Doodle Bugs Teaching

Dr. Seuss Week

2012-02-26T10:25:00.001-06:00

It’s here.. Dr. Seuss week! I love Dr. Seuss and one of my favorite books of all time is the Cat in the Hat. I mostly spend my week around this book but we read a other Dr. Seuss books too. I have listed a mini unit on Teacher’s Pay Teachers for the Cat in the Hat.

Cat in the Hat Mini Unit

Here is what is included in that unit..

ABC word cards & recording sheets.

Cat in the Hat word list

Unscramble the words to make sentences. A recording sheet is included.

Rhyming word match cards- Match the 18 sets of words to form matching pairs.

Also included is a Cat in the Hat word search and a cut & paste sequence of events.

I am really excited to use these this week with my first graders.

Here is the link to purchase: Cat in the Hat Mini Unit

I also made a set of sheets for my students to do each morning for their morning work. These are available to download for free.

Dr. Seuss FREE sheets

If you download them- I would love for you to leave a comment!

Have a great week!

One last time.. here are the links:

Cat in the Hat Mini Unit on Teachers Pay Teachers

Dr. Seuss free download sheets

Friday Freebie

2012-02-24T06:52:00.001-06:00

Do you need a quick little center or game?

I have added these America cards to my Teachers Pay Teacher store. There are 24 question cards. We used them as a game.. but they could easily be numbered and used for a center too! They are free to download..

America Cards

Have a great day! It’s FRIDAY!!!!!!!

xoxo, Kacey

Cookie’s Week: Mini Unit

2012-02-22T05:27:00.000-06:00

If you are not reading this book with your class.. you should! It is short, sweet and a favorite every year with my class. We read it back at the beginning of school when we had our “Pete the Cat” week and we read lots of cat books.. but I decided to pull it back out and make a few activities that my first graders could do independently while we do small groups in the mornings.

You can purchase this unit in my TpT store.

Here is what is included…

ABC order. Put the 9 word cards in order then record them on the sheet. The cards and the recording sheet are included in the unit.

True/False Cards- Read the 10 sentences and put them under the correct word.. TRUE or FALSE. Then there is a recording sheet using the same 10 sentences.

Unscramble the words to make sentences- then record them on the sheet that is provided.

Also.. included..

{1} Sequence of events.. cut and glue the sentences in order to retell the story.

{2} Nouns & Verbs practice paper.. Read the sentences about the book. Circle the nouns with a black and the verbs with a pink color.

{3} Comprehension and story element questions

This unit is available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Click below.

Cookie’s Week Mini Unit

xoxo, Kacey

March Calendar Cards {free download}

2012-02-21T16:37:00.001-06:00

I have just finished my March calendar cards .. and wanted to get them posted. I know some of you want them more than the day before!

March Calendar Cards

I hope you enjoy! If you download.. I would love to hear from you.

If you have a blog- please consider adding my button or link to your site!

Click to download: March Calendar Cards

xoxo, kacey

{Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener: Review}

2012-02-21T06:26:00.001-06:00

This little guy stole my heart as soon as I took him out of the box. Who couldn’t fall in love with his retro & cool look!

This pencil sharpener is sold by an elementary teacher himself. They are $19.95 and have free shipping… really!

Click here to see for yourself.

So how does it work? You pull the silver front part out.. stick a pencil in and turn the handle. And it produces a sharp, sharp point! And.. its pretty quiet. Here is a video if you want to see for yourself.

It can sit by itself or can be mounted. Hardware is included and can be mounted with no tools in less than 5 minutes.

It’s cute, It’s quiet, It sharpens great and it’s cheap! Pretty awesome!

Buy yourself one HERE.

Thank you to Troy at Classroom Friendly Supplies for allowing me the opportunity to test out his fun & useful pencil sharpener! It will be enjoyed in my first grade classroom for a long time!

Sunday Thoughts!

2012-02-19T16:15:00.001-06:00

Happy Sunday to you! Is it really time to go back to work tomorrow?!?! The weekends FLY by so fast!

I spent some time today laminating my Cookie’s Week mini unit that I will be posting soon. I love this book! Now off to cut…

I am also working on a special painting project for our school’s auction. My first graders will be working on a painting too this week.. I will try and remember to post pictures of both items when they are finished.

It’s never unusual for my to have 2 computers going at the same time.. and with my phone in my hand. What did we ever do without so much technology.

So, I have a few questions for you…

{1} What are your favorite online games or sites that practice basic first grade skills. I would love to find some more great resources for sight words {we use fry’s list}, long and short vowel review, counting money, number order or number words up to 1,000 or even higher.

{2} I have recently been asked to do a review on a portable interactive whiteboard from Learning Resources. Any suggestions or advice on great activities to use with this?!? What do you use with your interactive whiteboard that doesn’t require a special type of file.. does that make sense? I am pretty clueless on all of this.

{3} I have an $18 Amazon gift card.. what should I buy?

Frog Centers listed on Teachers Pay Teachers

2012-02-18T11:22:00.001-06:00

I ♥ FROGS!!!

Except for real ones.. they give me the hibbie-jibbies! Eek!!! Seriously though, frogs are one of my favorite things to teach!

I have just finished my frog unit that has five great math and literacy centers and listed it on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Here are the links:

Buy the frog centers on TpT

Download the free recording sheets

Here is what is included…

Number order cards

Put each set of numbers in order from least to the greatest.

There are five sets- each set has 6 cards.

ABC order cards

Put the words in ABC order or pick which one would come first.

There are 12 ABC order cards.

Months of the Year Questions

Read the question and answer which month comes before or after.

There are 12 Months of the Year cards

Unscramble the words to make a sentence.

There are 6 sets of these cuties!

Number Order

Look at the cards- put the numbers in order to make the greatest 4 digit number you can!.. and don’t forget your comma

{I bet I have to say this 10x!}

This is a great pack! I hope you enjoy!

Here are the links:

Buy the frog centers on TpT

Download the free recording sheets

{Wordless Wednesday}

2012-02-15T15:57:00.001-06:00

12 for 12 {February}

2012-02-12T19:36:00.001-06:00

Here are 12 random things from today…

See last months 12 for 12 here.

{1} I spent a little while planning for this week.. we will be finishing up Valentine’s Day on Tuesday then spend the rest of the week working on Dental Health. We are also reviewing all long vowel sounds.

{2} I laminated two new units this afternoon.. my Dental Health mini unit and also a frog unit {coming soon}.

{3} I started working on a new mini unit- Cookie’s Week.. We read this book back at the beginning of school. During our Pete the Cat week- but we will be doing this in small groups maybe next week.. or soon!

{4} I loaded my Dental Health mini unit on Teachers Pay Teachers for FREE! Check it out HERE. I also added a sweet little bird matching activity. {tweet, tweet!}

{5} I spent a lot of time cutting out laminated materials today! I cut over that big wooden salad bowl so all of my scraps go into it. The bowl was a wedding present. I have never used it as a salad bowl BUT I use it almost daily when I cut things. So, it has been a very useful gift!! HA!

{6} I wrapped a baby gift and a Valentine gift. Not really wrapped.. just put them into some cute bags with tissue.

{7} I also got a Valentine card ready to mail. Kinda late.. and I doubt it makes it before Tuesday. But, it’s the thought, right?!!?!

{8} I went to the grocery and my receipt is almost 2 feet long. Whew- it was a big trip!

{9} I finished up a few last minute stationery orders.

{10} I bagged up my orders so they can be dropped off at the post office in the morning.

{11} I realized after looking back at last months 12 for 12 that I had on the same pj pants.

{12} … and as soon as possible- I am crawling into bed with the newest People magazine that came in the mail yesterday! I always feel cheated when a Sunday night comes around and I did not get a nap. It’s never fun to start a week off as tired as you did when it ended.

I really wanted to look into making this a linky party. But, I never got around to looking into that this past month. {Add it to the list of things that I never get around too…sigh!} If anyone has any “helpful hints” or just a “plain-ole this is how you do”suggestions I would love to know! I need a speedy tutorial!

I hope you have a great Monday!

xoxo, kacey

a little monster giveaway

2012-02-11T11:06:00.001-06:00

****** Giveaway is closed! The winner is Jennifer from The First Grade Dream. ********

These little monster cards are listed in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. They are counting by 2’s using odd numbers 1-99.

I am giving a set away.. not the file.. but an actual set.

Laminated and cut.. shipped straight to you!

If you are interested – just leave a comment!

If you would like additional entries.. you can blog, facebook or tweet this giveaway. Just make sure to leave an additional comment for each thing you do!

You can buy them HERE for $2.00.

have a great Saturday. It is coooooooold here!

I am spending the day working on stationery orders!!

xoxo, kacey

Froggy’s First Kiss Mini Unit

2012-02-07T17:11:00.001-06:00

This was a spur of the moment mini unit.. I pulled this book yesterday to read today.. and last night I made a few activities activities to use to go along with the book.. then it turned into a few more.

My first graders had a great time doing two of the activities today. We will do two more tomorrow and they will take one activity home for homework. A great unit! I just listed it in my Teachers Pay Teachers store..

Froggy’s First Kiss Mini Unit

Here is everything that is included:

ABC order cards- 8 words from the story. Students put the cards in order then record them on the recording sheet.

Story Questions… questions ask about author, illustrator, title, and characters!

Asking & Telling Sentences Review Paper

We have been working a lot on reviewing periods and question marks so this will be homework tomorrow night for my students.

Sequence of events

There are 7 events that students will cut out and glue in order to retell the story.

Unscramble the words to make sentences. A recording sheet is available in the unit.

Here is the link again:

Froggy’s First Kiss Mini Unit

Have a great night! I am off to cut out more laminating.

Does it ever end??

xoxo, kacey

Love Is In The Air

2012-02-06T17:19:00.001-06:00

February is in full swing.. we have moved on past those cute little groundhogs.. and are right, smack in the middle of

♥ hearts ♥ love ♥ valentines ♥ …

and lots of red, pink and purple!

Here is a quick little activity we did this afternoon…

Cut out and glue the letters in order to spell February.

Download for free: Spell the Word February

I copied the paper on Valentine colors then let my students pick which ever color letters they wanted.

I did have a few kids that made a pattern.. but mostly there was no reasoning behind the color choices.

You could easily do it on white paper and have them color the letters. The letters fit perfect on a sentence strip.

Download for free: Spell the Word February

Graphics by KPM Doodles

We spent a few minutes this afternoon cutting hearts.. and making a litlte Valentine caterpillar.

Here is the sweet little finished product! Simple as can be.. but they turned out cute.

My little ones made these precious Valentine bees in art last week. Everyone is not finished.. so I still have some to hang up. But, they are precious!

This is a bad picture- because of the glare. But, our morning board is full of love too!

We played this cute little Valentine sight word game today in small groups. It was a little too easy but they loved it anyway!

And, the best part.. it was free!

Have a great night! If you have a fun Valentine project or idea- please share!!!

xoxo, kacey

{wednesday randoms..}

2012-02-01T16:47:00.001-06:00

I want to thank Pitner’s Potpourri, Happy Teaching Sisters, and Third Grade Teacher Files for tagging me in the “Tag Game” that is jumping around the teaching blog-land.. I am picking three questions from each of them to answer- instead of answering 36 questions!

From Pitner’s Potpourri..

What treat or pick me up do you keep hidden in your desk at school? Hersey Kisses

What one new thing do you want to try on your blog? linky parties.. I just need some assistance. Anyone want to help me?

What time do you get up on school days? anywhere from 6:20-6:50

From Happy Teaching Sisters

What is your favorite subject to teach? Hands down.. math!

Are you married? If so how long have you been married? Yes, 11 years in July.

What kind of car do you drive? A Ford Expedition. I could never have anything smaller- but I really want a Mini Coop.

From Third Grade Teacher Files

Who has influenced you the most as a teacher? my mom- she is actually my boss now and my room is directly across the hall from her. I could not make it without her!

If you could have a shopping spree at one place, where would it be? Probably Hobby Lobby

What is a pet peeve of yours? Lazy people..

I also want to think Inside the Classroom for awarding me the Versatile Blogging Award.

My newest item in my Teachers Pay Teachers store are these 3 digit math fact cards. I am really excited about using them with my first graders!

There are 12 subtraction cards with answer cards.

There are 12 addition and subtraction mixed cards plus answer cards.

And 12 addition cards and answer cards.

So, 36 cards in all. You can use these with or without the answer cards. They will make a great “matching” activity or take away the answer cards and have students write the answers on a recording sheet. I really think these will be great practice for your first and second graders.. and maybe even third grade too?

Here is the link: 3 Digit Math Fact Cards

Groundhog’s Day is TOMORROW!!

Are you scrambling to find something awesome to do?

If so.. here are a few great things… and they are all FREE!!

FInally in First has a pattern to make a groundhog. We made these today! {We changed it up a bit.. we mounted on blue background paper with black at the bottom to make it look like he was coming out of his burrow.}

Peterson’s Pad has a great little mini groundhog book. I printed these so we could have a great little mini-science lesson on groundhogs. I printed them smaller {4 pages to one page} so they are a great size.

A Cupcake For The Teacher has some fun printables.

Over the MoonBow has the most perfect little graphing header cards. Do not make your own .. when you can grab these! A great timesaver!

I have a HUGE stack of laminating to cut out tonight and a bag full of Valentine “stuff” that I need to sort through and organize. Once we finish Groundhoggin’ we are moving on to Valentine’s Day! {oh yeah.. we gotta squeeze some President’s Day stuff in there too!}

xoxo, Kacey

100th day of fun!

2012-01-29T08:10:00.001-06:00

Thursday was our 100th day of school.. but SURPRISE.. I got a phone call Wednesday night that there was no water at the school due to a broken water line.. so no school on Thursday!

So, change of plans.. Friday will be the 100th day of school.

The door was decorated and ready for my first graders.

Their desk were ready.. balloons and confetti. And a brand new 100th day of school pencil.

A little breakfast.. white powdered donuts and chocolate milk.

It’s official.. we made it to the 100th day!

We guessed or estimated if these containers had 100 items. Yes or No?

Then we had to count each container and find out..

Then we cut out 100 stars to go on the hall bulletin board.

Here is the finished product…

I have no clue why this picture is crooked..

My students had to bring in a 100 item project.. so we shared those..

We read a few 100th day books.

We made two lists charts..

We played a 100th day dime game.. that was a BIG HIT! I have it in my Teachers Pay Teachers store..

Take a look-

I had a prize that cost $1.00. They had to “earn” 10 dimes to buy the prize. We played in teams. So, whichever team earned $1.00 first got the prize.

This was my prize..

Nothing fancy.. and it all came out of my desk drawer. Left over candy, erasers, pencil toppers, bouncy balls, and silly bands.

(There were 3 cups inside the bag because the teams had 3 players.)

The purpose of the game was to put 3 numbers in order to make the largest 3 digit number they could.

But, watch out.. there was special cards that said “Give a dime back.” or “You get an extra dime.” .. etc.. Put a little twist on the game that was fun!

100th Day Dime Game

Then we ended the day with 100th day cupcakes and juice!

Whew.. and I slept like a baby Friday night!

February Calendar Cards {free download}

2012-01-26T16:08:00.001-06:00

I just finished the February calendar cards.. and they are just as cute as can be.. I love Valentine colors.. pinks, reds, and purples!

If you download these- please leave a comment and let me know that you grabbed them! I would love to hear from you!

Download here: February Calendar Cards

Happy Sunday!

2012-01-22T17:25:00.001-06:00

I wanted to post quickly and announce the Valentine match cards winner..

Rachelle at Life is Sweet.. in Kindergarten is the lucky winner.

The cards are packaged up and will be shipped out in the morning.

This weekend I went and stayed with my sister and celebrated my niece’s 12th birthday! She had a birthday party painting class… and we painted these precious owls! It is going to look so cute in my newly painted pink office!

Tomorrow is Monday.. and I must go “get my head together” about some lesson plans! Thursday is our 100th day so I am planning some fun things for my class. I will share those later this week.

What are you doing for your 100th day of school?? Please do share!

xoxo, Kacey

Valentine Number Match and Giveaway!

2012-01-18T17:18:00.001-06:00

I have a sweet little Valentine match listed in my Teachers Pay Teachers Store..

Valentine Number Match Cards

You match the number – number word – and number of cupcakes.

This only goes from 0-12.. so its for the little ones!

I am giving one set away.. not just the file. But, I am going to mail a set of these cards to the winner. They are already laminated and cut.. they are ready to use!

Just leave a comment to enter!

You must be a follower of my blog to win.

{If you wish to blog, tweet or facebook this giveaway you can .. for additional entries. Please make sure and leave a separate comment for each entry.}

I will pick a lucky winner on Sunday and ship them out on Monday!

You can buy these cards for $2.00 in my store.

Valentine Number Match Cards

xoxo, Kacey

Valentine Centers & Pocket Chart Activities

2012-01-16T15:22:00.001-06:00

I have FINALLY finished my Valentine unit and I am really excited about how it turned out. I hope you will check it out and see if it is something your students could use.

Buy The Valentine Unit

Download the FREE recording sheets.

Here is what is included…

Lots and lots of pink, purple and red.. and cupcakes and hearts! Such cute stuff!

First up.. money!

Count the money on each card and write how much.

There are 12 cards total.

Word Sort

Sort the word cards into 3 piles.. colors, numbers, and shapes.

There are “header” cards listed in the packet too.. but, somehow they did not get into the pictures!

There are 30 word cards in all {10 shapes, 10 colors, and 10 numbers}.

Place Value

This is a great activity that is a more higher-thinking activity but something my first graders NEED!

Follow the directions on the card to make a 3 digit number.

You can match the answer OR don’t use the answer cards and have your students make and write the answer on a recording sheet.

There are 15 place value cards.

Ordering Numbers

Use those same answer cards from the place value activity to order from least to the greatest.

Math Fact Match

Match 3 math facts with the same answer.

There are 21 math fact cards and 7 answer cards. These use subtraction and addition math facts.

You could also use the math fact cards as flash cards. Or number them and have students write the answer on a recording sheet.

Counting by 2’s with odd numbers

1, 3, 5, 7, 9… 99

These cards go up to 99.

These cards will be worth buying the whole unit. I can see they will be used over and over in my pocket chart center.

Cut and Glue the letters in order to spell VALENTINE

Follow the directions to color the letters. Great ordinal word practice!

The letters fit perfect on a sentence strip when you glue!

Here is another glimpse of everything after I printed it and cut and lamintated it. If you are interested you can find this in my teachers pay teachers store for $5.00.. and the recording sheets are free.

Buy The Valentine Unit

Download the FREE recording sheets.

Thank you!!

xoxo, Kacey

Buy The Valentine Unit

Download the FREE recording sheets.

12 for 12 {January}

2012-01-12T16:49:00.001-06:00

A blogging friend of mine always does 12 pictures to document the 12th day of each month! I have always really liked looking at her 12th day posts- so I thought I would start.

So, here are 12 random pictures I took today…

left to right, top to bottom

{1} I had a few extra minutes this morning before I left and I sat down and cut some of my Valentine unit. I am really excited about all the pink and red! I love those colors mixed together.

{2} I left for work at 7:21. I should also mentioned that it is pretty awesome that I got to work at 7:25. Anybody else have a quick commute?

{3} Today’s calendar time .. January 12th. Really?

{4} Today’s chart paper work- we do this daily. It is basically a review or an intro to skills we are working on. Kind of like a daily message.. but we don’t always have the traditional “message”. I use to do a letter to my class each day.. but I got bored writing it. Now, I do this and mix everything up. It works for me…

{5} We are collecting money for the local dog shelter. We have raised $17.49 so far. Our goal was to bring enough “change” to at least buy one bag of dog food.

{6} One of my centers this week is a magazine search.. this is the quickest center I can throw together and still be considered the.best.teacher.in.the.world. They love it!

{7} A little pattern block time!

{8} My planner reminds me I have a birthday next week.. don’t worry.. I am not the one that has be reminded… I remind every one else! HA! I am taking a 1/2 day off to celebrate!

{9} The first two things that happen when I get home.. pj bottoms and a big glass of cold, ice tea!

{10} Newsletter time.. Every Thursday I type my weekly newsletter to send home on Fridays. I always type my newsletter on my office computer.

{11} I worked on few stationery orders this afternoon too.

{12} And now.. I am enjoying a few quiet minutes of computer time. This time- in”my chair” on my laptop. I am working on some valentine goodies. Unless we get snow soon.. I am ready to move on from snowmen!

Nothing too exciting happened today! It was COLD!

So..

How was your day?

Did you do anything exciting?

Are you glad tomorrow is Friday?

Do you have Monday off?

Snowman Days of the Week Paper {free download}

2012-01-11T17:16:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday to you!!!

Before Christmas.. I made this little Santa guy days of the week paper. It was a quick little review that my first graders needed. We are trying really hard to learn how to spell the days of the week- so I try and sneak some practice in as much as possible.

So, I thought why not just make a snowman one we can use now! You can click the picture and download a copy for your students if you can use it!

Snowman Days of the Week Paper

If you download it.. leave a comment and let me know!!

The snowman graphic is by kpm doodles.

Have a great night! I am working on my Valentine centers tonight. I hope to have them ready really soon!

xoxo, kacey

Hodge Podge of Good Stuff

2012-01-07T10:46:00.001-06:00

My little ones enjoyed using some of the winter pocket chart activities that I made.. They loved them! And I love that I can hand them a bag and they get excited for a little “pocket chart time” with a friend. A win for both of us!

Here are two girls doing the number word match. I asked how it was.. and they said “It was easy but it took a long time.” They were probably there less than 10 minutes. I hardly think that is a long time!

This is the match the sentence to the picture activity. This was a GREAT activity and I will be making more of these. It made them think, sound out words, and engaged them working with a partner to figure out the matches. It was a success.

You can buy these in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. It’s a set of pocket chart/winter centers.

Winter Centers/Pocket Chart Activities

I did not make recording sheets to go with this unit. I didn’t because they are perfect pocket chart activities. Of course, they can be used on a table or on the floor. No need for a pocket chart if you don’t have one.

I want to thank

Buggy For Second Grade

Confessions from a First Year Teacher

Blooming Into First Grade

for awarding me blogging awards.

7 quick things about me:

{1} My birthday is coming up.. January 17th!

{2} The first thing I do when I get home from school each day is put on a pair of pajama pants then pour myself a BIG glass of cold, ice tea!

{3} I love glitter.

{4} I have been married 10 1/2 years. It feels like about 2 years.

{5} I own a stationery business- Doodle Bugs Paper - that I started in 2003. Believe it or not I consider it my first job and teaching is my second job. I spend way more hours processing stationery than working on school work.

{6} I love cold pizza for breakfast.

{7} I love animals.

{8} My office is painted pink.

If you haven’t heard.. Pete has a new book.. Yippie!

Available May 1st..

Here is what Amazon’s description says..

Pete the Cat is wearing his favorite shirt—the one with the four totally groovy buttons. But when one falls off, does Pete cry? Goodness, no! He just keeps on singing his song—after all, what could be groovier than three groovy buttons? Count down with Pete in this rocking new story from the creators of the bestselling Pete the Cat books.

Preorder from Amazon now.

Don’t forget you could win a HUGE giveaway that I am part of.. You have to leave your comments on THIS POST at Busy Bees blog.

Here are the ways you can enter..

Follow Doodle Bugs Teaching Blog
Follow Doodle Bugs TPT Store
Follow Growing Kinders Blog
Follow Growing Kinders TPT Store
Follow Mrs. Jump's Class Blog
Follow Deanna Jump's TPT Store
Follow Mrs. Mayas Kindergarten Blog
Follow Jamie Mayas' TPT Store
Follow Kindergals Teaching Blog
Follow Kim Adsit's TPT Store
Follow Mrs. Lee's Kindergarten Blog
Follow Julie Lee's TPT Store
Follow Busy Bees Blog
Follow Robynn Drerup's TPT Store

Remember PLEASE MAKE ALL 14 OF YOUR COMMENTS ON BUSY BEES BLOG.

And so far.. the BEST thing about today. I woke up at 8:30! Whooopie!

Have a great weekend! I am working on orders this morning then hopefully going to enjoy some quiet time this afternoon.

me + the couch + a cozy blanket + dvr shows

Bring it on!

xoxo, kacey

Giveaways!

2012-01-05T15:48:00.001-06:00

Follow these blogs or stores for chances to win.. {you probably already follow them!!}
Follow Doodle Bugs Teaching Blog
Follow Doodle Bugs TPT Store

Follow Growing Kinders Blog
Follow Growing Kinders TPT Store
Follow Mrs. Jump's Class Blog
Follow Deanna Jump's TPT Store
Follow Mrs. Mayas Kindergarten Blog
Follow Jamie Mayas' TPT Store
Follow Kindergals Teaching Blog
Follow Kim Adsit's TPT Store
Follow Mrs. Lee's Kindergarten Blog
Follow Julie Lee's TPT Store
Follow Busy Bees Blog
Follow Robynn Drerup's TPT Store
Remember PLEASE MAKE ALL 14 OF YOUR COMMENTS OF BUSY BEES BLOG.
****************************************************************************************

Head to my Doodle Bugs Paper blog to enter!

I survived

2012-01-03T16:11:00.000-06:00

i.made.it

The picture above it my classroom door .. The lightening is terrible so it looks weird. But, I had no idea until I got home. The colors are lime green, hot pink and orange. The snowman is made from poster paper and scrapbooking paper.

In case you had any doubt.. I made it through the day. I really did not want to go this morning! Not because I don't love what I do- but because I was really enjoying my lazy {stay in my pajamas} days that I have been having. Plus it was 25 degrees and that is cold!

It was really sweet to see my little chicks this morning. They were all excited to see each other too. .,. They were really chatty! Goodness.. or maybe two weeks away from them I forgot how much they can talk!

It was a SUPER busy day... which was a good thing because the day FLEW by. I barely had enough time to think about being at home in my pajamas!

I am enjoying a few relaxing minutes before I have to head back to school to work a basketball game. {not too excited about that!}

I also was wondering or interested if any of you are from Mississippi or close by??

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T15:28:00.001-06:00

New Year’s Day.. really? Where did 2011 go?

We go back to school on Tuesday and I am just not ready.. I don’t want to get dressed and go somewhere every day! I am getting kind of used to my pjs!

I have spent sometime this afternoon working on grades and started planning my 100th day celebration! That’s probably enough work for today.. I feel a nap in my future!

I have added a few new items to my Teachers Pay Teachers store..

Cat Counting Cards, Monster Counting Cards, Valentine Number Match, Snowman Comprehension Cards, Monkey Centers and Winter Centers.. to see it all click here. I have several other items that are just sitting here.. so hopefully I can get a few more things listed.

Many thanks to anyone who has purchased something from me!! I truly do appreciate it!

How about another little freebie. Another winter paper for your little ones to do. Counting by 2’s!

Download here: Snowman Counting By 2’s Paper

The snowman graphic is from KPM Doodles.

I also am having a giveaway on my other blog.

Visit www.doodlebugspaper.blogspot.com to enter if you are interested!

Have a great night! Did you eat your black eyed peas, cabbage and cornbread today? I believe that is only a southern thing.. but they are supposed to bring you luck this year!!

xoxo, kacey

Winter Centers {Perfect Pocket Chart Activities} listed on TpT

2011-12-31T11:15:00.001-06:00

I am really excited to show you this Winter Center Pack that I had made and listed on Teachers Pay Teachers.

It is seriously just what I needed for my first graders to use in the next few weeks. After looking in my “January/Winter” box to see what I had and what I needed.. I realized that I really needed new pocket chart activities. So.. here we go!

Here is the link:

Winter Centers {pocket chart} activities on Teachers Pay Teachers

Sentence to picture matching

We will do this activity together one morning to model it then it will be available for my students to do independently.

There are 12 sentences and 12 pictures.

Students have to match the picture to the sentence.

Pattern Practice

There are 15 pattern cards and a large selection {sorry, don’t know how many exactly} individual picture cards.

Students have to continue the patterns that are on the pattern cards.

They can also use the individual picture cards to make patterns of their own. {I would suggest printing this particular pages extra times so you will have extra cards!}

Number Word Match

Students match the number words to the number cards.

There are 20 snowman cards and 20 bird cards.

You can also have then order the bird cards in order from least to greatest!

Days of the Week and Months of the Year Sort

Sort the cards then put them in order.

Math Facts

Match the math fact to the answer.

There are 15 math fact cards.

Mitten Counting by 5’s

The cards go from 5-200.

This is a really great set- and if you are interested. You can click below to see more and purchase.

Winter Centers {pocket chart} activities on Teachers Pay Teachers

Thank you!!!

xoxo, kacey

ps… There are A LOT of pieces to this pack.. take my advice and don’t cut them out and throw them into a big pile. It will take a long time to sort them out! Experience people.. it’s good advice!

Winter Centers {pocket chart} activities on Teachers Pay Teachers

Guess it’s time to start planning again…

2011-12-30T16:06:00.001-06:00

Well, Christmas is over. Sad, huh? It went by so fast but yet it feels like a big blur.. How did we manage to do so much in such a few weeks.

Just like the rest of the world.. Pinterest was helpful this Christmas! I made several new crafts or ornaments with my first graders thanks things I found on Pinterest. These little clay pot reindeer were a big hit and so easy!

I went yesterday to school and took down my class Christmas tree and packed up all the Santas, reindeer, elves, and any other signs of Christmas. It was time. I am ready to move on.. it’s time to move on to snowmen and penguins.. and hopefully a little snow!!

I live in Mississippi people.. if it snows.. it won’t be much! But, that doesn’t stop us from dreaming of snow (ummm.. snowdays!)

I put up a bulletin board, changed my calendar and put up a new winter door decoration. I took a picture but for some reason it didn’t save on my phone. I will snap another one next week.

And, as much as I didn’t want to- I brought home some work to do. I just don’t want to write lesson plans or average grades.. but they must be done.

I finished up some Winter centers I am going to list on TpT tonight or tomorrow. They are really cute- and are PERFECT pocket chart activities to use all month long. I needed some new things- and I am looking forward to sharing them with you!

In the meantime- I made this little penguin tally mark paper for my first graders to do. I thought I would share with you. If you can use it- please leave a comment!

Download here.. Penguin Tally Mark Paper

That cute little ice skating penguin is from kpm doodles.

xoxo, kacey

Monkeys! Centers on TpT

2011-12-29T05:02:00.000-06:00

I really love monkeys- I do!

They are one of my favorite units to teach- and I really hate to admit that I love something that much.. and I have not taught monkeys in 5 years! Seriously! I have been at my current school for five years and I have not taken the “monkey box” out of storage until recently. It was time…

Bring on the Five Little Monkeys, Curious George, Goodnight Gorilla, Caps for Sell, and more.. I am ready! I must freshen up my monkey knowledge so we can actually learn a few new facts about these fun animals! I would love to hear from you if you teach monkeys.. share with me please!

I just listed a fun monkeys pack on Teachers Pay Teachers- with some great center activities!

Monkey Centers on Teachers Pay Teachers

{Free} Recording Sheets

So, here is what is included in the pack on Teachers Pay Teachers….

Calendar Questions

There are 12 cards with questions about what I call “the calendar”… days of the week, months, date, etc..

I did not number these incase you don’t like one of them- or if something is too hard/easy.. But, I plan on numbering mine so this can be an independent center where my students read the question and record their answer on their recording sheet.

Monkey Memory/Concentration Match

My first graders will LOVE this version of memory match. We will do it together first then I will put it in with another center so they can play when they finish their work. It has 6 pairs- so its not too hard- but not too easy! A perfect independent game!

Count by 2’s!

Bless my little monkeys.. but some of them have the hardest time counting by 2’s… so the more practice the better! These cards go from 0-60 and will be a perfect pocket chart center.

Numbers!

The numbers range from 0-200. I am going to have my students put them in order from least to greatest! I made this recording sheet for them to write the numbers- but I might skip it. There are 40 monkey cards.. and that is going to take toooooo long. So I think we will just order them in the pocket chart.

You can also sort even & odd numbers.

We will also probably play “battle” with these when I do groups. It will be fun – and another way we can get use out of the cards!

Grammar Sentences

12 cards- Do they need a question mark or a period??

On the recording sheet- they will put a ? or . in the box to show me what each sentence needs.

Doubles! Doubles! Doubles!

The recording sheet can be used after they do the cards- or while they matching them. Either way. I will probably have my little ones do the card match in the pocket chart THEN go back to their seats to do the paper.

Are those little girly monkeys with the bows not precious!

Labeling!

So many different ways to use this part of the packet!

The first thing my students will probably do will write the words using the monkey that has the parts already labeled.

Then- we REALLY {I mean, really ! ) need lots of extra writing practice! So, why not use the labeled picture to do some practice writing.

Here is a glimpse of EVERYTHING the packet has..

Click the links below to purchase the centers or download the sheets for free! {thank you!!!}

Monkey Centers on Teachers Pay Teachers

{Free} Recording Sheets

Please do share any monkey ideas you have!! I am trying to plan a few fun activities plus actually teach some monkey facts .. if you have any suggestions please share!!

xoxo, kacey

January Calendar Cards {free download}

2011-12-28T14:29:00.001-06:00

January.. really? It is almost here!

Happy New Year!

Download the calendar cards for free below {click the link} ..

January Calendar Cards

If you download- please leave a little ♥ ♥ comment love ♥ ♥

Many thanks!!

xoxo, kacey

ps.. one last time .. January Calendar Cards

Christmas Math Centers Part 2

2011-12-11T11:54:00.001-06:00

I am finally finished with my Christmas centers part 2 unit..

I really wanted to be finished with this weeks ago-but life got a little busy. But, if you still need some fun activities to do with your students- these are great!

They are on sale in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. You can click below to go see and also you can download the recording sheets I made to go along with them below too. The recording sheets are free.

Christmas Centers on TpT

Free Recording Sheets

So, let’s talk about what is included…

First is an activity that I had in my Thanksgiving Unit that got a lot of feedback. Students will cut and glue the letters out to spell the word Christmas.. then they will follow written directions to color using ordinal words.

The letters fit nicely on a sentence strip. I print off multiple copies of the coloring directions so each student in this center has their own copy.

Telling time match

I use a pocket chart with this activity but it can still be done on the floor or at a table.

Students match all three sets of cards..

Santa cards have the clock faces.

Rudolph cards have the analog times.

Elf cards have the word times.

Then my students will write the times that are on the Santa cards on their recording sheets.

Math Fact Families

When I was cutting these cards- I realized that 12 of these cards might be too much for my little ones to finish during our center time. I will have to see- so I might only use half or even 8 of the cards instead of the whole set.

Students have to write two addition and two subtraction facts using the numbers that are on the cards.

Greatest & Least Numbers

These numbers are a little tricky..

Students have to write the greatest and least number from each card. Or, you could have your students write all four numbers in order from least to greatest… Or, pick just the odd or even numbers and write them. The list is endless- but the recording sheet I made is for the least/greatest numbers.

This is an activity we have been practicing a lot lately.. where I ask my students “How much is….” and I give them a number of coin. Like.. How much is five dimes? They are getting pretty good at it. I will put the bucket of “play money” with this center if they need it to visualize the coins when counting. But, most of my kids can do them in their heads. These cards are dimes, nickels, and pennies!

Here are the links again if you are interested!!

Christmas Centers on TpT

Free Recording Sheets

Happy Sunday to you! This is our last week of school before Christmas break and it is JAMMED packed with fun and exciting things!

Monday: decorate gingerbread houses

Tuesday: make reindeer food

Wednesday: dress rehearsal for Christmas program

Thursday: Christmas program

Friday: class party

Oh, and we must do a little work too!

Sheeezz.. work gets in the way of all the fun stuff!

{I also hope to get a few more crafts done!}

Have a great and blessed Sunday!

xoxo, Kacey

Happy Friday!

2011-12-09T15:47:00.001-06:00

It’s Friday..and here is an awesome deal for you!!

This little laminator is on sale at Amazon for $16.99!!!

Scotch Laminator

I hope to finish up another Christmas center pack this weekend.. only 2 whole days and 3 half days left for me until Christmas Break!

Whoo Hooo!!

Have a great weekend!!!

it’s beginning to look a lot like christmas …… {linky party}

2011-12-08T17:23:00.001-06:00

Looking around my room today- I realized we are in FULL Christmas spirit! My first graders are really into Christmas. So between work.. we are squeezing in as much fun Christmas stuff as possible!

Take a look…

I grabbed my phone and snapped a few pictures this morning. Christmas work, goodies, craft projects, decorations, books.. we’ve got spirit.. yes we do!

Come join me and sharing your classroom pictures- and any holiday spirit you have!

xoxo, Kacey

Christmas Days of the Week {free download}

2011-12-04T15:43:00.001-06:00

I needed something for my little peeps to do in the morning for morning work and I made this little days of the week paper. The adorable graphic is from Scrappin Doodles. Download it below if you think your students can use it!

Christmas Days of the Week Paper

Have a great week!

December Calendar Cards {free download}

2011-11-28T14:13:00.001-06:00

Alright friends.. here they are! December calendar cards.

I hope you enjoy them! Download them below for free!

December Calendar Cards

If you download these- please leave a comment! I would love to know you grabbed them!

If you have a blog- I would love for you to add my blog link or button to it!

Thank you!

xoxo.. Kacey

One last time.. December Calendar Cards

Cyber Monday Deals

2011-11-28T08:26:00.001-06:00

I am a HUGE {bigger than HUGE!} online shopper- I love to shop- but I will come back home and purchase the items I want online if they are available. Here are some great deals that I have stumbled across this morning.

I would LOVE to hear about your favorite sales today! Leave me a comment!

First.. Ebates has double cash back at 500 stores.. seriously, go sign up NOW and use Ebates every time you shop!

How does it work? Before you go to a website.. go to Ebates before you go to the website. For instance .. if I want to shop at Old Navy. Don’t go straight to the Old Navy website- go to Ebates.. click on Old Navy (it will take you straight to the Old Navy website) THEN SHOP! Yes, it is one little teeny tiny step- but come on. It’s FREE MONEY!

And yes, I get a little cash back when you sign up because I referred you. But, you should do it anyway! I have been using Ebates for over 2 years now.. it works!

Coupon Codes:

But, here are some cool deals ..

My favorite coupon site is www. retailmenot.com

I always check it before I “check out”.

Teachers Pay Teachers .. use code CMS28 to get anywhere from 10-30% off

Kohl’s …20% off with code CYBER20 (go through Ebates to get 6% cash back!)

Land’s End… 30% off and free shipping with code DRUMSTICK / Pin # 1121 (go through Ebates to get 6% cash back!)

Tom’s Shoes – $5 off and free shipping Use code CC47 (go through Ebates to get 10% cash back!)

Old Navy – 30% off with code HUGECYBER (go through Ebates to get 7% cash back!)

Vera Bradley- huge sale- just head over and look! (go through Ebates to get 6% cash back!)

Daily Deal Sites:

$20 Office Max Credit for $10 at Living Social

50 David’s Cookies gift credit for $25 on Eversave

Zulily has Scholastic DVD’s at a great price!

Small Businesses:

The Twinery

The Rusted Chain

The Vintage Pearl

And I would love for you to come check out my Doodle Bugs Paper website for my sale items!

Doodle Bugs Paper Sale Items!

{Christmas Centers}

2011-11-27T09:24:00.001-06:00

I have just listed a Christmas center pack on TpT.

You can click below to check it out.

Christmas Centers

Here are the recording sheets you can download for FREE!

Christmas Centers Recording Sheets

So here is what is included in this pack…

Counting by 2’s sleigh cards.

These go from 2-50.

The recording sheet has a place for students to write the numbers and at the bottom write the missing before and after numbers.

Months of the Year Cards

Students can arrange the cards in order. Then use the ornament cards to answer the questions.

Lots of good “thinking” questions- and ordinal word practice.

There are 2 recording sheets to go with this activity. The first one is just writing the months in order. The second one is answering the questions.

Christmas ABC order cards

Put the cards in order then write and illustrate the words in ABC order.

I am also going to print 2 sets of these cards for students to play “memory”.

Base Ten Cards

Students count the ones & tens pieces and record their answers on the recording sheet.

Number Words

Students read the number words and write the number and write if it is even or odd on the recording sheet.

Here are the links one more time…

Christmas Centers on TPT

Here are the recording sheets you can download for FREE!

Christmas Centers Recording Sheets

{Black Friday Sale and Online Deals }

2011-11-25T07:04:00.001-06:00

Come on over to my Doodle Bugs website! I have restocked the SALE page and LOWERED the prices on all the generic items on the site!

Everything is limited quantities!

Doodle Bugs Paper Sale items

Shipping is also a flat rate of $6.00..

And as a little extra.. Living Social has a $20 gift certificate for $10 to Office Max! Here is the link

Office Max Deal

I just bought one.. I can always use something!

And Groupon has a gift certificate for

Old Navy. $20 credit for $10…

(I would suggest you go to Ebates and click on Groupon (get 6% cash back today!) then buy your Old Navy deal)

And as if that is not enough Ebates has a HUGE list of stores that are offering double cash back! I have already used Bath & Body Works, Barnes and Noble, and I am about to use them to shop on North Face.

The picture above proves that everyone should use with Ebates.. that is the last check I got and it is on my desk right now- Who doesn’t want $252 to use at Christmas time!

So, what deals do you have to share with me? I have a list of items and prices. I have a few things I bought this morning- but I am hoping Cyber Monday is busting with great deals.. and I have the day off from school to shop!

Monkeys & Thanksgiving

2011-11-13T15:29:00.001-06:00

This weekend has been a crazy busy one.. it’s the holiday season which means I pull long hours working on orders for my stationery business.

I get up early and I go to bed late. It makes for long days in first grade! My inspiration is knowing that Thanksgiving break is next week.. yippie!

Believe it or not- I walked out of school on Friday with NOTHING! My lesson plans are done, my papers are graded, my room was cleaned, and it felt good.

I look forward to having an organized week. My daily drawers are stocked with each day’s papers already run and ready to go!

So, between working on orders this weekend- I finally printed and laminated my monkey unit!

I usually do monkeys in January.

I have to finish up working on my recording sheets and then it will be ready.. stay tuned.

Do you do a monkey unit?

Here is a Thanksgiving number word paper I made last week I thought I would share- my kids have taken off learning and knowing how to read number words!

Those cute adorable graphics are by kpm doodles! Seriously.. she rocks!

You can download below

Thanksgiving Number Word Paper

Have a great Thanksgiving week at school! I am thankful for my little first graders who I truly enjoy .. even on a Monday morning when I want to be at home in my bed.

Time is scootin’ by

2011-11-10T17:13:00.001-06:00

November 10th? Really?

How in the WORLD did we get this far into the school year?

I mean.. we have turkeys on the bulletin board…

Turkey and Thanksgiving books out on the sharing table…

and we are doing Thanksgiving centers but I honestly feel like it is still August. Time is scootin’ on by.. and I can not get caught up..

Can I get an AMEN?

This week we are working on the Thankgiving centers that I have for sell on Teachers Pay Teachers. The number words above are for the most part.. too easy. {guess that proves that we really are not in August anymore!}

Tally marks are a breeze for about 3/4 of my class- the other 1/4 have a hard time jumping from 5’s to 1’s.

Even and Odd??

They got it!

This center is excellent practice for them! Lots of team work and busy minds working at the “blue pocket chart”.

Nothing I love more.. kids working with clipboard in their lap.

We have spelled Thanksgiving no less than 20 times this week.. they don’t know it but it will be their bonus word on their spelling test tomorrow.

This center has been fun for them this week. This is the first time this year they have glued anything on a sentence strip- so they think they hit the jackpot with them!

I also want to mention that I partnered up with some fabulous friends to host a Gobble Up Some Goodies giveaway. You can check it out on Mrs. Freshwaters blog.

This is the holiday season for my stationery business.. so I would love to invite you over to shop if you are interested in some fun personalized stationery items.. notecards, labels, stickers, notepads, etc..

www.doodlebugspaper.com

Have a great night.. tomorrow is FRIDAY!

November Calendar Cards {free download}

2011-10-30T15:29:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know.. November is TUESDAY! But, I hope I am not too late for you to use these November calendar cards.

I also got a few emails last month that people used the October calendar cards for ordering numbers 1-30.. so these can also be used too if you have younger kiddos!

Here is the link to download:

November Calendar Cards

As always.. if you download I would love for you to leave a comment. If you have a blog- I would love for you to add my blog link or button to it! Thanks y’all!

If you are interested – I have a Thanksgiving Unit and a Fall Unit on Teachers Pay Teachers. My first graders will be doing the fall centers this week!

Thanksgiving Centers

Fall Centers

{Thankgiving Centers}

2011-10-23T10:09:00.001-05:00

I have just listed my Thanksgiving Unit on Teachers Pay Teachers.

You can find it here!

You can find the recording sheets here!

Here is a sneak peak of everything in the unit.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year.. and I am ready to move on from Halloween to Thanksgiving.

My first graders will love these activities but I they can be “tweaked” to work for kindergarten and second graders too.

So here we go…

First, we have some cute little turkey cards that are number word practice. Students read the words then write the number in the box next to the corresponding number.

We also have started playing battle with number word cards and my first graders love this. So, I will tell my students that when everyone in their group is finished they can play battle with the turkey cards.

There are 16 turkey cards in all.

Tally Mark cards..

Why, oh why is it so hard for some students to count by 5’s

then switch to count by 1’s??

Some of my first graders will FLY through this center so fast.. then I have a few students who really need this practice.

Students will count the tally marks on the cards then write their answer on their recording sheet. There are 12 tally mark cards in all.

We have just started even/odd numbers in our class.

So, this will be perfect independent practice!

Students will sort the cards in a pocket chart {but could easily do it on the floor or table} then record their numbers on their paper.

We will also use the cards to order from least to greatest.

Students will use the reference sheet on the left to spell the Thanksgiving words on the cards.

You will need letter tiles like these…

You can buy them at your local school store..

or if you click the pictures these are from Amazon..

I personally have the blue ones {they are magnetic}

and we use them weekly!

After they spell the words they can write the words under the picture.

Students will cut the letters out and arrange them in order to spell Thanksgiving. Then they use the paper on the left to color the letters.

For example..

Color the fourth letter orange.

Color the first letter brown.

Color the tenth letter yellow.

The letters fit nicely on a sentence strip when they glue them in order.

And as a fun little bonus.. T

hanksgiving Tic Tac Toe

using Pilgrim or Indian player pieces.

I will put this game in with one of my other centers so they can play when they finish. They will love picking if they want to be a Pilgrim girl, or Pilgrim boy.. or an Indian girl or boy!

You can find these Thanksgiving Centers here!

You can find the recording sheets here!

Have a great Sunday!

Halloween Unscramble Sentences {free download}

2011-10-19T18:20:00.001-05:00

I made these little Halloween sentences to unscramble for my first graders and I thought I would share them with you.

When I printed them, I printed 2 pages on 1 page {does that make sense} so they are smaller.

This was going to be a center this week.. but we have so much extra stuff going on that I ditched my center activities to catch up on “more important things”.

I was not voted favorite teacher after announcing this bit of news.. especially when we talked about NOUNS during center time today..

Even as hard as I tried.. nouns are just not as fun as centers!

Download the centers below.

Halloween Sentences

In other exciting news..

Our Cat in the Hat scarecrow won “funniest” scarecrow in our local contest !

Classroom Scarecrow Project

2011-10-14T17:45:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share with you what every extra minute of our week has been devoted to..this silly little Cat in the Hat scarecrow project!

{I marked out our school name on the sign on the right.}

A local place has a scarecrow contest and for the last two years my class has entered the contest. {last year we won!}

This was our creation this year.

We made the bats out of construction paper and laminated them. They have my students’ names on them.

Fall Unit

2011-10-11T19:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Fall, Y’all!

I had a request for a fall unit since so many of you can not or don’t celebrate Halloween.. so I hope these fun math centers will be something you can use.

I just listed this unit on TpT.

Fall Unit: Math Centers

I usually do a week of fall activities before I start Halloween stuff.. but this year has been a little off-schedule so I totally skipped all of my fall stuff!

But, since Halloween falls on a Monday then I thought I might do all fall activities that week.. .. and that will lead us right into the first of November!

So, here is what is included…

Skip counting by 5’s.. from 5-150. These pumpkin cards are so cute!

You can download the recording sheets for free at the end of this post!

Scarecrow.. What number comes next cards?

These numbers go up to 40.

Math fact cards.. adding 2 to a number.

Counting Crows.. count the crows by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, 10’s.. whatever works best for your students!

Fall Graphing Practice..

I printed the picture page off enough times so that there are enough copies for everyone in the center to have their own.

This will be great independent graphing practice. I am really excited about this center!

You can download the recording sheets below.

Fall Unit Recording Sheets

And if you are interested in purchasing the unit you can find it on Teachers Pay Teachers

Fall Unit: Math Centers

Have a great night!

xoxo, Kacey

Silly Spider Art Project {free download}

2011-10-09T12:22:00.001-05:00

We made these fun spiders last week and they turned out just precious.

I actually made these 2 years ago and we mounted them on lime green paper.. I did not have any large green paper so we used this pinkish-purple paper.

They would even be cute without the background paper.

Maybe on a big spider web!

Download the patterns below. I print them on white paper from my computer then run them on construction paper on our school’s copier.

Silly Spider Art Patterns

If you download these- please leave a comment!

I would love to hear from you!

I would also love for you to include my blog link or button on your blog!

I totally flaked out this week and did not take but a few pictures of my kids.. WHAT?!? I had my camera everyday but it was a crazy week..

I did get these 2 pictures of this ordinal word center we did. .. it was a big hit. I moved these cards into our pocket chart basket.. so now they can use them anytime they are given permission to use the pocket chart. That way.. they can be used over and over until the end of October.

You can buy my Halloween centers on TpT ..

Halloween Centers

I obviously killed my beloved home laminating machine.. it won’t heat up { oh no! } so I am off to shop around for a replacement! I cannot live without it!

We are out of school tomorrow. (yea!! for Columbus Day!) I am so excited for an extra day! Hope you have a great weekend!

xoxo, kacey

{Halloween Centers}

2011-10-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

I have just listed my Halloween Centers on the TpT site.

Halloween Centers by Doodle Bugs Teaching

The recording sheets are at the end of this post for you to download.

I wanted to get these out this weekend so you could have them the whole month of October. I will not be using these myself all next week.. but will use them sometimes this month.

So, here is what is included…

Months of the Year & Days of the Week sort

My students will put these in order in the pocket chart then record the days and the months in order on their recording sheet.

Labeled Witch Writing Activity

We have practiced writing sentences using a labeled picture. So, I made a witch and they will write descriptive sentences using the picture. I printed off four of the witch papers so everyone will have their own paper to look at when they are in this center.

Ordinal Word Match

I am in love with these cards.. so cute! The ordinal words are on ghosts and the ordinal numbers are on candy corn. Students can match them together then record the words on their paper.

Halloween ABC order cards

I printed out 4 sets so every student would have their own cards.

Put the cards in order, write the words then illustrate.

Counting by 10’s Cards

The cards are numbered 10-300 and the recording sheet has boxes to write the numbers then below it has a few “What number comes next questions?”

Telling Time Match

This is a huge matching set.

They can match all three cards to show the same time.

The recording sheet goes with the analog clock cards.. they are numbered so the student records the time next to the number on their paper.

If you are interested in buying these centers.. here is the link:

Halloween Centers by Doodle Bugs Teaching

You can download the recording sheets below

Halloween Centers Recording Sheets

Thank you!! Have a blessed Sunday!

xoxo, Kacey

October Calendar Cards {free download}

2011-09-29T18:44:00.001-05:00

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time to take down the September calendar ..

OCTOBER will be here Saturday! Bring it on.. I love Halloween!

I made these calendar cards to use next month.. and I hope you can use them too!

The numbers 1-31 plus a Halloween and a Columbus Day Card.

Download below:

October Calendar Cards

Please leave a comment if you downloaded.. I would LOVE to hear from you! I also ask that you add my blog link or button to your blog!

Fall Blessings to you!

Kacey

Counting by 10’s Cupcake Cards {free download}

2011-09-28T19:59:00.001-05:00

My little first grade babies worked hard on counting by 10’s today!

We have been reading Laura Numeroff books this week .. and we read If You Give A Cat a Cupcake today. So these little cupcakes were just perfect.

These cupcakes go from 10-300. We used them in a pocket chart and then used a recording sheet while we worked.

I passed out the cupcake cards to my kids and they had to get up and put them in the pocket chart as we counted by 10’s to 300.

We sat on our mat and used clipboards to complete our papers.

It was a fun activity that kept them engaged.

You can download the cupcake cards and the recording sheet below.

Downloads:

Counting by 10’s Cupcake Cards

Counting by 10’s Recording Sheet

If you download my products I would love for you to leave a comment! I would also love for you to add my blog link or button to your blog!

Happy Wednesday to you!!

Those adorable cupcake graphics are from Scrappin Doodle!

A few questions answered..

2011-09-24T17:15:00.000-05:00

Where did I get these graphics?

These graphics are from Lettering Delights and can be purchased here.

Where did I get Pete?

Pete can be bought at Amazon or Barnes and Nobles..

I bought mine at Amazon.. just because it was cheaper!

How did I make this?

This is a poster that hangs on the front of my desk. The letters are mounted on a piece of black poster board.

I used scrapbooking paper and printed the letters using my printer. Then I cut them out by hand. The font is MTF Jumpin Jack I have a Cricut machine but I could not get it to accept this font.. which is why I cut the letters by hand. The letters in BEST are a full sheet of paper each.

What kind of reward system do I use?

My kids have sticker charts. Mostly they win stickers by playing games .. we play at least 1-2 games everyday.

I also will randomly select a few students each day to read their sight words, say their Bible verse, recite our poem, etc.. if they can do whatever I ask them to do “on the spot” they earn a sticker.

Also, if I pick their work to hang on our “good work” board they earn a sticker .

I do give out stickers for good behavior sometimes.

When they fill their sticker chart up they get to skip homework. Even though I don’t always think skipping homework is the best reward.. it is something that they love, its free .. and parents love it too.

Where did I get my gumball machine?

A childhood friend had it in her bedroom growing up. I looked on ebay and craig’s list for several months for one.. and I remembered her having one when we were growing up. Her mom and dad live a few houses down the street from my mom and dad.. and I called her mom. They still had it and graciously allowed me to borrow it. A fresh coat of black paint and a good washing.. and it has been the BEST THING EVER!

It has a coin slot- but you can turn it without money so it doesn’t use any coins.

My kids can have a gumball at the end of the day if they are stayed on purple or orange on the clip chart. I buy gumballs at Walmart. I usually cost be around $15 a year for gumballs. Pretty cheap reward system..

What font did I use for my lesson plan sheets?

It is called Elizabeth Skinny. You can find it here.

Did I make this sign?

I did. It is a canvas painted chocolate brown. The letters are cut using my cricut using scrapbooking page.. with a little Mod Podge on top. {I love that sticky stuff!}. Wire to hang and a little ribbon top!

Inside My School Bag Linky Party

2011-09-22T11:44:00.001-05:00

Abby at The Inspired Apple is hosting a “What’s in your school bag” link party!

My bag is so junky and this was a great opportunity to “dump” it all out and just see..

“What is in there?”

This is the bag I carry..

Honestly,I don’t carry it everyday. Some days I walk out of school with NOTHING and some days I carry a tub of work out. I would rather carry a tub when I have a ton of stuff.. but this is the school bag I carry when I use one.

Seriously.. what is all this junk??

Vintage smurfs, frog die-cuts, center activities to make, laminating that needs to be cut, insurance crap-o-la from all those people that hound you at the beginning of the school year.. {thankfully this year we have not had lots of insurance reps visiting our school}. binder with lesson plans, planner.. etc…

Tons of receipts from the post office.. because I spend a lot of time there.

A school box of supplies.. You never know when you will need these things!

Most of this stuff gets crammed in my bag because it needs to come home and then it spends weeks {maybe months} in my bag until I clean it out.

Oops… an Easter book! That tells you how long it’s been since my bag got cleaned out.

Cleaned out and ready for school..

Thanks Abby for inspiring me to have a bag cleaning!

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.. Math Centers

2011-09-17T16:45:00.001-05:00

Well friends.. I did it. I listed my first item on Teachers Pay Teachers!

I NEVER set out to sell my items.. I have enough on my plate between teaching and my Doodle Bugs Paper business.

But, I had made these centers and they were using Cheryl Seslar graphics. So, I bought her Teacher’s License and can now sell things with her graphics.. and since I own the license I can now offer 1-2 freebies a month. I plan on taking advantage of that!

So, I set up a seller’s account at TpT and I have listed my first item.. well, actually I listed 2 {but the first one is a freebie I already posted on my blog!}

Next week will be all about If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.. and the other Laura Numeroff books with my first graders.

You will be able to download all the recording sheets at the end of this post.

So, I created a few math centers …

These number cards can be used two ways..

(1) Students can order the four numbers from least to the greatest from each card.

(2) Students can look at the card and write just the least and greatest number.

Next up is a set of math facts- addition and subtraction cards.

These cards are not numbered so if you plan on using them in a center with a recording sheet they will need to be numbered.

These cookie cards turned out really cute! Students can count the cookies lots of ways. We will probably count ours by 5’s but they can be counted by 1s. 2’s, 5’s, 10’s. etc..

This is a set of number word cards zero-twenty.

Students can put them in order then write the word beside the number on the recording sheet.

I actually only do four centers so I will be using this as an extra activity for early finishers without the recording sheet with my students.

This is a set of 30 number cards. I am going to let my students work together and put them in order from least to greatest then they have to write the numbers in order on their recording sheet.

We haven’t really talked a whole lot about even and odd in my class yet- but these cards could be used to sort even/odd. There are 18 odd numbers and 12 even numbers in the set.

So, if you are interested in buying these you can click below.

My picture previews on the listing are sideways.. why?? Any veteran TpT sellers that can help with that.. please do!

And the free recording sheets are also below.

Download here!

IF You Give A Mouse A Cookie Math Centers Unit on TpT

IF You Give A Mouse A Cookie Free Recording Sheets

A little Mouse Fun

2011-09-16T21:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday Y’all!

What a week.. I feel like the last few weeks have been C.R.A.Z.Y.. and I am always rushed.. there is so much extra “stuff” going on. I was also out on Thursday- so that put me behind schedule on many things.

I also forgot my camera at home this morning- so I am missing pictures of several things we did this week. I am going to try and do a mid-week “mouse post” to show you those things too..

But, here is a little glimpse into our “Mouse Week”.

One of our weekly centers this week was stamping spelling words.

I make “list cards” with our spelling words so they are right there with the students. I also number the words so they know exactly where to stamp it on their paper. It’s not so important that they go in order but that they know which words they have stamped… otherwise they skip a word and then we {meaning ME} have to go back and figure out what word they skipped.

Numbering the words and the paper has SAVED MY LIFE!

This poem was found at Teaching Heart but I changed it up a little bit.

**You can download the Mouse Poem here.**

Mouse graphics by Scrappin Doodle

Another center activity.. they had to cut the lines apart and glue them in order. There are copies of the poem in the center for easy reference.

We put the words in order together one morning during our meeting time.. Then I put them in the center and if they finished gluing the poem in order they could do this as a pocket chart activity.

This is a center I made last year.. but it was WAY to easy for my first graders this year. They counted the dimes on the cards and recorded their answers on a recording sheet.

**You can download the Money Mouse Cards Here**

**You can download the Money Mouse Recording Sheet Here**

These are number cards to put in order from least to greatest. We did this together then I put it away and will pull them back out next week.. and it will be part of a math pocket chart center.

**You can download the Mice Counting Cards Here**

Mouse graphics by Scrappin Doodle

Ordinal words cards..we used these in a pocket chart to order from first-twelfth.

This week was the first week they had an art project they had to complete on their own.

The pieces they needed were in stacks in the windowsill.. they had to get their pieces. cut them and glue them to make this simple little mouse!

Free Downloads

Mouse Money Center Cards

Mouse Money Recording Sheet

Mouse Trap Poem

Mice Counting Cards

**If you download my products let me know that you did- I would love feedback!

I also would love for you to add my blog link or blog button to your blog.

Have a fabulous weekend!!

xoxo, kacey

The Way I Plan & Organize

2011-09-12T17:34:00.000-05:00

I have had several emails and comments about my planning notebook that I have shown in a few pictures..

I have emailed several people more information and I have promised a few others that I would eventually blog about it.. so here we go!

There really is NOTHING special about my planning and the way I organize my lessons- but I LOVE to read and see how others do it.. so, I do want to share. The way I do it is simple.. and EASY!

This is my school binder. Inside is everything I need. Copies of notes I send home, schedules, notes from parents, contact sheets for each child, lesson plans, newsletters.. a little of everything. The only thing I don’t keep in here but honestly I should.. are my grades.

This binder stays open on my desk everyday. I bring it home if I want to work on lesson plans or usually on Thursday nights so I can type my newsletter.

I have to mention that I am not required to write detailed lesson plans. I have taught in schools before where you had to list procedures, benchmark numbers, intervention strategies, etc.. It’s wonderful and truly a blessing to write lesson plans MY way!

The first picture above shows my top sheet of my weekly lesson plans. Its pretty much an overview of the week.

The second picture shows what my daily sheets look like. Even when I had to write detailed lesson plans I would then write down in a list form what I needed to do each day. I can just keep up with it better when I have one page per day.

I also keep copies of my weekly newsletter in my binder. It helps to be able to look back and see everything at once. I also keep last year’s newsletters in a folder tucked in the back so I can refer back to them when I need to.

This bucket only comes home with me usually over the weekend.. Sometimes, I get spunky and get things organized and planned on Thursday nights. But, most of the time I never do my lesson plans until Sunday afternoon/night.

So, what’s in this bucket??

My binder
My planner (it actually goes everywhere with me)
File folders with work I will need for the upcoming week.
Leftover work that we did get around to doing.
Teacher’s editions, books, etc.. (I try really hard not to bring teacher’s editions home because they are so big and bulky. I try and do that part of my lesson planning at school- OR I will bring home a student book since its so much smaller!

Here are the folders I brought home this week..

The dark green one is MICE- that will be next week’s theme unit.
Short a folder
5th week of school folder

I also have a folder that stays in this bucket that says “Papers to Copy” When I am planning everything I pull the papers I need to make copies of and put them in there. Then when I am finished making copies I put the empty file folder back in the bucket for next week.

I put everything I need in a stack for each day, paperclip it together and label it with the day of the week.

I use one of those plastic 6 drawer carts for each day of the week. In the bottom drawer I keep extra work.

Every Monday I pull the papers out of the bucket and put them in the correct drawers. Monday is the first drawer, Tuesday is the second drawer, etc..

{Yes, I need some labels… just haven’t gotten around to making any!}

At the end of each day- I pull out any leftover papers or work we did not get to and put it in the bottom drawer or if is something that HAS to be done- I put it in the next day’s drawer.

On Friday afternoon when I am gathering up the stuff for the “bucket” I pull those papers out of the bottom drawer- the “extra” work stuff.. and bring it home. I try and use those papers for homework for the next week or morning work, etc..

Here are some of the books I brought home this weekend.. an art project book, my math teacher’s edition. It’s pretty small so I don’t mind wagging it home! And we have these AMAZING student phonetic readers by Sing, Spell, Read and I brought the short a one home to help me plan.

I am really lucky that I have a place to do my school work. I almost always plan in the same place…on my office floor. Under my work table I keep this bucket- it has everything I need and is handy so I don’t have to keep getting up to get something.

I also keep a chart tablet, sentence strips and a few pieces of poster board at my house all the time. It helps that I can plan out the daily charts I need at home.

Hope your week is starting off great..

I did want to mention that Scholastic Book Orders has the Pete the Cat book and CD for $7.00 this month.. I am hoping to use some bonus points to get multiple copies {or a class set..}. I don’t need multiple copies of the CD but they would make great little gifts for my students.

Getting Ready: week 5

2011-09-11T11:44:00.001-05:00

It’s time to plan for another week!

Last week was a big blur…we had so much extra stuff going on at school that we barely had enough time to get the “must do” things in much less extra things I wanted to do. Even though all this extra stuff makes the days and the week fly by.. It’s so hard for me {and my students} to stay on track. I am BIG on a schedule and a normal routine..

But, we just keep on going.. on we are ready to talk about MICE this week!

Eek!!

The plan is to do 2 weeks of mice activities- so this week we will focus on Mouse Count. {Love that Book!} We made this bulletin board last year..

We will also read lots of Kevin Henkes’ books this week. Next week we will focus on If You Give a Mouse A Cookie.. Such fun stuff to be centered around mice.. I will be back later in the week to share pictures and a few freebies..

I also created a seller’s account on Teachers Pay Teachers.. I never set out to sell my stuff.. but I have been working on some cute things using Cheryl Seslar graphics. So, I bought the teacher’s license. She will allow 1-2 freebies a month if you have this license so I feel like it was a good purchase.

Last week I asked about suggested chapter books to read aloud.. Here are suggestions you gave me and also a few I read ..

You can click on each picture and it will take you to Amazon to see each book.

God Bless America!

Getting Ready : 4th week

2011-09-05T20:51:00.001-05:00

First, of al I want to thank these sweet teachers who awarded me with a “Top Ten” award this weekend. You all rock .. and you all are in my favorite teaching blog list too!

So many of you are starting school tomorrow..I will be thinking and praying for a fun, organized and stress free day for you. And, I hope you get a little sleep tonight. I never sleep the night before school starts! HA! My mind won’t shut down long enough to rest!!

We are starting week #4 tomorrow.. I “finally” believe that are settling into a routine and they know what is expected now. I really hope I did not jinx myself by saying that…

This is Clifford Week.. and I love that Big Red Dog! I usually require my students to do a family book report on a Clifford book.. but I choose to skip it this year. We will still read tons of Clifford books this week and I have several Clifford centers that they will work on. I also really hope we can squeeze in a Clifford art project.. but I feel like I can not fit everything into our schedule that I want to do. My students go to art 3x a week- so skipping a classroom art project makes the most sense. Even if it makes this creative teacher sad….

I also made a new door display to go up tomorrow. Our school’s homecoming is coming up later this month.. so this is perfect. I plan to leave it up until October then put something Halloween on my door.. which is crazy. Halloween? All ready?

I have a question for you..

I had a reader ask me for chapter book suggestions.. and I gave her my list of ones I recommend. But I would love to hear what you read to your students. We are currently reading Junie B.. and I also enjoy the Mouse and the Motorcyle, Charlotte’s Web, and Freckle Juice. Please share some other fun ones with me!

Well, the good news is that Monday is behind us and it we enjoyed a LONG weekend!!! The bad news is that I will be a day behind all week because it feels like a Sunday to me!

xoxo,

Kacey