Oh my gosh y'all is it really August?  I think I'm in denial because I can't believe I go back next Thursday :(.  Well to add a little more fun to the whole BTS thing, I decided to link up with Christine from Preslar's Place for her Back to School Linky Party.

Last year, I added a Sentence Editing Center and my kids LOVED it.  I worked a lot on Peer Editing and the kids enjoyed fixing sentences that both I and other students had written.  I started off pretty simple by just writing sentences on sentence strips for them to edit but they got bored pretty quickly and they were no longer following the directions.  So I came up with these "I Can" posters that showed how to use either their journal or the recording sheets.  They were so helpful and I no longer had silly turkey work :).


My kids enjoyed them so much, that I even used a couple as morning work.  I would project the three sentence cards onto my Activboard and then the kids would correct the sentences in their journal and then check their table partner's work.


The recording sheets came in handy too but I mostly had the kids write them in their journal.  Does your school have a copy limit?  Mine does for this year and I'm nervous.


The sentences work on capitalization, punctuation, pronoun confusion, ed and ing endings, commonly misspelled words, and a few other things.  This edition is mostly for Second Grade or high First Graders.  Click on the picture to head to my TpT store and grab this station for just $2.


Oh and I'm working on this one for my First Grade friends.  It will focus just on capitalization, punctuation, and basic misspelled sight words.  It should be done by Wednesday....hopefully :).


I also have a super helpful Back to School freebie to check out.  I feel like I have so many things to label each year but I do find them super helpful.  Especially when a student can't find a certain supply or folder.  So, I created these cute Chevron and Chalkboard labels to make the label making process a tad bit less painful.


I hope you guys are enjoying the last little bit of summer that you have.  I know I'm trying to soak up as much time as possible with my two little guys.  My youngest just started saying Mama and meaning it :).

I'm sorry guys but this blog post is probably going to be short and sweet.  I've been sitting in GT training for the last 2 days (6 hours each day) and I mentally exhausted.  I've been trying to finish my Back to School stations and my mind literally can't take any more.  I now understand how important those Brain Breaks are for my students.  

Ok, first I want to share my classroom colors and theme.  For the last oh let's say five years, my classroom colors have been primary.  It just felt comfortable and simple and well me, so I stuck with mostly blues and reds with yellow and green scattered in the mix.  Well this year I found this fabric and BANG I'm totally going outside of my primary colored comfort zone.  Here is my inspiration.


Sorry Facebook Fans, I know you saw this a few weeks ago.  There is also a mustard and teal blue color in this fabric but it doesn't appear in this picture.  I'll take a better picture tomorrow.  I'm using this fabric to recover some pillows and make a curtain to hide some of my ugly open cabinets.  I also found some solid colored fabric that matches this that I will use to recover some of the other pillows that I have.  I like mixing solids and patterns.

Today the hubby and I went to Target after my class and I picked up a few things from the Dollar Spot.  Here is one of my finds.


Since my room will have some chalkboard accents, I think these will be perfect in my Writing Center.  I think they will house some markers or highlighters and some special writing pens.  I'm going to label them with chalk and then seal it with Mod Podge, so the kids can't erase the label.  That will work right?  I think it will...hopefully.

I found a few more things but for some reason the photos aren't in my Dropbox and my phone is charging, so you'll have to check back tomorrow to see what else I found for my classroom.
I'm super excited because I found out today that my school is open.  That means I can get into my classroom and get to work.  YAY!!  When I finished moving my stuff in early June, I just had to put stuff into cabinets and on top of cabinets.  It's a mess y'all!  I can't wait to start organizing and getting my new classroom together.

So today, I FINALLY finished my Chevron Number Labels and guess what?....They are editable :).  Here is a little peek at what is included.





There is a lot of different options for labels in this pack and I LOVE that it gives you the option to create your own labels.  Here is a short tutorial on how to edit these labels because they come in PDF form.

   
I hope this tutorial was helpful!  Leave a comment on when you are able to start working in your classroom and I'll choose one lucky winner by 8:00 pm tomorrow night.  Don't forget to leave your email, so that I can email you your labels.

I'm linking up with An Educator's Life to share a new freebie.  It's hot of the presses...I created it TODAY!

Here is a short preview before you download it.  It is meant for Second Grade but you could use it at the end of the year in First Grade or for struggling Third Graders.

 

I'm really enjoying the "I Can" posters because it helps the students feel more independent.  I also think I might have to change my name to the "Black and White Queen" because I love including activities in black and white.  Sometimes it's just easier to print in black and white.

Click on the picture below to grab my "Summer isn't Over - An ABC Order Station".  Hope you enjoy it.
 
 

If you like my pack, you can follow me on Facebook HERE or TpT Here.  I also have two Facebook fan freebies HERE if you are interested in grabbing some more fun freebies.
I'm super excited to be linking up with Cara from the First Grade Parade for the first time.  My blog is so new that I can't participate in Throwback Thursdays, so Favorite Pins Friday is just perfect for my new blog.


For the classroom...

   
I love the idea of having a "Top 5" for the class.  I even think it might be helpful to have them change through out the year or depending on the classes needs.  The caption says it is from Betsy Aronson, 7th grade ELA, but it doesn't have a link.  It just links back to a photo album.

For my boys... 
 
This is from Angie's Laughing Place.

My two year old has gotten super fussy lately and when he gets angry he gets into a little bit of trouble :(.  I ALWAYS tell him that I love him after his time out and this saying is perfect.  I need to make this super cute time out chair.

 This is from Lil' Mop Top.

Mason loves cars and trucks.  I was searching for ideas of things to do with him and I found these super easy to make road strips made from old jeans.  You just put Velcro on the back and they will stick to the carpet.  I know he will LOVE these.

Step by step instructions from Beauty Through Imperfection.

My 8 month old loves to eat, so my husband and I have started to make our own baby food.  We have just been using our blender but we've only been making simple things.  I can't wait to use some of these baby food recipes.

Some funnies...


I've started printing out some of my back to school stations and decor and I need to pull out my little laminator.  I pinned this because who doesn't love Ryan Gosling!  Confession time, I've been in love with him since the MMC :) and I'm addicted to laminating.  Doesn't everything just look better when it's laminated!

Another confession...I've been playing Candy Crush WAY to much!  So here is another funny that I pinned.


Ok those are my favorite pins of the week.  I would love to share more but Candy Crush is calling my name ;).  Just kidding but I should be starting dinner.

If you want to see what else I've been pinning, you can follow me on Pinterest HERE.

Hey friends!  I hope you are enjoying my Editable PDF products.  These make it so easy to keep those super cute fonts and you do not even have to download any new fonts to your computer!  So easy and fun!

Here is a little video to help you see how you can easily edit your new labels.


I really hope that this video helps you edit your labels.  Please let me know if you need any help.
Did you grab my first Facebook Fan Freebie?  If not, make sure you like my Facebook page to grab it.  Well....I had so much fun with the first freebie, that I decided to add another.  This time I wanted to create a freebie that all elementary grade levels could use.  Here is a preview.


 

These would be perfect to create a class graph on the first day of school or for a pocket chart.  You could also attach ribbon to the bottom and have the kids use clips to show how they go home.  Make sure you click on the pictures above to head to my Facebook page.  These are only available to fans, so make sure you "like" my page.

Happy Monday!  Don't Mondays have a totally different feeling during the summer.  I wish all Mondays felt like this!

Well it took me almost ALL day but I finally have a Facebook Freebie tab on my page.  Isn't it beautiful?  I'm pretty proud of myself but I had to watch a few tutorials to figure it out.  Aren't we so lucky that there are so many wonderful teacher bloggers out there willing to help others!



So....if your a fan on my Facebook page go over and grab your freebie.  It's a QR Code Station for the letters A,B, and C.  It also comes with 2 "I Can" posters and a recording sheet.  Just click on the picture below to head to my Facebook page.



If you're not a fan yet, don't worry you can become one today and still grab this freebie.  Hope you enjoy and please leave a comment with some feedback so that I know you were able to grab it!
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I'm linking up with Michelle from Fabulous in First for her Sunday Smorgasbord.  I totally wanted to link up last week but I had two super fussy boys and the hubby at work all day.  So today I was thrilled when my 2 year old wanted to sleep in and my 8 month old decided to play happily on the floor in front of me.  Well it's 9:30 y'all and my two year old is still asleep!  That never happens!  Anyways here are some totally random things from my week.

(One)
 
I have a new Sunday night obsession.  Have you seen it yet?  I have to admit that I was a Desperate Housewives girl and when the show ended two years ago my first thought was, "Oh no!  What am I going to watch on Sunday nights?!?"  It was always a good way for me to chill and not think about the upcoming school week.  Well Devious Maids just started, the third episode is tonight on Lifetime, and it's from the creator of Desperate Housewives and Eva Longoria.  I'm totally hooked!  So if you liked Desperate Housewives, you should check out Devious Maids.  Very addicting and it leaves you with a cliffhanger every episode.

(Two)
   
No not me yet, December for me :(.  But my husband is turning 30 in just a few short weeks.  I'm trying to plan some simple and fun things for the boys and I to do for him.  I have no ideas right now though.  What are some things people did for you or someone you know when they turned 30?

(Three)
The boys and I had a very restful week.  We spent the week with my parents, who live about two and a half hours southwest of us.  We were able to go swimming, see some fireworks, and I was able to cuddle with my 3 week old niece.  She is such a snuggle bug!



(Four)
I just started the 30 Day Squat Challenge and boy am I sore.  I'm on Day 4 and yesterday was my day of rest.  I'm not as sore today but after doing a few sets, I'm starting to feel it again.  I'll have to build some confidence and have some results to show before I show my before picture.  Hopefully, I can share soon.

(Five)
I just finished my ABC QR Code Station and I'm pretty proud of it.  I think it will be perfect for my Spanish speaking kiddos that are learning their alphabet in English.




It's the perfect way for the kiddos to self check themselves while I'm holding my guided reading groups.  I know they will get a kick out of searching for the letters.  I'm totally going to hide some under tables and desks!




Thanks for reading about my totally random week!  

Is it really almost July?  This summer is flying by!  I'm linking up with Farley from Oh' Boy 4th Grade for her famous Currently.  This is my first Currently and I'm super excited.  I love reading everyone else Currently and now I'm ready to write my own.


Listening:  My house is pretty quiet right now.  Both of my boys are sleeping and my husband is at work, he works nights and I hate it!  I can hear my 8 month old snoring and his nature sound machine.  He doesn't like quiet, so we've found one of the only was to get him to sleep through the night is the sound machine.  MAGIC :).

Loving:  QR Codes!  I made a back to school one earlier and right now I'm working on one for beginning sounds.  I'm in LOVE with using them as a station and I know my kids will be too.  Here is the one I'm working on right now.  What do you think?


Thinking:  What I want to do tomorrow with my 2 year old?  Today we went to one of his friend's birthday party and he had a blast.  I'm thinking of looking on Pinterest to find an inside activity for us to do tomorrow.  One of my facebook friends did paint in a bag...maybe I'll try that.

Wanting:  I would LOVE to go swimming tonight.  There is just something so refreshing about going swimming at night.  I use to work at Schlitterbahn during the summers and that was my favorite thing about being a Supervisor.  We had nightly meetings on Sunday nights and most of the times we had an activity in the water.  People hated them because we would have to swim against the current but I loved it.  After we just got to relax and talk in the water, it was my favorite.

Needing:  I have a load of laundry in the dryer and a load in the basket that I really need to fold.  I hate folding!

Tips:  Take time to enjoy all the little things with your family.  I do love listening to them breathe when they are sleeping.  I also love how my little one can still fit nicely on my chest and I love having tickle fights with my two year old.  My boys are growing up too fast and the blogging, creating, and house work need to come after them.  That is why I love blogging at night when they are asleep and creating early in the morning.

Well that is my Currently for July.  I do wish this summer would slow down...I am LOVING spending time with my two boys.
Happy Friday y'all!  I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for the weekly Five for Friday linky.  Click on the linky button below to head over to her website and link up your post.


1.  On Sunday, we celebrated Maddox turning 8 months old.  I can't believe he is already 8 months old.  He is crawling, pulling up, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and saying "hi" and "mama".  Oh and chasing after his big brother.  He is such a sweet baby and always smiling.  I am loving spending the summer with him :).
 
  
2.  Mason and I have been enjoying reading this summer.  One of his favorite characters is Bob the Builder, so we read this Bob's Birthday book.  It's one from my classroom library that I brought home when I was packing up my classroom.  After reading the book Mason kept singing, "Happy Birthday to ME!!!"  Then during bath time he asked, "Mama where is my cake?"  I felt AWFUL!  His birthday isn't until November!  Yikes, how do you tell a 2 year old it isn't their birthday.  So the next day we went to the store and he picked out some green cupcake mix and we made cupcakes.  He was super excited.  Anything to make great childhood memories :).




3.  Here is my coupon helper at the grocery store.  Don't you just love being able to shop during the week and not have long lines.  I DO!!

P.S.  That green garbage truck goes with us EVERYWHERE.  He even sleeps with it!

 4.  We have a small fish aquarium at home and my husband bought a snail right before school got out.  Today we woke up to find this....a HUGE egg sack.  After doing some research online we learned that our snail must have gotten pregnant while at the pet shop.  It will take 3 to 4 weeks to hatch and she can have hundreds of baby snails.  Anyone want to adopt a baby snail?!?!



5.  Today is my 5th wedding anniversary!  My husband and I have been super blessed, look at our beautiful family!  The blue pinwheel represents our first son Tyler that passed away right before birth.  The Lord has truly blessed us with 3 amazing sons.  I can't wait to see what the next 5 years has in store for us.  I love you honey!
 
 

To celebrate my 5 year wedding anniversary, I'm having a 5% off sale on all of my products in my TpT store.  I'm working on an ABC QR Code Hunt that I hope to finish today, so I can add it to the sale.

Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway that ends Sunday night.

Thanks for stopping by and helping me celebrate 5 years of marriage :).
I'm linking up this week with Ashley Reed over at Just Reed for her weekly Ten Pin Linky Party.  This week is Math PINspiration.  I'm a day late to this party but better late than never ... right?!? 

Click on the Linky Button below to link up and share your ten favorite Math Pins. 


Now for my Math PINspiration....

1.  This next year my district has adopted Math in Focus (Singapore Math) as our curriculum.  This is the first year we have had a set curriculum.  One of the key concepts of Math in Focus is using Bar Models to represent part,part, whole.  They are also used in problem solving to solve the unknown.  I found some wonderful pins on how to use them during stations.  My favorite one is using Legos to solve.  This idea is from All About Legos.



2.  I also found that Kimberly Geswein has a Bar Models font.  I downloaded it and I can't wait to create some products for math stations.



3.   I'm super lucky to have an Activboard in my classroom and I use it a ton in Math.  One of the kids favorite things is the Math Illuminations website.  They love using it during workstations.  



4.  These will just make my life so much easier!  I'm very OCD and these will work so much better then the Ziploc baggies I've been using.  Thanks Bomb-Diggity Classroom for this idea!



5. I LOVE these place value initials from Bishop's Blackboard.  I think this would be great for the first couple of weeks of school.



6.  The kids are always asking what time is lunch? specials? recess?  Now the important times are always visually displayed.  Perfect!



7.  Did anyone ever play "Guess Who"?  My BFF and I did all the time.  This is a little spin on it and the kids guess the number.  I think you could also do this whole class and the kids could use a 100s Chart to help them guess.  This idea is from Classe Grenadine.



8.  I think Amy Lemons has several fantastic math ideas.  Wouldn't you just love to be a student in her class?  I know I would!  I just love her math anchor charts.  I couldn't pick just one that I liked, so I decided to pick both her Multiplication and Division anchor charts.  Her lessons that go with them are great!!



9.  My friend Amanda made these two super heros "Addition Allie" and "Subtraction Sammie" to help kids know when to add and when to subtract.  I did these with my firsties last year but mine didn't turn out anywhere near as cute as hers.  



10.  Since I'll be teaching Math twice next year, I've been looking at different Math Walls.  I'm in awe of all the work that Reagan Tunstall has done.  Have you seen her new math teacher resources...aMAYzing :).  I love how she has essential questions.



Ok, well those are my top 10 math pins.  I have them nicely organized in my new "Math" board.  I use to have them all in one "Classroom" board but this has really helped me feel more organized pinterest wise :).

Make sure you check out my giveaway in the post below this one, it ends Saturday night!
I'm super excited to be starting a new year in a new grade level.  I know what your thinking .... it's still summer!!  Yes, yes I know it is and I'm enjoying it but I do have Second Grade on the brain and it's exciting to plan a little at a time.  

The most exciting thing about this new school year is that I am getting two things I've wanted for a LONG time.  I'm getting a document camera and some iPads ... HOLLA!  Am I lucky or what?

So one of the things I've wanted to do with my kiddos and haven't been able to is QR codes.  No devices with cameras=no QR codes.  Now that I'll have an iPad or two I can :).  So I made my first QR code activity and here it is.....

 

I set this up to be an icebreaker for the first day of school kinda like a getting to know you activity.  The kids will read the QR code prompts that will send them to 4 different stations.  During their hunt, they will be prompted to find a new "friend" at each station and write down their name.  The four stations are favorite color, favorite food, favorite type of books to read, and favorite activity.  Here are some examples of each.




My favorite thing about this QR code activity is that I included an "I Can" poster, perfect for those visual kiddos.


And of course you need a good recording sheet to go with the activity.


 I'm super excited to make some more QR code activities.  This one was so much fun to make!  I am so excited that I would like to giveaway two of my "Finding Friends" QR code activity.  Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter.  
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