Getting Organized

So while I spend a lot of time working on planning and creating for my 3rd grade classroom, I also spend time trying to stay organized in my personal life.

One area where I am currently needing LOTS of help is in my menu planning/grocery shopping. I find that I am at the grocery store WAY too often. I really hate wasting my time being there. I need a way to streamline my planning and shopping to save time and money. I have been looking online and have found some really great stuff through Pinterest.

Here are some of my favorite freebies...

This one from the blog Artsy-Fartsy Mama is cute and simple.

You can get this here.

One set I like comes in 4 different colored chevron layouts. Super cute!! These 4 come from the Cupcake Diaries.

Grab these here!

There are so many great menu planners available online, but these are two that I thought seemed to be very helpful.


Of course I had to contribute! I made a couple of freebies as well. Hopefully these will be helpful to your planning and organization of meals!


Here are some weekly planners for you to use.

To get my freebies, click here.

Credits:
Font-Kevin and Amanda
Graphics-Clipart Cuties (find her things here and here)
More Graphics-The Wizard of Boz (find her things here)

Binder Cover Freebie

As teachers, we get a lot thrown at us. Every. Single. Day.

Sometimes I feel like I cannot keep up with all the paperwork.

I have a terrible fear that I am going to misplace something very important. Always.

In an effort to stay organized, I try to have binders that I keep up with and that are clearly labeled. Very important.

If you would like a freebie, I have one just for you! I always have a "Classroom Information" binder. I keep important papers/information on my students and my classroom routines here. Nothing confidential since I leave it out for subs.

So if you would like a colorful, cheery binder cover, go here to get your freebie!

[The download comes with the 3 color options.]

Free Printable

I love free. I love printables. I love chevron.

If you love all these things as well, then this is a freebie for you!

Grab it here if you would like!


[Please let me know if you have any trouble with it. I do not normally use GoogleDocs.]

Credits:
Font: Kevin and Amanda; Fonts by Kimberly Geswein
Chevron: Mel Stampz
Clip Art: Lettering Delights

Contraction Cupcakes

I am keeping myself busy making new goodies for my classroom next year!

Here is a simple activity to use as a center in your room. Just laminate and cut it all out (so fun, right?).

One of our 3rd grade skills is contractions. I made this colorful matching activity to reinforce this skill.

I have included 18 contraction cupcakes. The students match the tops (the contractions) to the bottoms (the two words) to form a complete cupcake.



You can grab your activity here.

A Little Spelling Activity

Here is a simple activity that can be used in a spelling center. I used the spelling words from Unit 1, Week 2 3rd Grade Reading Street.

Even if you do not use Reading Street, this activity can work great in your classroom! Understanding the endings -s, -es, and -ies are integral skills in 3rd grade curriculum.



To grab this activity, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers Store here.

I have been having a lot of fun making new things for my kiddos next year. I really hope that some of my ideas are helpful to you and your classroom.

Another Reading Street Freebie

Today I have been in the mood to do some school stuff, so I figured I might as well take advantage of it! One of the skills within the first week is homonyms. I made this matching game as a center for my 3rd graders.




To get this freebie, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store here and get the freebie. If you think of it, please leave your feedback. Thanks!

Common Core...All the Buzz

I am sure that you (like I am) are tired of hearing about Common Core. We have spent so much time and energy trying understand this shift within our district. This summer I have a 3 day training on Common Core within reading (happy summer break to me!).

I am in my 2nd full week of summer break, so I am slowly letting my mind start to think about school once again. The first week of break, I just cannot even go there.

Our county has adopted Scott Foresman Reading Street for next year. While we have not received our actual textbooks or teacher editions, we have online access. So far, I think I like the series. It is very technology integrated which I think is great!

As I have started planning for next year, I have been trying to develop some center activities for my room.

Unit 1, Week 1 (When Charlie McButton Lost Power) focuses on VCCV patterns for spelling. I developed some activities that I have listed on Teachers Pay Teachers. If you need some VCCV practice for your kids, check this packet out!



If you would like to check this packet out, click here!

Also, here is a little FREEBIE! I made spelling cards and a VERY basic spelling test.



Get your freebie here!