Who's that Blogger Reveal and Winners

Who's that Blogger Reveal and Winners!!!

I have labeled the childhood photos with the matching blogs for you all to peek at!! Because of the volume of entries, winners will be notified throughout the weekend. I appreciate your patience as we send out emails and prizes.

Click on each image to see the photo

Winner of the $125 Amazon Gift Card!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to

MEAGAN RAVEY

You will receive an email notification and once your email has been confirmed, I will send you the Amazong gift card!!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so very much for playing!!

The 3AM Teacher (aka the lovely Michelle who put this all together) created a fun FREEBIE for everyone to grab!! 

Please feel free to share the freebie through pins, and she always appreciates your feedback!!

Have a WONDERFUL SATURDAY!!

Click the image to visit her TpT shop and download the new decorated owl FREEBIE!!

Who's That Blogger?

Welcome Everyone!!

         Are you ready to have some fun??
        
                                              ....Play a game?
           
                                                              .....Win  prizes and cash?

I have teamed up with 65 AMAZING blogger buddies to put together the ultimate Back to School Linky/Giveaway!!!

Each one of my blogger buddies submitted a cute childhood photo & generously donated something special from their online TpT shops for this occasion!! We have included a fun game for you to play for a chance to win over $300.00 in prizes and a BONUS  CASH-PRIZE raffle you can enter at the end of this post!! 

CHA-CHING!!

The game is easy to play....

 Your job will be to try and match each blogger with their childhood photo!!! With over 60 childhood photos and bloggers to match up, this might get tricky!! As I mentioned above, each blogger has generously donated one awesome prize from their TpT store. Successfully match a blogger and childhood photo, and you win the prize offered from that blogger!!! The more you matches you make, the more prizes you win!!! 

Check out some of the prizes you could win!!!

but Wait....

That's not all....

ONE lucky follower will win a $125 Amazon Gift Card!! Scroll to the bottom & follow the directions in the Rafflecopter for a chance to win $$$

The link below will open a form that will allow you to submit your answers for the match up. 

Use the blogger links and numbered images to help you along the way!! Each childhood photo has been assigned a specific number. 

Once you open the form, use the drop-down menu beneath each blog button and select a number that corresponds to a childhood photo. 

The form results will be collected throughout the week. At the end of the week, each submission will be "graded" and you will receive a prize for each blogger and photo you successfully matched up!!

The game closes on Friday, August 23rd at midnight (Arizona Mountain Time). Answers will be announced on Saturday, August 24th. Winners will be notified through email throughout the week. 

Use the blog links below the photos to search for clues!!

Click HERE to Play the Matching Game!!

AWE!!! PuFfy HeArT SWEETNESS!!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Click HERE to Play the Matching Game!!

Follow the directions in the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a $125 Amazon gift card!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for participating!!! Good Luck!!!

If you would like to post about this linky/giveaway, grab the special image below to display in your post and link up below!!! Make sure to use the link to the actual post,,,

An InLinkz Link-up

New Blog Design!!

As you can see, my blog has been COMPLETELY made over and I am in love with it.  Michelle (The 3AM Teacher) is an absolutely wonderful, talented lady and friend.  We all deserve to "treat" ourselves to what we do every day - teach, love, create, and blog.  Why not make YOUR blog your own personal space that you treasure!

 If you are looking to redesign your blog, touch it up, or completely reinvent the wheel, Michelle is so comfortable to work with, and just the most talented and artistic person.  Click HERE to see your own custom blog design options :]

Thank you so much for stopping by my new and beautiful blog... I can't wait to continue to share many great resources and ideas with you :] And don't forget to grab my button on the side bar of my blog (isn't she cute?!) Ahh I love it and I love Michelle... you will too!!

Pass the Torch

Get Ready for Bloggy Olympics!!!

Join The 3AM Teacher, the Reading Olympians, and over 80 SUPREME education bloggers as we take you through a tour of the Reading Olympians Root Study Program!!


I am so honored to tell you about my experiences with The Reading Olympians.  Julia and Krissy are the gals behind the magic of ROOTS.  When I look back and think about the difficult vocabulary of fourth grade (which is the grade I teach this year), teaching roots can help SO much with that.  Julia and Krissy have come up with this AMAZING reading program and it involves teaching roots (which is included in the Common Core for multiple grade levels) in an engaging and interesting way.  With over 300 pages of activities, you cannot go wrong with this guide to bringing out the best in your children with literacy and discovering the meaning of words.

I started the Nike Set with my students, which is the most basic set of their program (there is a generous freebie from The Reading Olympians on TPT).  Can I tell you my kiddos most favorite part? THE NIKE RAP!  What a fun way to remember what each prefix/suffix means!  As we all know, the more our kiddos are interested, the more likely they will remember and take these skills with them for life.

I think one of the best parts of this program is that there is no right or wrong way to complete the activities.  The Nike Set cards shown below can be used in many different ways.  And I actually got my kiddos to think about how they would best use them, and their thoughts were putting them up on a bulletin board to look up at if they needed a reminder. 

 One of my favorite parts of this reading program is the awards included.. can I tell you that my lovelies are so excited to earn this? We didn't finish the full set yet, but this is a big deal to them (and it should be, they will earn it!)

I can't speak highly enough about The Reading Olympians.. what genuis ladies to create something so wonderful and useful for our children today.  Roots need to be taught for many reasons and a unit like this can help change their learning for the better.

 

Please please please check it out... and last but certainly not least, the AMAZING incredible graphics are from The 3AM Teacher.  It gives it that "pop" that really makes this unit shine!

Discover the program IN ACTION in more K-6th grade classrooms as you Pass the Torch!! Get ideas, discover the progression of the program, and enter the Raffle for a chance to win ONE of the three prizes listed below!!

First Place Winner : Gold Medal

  Prizes: Complete Reading Olympians Program
            $50.00 Amazon Gift Card
            50% off Discount Code for a 1-Day shopping spree at The 3AM Teacher's Etsy store!

Second Place Winner: Silver Medal

   Prizes: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
              40% off Discount Code for a 1-Day shopping spree at The 3AM Teacher's Etsy store!

Third Place Winner: Bronze Medal

    Prizes: 30% off Discount Code for a 1-Day shopping spree at The 3AM Teacher's Etsy store!

Pass the Torch!!!
Click the image below to visit the next blog

Kindergarten:



Grade 1 & 2






Grade 3 & 4






Grade 5 & 6


    a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love to Teach February Giveaway!

Hi everyone! I decided to have throw a spontaneous giveaway :) I love the 3AM Teacher and Kevin and Amanda Fonts so I included them in this graphic ;) I have not had a giveaway in a while, and I want to treat my fellow teachers to a night out to dinner and a couple products from either one of my teacher stores! Enter to win a 25 dollar gift card to TGI Fridays (I hope there is one in your area!) and any 2 products from my store.  Giveaway going on from FEBRUARY 17-FEBRUARY 24 at midnight! Check out the rafflecopter below to enter starting at midnight tonight XOXO Love you all, I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88e1c35/


I am on February break right now and I made a few goals for myself :]
1. Catch up on my beauty sleep
2. Find awesome activities for the common core & state testing
3. Lesson plan and get all caught up since report cards are due soon!
4. Make another product on TPT and TN
5. Find some time for me and relaaax! (Maybe get a massage?!)
6. Workout at least 5 times during my break

State testing needs, catching up with you!

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I last posted... Up top is my kiddos New Years Resolutions... some of them were extremely adorable.  Like Troy's: "My New Years resolution is to eat less bread.  I eat 6 slices a day and I need to cut down."  I hear that! I am doing my 90 day challenge "biggest loser" competition with my beachbody (online) coach.. I hope that my motivation lasts since I am already a pretty determined person in general. 

Here is the yummy goulash that Mike made tonight... with garden vegetable pasta, peppers, onions, hamburger, and sauce :)

Speaking of motivation, I have been trying to be the best teacher I can.  I have 5 fourth graders, and 2 third graders.  All I can think about are the state tests, especially with my 4th graders. I want them to be as prepared as possible and have the most resources I can.  I am also the only 3/4th grade teacher, so I am the only one planning for state tests this year.

I am thinking about doing adopt a classroom (I can't do donors choose because I work at a private school).  I am most worried about science... it is so important that the children have lots of hands-on materials to use and to be engaged and understand the experiments and learning better.  There are a few items on my wishlist.. I definitely need a balance scale, magnet kit, and simple machines kit... I was looking at Lakeshore and they have amazing resources, I just wish the prices were a little lower for what I can afford.

How amazing would it be to get this and share it with the other teachers at my school?! But it's 500 dollars... but a teacher can dream!!

If anyone knows any great resources or great prices on any sites for science materials, please let me know! I plan on continuing to prepare my students and get them ready for April/May!!

 

Speaking of Science Test Prep, please check out my latest TPT/TN product... my 40 Science Test Prep Cards which reviews most of the information and topics from our science new york state text (McMillan-McGraw) and will help with comprehension and using background knowledge.  CLICK HERE to visit Teacher's Notebook, and CLICK HERE to check it out on Teachers Pay Teachers!  Amazing graphics from The 3AM Teacher and fonts from Kevin and Amanda!

 

 

Other topics that my kids have loved:

Learning about Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Learning about the Revolutionary War

 

I want to keep finding new teaching ideas, which is why I love Pinterest, TPT, TN and all of that.  Sometimes I am just so tired when I get home to look though. 

I have some questions for all of you, if anyone can help me out!

How do you prepare your kids for state testing?

Where do you purchase your science materials?

Where do you get most of your lesson ideas?

How do you "keep up" with being the best teacher you can?

 

I am very tired... so I leave you with a picture of my cute baby, Pancake...

Good night!

Tis the Season and In Memory of Deanna and Chris

'Tis the season to be jolly.. and I am.  Whoever said money buys happiness, doesn't have what I have in my life.  Because money is definitely something that I struggle with to get by, but I feel like that it makes me appreciate the little things and working 3 jobs, my goodness.. I am the hardest worker I know (not to toot my own horn).

My Adopt a Family fundraiser is going on right now, and I am hoping to raise a few hundred dollars to be able to buy Walter and Cathy everything they could possibly imagine.  I am looking for donations until December 11th, but by even this weekend, would be perfect so I can shop in between jobs and events :) You are all so wonderful.. so far, I have 2 donations from Jayme and Val, and Lorraine so THANK YOU so much!!!

Here is our Christmas Tree at school with all the hats and mittens being donated to kids that do not have the money to get items like these.  Children are precious and need to be kept warm, and families from my area are so generous and helpful.  We are actually donating all the hats, mittens, and coats to my best friend's school, which is such a coincidence and amazing.

The picture above is me and Heather getting our picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.. I did tell Santa what I wanted for Christmas... for my mom to be happy and have the best Christmas ever XOXO

 

In light of the Christmas season, I have finally finished my Christmas Printables.. it contains a lot of grammar printables, actually suitable for grade 4 (and grades 3 and 5 for higher-level learning and review) connecting with different pronouns and punctuation.  There are also worksheets about division, multiplying fractions, word problems, and writing prompts/stationery. Such cute graphics from The 3AM Teacher, Michelle is so amazing.. and the most adorable fonts from Kevin and Amanda!!
Click HERE for this product on Teachers Pay Teachers... and HERE for this product on the lovely Teacher's Notebook!!! Both only $2.00 for a limited time!!!  

I also want to take the time to say that something extremely terrible happened in my community this past weekend.  I still have yet to wrap my head around it... four high school teenagers were driving home from a UAlbany game and they were hit by a driver (who had been drinking) and two of them were killed instantly.  The other two were in critical care, but are now out of the hospital.  The two that survived, Matt and Bailey, are dealing with probably the most difficult thing they will ever go through in their lives - losing the love of their lives. 
Deanna Rivers and Chris Stewart were the two Shen students that passed, and Deanna's boyfriend Matt and Chris's girlfriend Bailey have the love and support of their families, friends, and the entire community.  (Deanna is in the tye-dyed shirt, and Chris is wearing black).  Deanna, Chris, and Matt all attended Shenendehowa High School together, and Bailey goes to Shaker High School, where I used to teach (for their elementary and middle school) so I know of her and know her friends that are also in pain right now for her.  What a complete devastation this is, but I have to say that the strength and togetherness is OVERWHELMING and just a beautiful, beautiful thing.

  (Chris Stewart and Deanna Rivers)

With the support of the 518 community, Tim Tebow and Missy Franklin each reached out to Matt and Bailey to help show their support as well.  How amazing to have thousands of people gather and help out their loved ones through this tragedy.  Carrie Underwood also dedicated a song to Deanna and Chris at her concert in Albany.  Just amazing.  Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and that their families and friends will come together to heal and find peace. XOXO

My TPT Finds and Friends

Hello all! :) I am linking up wtih Tales from Room 112, the wonderful Erin and her linky party!! I always love this time of year (and back to school) when TPT has their huge sales where (I hope) all of my teacher friends are VERY successful!  This year, I don't have much money so I only made a few purchases...

 

My favorite is Rachel Lynette.  How wonderful is she?  One of the TOP sellers, I could not help but buy her task cards to help my students in my classroom.  I am very excited to use these!!

 Even though my budget is tight, I want to direct you to my favorite sellers and some of them happen to be my very best blogging buddies...

Please click on each picture to visit their TPT store and enjoy their wonderful sales!!!

 

Nicole Shelby... AMAZING! I would buy her whole store if I could!

 

Rachelle Smith is like a celebrity to me.. her products are PERFECT!!

 

 

Sara Ventrella... wonderful, talented lady, sweet as can be! (My BBFF!)

 

Hadar Moar... my extremely talented beautiful friend and has the most perfect primary products (a little alliteration right there!)

 

Where else would I get my graphics?! Michelle Tsivgadellis from the 3AM Teacher!!! Amazing clipart, especially for the holidays!!

 

I could probably go on and and on with my purchases. There are too many teachers/sellers to name that are just incredible and that I love.  One Extra Degree, Sunny Days in Second Grade, Jodi Southard, Amy Lemons, Ashleigh, and so many more... I wish I had time to write about all of them! :)

 

 

Don't forget to check out my own sale as well...

 My Teachers Pay Teachers store and My Teacher's Notebook store!!!

 

I was looking at all my products and I have THIRTY freebies featured!! Holy cow, that's a lot.. I will have to go through them all someday and tweek them to make them even better.  Someday when I actually get a free minute.

They include:

My Writing Posters

 

My Reading Response Journals

 

Thinkmarks

100th Day Activities

 

 

Christmas Word Search

And so much more!!! Please check out my stores and become a follower and leave feedback... it means so much to me :) Every purchase counts in helping me succeed as a teacher and pay for all the "little things" (and of course big things like food and rent).  Thank you again!