Internet Inspired Ideas

I've been walking down memory lane as I look at some photos from last school year. I love searching the web for new ideas to use in my classroom.  I have been so inspired by the wonderful teacher websites and blogs out there. Many times, though, I can never remember where I saw all these cute ideas. However, my newest obsession (Pinterest!) helps me keep track of great ideas and their sources. Here's a few of my favorite internet inspired ideas...

Noun Town - Inspiration came from First Grader at Last blog

R Control Posters - another idea inspired by First Grader at Last blog. She drew the pictures for her posters but I'm not as talented an artist as she is. I cheated and used clip art instead :).

How To Blow a Bubble Art and Writing Activity - They had so much fun doing this project!!!

Grammar Garden Sign

Example of Grammar Garden Project - incorporated use of noun, verbs, and adjectives

Funny Faces Plants - idea from The Teacher Wife blog...her blog even includes a download of the face parts

Lincoln and Washington Art and Writing Projects - Inspired by First Grade Parade Blog

Viola Swamp Art & Writing Activity - We just did this one! I recently saw the TLC art project on Pinterest and incorporated a venn diagram and writing activity with it.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Review Game

I made this game to help my students review the color, number, and sight words during our readiness period at the beginning of first grade. They LOVE playing the game! We sit in a circle and play it as a whole group first with the girls vs. the boys. Then, I add it to my Puzzles & Games station as one of their first buddy activities. Hope your kids enjoy it as much as mine!

Chicka Readiness Review Game

Jungle Colors and Shapes Posters

I'm back!!! :) I've had a couple of requests for some of my jungle posters so I thought I would go ahead and post them. I love the jungle/safari theme because there is so much out there that you can do with it. I will try to take pictures soon of some of the new things I have added to my classroom for this year. Just click on the labels to download the posters.

Safari Colors Posters

Safari Shapes Posters

Summer Vista Print

Again...I have been neglectful of my blog. No real excuses but I have been pretty busy finishing up the school year, enjoying the summer, traveling to Alaska, and yes...creating more classroom items on Vista Print. I even did a little class for some friends in June and have hooked some more addicts. :) Here are a few of my latest creations.

Small Car Door Magnets

Small Postcards

Business Cards

Business Card Magnet
(I plan to send these home with the students so their parents can hang their child's work on the fridge or some other magnetic surface.)

Large Postcards

Class Thank You Notecards and Postcards

You're Nuts! Game

Next week we're reading the story Dot and Jabber and the Great Acorn Mystery and one of our phonics skills involves dropping the "e" when adding suffixes like -ed and -ing. So...I found this cute clip art on Scrappin Doodles (love that clip art site) and became inspired early this morning. This is such a challenging skill for our students so I thought this game would be a great Word Work Station activity for a little extra practice. Hope someone else can use it, too...

You're Nuts! Game

Hi, My Name is Andrea and I'm Addicted to Vista Print

I guess admitting is the first step. I usually go for months without buying anything and then I fall off the wagon and go on a BINGE! It all started this time with making invitations for a retirement party and baby shower and then some personalized items for end of the year thank you's for my room moms. Then it just spiraled out of control. Here's some more classroom creations...

Large Postcards (come in a pack of 50) for the end of the year.

Mousepad - I thought this might be good to use with new iPod Touches I got from Donors Choose. I thought this might help protect them from moving around too much during use.

Small Postcards (come in packs of 100) - Here's the front and back side of my "Welcome Back" cards that I will mail out before the first day of school. I usually writing a personalized message on the back. It's great to start the year on a positive note!

Punch Business Cards (come in packs of 250) - I thought I might use these as an end of the year incentive. They get a "positive punch" when they exhibit good behavior. Each punch is worth 5 cents. The last week they will turn in their card(s), get their "pretend" money and we'll do a class store or auction where they will get to count out and spend their money.  I'm trying to kill two birds with one stone - reinforce positive behavior and practice money skills. They are SOOOOOO excited! We will start these this upcoming week.

Everything I got was free...just paid shipping which is pretty reasonable considering all the things I've bought.  I'm so excited to get my next delivery.  However, I'm going to stop buying...at least for a little while. :)

Probability with Eggs

Sorry, I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. I've been busy with Donors Choose projects. Wow! What a great program. Check it out if you haven't already. I was able to get lots of stuff for my classroom with the support of colleagues, community members, and businesses. What a great partnership! That's what education should be!!!

Next week is all about spring and egg activities for us. We're going to the Eggstravaganza at our local Botanic Gardens and I have lots of fun, educational activities planned this week a lot in thanks to the creativity of fellow bloggers. Thanks to all those who have shared their great ideas!!! Now it's my turn to contribute an idea so here's one for probability with eggs. I loaded up on egg candy at the store (with the help of some coupons) so we should have a fun and "certainly" an excitable week. LOL!

Probability With Eggs Activity