Everything in my TPT store will be 20% off on August 4-5th. Check out my "World According to Humphrey" unit or "writing framework for emergent writers" among others.  I have many free items also. This will be a great school year - let's get ready!

School Year Calendar

Available in PK - 6th grade

Do your students make a monthly calendar?

I do the calendar with my students every year, no matter what grade I teach.  With third graders there was just as much to learn as there is now with my kindergartners.  I always had my third graders make a personal calendar and this I now plan on doing with my kindergartners. I searched for a calendar that I could use with my kinders that is pretty easy, but I couldn't find one, so I made my own.  I wanted some to be labeled with numbers for the beginning of the year and others to be blank so that my students could fill in the numbers they've learned.  I also wanted holidays written in and a blank page each month for student handprint art.  I just bought the large stamp pads from Lakeshore and can't wait to use them.  I've always done paint hands in the past, and because of the time involved, I couldn't do it very often.  Now I can do it every month, making a great keepsake at the end of the year.  I'll post pictures this school year.  If you want to check out my calendars go to my TPT store and see what you think. I have them on sale for $2.00 for the beginning of the year. I also planning on updating this every year and am willing to add holidays or make changes as customers need.  Let me know what you think.

Class Pets?

Molly Lou

What's your opinion on class pets?


I've always had class pets including; goldfish, guppies, mice, frogs, and rats, but my favorite are rats.  Our newest pet is a rat named Molly Lou, after the book, "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon".  That's a great book and she is a great rat.  She makes sure to visit all of the children in the morning.  When the students come into the classroom every day they kick off their shoes against the wall and when all have arrived they let her out.  The pet monitor makes sure to check on food and water and let her in and out of her cage.  In our class we make sure to put her away after about 30 - 45 minutes so that she doesn't go and find a cozy corner to nap in. According to the research, rats are one of the smartest rodents, learn quickly, and are very social.  In just half a school year, Molly Lou has learned to come when the students rub their fingers on the floor making a scratching noise.  During the morning meeting she makes sure to visit each child for lots of little pets. 


If your wondering about a class pet this year, give it a try.  I've bought my sweet rats at Pet Smart for many years.  If you have any questions leave me a comment and I'll be sure to reply.

Here is the letter I send home for family visits.  Grab it for free if you'd like.

DAILY WRITING!

If you struggle in daily writing with your emergent writers - check out this WRITING FRAMEWORK (click here).  I begin on day 1 and my kiddos LOVE it! They write every day in their special journals and once a week their very own writing is published.  My students can't wait to read their books to the class, take them home to read with their families, and then bring them back to school for others to choose at reading time.  It is fun and very rewarding.

ON SALE for a limited time - $1.00

I've included journal covers in landscape format which is necessary for early writers, editing ideas, and the pop-up book template (as seen in picture).

Please let me know what you think, or if it needs more explanation.  I'm happy to update it at any point because it is worth it.  Students CAN and LOVE to write when given a real purpose!