Dollar Store Deals

The Dollar Store always seems to call my name. I can never just go in there for an item or two. My brain kicks into overdrive and begins to think of the many ways I can use something for my classroom. Please tell me I am not the only one who does this when wandering the Dollar Store.

My latest dollar store shopping trip included the 2015-2016 kid character calendars and finger nail polish. Here is how I am using them in my classroom.

Calendars for Writer's Workshop:

 

How fun is it to learn about speech bubbles while talking like a Ninja Turtle? It doesn't get much better than that for a 5 year old. (I also bought Sophia the First, Spongebob, and Frozen calendars. I mean they are only a dollar. Who can resist?) 

Here is what I did...

• Cut off the picture for each month. 
• Print off blank speech bubbles.
• Read a mentor text like "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus".
• Let your kindergarten friends choose the picture they want to use to communicate their writing.
• Have kindergarten friends share their writing with peers.

Listening Center:

If you are like me, you have tried numerous things to show your students how to start, stop, and pause the CD at the listening center. Well...I could not stand the complaints or the colored stickers falling off (or being picked off) for another school year. I contemplated using a red and green paint pen. Too expensive! As I am walking through the Dollar Store, it hits me! Nail Polish! Lucky for me, I was able to find a bottle of red, green, and clear nail polish. A quick coat on the start and stop buttons...the listening center is back in business!

My next dollar store trip...pumpkin ice cube trays which make a great 10 frame. Seriously, they are super cute! 

Happy Shopping,
Kimberly

Chevron, Dots, and Banners!

It's that time again....Back to School is officially here! Tomorrow I officially begin my 11th year of teaching. Of course, y'all know it started last week when the panic of not having enough time to set up started. My goal for last week was to get my bulletin boards designed and in place. Here is a small glimpse into my classroom which I affectionally call my second home. 

Reading Strategies....This board is located behind my teaching table in the center of my room. I am loving the Chalk It Up! Dots on Chalkboard! White Border from Creative Teaching Press.

Math...One of my favorite TPT purchases is Class of Kinders' Kindergarten Common Core Number Strategy Posters  (upper right corner). I have the Standards of Mathematical Practices posted (upper left corner). The barrels will hold my math grouping cards. The monkeys are the math stations that my students may work on that day. The clothespins will hold our math vocabulary words. My blue graphing pocket chart will hold our graph question for the week. The Doodles and Dots border is from Creative Teaching Press.

Technology...My students and I are truly blessed to have access to iPads and iPods each day. This board holds the rules for working with these devices. The green pocket chart displays the iPod apps students are able to use for word work and math stations. The purple pocket chart displays the iPad apps students are able to use for word work and math stations. I change the apps each week. Students can take the app card out of the chart to make it easier to find the app on the device they are using. The turquoise border from Creative Teaching Press.

Language Arts...The bananas will have my group cards on them. Students can work at the literacy centers hanging from their groups banana if they are not working with me. This board will also serve as my word wall since my word wall will be rings. It will also display the vocabulary words, letters and sounds, and reading strategy we are working on that week. 

Character...My school uses the Chick-Fil-A Core Values program. I will display the character trait for the month along with the student of the week goal that corresponds with the character trait on this board. I display a photo of each student on this board as well. When myself or another student catches someone displaying the student of the week goal, we can pin a character card next to the student's picture. I take the cards off the board on Fridays so the class can vote for student of the week. The Colorful Critters boarder is from Carson Dellosa. 

Happy Back to School! 

~Kimberly

Assess Me! Linky

I am linking up with Rachel at The Tattooed Teacher for a fun, getting to know you survey. It's like a Back to School Meet and Greet for teachers. I spent some time moving and unpacking my summer school supplies back in my classroom this afternoon. It reminded me that school will be starting here in Maryland very soon!

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Monday Made It

It's my first Monday Made It! However I must be honest....I made these on Sunday, but I won't tell if you don't tell. (SHHHH!) 

I am currently teaching summer school for students who are entering Kindergarten in the fall, but need some help with behavior. As we are entering the fourth week of the five week program, I started thinking about end of the program treats for my summer kiddos. They have worked so hard on tasks that don't come easy. Since I was thinking about end of the summer treats for my summer kiddos, then my thoughts drifted to Back to School time.  The question became "What am I giving out as a welcome to Kindergarten present?" That question became "What am I doing for birthdays this school year?" 

My answer for my  summer school kiddos: Scentos Bubbles, Crayons, and Play dough

My answer for Welcome to Kindergarten gifts: Scentos Marker and Play dough

My answer for birthday presents: Scentos Bubbles

In my opinion, smelly markers, crayons, and play dough are crucial items needed for Kindergarten. I purchased the Scentos scented bubbles from the Target Dollar Spot for $1. The scentos markers were on sale at Staples for a $1. 

I love the Staples ink and teachers rewards programs. You earn money back on the ink cartridges that you turn in to Staples. Many of my family members give me their empty cartridges. I use the money I get back from the ink cartridges for items for my classroom which is how I purchased the play dough and Scentos markers. 

After making my purchases, I just needed small treat bags and some left over card stock. Easy peasy! All presents are made and ready for the year. Mission accomplished!

It's a....BLOG!

I'm excited to finally send my blog into the blogging world. I have gained tons of inspiration and tools from many wonderful bloggers over the past few year that I wanted to give back as well. 

My blog is definitely a work in progress, but I can cross blog creation off of my summer bucket list. A big thank you goes to my friend Amanda from Primarily Penguins. Her advice and encouraging words has made creating my blog fun and a great learning experience.

About Me
I'm Kimberly! I will begin my 11th year of teaching and 11th year teaching Kindergarten in August! I have been extremely lucky to teach at the same school and in the same grade level my entire career. Each year brings new challenges and learning for me. I am excited to see what the 2015-2016 school year brings.

When I am not teaching, most of the my time is spent with my fur babies. I have a crazy, black cat named Chocolate and an energetic dog named Scout. Chocolate was a rescue who found me in the lobby of my apartment building. Scout was my 30th birthday present to myself (most expensive, but fantastic gift ever!).

My fur babies Chocolate and Scout!

If I am not teaching my kiddos or cuddling my fur babies, then I am probably with my amazing group of family and friends going to the movies, attending a sports events (Go Orioles! Go Ravens!), going to  a concert, or at a family party. 

I was born and raised on the eastern shore of Maryland. I am a country girl at heart, but Baltimore has earned special place in my heart the past few years.

I spend most of the year wearing flip flops. I have tons of different styles and colors. Comfort is what I enjoy the most about my flip flops. Flips flops remind me of the summer and always "flip flopping" to the next adventure with my family and friends. My classroom is the same way. My students and I need to move which makes for a fun day of learning. Sometimes a lesson might flop; however it provides a great learning experience. I hope you will continue to flip through this adventure called blogging with me.