11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Professional Development, Online Learning, and Arts Education
To contact us Click HERE
It seems as if I am continually coming across or getting emails from companies offering online learning. They lead with lines like "earn your master's online!" and "easy, online, education professional development!" I get it; learning at home is super convenient. But, there is real value in in-class learning that should not be overlooked.
I've just started my long process towards a doctorate degree. Two of my classes are 1/2 time online. On the one hand, I love being able to complete class activities when I want. . .On the other hand, I am often simply "completing an assignment" whether it be putting an answer on a "discussion board" or otherwise. My primary goal, when online learning, is to do what is required and move on. When I am in class, I am face to face with my peers and discussions are lively and heavily interactive. I learn much, much, much more in class.
When I finished my master's program, I had to fill out a survey asking about the most meaningful parts of the program. Hands down, it was the in-class time spent with my professors and peers that was most meaningful. My master's program was/is very competitive and I am a proud product. When I get emails from random online colleges/universities boasting that I could earn a degree in "less that a year," I am offended. I worked hard to get my master's degree and the idea that someone could undergo the same process in less than a year is laughable. Ultimately, I view many of these online colleges/universities as little more than big businesses off to make a buck. I honestly don't believe these online colleges/universities (I'm not talking about brick and mortar universities that offer online programs btw) are offering equal education; I see their degrees as inferior to my own. They are watering down the value of my degree.
And, you know what, I'm a bit of a snob about my education; I own that.
At the same time, online learning offers equitable access to advanced degrees for everyone. That's pretty cool too.
The other side of online learning is the accountability factor. Some online colleges/universities are accredited and some are not. Additionally, some accreditation counsels are valued more highly than others. I'm suspicious by nature. If I were to pursue any online learning, I would examine the accreditation of the institution and then investigate the value of the accreditation overall.
As Art educators, we all like to complain about the lack of professional development offered for the Arts. Often, however, the opportunities are there, we just don't take advantage of them. In my district, anyone can submit a proposal for a district-wide professional development class. In the past year, no Art teachers have submitted any proposals. I feel uncomfortable complaining about a lack of Arts professional development, when I'm not willing to put forth a class myself. I encourage you to check into your district's policies about professional development.
On the other hand, I've been to a lot of visual-arts based professional development both through my state-conference and through other professional development opportunities. My honest opinion is that I've rarely learned anything new. Truthfully, if you are an excited, passionate, Art educator, you are already pursuing professional development in the form of research etc. about new ideas and initiatives for your classrooms. For example, reading Art Ed. blogs is professional development of a sort. I know, though, it would be nice to get PLU credit for it!
The honest, you-won't-like-it truth is that we learn the most when we are in new situations and/or experiencing something "new." My first year teaching, I went to a huge professional development day with the faculty of my school. I attended only fine-arts based classes. At the end of the day my then principal asked me what I learned. Truthfully, I told him "not much." He smiled, and very kindly explained that teachers who are very knowledgeable about their subjects (like me) learned the most when applying information from other disciplines. He recommended I look into professional development for gifted students and diverse populations. I did and I have never looked back.
I learn the most when I am learning about someone else's discipline and actively working to apply the best concepts from it to Art Education. So, while I know we like to complain for lack of Art Ed. professional development, we should really be attending a PD day about something a little outside our comfort zones.
The most recent assault to my inbox and when I surf the web, is the "Education Professional Development" class(es). Most of them appear to have some form of accreditation through an online university of which I have never heard. The online university may or may not be quality; I honestly don't know. What does bother me, is the scanty description of what is offered in the class; the descriptions are often less than three sentences. Most classes start at $100 and move upwards; that is a lot of money to spend on less than three sentences. The most troubling aspect, for me, is who is teaching the classes. Simply put, none of the online PD Education classes I have seen have an instructor pedigree underneath the class description. Many boast that you can earn graduate credit for the classes, but who is teaching them? If I am earning graduate credit, I want someone who has more experience and education than me to be teaching the course. I also want to know where they went to school; I'm always interested in the pedigree of my instructors. For instance, for where I am at in my educational career, someone with a master's degree and ten years or less of experience would not be enough for me to merit signing up for the class. However, if I was a new teacher, it might be. The point is, why isn't that information available?
All of that make me incredibly leery of online learning.
On a more scholastic note, I would like to end with a short story. When I began my master's degree, I saw the degree as a means to earning a larger paycheck. However, over the course of my degree program, my attitude changed. The reality is, higher education is hard, tough, and elite. Quality writing is peer-reviewed, projects are analytically critiqued, and peers have discourse, not arguments. The whole point of pursuing an advanced degree is to immerse yourself in learning about a topic to the point you become somewhat of an expert. The resulting degree is a recognition of your scholastic desire to contribute to your field of study; not a feather in your cap for a bigger paycheck.
My point is to be bit a skeptical of online learning opportunities. I do believe there is quality online learning out there; I also believe it probably isn't for me. However, that doesn't mean it might not for you. I encourage to research any opportunities you consider, and make sure of the value of the class.
I've just started my long process towards a doctorate degree. Two of my classes are 1/2 time online. On the one hand, I love being able to complete class activities when I want. . .On the other hand, I am often simply "completing an assignment" whether it be putting an answer on a "discussion board" or otherwise. My primary goal, when online learning, is to do what is required and move on. When I am in class, I am face to face with my peers and discussions are lively and heavily interactive. I learn much, much, much more in class.
When I finished my master's program, I had to fill out a survey asking about the most meaningful parts of the program. Hands down, it was the in-class time spent with my professors and peers that was most meaningful. My master's program was/is very competitive and I am a proud product. When I get emails from random online colleges/universities boasting that I could earn a degree in "less that a year," I am offended. I worked hard to get my master's degree and the idea that someone could undergo the same process in less than a year is laughable. Ultimately, I view many of these online colleges/universities as little more than big businesses off to make a buck. I honestly don't believe these online colleges/universities (I'm not talking about brick and mortar universities that offer online programs btw) are offering equal education; I see their degrees as inferior to my own. They are watering down the value of my degree.
And, you know what, I'm a bit of a snob about my education; I own that.
At the same time, online learning offers equitable access to advanced degrees for everyone. That's pretty cool too.
The other side of online learning is the accountability factor. Some online colleges/universities are accredited and some are not. Additionally, some accreditation counsels are valued more highly than others. I'm suspicious by nature. If I were to pursue any online learning, I would examine the accreditation of the institution and then investigate the value of the accreditation overall.
As Art educators, we all like to complain about the lack of professional development offered for the Arts. Often, however, the opportunities are there, we just don't take advantage of them. In my district, anyone can submit a proposal for a district-wide professional development class. In the past year, no Art teachers have submitted any proposals. I feel uncomfortable complaining about a lack of Arts professional development, when I'm not willing to put forth a class myself. I encourage you to check into your district's policies about professional development.
On the other hand, I've been to a lot of visual-arts based professional development both through my state-conference and through other professional development opportunities. My honest opinion is that I've rarely learned anything new. Truthfully, if you are an excited, passionate, Art educator, you are already pursuing professional development in the form of research etc. about new ideas and initiatives for your classrooms. For example, reading Art Ed. blogs is professional development of a sort. I know, though, it would be nice to get PLU credit for it!
The honest, you-won't-like-it truth is that we learn the most when we are in new situations and/or experiencing something "new." My first year teaching, I went to a huge professional development day with the faculty of my school. I attended only fine-arts based classes. At the end of the day my then principal asked me what I learned. Truthfully, I told him "not much." He smiled, and very kindly explained that teachers who are very knowledgeable about their subjects (like me) learned the most when applying information from other disciplines. He recommended I look into professional development for gifted students and diverse populations. I did and I have never looked back.
I learn the most when I am learning about someone else's discipline and actively working to apply the best concepts from it to Art Education. So, while I know we like to complain for lack of Art Ed. professional development, we should really be attending a PD day about something a little outside our comfort zones.
The most recent assault to my inbox and when I surf the web, is the "Education Professional Development" class(es). Most of them appear to have some form of accreditation through an online university of which I have never heard. The online university may or may not be quality; I honestly don't know. What does bother me, is the scanty description of what is offered in the class; the descriptions are often less than three sentences. Most classes start at $100 and move upwards; that is a lot of money to spend on less than three sentences. The most troubling aspect, for me, is who is teaching the classes. Simply put, none of the online PD Education classes I have seen have an instructor pedigree underneath the class description. Many boast that you can earn graduate credit for the classes, but who is teaching them? If I am earning graduate credit, I want someone who has more experience and education than me to be teaching the course. I also want to know where they went to school; I'm always interested in the pedigree of my instructors. For instance, for where I am at in my educational career, someone with a master's degree and ten years or less of experience would not be enough for me to merit signing up for the class. However, if I was a new teacher, it might be. The point is, why isn't that information available?
All of that make me incredibly leery of online learning.
On a more scholastic note, I would like to end with a short story. When I began my master's degree, I saw the degree as a means to earning a larger paycheck. However, over the course of my degree program, my attitude changed. The reality is, higher education is hard, tough, and elite. Quality writing is peer-reviewed, projects are analytically critiqued, and peers have discourse, not arguments. The whole point of pursuing an advanced degree is to immerse yourself in learning about a topic to the point you become somewhat of an expert. The resulting degree is a recognition of your scholastic desire to contribute to your field of study; not a feather in your cap for a bigger paycheck.
My point is to be bit a skeptical of online learning opportunities. I do believe there is quality online learning out there; I also believe it probably isn't for me. However, that doesn't mean it might not for you. I encourage to research any opportunities you consider, and make sure of the value of the class.
Weekly Lesson Plan Template
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
First of all, thanks for the awesome support on my attempts at blogging! Your positive comments and questions have been a blessing and an inspiration!
I have had a few questions about how I fit everything in to our wonderfilled day. I figured the best way to help you would be to show you my weekly lesson plan template. I know when I first started teaching I wished someone would have helped me get organized and help me plan out the day. Going in to my 30th year of teaching I have learned that I should have a plan, but if we don't finish one activity, it is okay to float over into the next time slot. Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to first graders, but you should always have a starting place! :)
I also know from experience that having books in the hands of my kiddos is one of the most important ways to increase literacy. Since I started doing the "Daily 5," I find that priority addressed. I don't think I will ever go back to just reading groups and "stuff" to just keep the other kids busy. I find that it helps me to work smarter, not harder.
I am linking you to an "editable" lesson plan template so you can customize for your needs. Hopefully it will get some of you started! Here are some quick pics.
.
Click here if you are interested in the template! :)
Let me know if there's anything else you want or need! I'm here to share!!
Joyfully!
Nancy
First of all, thanks for the awesome support on my attempts at blogging! Your positive comments and questions have been a blessing and an inspiration!
I have had a few questions about how I fit everything in to our wonderfilled day. I figured the best way to help you would be to show you my weekly lesson plan template. I know when I first started teaching I wished someone would have helped me get organized and help me plan out the day. Going in to my 30th year of teaching I have learned that I should have a plan, but if we don't finish one activity, it is okay to float over into the next time slot. Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to first graders, but you should always have a starting place! :)
I also know from experience that having books in the hands of my kiddos is one of the most important ways to increase literacy. Since I started doing the "Daily 5," I find that priority addressed. I don't think I will ever go back to just reading groups and "stuff" to just keep the other kids busy. I find that it helps me to work smarter, not harder.
I am linking you to an "editable" lesson plan template so you can customize for your needs. Hopefully it will get some of you started! Here are some quick pics.
.Click here if you are interested in the template! :)
Let me know if there's anything else you want or need! I'm here to share!!
Joyfully!
Nancy
Reading Log
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
Just a quick share today! I am still working on moving my classroom. With the air off in the building, ugh! It gets pretty steamy!
Anyway, today I wanted to share our reading log. Our first graders are required to read at least 10 minutes every evening. They keep a reading log in their binders and record every book they read. We send home leveled readers but kiddos can, of course, read other books as well! Families work on reading
TO their first graders,
WITH their first graders or listen to their first graders read
BYthemselves. That is documented as well. All are important!
We value the support we get from home and love watching our firsties grow so much in their skills as readers! The home/school connection is immeasurable!! Thanks moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas!!!
Here's the link to the free printables! :)
I hope my kids are reading over the summer!! I think I will check on them! :)
Joyfully!Nancy
Just a quick share today! I am still working on moving my classroom. With the air off in the building, ugh! It gets pretty steamy!
Anyway, today I wanted to share our reading log. Our first graders are required to read at least 10 minutes every evening. They keep a reading log in their binders and record every book they read. We send home leveled readers but kiddos can, of course, read other books as well! Families work on reading
TO their first graders,
WITH their first graders or listen to their first graders read
BYthemselves. That is documented as well. All are important!
We value the support we get from home and love watching our firsties grow so much in their skills as readers! The home/school connection is immeasurable!! Thanks moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas!!!
Here's the link to the free printables! :)I hope my kids are reading over the summer!! I think I will check on them! :)
Joyfully!Nancy
CAFE Menu Board
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
Just moved the rest of my "30 years of teaching stuff" to my new room! Oh My Aching Back! Now to organize it all and put it all back together! Fun times!! No, seriously, I loooove decorating a new room! I am going to continue with my western cowboy theme since I've invested way too much already. I decided to make some new western style CAFE signs for my board. Are you familiar with CAFE? If you are doing Daily 5, you have probably heard of CAFE. If not, it's not too late! Pick up a copy of The CAFE Book by Boushey and Moser and dig in! The Sisters present a way to engage all your readers in the areas of Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanding Vocabulary. Using it along with Daily 5 is a perfect combination. To get you started, I'm sharing my new CAFE board. I'll take some pics when I get it all put up, But here are a few snippets. You can click below to get your free 20 page printable.
Click here to download your own set!
There are pages for each heading, and all the strategies to build literacy in your students. I love the Sisters!!
Let me know if you have any questions!!!OH! A friend caught a minor typo in my Reading log. (I hate typos!UGH!) If you've already downloaded it, check again for the new one.Here's the new link :)
Have a wonderful and joyfilled day!!Nancy
Just moved the rest of my "30 years of teaching stuff" to my new room! Oh My Aching Back! Now to organize it all and put it all back together! Fun times!! No, seriously, I loooove decorating a new room! I am going to continue with my western cowboy theme since I've invested way too much already. I decided to make some new western style CAFE signs for my board. Are you familiar with CAFE? If you are doing Daily 5, you have probably heard of CAFE. If not, it's not too late! Pick up a copy of The CAFE Book by Boushey and Moser and dig in! The Sisters present a way to engage all your readers in the areas of Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanding Vocabulary. Using it along with Daily 5 is a perfect combination. To get you started, I'm sharing my new CAFE board. I'll take some pics when I get it all put up, But here are a few snippets. You can click below to get your free 20 page printable.
Click here to download your own set! There are pages for each heading, and all the strategies to build literacy in your students. I love the Sisters!!
Let me know if you have any questions!!!OH! A friend caught a minor typo in my Reading log. (I hate typos!UGH!) If you've already downloaded it, check again for the new one.Here's the new link :)
Have a wonderful and joyfilled day!!Nancy
Reader's Response D5 Work on Writing
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for stopping by to take a peek!! I've had some questions about what I do for the "Work on Writing" component of Daily 5. Among other written expression activities, I reserve a lot of time for the kids to do a Reader's Response piece in their journals. This is another reason why I love Daily 5. The opportunity to build wonderful connections between reading and writing is made so relevant. What is learned in one area can be used to extend the other. Reading and writing are so related on every level of literacy development!
Because of this, writing about what we have been reading can be purposeful, relevant, and functional! Sometimes I give the kids a prompt, and other times I let them choose from some response prompt cards. I just finished revamping my cards for the first semester. I will do more that deal with nonfiction reading later. Here are some pics of some of the journal entries, and a pic of the first few pages in my packet.
***If you are one of my kids reading this, print off the cards and get reading and writing. I know it's summer, but what a better time to enjoy some good books and practice writing!!!
Love you!! Mrs. V!
for your 9 page free printable of our reader's response cards click here! :)
Have fun and Keep Reading and Writing!!
Joyfully!
Nancy
Thanks for stopping by to take a peek!! I've had some questions about what I do for the "Work on Writing" component of Daily 5. Among other written expression activities, I reserve a lot of time for the kids to do a Reader's Response piece in their journals. This is another reason why I love Daily 5. The opportunity to build wonderful connections between reading and writing is made so relevant. What is learned in one area can be used to extend the other. Reading and writing are so related on every level of literacy development!
Because of this, writing about what we have been reading can be purposeful, relevant, and functional! Sometimes I give the kids a prompt, and other times I let them choose from some response prompt cards. I just finished revamping my cards for the first semester. I will do more that deal with nonfiction reading later. Here are some pics of some of the journal entries, and a pic of the first few pages in my packet.
***If you are one of my kids reading this, print off the cards and get reading and writing. I know it's summer, but what a better time to enjoy some good books and practice writing!!!
Love you!! Mrs. V!
 |
| My kids use a simple composition journal for most responses. |
for your 9 page free printable of our reader's response cards click here! :)Have fun and Keep Reading and Writing!!
Joyfully!
Nancy
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
Fiction and Nonfiction compare anchor chart
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
I've had some requests to make a printable Fiction/Nonfiction anchor chart. I originally posted a pic of the anchor chart my kiddos and I worked on back in February. (search Feb 13, 2012) I finally had a chance to make one to print and maybe store in the kids' reading journal, or just post in the classroom if you don't have room for a large chart. Hope it helps!
for your free printable, click here! :)
Have a great day! Thanks for taking a peek!!
Joyfully!
Nancy
I've had some requests to make a printable Fiction/Nonfiction anchor chart. I originally posted a pic of the anchor chart my kiddos and I worked on back in February. (search Feb 13, 2012) I finally had a chance to make one to print and maybe store in the kids' reading journal, or just post in the classroom if you don't have room for a large chart. Hope it helps!
for your free printable, click here! :)
Have a great day! Thanks for taking a peek!!
Joyfully!
Nancy
Guided Reading Guide
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for stopping by!! I get a lot of e-mails asking what I do when my kids are fully involved with Daily 5. Well, that is the perfect time for guided reading lessons with small groups or individual kiddos, as well as reading and writing conferences. I keep a large notebook with a section for each of my firsties. After doing DRA's on each, I know what skills I need to work on and if I can group any of the kids together. I combined the behaviors that I notice in readers and teaching points I need to remember into single documents for each level of my readers from A-M (Fountas and Pinnell). At a glance I can see what support I need to provide and when my kiddos are ready to move up to the next level. The checklist, date documentation, and other notes I have taken help during parent conferences and other meetings.
You can get your free 14 page Teachers Guided Reading Unit Here!
I hope this helps you whether you are a teacher or a parent!
Joyfully!Nancy
Thanks for stopping by!! I get a lot of e-mails asking what I do when my kids are fully involved with Daily 5. Well, that is the perfect time for guided reading lessons with small groups or individual kiddos, as well as reading and writing conferences. I keep a large notebook with a section for each of my firsties. After doing DRA's on each, I know what skills I need to work on and if I can group any of the kids together. I combined the behaviors that I notice in readers and teaching points I need to remember into single documents for each level of my readers from A-M (Fountas and Pinnell). At a glance I can see what support I need to provide and when my kiddos are ready to move up to the next level. The checklist, date documentation, and other notes I have taken help during parent conferences and other meetings.
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| A sample of the level A documentation sheet |
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| A sample of the level L documentations sheet |
You can get your free 14 page Teachers Guided Reading Unit Here!
I hope this helps you whether you are a teacher or a parent!
Joyfully!Nancy
Science Notebook
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
Just a quick post tonight. I've got to get ready for our 4th of July celebration!! Among so many other things, I love teaching science to my sweeties! I have posted many things already that we have done in science, but I realized I hadn't posted about how we organize all of our recording sheets, observations, and explorations. We keep everything in our Science Notebook (just a brad pocket folder). At the very foundation of our teaching of science is establishing an environment that promotes inquiry and create an investigative mindset in our kiddos. Our first unit of study is "Scientists and their Investigations." I have reworked our Notebook cover and created some beginning of the year "Scientist" activities, including "What do scientists do?" "What do I want to learn?" and a few other things. Throughout the year we will add more to our notebook. I hope this helps you get started! Just print these off, punch some holes and start the exploration!
If you are one of my kiddos reading this (or parents), don't forget that you can bring your notebook to the zoo the next time you go, In the children's pavillion, you can show the keeper your notebook and he will give you points to be used for trading in on some amazing science specimens for you to keep!! So cool!!
For your free 8 page Science Notebook starter unit, click here!
Okay! I'm off to make some yummy munchies for tomorrow!!!Happy fourth y'all!!Joyfully!Nancy
Just a quick post tonight. I've got to get ready for our 4th of July celebration!! Among so many other things, I love teaching science to my sweeties! I have posted many things already that we have done in science, but I realized I hadn't posted about how we organize all of our recording sheets, observations, and explorations. We keep everything in our Science Notebook (just a brad pocket folder). At the very foundation of our teaching of science is establishing an environment that promotes inquiry and create an investigative mindset in our kiddos. Our first unit of study is "Scientists and their Investigations." I have reworked our Notebook cover and created some beginning of the year "Scientist" activities, including "What do scientists do?" "What do I want to learn?" and a few other things. Throughout the year we will add more to our notebook. I hope this helps you get started! Just print these off, punch some holes and start the exploration!
If you are one of my kiddos reading this (or parents), don't forget that you can bring your notebook to the zoo the next time you go, In the children's pavillion, you can show the keeper your notebook and he will give you points to be used for trading in on some amazing science specimens for you to keep!! So cool!!
For your free 8 page Science Notebook starter unit, click here!
Okay! I'm off to make some yummy munchies for tomorrow!!!Happy fourth y'all!!Joyfully!Nancy
Sneaky E is back!
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
One of the most fun activities we did this past year was the study of Sneaky E. You can view the whole post by searching this blog for Sneaky E or searching by date 1/26/12.
I wanted to share the little Sneaky E poem I just revamped. It tells the story of what Sneaky E is all about! I can't wait to share it with my new class this coming year!!
For your free copy of my poem click here! :)
Don't forget to look back at the original post on Sneaky E! Be on the lookout for that sneaky fellow!!
Have a great day!
Joyfully!
Nancy
One of the most fun activities we did this past year was the study of Sneaky E. You can view the whole post by searching this blog for Sneaky E or searching by date 1/26/12.
I wanted to share the little Sneaky E poem I just revamped. It tells the story of what Sneaky E is all about! I can't wait to share it with my new class this coming year!!
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| We made these pinterest inspired puppets of Sneaky E! |
For your free copy of my poem click here! :)
Don't forget to look back at the original post on Sneaky E! Be on the lookout for that sneaky fellow!!
Have a great day!
Joyfully!
Nancy
Me and My School
To contact us Click HERE
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for stopping by to take a peek! Today I worked on updating our beginning of the year social studies unit, "Me and My School."In this unit we discuss the purpose for rules, who the leaders are around us, what some good rules are, what happens when we don't follow rules, etc. One great book I love to use during this unit is David Shannon's "David Goes to School." If you don't have this book yet, it is a must! Kids love this book and can totally relate to the cute little main character, David! This little unit has some poetry, some thinking maps, a group anchor chart to make with your kids, and a quick little craft connection. Here are some pics.
Thanks for stopping by to take a peek! Today I worked on updating our beginning of the year social studies unit, "Me and My School."In this unit we discuss the purpose for rules, who the leaders are around us, what some good rules are, what happens when we don't follow rules, etc. One great book I love to use during this unit is David Shannon's "David Goes to School." If you don't have this book yet, it is a must! Kids love this book and can totally relate to the cute little main character, David! This little unit has some poetry, some thinking maps, a group anchor chart to make with your kids, and a quick little craft connection. Here are some pics.
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| A poem for our Poetry Folders! |
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| Anchor Chart |
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| Have kids make their own David. A simple circle pattern is included in unit. Let them go from there!! :) For your free 18 page mini unit, click here!! :) I hope you can use some of these ideas! Next Stop? "Me and My Community!" Coming right up!! Thanks for stopping! As always, if you need anything, just holler! Leave me a message or e-mail me! Till then, look for the joy in everything! Joyfully! Nancy |
7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi
Days & Months Posters- FrEe!
To contact us Click HERE
Happy Friday to ya! This week has been a bit crazy and exhausting! I know you can relate.
Well, I’m in the process of creating a new circle time pack and was looking through my old materials. I found these Days of the Week and Months of the Year printables I had created a year or two ago. So, I thought…why not share these free?!?
 Days & Months Posters
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Click HERE to download your own Days of the Week and Months of the Year posters.
Please read my terms of use before downloading.
Graphics created by Ashley of Me & Marie Learning and Digi Web Studio.
Please consider following me on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest after downloading! (Links at the top of the page)
Another {sippy} cup bites the dust!
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How many sippy cups has your toddler lost?
When C was younger, we lost a handful of cups here and there. Not to mention all of the ‘over-board’ cups… ya know, the cups that get tossed or lighted pushed off the side of the highchair or stroller.
Well, as a childcare provider with two toddlers there seems to always be a cup on the floor! We all know that fun game that the wee ones love to play! I’ll drop it, mom picks it up, I’ll drop it again, mom picks it up again…continue until mom is fed up!
But… I now have a solution!
SippiGrip
by Booginhead
This parent-invented product solves the problem virtually every parent has with toddlers and sippy cups. One end of the SippiGrip attaches to the highchair/stroller, the other attaches to the cup. On the end that attaches to the cup there is a non-slip material to help grip to the cup. Then, you use the Velcro to tighten the strap around the cup. You can even adjust the length of the strap if you need it shorter.
Look at this Silver Paisley pattern- ADORABLE! There are lots of fun patterns to choose from, check them out here.
So… how do I like the SippiGrip?
I love the design and the non-slip grip - it really holds. I am using the SippiGrip on a booster seat and found it hard to find a place to attach it. This would not be a problem on a normal highchair or stroller. But, my booster seat just has no great place! So, I ended up attaching it to the seatbelt. Not ideal, but it worked!
I have not had any issues with the SippiGrip coming off when dropped over the side. Nor, have the little ones been able to get the cup out of the grip. Cleaning has been pretty easy too. I just wipe them down with a wet cloth after the kids are done eating. No stains or grime and there is NO way the little ones are going to destroy these SippiGrips!
About to let it drop!
Down it goes…but it’s not on the floor!
You should have seen this little one’s face when the cup did not hit the floor with a THUD!
It was defiantly a look of puzzlement!
Need a SippiGrip?
Check out Booginhead’s retailers- including Babies-r-us, Buy Buy Baby, Amazon and select Walmarts.
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disclosure: these products were given to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
Teddy Bear Picnic
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On our next to last day of preschool/childcare for the year (I watch teacher’s kids), I planned a… Teddy Bear Picnic
graphic: www.scrappindoodles.com
Everyone brought their favorite teddy bear that day. We did everything with our teddys. We ate breakfast with our bears (which was a real treat because I do not allow toys in the kitchen while we eat), took our bears to circle time, outside and of course had lunch together!
It was a teddy bear themed day! During preschool time we read ‘Were Going on a Bear Hunt’ by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen and used these sequence cards from SparkleBox to re-tell the story.We also drew pictures of our teddy bears, using a half of a teddy bear as a template:found here
I folded a piece of paper in half and had the girls try and cut the bears. Then, they colored their bear picture to look like their real bear. They also put on letter stickers to spell out their bear’s name.
We also sorted and graphed gummy bears, from an activity found at Creative Preschool Resources.
Then, at lunchtime I packed picnic baskets for the girls (just plastic baskets from the Dollar Store). They has all kinds of picnic food, including juice boxes (what a treat!). I wanted to let the girls go outside to picnic, but with babies it was just not feasible. So, they got to have a picnic in the living room on a picnic tablecloth (also found at the Dollar Store).
Oh, the little things in life!
**FYI: Letter Packs- I sort of “misplaced” my flash drive with all the letter packs on it. I have a couple more places to look, cross your fingers that I find it!
graphic: www.scrappindoodles.comEveryone brought their favorite teddy bear that day. We did everything with our teddys. We ate breakfast with our bears (which was a real treat because I do not allow toys in the kitchen while we eat), took our bears to circle time, outside and of course had lunch together!
It was a teddy bear themed day! During preschool time we read ‘Were Going on a Bear Hunt’ by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen and used these sequence cards from SparkleBox to re-tell the story.We also drew pictures of our teddy bears, using a half of a teddy bear as a template:found here
I folded a piece of paper in half and had the girls try and cut the bears. Then, they colored their bear picture to look like their real bear. They also put on letter stickers to spell out their bear’s name.
We also sorted and graphed gummy bears, from an activity found at Creative Preschool Resources.
Then, at lunchtime I packed picnic baskets for the girls (just plastic baskets from the Dollar Store). They has all kinds of picnic food, including juice boxes (what a treat!). I wanted to let the girls go outside to picnic, but with babies it was just not feasible. So, they got to have a picnic in the living room on a picnic tablecloth (also found at the Dollar Store).
Oh, the little things in life!
**FYI: Letter Packs- I sort of “misplaced” my flash drive with all the letter packs on it. I have a couple more places to look, cross your fingers that I find it!
FONTS!!!
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FONT JUNKIE!
My name is Ashley, and I am a….font junkie :)
I love me some really cute fonts (especially the free ones!)
Well, over at Teachery Tidbits, Natalie is hosting a Favorite Fonts Linky Party.
And..ya know what??
I found this font right here at her linky party- HOLLA!
(It is ‘Hello Firstie’ by Jen at Hello Literacy!)
So.. ready for my faves??
My Own Topher
I adore this font for just about anything! Especially love cutting vinyl words from my Silhouette with it!
(Kevin & Amanda)
Socially Awkward
This is just a fun handwriting font that I have to found to be pretty easy to read.
(Kevin & Amanda)
Annoying Kettle
Great font that is easy to read and looks like a fine tip marker wrote it!
(Kevin & Amanda)
Hello Dotty
Adorable right?? How many of us put dots on our letters when we were little girls?!?
(Hello Literacy)
Smiley monster
love love love- see how the s is upside down, adorbs!
(kevin & Amanda)
Hula skirt girl
isn’t this just a fun whimsical font?
(Kevin & Amanda)
What is your favorite font? Go and link up!
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