Oh So Elementary

Back to School with a BANG

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 16:31:00 +0000

I know everyone else is gearing up for the great Back to School Season! A season full of emotions, prep, planning, and reuniting with your teacher besties! I have a few B2S tips, new products, and life updates to share.

Life Updates:

So, I've been a little MIA in the blog world since my tough school year last year. (I know we all have them, but whew! What a year!) I am excited to get back to the grind with a new group and a new addition to my own family. I'm PREGNANT! My husband and I are expecting our sweet #3 this fall. We have two little girls who are super excited to soon have a baby brother, or as Addie Belle calls him, "Baby Buduh." I have enjoyed having some downtime this summer to spend extra time with my girls before the new transition to family of 5. However, I am nervous about being so far along at back to school time. I have always been pregnant later in the school year, so this prep is a new challenge for me. If you have been 2nd or 3rd trimester at B2S time, I would love some tips!

24 Weeks with Baby Boy!

I also have been featured in the Back to School July edition of Kindergarten Crate! My Kissing Hand handprint poem activity was in every July crate ordered, and I feel very blessed Paula included me! The rest of my Kissing Hand activities can be found as part of my Back to School Book Activities on TpT.

Photo Credit: Diana White, via Kindergarten Crate Facebook Page

Teacher Tip:

My biggest tip for the new year has been to CURB TEACHER SPENDING! Yes, I said it. We are guilty as charged for our Target, Dollar Tree, and Amazon indulgences, but I have really tried to curb my spending and have a no impulse teacher buys frame of mind this year. Instead, I have been making must have lists, researching prices, and watching the sales. I know there are a lot of things that we have to replenish each year, but I'm proud to say I've been doing better! (Maybe it is the thought of maternity medical bills and pay cut due to maternity leave that has had me even more fiscally minded!) Last year I had already spent $400 before Meet the Teacher Night, and with a large class of 27 I was spending double and triple for each project, because packs of 10, 12, even 24, was not enough! One thing I have found is that on Amazon, I look at all buying options and sometimes can get supplies several dollars cheaper with free shipping, just not prime 2 day convenient. Even from reliable sellers like Office Depot. Check it out, and if you have time to wait the extra few days, do it! (Also, imagine not running to town for it, eating out, and buying extras in store on impulse!)

New Products:

I have also been working on creating some great classroom themed products for my Oh So Elementary TPT store! I'd love for you to check them out. I have priced them appropriately to help with your B2S wallets, and I hope they prove to be an asset to your classrooms. My large classroom calendar will be soon posted along with different themes! You can also get the newsletters in a double set of specific themes if you would rather not buy the bundle. Check my Back to School category!

Before you leave, I'd like to pray with you for your school year.

Lord, please be with the teachers who may be reading this post today. Give them the strength and wisdom to prepare their classrooms for precious children. Help them shine Your light and love into their students' world, modeling grace and mercy as You have graciously bestowed to us. Prepare us Lord for the battlefield of teaching that we may be strong against any attempts Satan might throw at us to steal our joy or take away from our teaching ministry. Let Your Holy Spirit guide us in all we do and say! In Your name, Amen!

Happy FALL y'all! [Books, Activites, and APPLESAUCE!]

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 03:57:00 +0000

We are finally in the sweet spot of FALL, and I am loving it!

The beginning of kinder is always tough, but to be very honest, this has been the roughest start I have ever experienced with a group. It has been more difficult navigating my large class and all of its needs and personalities. BUT! I am so happy that I can finally say we are in that good place where we can accomplish big things and have formed a great bond already. I am excited to share what we have been up to and how some of my OSE products have made it even more special.

We have had a blast with apples, leaves, pumpkins and all things Fall! I have used my Fall Math, Literacy, & MORE pack and Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice together since September, and I've loved watching my kinders engage with my learning activities. I cannot tell you what a rewarding moment it has been seeing them enjoy and grow with my OSE materials! All the hard work was so worth it and more! Here are a few pictures of these two products in action. (Look for my sister's First Grade bunch's writing and art also!)

Pumpkin Puzzles: matching number to number word

Kindergarten Pumpkin Poetry

Hall Display of Pumpkin Poetry and Activities (Circumference and Adjectives)

Kindergarten Fall Fun Writing (Picture jumping in leaves) Crayon Resist Leaves

So proud of my sweet niece! I love teaching her!

My twin sister's first grade group used my How to Carve a Pumpkin activities

They turned out great! Go First Grade!

The Fall season in kindergarten is never complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch and some crock pot applesauce! We were hot and sweaty with a 90 degree trip to the pumpkin patch (yes, that's Texas late October for ya), but we had a beautiful mid 70s day today for crock pot applesauce! If you are wondering, here is the recipe I used:

CROCK POT APPLESAUCE

5 lbs red apples

Two splashes vanilla

Several sprinkles of cinnamon (5 year old style)

Cup of water

I also squeezed the juice of one lemon to toss the peeled and sliced apples in the night before. They did not turn too brown and were nice and pretty to use the next morning!

After my kinders helped me get it all ready to go, we cooked the apples on HIGH for 4 hours. I barely had to mash them because they were so tender a simple stir did the trick to smooth out the lumps.

Y'all my classroom smelled HEAVENLY all day long! You could even smell it from the hallway.

In case you are looking for some amazing read alouds to compliment your fall activities, these are a few of the ones I use with my class that are always great. If you haven't heard of Little Boo, you are seriously missing out! Go order it today! It is a great pumpkin life cycle book about a little pumpkin seed who wants to scare but has to keep growing until he is picked and becomes a jack-o-lantern!

I cannot lie, I am super excited that our 90 degree Fall is now looking like 70s, and I can start pulling out my cardigans, scarves, and boots! It is medicine to my soul!

Thank you all for following and taking a peek at these activities, I'd love to hear about any interesting Fall activities you and your kiddos enjoy so leave me a comment below!

HAPPY FALL!

TpT Blog Hop - Gift Card Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 13:05:00 +0000

I know we all love a giveaway, and this one is incredible!

I really want to bless someone with $10 TpT money to spend! Head over to my Facebook page and enter by like, share, comment! Make sure you comment with "Shared!"

You can also comment on this blog post that you shared!

Yes, us teachers love a good sale! Stock up on all the goodies to make your classroom a success this year! I'd love for you to check out my store: Oh So Elementary!

Stock up on handwriting and my newest SHAPES GALORE! Let's Write Letters takes a differentiated approach that can be used throughout the school year for your different stages of learners. It covers so many skills, you definitely want to take a look at it!

Start the kinder year off with this Pre-Assessment and Back to School Book Activities! From Kissing Hand to Pete the Cat, it has it all to make your first week(s) successful!

I am in LOVE with my numbers practice pages. Lots of skills are worked with those pages and give students ways to show what they know! They love choosing their own ways to represent numbers, and my kiddos blow me away each year! (Last year some tried to do multiplication and actually nailed it!)

Spruce up your room decor with these center signs! Who doesn't love chevron and cute clip art!!??

These kinder sight word digital cards are part of my fluency routine. We make it interesting each day and get in some great sight word practice!

Click the image below for the next stop on the blog hop! Enter to win more TpT gift card giveaways!! Don't forget to catch my store tomorrow, so start loading your cart with goodies today!!!

Also, leave feedback on TpT products to ear credits you can use on your next purchase!!

Getting Ready for 27 - Room Reveal!

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 04:57:00 +0000

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I finally had "the moment" this afternoon! You know the moment when you walk to the door, turn around, and take the final look around the classroom before you turn off the lights and lock the door? The moment when you know there is nothing else you can do to get it ready for the first day of school? That was me this afternoon! In that second, I had a giant sigh of relief. I have been anxiously preparing for 27 kinderbabies, and it was touching gold several times this week. I wondered if I could actually make the space workable for 27 little personalities with energy tanks on full. I had to get creative on seating arrangements, zip tie plastic crates together for cubbies, rework several procedures, and anticipate any problem areas - but I think I finally pulled it off! Only Monday morning will tell!

These pictures were taken very quickly as I was enjoying my Ah-Ha moment at the end of the day, and I already remember things I didn't take pictures of. Nevertheless, I invite you to take a look around my not so perfect room. It might seem a hot mess to some, but it is my home away from home. I love this room and will love it even more when my 27 sweet faces occupy it come Monday!

Kindergarten: Amazing things happen here!

One of my two sets of cubbies. Notice the three zip tied crates to the left. They are my extra cubbies since I ran out!

Several more centers and Eric Carle themed reading area!

Yes, that is me in that reading poster!

Puzzles, Magnadoodle, etc.

Writing Center

Easel Area and Word Wall. (You can barely see art center.)

This space is a MESS! I will do better one day!

Love my SmartBoard. I also have student computers and iPads. I LOVE technology and am wishing for more!!!

I love this picture especially of myself on the first day of kindergarten as a student and as a teacher. My mom surprised me with this after school that day. She had me take the picture in the same place in our dining room. (I thought she was nuts making me do it!) This is even more special that I was headed both times to the same school! I teach in my hometown school where I attended K-12.

My table and their tables!

I have been so inspired by the classrooms that I have seen many post online. There is so much that goes into the planning and set up of a classroom, and I know the hours and hard work everyone has put in has not been in vain. Soon children will be learning in an inviting atmosphere and navigating a well-planned space through procedures carefully taught! Job well done my friends!

Let me know what you think! Leave me a comment on what you might like or not like about my set up!

Be a Tigger - NOT an Eeyore: My Back to School Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 04:12:00 +0000

Be a Tigger, NOT an Eeyore.

That my friends is the BEST advice I ever got from a college professor to us soon-to-graduate teacher interns. She even gave out these tiny plastic Tiggers at our Intern Orientation to drive home the piece of advice, and it truly has made its mark on me. This little Tigger has since stuck with me and has sat on top of my computer over the years. He is my constant reminder of what I need to be as a teacher. As oh so elementary as that is, it's absolutely true. Be a Tigger, NOT an Eeyore!

We need to be a Tigger in our classrooms. One that sees the silver lining in every circumstance. A Tigger that giggles with delight and bounces with enthusiasm each day. We need to love the hard to love students. Smile when we feel overwhelmed. Show kindness and joy to our students even on the tough days. Although Eeyore is as cute as can be, let's try to take a tip from Tigger and bounce on the positive side as much as possible this year!

Be the Tigger on your teaching team! Help those around you be a tigger too. They may be having an Eeyore moment and just need a little "Tiggerization!" If you don't know what that means take a look at the video clip below. Then think about how you can Tiggerize your teammates. I don't recommend literally painting them with stripes, but attitude is contagious y'all. Both bad and good attitudes can spread like wildfire. I am guilty of having an Eeyore attitude from time to time when school things aren't going as I would like them to, but I am making a conscious effort to be positive and encouraging to my teacher teammates this year!

Lastly, THANK God for the Tigger moments and PRAY through your Eeyore ones. He will give you everything you need to bounce through your classroom door each morning and the strength to withstand the rainy days. Not only am I committing to being more of a Tigger this year, but I am also committing to praying more during this school year. I have 26 (maybe more) kinders headed my way, and I know I need His guidance and strength to give them all I've got. I've shared how I have been so blessed by the Christian Teachers facebook group, and now I am excited to start the Prayer Journal that Bonnie and Meghan have created. I want to grow closer to Him this school year. I have a tendency to push away as I get overwhelmed with teaching, juggling my home life, church commitments, and all, but I know He wants to draw nearer to me especially when my life is hard and to-dos are mounting.

If you feel led and want to take a look at the prayer journal, you can download it for FREE, or you can order one like mine HERE.. Many Thanks to Bonnie and Meghan for their hard work putting it together for His glory!

My hopes for the school year? In the words of Tigger, IT'S GONNA BE GREAAAAT!!!!

Best Year Ever Sale + TpT Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 12:41:00 +0000

The time is upon us! We are all going back to school and needing TeachersPayTeachers products to spruce up our classrooms and teaching. I am teaming up with other TpT sellers for the SITEWIDE sale event: Best Year Ever!

First, you will save up to 28% on almost ALL of my store items! All you have to do is use the TpT Code: BestYear. The sale will run from August 1st through August 2nd! This is an amazing deal as you will be purchasing most for only $2 or LESS!

Also! Enter for a chance to win a FREE Oh So Elementary product of your choice! Yes, I want to start out the school year with a little back to school love!

Enter Below via Rafflecopter!

You can visit my Facebook Page and LIKE,SHARE,COMMENT!

You can also leave a blog comment here telling me one thing you LOVE about Back to School!

Or, you can tweet about the giveaway!

Do all three and you have more points entered in to WIN, WIN, WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget we are all winners for this amazing sitewide TpT sale, so head over there now and put some OSE goodies in your cart!

Thanks always!

Five for Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Another summer week has come and gone, and I am still so FAR away from being ready for school! I am excited to do my first link up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for Five for Friday!

I am still trying to get my head straight after coming home from a whirlwind trip to Montana and back moving my brother home to Texas! He has finished his 6 years in the Air Force and we are so incredibly happy to have him home. It just seems so surreal! (No, he wouldn't let me drive the U-Haul, but obliged me the staged photo to send to my husband.)

Tuesday, my twin sister and I went to a professional development workshop. Woohoo! Well, kinda. We were the only K/1st folks in a room full of high school teachers. We learned a few neat Google tricks and got some much needed work done since the workshop was in our service center's computer lab!

I have been wanting to learn Google Forms (I know, I'm late to jump on that bandwagon!), and she walked us through all the ins and outs of how to make them and incorporate them in your classroom. We also saw some neat tricks from Aurasma Studio and Quizzizz.com.

I was feeling the love and posted two FREEBIES and a guided reading product this week! Click the pictures or HERE to go to my TpT store. Go check them out and leave me some feedback!! I may even post some more before the week is over, so keep looking back to see OR click the FOLLOW ME button to receive email updates when new products are posted!

I have been listening to this song like crazy this week. It speaks so sweetly to my soul. As part of our weekly #teachersintheword challenge, I encourage you to link another favorite worship song in the comments! I'd love to hear what has been speaking to your spirit this week!

I have been trying to work in my classroom. I am desperately behind and only have TWO weeks before inservice starts. I use the word trying, because I have to bring along two very sweet "helpers." My work time with them is half productive work and the other half cleaning up their "help." Who can resist these two adorable teacher kids!?!? Teacher-Moms, I know you can relate right now! I have also been working at night at school. You know it's bad when you leave at almost midnight and you are actually the first to leave and there are still teachers there laminating and working. We don't do it for the money, do we?

As the summer weeks are flying by, I am trying to soak up all the time I can with my girls. Hope you all are having productive work time and family time!

#teachersintheword

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 13:10:00 +0000

So I am the only kindergarten teacher at my district. I have no "kindergarten team," but we have an amazing team of elementary teachers who build one another up in Christ. Ladies who pray for one another and encourage each other in their walk with the Lord. I know I am very blessed to have that, and that not all of you may be in the same situation. You may be isolated for your faith in the workplace or even ridiculed. I want to point you to a community of teachers that has been an extra blessing in my life and career. Check out the Facebook group Christian Teachers. It is lead by Bonnie Hunter of Bonnie Kathryn Teaching and Meghan Powell Harris of Keeping Up with Mrs. Harris. They are amazing women living out their faith and doing the work God has commanded them to do. I have learned a lot from them and been inspired through our group discussions and challenges.

So if you are aching to connect with other teachers of like faith in Jesus Christ, your first challenge is to join the Facebook group and pray for God's blessing through it.

Then, I want you to really think about joining our current Bible Study "Open Your Bible" by Raechel Meyers and Amanda Bible Williams. I have been so uplifted and encouraged to open my Bible more and truly delve into the Word of God. Through live discussion via Google Hangouts, Bonnie and Megan (plus guest teachers) lead us through this study with excellent points to provoke a deeper commitment in reading and experiencing God's Holy and Living Word. The discussion may twist back to teaching here and there, but ultimately we are seeking God through His Word! I think you will truly enjoy it! You can catch up on previous weeks (Bonnie's YouTube) and/or jump right in to finish this amazing Bible Study with us. You can find all the information on the Facebook group page or sign up through Bonnie's page. You will not regret it!

You may want to also check out the hashtag #teachersintheword to see how this study and group has been touching the lives of so many teachers around our country. When there is so much turmoil in our nation- shootings, hate, violence, rampant attacks from the enemy, we need to really stand together to pray for one another as fellow teachers and as fellow brothers/sisters in Christ. We need to seek His truth that can only be found in the Bible.

Our Week 4 challenge was to really spend daily time with good chunks of the Bible and see what God may be revealing to us. My sister wrote on her Facebook about 2 Timothy, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it tonight! She said it was very relevant to our lives and situations in America today. I completely agree!

II Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

II Timothy 4:3-5

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

John 1:5

The light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.

What are you studying in your Bibles? Give me a shout out in the comments or in social media on what scriptures are really speaking to you right now!

What's in your TpT cart?

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:58:00 +0000

The summer is like one giant planning period, and I have been super busy trying to get new products on TpT while snagging some great deals of my own! I think teacher created resources are not only more eye appealing and engaging, but also tried and true. You can bet if a teacher made it and is using it, the quality is there and your students are going to benefit!

So what's been in my cart?

Tara West! She has been on a marketing streak with her Summer Steals, Bundles, BOGOs, and more. I have been very fortunate to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE on new curriculum to vamp up my kindergarten instruction. She is the creator/owner of Little Minds at Work, and her products are AMAZING. I am very excited to utilize them this year!

Each of these Tara West products have been on super sale. I started grabbing these in April/May and June has been evermore on sale! These products combined total $224.00. That price is well deserved for the amount of work and energy put into them. However, with her generous sales and deals, I snagged this lot for ONLY $77.00! How incredible is that! I know that may seem like a lot out of out of pocket expense for your classrooms, but I am kinda addicted to her stuff! I also purchased this Close Reads bundle earlier in the 2015-2016 school year and have enjoyed it as well. It has been great for my theme units and learning to connect questions with textual evidence.

What else? I am excited to try out Emily Ames's Alphabet SmartBoard Bundle! Sure, I could have taken extra time to work on my own, but thank heavens I found this to save me some time! I love my SMART board, so this is right up my alley.

I know I am new to the TpT game, and building my store is going to be a slow and steady race, but I love learning from established sellers such as these. If by chance you want to hop on over to my store and check out the products I have posted, here is the link! If you grab something, please leave me some feedback! I'd love to hear from you!

Let me know what you have in your cart!! What are some amazing buys you have snagged in hopes of taking your classroom and instruction to the next level? Comment Below or connect with me on social media!

Summer Teacher Steals!

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:46:00 +0000

So, I'm not trying to break the bank on my personal budget towards my classroom, but man is it hard to resist! Here are a few of my summer finds to use in my classroom. (Warning, I am not being paid by any of these stores to write about these finds. However, if they choose to do so, HEY, I obviously need to recoup my teacher spending!)

Let's start with Target.

Target, Target, Target!

Your "Dollar Spot" should just be called the "Target Teacher Zone" because we know who you are marketing! Let me tell y'all, they have put out some super cute things in their $1 and $3 bins. Pegboards, bins and baskets, bulletin board sets, wall decals, and more. My new calendar set is my FAVORITE, but I can't remember if it is $1 or $3. It was well spent regardless because it has really vibrant colors and fun graphics.

I know, right!? Colors galore and Pintrest worthy finds! I was at a Super Target, so you may have to check around if smaller Targets have less of a supply.

What about my other favorites? That's right, HOBBY LOBBY, DOLLAR TREE, and AMAZON!

You can always find your staple items at the Dollar Tree. I think teachers probably keep that place in business anyways. Every time I go to one of my Kindergarten math workshops, we share our Dollar Tree finds and how we are using them in our classroom! Also, check out those cute little test tubes with holders! They'll be great in my science center, and since they were only a dollar, it won't be a problem if they get a little extra loved!

I really made a Summer Steal at Hobby Lobby. The bright pink and yellow card stock was clearanced to $2.15! Don't forget to always look online for the 40% off coupon to help on any big item - I know some of my friends have used their Teepees in their reading areas. My Amazon finds were scented markers (Mr. Sketch) and Paper Mate Flair Pens.

Although I like hitting up all these great spots, nothing beats the experience I have at my local teacher store! I will be making my need list for there soon.

I'm sure you all can relate. We "have the summer off," but do we ever "turn it off?" No. Our teacher brains are always running at full speed, and we spend way more time (and money!) in our classrooms during the summer than most would think. I'd love to see your Summer Teacher Steals, let me know what deals you find!

Comment Below or Share on Facebook!

Meet the Teacher Brochures - QR Code Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 02:15:00 +0000

TUTORIAL ALERT!

So I've uploaded a new product to Teachers Pay Teachers! I hope you will love and utilize these Meet the Teacher Brochures that you can edit for your grade level/classroom and print in either color or black and white. I have included PreK - 6th grade and a blank one for complete personalization!

When folded, these brochures have a contact info section on the back. I think QR codes with contact information are very impressive to parents, so I choose to not only type out my contact details but also add a QR code so parents can easily scan and save contact information into their smart phones/devices. Many teachers tell me they do not know how to create one, so I want to show you a little video tutorial to help you out here. Not only can you insert your QR to this product, but maybe this tutorial will also help you know how to create and use QR codes more in your classroom. They aren't as tech scary as you think if you aren't the most savvy computer person! Watch and see how simple you can create one to insert into these brochures! The video doesn't have volume, just pay attention to my screen clicks and steps!

Let me know what you think or if you have any trouble or questions!

Comment Below!!

My First TeachersPayTeachers Product!!

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 20:03:00 +0000

For years I have been saying I am going to start selling on Teachers Pay Teachers, and I have finally uploaded my first product! Every kinder teacher needs a Student Information Form for the beginning of school, and it's a FREEBIE too! Use it on Meet the Teacher Night, Open House, or Back to School Night. It is printer friendly as black and white, but how awesome would it look on neon or colored paper!? Please check it out, and I hope it makes your back to school form process much easier!

I am very excited to work on some more and make them available to you all. Don't forget to check back at my store for more in the future!

A Day in Kindergarten

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 11:58:00 +0000

To the untrained eye, a day in kindergarten may look like a complete three ring circus act. However, I assure you everything we do is intentional and purposeful for the benefit of growing as little learners. We are working hard, exploring the social setting of school, becoming friends, and growing our independence and confidence. Yes, I do get asked what we do all day in kindergarten a lot and about naps and centers. So, I would love to share what our day looks like in kindergarten.

Welcome to the Class- Morning Work, Attendance, Lunch Count, Pledges, etc.

Morning Routine - Calendar, Lots of daily math and some literacy skill practice. This is where a lot of my math challenge work comes in! (15 - 25 Minutes)

Math - Math Topic, Manipulative Practice, Student Practice. We may also incorporate videos, create anchor charts, act it out, or connect it in a real world way. (1 Hour)

Phonics Time! - Flashers routine, Lessons, Student Practice - We are moving, see a phonics clip, navigate SmartBoard lessons, practice letter formation, and build words! (45 Minutes)

Break & Get ready for lunch, Student Lunch, Activity Time

Restroom and Regroup - Story, quiet desk work, coloring, etc. (15 Minutes)

Read and Write! – Sight Words, Texas Treasures, Theme Stories, Close Reads, Direct reading and writing instruction with daily journals. (1 hour)

(Note: Daily Journals - We try to write everyday practicing a certain skill or responding to literature usually at end of our Read and Write time. We may do journals before theme and centers or after depending on the flow of the topics and day.)

Theme Studies - Engaging in thematic studies for science, social studies, and/or seasonal activities. We do week long or two week theme studies throughout the year that are cross connected to Texas Treasure topics and any holidays/seasons. We also create artwork to match our writing projects during this block of time to display in the halls. (30 Minutes)

Centers! - Learning disguised as play! (30 Minutes)

Pick Up and Pack Up

Snack and Recess

Nap time?

No, but I do allow some quiet moments, and I can adjust when I notice my class is needing downtime. Quiet music, Junie B. Jones, or some calming art works wonders!

Are centers play oriented?

In the past I have done really structured centers working on skill concepts. I have also done play only centers with a kitchen and dramatic play, but now I have a great middle ground with learning disguised as play. Students work with freedoms and choices while also incorporating an element of skill practice. Students work with partners or groups of three so social/emotional growth is taking place as well. I have Art, Library, Writing, Magnadoodle, Math, Science, Computer, iPad, Magnets, Book Boxes, Word Work, Puzzles, and "Fun Center Fridays." I also do small groups or one-on-one interventions during center time. I sometimes interact with the children in centers and get in on some of their fun, but mostly I allow them peer time.

Which activities incorporate technology?

All! Our Morning Routine starts on the SmartBoard (I couldn't live without it!) and our math, phonics, reading, writing, and theme studies all have Smart lessons I have created or incorporated from TpT. I also use my Elmo document camera to display activities/manipulatives and use online videos or games to support our lessons. Students also rotate for computer and iPad time in centers. I set up activities, websites, and apps to use but also allow them choices to navigate as they would like. I LOVE technology in the classroom!

Approximately Per Day

1 Hour, 15 Minutes: Math

2 Hours: Phonics, Reading, Writing

30 Minutes: Theme Studies (Science, Social Studies)

30 Minutes: Centers

1 Hour, 15 Minutes: Playground and Activity

Although I set time aside for each of these skills, they are intertwined throughout our day. We make connections across curriculums no matter what activity is at present. Making learning relevant and connectable is so important to kindergarteners. Being the only kindergarten teacher gives me a great autonomy to follow the interests and abilities of my students. Some days we may have to completely rework our schedule to fit in a special activity or guest. Some days we take a quick morning recess or have extra reward time. I can truly tailor my instruction and schedule for what is BEST for my students, and for that I am truly blessed as an educator! I really like that I have a very supportive administration that allows me to make those decisions as well.

Let me know if you have questions or would like to share what your day in kindergarten looks like! I love hearing other perspectives and seeing what other schools and states are doing! Comment below or email me at ohsoelementary123@gmail.com. Thanks!

The Journey to a Million

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 06:29:00 +0000

"Success doesn't come and find you, you have to go out and get it."

When I was a first year teacher, I felt I was pretty well prepared for the classroom. Henderson State University gave me an incredible foundation as a entering teacher, but to be completely honest, I was still a tad bit clueless. So, what do you do when you want to know something? You Google it! That's how I found April Larremore's blog, Chalk Talk, and it quickly became my inspiration hub. She had great articles and reviews for products sold on Teachers Pay Teachers. One of those TpT sellers, Deanna Jump, stood out from the crowd for kindergarten resources. (I STILL teach some of her units and use her products every year! She creates phenomenal things!) As I followed some of Deanna's successes over the past few years through TpT, I have felt more and more compelled that this is a great avenue for revenue!

Deanna Jump has become a SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRE! (Yes, you heard that right. An elementary teacher millionaire!) And she points to the quote, "Success doesn't come find you, you have to go out and get it." I think this is an American dream attitude that seems to be lost these days. So, I applaud her all the more. After all, her story is part of the reason I am here today, five years later, starting a blog and beginning my adventures on TpT.

I encourage you to watch her keynote speech as she tells about how she went from cashing in her emergency fund piggy bank each month, to making a huge difference in her family's financial lives!

(Caution: you may start a blog or seller's account after watching! It is that inspiring!)

Contact Me

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 01:22:00 +0000

If you have comments or questions related to my work or blog, feel free to reach out to me via social media on Facebook. Like and Share anything that inspires you from my posts! You can also send me an email. I'd love to hear feedback and any advice that you can offer as well!

Facebook: Oh So Elementary
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhSoElementary
TpT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Oh-So-Elementary

Email: ohsoelementary123@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

About Me

noreply@blogger.com (Oh So Elementary) — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 22:49:00 +0000

About Me... Personally

My career as a kindergarten teacher is very important to me, but above that comes my greatest accomplishment: my family. My soul mate hubby and I met in college and were married our senior year. We have two beautiful girls. They are the light of my life and keep me on my toes for sure! I hope to raise them as southern belles, true ladies with grace and charm. But let's face it, playing in the mud and covering themselves in Popsicle juice is more their definition of fun. At least for now. We choose to enjoy the little things and cherish ordinary moments as a family, for in the end they make up the big picture of life!

My Education

I grew up in a small Texas town where there wasn't much else to do but work hard. I graduated with only 17 classmates. Working hard helped me earn my way to Henderson State University, renowned for their Teacher's College program and historically specializing in education. I had an incredible undergraduate experience tailoring every course study to relate to early childhood education. God truly put people, places, and events in my path to build me up as an educator. Can you find me on the front row? (Note: my twin sister is in the picture too!)

My Career in Education

My dream job was always to teach kindergarten at my small little hometown school. After graduation, that became a reality. I LOVE my job as the only kindergarten teacher. I have an incredible autonomy that helps me make decisions for the best interests of my students, however sometimes I do long for that team atmosphere most other kinder teachers have in larger districts. My twin sister is the only first grade teacher as well at our school, and I must say, we make an awesome team! Here we are on the first day of school 2014.

My Faith

My faith is anchored to the hope I have in Jesus Christ. I hope you will see Him through my posts and personality. He is my guide and comfort, a true living God. Blogging and connecting online with other teachers has been my dream, and I dedicate all efforts to Him. Psalm 37:5 Says, "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." I leave you with my favorite verse and hope you enjoy this blog!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11