E Books

      Reading is one of my absolute favorite things to do. Even when I was younger, other kids used to make comments about how I always had a book with me and was reading during any free moment in school. One time, I finished my book and started to read the dictionary! It is my hope to facilitate a similar passion for reading to my students. 


      One method of sharing a love of reading is to incorporate ebooks in to my lessons. The students LOVE them because they think they are like videos and it occasionally gives me a few extra minutes to prep for the next activity- or assist a child in changing his/her wet clothes. There are quite a few great website that offer FREE ebooks. Here are some tried and true favorites and a few new site I recently discovered:


1. Tumblebooks- This is my absolute favorite. Our district subscribes for us, so I don't know about membership costs, but whatever it is- I promise it is worth it! I use the 'ebooks for ekids' and there are tons of great picture books and chapter books listed. Almost all of the picture books are narrated and easily relate to our weekly themes. Some books are listed in English and French or Spanish and often offer coinciding games as a follow-up activity for the students.
2. Barnes and Noble- I just recently discovered this FREE site, but can't imagine how I've never used this before! Each month they feature a new picture book that is read by authors and celebrities!
3.Starfall- These books are great for early readers and FREE. There are books that can be connected to every literacy skill and the games are fun for the students too!


Off to see Harry Potter part 2- I'll add more soon!

I caved

     Well, I finally did it. I conquered the school supply aisle at Target! I was trying to avoid that section of all stores as long as possible in an effort to relish the relaxing summer I've been enjoying. However, I caved. I just love all the fun colored notebooks, funky pencil cases, and super cheap sales! Even better is that all the storage bins are on sale! I just love trying to find the 'perfect' way to organize everything in my classroom- I often fall asleep thinking of new ways to better store my class materials! I'm sure most teachers have been out browsing the Back to School section, and now, I'm finally one of them.

A FEW of my fun organization finds. I'm going to use the paper towel holder (from the $1 Spot) to store the abundance of tape that always seems to roll out of my closet when I open it. The small yellow bucket ($1 Spot) will hold my SMARTboard accessories. 

 While successfully avoiding the school supply aisle, I found plenty of other items at yard sales and on clearance to use in my classroom (it's an obsession that I love, what can I say?!). My garage is filling up, but I picked a few of my favorites to share with you:                                                                                                                                       

I found this bell at a yardsale for $1.50! I've been looking all over for one of these!

Isn't this the cutest? I found it 1/2 off at Target. I think I'm going to put ABC letters on it and make it a Chicka Chicka tree. By the way, it lights up and sings 2 songs too! 

                       These adorable characters are at Kohl's. Only $5 each, I HAD to get them all since my students love Clifford- almost as much as me!                                                     

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog!  I stumbled upon dozens of amazing teaching blogs through Pinterest and decided to join in on the fun! {Click on the link to follow me- and if you need an invite, let me know!} I am very excited to begin this new adventure and share my love of teaching (among other things) with you! In addition, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new blog design - Dreamlike Magic Designs was wonderful to work with and I definitely recommend them! Keep checking back!!