The Sunday night feeling has settled in!  Tomorrow is our first day back to school for pre-planning and my mind is already racing.  The to-do list to prepare for my incoming 18 firsties. (yes, I know 18 is a blessing as so many states have huge numbers!), putting aside my summer to-do list for next summer, and focusing myself to be the best that I can be.

It is such a blessing to have the summer to spend with my own children.  We traveled, we swam, we played, we had many ice-cream treats and we just relaxed!  Yes, many times I was on the computer planning, attending workshops and even spent several days at school, but I learned to put all of that aside and spend quality time with my family.  I am lucky!

As I ran through my Facebook News Feed a few days ago, I came across a touching article written by a teacher who is first and foremost a Christian.  Heather attends my church, teaches in the same county that I teach in and writes for her blog called Petals of Joy.
I encourage you to head on over and read her latest article, What I Want the Parents of My Students to Know.  Heather beautifully wrote the words that are in my heart.  We all understand the trials and tribulations of teaching.  We have good days and bad days as so our children.

The connection we make with these children may be their only LIGHT.   I pray that God uses me this year to teach and connect as he inspires me.  I want every child to feel connected to their classmates and me. Imagine what they can give when they feel invested and loved!

  This year I am making an added effort to make connections with my students and their families.  The first product is an easy way to make connections with families.  It is amazing how a simple thank you opens up doors and hearts.  You can check out on TpT.   I have it on sale until Wednesday!

Thank You Notes {monthly notes to say thank you and build connections}.

This product includes thank you notes for back to school supplies, apple donations, Fall celebrations, Thanksgiving Food, Holiday Celebrations, 100th Day of School donations, Valentines's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Egg Hunt contributions, Spring and End of the Year Activities. Parents will appreciate your effort!

The next product is a Fan Freebie on  my Facebook page.
The Facebook Freebie Hop on Facebook will go live
TODAY at 12:00 noon!



Kindergarten Sight Word Review can be used at the end of kindergarten or at the beginning of first grade as a way to review words taught in kindergarten.  In a perfect world, children would retain all that was taught the year before, but in reality review is a must!

Thanks for stopping by the Resourceful Apple! Your next stop is over at Teaching with Touch of Twang  with the adorable and very sweet Sabra!

If you would like to start at the beginning of the hop, head on over to Mrs. Russell's Room!

I love that although I am working on school things today, I do not have the anticipation that Sundays have during the school year.  YES, I am a last minute planner, creator and laminator! But today is a rainy day so there is no guilt hanging out reading a book and blogging!

Today is also the last day of our Back to School Wishlist Sale-Day 5!  The next product is a fun one and although winter seems like a long way off, so did back to school in June and here we are!  You can take advantage of the extra 20% off and tuck away this Long Vowel O Snowman Game for later!



I am also taking time today to go through my wishlist to see what I want and maybe even add a few things for back to school.  Here are two items that just added that will make my life easier!

The first is a brand new product called For Your InFORMation by Kellie at the Teacher Idea Factory.  The best part is it is an editable file and has everything you need for back to school. I was making my back to school to-do yesterday and realized how much time this will save me!



My next make it easy for me product is Hey You! What's New? {Parent Reminders} by Katie from Teacher to the Core! From box tops to picture day, there are parent reminders about everything!  I can't tell you how many last minute reminders I print as they are needing to walk out the door during planning !
So yes, we all need to make our lives a little easier so we can work smarted, not harder!
Before you head off for the day, check out these other talented bloggers who are also hosting the Back to School Wishlist Sale!


PS- Did you see Sticky Notes and Glitter in the TpT newsletter today?  Way to go!

I am linking up with Run! Miss Nelson's Got the Camera with Saturday Snapshots.  Unofficially, this was my last week of summer vacation.  Monday is the day we are allowed to get into our classrooms and as I moved classrooms AGAIN, I am sure I will be unpacking ALL week!  Teachers here officially go back on August 12th.






Today marks Day 4 with my Back to School Wishlist Sale.  I am joining Tamara from Mrs. Russell's Room and the gang with out top wishlisted items in our store and passing the savings onto you!


Today's deal is extra sweet because you can pick it up for only $1.00!  I can't even get a Diet Coke for $1.00!  Today's featured product is Reading and Spelling Patterns-Rainy Day Long A Game.


My kids love routine and I love being able to teach as they work independently (Ha!) so I have made this game similar to my others.  Just like , "Bang!", the cards are put in the middle of the group.  The children take turns picking a card and reading it to the group.  If the child get it correct, he/she keep the card.  If not, it goes back to the middle discard pile.  The player with the most cards wins...but watch out for the "Bang!" cards:)  You might lose a turn, get to pick again or even lose all your cards!  the kids love this twist on the game:)

So head on over and check it out and get 20% off the price for TODAY only!

Woot Woot!  I just found out this week I am getting an intern for back to school.  I am super excited and nervous just like the kids!  Yes, this is my first intern in my 18 years of teaching.  (Yes, I am old!)  Anywho, I have always held back because some might say I am a little very OCD!  However, I am excited to share what I do as well as learn from her:)  I think it is also an amazing opportunity for the children as well.  So wish me luck and say a prayer!


I am also joining Tamara again for the Back to School Wishlist Sale.  Today is the third most wishlisted item in my store.  Did you see that?  Yes, the 50% off!  That totally warms my heart as it is my new baby.


The Wonders Supplemental Unit  {grade 1-Unit 1} is a make it easy with little prep for the teachers. Everything you need to send home as well as classroom flashcards, essential questions, worksheets and center activities is included. Print and go!


Above is a sample of what you can print from week 1.  The weeks are set up in a similar fashion. Unit one includes 5 weeks.


I KNOW many are not using Wonders in their schools.  Above is a sample of games that can be used in any classroom.  The order of the phonics skills are pulled from Wonders, BUT the skills are FIRST GRADE PHONICS skills!

And... because I am posting so late today, I will keep this unit on sale for 2 days!  So you can pick up Wonders Supplemental {grade 1- Unit 1} for $3.00 until midnight on Saturday! Woot Woot!

I am still watching my most wishlisted items and I have to say Wonders Supplemental Unit {Grade 1-Unit 2} is catching up to the top 5!  So head on over, check them out and come on back tomorrow for my 4th most wishlisted item.  I wonder what it will be:)

As much as I LOVE Currently, this month is bittersweet as it signifies the end of summer vacation and the beginning of a brand new group of firsties!

I can't believe summer vacation is quickly coming to a close! I have been diving into our new reading curriculum.  Our county has adopted Wonders by McGraw Hill.  This week I have been working on Wonders-A Supplemental Unit {Grade 1- Unit 2}and it is finished.  This endeavor has been my baby as it is making me aware of what exactly is in the Wonders Curriculum as it relates to Common Core Standards.


Wonders Supplemental Unit {Grade 1- Unit 2} is a follow up to Wonders Supplemental Unit {Grade 1- Unit 1}.  You can check out the preview below so see what one week includes. Each unit includes 5 weeks.


The units include the essential question, a take home page with spelling, sight words and vocabulary for review, spelling and sight words cards, a spelling list for the word work center, vocabulary cards and worksheet and a phonics game to compliment the spelling pattern for each week.

Even if you are not using Wonders, this unit includes 5 spelling pattern/phonics games that can be used in any first grade class.



I am also linking up with Tamara again for The Back to School Wishlist Sale- Day 2.  The next TOP 5 item in my TpT store is Reading and Spelling Patterns Part 2 {Long Vowel Games}.  It is 20% off today only!


The reading and spelling pattern games are set up similar to "BANG!".  The students take turns picking a card and reading the word.  If they get it right, they keep it, if not, it goes back in the pile.  the "bang" comes in with the fun bonus cards!


Oh, I almost forgot!  If you have stayed with me all the way to the end, as always I will be giving away 2 copies of Wonders Supplemental Unit {Grade 1-Unit 2} to the first 2 people who leave a comment telling we product they could use from my store along with their email address. :)