Did you know??

Once a poster is laminated, you can write in permanent marker or sharpie and still get it off later?? Yep!  All you have to do is write over your words with a dry-erase marker, then wipe off with a paper towel.  Super simple and easy and will save you tons of money to be able to save birthday charts, tooth charts, etc. from year to year.  Any tips you know that you'd like to share?

Cutesy Wootsy!!!

I call myself a classroom blogger, yet I only have three followers and seem to spend more time stalking everyone else's blogs rather than adding to my own.  This morning, I came across a new blog: A Day in the Life of a 2nd Grade Teacher,  and saw these cute gifts you could make for a special teacher in your life.  My new teammate and friend, Andi, made me one of these clipboards for Christmas.  I'll upload a pic of hers soon... it's real cute too!!

Ms. Male found these pics on another blog.  I think I need to make one of these to hang by my door.  Soooo cute! I love crayons! I love a new box and how it smells.  Weird, I know.  I really just love schools supplies. I love the line in You've Got Mail.. "I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name..." LOVE it!!

New Fun Blog!!

Along the same lines with The Container Store...

One of my favorite things to do is clean.  I know, it's sick.  I love to organize and buy things to organize with!  I came across this blog and love her ideas.  On top of organizational tips, she also has several classroom theme ideas.  I couldn't wait for summer, and it seems all I have been thinking about are plans for next year! Oh well... Lovin' What I Do!! ;-)

The Container Store

Who doesn't LOVE The Container Store?!??!  Teacher friends, sign up on their website for a discount card worth 15% off every shopping trip.  Every little bit helps!

Summer Reading

Here are some summer reading programs your child could participate in:

Barnes and Noble: Read any 8 books, turn in your journal (that you can download on their website!), and pick one FREE book from their list!!!

Half Price Books: Check out their website for reading tips for kids, printable reading logs, and reading certificates.  Once you complete their reading log, you can earn HPB Back-to-School Bucks to spend on any book you choose!!

Borders: Read 10 books, get 1 FREE book! Check out the website for details!

Grand Prairie Library: Kids' Summer Reading Challenge- check out dates for puppeteers and storytellers as well!

I also came upon a Program Locator.  Type in your zip code to find more summer reading programs!

HAPPY READING!!!

Polar Express Day

The week before Christmas break, we have Polar Express Day at school. The kids talk about this day for weeks before because they love it so much. There are many activities on this day including comparing and contrasting the book and movie, the school-wide sing along, and enjoying hot chocolate.  The kids love to wear their pajamas to school as well.

Chinese New Year

A few weeks ago, Mrs. Miller planned a lesson in the library for us on Chinese New Year.  We learned what a legend is and read The Story of Chopsticks.  We talked about how Chinese New Year is different from our New Year, and some of the tradions of the Chinese.  Then, we tested our abilities with chopsticks with almonds, rice, and popcorn.  The kids had so much fun!

Latkes

Back in December, we learned about a Hanukkah treat called Latkes.  We read the book, Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: a Chanukah Story, and Mrs. Miller made Latkes for our class and Miss Martinez's class.  The yummy treat is similar to a fried potato pancake.  We tasted them with sour cream and applesauce.  MOST of the kids loved them and wanted seconds! 

Field Trip to the Dallas World Aquarium

On Monday March 7th, we went to the Dallas World Aquarium!  We had a FABULOUS time.  The kids enjoyed seeing some of the ocean creatures we have been studying about in our Ocean Unit.  The shark tunnel is always a favorite!  I am glad we all made it back to school without anyone falling in the shark tank! ;-) I will add photos after I have photo permission slips for our blog. 

Parents and grandparents that attended: Thank you for sharing this experience with us! We enjoyed having you and appreciate you going with us!

***Don't forget to join us on March 24th from 6:30 - 8:00 for Open House to see all of our hard work from the Ocean Unit!

Spelling Word Fun

Today we practiced our Spelling words on Spelling City.  This is a site that your child can access from home to help with their spelling.