Wednesday Pick Me Up

I can't believe we're already into November!  It feels feel like only days since I was awaiting the first of October so eagerly.  This quote reminds me to take the time to appreciate what is left of the autumn season.

xo, Ally

Number Line Puzzles

I had a couple number lines that I bought when I first started teaching.  I only used them that first year, but I just couldn't part with them.  I don't know why... I think it's because they were among the very first things I bought for my classroom.

I decided that I had to either use them or lose them. I ended up cutting them up to create number "puzzles" for math centers.  I like them in the beginning of the year for a little extra exposure to two-digit numbers.

I just have the students put the numbers in order and record it on a recording sheet.  Since I had two number lines, I did one set with consecutive numbers (20-21-22..) and another set with random numbers (12-29-37...), but the objective is the same.

I know this isn't ground-breaking or particularly special, but I know a lot of us have random things lying around our classroom, so here's a way to make use of some of the junk.  :)

Here is a link to the recording sheet I use, in case you are interested.

xo, Ally

October Book Wish List

I am so happy that it's October!  It's my favorite month.  This weekend, we had our first taste of cool weather.  It was GLORIOUS.  My husband and I had a little coffee date, then we went to Barnes and Noble for a little window shopping.  Pictured above are some Halloween-themed picture books that are on my wish list.  I've linked to each on Amazon below.

One Spooky Night.  I loved the art in this one.  Each page has a layer of vellum over it and lifting it changes the scene.  Super cute.

Crankenstein.  I think this one is good year-round.  The main character is a normal little boy, until something doesn't go his way... then he becomes Crankenstein.  I can relate.

I am a Witch's Cat.  The main character is adorable.  She's a little girl that's convinced her mother is a witch.  The artwork here is really fun.  I think it's layers of paper cut-outs, but I'm not sure.  I only looked at it for a minute or so.

Not Very Scary.  I like this one because there was counting involved (one cat, two pumpkins, three bats, etc.).  If I get this one, I will use it in math to create word problems.

Miss Fiona's Stupendous Pumpkin Pies.  This one stood out because it's a rhyming poem.  I'm always on the lookout for poetry.

Only a Witch Can Fly.  This was another cute one with rhyming words.  It felt very gentle to me.

I hope to pick up one or two of these before the month is up.  I'm a sucker for a good picture book!

xo, Ally

Freebie Magazine - October 2014

Here is something new I'm trying this month!  It's a short, free publication for the month of October.  I've included an October calendar, plus three printables.  The printables are samples from some of my other products, and links are included in the publication.

Check it out here!

xo, Ally

Wednesday Pick-Me-Up

AMIRITE THO?

Love Hitchhiker's Guide.  Happy Wednesday!

xo, Ally

Hot Off the Presses Vol. 1

"Hot Off the Presses" is my monthly post that lists all of new products I've posted to TPT within the past month.

I wanted to add more thematic activities this year, so I made this October Math Packet to start.  I haven't decided whether I'm going to use the files individually, or make a packet for early finishers.  Decisions!  Here are more October products, if you're interested.

October Math Packet

"The more things change, the more things stay the same."  Have you ever heard that phrase?  That's how I feel about my sight words.  I've been using fluency charts and sight words in context for years, but I keep changing my word lists.  I used to use the Dolch Words, which I loved, but this year I decided to give Fry Words a try.  SO... new fluency charts and sight words in context it is!  I'll be adding to this as the year goes on.

Fry Word Fluency Charts (First 100 Words)
Fry Word Fluency Charts (Second 100 Words)
Fry Words in Context (First 100 Words)

These Phonics Activity Packs are SO useful.  They're great for centers, homework, classwork, or early finishers.  I've been working on getting the year's worth complete, and I'm almost there!  This month I added R-Controlled Vowels.

Phonics Activity Pack - R-Controlled Vowels

I've been making these Phonics Picture Sorts since my very first year teaching... and it shows! Uploading them to TPT has been a great incentive to upgrade things and get the files organized. Some of them were a mess, with terrible clip-art to boot.  I'm quite happy with the new clipart.

The kids *love* these.  We do them on Thursdays usually, but sometimes I make it a center activity that they visit after seeing me in small groups.  I quickly review the page with them before assigning it, so that they know, for example, whether a picture is a "smile" or a "grin."  Look for more of these soon!

Phonics Picture Sorts - Short Vowels vs. CVCe
Phonics Picture Sorts - Digraphs

These cut and paste files are a new things I'm doing this year.  I like them anytime I need something quick -- a review activity, for early finishers, homework, a sub plan, etc.  They are also good to laminate and put in centers.

Cut and Paste Activities - 10 More & 10 Less

Thanks for staying with me through that long post!

xo, Ally

Phonics Spinners

I have always coveted those plastic phonics spinners that allow students to create three or four letter words.  BUT... there are a lot of things that I covet, and you have to draw the line somewhere, right?

Here is a really cheap, low-tech way to create your own phonics spinners.  They are not as durable as the plastic ones, but the price is right.  I used styrofoam cups, which you can get a hundred of for a couple dollars, and Sharpies.

It's simple.  Just write the letters you want on each cup, stack them, and spin!  I've pictured sets I've made for s-blends and CVC words.

These are great for a literacy station.  I've included some recording sheets on Google Drive in case you would like to use this.

Do you buy a lot of high-end tools for your classroom, or do you go the DIY route?  I used to buy a lot of stuff, but decided to cut back.

xo, Ally