Monday, June 18, 2012

End of year, still hard at work...


So, I've been hard at work since school ended last Wednesday... 


Thursday I enjoyed a wonderful brunch with all of my colleagues. LOVE.


Friday I completed the interview search for a new kindergarten team member AND worked in my classroom for 8 HOURS, cleaning and boxing, sorting and tossing....


Now, aside from reallllly needing to get back on track with my usually healthy lifestyle, I just finished creating a new product that's for sale on TeachersPayTeachers! Yes, as I write this, I'm in my workout clothes. That will happen as soon as I finish this post. Honest.

Ok, are you ready?!

Introducing........

the one, the only....

Seasonal Number Recognition Games packet! 

(Is the crowd roaring?? No? Ok. That's cool.)


In this packet, there are 6 different versions of the same game. 'Cause let's face it, if your students can learn the rules and routines to a game, and play that game successfully, you are going to re-purpose the HECK outta that game! And that's just what I did...for you. :o)


The basic game idea is this: 
Teacher places number cards 1-50 (Or choose a smaller or larger set if you'd prefer...because I even give you blank cards for customization. You love me, don't you?)
Call on one-to six students (depending on how long you want the game to be...) to hide the playing cards behind the number cards. For example, if I'm playing "Fun in the Sun," my number cards are suns and the students are hiding beach ball cards.
THEN...you get to call on students to guess numbers where they think those beach balls (or valentines, pumpkin pie slices, rain clouds, etc.) are hidden. If the guess is correct, they keep the card! Yay! If not, turn the number card around so the class knows not to go there again. Or, be diabolical and leave the card and let them keep guessing it...your choice I suppose!
Continue play until all numbers are found...yada yada..so on and so forth.


I'm pretty excited about this new product, in case you can't tell. I can't WAIT to create more. I have so many ideas floating around in my head! 


Ok, now on to that work out!


Love, Amber

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Teachers Pay Teachers

Boy, I'm apparently just full of ambition...


Things I've decided to dedicate myself to over the past 5ish months:

  • From the Heart Bakery (out of my home-check it out at www.fromtheheartbakery.com)
  • Apply to graduate school (University of New England-waiting to hear about my acceptance...yikes!)
  • Start a blog (ta-da!)

...and what, might you ask, is my newest initiative??


Start creating and selling products on TeachersPayTeachers!


Warning: Shameless plug to follow....


Or click the TpT button that's conveniently located somewhere over there! -------------------------------------------------------------->


It's a good thing summer vacation is only 4 days away because mine is filling up fast!

Yard Sale Finds

What does summer mean to me?
BBQs
Camping
Geocaching
Yard Sales!


Is there anything more exciting than finding classroom items at a yard sale??? Not for this gal!


Our town had its annual community yard sale a few weeks ago and I was able to pick up a few things for the upcoming school year.


I found 2 puzzles. One is about the five senses and the other is about body parts.




I can't believe I found a Melissa and Doug word work set for only $1! What a steal! I love yard sales!


Perhaps the most exciting thing that I bought was actually found in Vermont while I was visiting family...
With a quick fabric change, this will be the Author's Chair in my room next year! 

It will probably also act as my:
Mathematician's Chair 
Reader's Chair
Scientist's Chair
...and any other Chairs I may need!


Well, those are my finds so far. I plan on hitting as many yard sales as possible this summer. I'll share my treasures as I find them!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Well, here it goes...

I have a confession.


I've recently become slightly addicted to reading blogs that were created by other kindergarten teachers...


How did I start this addiction? Well, it stemmed so innocently from my other addiction...Pinterest! Seriously, how did I teach before Pinterest?! 


Since I'm pretty comfortable with most technology, although I'm not IN LOVE with using technology (I like to leave that to my techie husband), I thought I would give this whole blogging thing a try. 


I thought the end of the school year would be the perfect time to get my feet wet and start figuring it all out! Hopefully over the summer I can really get going and I'll be rockin' and rollin' by the start of the school year! 


Wish me luck!