Shopping and a Big Sale!

I  ordered and am patiently waiting for my new toys I ordered to come in.  I can't wait for that brown truck to pull up and deliver my little brown boxes!  I have ordered a Romo Robot for my class.  I was so excited when it came in last week, but they sent the wrong one!  So then I had to send it back, and am now waiting again for it to come in.  I have also ordered the caterpillars, ladybug larve and praying mantua egg for my class.  So today when I came home I was giddy; there was a little brown box on my doorstep!  I hopped out of my car and ran to the door.  I picked up the box, it was light.  Must be my insects.  I carried it inside carefully and opened it up.  Then I was crushed to see it was just crap my husband had ordered!  Ughhh!  Well here's hoping for tomorrow; crossing my fingers for 2 boxes of MY stuff.

In the meantime, I am excited to stay up until 12:01 tonight and "grant my wish list" at Teachers Pay Teachers.  In case you have been under a rock and haven't read about it, there is a 2-day sale starting tonight!  You can get 28% off most stores, including mine!  Please stop by and check it out.

QR Code Task Cards Freebie

Those of you who have been with me for a while know how much I love integrating technology into my classroom.  It makes my life as a etcher easier and more productive, but more importantly the students love it and benefit from it so much!  I know many teachers are hesitant to bring new technology into the classroom because they are not a tech expert.  I am by no means an expert either, but I love learning new things and that is all it takes.  I also enjoy simplifying things to teach others new things (thus why I teach K/1).  I integrate technology in multiple ways everyday in our classroom and my students benefit from it.  My mission now is to help other teachers see how easy it is to do the same.  If I can do it with K/1, then anyone can do it!  Because of this, I am happy to announce a new blog I just launched, www.technologywithclass.com (don't worry Fun in K/1 isn't going anywhere.)

So please stop by and check it out!  Keep in mind it is just getting started, so please check back often.  I have also changed the name of my TpT store to Teaching with Technology and Fun.  It's still me and the same great stuff, just a new name and soon to be more products.

Now, on to my QR Task Card Freebie!  My kids love scanning QR codes.  I have tried using these in centers with task cards several ways.  My first attempt, was simply using QR codes for students to scan to check their answer.  Well the students were so excited to scan the code, they would rush their work.  Well now, I have them scan the QR code to get the question.  Then they answer the problem on their recording sheet.  When they complete all of the cards they get to scan another code to check their answers.  This way has worked beautifully!  Give it a try.

The best part is that there is very little printing, paper and ink involved.  However, the students still benefit from the full color questions and images!

What do you need to get started?  
A device capable of scanning a QR code  - (preferably one for each child at the center.)  The app is free, you can use an iPad, iPod and old Smartphone or any tablet with a rear facing camera and QR reader app.  (You can do it with a computer with a web cam at http://www.webqr.com but it is a little more difficult.)  

WiFi -  The codes are linked to a URL with the question as an image.

QR Code Task Cards - Today is your lucky day!  I'm giving you a set for free!  Click here to download my newest set I am using this week.  This set of QR Code Task Cards features Double Digit Addition without Regrouping.  The file includes everything you need: directions, a storage folder, 12 QR Code Task Cards, a student answer form and self checking answer key code.

Don't forget to stop by checkout more freebies at Classroom Freebies Manic Monday! 

hAPPy finds

(OK, I know my title capitalization isn't correct… but I thought it was cute!)  I have found two iPad apps lately that I love and thought I would share.

The first is ScreenChomp.
I have used this a few ways in the classroom.  The first was me giving directions for a directed drawing of George Washington.  Here is a link to see it.  (Please ignore my voice.)  The great part is that students can pause the video to catch up if they need to.  I printed a QR code that linked to the video.  Students used an iPad mini to scan the code and then draw.

You can also insert files or pictures in the app and draw on them before or while you are recording.  I plan to have students create projects around one of my favorite Seuss (Theo LeSig) books, "I Wish I Had Duck Feet!"  Students will team up with their 5th grade buddies.  They will take a picture (full body) of the 1st graders outside.  Then the students will draw on the animal trait they wish they had.  After drawing, they will record "I am Johnny and I wish I had _________.  If I had ___________ I could ________________________."

The second app I am loving is Math Slide.  There are several versions of this game.  Some free and others paid.  It is unique because it is multi-player (1-4 players).  I don't know about your class, but my guys need practice playing together.  This game is great math practice and playing a game.  Practice being a gracious winner and looser.  

It was a favorite of the kids in the math center.  They really liked playing with each other using the iPad.  I am going to be on the look out for other apps they can play together.  Any suggestions?

Very Productive Monday

In honor of President's Day, I had a very productive day.  I spent Saturday and Sunday playing, so I decided to spend today working and creating!

I finally finished and uploaded my Building Dolch Sight Word Fluency System.  This is something I have implemented in my room this year and it is working amazing!

I have 22 posters (Lego themed of course with my room!  I am working on other themes too.) each with 10 Dolch words.  The students have a name card on the wall with sticky tack.  If they can name all 10 words quickly, without sounding out, and without errors they can advance to the next poster.  They do this until they have mastered all 220 Dolch words.  When they get to the end I make a big announcement and the student is awarded a certificate.  I have challenged the class to have everyone make it to the end.  If everyone makes it we will have a Pizza Party!  Now students who have made it help their peers work on the words they need to learn.  It is woking out fantastic!

In the Building Sight Dolch Word System I have also included several PowerPoint slide shows to use for practice or assessment.  They automatically advance after 1.5 or 2.0 seconds.  I also have a checklist to use that is in the same order.  I also included a themed word list, certificate and iFlash Digital Flashcards PDF.  You can buy this system from me at TpT or My Store.

Did you notice I said "My Store"???  Yes, you read correctly, I am starting my own little store right here on Fun in K/1!  You can not shop right here, pay and the download will be automatically sent to you.  You can find my store by clicking on the "My Products" tab above.  I am still playing around with how I would like it formatted and only have a whopping 2 products listed, but hey it's a start!  It has been on my to-do list for a while, so now it is on my in-progress list!

I also got another project started today!  I have been toying with an idea for a while and I just took the first steps to getting it started today.  I will give you a hint, it involves technology in elementary education.  I hope to have more details very soon and will be sure to share right here!

I did all of this today, and still found "time" to make a freebie for you!  I am addicted to my iFlash digital flashcards.  If you haven't tried them yet, you must.  Don't worry there is no printing or cutting involved and they are super easy to store.  All you do is download the iFlash Digital Flashcard PDF to your iPad, Smartphone or tablet, then open in an eReader.  Then you can open the "book" from your bookshelf and swipe through them.  I use them with students to get out the door, come into class or while we are waiting anywhere.  You can grab them free from my TpT store or click here to grab them.  (I have also added them to the "My Freebies" tab on the blog.  I am going to keep adding to this section too.)

Don't forget to check out Manic Monday at www.classroomfreebies.com for more freebies!

Friday Five & Freebie

Hello all!  I am writing this on a Thursday because I am not sure I will survive tomorrow!  Seriously!!!  Friday + Valentine's Day + Upcoming 3-Day Weekend + Full Moon = A very large glass of wine!!!!

I am linking up again with Doodle Bugs Teaching Five for Friday.  Here are my Friday Five! 

We have been learning about George Washington this week.  Today I had the students "show what you know" using Puppet Pals 2.  Their 1 minute movies were great!  Every student made one during centers today.  They selected the George Washington puppet and then told us all about his life in first person.  Several even asked us a questions afterwards.

Monday this week I had another group tour our technology rich first grade class.  This time we a VP from Apple, along with several other "Apple People"!  (OK, this was super cool!  A real Wow, they want to see what I am doing??)  I must say the kids rocked it!  We were doing the Super 6 Centers we normally do.  We had a group of 3 on MacBooks creating Voki's about what they can do to be kind.  Another group was in STEM and using iPads and several computer coding apps.  I had the Book Club group reading and discussing the weekly story with the iPad/Apple TV I have in the room.  In Read 2 Self, they were reading or taking a reading comp test on the computer.  My new student who speaks no english was on Starfall and I was working with him, teaching him how to use the computer.  I did have one group using paper and pencil.  Then my last group was learning about George Washington viewing several short videos on iPods I had found and linked to with a QR code.  Not just any QR code, a QR code made with Legos!!!!!!  I made this and it works!  (Yes, this does prove I am a dork!)

I know it sounds like a 3-ring circus, but it really wasn't.  Every student was 100% engaged, having fun, and learning.  Not only were they learning the basics, but also technology on top of it all. 

I found this great rug at IKEA for $12.  I can't wait to use it with Math.  Hopscotch addition anyone?  Long jump competition and measuring games.  (It isn't Lego, but I still love it!)

I ordered a new friend!  I earned money for my classroom this year from our Fall Festival and hadn't found the right thing to get.  Well, I found it and just ordered it! 
I can not wait to get it in.  I really hope it is as cool as I think it will be.  Our school is focusing on robotics, engineering and computer programming.  I know there are some great new kid friendly robots coming out this Summer too.  I am not like a kid on Christmas waiting for the FedEx guy to deliver my new toy!  Oh how I hope it gets here soon!

Does anyone else have one of these?  How is it?

Now for a Freebie!  Just a quick writing prompt for "My favorite part of Valentine's Day..."  Perfect for the Monday (or Tuesday) back.  Click here to grab it. Don't forget to check out Teaching Blog Addict and their Freebie Friday Offerings!

President's Day

February is such a short month, but they cram so many topics into it!  Groundhogs Day, President's Day, 100th Day, Valentine's Day, Month of Kindness, Dental Health Month and Black History Month!    That is so much to fit in!  Don't forget there is also all of the normal stuff to cover as well.

President's Day has always been one of my favorite topics to teach.  George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are both very interesting men to cover and the students love learning about them.  I usually get such great writing pieces.

Here are the two writing packets I use.  They contain a great writing organizer to help students plan.  Click on the picture to get each packet.

I also found amazing directed drawing directions from Kindergarten Planet for Lincoln and Washington in this weekends TpT newsletter.  Here is the link.

Need Suggestions & Manic Monday

I love Monday nights, it means that Monday is almost over!  Why are Mondays so exhausting?  Well one good thing about Mondays is Manic Monday over at Classroom Freebies. 

I am sharing this February freebie with you.  It is great for working on describing words.  Click here to grab it free.

Now I am asking for your help and suggestions.  Today I had a new student join our class.  Our new friend is from Haiti and speaks no English.  He is very overwhelmed with everything.  Then starting in a class over half-way through the year.  I am looking for ideas to help my new student.  Please leave any suggestions in comments. 

Manatee Pictures and Fixed the Sale

Hello everyone!  I was just uploading a few more things to Teacher's Notebook and realized for whatever reason (I am sure doing it 1 a.m. had nothing to do with it.) the sale I set up on TN didn't work correctly.  Well I fixed it now and because of my delay it is 50% off from me plus and extra 10%!  I am in the process of loading a few more things, so check back tomorrow please.

I have had a great day with my daughter today.  (The reason I didn't realize I did the sale wrong.)  I took her to her gymnastics meet.  She was great as always.  It amazes and makes me so proud to watch her compete in the 4 events, by herself in front of a big crowd with two judges critiquing her every move.  The courage and self confidence she has awesome!  I hope this stays with her through out her life.

After we finished her meet, we visited Blue Springs State Park on the way home to see all of the manatees.  They all come in from the river during the winter to the springs.  I just thought I would share a few of the pictures.  It was beautiful there!  If you ever find your self in central Florida during the winter make sure to stop by!

Currently February

It is Currently February, even if it is less than an hour into February!  I figure it is a jam packed short month and I better get started!  I know I just posted a few hours ago, but technically it was yesterday!  I guess I am just more in the mood to blog, or procrastinating what I really need to be doing.

Whatever the case may be, I am linking up for Currently with Farley.  Stop by and see what everyone is up to!  This is also the earliest I think I have actually done it!

After driving 4 girls around town today between the ages of 10-13, let's just say I really appreciate the quite of the night!  One day my hubby drove the car pool of 3 or 4 girls to their after school activities and actually videoed part of the car ride for me so I could hear how loud and silly they can be.  I was like ummm..... hello do you really think I have never heard this, like everyday!

Today, although crazy I had two very touching moments!  One was this kid in my class who can push all of my buttons, reminds me of "pigpen" and makes many poor choices just because he really can't help it.  Well this afternoon he was the sweetest kid ever, I just wanted to take him home with me!

I really should go to bed, I have to get up to take my daughter to her meet in 6 hours...

Oh how I want a cleaning and de-cluttering fairy!  Especially to visit my very own "pigpen" daughter.  Most days I come to the conclusion it just isn't worth it to fight the clean your room battle with her.  Well, it is too the point now we need serious intervention!  It is just that I know I will spend my entire day in there with her cleaning, de-cluttering and reorganizing.  We will get into more than a few arguments.  Then after all of that, it will be right back to where it is in two days...  We will see if I muster the strength to do it this weekend!

My 2 truths and a fib....
Well, I married Eric 16 years ago on Valentine's Day!  Let's just say he should never forget our anniversary.

I really did spend 3 hours at the gym today!  (That sounds awesome right!  Well it was for my daughters gymnastics practice, so it really isn't as good as it sounds!)

I can't wait to see what everyone else is currently up to!