Wish List!

Barbie at Really Roper is having a wish list linky party, so here's what my heart desires:
(...grrr...I can't get the pictures to load...so use your Kindergarten imagination!)

1.  Jump, Frog, Jump in big book!  I have wanted this FOR*EV*ER!!  Alas, it is no longer in print!

2.  About a million plastic shoes boxes...gotta "containerize"!

3.  An unlimited number of color copies :)

4.  A new rocking chair for my classroom.  I took mine home when I had my daughter and I miss it.

Go on over to Really Roper and link up with what you are wishing for!

Another Amazing Giveaway!

Blog hop on over to Little Miss Kindergarten and check out the awesome newbie team work, visit their blogs and get some great new ideas.  Several chances to enter for some fun gift cards to help get your summer started with a bang!
   

Calendar vs. SmartBoard

Oceans of  First Grade Fun proposed the following question:  do you prefer the traditional calendar or use on on your SmartBoard?  I admit to wrestling with this same question myself.  Maybe it's because I'm kinda old fashioned but I like having my calendar up on the wall and the procedures to go with it.  But...I can also see the lure of using your SmartBoard; so much can be added!  Right now I do the bulk of my calendar time on the wall then use the SmartBoard a little for review or additional math concept practice.  Which do you prefer?  Leave a comment here or click on the link above to join the discussion at Oceans of First Grade Fun.

**Fingers crossed!**

I love blog hopping and finding all the things that others have posted to share.  I am trying to upload some of the things I have made for others to use.  My motto is that we don't steal, we "procure" for educational reasons!  :)
Click here for some comprehension posters I made to use with my K kiddos.  I use a picture clue for each strategy to make it easier for them to remember!

Math Work Stations

I REALLY want to try these now!  I have been following the MWS book study (sans the book...sigh...money is tight!) but have gotten some AMAZING ideas for stations next year.  This week the unbelievable Fran from Kindergarten Crayons is hosting...check out her mammoth post and her freebies galore!

Kindergarten Crayons

GIVEAWAY!!

Check out this awesome giveaway for the Debbie Diller's Math Work Stations!  I have wanted this book since it came out so now I have an "excuse" to buy it!  Go over to Teaching Blog Addict---use the button on the left!--to enter!  Woot! Woot!

Sadness...

I am sad for many reasons.   First, tomorrow is our last day and I will miss my group of kiddos I have this year.  They are without a doubt one of the BEST classes I have ever had.  They have learned so much and we have all grown together.  Another reason for my sadness is that will be my last class at Diamond Elementary.  I have accepted a position in the city where I live and will teach Kindergarten there next  year.  It was a very difficult decision but one I needed to make for me and my daughter.

The biggest source of sadness is that I live in Joplin, Missouri, which you may know was devastated by an F-5 tornado Sunday night.  I was able to drive around a little bit last night and was shaking the entire time.  It was difficult to tell where I was because there are no landmarks left.  I was lucky.  We live a mile from where the destruction path lies.  We were not hurt and there was no damage.  It is a true testament to the faith and grace of God and humanity as we watch help pour into our town.  Please, please, pray for all of those affected in any way by this storm.  We will rise from the ashes and be better than ever!