Mrs. Stamp's Kindergarten

Data Notebooks and Leap Year SALE!

2012-02-26T22:10:00.000-05:00

As we are working on our end of month assessments for our Data Notebooks, I thought I would share a bit about what we do. Our Data Notebooks are actually folders with brads... but I have used binders in the past too. (I switched to folders when Staples started all their amazing penny sales a few years ago!!)

Each month (starting with our Kindergarten Round-Up in August), we assess students one-on-one on a variety of tasks including:

++ capital letters

++ lowercase letters

++ letter sounds

++ sight word identification

++ number recognition

++ color recognition

++ shape recognition

This gives us a great picture of each student... as well as his/her progress throughout the school year. We mark the charts and color the graphs using a rainbow system (September=red, October=orange, November=yellow, December=green, January=blue, February=purple, March=pink, April=teal (one of our school colors), May=silver, and June=gold.).

I LOVE using Data Notebooks with my kiddos since they can truly SEE their growth on the accompanying graphs. Just look at this little guy from Friday--yes, he jumped 16 words since last month!!!!!! You can certainly say we were ALL jumping for joy!!

Our our back wall, we have a Data Wall that shows our class progress and students receive ribbons when they meet goals. (I'll post more pics tomorrow... I'm having trouble getting them to load tonight).

Interested in learning more?

Here's my Data Notebook and Data Wall on TpT... over 250 pages!

It includes:

++Data Notebook file (for September through June and August through May), includes: capital letter, lowercase letter, letter sounds, sight words (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade sight words), color recognition (10 basic), shape recognition (4 basic), and number recognition (0-10, 0-31, 1-100). Each assessment chart has an associated graph for tracking progress.

++ Sight Word Cards to match (K-25 words, 1st-400 words, 2nd-200 words, and 3rd grade-200 words)

++ Data Notebook labels (3 styles to choose from!)

++ Quality Student page for Data Notebook

++ Data Wall charts (that coincides with all Data Notebook assessments)

++ Awards for student achievement (for accomplishing their popcorn and rainbow words)

P.S. I'm having a sale!!

(Yes, I am hoping this boosts my TpT followers from 99 to 100!)

You can get 28% off on February 29th (20% off my store plus 10% off from TpT: use the code L2P9Y).
I am also extending the 20% off to March 1st!

Check out all the SALES for Leap Day... there are over 100 stores posted!!

BLAST from the past!

2012-02-06T00:21:00.000-05:00

OK, it is now time for a BLAST from the past!! Well actually, from the recent past----

Yes, I am talking about New Year's 2012. Although it's been a whole month since the excitement of starting a new year... I still wanted to share a fun idea or two that we did to celebrate.

Hope you don't mind the delay... and will simply store it away until next year!! :o)

We had so much fun wearing our CONFETTI hats!
Simply take strips of construction paper (various colors) and the kiddos write goals for the new year. After they finish writing a bunch, staple them to a sentence strip to make a hat. The goal strips go every which way when the kids move... just like real confetti!
SUCH FUN!!

Here are some examples from my kiddos:

+ In 2012, I will play games. + In 2012, I will read every day and every night. +In 2012, I will learn to tie my shoes. + In 2012, I'll be respectful. + In 2012, I'll be nice.

+ In 2012, I will help my family. + In 2012, I will be responsible. + In 2012, I will listen. + In 2012, I will get better at patterns.

Another activity we do on our 1st day back is New Year's Toast (with butter!). I added this one as a FREEBIE on TpT... click the link below. This is just another fun way to practice writing and goal setting--by writing on a slice of toast with butter.
Some examples from my kiddos:
+Write a lot! +I will listen to my teacher.

Click below to grab this FREEBIE on TpT!

Cyber Monday TpT SALE!!

2011-11-27T23:01:00.001-05:00

My store will be 20% off from Cyber Monday through Tuesday.
I hope you'll take a peek...

Be sure to use the promo code CMS28 for an additional 10% off on Monday.

Thanks so much!!

Karen :o)

FABULOUS 50th Day of School!

2011-11-21T22:39:00.001-05:00

Friday was our FABULOUS 50th day of school... and we celebrated in 1950's style! Of course, we dressed up in our best 50's gear and danced whenever we had a chance.

Some of the kids' favorites were:

making ice cream floats and sequencing the directions (made with vanilla ice cream and choice of root beer or orange soda)
making cotton ball poodles (with 50 cotton balls each!)
making our own records (Cut a black 10" square TLC style and either a lt. blue or pink 5" square for the label. Then we draw concentric circles with a white crayon. Add a photo of the 1950's dressed class on the label... "Our Greatest Hits!"). I love this for our "guys" and "gals" photos!
tasting hamburger sliders
doing a past and present sort
counting to 50 by 1's and tracing the numbers and tallying too
counting to 50 by 5's (and slapping hands with a partner as we count)
counting to 50 by 10's (and slapping both hands with a partner as we count)
And, of course, chewing bubble gum!

I added a few of these things as FREEBIES on TpT... click here for flyer to send home, tracing to 50, ice cream float sequencing, and a past and present sort. Hope you can use them (either this year or save for next!) :o)

OH--this summer I found the most wonderful site (while blog hopping, of course I forget which blog was talking about it... sorry!) for getting parent volunteers or parent donations. It's called Volunteer Spot and I LOVE it! In fact, I got all the materials for our 50th day in about 2 days (that's the cotton balls, sliders, ice cream, soda, cups, straws, gum, etc!!!). My class parents think it's the best also--and even our PTO is using it now. Check it out! (and no, I am not getting paid for this endorsement... I just really like it! LOL!!)

My poor, little, neglected blog!

2011-11-20T23:37:00.001-05:00

YIKES! When I look at how long I have neglected this blog, I truly cringe... and I guess that I just have to say that "life happened" and it (my sweet blog) got away from me.

I hope you are saying, "yes, yes, that happens to me to!" and have already forgiven me!? Pretty please with sugar on top? And an extra cherry!!

Now that that is settled, let's move on to life in kindergarten. What happier place is there??? None! We just celebrated our 50th day of school on Friday--time certainly flies when you're having fun!! So check back tomorrow for some goodies from our celebration of 50 FABULOUS days!

Three for Thursday!

2011-08-27T14:36:00.000-04:00

I hope you're enjoying teacher week over at Blog Hoppin' as much as I am! Without further ado... my three favorites: font, blog, and online resource!!

Font

I am so happy that I learned about all the Kevin and Amanda fonts this summer... I have had so much fun exploring them! There are a lot of favorites!! But the fonts I always gravitate to for school are from a little CD I got way back when (I think my 1st or 2nd year teaching). It's called Fonts for Teachers. I love ABC print and ABC print lined, because they look just like the print we want them to do (and "lined" adds standard handwriting lines).

Blog

I have found so many UNBELIEVABLY talented teachers this summer... through all my blog hopping. It is so hard to choose just one favorite blog!! But I really was inspired by Hadar at Miss Kindergarten to start my own! I think she has terrific ideas and a wonderful way of sharing them... THANKS, Hadar!

Online ResourceAnyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE using and integrating technology in my classroom. There are so many amazing resources available to use in the classroom that make your day to day lessons and activities so much more effective!
One of our favorites is BrainPop Jr. The kids love the little snip-its and they are short, sweet, and to the point--while being right on target with our SOL's (Standards of Learning)

Be sure to link up and check out everyone's favorites!!

Where It All Goes Down Wednesday--Classroom Photos!

2011-08-24T10:49:00.002-04:00

I've really been enjoying looking at everyone's classroom pictures... in all the various stages. My room is still in the VERY initial stages, but I will update this as I make more progress (teachers start officially next week and the kiddos join us on September 6th). Link up with Blog Hoppin' to share your pics and check out other classrooms!!

BEFORE!
Last Wednesday and Thursday, we did our Kindergarten Round-Up (initial assessments before school starts). We were booked solid from 8:00 AM till 6:30 PM both days, so I really didn't have any time to work in my room... but I did snap a few *before* pictures.

This is my BLANK slate! A plain room with shiny floors and everything pushed to one side of the room.

SO much to do! But, I do love this time of year... as a new classroom community is built!! :o)

Day 1!

Monday was my 1st official day working in my classroom. I got all my furniture set and the carpets shampooed. (No, my rugs will not stay randomly in the middle of the room... although that would be interesting!)

You can see my Promethean board and my library book carpet--2 of my favorite things!

I also washed all my shelves and started cleaning and setting out book tubs. This is one of my work station "nooks". One of those lovely carpets will go here with the short table and pillows (for listening station).

Day 2!

On Tuesday, I worked on washing up more tubs (these are for Social Studies and Author's tubs). I also noticed that I need to update some of my labels!

We got a 5th student computer... which was so exciting! (Of course, that also meant making a place for my 5th computer) I got all my other computers hooked up too. You can see my science book tubs and closet door.

I switched out one of my round tables for another rectangle-- just learned that I'm up to 27 kiddos!! Can't wait to put out my chair pockets (my assistant made them, and they match the binder boxes for table colors).

Here's a close-up of the binder boxes that my assistant's husband made last year (I'm SO UPSET that she won't be back this year--she's amazing!!). We attach their name tag to the Velcro. The baskets are from Really Good Stuff and slide right underneath (for pencils, crayons, glue sticks, and scissors). This saved us SO MUCH time last year... compared to having my EAGLE notebooks in a central location, like I used to have them.

Stay tuned for more updates as my classroom comes together!
Hop over to link up and see more classrooms!!!

Teacher Talk Tuesday

2011-08-23T22:32:00.000-04:00

I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin' for some new teacher advice... but I think these are good for all of us to remember! :o)

Surround yourself with *POSITIVE* people! Beware of gossipers... especially in faculty lounges!! I always ate lunch in the staff lunchroom. Then I began to notice that the conversations always turned to complaints about students, gripes about parents, and grumbles about administration. A few of my colleagues and I started eating in our room instead. We still eat with fellow teachers... but without all the drama! (And look, no more indigestion!)
Be *POSITIVE* with your students too! Praise, encourage, and praise some more!! Treat your students with kindness and respect, and they will show you the same in return. Share great news with their parents too! If you need to have more serious conversation later, it will come much easier after sharing happy news.
Prep for new students--before you get one! There are always those days when... *SURPRISE* you have a new student!! I remember my first class ever... I called it the revolving door. Over half of the class left during the year, and were replaced with new students! I even had a few who left--and then came back!! :o) There are so many little things to get ready when you have a new student... and don't have the time to do it. So, when you're getting things prepared at the beginning of the year, make 5-10 extra of everything to store away for that *rainy* day! I make extra EAGLE notebooks, laminated name tags, cubby tags, lunch plates, birthday surprises, etc. It really does save you time (and sanity) later!!
Teach (and empower) your students to be independent! By taking the extra time to teach your students how to complete tasks independently, they gain confidence and essential skills-- as well as a positive attitude! This gives them pride and that *I can* mentality. Kindergartners CAN do so much... if given the chance. My kiddos get their own mail, stuff their EAGLE Notebooks, and record their daily behavior. They know how to exchange their nightly reading books using library cards and pockets. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE is key... do it right from the start!
Organize! The more organized you are, the easier your school day will be. Repeat after me... "labels are your friend"! :o) Seriously, labels make items easier to find (for your students, parent volunteers, teacher's assistant, and yourself). Why spend precious time searching for an item? Last year, I labeled each of the books in my room to match the book tub labels. This was a *big* project, but saved so much time in the long run, because the kids could return books themselves. I love using labels with a picture and text. I also print label sheets with students' names and use them to label supplies, song and poem journals, etc. I went completely file cabinet free too--and switched to binders! LOVE it!! It is so much easier to find things now.
LAUGH and Have FUN! Start each day with a smile... my kiddos "pick an H" when they walk in the door (handshake, high 5, or a hug). It helps you have that quick interaction with each and every student. Throughout the school day--have fun! Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself, and laugh with your students. Dance, sing, jump, and learn together... this truly builds your classroom community, and makes your classroom a a place where everyone wants to be!

Hope you'll link up to share your tips for both new and experienced teachers!

Meet the Teacher Monday!

2011-08-22T22:37:00.003-04:00

I'm SO EXCITED that a wonderful group of teacher bloggers got together for a little Blog Hoppin'!! It's Teacher Week!

Here's a little about me for "Meet the Teacher Monday"!

Tell us a little something about you...
I am most proud of two things in my life... my husband Jeff and our daughter Amelia! Jeff and I celebrated our 7th anniversary this summer. Amelia turned 2 in April and is a bundle of fun and energy. Trust me--going back to school is going to be a bit tough... Mommy and Amelia have been enjoying a TON of summertime fun!!! I mean, how can you resist blue eyes and red curls!?

I grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania (in the Pocono Mountains). We now live in northern Virginia, about 45 minutes south of DC.

How long have you been teaching?

This is my 10th year of teaching. I started out in half-day kindergarten for a year and then taught first grade for 2 years. When I moved to my current school, I taught second grade for 2 years. The next year, our district started full-day kindergarten... I LEAPED at the chance and never looked back!! This will be my 5th year in full-day K!

I'm happy to have the perspective from teaching K-2... but my heart is definitely in kindergarten. :o)

You might not know...
that even as a young girl, I knew I would live in Virginia when I grew up! My Mom grew up in North Carolina, and we lived in Pennsylvania. Every Easter we would drive (10 hours!) to visit my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in NC. Whenever we passed through VA, I would tell my parents--some day, I'm going to live here!

What are you looking most forward to this school year?

Math Work Stations!! I got the book after everyone's raves and posts earlier this summer. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about it through blog hopping and now reading Debbie's work. I LOVE her stuff!! This is something I have been *trying* so I'm excited to test out some new ideas... because I know it can be better! Can't wait!!

What do you need to improve?
I think the area I'm most focusing on improving is organization--not the organization that everyone sees (because I am *obsessed* with labels, color coding, and other organization!!). I'm talking about the behind the scenes stuff... I completing redid my classroom files into binders this summer, organized my teaching iPod into play-lists, and I want to improve other *hidden* areas. This is the stuff that REALLY makes your teaching life easier!! :o)

What teaching supplies can you *not* live without?
BOOKS! Today was the first day I was back all day working in my room--and what is the first thing I worked on... washing book shelves and book tubs, and getting out my books! I LOVE having a classroom where other teachers come to look for books!!

Promethean Board! I can not believe I ever taught without one... it is such an integral part of our day.

Music! We love Heidi Songs, Jack Hartmann, Dr. Jean, Shari Sloane, and more!! I am a firm believer that if you put it to music, they will learn it!

LINK UP!! We'd love to learn about YOU!

Gearing up for our Kindergarten Round-Up!

2011-08-09T08:21:00.001-04:00

It's crazy to think that summer is coming to an end already... but, we're already gearing up for our Kindergarten Round-Up (next week!).

My kindergarten team started doing a Kindergarten Round-Up four yearsago. This was one of the bestdecisions ever! We are able to pre-assess our students before they walk into our classroomson the first day of school. Also, weare able to test the students one-on-one, without the distractions ofthe first few weeks of kindergarten. Such a time saver!!

We set two Kindergarten Round-Up days in mid-August(about 2 ½ weeks before school starts). You could do more or less days depending on the number of staff you haveavailable and the predicted number of students. We offer both morning and evening sessions (but, you can change this tosuit your preference—just “black out” slots that are not available). Choosing a Tuesday and Wednesday OR Wednesdayand Thursday has worked well for my team, since this stays away from familiestaking those long summer weekends! J

When our office staff registers students forkindergarten, they also sign up students for Kindergarten Round-Up. This is a huge time saver (vs. calling allparents afterwards). Our district hastwo kindergarten registration days in April each year, so most students aresigned up then. Of course, students trickle in to register throughout thesummer… and they are just added to the list later.

Onceparents sign their child up for a time slot, they are given a postcardto complete with their home address. Have parents address it to their future kindergartner—we all know howmuch fun it is to receive mail!

Theparent takes an information sheet home with them as a reminder. We savethe postcards and mail them 1-2 weeks before the Round-Up as a secondreminder! This helps ensure very few“no shows”.

When the day(s) of Kindergarten Round-Up arrives, besure to have an area for parents to sit and wait for their child. We put a “please wait” sign on display while we're assessing. You will also need places for the teacher(s) to assess studentsindividually. (We usually use thelibrary. In a pinch, we have set upspots in the teacher’s lounge! It definitely adds some interesting conversation starters!!)

We use the beginning pages of our Data Notebook for our Kindergarten Round-Up assessment. This way,all your initial data is already complete before the 1^st day ofschool! If you hole punch the pages whenstapling the packets, it will be easy to put them in datafolders or notebooks later!

ü Name writing

ü Capital Letteridentification (26 letters)

ü Lowercase Letteridentification (26 letters)

ü Letter Sound identification(26 sounds)

ü Sight word identification(25 words)

ü Number identification (0-10)

ü Shapes recognition (4 basicshapes)

ü Color recognition (10 basiccolors)

Write down anything the child mentions that may be of interest to his/herteacher--since the teacher doing the Round-Up screening is not necessarily the same teacher the child will have this year (ex. “I like to read Harry Potter books.” We actually had a kindergartener who could!OR “He looked at nametag to write his name.”) You can also note behavior concerns here (ex. “She ran around room during round-upscreening.”)

We like to have some specialpencils or stickers on hand to give the child when he/she finishes. The assessment usually takes 15-20minutes. Although the above listed items are included in our assessment packet,not all students are ready and able to attempt all items. Just skip areas that are unknown beforethey become a frustration—you’re only getting a starting point. It’s OK if the children don’t know everythingyet… that’s what Kindergarten is for!!

If you think you'd like to try doing a Kindergarten Round-Up... I'd love for you to check it out:

You can get the parent sign as a FREEBIE just for reading through this whole post!! Enjoy!

Organize your classroom library... with photos!

2011-08-05T00:57:00.006-04:00

The other day I posted about my classroom library photo labels-- fiction. Click here if you missed it!

I just finished posting the other subjects to TpT! Each download includes large book tub labels and matching book labels. I attach these to the lower left-hand corner of the book cover. This really helps the kids to return the books to the proper place... and then they help keep the classroom library organized!! What could be better!?

Math

Science

Social Studies--This one's a FREEBIE!

Are you looking for a topic that I did not include? Just let me know... and I'll add it!

And don't forget... my sale ends on Friday, August 5th!

Please leave feedback!! I'd love to hear what you think! :o)

Hooray for Blogging Giveaways!!

2011-08-02T23:16:00.001-04:00

So excited... I won 3 more giveaways!!

Thanks so much...

for $10 to Donor's choose!!
I can't wait to finish my proposal--and then add the 1st $10!
AND
Thank you...for prize #11:

How can you go wrong with Fountas and Pinnell?

AND

Thanks to...

for Musical Math CDs!
I was actually just uploading the rest of my CDs to my classroom iPod today. How exciting that now I get to add more!!

THANK YOU to all of these amazing blogs!!

My 1st SALE!! 30%!!

2011-08-01T09:49:00.003-04:00

Join me for my 1st sale... to CELEBRATE the
Back to School Season!!

My entire TpT store is 20% off plus 10% off from TpT
(Use TpT code: B1T1S) = 30% off! I'm just getting started with my store, but will add new items all week long to celebrate (freebies too)!
Sale lasts August 1st through August 5th... check it out!

Want to know who else is having a sale?

Check out this linky party on Teaching Blog Addict:

OK, you need to check out these giveaways right away!!

2011-07-31T23:41:00.002-04:00

Teaching Heart Mom has had a week of giveaways... 18 different ones!! (ends 7/31)

Made for 1st Grade has a musical math giveaway! (ends 8/1)

Kinderglynn has an ESGI membership! (ends 8/4)

First Things First has a Graphic's Factory membership! (ends 8/6)

Life's a Teach has a Graphic's Factory membership too! (ends 8/17)
Doodle Bugs Teaching has personalized stickers! (ends 8/5)
Surviving a Teacher's Salary has $30 to Amazon! (ends 8/19)
A Teeny Tiny Teacher has $20 for Barnes and Nobles! (ends 7/31)

GOOD LUCK!

Classroom Library...organize it with labels: FICTION!!

2011-07-31T02:01:00.004-04:00

If you were to take one step into my classroom, you will notice that I am in LOVE with children's books!!! I like to spread my classroom library out throughout the room... so the kids truly know the importance of reading--everywhere you look, there are books! I use different colored tubs for the different subject areas of my classroom library:

yellow tubs= Authors and book series

green tubs= Science

blue tubs= Math

red tubs=Social Studies

white tubs= sight word readers / beginning readers

On each book tub in my room, I attach a large label that has an author photo and a book cover by that author. You can even attach a duplicate label to the shelf, so students know exactly where to return the book tub!

Every book in my collection has a book label added to it before placing it into the book tub. By having a matching visual (the author’s picture), students can independently return books to the correct book tub. This really helps keep my Classroom Library clean and organized!! If a book is found anywhere in the room--the kids know where to return it! What a time-saver!

I just added my Classroom Library Labels--Fiction to TpT... I hope you'll take a peek (101 pages to get your fiction books organized)!!

Wondering which labels are included?

Authors:

1. David Adler

2. Tedd Arnold

3. Frank Asch

4. Stan and Jan Berenstain

5. Judy Blume

6. Paulette Bourgeois

7. Jan Brett

8. Norman Bridwell

9. Jeff Brown

10. Marc Brown

11. Eric Carle

12. Beverly Cleary

13. Joanna Cole

14. Donald Crews

15. Doreen Cronin

16. Jamie Lee Curtis

17. Debbie Dadey

18. Roald Dahl

19. Tomie dePaola

20. Anna Dewdney

21. Lois Ehlert

22. Ed Emberley

23. Denise Fleming

24. Don Freeman

25. Gail Gibbons

26. Juanita Havill

27. Kevin Henkes

28. Tana Hoban

29. Pat Hutchins

30. Ezra Jack Keats

31. Steven Kellogg

32. Suzy Kline

33. Betsy Lewin

34. CS Lewis

35. Leo Lionni

36. Eric Litwin

37. Arnold Lobel

38. Jonathan London

39. James Marshall

40. Bill Martin, Jr.

41. Mercer Mayer

42. David McKee

43. Robert Munsch

44. Laura Numeroff

45. Mary Pope Osborne

46. Peggy Parish

47. Barbara Park

48. Todd Parr

49. Audrey Penn

50. Bill Peet

51. Patricia Polacco

52. Jack Prelutsky

53. Margret and H.A. Rey

54. Ron Roy

55. Cynthia Rylant

56. Judy Schachner

57. Dr. Seuss

58. Jon Scieszka

59. David Shannon

60. Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

61. Mike Thaler

62. E.B. White

63. Laura Ingalls Wilder

64. Mo Willems

65. Karma Wilson

66. Audrey Wood

Series:

1. A-Z Mysteries

2. Amelia Bedelia

3. Arthur

4. Bailey School Kids

5. Black Lagoon

6. Cam Jansen

7. Clifford

8. Curious George

9. Franklin

10. Frog and Toad

11. Froggy

12. Henry and Mudge

13. Horrible Harry

14. Junie B. Jones

15. Magic School Bus

16. Magic Tree House

17. Nate the Great

I'm updating my other subject labels--and will post them this week!

PS Thanks to everyone who helped me brainstorm children's authors a couple weeks ago. I was updating my classroom library labels, so I figured I would add the ones suggested too!

And the winner is....

2011-07-28T14:55:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the delay... but here are the winners of My SWEET Giveaway!!

1st prize: $15 Coldstone gift card

The winner is... Sarah of Confessions of an Untenured Teacher!

2nd prize: $10 Coldstone gift card

The winner is... Nancy of the Apple Basket Teacher!

Please send me your email within 48 hours to claim your prize. CONGRATULATIONS!

PS Do you have an ELMO? My friend Lindsey at Whyte Water would love to hear about it--ELMO LINKY party!!

Giveaways Abound in BlogLand!!

2011-07-27T23:01:00.019-04:00

An amazing amount of giveaways are going on right now... be sure to enter for your chance to WIN!!

Second Grade Shenanigans has 2 of her TpT units (Camp Out and Shiver Me Time-bers)! (ends 8/3)

Mrs. Dillard's First Grade is giving away a Bucket Filler bucket to celebrate 400 followers! (ends 7/30)

My Second Grade Journal is celebrating 200... with a $20 Bath and Body Works gift card! (ends 8/12)

Teaching Happily Ever After is giving away this math resource book! (ends 8/3)

Just Reed! is giving away 4 prizes including 3 author studies and a lesson plan template! (ends 7/30)
I Can Teach My Child has a ladybug kit from Insect Lore! (ends 7/29)
Mrs. Miner's Monkey Business has a $25 Amazon gift card!
Funky First Grade is giving away 3 books and a Target gift card (4 winners)! (ends 7/30)
Peace, Love, and Learning is celebrating her Blog-iversary with 5 TpT items and 5 freebies too! (ends 7/28)
Little Miss Kindergarten has $50 worth of bulletin board materials from Artskills! Minds in Bloom is celebrating 100 followers and you can choose any $5 product from her TpT store! (ends 7/29)
Effective Teaching Articles is having a Back to School Blog Party with lots of freebies!
First Grade a la Carte has Math games from her TpT store! (ends 7/29)

Creating and Teaching has a name sign for you! (ends 7/29)

Create Teach Share is having a Post it party and giveaway! (ends 7/31)

Oh Boy Fourth Grade is having an unbelievable scrapbook giveaway! (ends 7/28)
Primary Connections has a $20 TpT gift certificate! (ends 7/31)

Fun in First has an amazing blogger giveaway! (ends 8/1)
Erica Bohrer has a Back to School Bonanza! (ends 7/28)

Busy in K has a teeth giveaway! (ends 7/31)

Pocket full of kinders has 3 prizes (529 gift card, Target gift card, and a cookbook)! (ends 8/7)
Teaching Heart Mom has a week's worth of giveaways! (ends 7/31)

Teacher's Market has a Lakeshore organizer! (ends 8/4)

From Kindergarten With Love has a Thirty One zipper tote!! (ends 8/2)
Sunny Days in Second Grade is celebrating 600 with a mega giveaway! (ends 8/3) Tell her I sent you... and we both could win (and get an extra entry)!
Herding Kats in Kindergarten is giving away 3 $10 Donors Choose gift certificates! (ends 8/1)
Let me know if you WIN!!!

So exciting!!

2011-07-23T23:00:00.003-04:00

Thank you Kelli at Castles and Crayons!! I won one of the prizes for her 300 followers giveaway!

Only 1 more day to enter my SWEET Giveaway!!

I've been working hard on something with all your terrific AUTHOR brainstorming... hope to have it posted tomorrow. So be sure to check back!! :o)

2011-07-21T16:41:00.001-04:00

Check out my friend... Kelly Haynes at From Kindergarten With Love! She's a new blogger on the block--show her some bloggy love!!

You'll LOVE all her creative ideas!

More chances for you to WIN!

2011-07-21T16:30:00.003-04:00

Blogland has many more giveaways for you!! Have FUN entering and WINNING too! :o)

Definitely start HERE!

My giveaway ends 7/24.

Teaching Heart has a week of giveaways! You can win a Target gift card just for blogging about it! (ends 7/23)

Teaching Heart ( www.teachingheart.net ) is hosting their annual back to school party on July 24th till July 30th. Each Day a new prize! Gift cards, Books, Teaching Heart Products, and more!!! Plus a free printable will be posted during the week. You need to visit the blog at;http://teachingheartmom.blogspot.com/
daily to check out the prizes each day and enter for the ones you want to win!!!

Life in Special Education is letting EVERYONE win... just tell her your favorite TpT item from her store. The one with the most votes will be free for 24 hours! (ends 7/25)

Adventures in Kindergarten has 1st prize=$25 Amazon gift card, 2nd prize=choice of one children's book. (ends 7/24)

The Bubbly Blonde is giving away something if you follow her... and she gets to win a bet with her boyfriend! Help her out--by 7/23.

A Day in the Life of a 2nd Grade Teacher has her 1st giveaway... Cootie Catcher resources from Creative Teaching Press. (ends 7/29)

First Grade Awesomeness has a shoe unit--just blog about her giveaway! (ends 7/24)

Teachers Blog Addict has a 8 X 10" canvas print up for grabs! (ends 7/28)

Ingles 360 and some of her TBA friends have lots of items for this giveaway! (ends 7/27)

First Grade Frame of Mind is giving away a thermal laminator! (ends 7/25)

SWEET Giveaway... to Celebrate 100 Fabulous Followers!!

2011-07-20T09:51:00.002-04:00

Introducing... my SWEET Giveaway!!

I'm thrilled that 100 wonderful folks have decided to follow this little blog. How exciting!!! To celebrate I'm having a giveaway for something cold and sweet--I know this weather has been making me think of ICE CREAM!!

1st prize = $15 Coldstone Creamery gift card

2nd prize = $10 Coldstone Creamery gift card

Here's what to do... five easy ways to enter:
1. Follow my blog (leave a comment) = 1 entry
2. Add my blog to your blogroll (leave a comment)= 1 entry
3. Add my button to your blog (leave a comment)= 1 entry
4. Follow my TpT store (leave a comment) = 1 entry
5. Blog about this giveaway--and link it (leave a comment) = 2 entries

This SWEET giveaway ends July 24th (my anniversary!) at 12:00 midnight EST.
It's that easy... SWEET!!

Author Studies and Favorite Book Series/Characters

2011-07-19T23:26:00.004-04:00

I'm working on a list of authors for the K-2 set... and I can really use some input.

Who do you use for your Author Studies?? Which authors are in your classroom libraries??

Here's who I have brainstormed so far:

Frank Asch

Stan and Jan Berenstain

Jan Brett

Jeff Brown

Eric Carle

Beverly Cleary

Donald Crews

Tomie dePaola

Lois Ehlert

Don Freeman

Gail Gibbons

Kevin Henkes

Tana Hoban

Ezra Jack Keats

CS Lewis

Leo Lionni

Bill Martin, Jr.

Mercer Mayer

Robert Munsch

Laura Numeroff

Audrey Penn

Patricia Polacco

Dr. Seuss

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Who else would you add??

What are your favorite book series?

A-Z Mysteries

Amelia Bedelia

Arthur

Bailey School Kids

Black Lagoon

Cam Jansen

Clifford

Curious George

Franklin

Frog and Toad

Froggy

Henry and Mudge

Horrible Harry

Junie B. Jones

Magic School Bus

Magic Tree House

Nate the Great

Which other series would you add?

I promise to post the finished list after any additions!!

Can you offer any help!? I'd really appreciate it!

Only 1 more away from a 100 follower giveaway! Invite your friends to come join the fun! LOL! :o)

Are you feeling lucky!??

2011-07-19T09:01:00.002-04:00

I was thrilled to learn that I won Kinderworks latest giveaway! Thanks Leslie!!

NOW, it's your turn... enter these giveaways for YOUR chance to win!!

Sunny Days in Second Grade is celebrating 400 followers with a giveaway of goodies from 27 different TpT sellers!! (ends 7/21)

Yearn to Learn has a task card collection--48 sets! (ends 7/25)
First Grade a la Carte will have 5 winners of her game set! (ends 7/19)
Mrs. Dillard's First Grade has a bucket filler bucket and a fancy clipboard up for grabs! (ends 7/21)
Sweet Life of Third Grade is giving away $20 gift certificate to any TpT store! (ends 7/23)
Kleinspiration has $75 for Really Good Stuff! (ends 7/21)
Castles and Crayons is offering 3 people 3 TpT items! (ends 7/21)
The Apple Basket Teacher has a $20 gift card to Dollar Tree and a Close to Home Stamp set! (7/26)
OHHHH... I just noticed that I'm only 4 away from a 100 follower giveaway!!!

My Teaching Wouldn't Be the Same Without... : Linky! Lil' Country Kindergarten

2011-07-17T22:20:00.004-04:00

Lil' Country Kindergarten is having a Linky Party...
"My teaching wouldn't be the same without..."
Here are my TOP 3 classroom essentials:

1. MUSIC!

We definitely SING our way through the day! What could be more fun than that!? Some of my favorites are:

Jack Hartmann

Dr. Jean

Heidi Songs

Shari Sloane
and, of course, little "teacher made-up ditties!!"

Last summer I loaded all my CDs on an iPod... I LOVED it! It was so much easier to access my music throughout the day--rather than finding and switching CDs (this was especially helpful to my assistants when I was out). This summer, I'm working on better organizing my playlists, so songs are even easier to find!

2. PROMETHEAN BOARD!

I felt SO LUCKY to win a "lottery" at my school for one of 2 Promethean boards two years ago (since then, all the classrooms now have them installed). I integrate the Promethean throughout the day and it is truly an essential part of my routine now--I SO miss it when the school network is down!!!

3. BOOKS!

If you were to take one step in my classroom... the first thing you would notice is that I LOVE BOOKS!! I also love organization, so all my books have labels that match the tub labels. This really helps my kiddos put books back where they belong (as well as find books they're looking for).

My library tubs are color coded:

green tubs= Science

blue tubs= Math

red tubs=Social Studies

yellow tubs= Authors

white tubs= sight word readers / beginning readers

(Of course, I can't find any good pictures--so you'll have to look past the kiddos to get a glimpse! LOL!)

Welcome Students Letters/Notes!: Linky! First Grade Frame of Mind

2011-07-17T21:12:00.002-04:00

First Grade Frame of Mind is hosting a Linky Party about welcoming your new students with a letter or note.

I have done postcards and letters in the past... but the last few years I have sent my students a letter. It is copied on cute kid paper, front and back. I mail it out as soon as we get our class lists (about one week before the orientation--when they mail out student letters). So, they should receive 2 letters from school on the same day: 1 to find out their teacher/room number and 1 note from their teacher!

I have found including another copy of the supply list really helps families send in supplies at orientation (instead of the 1st day of school--so I have a chance to organize it and put everything away!!). I also put a few wish list items as well. :o)

Here's the note I sent last year:

My Teachers Always Says...: Linky! Mrs. Bainbridge's Class

2011-07-17T00:43:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Bainbridge's Class is hosting a "My teacher always says..." linky party! Isn't it funny when our kiddos start saying our words back to us!?

My Top 5 are:

1. "The more you read, the better you read!"

2. "Smart cookie!"

3. "Are you making a quality choice?"

4. "Be a kindergarten problem solver!"

5. "Turn to your neighbor and buzz about this!"

Blog Mixer Party!!: Linky! Yearn to Learn

2011-07-17T00:20:00.004-04:00

Yearn to Learn is having a Blog Mixer Party!!

1. Newbie blogger: ME! I just started a couple of weeks ago... it is so much fun--and ULTRA-addicting!!

Mrs. Stamp's Kindergarten

2. Same grade level: I always "connect" with Hadar's comments on Miss Kindergarten!

Miss Kindergarten

3. Different grade level:I just love reading what Jennifer has to say!

First Grade Blue Skies

4. Cute button: So many to choose from!!! But, I really think this one is adorable--gotta love Thistlegirl!

Mrs. Dillard's First Grade

Can you say GIVEAWAY!?

2011-07-16T23:30:00.007-04:00

To say there are a TON of giveaways going on right now is an understatement... so, pull up a chair, grab a hot tea/coffee, and start making your comments!!! Someone has to win, why not YOU!? :o)

GOOD LUCK!!

Ladybug's Teacher Files is celebrating 1000 followers with 4 chances to win a blog designed by her!! As you can see--I'm a fan of thistlegirl and Ladybug's designs!!! (ends 7/20)

Oceans of First Grade Fun has 1000 too! She will choose 10 winners to choose an item from her TpT store. (ends 7/22)

First Grade OWLS is giving away $25 to Target and an item from Dee Dee Will's TpT store! (ends 7/22)

Adventures of Room 129 has 3 prizes: 1st--$25 Target gift card + 3 TpT items, 2nd--2 TpT items, 3rd--1 TpT item! (ends 7/22)

Just Another Day in First Grade has 3 copies of her new birthday unit! (ends 7/17)

Vintage Teacher has arranged for 400 winners of a choice of interactive games!! (ends 7/18)

First Grade Fanatics will choose 4 winners to choose a TpT item! (ends 7/18)

Mrs. Saylor's Log has a $25 Amazon gift card (ends 7/17) and $30 to Doodlebug paper (ends 7/25)!

Lifelong Learning has $15 to Amazon! (ends 7/17)

Frog Spot is giving away $100 worth of products from her ebay store (from the pond)! (ends 7/22)

Mrs. Miner's Kindergarten is having a "smelly" giveaway!

Miss B, Busy Bee is giving away everything from her TpT store! (ends 7/20)

First Grade Splash is giving away $20 gift card to Amazon! (ends 7/19)

The Silver Lining is awarding a $15 Dollar Tree gift card! (ends 7/17)

First Grade is Fantabulous is giving away 3 items from her TpT store! (ends 7/17)

Kindergarten Teacher Tales will create a "crayon sign" for you! Enter today!

Crazy For First Grade has a huge jungle themed giveaway! (ends 7/19)

Doodle Bugs Teaching is giving away a personalized portfolio!
(ends 7/22)

New blog design... THANK YOU Ladybug Teaching Resources!!!!

2011-07-15T21:22:00.002-04:00

All I can say is WOW!!! I am so completely and utterly excited about the new blog design from Ladybug Teaching Resources! I was thinking of doing a blog that plays on my last name (Stamp)... so I inquired about it. Imagine my surprise when Kristen said she would work on a pre-made with this theme!! :0) I can't believe that now it's a reality!

A THOUSAND thank you's Ladybug!!!

I think I'm going to buy a lottery ticket!!

2011-07-13T22:51:00.011-04:00

I can hardly believe that I just saw my name on Literacy Plan Diva... I just won a $15 Amazon gift card. This has certainly been the luckiest 2 weeks--this is my 3rd giveaway win!!!!! WOW! I think I may have to go buy a lottery ticket (or 2!) THANKS Literacy Plan Diva!

Are YOU feeling lucky too??
Here are some more giveaways to try!

Mrs. Duggins' Doodlebugs is offering 7 items! (ends 7/19)

Mrs. Miner's Kindergarten Monkey Business will let you choose $5 or $10 worth of items from her TpT store!

Just Another Day in First Grade has 3 copies of her Birthday unit up for grabs! (ends 7/17)

EAGLE Notebooks... our Home/School Communication binders!!

2011-07-13T11:13:00.004-04:00

I just started thinking about putting together our EAGLE notebooks... mainly because I start picking up the components during summer sales! With my kindergartners, I use a 1 inch white binder (with the clear pocket cover).

I add a zipper pocket, for any notes or money from home. We call it our "Bird's Nest" to go along with the whole eagle theme.

Right in the front I put our ABC's of Kindergarten (this is ours from last year). This gives parents an overview of the ins and outs of our class... and really helps answer most questions they have at the beginning of the year (and it's in there all year for easy reference!!)

SIDE NOTE: If anyone can figure out what I'm doing wrong to embed Google docs...
I'd ~~kiss their feet~~ REALLY appreciate it!!!

The next section is where we keep our calendar agenda pages. I made 3 different versions--actually based on what my teammates preferred. I use this one.
I developedthese agenda pages to keep both parents and students up-to-date with classhappenings and announcements.

The lines can be used for students torecord a highlight from the day's lessons, classroom announcement, homework, orwhatever you wish! With younger students, I have had success with attaching amailing label in this area.

The Parent/Teacher Communications box isperfect for jotting notes back and forth. The best part is they are all kept in the notebook for easyreference!

The circle is usedto record daily behavior. This can helpestablish quality student behavior discussions between students and theirparents! Our school uses Baldrige QualityStudents, so we write a Q for quality student behavior (or the first letter ofthe behavior they needed to practice—Listening, Respect, Working hard,etc). In the past, I have also used smileyfaces that the students draw in the circle (purple excited face, green smileyface, yellow straight face, or red frown face).

Parents initial the box each night to show they have seenit. This allows the teacher to know ifparents are aware of classroom announcements and upcoming events, as well asany behavioral challenges the student may be experiencing.

Here are the 2 formats I made for my teammates (with primary lines and plain lines).

We also keep our Nightly Reading RAH chart in here too! See here and here for blogs about what I use now (RAH! RAH! Read at Home!) and what I have used in the past (Reading Clocks)

I hole punch the purple folders our school uses (school-wide). They are plastic folders with a pocket for return to school and keep at home. I don't like the way it's labeled inside, so I made these folder hand labels for Left and Right recognition too! So fun!!

Do you use home/school communication binders too? What do you include??

Target Treasures Giveaway...$25 gift card!

2011-07-13T09:47:00.001-04:00

Target Treasures has a $25 gift card for Target, of course!! (ends 7/19)

PS Thanks to Denise at Sunny Days in Second Grade--I figured out how to do my new signature!!

More Ways to Win... Giveaways!!

2011-07-12T13:05:00.005-04:00

SO EXCITED that I won a giveaway this week... thank you, Teaching and Learning Make the World Go 'Round for $10 to Dollar Tree and $5 to Starbucks!!!!

Now, it's YOUR turn to win! Check out these giveaways!!

Little Literacy Learners has a year membership to Graphics Factory and a HSIW pack! (ends 7/14)

The Organized Classroom Blog is giving away a Ready, Set, Tell Time set from Alex Toys. (ends 7/13)

Lesson Plan Diva has $15 Amazon gift card and LOTS of freebies! (ends 7/13)

Miss Kindergarten and Little Miss Kindergarten are celebrating Christmas in July! (ends 7/15)

Vintage Teacher's 1st giveaway... complete with hints! (starts on 7/15)

Mrs. Kincaid's First Grade has a Brainy Beats CD and $5 to Starbucks. (ends 7/15)

Kinderworks is having a summer sweepstakes! (ends 7/16)

Wiggins World has $10 to Target or $10 to Dollar Tree. (ends 7/14)

Chalk Talk has gathered lots of blogging "big wigs" for an awesome giveaway! (ends 7/21)

Teaching and Learning Make the World Go 'Round

Tonight's GIVEAWAY finds!

2011-07-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

Wow, I just found Google reader... so easy to check on what you may have missed!! Anyway, here are some wonderful giveaways I found while catching up:

Maggie's Kinder Corner is giving away 2 math journals (ends 7/15)

Go Fourth with Mrs. Owens has an all in one organizer (ends 7/14)

Moffatt Girls have 1 year subscription to the Graphics Factory (ends 7/15)

Education Journey will have 3 prizes for 3 winners (ends 7/10)!!

Mrs. Bainbridge's Class is having a classroom theme giveaway (ends 7/8)!

Spotlight on Kindergarten has $20 for Target (ends 7/10)

Queen of the First Grade Jungle has 3 books to giveaway (ends 7/11)

Kinder Kraziness has 3 choices (Uppercase living, customized teacher sign, or $20 Target gc) ends 7/12.

Finally in First is celebrating 800!! You can choose from her TpT store (ends 7/9)

And the WINNER is....

2011-07-07T22:44:00.000-04:00

The winner of my 1st giveaway, for Lucky, Lucky 13 followers is... Number 7: welcome to our wonderland!

Congratulations!! Send me your email so I can mail your prize!

Karen :o)

PS Thanks to everyone for participating! I am now only 29 away from 100... and my next giveaway!!

Only 14 hours left to enter the Lucky, Lucky 13 Giveaway!!

2011-07-07T08:19:00.000-04:00

Here's a reminder that the Lucky, Lucky 13 Giveaway ends at 10:00 PM EST!!! Enter HERE!

I'm thrilled to say that this little blog has grown from 13 followers to an UNBELIEVABLE 71 in less than a week... SO excited! I'm looking forward to sharing many ideas and resources!

Karen :o)

Another Great Couple of Giveaways!

2011-07-05T21:49:00.002-04:00

First Grade Brain is having an incredible giveaway...10 chances to win one of 3 prizes!!

Teaching and Learning Make the World Go Round is giving away $10 to Dollar Tree and $5 to Starbucks.

Peace, Love, and Learning is giving away a Birthday packet!

Happy Giveaways!!

Karen :o)

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!!

2011-07-05T21:14:00.000-04:00

How exciting... I just won a $20 Target gift card from Teacher's Market! I can't believe it--I never win anything! If you're not a follower yet... please check out Teacher's Market. Karen :o)

Calendar VS Promethean

2011-07-04T13:19:00.000-04:00

I just saw about Oceans of First Grade Fun's Calendar VS Promethean link up... TOO BAD, I missed it! :o( But, I figured it's a fun topic to talk about!

We love using our Promethean for calendar!! This year I went completely on Promethean, without a wall calendar. I didn't even miss it! It's easy to update and I felt I was more consistent with the computer version.

Some people commented about the lack of a "reference" calendar during the day. I LOVE LOVE LOVE our Google toolbar. It's a sidebar on the right side of the screen. I added a Weather Bug gadget (our school is a weather bug site, so it's actually the weather right outside our window!), analog clock, and calendar (that also has a digital clock and the "short" date--like Mon.7/4). That stays to the right of your Promethean screen even when using ActivInspire... so it's easy to reference it!!

I am looking into adding a calendar journal / folder / notebook for next year. I've been debating it for such a long time now. What have you tried!!??

Have a fabulous 4th!!
Karen :o)

Heidi Songs, Scrappin' Doodle, and Deanna Jump TpT GIVEAWAYS!

2011-07-04T12:28:00.001-04:00

Heidi Songs giveaway at Learning with Mrs. Parker!! You have until July 14th to enter!

Lil' Country Kindergarten is giving away $10 to Scrappin' Doodle and $10 for Deanna Jump's TpT store.

Enjoy!!
Karen :o)

INCREDIBLE... Thank you!!

2011-07-03T23:41:00.009-04:00

I am utterly amazed that I started a little giveaway yesterday to celebrate my 1st 13 followers... and today I already have 57 followers!! THANK YOU! Who knew that a little Starbucks gift card could get people so excited! :o)

Today I'd like to share a little song I made up to help kiddos remember to bring their library book. I just have them keep it in their backpack all the time... so it's always ready for library day! Feel free to sing with your name (or the librarian's name). The song tune is similar to "100 Bottles of Pop on the Wall." Hope you can figure it out!! It's my first time sharing with a Google document, so keep your fingers crossed!! (Can anyone explain how to get the Google Documents window to appear in the post too?)
Library Book Song

OK, I am working on posting lots of things... what are you most interested in seeing (so I can prioritize, LOL!)?

Take Home Binders
Nightly Reading
Discovery Backpacks
Data Notebooks / Data Folders
Classroom Organization
Kindergarten Round-Up
Kindergarten Orientation
Something else??

Thanks again!

Karen :o)

My 1st GIVEAWAY... for LUCKY, LUCKY 13 followers!!

2011-07-02T13:48:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited that I decided to start this little blog... I'm already becoming a blog addict!! SUCH FUN! To celebrate my lucky, lucky 13 followers, I'm going to have my 1st GIVEAWAY... for a $10 Starbucks gift card!

Here's what to do... three easy ways to enter:
1. Follow my blog (leave a comment) = 1 entry
2. Follow my TpT store (leave a comment) = 1 entry
2. Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment) = 1 entry

I will do a random number drawing on July 7th at 10:00 PM EST!
It's that easy!!

Thanks!!!
Karen :o)

A few more GIVEAWAYS!!

2011-07-02T09:16:00.003-04:00

4th grade frolics is celebrating with her 1st giveaway! This one ends on Saturday.

Grade 2.0 with Mrs. Adcock is giving away $15 Target gift card. You have till July 5th!

My Second Grade Journal has a giveaway too...for a making words unit! This one runs till July 3rd.

Clutter-free Classroom is giving away stuff too! End June 3rd!

Karen :o)

Another couple of incredible GIVEAWAYS!!!

2011-06-30T10:46:00.007-04:00

What more could you want?? TONS of giveaways galore!

Check out Erica's Elementary Excitement for this INCREDIBLE giveaway!!

This one ends today at 9:00 PM... so HURRY!!!

Live Love Laugh

This time it's for Lia Sophia jewelry!!

Giveaway ends July 5th

Castles and Crayons has a giveaway for reaching 25 followers!

Giveaway ends July 5th

This one gives you a choice... at First Grade Blue Skies!!

Finally in First is giving away something from her TpT store!!

Also, snag this little Miss Bindergarten freebie from Kinder Kraziness!

Plug-N-Plan has this owl file folder game freebie on her site!!

Karen :o)

Pocket Full of Kinders and Kinderpond GIVEAWAYS!!

2011-06-29T22:01:00.003-04:00

http://pocketfullofkinders.blogspot.com

is having a GIVEAWAY! She has reached 60 followers in a WEEK!! WOW, quite impressive! She is giving away 3 fluency packs (over 25 sheets of sight word fun!) Head over there by July 8th!

is having a calendar giveaway!! What teacher doesn't love a calendar!?? Giveaway is tomorrow, June 30th!

Jump over to her pond right away!!!

Karen :o)

RAH! RAH! Read At Home!!

2011-06-29T21:39:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited that I finally finished updating my RAH! RAH! Read At Home! charts. This was one of the best additions to my Nightly Reading homework... mainly because it's so easy for kids (and their parents) to complete. Parents never seem to complete those old reading logs, so I had to do something a bit simpler. On a RAH chart they simply color one bar for each 20 minutes of reading. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!!

I LOVE using them... and they store perfectly in our EAGLE Notebooks. We keep our Nightly Reading books (from Reading A-Z) in these poly envelopes--they have a 3 hole punch for the binder and Velcro closure (gotta love Velcro!).

Poly envelopes on Amazon

Our school is a Baldrige in Education school, so you've got to have that data component... and this makes it easy to see where the student is currently and his/her monthly reading goal. To add some extra incentive, I made a class goal chart also. This chart tracks the class' data--as a whole. Students keep this in their EAGLE Notebook as well (clear sleeves work great for this!). Each month, total the number of students in the class who met their goal. Color that column to note the class' progress. The far right bar shows the total number of students. We use “rainbow” order (September=red, October=orange, November=yellow, December=green, January=blue, February=purple, March=pink, April=teal (one of our school colors), May=silver, June and GOAL=gold!)

If you think you might want to take a peak... check it out in my TpT store.

Have an incredible night!!

Karen :o)

Nightly Reading Homework--Reading Clocks

2011-06-27T23:05:00.001-04:00

Here's one of the ways I have had students keep track of their nightly reading... Reading Clocks! It's very easy for kids (and their parents) to complete and eliminates the ordinary reading log. Students simply color the clock (in 5 minute increments) to equal their minutes read. It's also a great way for them to practice telling time and counting by 5's!!

I just added this to my TpT store... which as you have already read is one of my summer projects!! Tomorrow I will show you what I use now, a RAH chart!

Have fun!

Karen :o)

Summer Project: Mission Organization!!

2011-06-24T22:07:00.002-04:00

It's been one week since my students became 1st graders... and I have just completed (writing!) my summer project list: Mission Organization!! It seems like every summer I have grand aspirations at all that will be accomplished during our "time off", but then I never truly do. NOT THIS SUMMER! I have made a vow to myself that all those "to do's" will get "done!"

Here's just some of the project list... and I'll post some pictures, etc as they get accomplished:

organize my teacher files into binders by topic
organize Mailbox magazines--either in magazine boxes or cut apart into above binders (yet TBD!)
organize my teacher music on my iPod... everything's on there, but I want to create play lists so the songs are easier to find
refresh my Discovery Backpacks and update as necessary
organize interactive books and song big books (for Jack Hartmann, Dr. Jean, Heidi Songs, etc)... and create more!
Classroom website updates and improvements
Blog updates and improvements
Add some stuff to my Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) account... it's slim pickins right now

Well, I'm tired just thinking about it!! But, I have already checked off 3 things in my first week (and that was after working at school Monday and a class on Thursday)... so I think it's doable--and the benefits will truly be worth it!
Have a fabulous weekend,
Karen :o)

My 1st Blog entry!!

2011-06-23T22:10:00.001-04:00

Well, I have finally jumped on the "band wagon" of blogging... after reading and enjoying the blogs of so many wonderful teachers out there!! I just finished setting up this basic page and hope to make lots of improvements and additions as summer rolls along. Hope you'll "follow" me and join on this new adventure!!
Karen :o)

Contact

2011-06-22T20:20:00.003-04:00

Questions? Comments? Just want to chat and swap teaching ideas!?
Contact me!! karenstamp@verizon.net

All About Me

2011-06-22T20:19:00.003-04:00

Hi there! This will be my 10th year of teaching (K, 1st, and 2nd)! I am starting my 5th year in full-day kindergarten... and I LOVE every minute!! I just entered the world of teacher blogging to share ideas and the fun of kindergarten!! Hope you'll share in this exciting adventure!