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