I'm Bloglovin'

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I don't understand it, but apparently we won't be able to follow our favorite blogs with Google Reader beginning in July.  Therefore, I made the switch to Bloglovin'.  

If you need instructions on how to join, head on over to The Brown-Bag Teacher.  

She has step by step instructions with pictures included.  

It's easy to join!

Classroom Library Label Organization

A while back, I posted about my classroom library and how I use LibraryThing to keep track of the books I have.  It is an online inventory system that helps you catalog your books.  If you didn't see my earlier post, you can read about it here.

As I was labeling a few of my books, toward the end of the year, I realized I didn't share how I organize and store my book labels.

I store all my labels in a binder.  I created this binder over seven years...before I got into clip art, backgrounds, borders, etc..., so please excuse the ugliness!  It's in need of a facelift...I know!  It's almost downright shameful and disgraceful to share this on my blog.  Ha ha!

The binder includes name labels to put in the front of all my books.

It also includes all the labels I put on the back of the books so the students know which tub to return the book to after they are finished reading it.  The labels are stored in alphabetical order.

They are stored in sheet protectors.

Here is an example of a label on the back of one of our books.  I have a matching label on the tub that this book belongs in.

I have also checked all my books to see which ones are on Reading Counts.  I created a label that goes on the back of those books.  I also included the points, so the students would know how many points they earn if they take a test on that book.

I created most of my labels, but you can find many at Mrs. Meacham's Classroom Snapshots.  Her labels are FREE and they will get you started right away!

Literacy, Phonics and Word Work

Last fall, I created some literacy and phonics activities.  I decided to use them with my students before I added them to my TpT store.  I'm really glad I did, because I found a few typos.  It's amazing how many times you can proofread something and still find mistakes.  I also "tweaked" a couple of things in an attempt to make them better.

Last night, I decided the file was finally finished and added it to my my TpT store. 
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I've caught all the typos!  ;0)

In this file you will find 19 Phonics or Literacy Activities!

129 Pages of Word Work!

This file includes:

5 short and long vowel sound sorts

1 mixed short vowel sound sort

1 alphabetical order activity

5 word family activities

6 CVC build-a-word activities

1 digraph clothespin sort

recording Sheets

answer Sheets

Here is an example of one of the vowel sound sorts.

Another student finishing the same activity.

If you are interested in viewing a sample activity you can download the alphabetical activity at Google Docs.  It's a FREE download!

I'm so excited to have it finished, because I have so many more ideas spinning around in my head that I'm ready to begin!  If you are interested in all of these Fabulous Fall Literacy Activities, head on over to my TpT store.

Please let me know what you think.  I'm striving to provide quality activities that are helpful to other educators.  Obviously, I want to make authentic activities for my own students.  I welcome constructive criticism because I value it as important advice!  

Support Moore, Oklahoma!

This has been a very busy first week of summer vacation!  My son graduated from high school on Monday, we took him to his university to attend freshman orientation and sign up for fall classes, and had a graduation party. We just got home this afternoon.  Whew!

While we were out of town, I stopped by Mardel to see if I could find a gift for Father's Day.  I did find my dad a gift, but I also bought myself this t-shirt.

I know you are aware of the tornadoes that hit Moore, Oklahoma on May 20th.  The tornadoes destroyed two elementary schools.  

This t-shirt features the quote by one of the brave teachers, Rhonda Crosswhite:

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this t-shit go directly to the educators of these schools.

I was excited to purchase the t-shirt not only because it's a small way to help but also, because I am proud that teachers like Ms. Crosswhite have courage and do what is right!

You can find the t-shirt at Mardel.

Word Work

I'm going to try and leave a quick little post.  I'm not at home.  I'm in the "sticks" as they say and it just took 20 minutes to load the following pictures.  Ugh!  I love the country, but how do people deal with such a slow internet connection?  Yikes!  It would drive me bonkers!  I guess I'm a little spoiled with our high speed connection at home.

Last summer, I spent a great deal of time trying to find a variety "can do" activities for my students to use during Daily 5 Word Work.  Each day, my students have a "must do", but when they are finished I provide a variety of manipulatives and activities for them to practice their sight words or Spelling Words.  I like to change out the "can do" choices, so they stay engaged and don't get bored.

I found this printable digital alphabet at OliveLoafDesigns on Etsy.

I copied the alphabet on printable magnetic paper.

 I find it at Walmart.  You can run it through your home printer, just like copy paper.

The letters are organized in alphabetical order.

I also found some old keyboards, cut the cords and let my students type their words.

They love this!

I know this was short and sweet, but this post took almost 30 minutes.  (sigh)  

Patience...patience!  I'll try to be patient!

300+ Followers!

I have reached a new milestone!  I have over 300 followers for my simple little blog.  I'm super excited!  That means it's time for a celebration!  I am currently working on a giveaway.  I already have some fabulously talented bloggers participating and donating their awesome products!  You won't want to miss the opportunity to win some phenomenal items! 

 Keep your eyes on my posts!  

300 Follower Giveaway!...

Coming Soon to a blog near you! ;0)

Let me know if you want to participate.  Leave a comment and your email address and I'll add you to the spreadsheet I created in Google Doc.

Summer Giveaway!

Summer!  It's "O FISH ally" summer!  Can I get a woo hoo?

There's no better time to celebrate!

I am thrilled to be participating in Marie's Summer Giveaway over at It's a Jungle Out There!

Several teachers and fellow bloggers have donated their products.  I'm donating my Stick Kids Parts of Speech and Punctuation Posters in this giveaway too.  

You can head on over to Marie's blog or you can enter the giveaway right here on my blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hurry!  Don't waste any time. The giveaway ends on June 12th.