BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCES AND FREEBIES

BACK TO SCHOOL  Yep . . . I just said it out loud. Honestly, I can’t believe that I uttered that one without shuddering.  This is a first for me in a LONG TIME. We are only 14 days away from that very first day back in the saddle, but I am all smiles and not filled with angst this year.  Yeah, sure, I do NOT want to deal with the alarm clock or give up my 20 minute naps (who does, right??). However, I am feeling overwhelmingly optimistic and downright excited for this new year.  What a wonderful feeling.

This excitement has had me working my tail off as of late.  I have created or am busy prepping oodles of back to school resources to use with my NEW crew. Here is a look at just a few.  There are some FREEBIES tucked in there too. I like to make it worth your while (it’s a little light reading today, but I know how busy you are at the moment).  

MATH CENTERS
We adopted a math program a few years back that left me yearning for some meaningful practice.  I just couldn’t handle the endless stream of practice pages and subpar games.  With this said, I put together monthly sets of math games for first grade.  They are themed, target the CCSS standards, and offer up just the right amount of rigor and fun . . . IMO 🙂

Want a couple of free math centers while you are here?  See . . . I told you I’d offer up a few things.  I am glad that you are still here 🙂  If you like the flavor of these two little games, be sure to check out my Monthly Math Center Packs and BIG Bundle.

Number Bond Freebie – CLICK HERE

Commutative Property Freebie – CLICK HERE

SENTENCE WRITING
Writing edged out math as my favorite subject to teach.  It must have something to to with my first college degree . . . journalism.  (A little random tidbit about me.)  Journalism is a pretty serious biz, but if you follow me, you know that I’m a bit more on the wild side.  So, you can bet that I have created a series of writing resources that are a little out of the box.  However, over the years these have proven to be a great way to get kiddos to LOVE writing. What’s the secret, you ask??  Make ’em laugh and they will be eating out of the palm of your hand.  Check out my sentence writing stuff HERE.   

GOOD MORNING WORK
I have 1st and 2nd grade resources for Good Morning Work.  Having work waiting for them on their desks as they arrive for the day not only helps them settle in, but it also gives you (the teacher) time to deal with the daily morning chaos.  Whenever I create these packs, my goal is to foster independence.  I train them, provide a consistent format, and chunk my topics (hit the same standards multiple days in a row in different, but similar ways).  By sticking to these “rules,” I find that my mornings are much more meaningful.  

BRIGHT CLASSROOM DECOR
A new school with a new room meant a complete design overhaul this year.  I may or may not have gone a little crazy in the “matchy-matchy” department. What can I say?  I am a visual person and I like what I like 🙂  If you are looking for some Crayon Pack Colors in your room this year, this could be the collection for you.  Most of the templates come with an editable version – see ’em HERE.

While you are here, would you like some short vowel posters?  I made these and didn’t get them into my packet.  Figured I would share 🙂

CLICK HERE to pick up this free poster set.

CLASSROOM MUSIC
Music is everything.  Seriously, folks.  I believe that it is our secret weapon. Not only does it add an awesome element of fun, but it also drives emotion which leads to LONG TERM learning.  I recently teamed up with Ron Brown’s Intelli-Tunes to bring you packets of professionally recorded MP3s and ideas. We offer both concept and movement based packets . . . and more are coming. These will take your lesson to the next level and/or offer up a necessary brain break. Take a moment to listen to some of the samples in my shop – you’ll be glad you did . . . promise 🙂 CLICK HERE to check out all of our new SONG PACKS!