Arts, Crafts & a No Homework Pass

Are you looking for a Snowman Craft? Here's one that my class enjoyed from Art Projects for Kids. It didn't take to long to prepare and my students really enjoyed it. It required white paper, masking tape, and watercolor paints.

I'm so thrilled to have started an Art Club! Several of our teachers have launched Lunch Clubs at our school in order to provide new learning experiences for our students. Each teacher chose to lead a club that would interest different students and keep them occupied during the lunch hour. Yes, lunch HOUR. We have an entire hour lunch, which can be problematic for those students who desperately need the structure that comes from being in a classroom. The clubs are 1 to 2 days a week and last 30 minutes. Each teacher chose the grade levels and number of students they would allow to participate.

I have been dying to teach more art. Our kiddos just don't get enough art instruction in class. So, I decided I would focus on water coloring projects. Mrs.Brown's Art Class is usually my go-to resource for grade specific art lessons. You should check it out if you're looking for art lessons. Click {HERE} to visit her site. So far we have only done the Picasso painting, which was difficult for students to really understand. They looked at me crazy (yes, you know the faces) when I showed them the examples and said their eyes didn't have to be on their face. So, I think I'll try something a little more simple the next time I meet with my second and third graders. I'm sorry, but I don't have any pictures because our first few meetings have been a little crazy.

So, Valentine's Day is getting closer! I absolutely love all the reds, pinks, hearts, and major cuteness that comes along with Valentine's Day. You might have seen these adorable No Homework Passes that I plan to give my students (on IG).  My kiddos will attach them to their homework with a paper clip. Well, they're finally up for FREE for my Facebook Fans! All you have to do is <Like> my page.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

I'm Ready to Ring in the New Year!

I have to say 2013 has been an AMAZING year. It was filled with many wonderful memories and accomplishments. This year I crossed something off my Bucket List: I launched a blog! I began selling my creations on Teachers Pay Teachers and soon-after found this community of teacher-authors. I have enjoyed every minute of creating, connecting, and sharing. I’m looking forward to making 2014 just as fabulous. So, I’d like to ring in the New Year with a TpT sale. Everything is 20% off, even the stuff that’s less than $1.00! 

That’s Not a Snowman is one of my newest packs. I started it and let it sit for too long. I finally finished it during a long drive to Southern California. My students loved completing this take-home project with their families. These activities would be fun for students to complete when they return from Winter Break. Click {HERE} to head to see the That's Not a Snowman Craftivities.

Subtract Like a Ninja provides tools for teaching 2-digit subtraction. My students had fun using the steps and learning to subtract 2-digit numbers with and without regrouping. Click {HERE} to Subtract Like a Ninja. Click {HERE} to read the original blog post. 

Is your New Year’s resolution to get organized in the classroom? Check out my Common Core Gradebook for 2^nd Grade. It allows you to track grades by standard for up to 25 students. Click {HERE} to see the Gradebook.

Well friends, enjoy your evening and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! I'm off to New Year's Eve dinner with my hubby. 

Sparkly Smiles,