Sight Words {Weekend Warriors}

I can't believe it's the end of the month already! That means it's time for another Weekend Warriors link up! 

This month we're talking about sight words! Sight words are definitely BIG in first grade. So, I'm linking up to share some of the ways my kiddos practice their sight words.

 

Samson's Classroom

Click HERE to learn more about the app.

I have access to 10 ipads on a daily basis which is great! I'm able to make use of them during literacy centers. Have you used Samson's Classroom? My kiddos LOVE playing this.

Heidi Songs

Click HERE to see the "all" video

Oh my goodness! Have you heard of Heidi Songs?! If you can't afford the DVDs right now, some of the videos are available on Youtube. This is our current favorite... because who doesn't like falling down? Warning: You may start singing these songs at home. #socatchy

Rainbow Write

 My students enjoy rainbow writing their sight words. I do allow students to choose whichever colors they like (as long as they're writing all those words).  I may be adding "dotty write" next week. You can download these papers for free, just click HERE.

On the Way Out

 This was teammate's idea. She posts the sight words near the door, so that students read the words while they wait in line.#whydidntIthinkofthat

Do you have any other ideas? Link up with us! I would definitely love to hear some more ideas for teaching sight words.

Check out these blogs for more ideas!

An InLinkz Link-up

Money Saving Tips {Weekend Warriors}

I’m back again for another Weekend Warriors linky party. This month we’re getting together to share tips and tricks that will help you save yo’ money! Who doesn’t want to keep some change in their pocket?

My first tip is to PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS. You should definitely be protecting all those goodies that you’re spending your precious dollars on. One way to make your paperback books last a little longer is to cover them with contact paper. I bought a lot of new books for my students last month and plan on adding them to the take-home section of my classroom library. These books go through a lot of little hands. Last year, I only covered a few of my books and many of them ripped.

Let’s have a moment of silence for those poor little books. They never saw it coming.

All you need to cover your books are: contact paper and scissors. Super cheap materials that will allow you to keep your books a little bit longer. The Inspired Owl’s Corner has a great tutorial on her blog that explains each step. Click {HERE} to head to her blog post. 

 

My next tip is to INVEST WISELY. There are certainly things you should splurge on and things that you can savel on. Classroom mailboxes… splurge. Stickers and bins… save. Yes, Target’s Dollar Spot has lots of goodies that will save you money, but so does the Dollar Tree. Their bins are great for classroom libraries and they’re much more sturdy than they used to be. I’ve had some pretty rough kiddos (they really tear things up), and my library bins have lasted me for years. You don't have to spend a fortune on turn-in baskets either. You can find great baskets at the Dollar Tree or Target Dollar Spot.

My last money saving tip is to BE A BARGAIN HUNTER. Yes, the Dollar Spot has cheap things, but sometimes they are just that…CHEAP. Yes, that adorable caddy may only by a dollar, but how long will it be before it breaks? And those reusable sheet protectors… how sturdy are they? Be on the lookout at school supply stores and websites like Amazon. Sometimes, they have better prices for the more durable necessities.

Photo credit: Thenumbertwentyone Those neon pockets are sometimes less than a dollar each as well.

Well friends, I hope that one of these money saving tips helps you out. And be sure to check out the other blogs below for MORE money saving tips and tricks. I know how hard you work and that you spend your own money on your classroom and littles. I truly appreciate all that you do. Keep it up!

Do you have a money saving tip or trick for me?! I’m all ears… comment below or link up with us! 

An InLinkz Link-up

3-2-1 Teacher Bio {Weekend Warriors}

I'm so thrilled to be linking up with the Weekend Warriors again, especially because I’m ON TIME this month. #thankyousummervacation We wanted to get to know each other better, so we’re sharing all about ourselves this time around.

Here we go!

1 | Last year I made the move from second grade to first. I was definitely comfortable in second, but I have enjoyed the experience of teaching first grade. It has definitely been more of adventure than I was anticipating. I had a challenging student for the first half of the year. This made the adjustment to my new school and grade more difficult, but I took it all in stride because I was so thrilled with my new school site. It’s not Disneyland, but I have such a supportive administration, staff and team.

2 | My favorite part of the day is math time! It’s always so fun to see the connections that students make and to create fun math activities. Many of my students often shared that their favorite part of the day was math stations. I recently attended professional development on Cognitively Guided Instruction and will be trying it out next year. I’m nervous, but excited at the same time! It was great to hear teachers share how their students have grown as a result of changing their instruction.

3 | Although some teachers might not like a noisy classroom, I think it’s great! I’m not talking packed auditorium loud. But I do enjoy a buzz of chatter and giggles.

1 | I have a collection of “art supplies” that is out of control. I used to sketch, but lately I’ve only made time to doodle in my planner. I recently purchased two fauxdoris from Cakepaperie and am beginning to use them as a creative outlet. I’ve got watercolor pens, ink pens, gel pens, sharpies, stamps, and color pencils.

2 | It’s hard to admit this… I’m a couch potato at heart. I really enjoy staying home and hanging out on the couch. It’s terrible, but I’ve slowly gotten my husband to enjoy staying in as well. I LOVE LOVE chillin’ on the couch and watching Netflix or anything on our DVR. Oh yeah, we DVR a lot on shows. Some of my favorite summer shows are Master Chef, Big Brother, and So You Think You Can Dance.   

I love sharing my ideas, but I get so nervous talking to a group of grown ups. Every time I’ve presented or shared with my colleagues at our faculty meetings I’ve turned red thanks to my nerves. My husband has presented at numerous professional developments at the university where he works and national conferences. I would love to be able to do the same with just as much confidence.

We want to know more about you too! Share in the comments or use the images to link up with us. Make sure to link back to this post. ^_^ I look forward to hearing from you! 

An InLinkz Link-up