envision Math Focus Walls for the Year

And it's time to really start thinking about what your theme will be this school year.  Why not mustaches???

Take a peek at the cutie patootie mustache kids in my Mustache Theme Decor!!! They are 1/2 off!!!

Mustache Theme for the Classroom

Go here for more sales!