V is for Vistaprint

Hi. My name is Emily and I am STILL a Vistaprint addict. And I don't care! The Independence Day Sale was too good to pass up.

Click for the deals!

So here is what I got:

Oh and...

All for $26.69! Wooohooooo! It probably would have cost me that much in ink to print these things myself.

This is how I am going to use them:

I give these out at Open House for students to put on their refrigerators at home.

These will go on the first few spelling quizzes of the year. They will be a big hit.

This is for Whole Brain Teaching's Scoreboard. It will stick to my whiteboard. Click for details.

Love this resource from Zeke's Zoo. Click to get yours!

I used these Pig Math cards last year and they were a hit. Don't worry...this year I didn't mess up and double the sprinkles...I changed it even though the kids didn't care a bit. =)

And this binder cover is for a new endeavor. Do you use data binders in your classroom? I'd love to hear how they are set up/used. If you'd like this, leave a comment with your email address and I'll be glad to share with you.

Border from The 3AM Teacher

Font from First Grade a la Carte

So now I just have to order Star Cards, Bucket Filler slips, more pens, tote bags...

I wish Vistaprint paid me to advertise!

 

 Pin It

P is for Pig Math

Okay, so I've been complaining about double digit subtraction since we've been back from winter break. It's really making me nuts.

We've been playing Around the World to practice basic math facts, but I feel so bad for those little darlings that can't seem to leave their seats. Even when I flip up the 0 + 4 = flashcard and give their opponent a raised eyebrow and the "look". Even when I asked my "super subtractor" to take one for the team. What?! It was actually her idea. She's sensitive to others' feelings.

So we're going to start Pig Math on Monday. If you need extra math practice in your class, head on over to Lory's blog or TPT store. She has FABULOUS math resources!

I'm planning on starting with addition/subtraction facts to 12 and rewarding with an ice cream sundae party when we finish. I figured it will be a good way for us to end the quarter.

This is my latest Vistaprint creation:

Front (rack card)

Back

I do love me some ice cream!

A is for Addictions

A very rainy summer + a new laptop + an aversion to the sun even when it is out + the ability to ignore the unorganization of my house = a lot of time in front of a computer screen

It is not my fault. I have addictions. I admit it. I am now going to be a commercial for 4 (yes 4!) websites I am now in love with. Do not read on if you give into peer pressure or are easily bored.

This is the definition of pinterest:

So apparently, I'm not alone.

Below you will see pictures of things I have actually made using the inspirations (or "pinspirations").
Key:
First picture: Pinspiration
Second picture: my version (sorry for the iPhone picture quality)

$97.99 sold-out version on ModCloth turns into my $4.99 from Salvation Army version. Now to find the perfect time to wear them.

Easy-peasy no-cost operation signs from The Teacher Wife.

Smarty Pants full of Smarties candy from The Inspired Apple

I needed to use my bulletin board to make a new focus wall (see below) so I needed some other ideas. Using The First Grade Parade's idea and signs from Mrs. Dillard, I created my new Bucket Fillers set up.

I knew I wanted to create a Focus Wall for our Treasures reading series, so I adapted Frogs, Bees & Under the Seas' to work for me.

 





My students always love to be silly, so these cheers and chants from The Apple Basket Teacher were perfect. I made them into cards that kids can pick when they answer questions correctly.

I also loved some of the organizational pins I found:

I never would have thought of using binder clips to keep my Mimeo/Elmo cords from getting lost. Genius, Unplggd!

One of Meck Mom's many ideas. Okay, so it wasn't such a sacrifice to eat Chinese food to get my containers. Honey Chicken...mmm...

One of the most popular pins I saw on Pinterest was milk crate stools. Mrs. Clemens and I decided to make them. Here is our version:

 Yeah, so The Boutons' crate stools are actually finished. Ours will be...eventually.

And finally, I really wanted to be able to give myself a new pedicure, but luckily, my lovely aunt gave me a new manicure. You think my students will get that I like ladybugs?

You can join the pinning fun too, just click the "Follow Me on Pinterest" button to the right. I can send you an invite, but I can't be responsible if you become an addict.

I also found Vistaprint.com and did several orders for FREE stuff. All I paid was shipping. Totally worth it. Here are a 4/13 of the things I made:

1. Tote Bag (free!)
2. Car Magnet (free!)
3. Mouspad (free!)
4. Postcards turned into Star Cards (free!)

I'm hooked. They've gotten a customer for life.

I stumbled upon a very cute website for fonts called LetteringDelights.com. I got "Scribble Kids" for 50 cents and proceeded to make labels for almost everything on my shelves.

One last addiction to talk about is Teacher Tipster. This guy is absolutely hilarious. He teaches first grade and obviously loves his job. He has made all kinds of videos that demonstrate his tips. I recommend watching:
The Hallway Song, Brain Chains, SillyBrations, and Magic Trash. Then, I recommend you find several hours to watch the rest of them and join his Facebook page. He is just fantastic.

Okay, I think that is all for now. I am as ready as I'll ever be for my darlings to start tomorrow. I am looking forward to sharing some hilariously random things that second graders say and do with you.

And as always, thanks for supporting my addictions. (Teaching, blogging, children's books, Cherry Coke, ladybugs, chocolate ice cream, pinterest...)