Monday Made It {July 29th}

I missed a Monday last week....sadness.  Well, not a Monday...I wasn't asleep, I missed a "Made It"...but you knew what I meant, right?

It really made me not so happy at all.  I'm a happier person when I'm crafty.  Truly, I am...one of my hashtags on Instagram is #craftnerd.  No lie.

But, I've been working, and working, and working.  I'm sure all of my friends (in real life and bloggy) are sick of hearing me say it.  They won't be hearing me anymore...because I'm finished!

That's not my Made It for this week, though. I still have a few finishing touches including editing and advice from some of my favorite friends.

I bought a bunch of things to get crafty...



But, sadly, this is all I came up with this week:


I love, love, love it, though. So that counts, right?

I took the cute chevron tub from Walmart and used my Cricut to cut some pink vinyl to say "Room 4B".  {'Cause that's my room, FYI :)}

I'm going to be placing this tub outside my classroom door to hold books for my students to read in the morning before coming into class.  Students are let into the building at 7:00, but not into our classrooms until 7:30.  A teacher is on "pod duty" from 7:00-7:30 and students sit outside in the pod/hallway and read.  Now, my basket matches my room. {Used to be a milk crate...boring.}

Next week, I'm hoping to show you a ton...I'll actually be able to focus on something a little more hands-on this week!  Yippee!

I have a winner for the giveaway, too:

Meghan, I've emailed you!  Congrats!

Now, have you been crafty? Go link up with my bud, Tara!



Final Optimum Organization Linky :)

Hello friends and welcome to the final "Optimum Organization" linky!  Thank you to everyone who joined us this summer!  It's been so much fun :)


If you'd like to link up with us, grab the button above and share either an organizational idea or an organizational find.  You can join the party on Kristen's blog or mine...it's all the same party!


Last weekend, I enjoyed yet another trip to Ikea.  I know, I know enough already with the Ikea.  

But, let me share this cute little find with you anyway:

That is a $2.99 hanging rod and $.99 hanging bins. Of course I bought 4 pink ones....

I'm planning on hot gluing some heavy duty magnets to the rod and then hanging it on the side of my filing cabinet.  I'll let you know how that goes.  If it doesn't work, then my husband will come and drill it into the wall somewhere. {If I'm really nice to him.}

Do you have any tips for this last link up?  We'd love to hear your tips!

Before you leave, don't forget to check out the cool $100 Giveaway to School Outfitters.  Click on the link {here} to learn more!  I'm sure you can use some fun money :)  I also added a new entry....follow me on Instagram.  If you didn't enter that way when you visited before, you might want to head {here} and enter that way, too.  Giveaway ends tomorrow night!  Good luck :)

Could You Use Some Fun Money?

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by School Outfitters to help them celebrate the launch of a new line of preschool supplies and manipulatives.  But guess who gets the party favors?  You!

They are giving me $100 to spend, but they are also giving one of my readers the same amount!  I couldn't believe it.

Periodically I get contacted by companies wanting me to promote their product, but I only like doing so if I can give back to my readers. So, when they offered to give one of you the same thing they were offering me, I agreed to look into doing it.

I'm glad I did!

I can't believe all of the organizational tools available there!

And you know how this girl loves organizational tools.

Here's a little blurb from the email I received:
"Known for its educational furniture and equipment, School Outfitters’ new preschool line includes must-have manipulatives that offer tactical learning opportunities, as well as pre-school art supplies and other age-appropriate equipment. This new line features reputable brands teachers recognize including Crayola®, Melissa & Doug® and Guidecraft."

Um, they had me at "Crayola®".

So, I went looking and check out all of the goodies they have.  Check out just a little portion:


See, I told you they had me at Crayola®!

But, wait...there's so much more:
 See, I told you...so many possibilities!

Check out their website by clicking the image to learn more:

This giveaway ends on Sunday at midnight.  I can't wait to share the School Outfitter Fun Money with you!
The $100 credit is good for School Outfitters merchandise only and doesn't apply towards shipping.  Some products on their site do have free shipping.  The winner will receive a code to use for $100 off a one-time purchase.  The code will expire on Dec. 31, 2013.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Fun Bloggy Meet Up and Can You Help Me?

Evening friends!

First, I'd like to say that I had a wonderful time with these lovely ladies yesterday:


From left to right:
Jivey - Ideas By Jivey
Stacia & Amanda - Collaboration Cuties
Alison - Eberopolis
and me - Fun In Room 4B

We had a great time at the very lovely Swan Coach House in Atlanta.

And then, of course....we headed to Ikea!  What else?  I picked up a few goodies.  It was nice heading there with a big group of teachers because they help you "see" items in a new way.  {I'll share my finds on Saturday for our final Optimum Organization link up!}

I've mentioned a few times that I've been working all summer on a project that I feel very strongly about for my classroom.  I've been working on a daily spiral review that aligns with the Common Core State Standards for fourth grade.  I couldn't find anything out there that fit my exact needs, so I am creating what I need for my classroom.  It may fit your needs, too.  That's where you come in....I need some editing eyes!

My good buddy, Kristen {Ladybugs} has helped me with the first half.  I'd like to give her a break for the 2nd half ;)

If you are interested in helping me out, you will OF COURSE receive the pack once I am finished.

Here's a little peak:

I created the checklist to make sure that I had covered every domain each week.  For me, the purpose of a spiraled math (which I feel strongly about...and will talk more about soon) is to review all domains each week.

Each week, students work on 4 questions a day....it takes about 5-10 minutes each day.
At the end of the week, there is an assessment, too.  
Plus...

Answer keys are provided for the weekly work and the assessments.

Another way to use this would be to give it as a weekly homework assignment.

By the way, obviously, I've been playing around with a new "Instagramish" app.  It's Rhonna Designs and I'm in LOVE.  It is a paid app, but so worth the $1.99.  Check it out {here} or {here}. (No, I'm not being paid to promote it...I just love it.)

So, that's where I need YOUR help...I just finished up the 3rd nine weeks (weeks 19-27) and I need some help with editing.  If you are willing, please shoot me an email or comment below.  In return, I will give this item to you when I'm completely finished!  I only need about 3 people, so email me quickly if you are interested!!

Thanks bunches!
**Update**
I've sent the file to the people who reached me first.  Stay tuned though, because I'll need the same help with weeks 28-36!!

Optimum Organization {July 20th}...2nd to Last One

Before I begin, I'd like to let you know that next week will be our last Optimum Organization Party :)  We sure enjoyed the ideas this summer!  Several teachers are beginning to head back and it's time to wind down the summer for us, too.  So, make sure you link up next week for sure...it will be the last one!


If you'd like to link up with us, grab the button above and share either an organizational idea or an organizational find.  You can join the party on Kristen's blog or mine...it's all the same party so come on over!
Now on to my idea for the week.

Have you seen these floating around Pinterest forever?  They are from Kinder Keri and they were recently featured on BuzzFeed as one of the 25 Clever Classroom Ideas.  I agree!!
Original Source: http://kinderkeri.blogspot.com/2012/10/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-things.html

I've loved them for a long time and have been on the hunt for them all summer and guess what?  My next door teaching buddy {Holla, Caroline!} even texted me this week about them.  So, I KNEW it was time to find them for sure!  Thanks, Caroline ;)

I looked, and looked all around my itty-bitty town.  No luck.  Boo!  But, that's where my good friend, Google comes in to rescue me!  Yay, Google!  I found them on Ebay!  Yippee! They are on their way to me soon.  {And in my colors....score!}
Now, you may be asking how is this an organizational tip.  Well, guess what?  No more passing out dry erase boards.  That's going to save time and aggravation.  So, less organizing needed.  Which, in a sense, means more organization.

Not satisfied?

Well, here's one more tip.

I'm scaling down the eraser, too.  I found these at the Dollar Store:


And...they are in my colors!  Yippee again!  I'll keep them in a very small container.  I'll be getting rid of my large squares of microfiber cloths.   Smaller container= more organized.

So, what are your tips/ideas for this week?  Link up below:

Monday Made It {July 15th}

Happy Monday!  
Last week, I was saddened by a new Monday.  Today, I'm pretty thrilled because I'm on vacation.  Kinda.  Both of my kids are away and my husband and I are "empty nesters" until Wednesday.  I'm hoping that I will use my time alone productively.  *Fingers crossed that I can share more craftiness next week.

Today, I have only one little craft to share.  But it is one that I had on my "to do" list all year long.

I use warm fuzzies as a reward system in my classroom.  You can read more about how I use them {here}.  I had that cute clear bucket all year and it wasn't all decked out until now!  Just a little hint about adhering that label to the plastic bucket:  Spray Adhesive!

I love that stuff.  I use it like crazy!  I use it in a lot of places that you would normally use a glue gun.  For example: book baskets, cubby labels, etc.

Back to the warm fuzzies....Do you use warm fuzzies, or would you like to give it a try? You can download my label by clicking on the image below :)

Have you linked up with my crafty friend, Tara?  She has cranked out a ton of fantastic stuff this summer.  I hope that I can catch up :)  Head on over and link up!


Optimum Organization {July 13th}

Welcome to this week's party!  Kristen and I hope that you have been finding some good ideas along the link-up way :)  Thank you to everyone that has been linking up with us.  I know that I've found a ton of new ideas!!

If you'd like to link up with us, grab the button above and share either an organizational idea or an organizational find.  You can join the party on Kristen's blog or mine...it's all the same party so come on over!
Now on to my idea for the week.

This is not actually my idea (and I don't even own it, yet) , but an idea from a co-worker {Holla, Paula!  That sounded so cool, I must type it again....Holla, Paula!}.  Anyway, you know how I am In LoVe with Ikea.  I know, I know, you are tired of hearing it EVERY.SINGLE.POST, but it's so true. Just ask my husband.  Ha!

She, Paula, found this awesome set of shelves there
Hard to see what makes them so special....let me show you one that is filled:
Well, this isn't exactly the same one.  But, you get the idea?  So in the correct one (named Trofast Frame for those of you who are curious), there are slides for 6 of the small baskets.  I'll be putting these baskets in the shelf:
Best part?  The shelf is only $29.99.  And it is STURDY, people.  I checked it out in her room.  The baskets, you ask?  Only $3 a basket!

Here's my plan...it's a secret plan, don't tell my husband.

After dropping our sweet girl off at the airport in Atlanta for her trip to FRANCE!!!, we'll be swinging by Ikea (again).  And, I'm going to pick up the shelf, 4 of the small green baskets (one for each of my four leveled math groups) and the left over space will fit a big bin like this:
for all of my junk stuff.  That larger basket is only $4.  So, for under $50, I have the perfect small group working shelf-system-thingy.  I can't wait.

What have you found this week to help you stay organized?  How do you store your station/small group/etc. materials?  We'd love for you to link up and share how you stay organized!

Monday Made It {July 8th}

Another Monday.  *Sigh*
I've been busy working, and working, and working some more on something **BIG** for my classroom.  I'm about a fourth of the way through and want to be finished before the end of July. I tell you this because it's an excuse for only one Monday Made It this week.

(I know...excuses, excuses.)

But, the ONE thing that I am sharing today is something I hope you will like.  I received a lot of nice comments and messages about the Copy/Grade/File box from a few weeks ago:

So, I made a matching Teacher Toolbox for it.



If you'd like this file, you can get it {here}.  

Last year, I made the Teacher Toolbox and it's one of the things that I made that I use the most.  Here is a picture of the one I made last year (and if you click on the picture, you will be taken to the blog post from last year explaining how I put it together and how you can also use the editable template that I made last year):

  

There you have it...one little project for the week.  But, one that I know I will be using like crazy this year.  So, I'm happy.  This one will be kept behind my desk and will be for my use only.  (Which is why there is a label titled "beauty" for my lipstick, Burts Bees chapstick and eh-hem...dental floss.)  

Happy Monday Made It Blog Hop time ;)

Optimum Organization {July 6th}

Welcome to this week's party!  Kristen and I hope that you have been finding some good ideas along the link-up way :)  Thank you to everyone that has been linking up with us.

If you'd like to link up with us, grab the button above and share either an organizational idea or an organizational find.  You can join the party on Kristen's blog or mine...it's all the same party so come on over!
Now on to my idea for the week.

Paper source: The Clipart Factory Font: A Cupcake for the Teacher
Do you use anchor charts in your room?  Are they generated as a class?  I create mine {mostly} with my classes. Since I teach three classes of math, I don't create them completely with the students.  When introducing a unit of study, I will start with the Common Core standard and an essential question.  The next day, I'll add more detail and we'll discuss the content.

Here's a picture (not the best) of one that I created for Dividing (with up to 4-digit divideds and 1-digit divisors):
In the top left-hand corner, you can see the CCSS listed.  In the top right-hand corner is the  essential question.

But, this post is not about anchor charts and how they work.  I'm sure you already know a lot about that.  My organizational tip is this:

At the end of the year, right before testing, I had to take all of these beauties down.  They all tore (of course), but I'd want to make them new next year anyway. So, the question is....

Paper source: The Clipart Factory Font: A Cupcake for the Teacher
I took pictures of them!

This might not be a new tip to you, but it was a new idea for me this year.
If you follow me on Instagram, it was one of the pictures that I posted :)


I saved them in a folder on my computer labeled "Beginning of the Year".  This way, at the beginning of the year (oh so original), I'll know where to find my anchor charts.

Simple tip.  Hope it helps :)

Do you have a tip or an organizational tool to share? We'd love for you to link up with us.



Firecracker Flash Sale!

Happy Fourth!

Thanks, Rachel (The Tattooed Teacher) for the button!
Head on over and do a little shopping.  Several stores are having a sale, too.  I'm loading up on a lot of my "wish list" items.  Now's the time to do it while there is a sale going on :)

I hope you all have a safe and relaxing 4th of July!

Goin' on a Blog Hunt!

We're going on a blog hunt to find elementary education blogs!  Don't you want to come along?

Laura Candler from Corkboard Connections is holding this blog hunt to help us find elementary education blogs.  Did you perhaps not switch over from Google Reader before it shut down yesterday?  If so, this is your change to "rediscover" some blogs to follow.  I'm excited about the blog hunt, because I love finding new elementary blogs to follow.  This will give me a chance to connect with bloggers who I might not have followed, too.

There are a few options for reading all of your favorite blogs, but I've made the switch to Bloglovin'.  Why?  I love the versatility of Bloglovin'.  I also love that a picture image is shown with each blog post (I'm a visual learner) and I can read and "see" what the post is all about before clicking to read the entire post.

If you don't currently follow me on Bloglovin' click on the picture below (or on the same picture in my sidebar over there ----------->

Button courtesy of Melissa Mazur: Common Core and So Much More

Would you like to come along on this blog hunt? You can!  If you'd like to link up, head over to Corkboard Connections to check out the details!  See you on the hunt :)
An InLinkz Link-up


Monday Made It {July 1st}

Before I begin, today is my Anniversary.  18 years!  Wow.  That's hard to believe.  I couldn't find a picture of just the two of us (I'm on my new computer...holla), so this is a picture of the whole family at Sarah's Spring Formal (not wedding...the white dress probably threw you a bit).  I'm so proud of the father that my husband is to my wonderful children.  I'm a very lucky woman.

Now to the Made Its for the week.
I have a whole birthday-slew of Monday Made Its for you.   I'll start with the final "Sweet Sixteen Candy Bar" table.  This about sums up all of the Made Its...I made a lot for this party :)
Here are a few up close pictures:
I did make one thing for my classroom.  The idea {I think} came from a Monday Made It link up weeks ago.  I just don't remember who it was...so if it was you, please email me and I'll add your name and link.  I made a memo board to hang next to my desk.  I took an old shutter that I bought from the Habitat Resale Store and cut it in half.  Then, I primed it and painted it.  Don't look too close, it's not perfect, but I didn't really care.  As a matter of a fact, I'm thinking of "distressing" it a little more with sandpaper.  Not sure yet...thoughts?


I love the bright blue color.  It will match my room beautifully.  Those two papers in the slats are just envelopes folded in half.  I think that this will work perfectly for notes, pictures and other items that usually get taped to my wall next to my desk.

So, there you have it.  I was super-duper busy all week getting ready for the birthday party.  Now it is time to focus on more classroom related items.  Well, once I get motivated again...but first...a day of relaxing and then a nice dinner celebration with the love of my life.  Mushy enough?

Have you checked out the other Monday Made Its?  I'm heading there now....see you there ;)