Daily 5 Freebie

I don't mean to be downer, but I'm definitely feeling blue...

I was originally writing:

I've been resting, relaxin' and spending time with my kiddos,

but now I'm just in bummer state...

We got a new fridge last week, which minus the cost was wonderful.

But this morning we noticed the water connection at the base was leaking terribly.

UPDATE:  My hubby fixed the leak, so good so far.
I pray it's all good.
Still can't completely exhale though, but I'm better (still keeping my fingers crossed).

Ok, so onto the freebie.

I know there are a bunch of cute posters out there, but I thought I would make some to go along with the checklist I posted earlier.

They're free and come in English or Spanish :)
(very, very cheap, I was confused about the freebie policy on TPT for Scrappindoodle clipart)
I apologize for the confusion :(

Yahoo for Bloggy Awards :)

I really have to smile, I cannot believe how nice it is to get awards!  Now I know how my kiddos feel :)

Thank You Tammy over at 1...2..3...Teach With Me,  Jessica at Glitzy in 1st Grade and Chelsey at The Wild West for the Versatile Award:)

The rules for The VERSATILE AWARD are as follows:

1.  Thank the blogger who nominated you - Thank you Tammy, Jessica and Chelsey!!!

2.  Include a link to their site - Check!

3.  Include the award image in your post - Done!

4.  Give 7 random facts about yourself - Just scroll down :)

5.  Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award - Scroll down a little further...

6.  When nominating, include a link to their site - Complete!

7.  Let other bloggers know they've been nominated - and done!

Okey dokey, so for 7 random facts.


Uno:  I'm a mama to 5 really awesome kids!  I know every mama thinks so, but I have absolutely been blessed with my kiddos ages 21 to 4 :)
Dos:  I met my husband in 5th grade, went all through high school together, and were great pals.  But it wasn't until we reconnected almost 8 years ago that we fell in love.  Timing really is everything.
Tres:  I never, ever considered being a teacher.  I thank God USC required students to volunteer because I did just that, at an elementary school, and fell in love with teaching. 
Cuatro:  I love chocolate and bread, although not together...hmmm... or maybe...
Cinco:  I love coffee!  Everything goes well with coffee, especially cold pizza :)
Seis:  I am obsessed with planners.  I usually get 2-3 planners in January... and July, weird I know!
Siete:  I'm an old school scrapbooker.  I say old school because it seems everyone is digital these days.  Speaking of old school, when did 80's music become old school? (say WHAAAAT?)

(Yes, I'm that far behind, but hey, I'm a mama, teacher, wife, and part time taxi driver).

I've noticed a lot of my fellow bloggers have already been nominated, but I would like to award these fabulous Bloggy Buddies:
1.  Maria at Kinder-Craze
2.  Shannon at Kindergarten Hoppenings
3.  Nikki at Melonheadz Illustrating
4.  Alicia at Keeping It True at K-1-2
5.  Kathleen at Growing Kinders
6.  Lita at Learning in Spain
7.  Katie at Little Warriors
8.  Tanya at Ms. Solano's Kindergarten Class
9.  Susana at Fun-Key Dual Language for First Grade
10.  And my pal Maggie who found me out! at September Rust


So go check out these ladies, I'm amazed at the creativity :)

Planner Possibilities People!

So I'm a little hesitant to share the newest blog I found.
Why?  I mean, it's a really cute blog!
Tammy has the  a lot of great ideas.
The clipart on her blog is so inviting.
And she has a lot of cool writing freebies.
I especially love the way she uses cooking terms on her blog, the Daily Specials, Chef's Choice, Sweet Endings.

So what's holding me back?
Why don't I want to share?
Okay, okay, she's hosting a really awesome giveaway, AWESOME, and I sooo want to win...

an  Erin Condren Life Planner!!!  


But seriously, go check out Tammy's Blog, you'll be so glad you did :)

The Daily 5

I feel more like a blog stalker than a blogger lately.

I've been reading The Daily 5, but then when it comes time to link up I get lost in OPP (other people's posts), and FORGET ABOUT IT if I hop on over to a Daily 5 Pinterest board, I get lost for hours.

Any...ways... we adopted the Common Core so I was planning to meet my Kinder Team this summer and plan our units, but I'm moving on up to First Grade.  I mentioned the Daily 5 book study online, so we're planning some D5 things out together.  

(Click the pic below, way below;) if you'd like a copy of a checklist we put together).

1. Establish a gathering place for brain and body breaks.
I've always had a whole group carpet area, but I've got my eye on one of these and it would incorporate my love for polka dots.  I don't call it anything special, but we sing a cute song about going to the carpet.

2. Developing the concept of "good fit" books 
I love the concept of using Goldilocks and the 3 bears, (especially because we have it readily available in Spanish).  Thank you Tammy for your freebie!  I'm going to work on one in Spanish for my teammates. 
3. Create anchor charts with students 
I love creating anchor charts with my students.  I like to have them visible around our whole group area where we discuss strategies, phonics, etc.  After we work on a new chart, I would usually try to place it up high on my teaching wall/carpet area bulletin board so that we can easily make references it.
4. Short, repeated intervals of independent practice and setting up book boxes 
I love the book boxes from IKEA!  They're cheap enough that I wouldn't mind replacing every year, the kids can decorate them, and did I mention they're cheap?  I love Kindergarten, Kindergarten, she has some really cute ideas, and I love how she put kids pix on the boxes, so Kinder friendly and just plain adorable!

5. Calm Signals and check in procedures
I've used Whole Brain Teaching class signals and have loved them.  But I don't think it would be as calm as using a xylophone or chimes.  As far as check in procedures I think I'm going to do some blog stalking and get some ideas. :)
6. Using the correct model/incorrect model approach for demonstrating appropriate behaviors.
I absolutely love the idea of stopping when I see an inappropriate behavior so that students are not practicing wrong, practice makes permanent.  


And now for your freebie, hope you can use :)

Best Practices For Language Learners

Good morning!

Can you believe it's summer and I'm still waking up at 5:15?!  (Xcountry practice for my girls)

Ahh, the job of a mama never ends :)

Anywho,  just wanted to let you know that Krista from The Second Grade Superkids is hosting an awesome week of the Best Practices for Language Learners, be sure to visit her and learn some great ideas that can be used in any classroom.  And Krista's so sweet to let me guest blog, I'm soo excited :)!

On another note, I'm still in shock that I was nominated for a Fascination Award in Kindergarten, but I would totally appreciate it if you would vote for me :)

What I Learned In Kindergarten

I'm beyond excited about going to First Grade, but I wanted to share some things my Kinder Kids taught me during my years in Kindergarten.

Kindergarten is such an important time in a child's life.

Parents are undoubtedly a child's first teacher,

but as their first teacher in elementary school, it's our job to make sure we teach our kids all the basics.

How to line up and walk down the hall (Kinders really are amongst the best hall walkers).

How to sit, push in chairs, line up.

How to sneeze and cover up like a vampire.

How to:

wash your hands,

talk, not yell,

share, not grab,

follow directions,

and the all time biggy,

how to LISTEN.

All while teaching our Kids the Kindergarten curriculum,

Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Music, and P.E.

Whew!  I'm already tired just thinking about it!

I learned that every child does not have to complete the same class or homework assignments,

differentiation is important at home and at school.

I would rather have some students learn all their letters or numbers,

instead of completing a worksheet.

I learned that teamwork really does begin with the teacher.

I had an incredible Kinder Team last year,

I will miss these ladies :(

I learned that Kids love, no require, routine.

I never heard the end of it if I skipped centers or calendar time got interrupted.

But I really learned the meaning of patience in Kindergarten,

...exhale...

exposure is not mastery.

We sometimes have to teach, reteach, revisit, reteach, and oh yeah, reteach.

Kuddos to Kinder!

Here's a freebie I hope you can use :)

Nervous But I'll Give It A Go

I've been thinking and thinking about it,

and I thought I would finally venture onto the world of TPT.

I feel a little scared (yeah right, A LOT)  on this new venture, but I thought summer would be a perfect time to explore ;)  I would really appreciate any feedback, comments, or advise :)

I would love it if you came by and followed me on TPT.   I will definitely be offering more freebies :)

I made this class sign last Christmas and they were a big hit!

I had it available through Scribd but thought I upload onto TPT and make it a little more accessible.

I have a Spanish version available as well.

Wish me luck :)