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BABY, IT’S…UH…WARM OUTSIDE??!! + ORNAMENTS

December 17, 2012 by teacherideafactory

I am going to be honest and say that I really don’t know the best way to get up and going again.  Everything feels so different and my heart is still so heavy. However, after taking the weekend to reflect and grieve, I want to take a small step forward.  I am going to do this by celebrating what my own first grade students have been doing.  I know it doesn’t change anything, but returning to some sort of “normalcy” is how I am able to work my way through the healing process.  So, here goes nothing . . .  

Last week my kids were wrapped up in everything Christmas.  We made our parent Christmas gifts, crafted Christmas Cards, and studied holidays around the world.  My favorite country we visited (as it is every year) was Australia. My “cold Christmas” kids flip when they think about it being warm at Christmas time.  To help us really celebrate Australia and their traditions we ate BBQ chips and made super cool Christmas “Sunnies” or sunglasses with our BIG 7th grade buddies last Friday.

This is a definite crowd pleaser every year in my room and it may be just what you are looking for as you round the bend and head on into Christmas Break (if you aren’t there already).   
CLICK HERE to get more details! 
Switching gears a bit, our parent ornament gift turned out absolutely delightful this year.  The kids giggled their way through the 2-day process.  I always love to see which kids jump in and get messy and those who can’t wait to wash their hands.  Oh, it’s the little things I tell ya πŸ™‚  

Please excuse my ugly mug . . .
I forgot to take finished product shots.  Duh, Dolling!
I got this wonderful idea from my mom’s teaching besties (I heart ya Tina and Vickie).  They even came in and ran the ornament creation station for me . . . I am one lucky lady.  If you are interested in tucking this project away for next year, I have attached the directions down below.  
CLICK HERE to download the ornament directions!
A huge thanks to Tessa over at Tales from Outside the Classroom for her awesome border πŸ™‚
Before I head out, I wanted to leave you with a quote my dear friend and coworker, Erin, pinned on Saturday.  I have always admired this great man and his words helped me find comfort in the world this weekend.
Originally posted on the Glamorous Housewife.  

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas, writing

SILENCE FOR SANDY HOOK
ROLLIN’ INTO CHRISTMAS BREAK

Comments

  1. Mrs. Griffith says

    December 17, 2012 at 11:26 pm

    Love your ornaments! Definitley turned out super cute! It's definitely been warm here in Texas too…doesn't feel anything like December! Love your Christmas 'sunnies'!

    Lindsay
    For the Love of First Grade

    • teacherideafactory says

      December 19, 2012 at 5:59 am

      Thank you so much! Merry Merry to you πŸ™‚

  2. Lee Ann Rasey says

    December 18, 2012 at 12:53 am

    It's great to see the wreath ornaments. When I taught first grade 10 years ago, I had my students make these. I loved them! I had forgotten about them until I read your post.

    • teacherideafactory says

      December 19, 2012 at 6:00 am

      It's an oldie, but a goodie for sure. Thanks so much for taking the time to jot me a note πŸ™‚

  3. Across the Hall says

    December 18, 2012 at 1:08 am

    The ornaments are adorable, and that is certainly no ugly mug! Thank you for the Mr. Rogers quote. I think we need reminders of the good in the world when these horrible, horrible things happen.

    Enjoy your last few days before break πŸ™‚

    Halle
    Across the Hall in 2nd Grade

    • teacherideafactory says

      December 19, 2012 at 6:03 am

      Hahahahahahaha . . . thanks. I think I don't like that photo because it was the year they moved me down to K. I can still see the fear hiding behind my eyes . . . having to leave my class sitting on the cafeteria benches with a PTA worker as I got my photo taken . . . my knees were knockin'. Thanks so much for swinging in here. I heart your visits πŸ™‚

  4. Mrs Cupcake says

    December 18, 2012 at 2:06 am

    Love those ornaments!! They came out so cute {and your mug is NOT ugly!!}!
    ❀Teri
    A Cupcake for the Teacher

    • teacherideafactory says

      December 19, 2012 at 6:04 am

      XOXOXOXOXOXOXO . . . I heart ya Ms. Cupcake. You always know how to make my day πŸ™‚

  5. Angie says

    December 19, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    SO cute!

    LOVE the ornament! I need to tuck that away for next year! (And like the ladies above said—your mug is DEFINITELY not ugly!)

    Thanks for the great ideas!
    Angie
    Rulin' The Roost

    • teacherideafactory says

      December 23, 2012 at 5:41 pm

      XOXOXOXOXOXO Angie . . . Merry Christmas to you!!!

  6. Heather Byers says

    December 20, 2012 at 3:33 am

    You are so talented! Love the glasses:)

    Heather
    I’m having a giveaway! I’d love for you to buzz by and enter πŸ™‚
    The Busy Busy Hive

    • teacherideafactory says

      December 23, 2012 at 5:41 pm

      Thanks for the 4-1-1 . . . I got myself all entered πŸ™‚ Merry Ho Ho to you!

  7. Lisa Mattes says

    December 23, 2012 at 6:46 am

    You are adorable…not an ugly mug in any way, shape or form. The green rice kinda cracks me up. And, what a fun pack, you creative girl, you! πŸ™‚

    I'm cohosting a "Shout Out" Linky Party starting soon. Would be thrilled for you to check it out. πŸ™‚
    Growing Firsties is co-hosting a Shout Out Linky Party starting soon!

    • teacherideafactory says

      December 23, 2012 at 5:42 pm

      Love your linky idea. The wheels are already turning. Merry Christmas to you Miss Lisa πŸ™‚

  8. Bel and Phil says

    December 24, 2012 at 1:00 am

    G'day from Australia. It really is very hot here in Sydney on Christmas Eve. We have been swimming in the pool already today and plan to go in the pool again tomorrow. Just stumbled across your blog and had to comment. Love your ideas xx

    • teacherideafactory says

      December 24, 2012 at 4:07 pm

      This is SO cool! My kids were so excited to learn about Australia πŸ™‚ Merry Merry to you! Thanks so much for taking the time to me a drop a line.

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Thank you for taking the time to visit my home away from home. My Name is Kelley Dolling and I just finished up a decade teaching in the primary classroom...

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