Top Bananas! And a Shout Out!

First, let me contain my excitement.  I just got comments on my last two blog post from my top favorite bloggers. (I need to update my favorites list)  I was like "Shut the front door! She did not just comment on MY blog! This has got to be a dream!"  Nope not a dream! Marsha McGuier from A Differentiated Kindergarten and Annie Moffatt from The Moffatt Girls BOTH commented on my blog!!!! OK so you have got to go check out their blogs and be sure to visit their TPT/TN stores while you are there.  They have some AWESOME files!

Speaking of A Differentiated Kindergarten I had mentioned before that I was using the Top Bananas pack from her.  Well.... I already have four preschoolers who are Top Bananas and are now working on being Baseball Word Champs.  One little girls already knows about half of the Baseball Words.  (I have the Soccer Words in my cart on TN) 

Top Bananas from my morning class: Natalie, Audrey and Caitlin
 

Top Banana from my afternoon class: Xavier

Do You Talk Like A Pirate? & Spirit Week Fun!

Wednesday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day.  Do you celebrate this day?  I have always said that I wanted to do something special for this day.  Make it a little fun.  So... I made pirate hats for my kiddos, we made a pirate craft and read pirate books.  It was a lot of fun!

 

We've also been celebrating Spirit Week for Homecoming.



Monday was Hat and Shades Day. 



Check out these two cuties. 



This is my brother James.

I think this one gets the reward for best glasses.

My momma.  She's the Library Clerk.

Hunter (in the blue) with his buddy Jake on Crazy Hair Day.

More Crazy Hair Day!



My Brother James' class on Crazy Hair Day.

One of our Principals, Brad AKA Lucy

Ms. Summer



Ms. Franklin with some of the teachers' kids before school started on Mix Match Day.

 

 

Best Day in Pre-K EVER!

OK... so seriously, I just had the best day ever! My kids were AH-MAY-ZING! I kept looking for the UFO that came in to bring me these strange creatures.  They were all super quiet and super busy and super productive, and super cooperative, and, and, and..... the list goes on.  And on and on and on.  HA HA.  OK I'll stop, you get the idea.  We have really been working on learning the letters in our names.  As of now, I would say about half can spell their names without looking at it.  The other half still needs help, but we will get there.  Here's a couple more things we have been up to lately.

My friends and I are using bears to practice counting, sorting, and making patterns.  They love playing with these little guys.

I've also been drilling those letters in to them.  For the ones that do not know their names yet, I am focusing on those letters. But for the ones who know how to spell their names, we are moving on to the rest of the alphabet.  I am using these super cute alphabet cards from A Differentiated Kindergarten.

And guess what?! I have about 3 kids who know ALL of their letters already! I can't believe it!

OH! I almost forgot.  I got this great idea today! You may already do this but it was a first for me.  I'm always being silly and trying to find new ways for the kids to remember stuff so today when we were going over the month it hit me.  We did a cheer!

Give me an S- S!
Give me an E-E!
Give me a P-P!
Give me a T-T!
Give me an E-E!
Give me an M-M!
Give me a B-B!
Give me a E-E!
Give me an R-R!
What's it spell? SEPTEMBER!
Say it again. SEPTEMBER!
What month are we in? SEPTEMBER!

I don't know who loved it more, me or the kids.

Currently Linky

I am linking up with Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade!

 Here is my September Currently....

 

Hunter has been coming home the last two weeks in a terrible mood.  Most days we have gotten home way to late for him to nap but, today there was no other option.  Because...If he told me know one more time.....Never Mind.  I'm sure many of you understand what I mean.  He hasn't napped in quite some time.  He's six.  That means he is too old. Right?

Our administration and school board are pretty strict on the no jeans policy.  We can't even wear those wonderful denim trousers that we cherish! Whose idea was that?!  This month we are raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation.  Today and the on the last Friday of this month we get to pay $5.00 to wear jeans.  :) WOO HOO!!!  Two good causes.  Teacher Morale and Make A Wish.
 I also love my new hair.  I just died it a dark brown.  LOVE IT!

We have had heat advisories twice this week and have not been able to have recess!!! IN SEPTEMBER!!!! This is soooo not fair weather or football weather!

Obviously I have going to the fair on my brain.  I was all psyched up about going tonight.  Even got Hot Rod all pumped.  Only to have Daddy say "I'm on the combine and there's and 80% chance of storms tonight."  Who cares about a little rain? I blame the steroid that the Dr. gave me for my desire to make myself sick on fair food.

So yesterday the Hubby and I both went to the ENT.  We have both been sick since July.  I have had three rounds of antibiotics and a shot with little to no relief.  It was time to break down and pay the specialist's co-pay.  BUMMER! They took x-rays of both of us.  She looked at me and said "I don't know you are able to breathe through your nose at all."  My response "I can't.  Every time he kisses me I have to pull away gasping CAN'T BREATHE!"  She thought that was funny.

I was having a hard time thinking of my favorites.  I love love LOVE my Pandora's.  I know I have said that before.  But it's true.  Every charm is really special. I love my Tom's shoes.  The canvas are the best.  they are wonderful for wearing when you are gonna be on your feet all day.  Today I wore my red ones to go with my Tiger football shirt. :) And we are back to that good ole fair food.  MMMM!!! I can smell the grease now.  Foot long corn dogs , sugar covered funnel cakes, fresh squeezed lemonade, deep fried (Fill in the blank) .  My brother-in-law has been texting me while I have been writing.  It seems that the harvesting is about to come to a stop for the day.  So maybe, just maybe, the fair is in my future. 

I Survived! & What NOT to Wear on the 1st Day.

WOW! What a day! It is not yet 6:30 and I have been ready for bed for quite some time.  HAHA! 

First of all let me just tell all of my teacher friends out there... If you were planning on wearing that cute maxi dress that was so comfortable to run errands in this summer, DON'T! OH. MY. GOSH!!! I felt like I was wearing a blanket all day long!  I don't know what happened.  It was so comfy when I wore it this summer but I about died today.  My kids were freezing. 

Before I was burning up, things weren't good.  This morning as I was packing my babies lunch I started to cry.  I can't believe he is in FIRST GRADE!  The time really has flown by.  You would think that it would be easy for me since I am in the same building and know his teacher well but, that doesn't change the fact that he's growing and I hate it.  I miss my baby. :-(  I didn't think I was going to be able to put my makeup on but I sucked it up and got ready.  When I went in to wake him up I said "Time to get up and get ready for your first day of first grade."  He stretched very slowly, lifted his arms above his head and sighed "YAY!".  (Way to rub salt in my wounds there Hunter.)  Then I took him to class and he was all "By Mom." so I cried all the way back to my classroom. 

OK.  Enough of my pity party.  I got it together.  I had to.  It was time for the kids to come in the building.  This day went by so super fast!  One minute my morning class was coming in and the next, the afternoon kids were leaving.  Here's what we did today:

After everyone arrived we discussed the rules and clip chart.

We went to the carpet and introduced ourselves to our new friends.

We went to the carpet and read The Kissing Hand. Parents, be sure to kiss your babies' left hand in the morning before they leave you.

We went over the alphabet chart and sang the ABC's.

We drew a picture of ourselves on the first day of Pre-K.

We went for a tour of the school. (No one got lost!)

We colored a bag that we are going to put three things in that tells about ourselves.

We ate snack.

The morning class had time to go outside. (Afternoon always seems to run out of time)

We went home.

I really have some sweet babies.  I have girls who speak Spanish and I was so worried that they would be upset and that I wouldn't be able to communicate with them but everything went great.  I have a translator for part of the time that they are there and that helps.  They are so sweet!  I am in love with those big brown eyes. :o) 

Sorry, no pics today. I meant to take some of my class but was so overwhelmed with all the supplies that I didn't get at open house and with tears (the kids', not mine) that I totally forgot. Hopefully tomorrow I can take a few. 



Ready or Not

Ready or not, here it comes!  Tomorrow is the first day of school. (for the kids.  The Teachers have been back for about two weeks.) 

Last night was open house and we had a great turn out! We passed these out

You can get your labels from Smarter Than Fourth Grader.

I had a great turn out! Thank you to the parents who showed up!  I couldn't believe how many people were in my room at one time!  I wish I could have talked to everyone more and get to know the parents and kids better.

I can't wait to see my kids tomorrow!

I feel like I still have so much to do but, at the same time I am ready.  My centers aren't ready, but we wont be using those right now anyway.  My lesson plans are done for these next two days and next week, as well as my copies.  So....Wish me luck!

Teacher's Fashion Linky!

How fun is this? I get to talk about fashion! Yay! I love clothes and I love to shop!

I am linking up with Jessica of From Blook to Books to talk about teacher fashion.

 

1. Tell me your favorite store(s) that you like to get your "teacher's fashion".

Their dresses are cute, comfy and inexpensive.

They have teacher discounts if you show your school ID or check stub.

There's also a cute little boutique that I love to buy clothes at because they are always unique. 

2. What are some of your favorite accessories?

My Pandora bracelet.  This isn't mine.  I actually have three and I wear at least one every day.
All of my charms have a memory attached to them and they are a constant reminder of those who are dear to me.

My Coach bag.  Mine that I am carrying now is similar to this one in white.

3. What type of shoes do you teach in? (i.e. heels, flats, wedges, etc.) Flats. Flats. Flats No heels for this teacher. My favorites are Toms. So comfy!

4. Do you have a "go-to" item in your closet? (i.e. sweater you wear weekly, shoes you wear daily, etc.)

The Toms win again. Especially my burlap ones because they go so well with khaki.

5. Have you ever had a fashion "uh-oh" at school? (i.e. heel broke, button popped off of blouse)

No heels brokenm and I can hardly wear button up tops because they always gap. But, last year I snagged my skirt on something and it ripped. In the back.  It had another layer so I just stuck a safety pin in it and kept right on truckin.  After school one night we were having a talent show.  I was helping get out some extra chairs and my jeans ripped.  Right in the croctch!!!! I sat down, placed the program in my lap and when I got up to leave I was very careful to carry my purese and things in such a way that it was hidden. They were my favorite MissMe jeans too. :-(

My Classroom

I have been working hard to get my classroom in order.  Last year I moved from 2nd grade to Pre-K and things just whent anywhere I could find a hole.  There were things that were already in the room that I had no idea I even had.  My "craft cabinet" was packed with paint, glitter, and anything else you can think of scattered on every shelf.  This year, I am making my room mine.  Let's face it, we teachers LIVE in our classroom most of the year.  So I have been organizing craft suplies, my library and every cabinet/shelf in the room.  I have purged many things.  Here are some pictures of my classroom.

Originally this shelf housed puzzles and books.  All of these items in these boxes wer in my "craft cabinet" shoved into every corner and spread out on all the shelves.  Nothing was together, there was absolutely no method to the madness.

I must confess:  This idea was not an original of mine....I have to say thank you to Caitlin from Kindergarten Smiles.

 

This is Caitlin's shelf.

Our "Family Room" I am going to try to use a cuter name than "the carpet" :o)

Yes, I have a desk. Sorry, I just can't get rid of my space.

I am going to use a word wall this year.  We will start with their names, color words, shape words, number words, etc.

I would love to tell you who made the word wall cards for me but it was a special order for a good reason.
If you see this and want the credit let me know ;-)
P.S. If "She" comments on my blog you will all hear me scream with excitement. :o)

My writing center is still not complete.  I may need a small shelf to store the items.
The cards on the wall are from the Moffatt Girls

Did you notice the big yellow barrel sitting there? Yea, I thought you did.  This is an emergency kit just in case there is an earthquake.  Since my classroom is the last one on the end it got selected to store it. JOY!

My library and student work display.

Student tables.

Small group table

My chair was a plain ole ugly wood chair last year.  I had to give it a face lift.
Yes. I painted it myself.  I'm working on a stool now to put by the sink.  I'll show you that in a couple of days.

The opening to the left leads to the classroom next door.  The door to the right is a closet.  It's full of second grade materials/decorations that I can't part with yet.  Just as soon as I do, I will get moved again. I did get rid of some things that I haven't used in 5 years.  I figured it was time.

I painted this chair for my students last year.  It is used as an incentive.
 If someone is being extra good they get to sit in it for the day.

Word work materials.  Another stolen idea.
I got this idea from Marsha at A Differentiated Kindergarten.



Student cubbies waiting for the kids' names to be added to them.

If you notice the brown cabinet to the left, that was my craft cabinet.  It still holds the paint but they are all on one shelf and organized by type and color.  It also has puzzles and I was lucky to house the Preschool diecuts and cutter that takes up a large portion of my cabinet.  (I think someone else should have to find some where to store that thing since I have to have that big yellow tub.  Don't you think so too?  No one asked us, did they? :-(  The red cabinet stores tons of Lakeshore learning games.

This is my clip chart.  

You can get one too from Teaching Oasis.  They have all sorts of themed items.  The labels that were on the blue tubs at the begining of this post came from there too.

And lastly, my poor little listening center. I am just not sure what to do with it.
If you have any ideas please comment.

 So that's my room.  90% done and ready for kids next Thursday.  Alright... Back to work for me.  I still haven't get my schedule the way I want it and I just got my class list so I have to get the kids' names on some things.