December Catch Up

Well, I am incredibly late posting about December but this month has been crazy! First, I planned the cutest Ninjago party for my four year on the 15th and my husband's birthday dinner was also the 15th. Such a busy, fun day!

Then, with all the Christmas fun in class, I didn't even get to post about it! Wah! I was so consumed with the new grading system our district is requiring because we need grades for each standard. It wouldn't be so bad if they hadn't just picked random standards to include. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now...
I do have a cute edible craft to share. The pic is horrible but hopefully you can see the adorable peanut butter reindeer. Sorry!
To make him you need:
 a slice of bread cut diagonally in half
peanut butter
chocolate chip eyes
pretzel stick antlers
gumdrop or skittle candy nose

Here is our Christmas gift to parents. This was so quick and easy.
 We just used white tempera to stamp our 3 thumb prints. I let the students write their name and the year on the back with a silver paint pen. They also used the silver paint pen to add a hat and stick arms. Then, all we had to do was use a black and orange sharpie for the face. Super simple!

Oh, I forgot to mention my mom, my husband and I took my boys on the Polar Express in Williams, Az the day school got out. It was amazing. The kids get cookies and hot chocolate while the "chefs" read the story. Then we stop at the North Pole to see Santa's house, toy shop and village. Then Santa gets on the train and hands each child a bell. Priceless!

Happy New Year from my family to yours! Hope 2013 is good to all of you!

I'll be back soon with posts about what I'm doing in January and to share some freebies!

 

Elf Opinion Writing Freebie

I have a freebie for teachers still in school this week or save for next year.

After reading How Santa Got his Job,



I had the students fill out this elf application from the First Grade Parade.

Then we brainstormed what would make an elf desirable for hire. They came up with such adorable ideas!
Next, the students used this graphic organizer to explain why they would make a good elf for Santa.

The next day, the students wrote their final draft on this paper.

I thought this opinion writing piece turned out adorably! Click here for this freebie. Leave me a comment if you can use it!

Change Unknown Word Problem Freebie

I've been so busy these last few weeks! I've had three groups of teachers in to observe my Daily 5 in action  and I was videotaped during the observation today. I was mic'd  and everything! It was so scary but my kids were great. Maybe they need someone following them around with a videocamera everyday! ha!

Since I've been so bad about posting, here is a fun freebie to introduce or practice change unknown word problems.

After reading the Doorbell Rang,


the students are given 12 Christmas cookies to decorate. They also decorate the kitchen background and draw themselves as the baker. The students then decide how many cookies to put in the oven and write a change unknown word problem.

 

Click here if you'd like this freebie!

Have a great weekend!!!!

 

 

Erin

 

 

 

 

Christmas Play Ideas

Hi everyone!
I just wanted to pop by and check in. I've been so bad about posting. I really wonder how these amazing bloggers can keep up with it all!

Anyway, I love this time of year! I always put on a Christmas Play with my students. I wrote my own script a couple of years ago based on the book Who'll Pull Santa's Sleigh Tonight?

Here is a You Tube video of my students performing. It's kind of hard to hear but it's a super cute play and easy to teach 1st grade at this point in the year. If you want something like this for your classroom, click the pic above to check it out on TPT.
 Free tip: Never give your students jingle bells to wear during a performance!!!

We perform songs and dance as well. Here's some clips of those if you're interested. If you live in AZ we have a cute Phoenix Wonderland song. Let me know if you want it.

 Erin :)