I collaborated with Lakeshore Learning, the ultimate teacher store, on a back to school decor project. Of course, I could NOT pass this up! Several years ago, I started getting into bright neon and chalkboard and the Chevron & Dots Starter Pack they sent me is the motivation I needed! Without further ado, I'm hoping you will find some inspiration here! The original inspiration for this bulletin board idea came from my sweet friend, Jodi from Fun in First. I call this "Restroom Review" because that is just what it is. This is in our hallway right outside our first grade bathrooms. I believe in utilizing every educational opportunity while I have my students and that includes in the hallway. The posters and math vocab were made by me but are not finished. This hallway display is changed every Monday morning based on what unit we are on in Journey's. I also change the math vocabulary based on what lesson/topic we are on that week. I take … [Read more...] about Back to School Decor Ideas
Back to School
Classroom Management Using Warm Fuzzies and Reward Coupons
I am joining my bloggy besties from Freebielicious for a Throwback Thursday post on Classroom Management. This is one of my most popular posts & I thought it would be a great time to revisit it...perfect timing! READ ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM................HINT...HINT! I'm joining some of my blogging bff's over @ our collaborative blog, Freebie-licious for week #5 of our summer linky party series. I believe it was my 3rd or even 4th year of teaching when my former principal, Mr. Ja**a** had the nerve to mark me off on an evaluation because my students were talking when they transitioned into the line to leave. Oh, they also were too loud while adding dice...really???? Don't even get me started. Well, I don't take criticism well at all but my kids were good! You know how you promise them 10,000 fuzzies if they are good or everyone gets a sucker...come on, admit it! We all do it. Well, that day I did & they were very well … [Read more...] about Classroom Management Using Warm Fuzzies and Reward Coupons
Meet the Teacher Night #create2educate
If you have been a follower for a while then you are well aware of my addiction to chalkboard and neon. My entire classroom was redecorated to reflect my obsession. If you happened to miss my reveal check it out HERE. I am so excited to be participating in Michael's Stores #create2educate giveaway. All of the materials that are pictured are from my favorite craft store, Michael's. Find them here on Instagram! Since I am back to school in a few weeks and our "Meet the Teacher" night is EXACTLY one week from the day we start....EEK! I figured I would do something for that night. The parent reading tips brochure is from my dear friend Lyndsey or at A Year of Many Firsts new "Be a Reading Expert" pack. This girl is so creative and talented it's ridiculous! The girl makes me run out of ink constantly! She is truly gifted! There is a photo release and another brochure about my specific class and I also include blank index cards for the … [Read more...] about Meet the Teacher Night #create2educate
Back to School with Freebielicious
To celebrate the quickly approaching Back to School season, me and my girls at Freebielicious have teamed up with Educents to share some instant downloads for you! Loaded with great products for back to school including book studies, craftivities, classroom prep, and content materials for back to school! With 23 instant downloads... you have to check it out! I included one of my popular Candy Land games. You NEED to give them a try this year if you haven't yet. I promise you will be hooked! This is my students ALL.TIME.FAVORITE thing to do during word work and math stations! THEY BEG TO PLAY! They don't even realize they are learning! Bonus! If you are getting into the back to school mode, like me, check out this post from last year! You also want to make sure & follow my back to school board on Pinterest below! Follow Melissa's board Back To School on Pinterest. For a limited time you can grab this … [Read more...] about Back to School with Freebielicious
Back to School is No Joking Matter!
I am linking up with my favorite teacher bloggers from Freebie-licious for some Saturday night fun! If you want to start at the beginning click on our cutie patootie button below. After the draining week, I seriously needed some laughs. It was the longest week of my entire life. I have NEVER started using warm fuzzies on the first day, let's just leave it at that. So here are some of my favorite eCards to make you giggle! This is my first slide at open house....no joke. You know how we find out EVERYTHING starting on day one. This is me last week...well it's me now! Hop on over to Marsha over @ A Differentiated Kindergarten! Don't forget to load up your cart for the TPT back to school sale! My whole store will be on sale!!!!! And I am busting my you know what to get those chalkboard neon labels tonight! One more thing.....I was honored to be chosen by Pinterest to manage the first grade board...HOLLA!!!! The board is … [Read more...] about Back to School is No Joking Matter!
First Day of School Tips & More!
I'm joining some of my bff's over at Freebie-licious for our last summer linky party. Seriously, where did the summer go? I've spent my ENTIRE summer on getting ready for next year & of course sharing my ideas with you. I have so many classroom pictures that I can't wait to show you! I pride myself on the classroom management routines & procedures that I have come up with. This my lovelies is vital to new teachers & even veteran teachers. We always pray that we will not get the class that puts us in the looney bin but we always don't get that lucky. I don't have children so the students are my children for 9 months. Some I would love to take home & some I would like to move to another class. We all have them. The first day is always scary for any teacher. We are just as nervous as our little nuggets & their parents will be. I always get scared that I am going to make someone cry, send them home on the wrong bus, lose them in … [Read more...] about First Day of School Tips & More!