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May 15, 2016

Reading Challenge---FREEBIE (perfect for the end of the school year)

Are you looking for a fun activity for your students to do in the last few weeks of school?

How about something that is easy to manage, adaptable and engaging for kids?

If your answer isn't yes....then you are crazy!

Do you want to know what it is???  Well, it is called the Reading Challenge--- Ice Cream style, and you can download it for free at my TPT store by clicking here!!




By the end of the year, my kids need something different to keep them engaged during the last weeks of school.  I usually have wrapped up the introduction of new skills, yet am still wanting my students to practice what they have learned, their fluency and various reading strategies.  So, on the last week of school I introduce my students to the reading challenge--ice cream style!

Students have an entire week to work on the challenge.  I simply design various reading tasks I want students to complete and what a student can earn by accomplishing it.  Each task gives them the opportunity to earn a spoon, bowl, banana, ice cream scoops and toppings.



On the first day, I explain the challenge to my students, and answer all of their questions (they usually have LOTS).  I explain they have the whole week to get as much done as they can and want.  If a student wants to only earn ice cream, and no toppings--that is their choice.  If a student doesn't like bananas--fine, don't work toward the banana.  This challenge is student choice--they can decide where to start and what they want to earn.  Most all of my kids go for the WHOLE BANANA SPLIT!

 Then, in a central location,  I set out all of the materials needed to complete the tasks.


Students are able to get what they need (if it is available) when they want to complete the task.  If something isn't available, students are instructed to pick another activity---but I make sure to have plenty of copies and a variety of choices!


In order to keep it organized I tell students that once they have completed a task, I must see the work and initial their sheet right away.  This gives me the opportunity to grade their work quickly and stay organized.  By highlighting and initialing what students have completed, the students know what they have earned and it motivates them to keep working!



Then---on the last day of school---we party!  I collect all of the students sheets and doll out the ice cream and toppings they have earned.  As we are eating ice cream, we listen to music and play games.  Its is loads of fun!!

In the freebie I have included a blank form--which enables you to come up with your own tasks.


I have also included a list of ideas you can use for reading tasks.  Obviously this isn't an all-inclusive list...but sometimes it is nice to have some alternate ideas to spur on thinking!



I hope you enjoy the freebie, and happy end of the school year!


May 2, 2016

Free Food....and a TPT Sale!!

Just here to spread some good news....

First..... tomorrow teachers, paras, support staff (basically anyone who works in a school)  ALL across America can snag some free food from Chipotle!  Simply bring your school ID into ANY Chipotle and receive BOGO (buy one get one free) burritos, burrito bowls, salads or order of tacos.  If you want more details, click here to read about it!



Second....If you are a teacher in Kansas you can receive a free McDonald's breakfast extra value meal! Just like with Chipotle....all you have to do is bring in your school ID to receive your free meal.  Please check the flyer....as not all McDonald's are participating!
Basically I am going to be STUFFED on Tuesday....but my belly (and my wallet) will be happy!

Now for my third bit of good news.....TPT is having a Teacher Appreciation Sale!!


Most sellers (including me) will be offering 20% off of their products, and then TPT throws in an additional 8% when you use code CELEBRATE at check out!

All of my products will be on sale...but you will really want to check out the latest product I just uploaded: End of the Year Student Awards Soda Style!  I mean...it is getting close to the end of the year and teachers need to start thinking about last day festivities!


On the last day of the year, I always give each student an award.  For the past few years I have given out candy awards, which you can see by clicking here, but this year I wanted to do something different.  So, I made the following awards which are all drink themed! Fun, right?


These soda pop awards come include two options--large certificates (full page) and smaller tags that you could hole punch and attach to the drinks (quarter page). Check them out by clicking here!

The awards included are:

Crush

  • 3 crushed it awards (academics, sports and fine arts)
7Up
  • Looking up to you award
  • Looking up award
  • Uplifting award
Fanta
  • Fantastic award
  • Biggest fan award
Root Beer
  • Rooting award
  • Rootin-Tootin good year award
  • AWesome year award
Mountain Dew
  • Dewing it all award
  • Reached the mountain award
Kool-Aid
  • Kool cat award
Soda (any type)
  • Soda bomb award
Sunkist
  • Sunshine award
  • Sunny award
Dr. Pepper or Pepsi
  • Pep in your step award
  • Pep up the class award
Dr. Pepper
  • Doctor award
Tea
  • Tea-rific award
Cream Soda
  • Cream of the crop award
Powerade
  • Powered up award
  • Power up to change award
Propel
  • Propel it forward award
Happy eating and shopping!


May 1, 2016

Last Currently.....Ever.

I must admit I am feeling pretty mournful as I write this post......

Most of you have probably heard by now that this will be the last Currently. Ever.

Farley over at Oh Boy It's Farley has hosted this linky party for years, and as she said, "All good things must come to an end."

It has been a great pleasure getting to know fellow bloggers that link up every month, and I will forever be grateful to the new followers I have gained because of this party!  Thank you Farley for the opportunity you afforded all of us.

Without further ado.....here is my FINAL Currently post!


I am listening to my cute lil' husband and doggy snore!  Sundays are perfect nap days.....and I hope to squeeze one in too!

I am loving that I made it in to the TPT Newsletter this week!  I have submitted freebie and paid items religiously for years.....and finally I made it in!  Yay!!!  


I am thinking about how this is the last Currently ever........I really am sad!

I am wanting the next 12 days to speed by....hello summer!!!

I am needing to get my Mother's Day cards in the mail!  Does anyone have any big plans for next Sunday?

Farley is going out with a big bang.....and is asking people to give a brutal, honest truth. Well....my truth is that I haven't seen my mom in 2.5 years.  It is not that she lives far away (actually she lives in my same town).  It isn't for lack of trying ( I have tried to set up many lunch dates, dinner dates, holidays, etc).  It isn't because I don't love her (I do with all my heart).  It simply is because she doesn't want to see me.  I have spent countless hours analyzing and crying over the whole situation....but I can't change her, nor can I make sense of it.  I can, however, choose to forgive and enjoy the people who do love spending time with me.  So...there is my truth.