Summer is just around the corner ~~ time for a celebrate summer SALE

I'm on the countdown --- 9 more days -- WHOO - HOO!  This year has been one that has had lots of twists and turns and 'issues' and a bit of a revolving door ( almost like a soap opera or they could've maybe even done a reality show on my school year this year ) LOL~~  I haven't had a year like this in over 10 years...so I'm exhausted and very READy for summer.  I love my kiddos that God has blessed me with this year...don't get me wrong.  I am just ready to have some time off.... 'anywhoo' -----

I thought it would be fun to kick off summer with a BIG sale....almost every item is 10% off - even my end of the year and Father's Day unit...so don't miss out!  Sale starts tomorrow ( Thurs. 5/24 - Sat. 5/26 )

Enjoy ~ and please leave feedback at TPT if you buy something.  I also have a fun end of the year freebie you might like.

HAPPY SUMMER teaching friends!!!  What are your summer plans?

Fun new /h/ cousins pack just posted at TPT and TN



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I survived Open House --

I'm tired....so tired.  It's been a long year.  I guess we all have years like that.  Open House is always fun, I love seeing the kids faces and bragging about their improvements to their parents -- here are some fun pics of the room.  I had to include use of my cricut this year ( Christmas gift ) so I did all my habitat titles in that.  I like how they turned out.  My son was adorable too as George Lucas...we had a great time!

It's so bright we gotta wear shades!

My door entrance

My friends door entrance - so cute!

They made camels for the desert and I took pics of them riding them. LOL

Just added to both stores - blending pack

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* FREEBIE* -- just cuz :o)

A freebie - just because I love you all and know in the last few weeks we could all use some encouragement -- I'm SOOO ready for summer.  Just found out I'm getting a new student on Friday --- umm...school gets out in less than 3 weeks - but ohh - kay!  LOL   - Open House is tomorrow and you know I'll be posting some pics.  My son gets to dress up and portray a famous Californian - He chose George Lucas --- what 10 year old boy wouldn't want to get in on some Star Wars and Indiana Jones action right?!?  He'll be adorable and I will definitely post some pics of that too. :o)  Happy last few weeks everyone! {Enjoy this freebie}

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Spaghetti and Meatball spacing

Sounds yummy right?!?  Well I have just posted on TPT and TN a fun little unit on teaching this concept to your K's and First graders.  Basically instead of the boring old finger spacing....you talk about spaghetti and meatballs....on chart paper you show them your finger is more like skinny spaghetti and your fist is more like a meatball.  This unit has an italian chef theme and has worksheets/poems etc. to get them going on this concept.  How do you teach spacing  ?  
                  

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Habitats and 'arrgh!'

We have been BUSY BEES that's for sure....Open House is just around the corner and assessments and the weeks are winding down.  We always have habitats for our first grade open house theme.  Here are some photos of all the cute vines, bulletin boards, etc. 

My rainforest bulletin board - I found it in a rainforest book and then also came across it on Mrs. Jump's blog as well.

Every child has a vine to put all their rainforest animals on and then they take their vine home after Open House.

I think the sloth and monkey are my favorites.  I have the girls add eyelashes and a little flower with pink cheeks.

I have them write facts in the monkey's belly.

This is one of my favorite habitat projects - a cactus for learning about the desert.  It is made by mixing Epson Salt with paint - it gives the cactus a really cool,  bumpy texture.  Then I added broken toothpicks and a tissue flower in the corner.

"AARGH Matey"  We are learning about /ar/ this week

So I took a red plastic cup and stuck aluminum foil into it.  We added some /ar/ words to the front and we had little pirate hooks to wear on the way home...They LOVED it. I found this on pinterest for a pirate party -- sometimes you just have to adapt cute ideas to make them useful for the classroom right?!? This was the first year I did it and will definitely do it again.

If you want to try it yourself:

This project is included in my /ar/ unit on TPT

I think the countdown has officially begun...enjoy your last few weeks my friends. :o)

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So excited!!!

I'm soo excited!!  I received an email this morning and have been nominated for an award for my post on the Fancy Schmancy Behavior Desk... see post:

http://traditionslaughterandhappilyeverafter.blogspot.com/search/label/Fancy%20Schmancy%20Behavior%20Tip

The award is from the accelerated degree program and the nominations are done by the Accelerated Degree Program's editorial team.

Anyway voting will take place:  Voting begins May 14th at 12:01 AM (EST).The blog with the most votes by May 21st
 at 11:59 PM (EST)  will win the grand prize, a $100 restaurant gift card. :o)
PLEASE VOTE  for me when the voting begins - it would be so fun to win.



I'm thinking when the voting window opens the above badge will take you to the voting. :o)

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You've ALMOST won the lottery teaching friends :o) * UPDATE*

**update** I am offering my freebie for the next 24ish hours in honor of teacher appreciation day tomorrow.  It's one of my BEST sellers -- if you like it can you leave feedback on TPT and follow my store...that would be great.  Don't forget to pick up ALL your other freebies while you are there. :o)  Happy Teacher Appreciation Day everyone xoxo
Here is the link directly to my free product:

I have been teaching 18 years and have taught in both public and private schools.  I have worked in poverty stricken areas and wealthy areas.  I have seen a lot in those years.  Well we all have stories to share that have shaped us and made us better teachers. I am currently in a district and have been for about 12 years that SPOILS their teachers ROTTEN.  Let me rephrase that -- the parents spoil us rotten. :o)  I am often humbled and sometimes embarassed by their generosity....and our PTA don't even get me started....they are AMAZING!!!  So I want to do something special for my fellow teachers --- On this - my first teacher's appreciation week in the blogging world - I want to thank all of my friends, my mentors, and fellow colleagues who work so tirelessly day in and day out. Starting on Sunday, May 6th TpT is celebrating teachers and I have decided to join them.

On May 6th, over 150 teachers have joined together to give away ONE FREE item with a value of at least $3! Wait did you hear that?!?  FREE THINGS -- Where do I sign up - LOL .  If you visit everyone's shop ... that is over 150 items for free! The retail value of this gift is estimated at over $500 of free teacher created products. TpT has divided this giveaway into three categories because it is so massive! Check back for more details as the date draws near!

Here are our main hosts for each grade level group:

PK-Grade 2- April NcNair on A Modern Teacher
Grades 3-6 Laura Candler on Corkboard Connections
Grades 7-12 Adrianne Meldrum on The Tutor House 

TpT is also running a sale from May 6-8! They are offering this special code so you can get up to 28% off!

I'm thrilled to be joining in on the fun and especially excited to share one of my products with you guys for FREE.  Check back to see which one soon. :o)
*** FREEBIE***
Wild about short vowel freebie at my store

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