Storyline Online

Hello teacher friends,

Have your heard of Storyline Online?  I came across this little gem a few days ago and thought I would share my find.  My little firsties will enjoy this during lab time and also during whole group using the SMARTBoard,  I can't wait to share this with them.  Storyline Online is an on-line streaming video program featuring celebrities reading childrens books aloud!  Each book includes accompanying activities and lesson ideas. The Polar Express is listed in the index, just in time for Christmas.  Check it out, I think you will be glad you did. 

A Giving Giveaway at Life in First Grade



A giving giveaway is happening at Life in First Grade to celebrate 1,000 followers.  If you have not checked out Leslie Ann's giveaway, be sure to do so.  This giveaway is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!  When I say I'm obessed with blogs, this is a real favorite that I check daily. Good luck!

WANTED: Blogging Buddies

Hello, Blog Friends,

I am seeking a first grade teacher that would like their first grade classroom to become "Blogging Buddies" with my first grade classroom.  I would like the two classrooms to correspond via Kidblog and Skype.  I wish for this collaboration project to begin late September or early October and end in May.  I am aware of how crazy schedules can be, therfore I am requesting that only sincere interested teachers respond to this ad. 

I currently have 20 sweet firsties {8 boys and 12 girls}.  The district where I teach is two hours north of Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania {GO Steelers!}.  I have completed this collaboration project that past three years and it is so exciting for young kiddos to learn about other students from other states. 

This is an awesome experience for firsties to exhibit their writing skills with a twist of technology.  If you are interested in this collaboration project, you may leave a comment or contact me at sbuckley@keyknox.com  I will be in contact with you.  I am very excited to hear from you!

Western Incentive Chart

I have been looking everywhere online and flipping through all of my teacher catalogs to find a western themed incentive chart.  With NO luck, I decided I could create one quickly.  If you are going with a western/rodeo theme in your classroom, perhaps you might like this little goodie...

What I Love Wednesday

 

Happy Wednesday!!  I linked up with Jamie at This Kind of Love, this is my very first WILW {I'm a little late posting.}  Here are a few goodies that I am currently loving...

Orly Cotton Candy Nail Polish

along with...

Out the Door Top Coat

Lately, I have been making lots of stops at DQ for this...

My favorite Artic Rush flavor...GRAPE...yummy!

I love finding a sweet pair of stylish flats, I found these at Target {$19.99}

 

{Oh, they are comfortable too!}

After a color and trim appointment with my favorite hair girlie, I am loving...

Bed Head Shampoo

So loving this group...

{Going to see them in concert this Saturday with three of my school girls!}

I am loving that I found these at Staples this evening for 10 cents each.

{I bought the maxium teacher limit per visit...25. Yepper, $2.50}

I am also loving this HOBO Lauren Clutch...

 And lastly, I am loving this photo of my hubby and little guy, I quickly snapped this moment while we were at the beach last week.  They were having a special talk.  {Melt. My. Heart.} 

What are you loving?

Chapstick and tissues

Well, it is time for this little, blonde sweetie {Lovebug} to head to first grade and any time I think of her being in first grade it makes me tear up.  She is SO excited and SO ready to take on first grade.  She has a wonderful teacher {a dear friend of mine} and a great group of classmates.  {We do not live in the district where I teach.}  Of course, being a first grade teacher I know what to expect, but seriously I can't believe the time has come for her to be in first grade.  I keep biting my lips {hence the reason I am carrying Blistex on me 24/7} and drying my watery eyes when I think of her growing up.  This is going to be a super exciting year for both of us.  Here is wishing all of you a super school year {with minor stressors...if that is even possible!} Smiles from PA! 

Desk Fairy

I have seen lots and lots of pictures in blog world of your beautifully organized classrooms just waiting for your little peanuts.  I have to admit that I am slightly jealous of those of you that have tables for your students in place of individual desks.  I have 21 individual desks for my little sweeties and would L.O.V.E to have tables instead.  I {heart} organization and encourage my little firsties to be responsible for their belongings and to keep their special desk tidy.  So, the Desk Fairy visits our classroom pretty often to ensure that your belongings are organized and tidy.  The Desk Fairy flies around selecting tidy desks in the classroom, she leaves a special little note along with a special treat {hidden in the desk} oh, and of course a dusting of fairy glitter.  The best thing about the Desk Fairy is...you never know when she will fly in for a visit, what a great way for little firsties {or any student}to keep their area tidy.  Here is a copy of the Desk Fairy note...

Also, here is a little award to give to your kiddos...