Today I'm reaching out to teachers of our youngest readers. I think you all are going to want to check out this giveaway by Joy Cowley, the author of the beloved Mrs. Wishy-Washy. You could win a TON of resources for your classroom!

Be sure to check out some of her other characters like Smartypants and Mr. Tang. They are adorable! Your kiddos will love practicing their reading with these fun stories!

Click the picture below and be sure to enter by APRIL 13! 

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Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

Happy Sunday Friends!! 

Hope your weekend has been productive/fun/relaxing! I'm happy to link up with Teaching Trio for...

Here's what I'm up to today...I'm actually looking forward to this Sunday...except laundry!

Currently, I'm hanging out in Starbucks in Miami while my daughter participates in a Masters Class presented by a group called The Broadway Dance Collective. The founder and teachers are all currently touring with Motown the Musical. She'll be taking a 4-hour class that includes dancing and singing. Her dream is to dance on Broadway. We will do whatever it takes to help her realize her dream. It's a pretty competitive business! Dance is definitely her passion!

After the class, I'll stop by Mom's for a visit and lunch. Then home for Super Bowl Sunday. I'm not that interested in the game...just the halftime show and the commercials! Heehee! I do like to make fun foods for my hubby and son while they watch. Are you cheering on your favorite team or just hanging out on the sidelines?

It's a chilly day here today (in the 50s this morning). I know many of you have lots of snow, but for this South Florida gal, it's COLD! The sun is out and the sky is blue, so I'm happy about that.  We like to open the windows on days like today and enjoy the cool air. How is your weather today?

Have you celebrated the 100th day of school yet? If you're looking for an activity, especially for bigger kids, check out my All About the 100th Day poster. We celebrated on Friday and the kids had a blast thinking about 100!

Happy Sunday and have a fantastic week!!

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Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

Tomorrow is February 1st! Looking for some activities for the month? I have just what you need!

For me, I need activities that cover our standards and are not just "for fun". We have so much going on in 3rd grade this year that every minute has to be spent working on our Florida standards. So when I create a product, I have just that in mind. I want it to be fun for the kids and I always try to bring an element of creative and critical thinking.

For Groundhog Day, I created this Reasearch in the Round project. (I call it that because it's a round booklet. Clever right? Heehee!) My students will use their own devices or a classroom laptop or iPad to research facts about the groundhog and his special day. They can take their research to writing with one of the 3 prompts I've included. Check out the preview below. I think this project is appropriate for high second graders and 3rd and 4th graders.

If you are doing some preplanning for Valentine's Day, check out this product. Conversation Hearts Activity Cards will give your students a variety of challenging tasks to complete using a bag or box or candy hearts.

My newest products are these monthly ELA Skill Cards. I love using these cards in my classroom for a game of scoot or for practice in our word work center. I have created these with 3rd grade ELA standards in mind, but they would be useful in 2nd grade for a challenge or in 4th grade as a monthly review. If you like these be on the lookout for March cards coming soon!

I hope that you can find the "fun" in February with these products. Enjoy your week!!

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Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

Empty your wishlist! Ready those carts! It's a TpT SALE!

January 20 & 21 my store will be 20% off. Use the TpT code, START16, for a total of 28% off! 

Don't forget to leave feedback on your paid products to earn FREE money to spend on TpT. Check out my MOST RECENT products and activities you will love for the WINTER.

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Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

Happy New Year!! It's here...2016 and the end of winter break! It's also time for the CURRENTLY linky with Farley.

So here's what's happening in my life right now!

I cherish the time off with my family. Since hubby is a teacher too, I've always felt so lucky that we can all be home together on breaks. As my kids get older, I am savoring these times together knowing that one day I won't have them all to myself. Time really does fly and they really do grow up so fast!

Speaking of time flying, I can't believe it's already January. There is SO much left to teach. At this time of year, I always start panicking, thinking about how I will get it all done. I need to hit the plan book today and prepare for the weeks ahead. I do find that 3rd graders come back from winter break a little more mature. I hope this is the case this year since we will hit the ground running on Monday!

POSITIVITY.  This is my one little word. It has been my word this school year. With so much being placed on us in the classroom, there are many, many days I find myself feeling down and frustrated. There is so much we are expected to do and accomplish that it starts to feel impossible. I try to remind myself that I can only do what I can do in the time I'm given. I have a life outside of the classroom, too. Balancing school and family and keeping a positive attitude will be my key to "survival" for the remainder of this year. Are you feeling the same pressures? How do you keep balanced? It's helpful to hear what we all do to stay positive!

If you are looking for an activity for BTS on Monday, download my  New Year Freebie!

I hope you all have had a peaceful relaxing winter break and let's look forward to a HAPPY healthy POSITIVE New Year!

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Beach Sand and Lesson Plans