Techie Teacher - Insert & Customize a Batch of Photos in PPT

I've learned SO much over the last year in this blogging journey!  I'm excited to start sharing some of those nuggets of wisdom with you in this new "Techie Teacher Tutorial" series on the blog.

I recently discovered an awesome time-saving trick!!

When I'm creating products in PowerPoint, I often need to insert several images and it's SO time-consuming to insert them all separately.  (Ain't nobody got time for that!!)  

Check out the tutorial below to learn how to save time by inserting and customizing a batch of images all at once!  

Here's the FREEBIE that I created to share with you while creating this tutorial!

Click the picture below to grab your copy.  :)

I have several ideas for tutorials, but let me know if you have any special requests in the comments.

Thank you for visiting!!

For more tech tips, visit the link-ups below!

Freebies, Giveaways & More!!

I'm so excited to welcome all of my new facebook followers to Happy Teacher Heaven!
Be sure to read all the way through this post to register for an awesome GIVEAWAY and scoop up a BONUS FREEBIE!

Don't miss the Snowball Fight Facebook Frenzy

Bundle up and HURRY over...  

the FREEBIE SNOWBALLS will melt away forever at 10 pm CST today!!
(Click the picture below to get started!)

You can scoop up an adorable sampler of my newest Math Pack!

I will be listing the FULL VERSION of this product for just $1 for ONE DAY ONLY on Jan. 21st!

Your kids will love this adorable DIFFERENTIATED pack of Addition & Subtraction Spinner Math Stations!!  The full version is 38 pages...an incredible value for $1!  So, don't miss the FLASH SALE!!

Also,

My ENTIRE TPT Store is on sale TODAY ONLY 20% off!!

This is a great time to scoop up some great products at FAB prices!!

I'd love to GIVEAWAY a Penguin Pals Addition & Subtraction pack to a lucky subscriber!

I'd also love to GIVEAWAY a Camera Words Sight Word Folder pack (choose your own level) to a lucky subscriber!

And, one lucky subscriber will be able to choose ANY item (under $5) from my TPT Store!

ENTER TO WIN on the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And, to celebrate all my new followers, here is a BONUS FREEBIE!

Click the picture below to grab this Groundhog Number Ordering Freebie on TPT.

If you like the freebie, please take a second and leave me some love (feedback)!

Your comments make my heart smile and I look forward to reading each one!!  

I hope you like it!!

Snowball Fight!! (Freebies Galore!)

Don't miss the BIGGEST Snowball Fight of the Year!!

22 of your favorite bloggers have teamed up to bring you a...

Our forts are built...
the snowballs are packed & stacked...
and we're about to BLAST you with FREEBIES!!

So lace up your boots, pull on your mittens,
and get ready to load up on 'SNOW' much good stuff!!

Hop on over to to the Happy Teacher Heaven facebook page to pick up my freebie!

Look for this tab on every facebook page to find the next FREEBIE.

Note: You will not be able to access the freebies from an iPad.  

To celebrate and thank all my new followers, I put my
ENTIRE STORE ON SALE 20% OFF!!
This is a GREAT time to scoop up some awesome products at an unbeatable price!
Click the pictures below to check out these effective and engaging sight word resources.

Click the image below to download a copy of the clickable map to find your way to all the 'snow forts'!

The Snowball Fight begins at 10 am CST on Saturday, January 18th.  

But don't delay because the snowballs melt at 10 pm CST on Monday, January 20th!!

We hope you have fun on the hop and find lots of fun freebies that you and your kiddos will love!

Make sure to follow our blogs & TPT stores too so you'll never miss a FREEBIE!  

Thanks for joining our Snowball Fight!!

"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!!  :)

January Currently...Hello 2014!!

Happy New Year!!

But seriously...2014?!! 

Unreal.

I'm linking up with Oh Boy 4th Grade ...

Listening

Hubs and SonShine have this awesome tradition of going "Exploring".  They get up early, go get some yummy breakfast, and then go drive around in the country.  They love finding deer and turkeys and cool rocks and anything nature-tastic!  Sometimes I go too, but it's really their special time together.  So, I usually stay home and have some "Me Time"...which is FAB!!

Loving

We hosted our annual NYE party with our friends from church.  It is always a blast...tons of good friends, delicious food, and guaranteed hilarity!!  After everyone cleared out, Hubs and SonShine went upstairs to "unwind" by playing a little Lego Marvel on the PS3.  So, I bit the bullet and cleaned the entire kitchen.  Not fun at 1 am, but it was glorious to wake up to a clean kitchen this morning!!

Thinking

My mind this morning is filled with reflection on the year behind and expectations of the year to come.  I'm so very, very grateful for an incredible 2013 and looking forward to new memories in 2014!

Wanting

A nap...like for realz.  Suuuuuper tired this morning!!

I'd settle for a Starbucks, but that means I'd have to get out of bed.

Needing

I always like to leave up the Christmas decorations as long as possible.  I absolutely love it when the house is decorated for Christmas.  It's my favorite time of the year!  I've been known to leave the decorations up until the end of January!  But, we put our decorations up in mid November this year, so I'm feeling ready to box 'em up until next year!

Memory/Tradition

Each year since I was a baby, I have received or bought a Memory Ornament for our family Christmas tree.  When I got married, my mom gave them all to me for my own tree.  It's a tradition that my husband and I have continued.  This year, we bought a cute little singing Santa who is holding a map to commemorate all of my husband and son's "Boys Trips" this year.  

You can click the picture above to follow me on Instagram!  

I wish you many blessings and all the best life has to offer in 2014!!

Thirteen in '13

Well, helloooo there!!

Long time...no see.  

Since I've been an absentee blogger for too many months, 

I thought I'd kick of 2014 by recapping all the things that kept me so busy in 2013!

I'm linking up with 3 fabulous bloggers to share my

13 favorite moments of 2013.  

1. Snowmageddon 

We had ourselves a Midwest blizzard and made the most of our snow days by sledding, having snowball fights, and building a mansion of a snowfort!  It had 3 entries on three different levels and a slide inside of it.  Amazing!! 

2. Shark Mania!  

SonShine and his super creative Grandma made this incredible Shark Valentine box.  So much fun!!  He LOVED that his box "chomped" all of theValentines!

SonShine's Shark Attack cake won 3rd place in his Pack overall at the Cub Scout Cake Bake!

3. May 1st Snowstorm

I've never seen Snow in May!!  It was incredible.  

4. Cinco de Mayo with Jose Pepper!

My kid has such a GREAT sense of humor! 

This costume was all his idea and he ROCKED it all through the grocery store.

We had an absolute ball!!  

5. Dad & Lad

This should probably be my Number 1 most favorite thing about 2013.  

My hubby is the World's Greatest Daddy...I love, love, LOVE to watch him with our son.  He is a silly buddy, strong father, spiritual leader, tireless supporter, and tender daddy. 

6. Halloween

To my delight, SonShine decided to be Harry Potter for Halloween!

So, we made sure his trick-or-treat bag had some authentic treats like Chocolate Frogs. We always go Trick-or-Treating in my Grandma's neighborhood with all the cousins. It's such a fun family tradition!

7. Mother Nature

SonShine is such a nature lover!!  He has had such a great time this year going on hikes, catching baby frogs, fishing, making camp fires, and finding cool rocks!

8.  ABD (All But Dissertation!) Doctoral Candidate

  In July I took the comprehensive exams for my Educational Leadership Doctoral program...3 days, 3 massive binders, 6 exams, and 90 pages of essays.

PASSED!!  

Now, all that's left is Dissertation.  Can't wait to be Dr. Swan in 2014!!

9.  Colorado Vacation

Our first family vacation in 4 long years!

I have been in class every summer for the last 4 years - making vacations impossible. So, as soon as I finished my comps, we headed out of town for 10 days in Colorado!! We rented a house on the very top of a mountain and soaked in as much fun and family time as possible.

10. Baptism

 Both Hubs and SonShine were baptized together this summer. 

This picture is my favorite...

I love the look on SonShine's face as he watches Daddy getting baptized!

11. Boys Trips

I've been very busy this fall working on my dissertation proposal. So, my incredible Hubs has been taking SonShine on all kinds of amazing Boys Trips! They've gone on nature hikes, helicopter rides, to museums, festivals, and MORE!! I'm so grateful for a hubby that turns the times when I have to work into awesome memories for our son!

12. Christmas

Christmas is my favorite time of year!!

We have had such a great holiday season... visited Crown Center, saw A Christmas Carol, looked at Christmas lights, made NinjaBread cookies for Santa, celebrated with our family, and remembered the birth of our Savior. 

13.  Instagram

I have fallen in love with Instagram this year!

I'd love for you to follow me!!  I'm @happyteacherheaven 

It's so much fun getting to know all my blogging friends and it's a great way to share ideas and keep in touch when you don't have time to blog.  Below are my 3 favorite InstaPics of the year!

We gave SonShine Bertie Botts Every-Flavour Beans...

he got a vomit flavored one.  GAG!!  

My boys with their 2013 Memory Ornament -- it's an "I've Been Everywhere" Santa to commemorate all of their Boys Trips this year.  Memory Ornaments are my favorite holiday tradition!!

This is my absolute favorite student writing sample from last spring.  

I'm linking up these 3 favorite Instagram pics of the year with Kickin' It In Kindergarten for her

If you're still reading...be sure to hop over to Simply Kinder and get registered for her INCREDIBLE giveaway!

Thanks for stopping by!

I promise to be a better blogger in 2014!!