Let's talk about the teacher toolbox. For the last couple of years I've had a teacher toolbox in my classroom.  Once I had gotten rid of my teacher desk it was a no brainier that I needed something to house all my teacher things.  I had seen several teachers making them and of course I had to jump on the bandwagon and make one too.  At the time (and still today)  there were a couple of different toolboxes to choose from.  I made the decision to get the 22 drawer stack-able toolbox that I found at Lowe's.  It is currently not available on-line but you mig ..read more

Summer is slowly coming to a close for me.   August 1 marks the being of the new school year for me. No, I don't start back on the first but I do have to start thinking about what my classroom is going to be like for the year. This year, I plan on stepping up my game on classroom management. I struggle with this each year. This year, I plan on using my behavior calendars again. click pic to check them out Sometimes I don't need all the bells and whistles with being able to edit. So, I usually use my free version of these in my classroom. Super easy to just print and go. I stap ..read more

Oh how I LOVE Maria Dismondy's books!  I have a few and I'm purchasing 2 more today.  When I found out she had a new book being released I immediately asked if I could review it.  And she said YES! I just read this book to my first graders on Friday.  Of course they were excited because I had a signed copy and they received bookmarks.  Before I read it to tell I told them Maria really wanted to know what we thought of her new book.  As I read it students would whisper to each other that they really liked this book.  They were even more excited when I tol ..read more

I am so happy to be apart of this blog hop freebies giveaway.  It is being hosted by Crazy Daisies and here's a little bit about them. The Crazy Daisies is part educational resources, part clip art! We’re putting our heads together to make learning fun for our students and YOURS. Amanda Smith of Daisy Designs is a 2nd Grade teacher in Florida. She also teaches Musical Theater and Dance at a local theater. She’s passionate about reading and is a total dog-lover! In fact, Daisy is the name of her 5 pound chihuahua. She has a 5-month old son, Isaac. Jodilyn Blake @DaisyADayDoodles has been ..read more

Are you as sick as I am over this election? I'm going to just have fun with my class this week and hope for the best. My firsties flipped over the Halloween Activity book I made for them, so I thought why not an Election Day book! And why not share it for FREE with all of you:) Hope you and your students enjoy it! Click on the picture to download the book  Here is just one of the activities that is included. Click on the picture to download the book ..read more

"Click on Image to View Original Pinterest Link" These are just too cute! I plan on starting this bulletin board on Monday. Can't wait to add their little pictures under their ghost sheet:) "Click on Image to View Original Pinterest Link" Spookley is one of my very FAVORITE Halloween books. I usually read the story and we watch the movie too. This little craft is easy and cute enough that I might find a way to add it to the ghost picture bulletin board from above. "Click on Image to View Original Pinterest Link" Why can't ..read more

I know September is just about over but I couldn't resist linking up with these sweet ladies. And I wanted to show off some great apple activities that I have and will be doing with my class this week. (Click Photo Above to See Original Pin) We did this today and it was my students' favorite apple experiment. They were so excited! (Click Photo Above to See Original Pin) We made these cute and easy apple pie in a cup too. As always half my kiddos liked it while the other half didn't:) (Click Photo Above to See Original Pin) I plan on using these great math ..read more

Holy Cannoli! Where did my summer go??? Tomorrow is our dioceses opening ceremony. Then on the 14th we have Meet the Teacher.   I'm starting to panic a little about my room not being complete. I know it will all work out but I still tend to get a little worried. Perfect timing for Pinterest finds and this linky. I'm currently all about bulletin boards and classroom decor. Here are my finds and what I'm using to help inspire me this year, I LOVE this photo booth bulletin board from First Grade Blue Skies! I want something similar but with color poms and possibly fans. Not sure yet but m ..read more

Summer Break, I think I was more ready for it than the kids. I know some of you aren't on break yet but Hang In There YOU got this!!! I'm linking up with my friends Pawsitively Teaching, Just Reed, and Inspired Owl's Corner for June's Pick 3 Linky Party.  I can't wait to see what everyone has pinned for the summer! My kids are very active so I have to find things to keep them occupied during the summer.  Sure we are going to be working on reading, sight words and multiplication to name a few things but I need to find fun ways to do that. My first pin I think will hit th ..read more

Being a First Grade teacher means I'm always on the lookout for new books.  I especially love books that help my students with things they might be going through and this one, The Little Linebacker, fit the bill perfectly.  I enjoyed the message of Never Give UP and the wonderful encouragement of the characters in the book.  When things look hard or impossible keep going because hard work pays off. I asked my students, after I had read the book to them, if they could name some things that were hard for them but they kept going to learn or do.  They all said tyin ..read more