Friday, November 29, 2013

It's Coming... A TPT Cyber Sale and Lots of Freebies!

 
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
 
Join me December 2 & 3 for Teachers Pay Teachers' annual Cyber Sale!
 
 
 
 
Use the coupon code: CYBER when you checkout to save 28% in my TPT Store.
 
 
While you're shopping, don't forget check out my 12 Days of Christmas Freebies
 
 
Each night beginning December 1st, between 8-9pm CST I will be offering one of my store items for FREE!  I'll announce which items I'm offering each evening on my blog and at Preslar's Place on Facebook and you'll have exactly 1 hour to get your's for free. 
 
 It's my gift to you!
 
 
As an added bonus, other TPT authors will be offering their freebies right here on my blog!  They'll be linking up to offer you even more goodies for the holidays. 
 
You won't want to miss it!
 
 
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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Gettin' Our Gobble On!

 
Well today was our last day of school before our Thanksgiving break.  My students and I were up to our elbows in paint as we painted turkey handprints.  We also made mini-books about The First Thanksgiving, cut, glued, colored....well, you get the picture!  We did as much fun turkey stuff as we could fit into one school day.
 
Graphic by sweetclipart.com
 
One of my favorite activities to do with my firsties is the "How To Cook a Turkey" writing.  It's always hilarious to read what they write.  This year's entries are no different.  I thought I'd share a few with you.  I especially like what they plan on serving with their overcooked, undercooked, and not-cooked-at-all-turkeys!
 
So if you're looking for a new recipe or want to "spice" up your holiday cooking, then take a look at these gems!
 
 
 
 





 
 
 
And I leave you with one last thought....
 


Graphic by freequotespoems.com
 
Have a fun and restful Thanksgiving break!
 
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Saturday, November 23, 2013

The 12 Days of Christmas Freebies Linky Party Coming Soon!

 
'Tis the Season for Freebies...LOTS of them!
 
Graphic by Graphics From the Pond
 
Beginning December 1st, Preslar's Place & Friends will be offering 12 days of freebies as part of 
 
 
Follow Preslar's Place at TpT and Facebook to be the first to get your freebies. Hurry, because they won't be free forever!
 
     
Graphics by Creative Clips
 
Announcements of my 12 Days of Christmas Freebies will be made at Preslar's Place on Facebook and here at my blog beginning December 1st.   
 
Also, be sure to check back on December 1st to find links to even more fabulous freebies right here!
 
 
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Monday, November 18, 2013

Getting It All In!

Whew! What a fast and furious first 3 months of school! My school life has been consumed with RTI so far and coming up with ways to keep my students engaged and challenged in learning.
 
I'm happy to say, "So far, so good!" 
 
Technology has been at the forefront of my classroom since day 1, but since becoming a TpT seller, I find myself creating more and more printable activities for my students to use as well. 
 
They love the independence of grabbing a game and using it when they're seatwork is complete.  I love using them with my small groups and RTI groups.  It's a win-win for all of us!  My latest activity is a fun math fact matching game for addition and subtraction called, Stocking Stuffers.  Click the picture below to download a preview pack.
 
I hope you've enjoyed using the games as well in your classroom.  I'm very humbled by all of the positive and encouraging feedback you've given me over the past several months. 
 
 With that said, I am happy to be back today with another freebie for you.  I've linked up with Manic Monday at Classroom Freebies to offer you one of my take-home book bag activities. 
 
This activity pack is just a sampler, and contains a list of suggested books and materials to include in your book bags that go with the pumpkin rhyming words activity I've included.  I suggest including a journal of some kind for parents and students to write in each time they use the book bag.  Having them reflect on what they did with the books and activities is a good way to decide what to add or delete from the bags.  It also gives students a chance to practice writing! 
 
 
I only send these home with families that agree to use them.  In this packet you'll also find a Book Bag Parent Contract.  This holds them accountable for taking care of the bags and materials and using the activities in them.  I've had great success since implementing the parent contract, plus it let's me know who is interested and who isn't.
 
Book bags are wonderful activities I've used for several years with my students to help bridge the gap between school and home by giving parents a tool to use at home to work with their children to build literacy skills. 
 
Halloween Book Bag
 
I get the bags from various places.  My favorite place so far is the Target Dollar Bin! Halloween treat bags are a great source as are the bags you get when checking out at stores like Old Navy.
 

 Animals Book Bag
 
We all know the importance of involving parents in learning, and sometimes we just need to be the catalyst that gets parents on board.  The results are remarkable when students and parents work together to extend the learning from school to home.  Sometimes all it takes is pointing them in the right direction and giving them the materials to do it. 
 
Sports Book Bag
 
I'm so grateful that what I do counts and matters in the lives of my students and their parents!  I hope you enjoy using this with yours, too!
 
 
Click the picture above to get your freebie today! 
 
Happy Teaching,
 
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