Sunday, April 22

Earth Day- Operation Conservation

I woke up this morning with a text from my fiance saying "Happy Earth Day." Random but sweet, I had totally forgot it was Earth Day. I'm currently reading Ready Freddy Save the Earth to my students.
In the past I've read Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg, Earth Day Horray by Stuart J. Murphy, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, Curious George Plants a Tree by H.A. Reys and Our Class is Going Green by Mrs. Nickles K Class.

I thought I share a little something to celebrate the occasion.
Earth Day

There are many more activities on my website
http://www.mswinston.com/my_holidays.html

I also found this freebie
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-Mini-Unit-Freebie

What do you do to celebration Earth Day?

Tuesday, April 17

Independent Reading Menus- Fiction Books

I've been working on these for months now and I've finally got them finished. I created 10 Independent Reading Menus with before, during, and after activities. Suitable for 2nd-4th grade.


I've decided to offer it on my blog for $5. After you purchase these set of menus you will automatically entered to win the Nonfiction Independent Reading Menus that I'll be giving away on my 30th birthday... next week! Just reply to this post with the number of days you have left if school and your email address.

Monday, April 16

Testing Treats

So in 23 short days my 3rd graders will be taking standardized tests in Reading, Math, Social Studies and Sciences that covers curriculum from grades K though 3. Since this is my first year in a testing grade I thought it would be cute to give them a daily motivating treat. After scouring the internet I've created some treat tags that I cant wait to use. I haven't decided if I will enlist parents to donate treats or if I will just get them from my local Sam's Club and Walmart, but no matter how I get them, I'm sure students will enjoy them!
Testing Treats
What ideas do you have for motivating students during testing time?

Tuesday, April 10

Wedding Planning


As many of you know I got engaged on Valentine's Day. We have set a date of December 1, 2012. I've been knee deep in wedding planning! I've purchased a couple of things... the sand ceremony kit, cake cutting set, save the date cards, photo wedding guestbook, oh and my WEDDING DRESS! So between wedding planning and teaching 3rd grade for the first time (which means gearing up for state standardized testing) I've been absolutely swamped! I'm on Spring Break this week. I've spent the entire day today in the bed, my iron has dropped dangerously low so I don't have the energy to do much of anything right now. But I do have a school bag full of papers to grade and plans to write waiting on me when I do conjure up the energy to get some work done. Only 44 more school days left until summer vacation... but who's counting!