Yesterday was the first day we got to math centers and the kids loved it!  I am so diligent about literacy centers everyday, so why is it so hard to get to math centers?  There are so many valuable learning activities that work well in math groups.  I know others are doing them as I see and yes, even purchase (imagine that:) math centers.  They are often even printed, laminated and even cut out. HA!

So this week my goal is to get to math centers on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.  Wednesday is early release and Friday I try to get to an literature/art project in the afternoon.  I welcome any suggestions on scheduling and fitting it all in.

We are wrapping Chapter One with addition.  I have created and posted Ladybug Addition Mats on TpT.  You can check them out at my Teachers pay Teachers store.  I will be giving away 2 sets of them to the first 2 people to LEAVE A COMMENT here and FOLLOW my TpT store. 

Did you check out my prior post about the Kindergarten Common Core workbook?  I did go ahead and buy the First Grade Workbook. I love it! 

As I scrolled down, I read that if you blog about the kindergarten Workbook before September 16th, follow the rules and email your blog link to the email provided, you get a FREE download Kindergarten Common Core Workbook.  There are lots of great activities that can also be used in First Grade!  So head on over to Common Core Standards and scroll down to the Kindergarten Giveaway for the rules. 

So what are you waiting for?  Blog about it and get your FREE copy!!  :)

As I was blog stalking last night, I came across a post by Janine at Faithful in First. She posted about the Common Core Workbook for kindergarten that has lessons and worksheets.  I followed the link to Common Core Standards and look what I found!


This is an amazing workbook that can be used in conjunction with what you already have.  There are worksheets and assessments and did I say ADORABLE graphics?  The worksheet and lessons have clear directions, child friendly activities and teach each specific English and Math standard.  It is a comprehensive resource for Kindergarten Common Core.

I have purchased the First Grade Common Core workbook.  Just click on the link above and then click on the first grade option.  I purchased and downloaded the book and am so glad I have instant access to it.  I have already printed pages to use this week. 

So head on over and let me know what you think!

Test, Teach and Test Some More!  I feel like I am juggling so many balls at the beginning of the year!  My school and district has implemented Thinking Maps (more to follow!), Kagan Strategies, and Common Core for first grade this year. Lots of great programs I am beginning to implement:)

I have assessed kindergarten skills and high frequency words and am in the middle of FAIR testing, FAIR is the Florida reading assessment (on the computer) with high frequency words, reading passages, comprehension and vocabulary for first grade.  If a child struggles with the hfw's and/or reading passages it takes you into a phonemic awareness assessment!  Lots of great information can be attained and we use the data for classroom instruction as well as grade level intervention groups.

I have made word wall cards with the kindergarten high frequency words as a review.  You can get the FREE file at Teachers pay Teachers.  They can be used as flashcards or on a work wall.  Now that the kids have reviewed reading them, they are able to use them in their writing as well.  (For some reason, I am unable to upload the image as I am fighting with my computer!!)

Kimberly at The Learning Tree is having a 500 follower giveaway!  Check it out daily for her fabulous giveaways!  I almost didn't post this today because truth be told, I want to win today's adorable fall giveaway!

When you are done there, head over to Corrina's blog, Surfin' Through Second for her 500 follower giveaway!  Lots of great resources from creative educators:)


Good luck on the giveaways!

There are so many wonderful units for sale on Tpt, but a go to teacher is Abby Mullins at The Inspired Apple.  Her style is fresh and engaging, but I am sure I don't have to tell you that!  The kids loved her First Week of School book from Fun with Firsties.  Check out their adorable illustrations and her fabulous pack.

I totally forgot to take a picture of the adorable schoolhouse cover :(, but the template and an example is included in the packet!  Did I say how SUPER CUTE it came out? Their illustrations and spelling are the best:)   Love it!!








 I loved dancing, eating pizza pie, adding and making new friends last week too!  How about you?

I am wrapping up my first week back to school with the kiddos with Blog Hoppin' and Freebie Friday!  You REALLY need to check it out because there are some super talented teachers giving away FABULOUS products!


I am offering my September Class Journal Cover set for FREE to anyone reading until Labor Day!  It is great for a writing center where students can choose a class topic to add to.  The kids LOVE reading each other's entries and adding their own.  I have included topics that lend themselves to narrative, expository and opinion writing which aligns with the Common Core too.  I would LOVE you to leave feedback on TpT:)