Overwhelmed with Sadness

My heart is filled with so much sadness over the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.  I cannot even imagine what all of the students, teachers, staff, parents, and community of Sandy Hook Elementary School are going through after the loss of so many innocent lives. I will be taking Saturday and Sunday off from blogging to show my respect and condolences to all affected by this tragedy.  Thank you to Michelle for creating this teacher and Farley for the idea of “blogging silence” for teacher blogs.

December Happenings

I can’t believe that December is in full swing already.  This past week was chaotic with benchmark testing in math & reading and daily practices for the school-wide Christmas play.  I felt like I never had a chance to really teach this week, but my students are enjoying using my new product: ‘Tis the Season for Math Review Centers.  

The centers have been a great way to review most of the math concepts that we have covered so far this year including multiplication, division, fractions, rounding, and word problems.  While the students are working with their groups on the activities, I have been able to walk around to check for understanding and reteach when necessary.

I am excited to start a new writing project this week: My Three Wishes Holiday Writing.  

I have done this writing project for the past four years and the final products are always heart-warming.  Instead of students just listing what they want for Christmas, I have them choose one “gift” for their family, one for the world, and then one for themselves. The “gifts” they ask for for their families and the world often bring a tear to my eye.  Past wishes have been for more time to spend as a family and food for the world so no one has to be hungry.

My students will start by brainstorming the three gifts they will ask for with this sheet (in words and/or pictures):

They will then turn this into a five-paragraph essay.  I usually include this as a parent gift because they are so heart-felt. 

I have also included a holiday and winter version for children who do not celebrate Christmas.

'Tis the Season for Math Review Centers

I hope you are enjoying your last day of Thanksgiving Break.  I just finished up my newest product on TpT: 'Tis the Season for Math Review Centers. 

Right now it is on sale for just $4.80 (regularly $6.00) and includes 6 different math center activities.  The centers are aligned with 3^rd Grade Common Core Standards and cover multiplication, division, fractions, rounding, and word problems.  I cannot wait to use these activities in my own classroom starting tomorrow.  My students love task cards, matching games, and using hands-on manipulatives.  These math centers incorporate all of these engaging methods with a winter-theme.  

Black Friday & Cyber Monday TpT Sale

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Today is Black Friday, so I’m sure many of you are out shopping or searching the Internet for great deals.  If you are looking for some new ideas for your classroom, my Teachers Pay Teachers Store is up and running!  Currently I have 15 items in my store and all will be on sale for 20% from today (November 23^rd) through Tuesday (November 27^th).  For a bonus 10% off, use the Cyber Monday code CMT12 on November 26^th and 27^th.

I have created several winter-themed activities including:

Gingerbread House for Sale Winter Writing ($0.80)

Gingerbread House Glyph and Craftivity (free)

Winter Holiday-Themed Fraction Task Cards ($1.60)

Winter-Themed Multiplication Task Cards ($0.80)

Winter-Themed Multiplication Word Problems Task Cards ($1.60)

Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I love the chance to get together with family and friends over a great meal and share what you are thankful for.  This year will be a little difficult because I am in Louisiana and my family is in California, but I will be spending the day with my boyfriend and the amazing friends we have made here. I am thankful for many things this year.

My family – They are always there for me to lend a hand or just an ear when I need someone to talk to.  I cannot wait for Christmas so that we can spend some quality time together in California.

   My boyfriend – He encourages me to be the best person I can be and supports me in every endeavor I begin. We have been on a crazy journey so far, but I wouldn’t choose to have anyone else by my side.

   My friends (new and old) - Even though many miles often separate us, my friends are always there for me. Whenever we are together, it feels like no time has passed.

   My job-I have my days when I question if teaching is really for me, but I cannot imagine any other job where I would feel as fulfilled on a daily basis.  Plus I have met so many amazing people through teaching who challenge me to become a better teacher every day.

       My pups – I don’t have children yet, but my dogs are my babies.  They are always there to give me love after a long day and they make me laugh all the time.

I hope you have a great day with your family and friends and have a chance to reflect on everything you are thankful for.