Thinking in Primary

  I can not believe it has been two years since I opened my little   TPT   Store!!!   I am so thankful   for all of the support I have found.   I started my store thinking that if I could make back the money for what I spent on clip art, then I could buy more clip art to make more stuff for my classroom.   When I make stuff for my classroom, I share it.   Then I get to buy more clip art! Now, it has turned into a hobby that I   truly   enjoy.  The first big project I made was my behavior calendars.  I update them every year and they are still free. They are a great tool for communicating with parents.   The first item I made for purchase was my kissing hand unit.  It was so difficult because I was just learning how to create products.  In the end I love they way it turned out.   So, in honor of my two year TPT anniversary I am giving away 3 copies of my Kissing Hand Unit (If you already own it or teach a different grade level you can just pick something different).  Th

Okay, anybody who knows me knows that my craft skills are not so great.  Usually, the stuff that I make ends up looking exactly what my kinders could do.  Luckily, most of my creating is done on the computer.  Not today though...today I made curtains!!!!  Not the kind for the window.  I have blinds and something else planned for the windows.  These are for the shelves to hide the mess make it look pretty. I'd give you a tutorial, but you are probably better off just looking on pinterest or something.  I will tell you that I used fabric tape that didn't even need to be ironed (I figured if I got the kind you needed to heat that I would probably burn the fabric or something)! Okay, so while I was so excited to find fabric that matched my chevron border, now I'm not sure if they should be together.  What do you think?  Chevron, waves or my cute little fishies? Have a great day! Pin It

I love pinning pictures to help plan my classroom.  There are so many teachers out there who can just decorate like there is no tomorrow.  I am not one of those teachers.  I can't just make a plan and then put my room together.  I have to physically move the furniture around just to get an image in my head.  Usually, I have to move the furniture several times because the first couple of ideas are wrong.  When you look at the picture that I am about to post you will see that it's probably tough for anyone to see past this mess!!!!! This is the view from the front door Another front door view This cabinet needs to be empty-there is no room for it. This is one of the back corners My Chicka Chicka tree is looking pretty sad.  It's 10 years old.  I might need to re-do the leaves :( This is another sad corner Oh and yes, I started cleaning and organizing BEFORE these pictures!  Ahhh!!!!  It's going to be a lot o work! Pin It

My group had a fantastic time at the I Teach K conference this week.  Everyone is so inspiring.  I love summer vacation, but I have to admit that there is a part of me that just can't wait to go back!!!  I got to see the fabulous Shari Sloane, Kim Adsit, Deanna Jump, Deedee Wills and more!!!! They are all so amazing.  I also have to admit that I started thinking that a cute little accent was a requirement to be a speaker at this thing! I kid-these ladies are super teachers. Anyway, on the first day one of the presenters got me thinking about the author and illustrator.  Do your kids have a tough time remembering who does what?  Mine do!  I thought these  might help a bit {TPT Freebie}.   Okay, now I must go because I bought Kim Adsit's 1st reading workshop bundle and now I can not wait to do some long range planning!!!  I know..I'm a little nuts! Have a great day! Pin It

Ocean's of Fun!  That's it!  The title for the bulletin board I'm planning for this year (I think)!  Today I took a break from my new secret obsession (Dexter) to plan the bulletin board on my living room floor.  Man I want to get to the school and do some laminating but I hate being there all by myself (I'm afraid of setting of the alarm). So, I wait patiently for August first! I'm planning to laminate the cute little ocean animals and glue them to clothespins.  That way I can just change out student work each month. I think It will work great with the aqua blue butcher paper and borders that I bought. I've been on a bit of a shopping spree for the new classroom decor!  It's been fun, but probably time to stop! I bought this awesome tent from oriental trading-it was a must have splurge! I found these buckets at Michael's!  I'm going to use the big one for my new pointer pot and the smaller ones for desk supplies! I'm goi

I'm linking up with  The First Grade Parade  for Throwback Thursday! Last year I posted about some "all about" writing that my students did.  We used an awesome program by Jodie Black.  You can find a link to her program in the original post.  I have to say it was so thrilling to be scrolling through pinterest and see a picture from my post!!! I'll get to the original post in just a second, but first I wanted to tell you about my "Flash Freebie" My students were having a bit of trouble with opinion writing so I created my Opinion Writing pack.  We used them during class and also sent them home for homework.  The extra practice really helped!  I have them up for free at my Teacher's Pay Teachers store for one day only!!! Original Post-February 21, 2013 Kindergarten Writing!!! All About Mrs. Kalnicki-Mrs. K. has earrings, Mrs. K is nice to me, and Mrs. K rings the bells ;) Pin It It seems like the one thing that I always strug