Dog Days of Summer Dollar Sale

Woo hoo!!  We're having a dollar sale for the end of August!  It is today and tomorrow.  Check out these great deals.  I am filling up my shopping cart with lots of goodies.

Here are three items I've placed for $1.00 - check them out and grab them while they are on sale!

This is my Bee on Time Differentiated Pack.  It is perfect for practicing telling time.  I've placed various levels in the pack to meet the needs of each of your students.

Click on the image below to grab your set today!

Here is my second product for $1.00.  Ocean themed guided reading level labels.  You can place these on baskets in your library to separate your books by level.

Click on the image below to grab your set today!

My third product for $1.00 is my Student of the Week forms.  There are three different forms available to be used in your classroom.  This is a fun way to get to know your students.  I've used these for 3 years and love it!

Click on the image to check them out!

Thanks for stopping by!  Be sure to check out all the items for $1 today and tomorrow!

An InLinkz Link-up

Classroom Reveal

After moving all my things from Indiana to Chicago, taking all my things up three flights of stairs to my classroom, and working for a solid week - I finally finished my classroom!! Yay! I feel so relieved to have my room finished.  I am so proud of my classroom.  I worked really hard and even created new products to post in my classroom to make my theme complete.  I hope you check them out!

When you enter my classroom, you see the door first, and my hallway mailbox.  At my school we each have an outside mailbox where teachers can place things in during the day if I am teaching so that they do not have to interrupt me.  Pretty neat!  Then, I placed this "Where are we?" sign and my kids love to move the clip to tell people where we are during the day.  The crayon B was made by one of my students as a gift - I love it!

As you go in the door of my classroom, this is what you see straight ahead.  The blue tubs will not be staying on the floor- they are just there for students to place their school supplies in. They will go on top of the cabinet in the back of the room when we are done. 

This is to the left of my door.

This is the back corner of my room.

This is our cursive letters because I get to teach cursive in second grade!  I am so excited about this.  Handwriting is still part of the curriculum, and I think it is so important.

We also do the 7 Habits - Leader in Me program at my school.  These are the ocean display 7 Habits posters I made.  You can find them in my TPT store for just $1.50!  They definitely add to my ocean themed classroom.  This board will also include our class mission statement.  We will do that together as a class. Our school mission statement is already posted on the board.

We have our learning targets board because these are a HUGE part of our day.  Each subject has a learning target, and I was recently informed that learning targets are different than objectives.  (I originally had objectives written at the top, and I was told that they are not the same :/)  I guess objectives are more what the teacher is planning on doing and learning targets are statements that express what the students will learn during the lesson.  Who knew?!  You can find my schedule cards in my TPT store also!

I have my Beach Jobs posted at the front of the room.  I have them free in my TPT store.  Check back later to read my blog post about how I use jobs in my classroom and how I tie it in with our 7 Habits -Leader in Me program! :]

Underneath the Beach Jobs you can see my behavior flowers.  My husband made those for me!  Can you say talented?!  I am SO impressed.  However, at my school we use the color system.  If a student is placed on Blue it is a HUGE deal.  I also use Class Dojo for my behavior tracking, but I follow the color system for the special area classes.

Then, you can see the Treasure bucket and clipboards.

The blue pocket chart will have our morning prayer in it, I just haven't written it yet.

This is my math calendar wall.  I have the Ocean Place Value posters on the wall, as well as the calendar and the Today is poster.  You can find my months of the year, days of the week, place value posters, and today is poster in my TPT store.

At the front of the room I have my teaching table.  I place what I am doing for the day on the table, as well as my laptop that is connected to the Smartboard.  Check out my before and after picture of the table.  I just used contact paper and ordered it from Amazon!

Here is my library!!  The library is always my favorite part of my classroom!  We use Reading Workshop, so my library is leveled by guided reading letters.  I also have my look book baskets that include various genres for the kids to pick from.   I also have my basket of stuffed animals for them to read to!  This is their favorite. :]

Here is a close up of my guided reading labels.  You can find them in my TPT store - they are ocean themed!  I'm telling you, I went all out with my ocean themed classroom this year!

Here is my table numbers I made to go along with my Ocean classroom!   You can find them in my TPT store. :]

This is my Religion Board.  I will be adding prayers, saints, and other things we learn during Religion on the board as the year goes on.  This is also my prayer corner where kids can read from the Bible, pray using the rosary, or just simply have some time with God. I love hearing the kids talk about God, it is absolutely precious!

Here is my Dive into Math Board!  We will be adding posters as we work this year. I also have my Math center baskets, and my Math Workshop posted.  I will add names when the students come and I have time to evaluate them.  You can find my Ocean Themed Workshop Posters in my TPT store. 

This is my VOICES Writing wall.  I like using Kristina Smekens for teaching writing.  I will also use Lucy Caulkins this year to teach Writing Workshop.  This is my writing center table that has materials on it for independent writing time.  Check back later to learn how I teach VOICES in my classroom and learn about the Cereal traits - who doesn't like eating while writing?  This is also one of my favorite areas! :]

Here is my Hooked on Reading Wall.  We will post what we learn during Reading Workshop and our spelling words on the pocket charts.  I am also doing a Poetry Race this year, and students that complete the race each week will be placed on the Poet-Tree using a parrot.  They will work their way around the Poet-Tree to the end where they will earn a great reward if they make it!  Check back to read about our Poetry this year!

I also have my small group table here so we can practice skills and refer to the board when necessary.

Here is our board for our Class Data Goals and School Data Goals.  Check back later to see what we have planned! :]

This also has the students' red boxes for books, resources, and skill box work.  I love these - they are so durable and allow for my students to keep so many things in them.  I found these at Wal-Mart a couple of years ago.

Here is my Catch of the Week board - this is where I will post my student of the week's poster and any other fun facts.  As the year goes on, I will have students of the week but they will share about current events or give a book report.  Check back to see how I do this in my classroom.  You can find my student of the week forms in my TPT store!  I always like to make a big deal about my kids when it is their special week.

Here is my phonics station.  Students can sit at the stools and practice their fluency skills as well as the special sounds.  You can find my fluency pack in my TPT store.  I also have create packs for -ee/-ea, -ai/-ay, -ou/-ow, -igh/-y, and -au/-aw.  I am working on more currently so that I will have 12 different literacy packs that focus on the "special sounds" (digraphs, diphthongs, etc).  Check back to see how I have my students practice these skills and move up levels.

Here is my birthday wall!  I made these fun ocean themed birthday posters.  You can find them in my TPT store.  I love how they turned out!

Here is my area where I post a word each day.  It is part of my students' morning routine.  They come in, grab their card (they know based on their class number which card to pick - this way I can differentiate), and read the word to me.  I also have them spell the word.  There are other cards I use throughout the year.  You can find my Daily Morning Routine Cards in my TPT store. I also have a more Kindergarten/First grade focused set of Daily Morning Routine Cards.

Here is my wall where I will post my students' ice cream sundaes.  Each time they pass a math fact, they will receive a part to an ice cream sundae.

Here is my Pinterest find board!  When my students turn in assignments, they will place their work the file folder based on how well they understood the assignment.  If they thought they were experts, they would place it in the 4.  If they thought they were pretty good, but need a little more practice they will place it in the 3.  If they thought it was hard, but slightly understood, they would place it in the 2.  If they had no idea what was going on, they would place it in the 1. I am exciting about evaluating this way!

Here is my wall where I will post my students' family projects each month!  I love doing this in my classroom.

Here is my Caught Doing Homework area.  Students each have a fish.  If they complete their homework each night, they get to stay in the fishbowl.  If they do not complete their homework, they will be removed from the fishbowl.  At the end of the month, if they are still in the fishbowl they will receive a special reward.  It could be an extra recess, pizza party, free time, no homework one night, etc.

Here is my desk!  My friend Maja from Kooky Kinders made me this beautiful name banner.  :]

Here is my Word Wave (that's what the banner says, but you can't see it).  You can find my ABC ocean display cards in my TPT store.  This was one of my favorite ocean creations!

Here is my Surf's Up area  where students will get their notebooks and skill box activities from the file tub.  You can check out my Surf's Up skill box in my TPT store.  I am SO proud and excited for this.  Its really going to help my students practice each Common Core standard!

Here is my adorable class!  Have a happy 2014-2015 school year!

Please be sure to check back throughout the year to see what is going on in our classroom!

Markdown Monday August 18-22

It's that time again!  Markdown Monday.  This is one of my favorite link ups!  Thanks to Kelly and Kim for putting this together.

My Markdown Monday Item is:

Click on the image above to grab your set TODAY! :]

It is marked 1/2 off for the week!  This is a brand new creation.  I researched and made sure that I was using phrases appropriate for second and third grade students.  I believe that fluency is crucial in becoming a great reader.  So, I created this pack to post in my room for my students to practice.  

I copy the cards and place them on a ring.  Then, I put them in a center where my kids can practice reading the cards.  The students will use a timer to practice reading the words in a timely manner.  There are certificates you can print off to give your students when they successfully complete a level. At the end of the packet, there is a tracking sheet that can be placed in a data notebook.  The students will color in the pencil and write the date they successfully read the list of phrases.  

I always have my kiddos read the words to me, and if they can do it fluently I confirm that they pass the list.  You can also send home a set of words with the kids so they can practice the phrases at home. 

I hope you find this packet useful!  Thanks for checking out my product.  Be sure to follow my TPT store while you are there. :]

Meet The Teacher Linky

We are all so busy when it comes to school and it tends to consume our lives that we forget to take the time to get to know eachother!  Well, I've joined up with these awesome teachers to tell you a little more about myself.  I always enjoy reading about my blogging friends and fellow teachers to learn more about them.  I hope you learn something new about me. :]

Hello!  My name is Kelsey, and I am 25 years old.  I am a wife, second grade teacher, and new to blogging/creating TPT products.  This will be my first year teaching second grade, but I taught Kindergarten for three years and absolutely loved it!  I am looking forward to teaching a new grade.

I am from Indiana, but I just moved to Chicago!  My husband got a new job, so we packed up and moved.  This is a huge adventure for us.  We are both from the same town.  We grew up there, went to college there, and started our careers there.  All of our family is back where we are from, so this move was huge and scary for me.  I am still adjusting to a new city and trying to make new friends.

This is my lovely husband and I.  We have been married for 3 blessed years!  We went to the same high school, but he is 2 years older and we didn't hang out.  Then, when I went to college, we met at the bowling alley, he got my phone number, and well, the rest is history!  We have been together ever since. :]  He is the love of my life and my best friend.  I definitely wouldn't make it without him.

This is my awesome family!  I have one older sister, a brother-in-law, and my two parents.  My parents and sister are all educators.  What can I say?  It is in my blood to teach!

We have one cat named Tiki.  She is pretty spoiled, and we enjoy having her around!  She's pretty cute, too. :]

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

I love to dance.  In order to get my dance fix I enjoy going to dance fitness classes.  I am actually trying to get a class started where I live. 

I also love to read, watch movies, and play games.  

 IF YOU WEREN'T A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?

Well, this is a tough question because I've always wanted to be a teacher.  However, if that did not work out, I would want to be in charge of marketing for a large company.  I am enjoy planning and being in charge of projects.

THREE LITTLE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU.

Organized. Motivated. Dependable.  

 

FINISH THE SENTENCE, "________,  SAID NO TEACHER EVER!!"

"I love when you talk when I am talking!...said no teacher EVER!!"

Q: IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY AND YOU CAN INVITE ANYONE {DEAD OR ALIVE} TO THE PARTY. WHO ARE YOU INVITING?

I would most definitely invite Michael Jackson!  

Q: IF SOMEONE WROTE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?

 "Passionately Crazy About Life" 

 Q:YOU GET TO PICK ONE SUPERPOWER. WHAT IS IT?

 I would pick teleportation because I am always late!  I just want to be there at the exact moment.  I also hate wasting time in the car. :/

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR SAYING?

"Keep Calm and Teach On." 
 

Q: IF YOU HAD TO SING ONE SONG ON AMERICAN IDOL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 

 "I'll Be" - Edwin McCain

I sang karaoke to this song all the time!

 Q: ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL?

I'm definitely a night owl.  I HATE getting up early.  But, I will stay up all night working on anything.  Even after a long day, I can't get to sleep early.

 

Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE RESOURCE THAT YOU'VE CREATED IN YOUR TPT SHOP?

 I really love my Surf's Up Second Grade ELA Skill Box Activities.  It took me 3 weeks to complete and I can use it in my room all year.  It is perfect to make sure that I teach/cover every standard during the year.  I am really proud of this product. :]

Q: SHARE SOMETHING WE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU! 

I am a very faithful person, and I pray to God every day.  I truly believe in His word.  I feel blessed to live such a wonderful life.  

Thanks for reading about me!  I hope you learned something new. :]  Check out the other posts by clicking on the image below.

I 

How to get a custom logo design

So... I don't know about you, but I absolutely love all the fun blog designs out there.  I would really love to pay someone to redesign my whole blog.  However, my husband is not too keen on the idea of paying for a design when I can use the blogger templates for free.

Well, after hours of frustration and attempting to make my blog look cute, I decided to look to someone for help.  I found Kelsea from teachergems.  She is AMAZING!  I couldn't afford to do an entire blog design, but she helped me by creating a blog button that I am so excited about!  She is so talented and can make a design in no time.

You need to check out Kelsea's page and ask her to create a custom logo design just for you!

  

Thanks Kelsea!!  I am a fan of your work! 

Triple Scoop of Second Grade

Alright everyone, you are in for a special treat!  I don't know about you, but ice cream is my most favorite dessert.  I can eat it any time no matter how full I am.  Well, that's how I feel about this fun link up!  No matter how many products I already have, I just can't seem to stop buying more.  Does anyone else have this same addiction?  My husband isn't too fond of it, but I sure love it!  However, this fun link up has some products 20% off just for you!  This is a great deal and you can snag it for the beginning of the school year to make your life easier.  The discounted price also makes me feel less guilty for purchasing more items for my classroom.

Welcome to the Triple Scoop of Second Grade!

I'm going to start you out with one of my newest creations, and one that I am very proud of!  It took  me 3 weeks to complete.  I am SO excited to use this in my classroom.  

Surf's Up - Second Grade ELA Skill Box

Basically, this packet includes 12 activities for EACH second grade Language Arts Common Core standard.  Yes, I said each!  There are over 700 pages in this packet!  Students will have a notebook where they record all their responses.  You could set it up where you post a question a day or you have a filing system and students will get out a skill to work on at their leisure.  Therefore, there are large skill sheets that take up one page and small skill sheets that have 4 to a page.  Once a student has practiced a standard at least 10 times, and you have checked their work.  The student will receive a badge for their notebook showing that they completed 10 skill activities for a standard.  This is a great way to document student work during the year and prove that you have reviewed every standard!

I personally keep the skills in a filing tub where students go and get a question based on the standard they are working on.  Then, when they complete it and I have graded it, they put it back in the file folder and get the next skill.  This requires students to be responsible and work to complete each standard.  Students are encouraged to use various technology and read different styles of books during the activities.  This is a perfect activity for morning work or when students finish assignments or activities in class early - they can go and work on their skill box.  You can also arrange it so that students are only working on skills they need to practice, not every skill.  

This pack includes badges, labels for notebooks, and standard checking sheets.  It is on sale for the weekend, so grab it while you can!

The second product I am highlighting is perfect for the extra five minutes you might have when you are lined up to go to art, recess, or lunch.  It might also be fun for a short brain break or transitions from one lesson to another!  

 LINE UP - Second Grade ELA Common Core Questions

I love this product because it can be used during any time of the day, and it is so simple!  All you do is print the pages, cut the strips of paper, and place it in a jar or box.  Then, when you have students waiting in line or moving from one subject to another, you pull out the jar and ask students questions from it!  It is perfect!  It covers ALL the ELA Common Core Standards, and asks simple-quick questions to keep students' attention!

For example, one question might be to state the synonym of a word.  It might also ask to fill in the blank, or give an example of alliteration.  There may also be questions that require students to compare and contrast two things quickly or describe what the author's purpose means.  

As you can see, this packet includes a variety of questions.  It is perfect when your principal asks if you are incorporating the standards because you can show this packet and prove that you review the standards everyday!  Grab your set today so you can start your year off great!

NOW.. it is time for the final scoop!  This is my favorite.  I got this packet from Hilary Gard over at Second Grade is Out of this World!  Let me tell you, she has outdone us all!  This packet is perfect for the beginning of the year!

Back to School Pick a Prompt

I am SO excited to use this at the beginning of the year.  It is absolutely adorable and provides you with a variety of materials that can be used in your classroom.  There are so many things you can do with this product!  There are various writing papers so you can provide your students with the perfect form for them.  There are also levels or prompts, so that you can differentiate while you are teaching. I love this product because I have a difficult time coming up with writing prompts, and this has it completed for you - along with the stationary AND the editing checklist!  I love that editing checklist.

The graphics are perfect and clear.  It has great directions for your students to be able to complete this along if you wish them to.  It also covers the standards by using the different writing styles, as well as focusing on the characters, setting, and plot.  It is also perfect for displaying student writing in the classroom or hallway!  I know I always struggle with finding stationary that is attractive to post for people to see.  

I am absolutely in love with this product and received more than I expected.  There are 35 pages of fun and easy to prepare writing pieces for the beginning of the school year.  

Also, YOU are in luck!!  She has spoiled us all by posting this item 20% off - so grab it while its on sale (click on the image above!).  You won't regret it!

Thank you Hilary for creating such a useful product.  I am so anxious to use it in my classroom when school starts!  

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have enjoyed the link up and have found new products that could be useful in  your classroom.  Have a great start to your school year! :]

An InLinkz Link-up