Apples, apples and more apples!

It's my favorite time of year - Fall!  

I love the beautiful leaves, the temperature and all the fun things we get to talk about in the classroom. Last week we started talking about apples. First, we generated a list of all the things we knew about apples. Then, followed up with non-fiction writing and apple fact books.  

We also made diagrams of apples and practiced labeling our pictures.  

Later in the week, we discussed the different seasons of an apple tree. The kids loved looking at real life pictures of the same tree and noticing the differences.

Continuing our apple learning... this week we will be visiting the apple orchard and writing about Johnny Appleseed.  You can click on the pictures below to see more apple activities and classroom fun!

Back to School Sight Words

Last year I created some Back to School - Sight Word coloring pages for my students.  These papers were a great motivator for my students to practice their sight words.  

The activities helped them recognize a variety of sight words, follow directions and they were able to color - which all kids love.  My kids this year are having just as much fun with them!  

  

I have also been using these with my son, who has just started Kindergarten. He loves to do "homework," just like his big brother.  

I created a few extra sheets to practice basic sight words with him and added them to this packet.  The two pages below are his favorite ones to do - mystery picture and a spinner!   

Click on the picture to see the full packet.  

First Week Activities

After a busy start to the year, we are all beginning to settle in.  My students are learning the schedule and routines and I am trying to get my energy back. I'm amazed at how exhausted I can actually feel at the end of the day!  But... we are getting there. 

These are two of my favorite activities from the first week that we worked on.  

David Goes to School by David Shannon is a class favorite when learning about school rules and what makes a good student. The teeth always make me laugh!

We also had fun talking about our names and things that begin with the same letter.  I love the way these faces come out!  

I'll be back later this week to post a few pictures of my classroom.  

Word Problem of the Day

Word problems are something that we are continuously working on in first grade. They can be very challenging for young learners. 

To start the year off, I wanted to have more consistency when working on word problems with my students.  My goal is to build their confidence and independence when working on word problems.   

To build the consistency I am aiming for, I am going to implement a "Problem of the Day." My September Word Problems packet is focused on Common Core Unit One - Addition and Subtraction to 10. Each month will focus on a new unit, as well as previous units for review. This is a first grade unit, however, it would also work great for advanced Kindergartners or as extra practice for second graders.  

              

Take a closer look...

Click on any of the pictures to see this product in my store.  

                    

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Bonus One Day Sale!

Did you hear about the Bonus One Day Sale?

You can click on the picture above to shop the sale.

Don't forget to check out my newest product:

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Happy Shopping!

Ahoy, Matey

With two boys in my house, pirates are frequently part of the discussion and play.  My boys dress like pirates, talk like pirates and pretend to search for buried treasure. 

I have found pirates to be a fan favorite in my classroom as well.  My students love reading stories about pirates and enjoy writing their own pirate tales.  Here are a few examples of papers that I have used in my classroom before.  

              

Here is the full packet of literacy and math printables and activities for you to use in the classroom with your own pirate mateys.

Don't forget - National Talk Like a Pirate Day is right around the corner, on September 19th.  Here are a few of my favorite pirate phrases...

Ahoy, Matey - Hello, my friend!

Ahoy, me Hearties! - the same as saying "Hello, my friends!"

Doubloons - other coins or found in pirate hoards and stashes

Blimey! - exhortation of surprise

Savvy? - do you understand and do you agree?

Jolly Roger - pirate's flag including white skull and crossbones over a black field

Aye - yes

Seadog - old pirate or sailor

Yo Ho Ho - cheerful exhortation to demand attention

Best Year Ever Sale!

It's that time of year again... time for a huge TPT sale!!  I am giving away a $10 TPT gift card on my Facebook page.  Click the picture below for a chance to win.

Here are a few of the new products I have just added to my store.  If you buy them during the sale you can get them at 28% off!  Don't forget to use the code - BESTYEAR