Pencil Problem solved

I finally broke down and bought something for my pencils. I really wanted to get a straw dispenser but I just can't bring myself to pay $30 for one. I still haven't given up and will continue to look for one at Good Will and second hand stores but for now I found this. It was only $5 and I found it at Target. Here are where I got the labels if you are interested in making your own.

http://funforfirst.blogspot.com/2012/05/pencil-problems.html

New website!

It was such a beautiful day outside today. I enjoyed sitting outside all afternoon in my lawn chair listening to my kids play. I always have to be doing several things at once so as I watched my children enjoy the wonderful weather, I played on my computer developing my new classroom website. Check it out! These isn't a whole lot of information on it because school hasn't started but I am excited to update it as soon as it does.

http://mrsschmeckpeperskindergarten.weebly.com/index.html

Getting Ready!

Wow, it has been a while since I have posted anything. Sorry I have been gone for so long. It was a little crazy last year adjusting to having two kids and trying to stay creative along the way. I promise to do better this year:)

So let's start off by sharing some things I have been doing this summer.

First I have organized all my little readers. It was so hard last year to keep track of the books so I have made up a new system, I hope it works.

I have placed five little readers inside each bag. I have two sets so far, an easy level (green) and a harder level (yellow). You can see the colored labels at the top left hand corner, the label has all the book titles on it. I have also labeled the bags with a number and directions on what to do with them. 

This is what the white label says:

Little Readers

Please read these books with your child. After reading each book ask these comprehension questions:

What was the setting of the story?

Who were the characters?

What happened in the beginning, middle and end.

After reading all five books sign the signature page in your child’s B.E.E. folder. Be sure to sign next to the number matching your bag number. The bag should be kept in your child’s B.E.E. folder when not in use. Each Friday your child will exchange his or her bag.

I have made a little signature page to go in their B.E.E. folders. It has the number of the bag and all the book titles. After two signatures (10 books) the kids get to pick a treasure from my treasure box. I sure hope it works!

I also found a bunch of great buys at the Dollar Tree (one of my favorite school shopping stores).

I found these little pill containers. I was a little disappointed they didn't each have a lid but they still would work great to make mystery words using little letter beads. 

These cards came three to a pack. I plan on using them in my literacy centers. 

There are unlimited ideas for these cute die cut shapes. I'm not sure what I am going to do with them yet. 

These are great! Six for $1.00 and they worked great to make these cute birthday balloons. I got the idea from Once Upon a First Grade Adventure . Have fun creating your own!!!