Best Pencil Sharpener

 

Classroom Friendly Supplies is a company created by an elementary school teacher (Troy Decoff) who understand the importance of a sharpener that will not interrupt students when they are doing their work, and gets the job done - the best.  The best points and the quickest sharpener I have ever had.

So far there are many amazing colors that this sharpener comes in.  

I am so lucky to be one of the first to introduce to you...

THE POPULAR PURPLE.

This color really will make your classroom POP.  I keep mine near my teacher supplies and my guided reading table.  My firsties were so adorable when I first introduced to them our new Classroom Friendly Supplies Popular Purple - they loved the color and how sharp the points got.  My kiddos could also not believe how QUICK it was compared to our very expensive electric sharpener.  Their smiles and squeals of delight made me so happy - your kids will also be so happy!

 Very easy to use.  After a pinch of the black knobs together and placing the pencil inside ready to turn the handle, voila - you only need a couple cranks of the handle, and your pencil is SHARP and ready to go.

 The picture above shows the before and after of already sharpened pencils (from my electric sharpener) and using the Popular Purple.  Definitely a difference - and some of my first graders might press a little hard when writing, but the sharp point of these pencils stays and is very durable.  That was important to me!

To order yours and check out other reviews and products, please visit Classroom Friendly Supplies.  You will not be sorry with your purchase for a great price that was cut in half from my electric sharpener.  :)  They also sell replacements in case you just need a small part and you don't have to buy another whole sharpener.  Troy and his company really thought of everything - You and your class deserve one. Check it out!

Chalkola

 Hello my lovely blogging buddies! I hope your school years are going wonderful - whether you are a school teacher, home school teacher, or taking time with your babies at home :) 

I was very excited to be introduced to CHALKOLA.  Chalkola markers are used on chalkboards, whiteboards, windows, plastic, and mirrors - AND the ink is easily removed.. with the swipe of a wet wipe!

Instantly when I took the chalkola markers out of the case, my firsties were very excited.  They crowded around to see the fun paint-like substance that came out of these pens!  Easy to use, they were eager to try.  They LOVED that they could use these on our chalkboards and really liked the way the "colors popped!" 

 

See below for a few tips of how to use Chalkola:

 1. Have the markers ready for the students ahead of time.  Once each marker has the "paint" set and ready to go, students will be able to use with ease.  They take a minute or so to work after you press down on the tip to get the ink flowing.  Very similar to paint markers I have used.  Once the ink sets though, you are ready to go!  The bigger markers can get a little messy to prep, be careful :)

2. Depending on how much ink is being used, make sure your smaller kiddos have plenty of wipes to use to clean their boards.  One wipe did not always work for the white boards we used.  If the paint does get on clothes, it is easily washable :)

3. Show your students how to use first! Lots of modeling and discussing on the right way to use these and what surfaces they can use these on as well.  It will be a little while before I let my first graders use the BIG 15mm markers, but they are happily enjoying the 6 mm ones!

Here are the links to these liquid chalk markers - and LOOK!  Order using the code CHK20OFF for the 15mm markers or CHALK20A for the 6mm pens.  Let me know if you have any questions!

15mm Markers Link

20% Off on Amazon - Use Code -> CHK20OFF

6mm Pens Link

Amazon UK Link

20% Off on Amazon - Use Code -> CHALK20A

My 2015-2016 Classroom

Oh my goodness, it has been such a long time since I have blogged... over the past few months, I have worked so hard to make sure I was all ready for my first graders in September.  It has been a crazy, hard-working, and tiring summer but I would not change it for anything.  I got engaged in August and got my dream job teaching first grade :)

Here are some pictures of my classroom, before and after:

 I can remember taking the "before" picture and wanting my classroom to be finished, rushing to buy EVERYTHING I could, print on TPT and laminate, but there was so little time to make it exactly the way I wanted it.  I knew after taking that picture that I would see the progress over the months,  and make it my sweet children's second home.  (And by the way, my kids really are so sweet!)

These photos were taking just before our Back to School Open House night.  I am proud of the organized classroom it has become!

My calendar/reading/meeting area :) 

 Just a few different angles!  You will see in my writing area that I have A Cupcake for the Teacher's wonderful Writing Center Kit! Such a wonderful resource for the kids.

 My job chart has been a huge hit with my students.  I love this template from Primarily Au-Some on TPT - check it out! It also comes in different themes :)

 One of our first units was teaching all about apples.  We read apple books, made apple sauce, and discovered all about the life cycle of an apple tree.

Here are some amazing apple freebies for first grade!

Apple Unit from Khrys Bosland

Johnny Appleseed Freebie from Jungle Learners

 

Seasons of an Apple Tree with Mrs. Hoffer's Spot 

 

Enjoy! Have a wonderful school year and happy fall!