Mrs. Gilchrist's Class

Pokemon Sight Word Cards Freebie

2024-04-04T07:53:00.002-04:00

Pokemon Sight Words: Includes the First 300 Fry Words. Click here to download for FREE :)

The Crayon Box That Talked FREEBIE

2021-10-20T18:53:00.004-04:00

Enjoy this fun activity with your class after reading The Crayon Box That Talked. Click on the picture above or click HERE to access this file

This file includes printable to make a class display:

2019-10-06T09:38:00.000-04:00

Trick or Teach!

Click here to download a page with direct links to the Halloween items on sale in my Teachers Pay Teachers store through October 31st.

All Things GLOWFORGE!

2019-07-07T18:57:00.002-04:00

I got a GLOWFORGE this summer!

The Glowforge is a 3D laser printer. You can see what it does in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysCaqh38JVQ

After posting some of my creations on Instagram, I started getting a lot of questions so I thought I would put some info here.

Here are some of the things I have made (and I'm just getting started!):

The GF can cut shapes up to 11.5" x 19.5" for the Basic and Plus models.

20" x unlimited for the Pro model.

Phone stand - This was a free cut file someone posted on the Glowforge forum.

My sister became a grandmother this year!

Made some Tic Tac Toe Games - FSU for my daughter :)

Made a ring!

Yes, I engraved pencils on my GF!

Clemson Version :)

Large Clips/Clothes Pins (see Amazon link below)

Magnets

More Clips/Clothes Pins

Monstra Leaf Coasters

Made this keychain for my father. Coordinates to our family home.

I am thinking of all kinds of Christmas tags I'll be making...

Name Puzzle

Are you thinking about getting a Glowforge??? Here are some of my favorite tips, tutorials and info:

The Glowforge Forum
Have a specific question? It's probably here.

Laser Design Basics
When I first read this before I got my machine, I had questions about this. This makes 1000% sense once you get the machine and start playing around with it. I was mostly used to working with raster image programs (Photoshop) but you will need to use vectors (Inkscape or Illustrator) to upload to Glowforge. This explains it all.

Community Glowforge Tutorials: Table of Contents
I am using Inkscape to upload my SVG's to cut. There are a ton of great tutorials for Inkscape and Illustrator here.

Glowforge Interface - Tips & Tricks for Using the Glowforge App
This is the software where you upload your designs for GF to print or engrave.

Is it hard to learn? I've been asked that several times. It depends. If you have NO experience with any graphics programs, then yes, you will need to learn Inkscape or Illustrator and how to do a few things to design and upload what you want to cut. I knew my way around Photoshop pretty good but was VERY limited on Illustrator. I decided to use Inkscape as it was easier to learn than Illustrator and I had the hang of it in a few days. I have Illustrator but there is quite a learning curve to it so I'm pretty much sticking with Inkscape for now. Plus Inkscape is free. You can download it here:
https://inkscape.org/release/inkscape-0.92.4/ If you have a basic understanding of graphics/design, you can do it.

Glowforge Needs and Wants
This list is kind of out of order and random, but stuff that I'm using and like.

Window Vent: You need to vent your Glowforge out of a window. The laser creates smoke and smells that you don't want circulating through your house. I looked at many ways to accomplish this and this option below was the easiest way. No assembly - just unpack and pop it into your open window. I did have to remove the screen. The Glowforge has a hose that connects from the back of the machine onto this window vent. Easy peasy.

Dirt Devil Scorpion: I have this exact model and LOVE it. I also have a cordless vac similar to this but this corded Scorpion has double the suction power and gets EVERYTHING. Why do you need this? Tiny pieces of wood will go inside your machine and on the floor around it. If you've every stepped on a lego barefoot, that's what its like to step on tiny pieces of wood on the floor.

Small Fire Extinguisher: Safety first. Just wanted to have one next to my machine in case of emergency.

Make-up Sponges? This is my #1 method of painting - especially ENGRAVED pieces. I tried several types of brushes but kept finding it impossible to keep paint out of the engraved area. I saw these in a small pack at Hobby Lobby in the paint section and thought maybe that would work. It did! I just put some paint on a plate and dab it in the paint and onto the wood. As long as you don't press too hard, it stays on the surface and doesn't go into the engraved areas. And, I'm no longer washing brushes all the time. I use one and throw it away. They also have these at Target.

CA Glue and Precision tip bottles: If you plan on making any signs with lettering, you will most likely have some tiny/thin pieces to glue down. I use CA Glue for all of my projects (wood, mdf, gluing magnets, etc). The CA glue has a small tip but not as good as the precision tip bottles. You only need a tiny bit of CA glue and the precision tip bottles help keep it in control so that is doesn't leak out under your letters.

Lazy Susan: Not necessary but makes painting easier when you can easily turn it to get all the sides. I bought a plastic one that cost more than this. I would much rather have this one:

Fun supplies: These are the large clothes pins and mini pencils I have used in some of my projects. I also have the magnets that I use linked.

Xacto Do It Yourself Kit: On the rare occasion that a piece of wood (Baltic Birch) doesn't cut all the way through, I use my Xacto knife to get those little parts that want to hang on. I wanted a tiny saw blade to help make this task easier and found this kit. It helps when I need to cut small things out.

Shelving: This is what I got to store my 12x20 Proofgrade wood on. It fits perfectly!

Not necessary, but helps - Air Purifier: Totally not necessary but I have my Glowforge in a small space and this helps clear the smell out faster.

Acrylic Scorer: I bought some larger sheets of acrylic that were 24" long and needed them to be 20" to fit. This tool scores the acrylic so you can snap or break it into the size you want.

Caliper: If you venture out beyond proof grade materials you might actually wish you had this. You will need to measure the thickness of whatever material you are using and this is what a caliper does!

Paint: I buy most of my acrylic paint at Michaels/Hobby Lobby. Folk Art brand or whatever is cheaper. I did buy this set from Dick Blick so that I would have every color when I need it. The tubes are small so it wouldn't be great for large items, but it is great for lots of smaller projects (magnets, clips, letters, etc...

Wood: In addition to the Proofgrade wood from Glowforge (and you get a nice sample set included with your new Glowforge), I have been using a lot of MDF from Wooditis on Etsy. He ships insanely fast! I also just ordered some walnut wood from Home Depot online (its an online order only, you can't pick it up there). They will cut it for you and ship it to your home. I had it cut 12"x20" to fit the Glowforge but it hasn't arrived yet. I will update if it works out good.

A FREEBIE to use after Winter Break :)

2018-12-24T09:06:00.000-05:00

I just added a little FREEBIE to my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. This is perfect to have ready on the desks when students return to school from winter break.

This can be used in both primary and intermediate grades because students can either DRAW or WRITE in the phones (or both). There are two pages included - one page has prompts at the top of the phones and the second page is black so students can choose their own things to draw or write about.

Click HERE or on the photos below to get this freebie! And...while you're at my store, make sure to follow me so you can get a FREEBIE every month in your TPT inbox!

Happy Holidays!!!!

2018-08-02T20:53:00.002-04:00

Just added to my Teachers Pay Teacher Store:

(Oh and it's on sale August 2nd - 3rd!)

BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! EVERYTHING in my shop is on sale!!

2018-08-01T07:43:00.000-04:00

Last Day of School Signs FREEBIE :) Just Updated for the 2017-2018 School Year!

2018-04-14T08:14:00.000-04:00

I've just updated my Last Day of School Signs for the 2017-2018 School Year. These are PERFECT for end of year photos!

Click on the picture below the get them! They are FREE!

These match my First Day of School Signs that I update each year. Be on the lookout for 2018-2019 First Day of School Signs in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop in July!

Also, if you don't follow me on Teachers Pay Teachers, you should! I just uploaded my latest FOLLOWER FREEBIE for April. If you'd like a freebie each month, click here to see how easy it is to follow me: Mrs. Gilchrist's Follower Freebies

20% OFF My Entire TPT Store 10/31 - 11/01

2017-10-31T10:35:00.003-04:00

I couldn't resist :)

Visit my TPT shop today and tomorrow for 20% off of EVERYTHING!

www.MrsGilchristTPT.com

Scholastic Book Club Ideas and a FREEBIE :)

2017-10-25T08:12:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like that big Scholastic box being delivered to your classroom! I think most teachers know about Scholastic Book Clubs, but if you don't or are not using it in your class, you are missing out on an AMAZING opportunity! Scholastic built my classroom library. I can't even imagine how much money I saved by taking full advantage of everything the club has to offer! Not only do they make it easy to build or supplement a classroom library, they put affordable books into the hands of students, which is the ultimate goal to me.

With the help of Scholastic, I have a list of some of the awesome benefits of using Scholastic Book Clubs in your class:

1. Look for One Dollar Book Deals featuring Your Students’ Favorite Titles

Each month, Scholastic Book Clubs offers a wide variety of “$1 book deals,” making it easy for both teachers and parents to afford high-quality reads for kids to read independently in the classroom and at home. Be sure to also check out Clubs’ blog and social accounts for weekly dollar deals. *This is my favorite gift idea for students! I use $1 books for holiday gifts and end of year gifts. I like to add a special personalized note on the inside cover for each student :)

2. Grow Your Library Quickly with “Book Bundle” Collections

Every Scholastic Book Clubs flyer includes a great selection of book bundles, curated by our editors, for teachers to add up to 5 to 10 books in their classroom for only a few dollars! Topics range from real life heroes to holiday-themed collections to laugh-out-loud reads. *I have found the bundles to be a great resource for supplementing my Science and Social Studies units!

3. Get to Know the NEW Apple Recognition and Rewards Program

The Apple Recognition and Rewards program is a way to say “thank-you” for teachers—and students— who go the extra mile to foster a love of reading. Every teacher this year joins the program automatically. Check out additional rewards including free shipping, surprise gifts, Scholastic Teacher Magazine subscription discounts, and more to create a dynamic, book-loving classroom. *The program without the additional teacher rewards and bonuses is incredible, adding the teacher rewards is like a cherry on top!

4. Utilize Monthly Rewards and “Bonus Points” for More Free Books & Classroom Supplies

Each month, Scholastic Book Clubs offers several ways for teachers to add even more free books and resources for their classroom, such as furnishings, educational games and posters. This year, every dollar a classroom spends on an order, the teacher earns “one bonus point.” For example, this October, schools that order over $50 will earn an additional 10 free books.

5. Introduce a New Teacher to Clubs to help build her or his classroom library

Teachers who are already enrolled in Scholastic Book Clubs are eligible for special “bonus points” when they help new teachers get started with the program. This year, both teachers will receive an extra 250 bonus points to help build their classroom library full of free books! *A total win-win!

Are you ready to get started??? Here's a short video that will get you on your way!

Oh, I have a freebie for you too! Here is a GREAT WAY to get students excited about ordering from the monthly flier. I made this several years ago and it has made a big difference in the amount of orders I received.

Click on the picture to get this!

If you don't have time to do this activity or if your students are too young, always give students time in class to preview the flier. They get SO excited about the books! I like to put a copy under my document camera and read the titles while we peruse the books. The students love this. A good tip is to do this at the very end of the day so it's fresh in their mind when they get home!

Happy Reading!

Feeling Grumpy?

2017-09-05T11:02:00.001-04:00

Available in Dolch AND Fry Words

Labor Day Sale - My Entire Teachers Pay Teachers Store is 20% Off Today Only

2017-09-04T08:36:00.001-04:00

Happy Labor Day! I am having a sale today (September 4th)! Everything is marked 20% off in my entire store!

I've added a lot of new products to my store recently so I hope you have a little time today to check them out :)

Here are a few things that are brand new (click on the pictures to see more):

Need Writing Ideas? Here you go :) The Writing Kit is FULL of Writing templates & activities!

Pokemon Go Sight Words Game: Available in both Dolch and Fry Versions

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Sight Words Game: Available in both Dolch and Fry Versions

Guardians of the Galaxy: Available in Dolch and Fry Sight Words, Addition, Subtraction AND Multiplication Games

My Little Pony Sight Words Game: Available in both Dolch and Fry Versions

Emoji Code! Available in Dolch Sight Words (Fry Words Coming Soon!)

Candy Land Games BUNDLE: Beginning Sounds, CVC Words, CVCe Words, Blends & Diagraphs

Captain Underpants - I have tons of Captain Underpants items in my shop for Sight Words and Math

Pattern Block Pictures: Available in Dolch and Fry Sight Words and Alphabet Recognition

Making Popcorn Words: Available in Dolch and Fry versions

Happy Labor Day!

Pokemon Go Sight Words Games!

2017-08-28T08:56:00.001-04:00

I've just added a new Pokemon Go Sight Words game to my shop.

This is available in both Dolch and Fry Word versions:

Click HERE to see the Dolch Version.

Click HERE to see the Fry Words Version.

Hope you'll check them out :)

I'm having a SALE! August 22 - 23 Save 20% off my Entire TPT Store!

2017-08-21T08:35:00.001-04:00

Click HERE or on the picture below to shop!

Everything is already reduced 20% both days, but you can save an additional 5% on Tuesday, August 22nd when you use code "BTSBONUS" at checkout.

New Sight Word Games! Guardians of the Galaxy, My Little Pony and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & More!

2017-08-20T10:10:00.000-04:00

I've just posted 6 new sight word games to my Teachers Pay Teachers shop!

Click on the pictures to see more!

Guardians of the Galaxy Sight Words Game

in both Dolch and Fry Versions

My Little Pony Sight Words Game

in both Dolch and Fry Versions

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Sight Words Game

in both Dolch and Fry Versions

Actually, I have a LOT of new items in my shop right now! Hope you can stop by and check them out :)

Also available in Fry Words!

Back To School FREEBIE and BIG SALE News!

2017-08-01T08:40:00.004-04:00

It's SALE TIME! Save 25% August 1st - 2nd on EVERYTHING in my TPT shop. Everything is already discounted 20% but you can take an additional 5% off when you use code "BTS2017" at checkout!

I've just added a few new items to my shop:

LOTS of Binder Cover Sets

Dolch AND Fry Sight Word Activities

Editable Items

AND MORE :)

While you are shopping, grab this FREEBIE:

Click on the picture above to get it :)

Happy Shopping!!!

2017-2018 First Day of School Signs FREEBIE :)

2017-07-13T10:19:00.001-04:00

I've just updated my FREE "First Day of School Signs" for the 2017-2018 School Year!

Click on the picture above or HERE to get them!

Also, only a few days left to get in on the raffle for a FREE set of Editable Binder Covers - MANY sets to choose from:

Have a GREAT Day :)

A Giveaway and More Binder Cover Sets

2017-07-08T09:14:00.000-04:00

I've just added more binder cover sets to my Teachers Pay Teachers store :) Make sure to scroll down below for a chance to win free set!

Each set includes 5 Coordinating EDITABLE Binder Covers, Editable Spines (to fit multiple sizes of binders), and Back Covers.... FOR ONLY $3.00!

Here are three more sets that have just been added.

Click on the pictures below for more info and to see them in my TPT Store.

Tropical Binder Cover Set:

Woodland Animals Binder Cover Set:

Black, White & Gold Binder Cover Set:

I am giving away a free set of your choice! Click here to enter :)

Classroom Organization: Teacher Binders (Win a FREE Set!)

2017-07-03T10:26:00.001-04:00

I love using binders to organize pretty much everything! I use them for school AND home. Even in this digital age, I still prefer to reach for a binder to find important paper and resources.

I have been working on several binder cover sets and have just added several of them to my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. Each set has 5 coordinating EDITABLE covers, 5 matching back covers and spine options to match each cover & back.

Best of all, each bundle of 5 sets is only $3.00!!!!

These are editable in PowerPoint - just choose your own text, fonts, colors, etc... and customize them for your needs.

A few ideas for using these are for teacher binders, data binders, my child's school binders - I added her name and the subject on each cover, student portfolios, lesson plan binders and more. You can add any text and use them over and over - at school or home.

The first set has an adorable "girly" school theme:

Here are some of the new sets just added to my shop:

I'd love to give a set away:) All you need to do is enter the Rafflecopter below and don't worry - there are no hoops to jump through - just answer a simple question to enter (and even that is optional).

The question is:

What is your classroom "theme"? If you don't have a theme, you can say you don't have one (it won't count against you!). If you don't have a theme but have a color scheme - put that.

I will notify the winner by e-mail and you can pick the set you'd like :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Captain Underpants Sight Words Games :)

2017-06-01T22:54:00.001-04:00

Just in time for the new movie, I've added a new Captain Underpants Sight Words Game to my shop. This is available in both Dolch and Fry Versions!

Also great for some fun summer practice!!!!

LAST Day of School Signs FREEBIE :)

2017-04-28T08:22:00.000-04:00

They are here! I just added my "Last Day of ___________" signs for the 2016-2017 school year. You can click HERE or on the picture above to get them. All 5 signs (Preschool - Second Grade) are included - just print the one you need.

EASTER SALE! 20% off EVERTHING in my TPT Store!

2017-04-14T08:59:00.002-04:00

Click on the picture or here to shop!

2017-02-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

I LOVE TPT so I'm having a sale :)

February 7th-8th EVERTHING in my store will be marked 20% off and you can save an additional 8% when you use code LOVETpT at checkout!

Click on the ad below to start shopping:

New Year's Activity Mat and a Teachers Pay Teachers SALE!

2016-12-23T10:47:00.000-05:00

I am having a sale NOW through December 26th! Everything in my Teachers Pay Teachers store is 20% off.

I've also just posted a 2017 New Year's Activity Mat - GREAT for welcoming your students back after the holiday break!

Happy Holidays!!!

Win a $10 Gift Card to Teachers Pay Teachers to use during the upcoming Cyber Sale 2016!

2016-11-27T00:14:00.000-05:00

Save 28% in my Teachers Pay Teachers store this Monday and Tuesday (11/28 and 11/29) during TPT's Cyber Sale! Everything in my store will be 20% off and you can save AN ADDITIONAL 10% MORE when you use the code CYBER2016 at checkout!!!

Also...I have a $10 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Certificate for to give away!!! Easy Peasy....just enter the rafflecopter below and leave me a comment right here on my blog! One person will be selected at random to win. They will be notified Tuesday morning so they can use their gift certificate during the sale!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway