T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-Twas The Week Before Christmas!

Looking for some fun creative ideas?  The teacher-authors at TpT have been very busy designing lessons that will make the week before Christmas merry and bright-merry for you and your students brighter!

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-TpT Sale!

                                                          

TpT is having a sale and it's probably just in the nick of time.  You're probably feeling a little overwhelmed as you review all that is needed to be done this holiday season.  Give yourself an early present-the present of time and peace of mind.  Look at all of the wonderful products the busy elves at TpT have been planning and creating just for you.  You'll find some wonderful lessons and the teacher authors, ever as generous as creative, have tucked in a few free treats as well.  So come sit and take a minute to browse and then fill your virtual stocking with tried and true lessons....and then get hopping to all of the other things on your long list!

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place

It's November and we're fast approaching Thanksgiving.  I think this may be one of my favorites.  It's a great time to see family and I am a big fan of turkey, gravy and stuffing!  There are a lot of things to teach about this month.  I found this nice site with a lot of ideas that may inspire you with craft ideas to make with your class.  

Thanksgiving Craft Ideas

The teacher authors from TpT have a lot of wonderful lessons that go with this month as well.  Take some time to browse through this varied collection and be sure to see if there is something that will be just right for you and your class.  Check to see if there's a free one as well.  The good news is, with "falling back" this weekend, we can look forward to an extra hour of precious sleep.  Have a terrific weekend.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-Halloween Party

Here are two fun ideas using duct tape.  The links take you to step by step directions.  

Trick or Treat Container

Candy Dispenser

Many schools still have some kind of Halloween party for the classroom.  Room mothers can vary on what they plan and prepare.  If you're stuck and it's all on you, I thought the first idea-the container-might be a nice activity to do with your students during your party. 

If you're looking for more fun ideas or a special lesson, check out what the teacher authors from TpT have up their sleeve to help you through the next week.  Don't forget to look out for a free treat or two.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-Halloween Fun for All Grades

I taught for 38 years in a small town.  It was the only school in town and it was
 K-8.  There was no high school in the town.  For years, on Halloween, the whole afternoon was given over to celebrating the day and it included all grades in a Halloween parade that went through the town.  When we returned to school K-5 had class parties.  Room mothers provided treats that could include pizza, cupcakes, and a variety of other sweets.  Grades 6-8 had a dance that also included lots of food.  Then, suddenly, it was decided that the middle school kids were too old for the celebrations and they would just come to school like any other day and remain working in their rooms all afternoon.  Can you imagine the reaction of the students!  To counter the disappointment, the middle school teachers came up with lots of educational and fun games to teach with during the afternoon.  It took a few years before expectations changed and we managed to side-step a revolution.
It does seem like a day that the little guys have more fun.  So, to counter this, I'm asking that in addition to the delightful lessons provided for the lower grades, the upper grade teacher authors share some of their favorite games.  Take some time to browse and see if you find something for your class.  There should be a free treat or two as well!  Have a great week.

Here's a fun game that might made the middle schoolers smile.

Ancient Egyptian Bingo

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-Halloween and All Things Fall

I'm joining with some friends to paint pumpkins.  Since I don't have an artistic bone in my body-well the results might be more scary then intended. That will be another post.  In the meantime, I'll share another cool pumpkin courtesy of my daughter.  She assures me it was easy to make.  Maybe for her.  The pumpkin and jewels are from A.C. Moore and according to my source, it's pretty much 1,2,3.  
Speaking of talented.....check out the creative efforts brought to you by the teacher-authors of TpT.  I'm always amazed at what my fellow educators generate for their kiddos and share with the rest of us.  Have a great week!

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-October Approaches!

October begins on Saturday and it's probably a good idea to start getting ready for Halloween.   You have four weeks and then Monday the 31st will be here.  Last year I did a blog about an alternative to decorating pumpkins with the kiddos.  My daughter and her friends got together again and decorated eggs for Halloween.  (They tell me they may do a winter version!  I look forward to that.)
So thanks to Lindsay, Tina, and Danielle, I have some photos to inspire you.  You may find it a cheaper and less messy way to go.

I asked my fellow teacher-authors to showcase a variety of their fall and Halloween materials.  Kick off your shoes, grab a cool glass of cider....or whatever you prefer....and see if you can find a seasonal lesson that you and your kiddos will enjoy.  You may also find a few free treats as well.  Let the fun begin!

An InLinkz Link-up

October is Just Around the Corner

October isn't that far away and you're already thinking about how to make your classroom festive for Halloween. Check out this fun idea that you can use to ease into the spirit (HA!) of the season.
You can get the "fake" pumpkin at places like Michael's or Oriental Trading Company.  The jewel kits come complete so you can make a really charming pumpkin without the hassle of carving.
The owl is a nice departure from the usual ghosts and goblins.  Let your creative side rule!

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-Fall Favorites

It's officially fall!  The weather here, in New Jersey, still feels like summer.  But the weather teams on all fronts promise that will be changing shortly.  In the meantime, I cooked up some apple sauce-even threw in some cinnamon to make the house smell good-and thought about the beauty of falling leaves and pumpkin patches.
I found two cute ideas on pinterest to use in your classroom.

Here are a number of great lessons and ideas for your students.  Many are for fall and some are for free-always a nice bonus.  Happy Fall! 

An InLinkz Link-up

Long, long ago, (we may have had electricity) when I was working on a masters degree, I came across a book called, "From Hand to Head".  It made me rethink how we teach young children.  Then I became aware of more studies about movement and it's importance.  There's a growing body of evidence that movement in many forms enhances education for all ages.
Check this link for a pretty detailed description of the importance of exercise and its impact on learning.
Movement and Learning.
From brain breaks to activities, like scoot, that encourage action during lessons, many classrooms are using more movement to increase the productivity of students.  So go ahead, incorporate some of the fun games and activities into your day.  Not only will it help your student learn and retain, it will be more fun for you and them. 

In the linky below, along with many quality educational materials, you will find some lessons designed to get the kiddos up and moving.  Have a great week.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place -Ready or Not.....We're Back!

Ready or not, you're back in the classroom.  Let the teacher authors at TpT lend you a helping hand as you get on your way.  Take a breath and then sit, relax, and browse the varied and well designed lessons below.  You're sure to find a game, activity, or idea that will help and inspire you as you get on your way.    

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place -Best Year Ever Bonus Sale

If you missed the last sale, here's your chance to catch up and get all the goodies on your wish list.  Check out all of the wonderful products below.  Let's get ready for our best year ever!

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-Best Year Ever Sale

Are you ready to GO!  Here's your chance to stock up with amazing resources from TpT.  For those of you thinking that it's not time yet....well.....it is coming.  So take advantage of the sale and figure it's a lot like an early bird special.:)
Remember, we're all educators too and we have your back.  You'll find a variety of materials that will hone in on skills with surgical precision and cost you far less than comercially produced products that tend to have a lot of other filler that you pay for and never use.  So check out the links below and go on TpT and search out what you need.  With us in your corner, this will indeed, be your best year ever.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's-Siri, Cortana, and TpT Teacher Authors

Sometimes we just need a little help. Siri can help with directions and answer lots of other questions as well. My Siri even calls me the, "hostess with the mostest", which never fails to make me smile.  Cortana can help you find files quickly, manage your calendar, and I'm told, tell jokes.  "She's" even newer to me, so I'm still learning. Here's the good news.  You have a slew of other personal assistants with a variety of names.  They're your TPTPA's (Teachers Pay Teachers Personal Assistants).  They're a group of dedicated teacher authors working hard to bring you original and varied material guaranteed to add to your success in the classroom.  Probably if you're still hanging on, waiting for the final days of the term, you could use a little help.  Look below for some activities that will make you smile as you work your way through the homestretch.  We'll help you reach summer, beaches, and long lazy days.  

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's -Captivating, Awesome, and....FREE!

Don't you just love it when you get something for free that you really want and is actually useful .  In June I'll get a free dinner at Benihana.  True there are some hoops to jump through, but it really is as advertised.  I just recently received a lovely cream with a nail polish order I placed online.  It was a product that I wouldn't ordinarily use, but now since I've tried it and liked it, I'll probably order it next time.
 TpT Authors offer a variety of free produtcs for a number of reasons.  There is the hope that once our work is sampled there will be return buyers.  In addition, I think many of us offer free products as a thank you to followers.  Most of us are in, or have been in, the trenches and are partly motivated to somehow make a very demanding job just a little more fun. 

Browse this collection of free products and see what new and interesting things you find.  

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's

It's a beautiful day in New Jersey and it's hard not to be thinking about how close we are to the end of the school year.  Memorial Day is only weeks away and that has always been the unofficial start to summer.  I was searching for some craft ideas and came across a few on the Enchanted Learning site.  I'm not a member, but I was able to access the information to make a number of these clever projects.  Check it out.

                                           http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/memorialday/

If you're looking for some patriotic themed lessons check out my links.

                                                          WebQuest: Memorial Day Day

                                      Second Grade Math Review -Patriotic Theme-CCSS

                                                      

40 Math Task Cards- Solving Equations

Sixth Grade Math Task Cards-Percents- Patriotic

Here are some fun ideas that will help you plan the next few weeks.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's -TpT Teacher Appreciation Sale

Window shop much?  Filled that wish list to the brim?  Here's your chance to stock up on all of those wonderful lessons! 

Check out the many choices offered by the teacher authors on TpT.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's -The Magic of May

There are some very special days in May.  Mother's Day and Memorial Day are two that come immediately to mind.  Cinco de Mayo fun and end of the year activities all add to the festive feel of this month.  If you're looking to augment your lessons, or just need a little inspiration, you've come to the right place.  Teachers, just like you, from TpT, offer a wide,varied, teacher-tested, selection of materials that will help to make your day. 

 

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place-Best Buys at TpT-5 and Below!

I love a bargain...haha....who doesn't? I was looking at all of the wonderful products offered at Tpt and I was struck by how far your money can go. There are a lot of lessons and activities offered for 5 dollars and less. I've asked my fellow teacher authors to link up products that fit that description to give you a nice overview of the materials. So, kick off your shoes, get comfortable with a nice snack, and see all of the ways you can save money as you get some great activities for your students.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place - Game On!

I love games!  From Angry Birds to Chuzzle, I just love to play.  When I turned 65 I threw a party at Dave and Busters and after dinner we played for hours in the back room with all of the video games.  That being said, I think games are a wonderful way to teach.  Many of the teacher authors on TpT agree with that statement.  You can find so many clever and original games that address the skills or information you want to teach.
Take some time to browse the collection of great ideas linked below.  You'll be sure to find some wonderful games to engage and challenge your students.

An InLinkz Link-up

I met up with a few friends yesterday and I tried something completely out of my comfort zone.  Let me explain, I'm just not crafty or much of a cook.  That being said, I never give up the dream of someday transforming into a talented Martha Stewart like being.  One of the creative leaders of the group suggested we make homemade chocolate coconut Easter Eggs.  Of course I agreed-maybe this was my chance!  It turned out to be a lot of fun and as you can see from the pictures they don't look awful. So...if you're looking for a fun activity to do with a class it just might do the trick.  Our leader had the dough already mixed and in plastic bags.  You can melt the chocolate in a microwave and probably, depending on the age of your group, do the dipping.  But the shaping and decorating can be done by kids of all ages.   

Here's a recipe and a picture of my creations.

Easter Egg Recipe

Luckily the teacher authors of TpT are VERY creative.  Come take a look at the wonderful products for all subjects and levels waiting for you.  Happy Spring!

An InLinkz Link-up

Irish potatoes are a traditional Philadelphia confection that, despite its name, is not from Ireland, and does not usually contain any potato. There's a vareity of recipes available.  It's just a sweet way to celebrate the day.  Because of the coconut included in this delight, it reminds me that Easter is coming soon. I found an easy recipe on allrecipes if you're interested in making them for your class or family.

Irish Candy Potatoes

Here are a few more ideas that might make March 17th special.

Fun Craft Idea

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. Linky Party at Mrs. Mc's Place -Springing Into Action With TPT

Depending where you live, you may be changing your clock this weekend.  We'll all be  happy to get that extra energizing hour of light.  We'll all be really BUMMED to wake an hour earlier according to our internal clock.  TpT teacher authors are flying.:) to the rescue with the gift of time.  Browse this wonderful collection of materials that will let you rock the teaching day and get a few extra minutes of shuteye.   

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. at Mrs. Mc's Place-In Like a Lion, Out Like a Bunny?

March is packed! From Arbor Day to Saint Patrick's Day not to mention spring and Easter, it's one full month. It's also designated as Women's History Month. The teacher authors at TpT have plenty of wonderful products to share. Come browse this wonderful collection and find something to make your classroom just a bit more festive this month.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. at Mrs. Mc's Place-How Many Days Until Spring?

The good news is spring will arrive just as it does every year.  The bad news is we have to wait until March 20th.  If you're starting to feel a bit ragged around the edges and need some fresh exciting ideas to help you through until spring I have just what you need.  The dedicated creative teacher authors at TpT have been toiling to make great lessons and activities that will help you shake the winter doldrums.  Pull up a chair, pour a cuppa or glass of your favorite, and browse this collection selected just for you.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. at Mrs. Mc's Place-Let Us Continue to Inspire You!

TpT 's most recent sale had a theme about inpiration.  That is something we can all use occasionally. At times, it can be hard to get and stay inspired.  The creative minions at TpT understand this.  Let the teacher authors of TpT restore some of that energy and zest with some of their favorite products. 

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. at Mrs. Mc's Place -The Many Lighthearted Pleasures of February

February is Black History Month.  In addition, February is full of many events for such a short month.  Staring with Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day, and finally Presidents Day, there are lots of amusing and engaging ways to add to the learning opportunities you provide for your students.  As fellow teachers, the TpT educators are creating special products to highlight the holidays that combine valuable lessons with appealing themes. Come browse this winning collection. 

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. at Mrs. Mc's Place - TpT Is Having a Sale Linky Party

Start your year inspired with all of these wonderful possibilities brought to you by the teacher authors at TpT.  All sorts of goodies for you to peruse!  There are a few free treats in the varied selection as well.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. at Mrs. Mc's Place - Winter Diversions

Looking for seasonal ideas to make your classroom warm and inviting?
Follow this link to see some creative ideas to use in your classroom.
Snowmen Crafts
From snowman snow globes to a delicious snowman on a stick, you will find lots of entertaining ideas.

 Looking for lesson ideas to help you through the long cold winter?  Check out the links to the offerings from the teacher authors of TpT.  Here you will find an assortment of activities and lessons that will keep the kiddos learning.

An InLinkz Link-up

T.G.I.F. at Mrs. Mc's Place - Happy New Year!

An InLinkz Link-up