Leprechaun Goodies

Happy Wednesday friends! I met up with a fellow co-worker after work to discuss all things blogging and teaching:) I am so excited that Katherine has decided to open her own TpT store. She has some wonderful math activities available that are perfect for St. Patty's Day. If you are looking for a few goodies for the next few days head on over to her store and check them out.

Adventures with Humphrey

My students are in for a big surprise this week! I can't wait to see their reactions when Humphrey's bag gets delivered to our classroom. Who will persuade me to let them take Humphrey home? Wait until I tell them that Humphrey will be spending time with each one of them:)

I am really excited to share this take home bag with you as it has been in the works for quite some time. My students and I have just begun our persuasive writing unit in writing workshop. On a constant quest to make writing purposeful and enjoyable for my students, I have found The World According to Humphrey to be an excellent resource to build a persuasive unit around.

One of the best resources to jump start this type of unit with primary students is Should There Be Pets? This is a topic that young children can connect to and is a great resource for teaching skills such as fact and opinion. We will be exploring this resource over the next few days in class.

I have already read The World According to Humphrey to my students. They have gotten to know him on a personal level including his likes and dislikes. They have even learned a thing or two about taking care of a hamster thanks to Betty Birney's excellent style of writing. I think they will have a lot of fun putting together a persuasive letter that explains why they should have the opportunity to take him home.

This take home bag is a wonderful way to get students and parents involved with writing at home. The bag is designed so that everyone has roles that make the project successful. If your interested in raising the quality of your students' writing or looking to add to an existing writing unit, consider using traveling packs as part of the learning process.

Word Work

Are your kiddos busy learning long vowel teams? This week my class will focus on the long o patterns oa and ow. I will also be introducing 3 letter blends. I made a few games to use in my guided reading groups this week to reinforce these skills. My students love to play card games. I usually try to set aside a few minutes in each group to play a review game. These little dinos fit perfectly with our theme this week. You can snatch them up for a great deal at my store today:)

Favorite Resources: Part 3

My latest teaching purchase isn't necessary a "resource," but it is one of the best items that has made my teaching life easier. One of my biggest headaches for the past few months year has been my electric pencil sharpener. I spent more money on it than I would like to admit and was convinced that it would work well for my needs. After all, you get what you pay for right?

Not long after receiving it I began to have problems. It was eating away at even the best quality pencils. Tip after tip began breaking inside, leaving behind unsharpened pencils along with a frustrated teacher and her students. Anybody who knows me well can tell you I am slightly particular about how things operate in my classroom. An uncooperative pencil sharpener and I don't mix well:)

I then came across this post at one of my favorite blogs. The timing couldn't have been any better. A pencil sharpener that works wonders for only 19.95? I admit I was desperate. I immediately placed an order.

It was like Christmas all over again when that package arrived! I got it out right away and put it to the test. I quickly viewed this video to be sure I was operating it correctly. Oh my, I think it sharpened the pointiest tip I had ever seen! It worked like a charm. I currently house it at my small group table and I operate it as well. My students bring me two pencils and I sharpen them as they complete their morning check-in routine. It's easy to operate, quiet, and sharpens all types of pencils.

Isn't it cute? I just love looking at it:)

Head on over here to take a look at it for yourself. I know you won't be disappointed:)

MIA

Hi Friends! I did not intend to take a break from blogging for a few weeks. but much needed family time and a nice week in Florida was in the plans. I am back and busy creating once again. I wanted to let you know that I have a few products in the works that I am VERY excited about. My first is a take home bag that is used with the book The World According to Humphrey.

Have you read this one to your class? If not, they will love it! I actually use it as part of my persuasive writing unit. It is fun to read all the reasons why they should be the ONE to take Humphrey to their house! I am getting ready to read Friendship According to Humphrey because they have BEGGED me for more Humphrey. Can't wait!

I am also trying to put the finishing touches on my Seuss centers. Seuss you ask? Yes, we do Seuss all month long in my class! March is PARP at school. My kiddos are looking forward to these Seussy review centers in the middle of the month.

I still have much more catching up to do including posting pictures from my penguin unit and showing you my latest classroom purchase that I absolutely LOVE!

Have a fantastic weekend!

FYI: If you purchased my Waddling Wonders pack I made some slight revisions to it. Please download it again for no cost.