Where Have I Been and a Freebie

So much for my plans for my last few days of Spring Break. I have been laid up with terrible migraines for the last 3 days.   I can't do much but lay in a dark room, with a cold compress over my eyes, can't read, computer, tv etc, just enduring major pain and trying not to vomit. {Sorry, probably a little too much info there.} The first day it felt like I had an arrow through my eye socket and out the back of my skull. Today's was more of the "I must have a tumor at the base of my skull/spinal cord" variety and I was wishing for an ax to chop my whole head off...I often say it feels like my head is in a vice so I thought this picture was fitting.

I went to the dr. AGAIN and he gave me something new to try. After about 7 hours of torture I am now up and have the residual after headache but can at least function. I should not be on here since the computer could trigger another episode but I had the below post already written so I am rationalizing I will be quick.  I had grand plans for making some insect literacy centers and an Earth Day craftivity  but that doesn't seem likely now so I may have to risk a visit to TpT later to see if some of my bloggy friends can save my bacon.


If you are a healthy person, take a second to be thankful. I try to look on the bright side that I usually only get two migraines a month and I don't have cancer or something life-threatening that would take me away from my boys. My 4th grader, Quinn, was so sweet taking care of me this morning (the other two are camping.) He brought me meds, coffee, cold compresses and made sure to talk in a quiet voice. SO sweet!

Below is the post I had saved...I better get off here!

Here is another activity we did before Spring Break that I didn't get a chance to share. I had ordered this book from Scholastic and made a writing prompt and art project before it even came.

To be honest, instead of inspiring creativity from my students, it listed so many ideas, many students just copied the author.

I think next year I will change the prompt and use this Jan Brett book which is of higher quality. I was very pleased when we read it that my students made a text-to-text connection with Horton Hatches the Egg BEFORE I even asked!!!! Love those moments when you feel like what you are teaching is actually sinking in!

I made these bunny templates so all the kids had to do was cut out the pieces and add the details. They loved using the chalk on a cotton ball trick for the cheeks!

Anyway, here were the samples I made for the kids with the scrapbook paper bow in different places to make it look like a girl or boy.

Many of my fashionistas decided the girl's bow looked better on the ear :-)

and of course long eyelashes are a must.

A couple of the boys decided they wanted to put the bow on top even if that meant it was a girl. GASP! We are forward thinking here in California so that was fine by me. My girl who ALWAYS wants the "boy" stuff was absent or I'm sure she would have had a bow tie. :-)

I also wanted to let you know I uploaded a new book club packet for on-level firsties! I bought a six pack of this Little Critter book from Scholastic because my on-level group is super envious and has been asking if they can do book packets, too. Love that first grade enthusiasm asking for harder work! The AR level says 1.2 (which I don't always agree with) but with the packet it should be challenging.

Questions on story structure, inferring, antonyms, etc...

Sea animal ABC order cards

 And since you stayed to the end of this long post, your gift is this syllable cut and glue for FREE. Just download the preview on TpT.  The whole packet is just $2 if you'd like to try it with your kiddos.

Save the Earth!

I finished my latest book club packet that I know some of you have been waiting for.  Save the Earth! is a Ready Freddy book all about Earth Day so I can't wait to use it with high kiddos next week!

22 comprehension and vocabulary questions

A thinking map using adjectives to describe a character.

In the story, the students are given this challenge sheet so I made one for our students, too!

When the characters complete the challenge they get pins so I made these sticker labels for our students.

Only $3 in my TpT store if you are interested. 

I am back from Palm Desert to rainy and cold San Jose. Boo! Plus I am spending most of my day harassing encouraging my middle schooler to work on a report. I HATE reports!!! Reality is ruining my vacation.  I am still in my pjs and I only have 2 children driving me crazy instead of 30 so I guess I will choose to look at my cup as half full.  After I peek in on Mr. Moody (yes, that is my son when he has work to do) I will be back to check your blogs and hopefully, finally, have some time to comment!

Psanky Eggs

 I just finished a round of golf and got some nice color. Spring Break is AWESOME! After a late lunch we will head to the pool. Before we do, I thought I'd share something we did last week since the giveaways dominated my blog last week.

We made these Psanky (Ukranian) inspired eggs...

 after reading two of my favorite Patricia Polacco books. I explained a little about how Psanky eggs are made and we marveled at how intricate the eggs were. I gave every student an egg template copied on white construction paper, black sharpie marker, and watercolors. I  demonstrated using the sharpie to draw divided sections and outlining patterns. I also showed them how they could use a little crayon resist if they wanted to. We reviewed good watercolor technique and then I let them loose! Didn't they do a great job?

We have been reviewing story structure so I also had partners draw and fill out their own tree maps! I am so pleased at how well my students are doing with thinking maps. The Neat Nazi in me finds it hard to let the kids draw their own but I know that they internalize it much better that way. That was one of our signature practices that enabled us to be named a Distinguished School. Woo Hoo!

These two even wrote about their frame of reference!

I have more to share but my kids say they are ready for the pool so it will have to wait for my next post. Hope you are enjoying (or already did) your Spring Break as much as I am. I SO needed this to recharge my batteries!!!

Spring Break Countdown WInners!

WoooHoooo!!!!! I am on Spring Break!!!!

My parents surprised me by buying tickets for the kids and I to come down to visit them in Palm Desert! Unfortunately, Mr. B couldn't come because of work.  :-( Boo! Here is the view from my parents' patio on the 18th hole. Now it feels like Spring Break!

So, without further ado, here are the 5 winners of my Spring Break Countdown Giveaways...

Since I feel bad I couldn't make everyone a winner, I am throwing an Easter sale today with 20% off everything in my TpT store. My Mother's Day gift ideas will only be $1.60!

Happy Easter!

Giveaway # 5 Spring Break Giveaway

WooHoo...1 day left...I'm almost there!

As my final gift to you, I am giving away a Luna Interactive Projection Camera from Learning Resources which retails for $199.99!

A few years ago I wanted a document camera so badly that I purchased one myself. There is no doubt I am a better teacher for it.

We use it every morning to go over our Daily Editing Word Problems. Here is a shot of one of my students showing his work under the Luna.

I use Cara's Calendar Companion with my Daily Editing. LOVE!

It came in handy this week when I was explaining how to measure with unifix cubes and I often demonstrate steps in an art project. I'll post more about some of the art we did tomorrow.

The Luna is easy to hook up to your laptop and projector. I don't have an interactive whiteboard (I wish) but I know you can connect to those as well.

Advantages over my current document camera:
1. No lightbulbs to replace.
2. Lighter weight.
3. Mine doesn't take videos!
4. MUCH cheaper! Mine cost over $500!!!

You can learn more about Learning Resources wonderful products by viewing them on YouTube.

Here are three ways to enter to win an Luna Interactive Camera for yourself:
1. Follow this blog AND my TpT store or if you already do, I'd love it if you'd leave feedback on one of my TpT items.
2. Like Learning Resources facebook page.
3. Bonus: Spread the word about my Spring Break 5 days=5 Giveaways on your blog, facebook, twitter, or Pinterest.

The winners to ALL 5 of my giveaways this week will be announced on Sunday, the 8th. You still have time to enter if you missed any of them!