All the Heart Eyes for TPT

 

When I discovered TeachersPayTeachers I knew that I had entered a new realm of awesome!  I wasn't sure if it was real or not, all of these amazing standards based products and ideas from teachers around the world.  Well it was real, really incredible!  Now as a creator and seller it is still really incredible!  I love that I can share my love for engaging curriculum with other teachers.  

So why do you love TPT?  Just leave your email and answer in the comments below and I will gift one lucky individual with a $10 TeachersPayTeachers gift card.

This giveaway closes at 7:79pm PST, on 2/6/17.  The winner will be chosen at 8:00pm PST, on 2/6/17 and will be notified by email.

Joy Cowley Classroom Giveaway

It is my favorite time of year!!  It is Joy Cowely Giveaway Time!!!  

Click the image to enter

The Joy Cowley Classroom Giveaway by Hameray Publishing is here! One lucky classroom will win an entire set of Joy Cowley Collection leveled readers (60 books), Joy Cowley Early Birds lower-leveled readers (45 books), all of her newest big books (34 big books), a set of finger puppets, and more!

Click the image to enter

These books pull in even the most reluctant readers with their humor and whimsy. Your students will clamor to keep reading about their new friends: Mrs. Wishy-Washy, Hungry Giant, the Meanies, and more. Recurring characters make them reach for the next book, and playful storylines lead them to finish it. All books in this package are written at guided reading levels C–I. Read more about the books included here.

This contest is closing February 28, so enter now! Winners will be announced March 1.  Be sure to tell your teacher friends to enter, this is not a giveaway you want to miss out on.

Click the image to enter

Who is your favorite Joy Cowley character?  Leave a comment below and let me know.

Wacky Links: A Maker Space MUST!

I could not have been more excited to see this box on my front porch!!!

You guys, my students and I have gone WACKY for Wacky Links!  These DIY kits are the perfect addition to any maker-space, STEM bin, art extension, or for just plain play.

Wacky Links encourage kids to use their imagination and explore their creative side.  What parent and teacher doesn't want more of that in every child's life?!?!  The DIY kits provide open ended fun for every kiddo!

The kits are comprised of colorful tubes that you can cut, bend, and connect to an assortment of pronged charms.  The tubes are way more durable that I was expecting.  They are designed to create a bit of suction onto the prongs making it like a Chinese Finger Trap.  This is perfect so your kiddos don't have to worry about their creations falling apart.
My students loved diving into the kits and watching some of the Wacky Links YouTube videos for inspiration.

I let them play and explore and then gave them the task of creating a guitar with the Rock n' Roll Kit.  They definitely struggled at first, but that was the fun of it.   The conversations and problem solving that took place were a teacher's dream!

These have become a staple during our morning STEM bins, early finisher time, and Friday STEM builds.

You can find Wacky Links in specialty toy stores, on Amazon, and Walmart.com.  Lucky for you, I am gifting one of my readers two sets.  To enter, comment below with your answer to the following question, don't forget to include your email address:
Why is creative play important for ALL children?

**One random winner will be chosen on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at 12:00pm PST.  The winner will be notified by email and announced here.  CONGRATULATIONS, Sara!  I sent you an email with all the details.  If you didn't win, don't fret!  You can grab Wacky Links at the links I listed above. **

Have you tried Wacky Links?  I would love to hear from you; comment below.

Music to Your Ears {Giveaway Time}

I still remember songs that I learned in grade school.  There is one about energy conservation that plays in my head every time I forget to turn off the water while I brush my teeth.  Obviously if I remember a song a gazillion years later it not only made an impact on my learning, but it really got locked in my memory bank.  That is what music does for most learners.  My thoughts are...I need to take full advantage of this learning.  Enter...Flocabulary.  

I was introduced to this amazing resource last year.  You can check out my post here.

This year, we can't get enough of the math videos.  They have been the perfect addition to our math workshop.  Right now, we are working on counting, recognizing numbers, and finding addends.  There is a whole video series that supports these math concepts.  The songs are catchy and are packed with relevant content. 

The only thing better than listening to the songs with my students is catching them singing them together while they work!  Now that is awesome, right?!?!

If you haven't signed up for Flocabulary yet, follow this link to sign up for a free 45 day trial.  Even better than that, 3 of you will win a year's subscription!  You have until October 16, 2016 to enter!!!  Winners will be announced on October 18th, and all trials will be sent out the same week.

I would love to know your favorite Flocabulary songs.  Leave me a comment below.  I am always looking for new ones to listen to with my kiddos. 

Fairy Tale and Fable Series Giveaway!

There is no denying the fact that I love Hameray Publishing's book series.  And, their new Story World Real World books are amazing!
They have taken familiar fairy tales and fables to the next level.  This series will help lead your readers to real-world knowledge with Story World Real World paired texts. Each theme set pairs one traditional tale with three nonfiction books that are filled with informational text features giving your students practice making connections and navigating informational content.   What more can you ask for in engaging text?!?!

These 10 fairy tales and fables are the perfect addition to any classroom library.  Even better, they can be yours!!!!

Hameray Publishing is raffling off the Story World portion of the series, that is ten traditional tales at guided reading levels I–M, filled with bright, modern illustrations.  All you have to do is click on the image above or this link to enter. 

*Raffle ends Friday, September 30, 2016, at 9:00pm PST.*

GoNoodle Blogger Blitz!

GoNoodle has been a staple in my classroom for going on three school years.  It is how I start my students' day, give them needed brain breaks, and wrap up our day's learning.  You may be thinking...How do you have the time in your day for all of these breaks?  Well here are my two cents...take them or leave them...
Giving students breaks throughout the day allows them to have the necessary time they need to process information.  Too often, we talk, talk, talk, show, show, show and never give the time needed to process, process, process.  GoNoodle provides fun interactive breaks to give my students' brains the time they need to take it all in.
GoNoodle allows my students to start their day on a positive note.
Think About It provides a quite way for my kiddos to set an intention for the day.  I often feel like I need this more than my students.

We also use Maximo to start our day.  His guidance allows us to wake up and get that much needed oxygen to our brains.

For those MUCH needed wiggle breaks, I always turn to my favorite duo, Koo Koo Kanga Roo.  We were lucky enough to have them perform at our school last year.  You should swing over to my Facebook page and check out my Pop See Ko moves at 35 weeks pregnant!  These guys know how to get our wiggles out and wake us up!

As I mentioned before, I also use GoNoodle at the end of the day.  I let my students pick which breaks they want to do.  I have found this to be a positive way to bring everyone back together once more before heading home.

I am so excited to be linking up with GoNoodle and so many fabulous bloggers to share how we are using GoNoodle this year!

Plus, one lucky reader gets to win these AWESOME GoNoodle pencils.  Just leave a comment telling me how you plan to use GoNoodle in your classroom this year.  I will choose one random winner from the comments below.

BONUS!!! Have you checked out the GoNoodle shop?!?  There are so many cool items.  Head over and grab some goodies.  Make sure to use the discount code BTSwithGoNoodle for 15% off your purchase September 4th-11th.

Happy Noodling!!!

Back to School Style Part 2 {giveaway}

Comfort is my number one criteria when picking out my clothes!  As teachers we are up, down, and all around when working with our students.  Plus, glue, markers, and paint are constantly coming at us.  Due to these factors, I choose stylish comfort when choosing my outfits for the week.  Yet, I believe that the easiest way to jazz up any outfit is with the perfect accessory.
My go-to accessory has always been handbags.  I would say, I have a bit of an obsession with bags.  It wasn't until I discovered LineaPelle handbags that my world changed.  Instead of buying inexpensive purses that would fall apart after 5 uses, I started saving and splurging on bags that would last a life time.

Just a few of my LP bags!

My favorite accessories though have to be my statement pieces from Paizlee.  They have the classiest necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and let's not forget their garments!  I know that when I want to dress up a simple tee I throw on a statement necklace or gorgeous pair of earrings from my favorite girls!

I am teaming up with Paizlee for this fabulous Teacher Style Giveaway.  Just head over to my Instagram account for all of the details.

What is your go-to accessory?

Back to School Style Part 1

I know that many of you are already back to school, but for those of us on the west coast we still have a bit more time.  With the first day quickly approaching it is time to put my yoga pants and jogging shorts to the side and pick out my First Day of School outfit.
As teachers, I feel that we are always looking for the following from our clothing:

• comfort - We are up, down, and all around the place.
• durability - I need to know that my pants aren't going to fall apart on me as I bend down to work with a student.
• can be easily cleaned - No one wants to make a trip to the dry cleaners to get out the paint from Friday's art project.
• stylish - We all want to look FABULOUS!

I have put together some of my favorite Back to School outfit choices to provide some inspiration.

[Linen Pants - Old Navy; Tunic - Paizlee; Long necklace - handmade]

[Pixi Pant - Old Navy; Top - Paizlee; Necklace - ?]

[Pixi Pants - Old Navy; Top - Paizlee; Long necklace - handmade] 

[Black Pants and Tank - Old Navy; Kimono - Paizlee]

[Dress and Jean Jacket - Old Navy; Necklace - Paizlee]

What do you think?  

Be sure to check back for part 2!  I have teamed up with my favorite online boutique Paizlee to bring you some more teacher style ideas and a giveaway!

It's Been a Year! {Giveaway}

I seriously can't believe it has been a whole year since I decided to join this amazing teacher-blogger community.  This year has taught me a ton about challenging myself as a teacher, while staying true to myself.  There have been plenty of hurdles which we know are far too normal in our profession, but it is readers and bloggers like you that have allowed me to keep going.  As a way to say thank you for all of your support I am hosting a huge giveaway, which is only possible because of the amazing bloggers below.  Be sure to enter and tell your friends to enter; there are so many amazing products being given away.

Winner's Choice from:

Searching for Teacher Balance

Learning to be Awesome

Journey of a Substitute Teacher

An Apple for the Teacher

Sparkling in Second

Creative Lesson Cafe

Polka Dot Kinders

Table Talk with C and C

A Rocky Top Teacher

Pawsitively Teaching

Just a Primary Girl

Mrs. 3rd Grade

Mrs. Price's Kindergators

Specific Products from: 

What I Have Learned - Reading Comprehension and Strategy Posters

Positively Learning - A Sentence A Day

Tailor Made Teaching - Arctic Animals Nonfiction Close Read Bundle

Seconds at the Beach - Common Core Building Complete Sentences Mini-Unit with Pigeon by Mo Willems

The Kinder Garden  - Summer Lovin' Sentences

Wiggling Scholars - Review Writing Units  

Easy Teaching Tools - Family Literacy and Homework Ideas

The giveaway is broken down into grade levels/bands.  You can enter 1, 2, or all of them.

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Thank you again for all of your support this year!  Here is to many more!

Instagram Giveaway

I am beyond grateful for all of the love and support over the past year!  I am enthralled by the incredibleness of this teacher community!  I wanted to say thank you to all of you wonderful Instagram folks with a giveaway of my favorite things.

Check out all the goodies: Scentos markers and pen, journal, NYC Applelicious lip balm, Sally Hansen polish, Old Navy tote bag, scarf, and necklace.
Be sure to head over to my Instagram account to enter.  I will select one random winner on May 24th.

Happy Weekend!

Five for Friday - Teacher Appreciation

Wow!  It has been an amazing week!  I love this time of year, well sort of.  I am amazed by the growth in my kiddos, but freaking out about how much needs to be done in such a short period of time.  I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching to give you a glimpse of my week.  Be sure to stop back here this weekend for a fun announcement!

1. GoNoOdle!
Can I just say, "Thank you!  GoNoOdle team, you have saved my teaching life!"  These brain breaks have transformed my students; we all know how important focusing is this time of year.

I can't get over how much they ALL enjoy dancing!  I love when my boys get into it!

2. Interactive Anchor Charts

I love the interaction and reflection that goes into these anchor charts.  We are able to refer back to them, make adjustments, and learn from each other.  I seriously need an endless supply of sticky notes!

3. Math Centers

I love looking up from my small groups and seeing my kiddos working together.  Here are two of my girls working on my newest math pack.  I am so proud of them.

4. Book Club
The fabulous Courtney, from Ramona Recommends is hosting the second installment of her book club. I am so excited to read this month's book!  Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite authors.  Be sure to swing over to her blog to check out the details.

5. It's giveaway time!!

I am so grateful for all of your love and support on Instagram!  To say, "Thank You!" I am hosting a giveaway FILLED with my favorite things.  Be sure to stop back by my blog and Instagram this weekend for all of the details.

Happy Friday and Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!!!