Swap Til You Drop! (Product Swap)

I'm so excited to participate in the "Swap 'til You Drop" Product Swap!

The talented and creative Vera of The Tutu Teacher is my partner!!

SUPER EXCITING!!  :)

Vera is reviewing one of my best-sellers...Play Doh Sight Words pack!

I was lucky to be able to go shopping in her store to pick out one of her FAB products to review for you.  We are really working hard to increase our decoding skills and fluency with CVC words, so I picked Vera's "Kaboom" Math & Literacy center pack.  It has been such a fun way to review CVC words!  

Click the picture to find it on TPT!

Here in the midwest, we've had about a million snow/cold days.  

So, especially being a 1/2 day kindergarten teacher, I am VERY behind!!  

As a result, I couldn't step away from my guided reading groups to snap any pictures of my kids playing Kaboom during centers.  So sorry!!  

I dug around in my gift bag collection and found this fun little Spiderman bag.

It gave a perfect superhero touch to the game...my boys were HUGE fans!!

Prepping this center is SO simple!!  Just print, cut, and toss the cards in a bag!  

To play, the kids reach into the bag and pull out a card.  If they can read it correctly, they get to keep the card.  If they aren't able to read it, they put it back and keep taking turns.  If they select one of the KABOOM cards, they have to put all of their cards back into the bag! 

I also love that we could do a little word family activity, too!!  

I love the way this game just keeps going and going!! It kept my kids engaged all the way through center time and they are begging to play it again!  

This center pack includes SO many activities:

Ten Frames

Number Words

Number Recognition

CVC Words

Uppercase & Lowercase Letter Recognition

Sight Words

I will be SO thrilled to have this pack right from the beginning of the year next year!!

For the remainder of this year, it will be a great way to review & reinforce skills in intervention groups.  My kids know how to play the game, so any of the skills cards can now be placed in the bag and the kids will know what to do!  Win!!

Now, here are the details for the giveaways!

1. Start anywhere on the map below.

2. Stop by each blog and read about the products swapped between each set of bloggers.

3. Enter to win the resources that are featured by each blog pair. Each pair of bloggers has the same raffle, so you only have to enter on one of the two blogs.While you are at each blog, if you are not already a follower, sign on to follow!

4. The raffles are open until midnight March 15th.

SWAP A

      

SWAP B

       SWAP C          SWAP D           SWAP E

     

SWAP F
     

        

SWAP G     SWAP H

   

Now, here's your chance to WIN a copy of Vera's Kaboom pack and my Play Dough Sight Words pack!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

:) Amy

"FLASH" Freebie!

"FLASH" FREEBIE!!

I've noticed that there are some tricky sight words that many of my students still trip over while reading.  I created this "FLASH!" Mixed-Up Sight Word game for my students to use when we return from winter break.  I love how interactive it is and I think my students will love the novelty of unscrambling the mixed up letters!  (And, word building activities are always a favorite!) 

Those first few days back to school after winter break are always the toughest!

I created this activity to get my students up and moving while reviewing their sight words.

Click here to grab your "FLASH" FREEBIE on TPT!

I  attached each camera to a solo cup.  (I just used scotch tape on the back).  I put the corresponding word strips inside the cup - enough for each student in my class.  I will provide a recording sheet for each child.  Students will move around the room, stopping at each camera to build the word using the word strips.  Then, they can color the camera to match the card and either write the word or paste the letter cards next to the camera.  Easy, fun, and interactive!  :)

I hope you enjoy these last few days of winter break and look forward to getting back into the classroom!  

Just a reminder that my Camera Words Sight Word Folder System BUNDLE is 50% OFF! 

Click the picture below to read more about how this system can help you
BOOST student learning, ENGAGE parents, and SAVE TIME!!  

But, the sale ends today!!  So HURRY..you won't want to miss this deal!!  :)  

Click the picture below to head over to TPT and check it out!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend and a great first week back at school!

Thank you!!  

Camera Words Sight Word Folder System

As we all gear up to head back into our classrooms in the next week, I wanted to share how my system for managing sight word progress has worked wonders for my students and I this year!

There's a Cutie-Patootie little FREEBIE at the end of this post...so be sure you read all the way to the end.  :)

You may or may not know that I teach half-day kindergarten, so time is a HUGE concern for me!  I was feeling frustrated because I just couldn't keep up with monitoring my students' sight word progress.  I knew I needed a system.  But, it had to be efficient and streamlined - or it would never work for me!  So, I got to work and created my new...

Camera Words Sight Word Folder System

My students and I call sight words "Camera Words" because students should be able to recognize them "in a FLASH"!!

With this Sight Word Folder System, I have been able to quickly and efficiently track and monitor the progress of ALL students on a weekly basis...in just a few minutes a day!  My kids have made incredible progress and have been SO PROUD of themselves!  This program makes the task of learning sight words manageable, meaningful, and FUN!!  

 Camera Words BUNDLE on TPT

My Camera Words Sight Word Folder System breaks down the most common sight words (Dolch words) into weekly word lists, with review lists and a final list included to ensure MASTERY!  Easy-to-use forms for Assessment and Progress Monitoring are included.

When I created this program, I knew I wanted to be ale to seamlessly DIFFERENTIATE so my students could make progress at their own pace.  I like how every student has a folder and all the pages look similar...so it's not obvious which students are on an intervention level and which are on an enrichment level.  

The bundle includes the Pre-Primer, Primer, and 1st Grade word sets.

I designed this program to be used as a "folder system", which makes School-Home Communication a snap!  However, the folder system WORKS even if you choose to only use it at school.  It will make it very quick and easy for you to differentiate your work work activities and provide targeted practice for students at school!

Here's How...

I like to use inexpensive, fun folders with bright colors and patterns to make my Sight Word Folders.  I found these fun folders in the Target Dollar Spot in a 3-pack for $1.  Not bad!  But, you could also use regular file folders and cover the stapled edge with a funky strip of duct tape to add some fun.  :)  

Print off the pages, insert them into the file folder, staple securely across the top, and you're set!  I provided covers (as shown in the picture) that you can attach to the front of the file folder...but that's completely optional. 

I like to send home a set of flash cards with each student.  I copy them on cardstock so they last.  However, I teach the students lots of "games" they can play with the flash cards and I make sure to continually remind parents to avoid "drilling" the sight words with the flash cards.  I included the list number on the bottom corner of each card, for management and organizational purposes.  :)

Again, I prefer using a folder because it's super easy to get from school to home and back again.  I can also collect the folders for progress monitoring without having to have a stack of binders on my desk.  However, if you already use a Daily Binder with your students, you may want to just add a "Camera Words" section to the binder.  :) Easy-Peasy-Lemon-Squeezy!!  

When I created this system I knew I wanted it to be a tool to ENGAGE and EMPOWER parents to help their children master sight words at home.  So, I included a parent letter that you can use for the introduction page of the sight word folder. . It gives parents the scoop on why sight words really matter and sets the tone for a positive partnership!  I like to sign each letter at the bottom, just to add a personal touch.   

I wanted to equip parents with the tools they would need to make sight word practice more meaningful and engaging.  So, I included a list of suggested activities for practicing sight words.  These fun, hands-on, and interactive strategies make it a "SNAP" for parents to help their children at home!

I broke down the Dolch words into lists of 5-6 words.  My goal is for students to master one list each week.  Students practice the words both at home and at school throughout the week.  When they have mastered a list, they put their folder on my desk during our "arrival" routine.  Then, throughout the day, when I have a minute, I'll pull a student over to my desk and check their progress. 

I tend to just use the stopwatch feature on my phone when assessing because my phone is usually within reach.  But, you could use any sort of timer.  I generally have students just read the words to me directly from the folder.  But, you could use the flash cards (provided) instead if you prefer.  I record their data directly on the folder for parent communication and progress monitoring purposes.  I also transfer the data onto my own spreadsheet, but I like having all their data in front of me when I'm assessing.

I use the checklist in the front of the folder to keep a running record of the student's progress at-a-glance.  It also serves as a "certificate" when the student has mastered all of the words.

I have received RAVE REVIEWS from parents about this program!  They absolutely love how manageable it is.  The Camera Words system creates a predictable routine that families can incorporate into their busy schedules.  Most importantly, I'm getting AWESOME RESULTS!  All but 2 of my kindergartners have moved on to 1st grade words before winter break!!  I hope you'll be able to use this system to BOOST student learning, engage parents, and save time!! :)

Best of all...you can get the BUNDLE for 50% OFF!!

I'm keeping it discounted until Friday, January 3rd...so don't delay!!

And, now here's your FREEBIE! Enjoy!!  :)

Teacher Appreciation Freebies Roundup

Happy Friday!!

I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for "Five for Friday"!

Keep reading all the way to the end for a fun FREEBIE!!

1.  Son-Shine was SUPER excited about Cinco de Mayo last weekend and insisted upon wearing a costume all day...even to the grocery store!  I was able to convince him to leave his maracas at home, but we just had to stop in "Jose Pepper's" favorite aisle and pose for some pics.  :)  Funny guy!!

2.  My sweet class gave me such a nice Teacher Appreciation Day!  :)  They made dinner for my family, gave me a beautiful bouquet, brought treats for the class and my favorite Sonic drink, gave me a spa gift card (!!!), and a Summer Fun" bag with a cute beach towel, lotions, make-up bag, magazines, bookmark, etc.

3.  I forgot to bring my camera outside, but we released our butterflies yesterday!!  All 10 of them survived and flew to freedom!!  :)  Such a fun experience.

4.  There are 9 days of school left!  WOOHOOOO!!

5.  Teacher Appreciation Week may be coming to an end, but the celebration isn't over yet!  Teaching Blog Roundup is teaming up with 20 of the best blogs to host this Teacher Appreciation FREEBIES Roundup blog hop.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  I would like to show my appreciation with this great freebie for you.

I'm assessing like crazy right now!  Which means I need a lot of independent activities to keep my kids engaged and learning while I'm working one-on-one with other students.  Here's a little freebie for you to practice ending blends.  Click the picture below to grab your FREEBIE!!  I hope you and your students enjoy it!

I'm glad you hopped by!  If you are new to my blog and liked what you see, don't forget to follow me!  Now head over to Learning is for Superstars to roundup the next FREEBIE!

We Appreciate You!

Five for Friday and a FREEBIE!

It's time for...

1. You never realize how much you depend on something until it's gone.  Like my cell phone.  It's gone KAPUT...but I'm not eligible for a phone upgrade until June 1st.  {sigh} My phone did an automatic "update" about a month ago and it hasn't worked right ever since.  It only works when it's plugged into a charger...which basically renders it a landline.  I sure hope June 1st comes quick!!

2. Yesterday was a our District's annual "Spring Symposium" Professional Development day.  Teachers and instructional coaches from the district present sessions on various topics and you can pick which sessions to attend!  :)  I love "Choose your own Adventure" PD!!  I was able to attend sessions on Writing Workshop in Kinder, the "Language Experience Approach" for emergent readers, Poetry in Kindergarten, and "Coring Up" kindergarten curriculum.  Lots of new ideas!!  LOVE!!

3. I found out this week that I won't have my own classroom next year.  :(  We are adding another full-day kindergarten, so the AM teacher and I will share a room.  I'm trying to have a super-positive attitude about it.  She is AMAZING...I call her classroom "Kindergarten Wonderland".  I know I will learn soooo much from her!  So, we're putting our heads together and trying to figure out how to make it work.  Any of you ever had to share a room before?

I'm hoping we feel like this...

not this...

LOL!!

4.  I learned about the Book Creator app at our Symposium yesterday.  It makes me *wish* I had an iPad!!  If you have one, you should check it out!  

5.  Earth Day is Monday!  :)  Here's a fun little FREEBIE for you.  

Be sure to check out these fun Earth Day literacy stations, too!!

...a  little late!
If you teach kindergarten, you don't want to miss this giveaway! Hillary, over at Rockin' Teacher Materials, is giving away a free pass to attend the I Teach K! kindergarten conference is VEGAS this summer!!  And, you get to bring a friend if you win!  :) (click the picture to head over to her blog and get yourself entered)