Sweet Sock Monkey Summertime

I have been working on several things over here.  I'm busy decorating my new apartment (I'm obsessed) and figuring out what I want to do in my classroom as far as style goes.  I finally finished this sweet little Sock Monkey pack and it's available in my TPT store.  Look for the matching behavior clip chart and some coordinating  math signs next week.  I hope you all are enjoying some SUMMER FUN!

Slow as a Snail...

It is May and I am most definitely feeling sluggish.  I find myself hitting snooze at least 4 times every morning nowadays (PTL I only have a 5 minute commute to school) and have my make-up routine down to 10 minutes and I can dash out the door. I am so ready for summer break.  Who's with me? 

I think I am really looking forward to having time to sit with my laptop, sipping sweet tea, and creating, creating, creating!  I did have time recently to get back into the swing of blogging and creating again so I came up with an activity that my students loved.  Before our big monster STAAR test, we needed a quick review of figurative language.  My kiddos are also UUUHBSESSED with QR codes and iPads so I whipped up an activity to incorporate both.  It's available in my TPT store HERE.

I ran black and white copies to save some printer ink and my students worked with a partner to read the cards, answer, and scan the QR to check themselves.  I store my baggies of cards and recording sheets in a brown clasp envelope.  I glue the cover on and laminate the envelope for durability.  This also helps when I need a quick small group, tutoring, or review activity.  I can just grab it and go.  

I can't wait to prepare more fantastic activities this summer to be ready to go in August with my new thirdsters.  

Hope you all are hanging in there!  Summer is just around the corner!

 

Coffee Talk

Book talks are one of my favorite parts of the curriculum to teach.  I am an avid reader (always have been) and I love to model that for my students.  My hope is to shape them into lifelong readers as well.

I am always pondering ways to make reading come alive for them.  To make it exciting. 
Last spring my students did book talk videos and we had popcorn and video viewing day, which they adored. 

They were pumped and not ready to give up on book talks, so I came up with the idea of "Coffee Talk" where we could invite parents and guests to enjoy an afternoon of "coffee" (herbal tea and hot chocolate, but I just had to keep the name as a shout-out to old school SNL) as our little literary experts gave live book talks and quick Q&A sessions. 

Here is a peek at our little coffee shop.  I think it was so adorable...

Our literary experts were even allowed to sit on my teacher stool to present (it's the little things).

I created a book talk planning page that my students used to jot down the elements of their presentation.  

You can grab it for FREE in my TPT store HERE.

Hang in there!  It's almost summer!

It's Reading Fair Time!

Right after the STAAR test last year, I decided it was time to let loose and do some interactive, engaging projects to incorporate all we had learned throughout the year. 

One of my students' favorite projects was our School-wide Reading Fair.  I created a quick, no prep (except making copies) packet to give my students so they could plan their project.  It included a detailed explanation of my expectations and the literary elements that they were to present on their finished board.

You can find my Reading Fair packet in my TPT store or just click here.  
Here are some of my favorite projects...

I can't wait to get started with my kiddos at the end of this month!!

PS- I would love to hear feedback if you use the packet in your classroom or school.

STAAR WARS

  The STAAR test (here in the great state of Texas) is fast approaching for my thirdsters so we have been busy reviewing and refining our skills.  The 4th and 5th graders had their first test today so last week my class did a little Star STAAR Wars Do's and Don'ts skit to motivate them. The script was full of cute little Star Warsy (I like to invent words) references and the kids loved it.  I found these super cute masks on Etsy  and they were a must for our performance.  Of course the kids all wanted light sabers.  PTL for Pinterest! The parents were gracious enough to donate pool noodles, duck tape, and electrical tape so we I could make this awesomeness!  The performance was a hit, complete with theme music and the handmade props.  It was precious. 

I created a "May the Force" poster for my classroom so I most definitely want to share that with you too.  Keep scrolling for the FREEBIE!

Follow the link in the post to find these super cute masks from HOLIDAY PARTY HALL on Etsy!



Finally for the FREEBIE!

Grab it by clicking HERE!

Big Dreams and a freebie of course...

We are wrapping up college and career week at our school and the kids (and teachers) had sooooo much fun.  We kicked it off last Friday with college shirt and jean day.  We have standardized dress so anytime they get to wear jeans they are ecstatic. The halls were buzzing with door decorating and kiddos were busy dreaming up their costumes for "What I want to be when I grow up" day. 
Tuesday was career day and we had a great line-up of speakers visiting our classrooms.  We even had a visit from the town Mayor!  The kids were in awe to say the least.  So much fun!  We have been doing some career oriented and college activities all week.  I was really curious what my thirdsters actually thought about college so I decided to have them complete a quick writing assignment (freebie alert). 

Click HERE to grab it!

Here is a peek at my door.  

 

Owls!!! Shocking I know...  

Happy teaching and happy almost Friday!  Toodles!

Highlighting a couple of my faves... with a Happy Friday Freebie

It's Friday!  The STAAR test is so close and we are hard at work tying up loose ends.  I have found tons of helpful test prep units on TPT.  In fact I have been using the site almost exclusively to find anything and everything I can to give my kids more practice and review.  I just wanted to share 2 of the most amazing tools I have used in my classroom to help prepare my students. 
About 2 weeks ago, one of my teammates found this super fab pack and I am obsessed!  I only wish he had found it sooner, but I plan on using it from day numero uno next year.  It is by This Little Piggy Reads (omgoodness such a cute name!) and you can find it in her TPT store HERE if you would like.

STAAR test prep by This Little Piggy Reads

 

In addition to teaching these strategies (I call them non-negotiables because they MUST use them) we also use this gem from Laura Candler that is FREE!  You can get your hands on it HERE!

Laura Candler  is amazing and my students love this activity.  They enjoy it so much I really think they forget they are studying sometimes.  This can be used for reading or math and she includes detailed instructions. 

Now to leave you with a freebie... we have been working on capacity and building Gallon Robots but, I also taught my thirdsters about Capacity Kingdom and Gallon Castle because I think it will be much easier for them to sketch in their test booklet if they choose to do so.  I made the colored graphic to hang in my classroom and the smaller ones they glued into their math journals. 

 

Gallon Graphic freebie

 

Have a fantastic, restful weekend everyone.  Toodles!

Well, there's a first time for everything...plus a freebie!

I am super excited nervous to unveil my first literacy pack.  I usually stick to classroom decor, but there has to be a first time for everything and I felt inspired to create a Little Red Riding Hood mini-unit in my last minute preparations for the STAAR test.  My goal was to do a little review of story elements, character traits, motivations, and summary. I decided to use Little Red Riding Hood as the mentor text since fairy tales are among the 3rd grade TEKS (think Common Core).  Here's a peek at the unit...

You can grab it in my TPT store! ($4)

In honor of National Poetry Month I snuck in some poetry review.  I used Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf by one of my faves, Roald Dahl.  We focused on the mood of the poem and sensory language.  Of course I couldn't leave you guys without a freebie so you can grab my Sensory Language graphic organizer HERE!

 

If we stand on our tippy toes we can see summer y'all!  I love this time of year!

Toodles!

Down to the Wire...with a freebie

Where has this year gone?  I seriously feel like I just got this group of babies and now they are 10 school days away from taking their first HUGE standardized test.  We are down to the wire and I am finding that they are ready, BUT (there is always a but LOL) we need to brush up on some little things. 
We did a review of elapsed time and the thing that is tripping them up seems to be the whole quarter past, half past, quarter till thingy.  If anyone out there has any suggestions I would love to hear them.  In the meantime I have made some labels for our classroom clock to help them and HOPEFULLY the visual will stick in their minds.  My clock was already labeled with the freebies I snagged from the lovely Mrs. Lemons, so I just added these as some extra help.  Sorry about the terrible picture quality! Grab your freebie HERE! Toodles!

 

I'm Still Here!!!!

Oh my!  It has been wayyyyy too long.  I have been super stressed about this STAAR test and can't seem to find even a minute to visit my blog.  I wake up in the morning with the test on my mind and it keeps me awake at night.  Clearly, I need some stress management skills .  So I'm dropping by to say hello ( during a break at my Literacy Leadership workshop) and let you know that I'm still here.  I can't wait for summer so I can focus on creating  again.  I am currently (slowly but surely) working on creating place value bunting sets.  Those will be posted soon. 
Hope everyone is doing well out there in the teaching/blogging world.  Toodles!

Back to School Sale!!!

It's Back to School time and I am taking part in the TPT Back to School Sale. You can save 20% on selected goodies 8/12-8/13.  I hope you visit my store, 3rd Grade's a Hoot and find something new you can use in your classroom.  Don't forget to check out the other fabulous TPT stores taking part in this event.  Hop on over to Blog Hoppin' to see all of the other participants!  Happy Back to School everyone!

Fab Pencil Label FREEBIE!

Check out this cute pencil clip art I snagged today.  I have had the same pencil basket labels for 6 years so I think it's time I updated.  I was so excited about these cute pencils I saw on Pinterest.   I just had to buy them and create something in a hurry.  Here is a fab FREEBIE for you and tomorrow I promise PIRATES!!!!!

Classroom Compulsion Giveaway

Hello blogsters!  Just wanted to drop a line and let you know my friend over at Classroom Compulsion is having her very 1st giveaway and I have donated an Owl Classroom Decor Pack as one of the prizes.  She has some other fantastic prizes as well.  Head over to her blog and show her some love.  Toodles!

A Sweet, Sweet Classroom Theme

I am so frazzled thinking about the bajillion things on my "Summer To-Do" list and the fact that school is just right around the corner scares the bejeezus out of me.  I finally finished my cupcake theme classroom pack and literacy signs and now I am sitting here with my laptop and a tall glass of sweet tea struggling to blog.  Anyone out there ever been so tired you just can't think of anything cutesy or witty to say?  Well I have reached that point.
I am super tired but I couldn't wait to share this sweet theme with y'all! 

 

Click here to grab yours!

Of course I had to create a coordinating clip chart to go with it...

Click here to grab it too!

 and Literacy Signs...

Click here for your set

and Cafe Signs (free!!!)...

 Grab them here!

and here is another freebie just to SWEETEN the deal...

Up next is a Pirate Sized 1000th follower (OMGoodness) giveaway!

Toodles!

Superhero Clip Chart is HERE!!!

So I am on a mini vacay not too far from home.  Spent all day at the pool working on my tan and now I am cooling off in my comfy king size trying to be productive.  So... if you remember in a post from last summer, I was preparing to implement the clip chart system in my superhero themed classroom.    I thought of some cute sayings for each level of the chart and then I fashioned it out of cardstock. I used my Cricut to cut all of the lettering.  OMGoodness  that was so not fun!  It was cute enough though.    Some of you have asked about the superhero version of the clip chart and I finally got around to making a matchy matchy one that will go with all of superhero stuff in my TPT store.    I don't know why I didn't think of this last year.  I would have loved to have this in my room instead.    You can grab your Superhero Clip Chart right HERE!!!!

I will be sharing the recording sheets that I use to manage the clip chart system  as soon as I can access the computer in my classroom.  Toodles for now!

Sonic Drinks and Summer in the Classroom

It has begun! Waking up (not too early), running to Sonic (early enough to get my 99 cent cherry limeade), and then heading up to my sweltering classroom. We are lucky enough to turn our air on and it will stay on for an hour before we need to go over and click it to add another hour. I did this 5 times by the way (yep that's 5 hours of summer work today) which is why I am not currently in a puddle of melted loveliness laying in my classroom floor. I am so stinkin tired but I am also very excited because my "owl extravaganza" classroom is starting to really take shape. Marisa (first grade glitter and giggles) and I spent the past two days building ridiculously cute trees for our Daily 5 and Cafe boards. They are not quite finished yet but I will give you a sneak peek in just a sec. What I am currently obsessed with, aside from sonic drinks, is my Owl Writer's Eye board that I put together right before I left today. I love, love, love it! Check it out!

Totally fab and created especially for me by my uber talented bestie. You can get your own cuteness right  HERE!

 Now for the very rough and incomplete tree that will hopefully be finished tomorrow...

My Daily 5 signs will go up on the higher branches and the bottom is for CAFE. I hope to have a complete board to show you tomorrow night. Toodles!

Sweet Giveaway

Mrs. E over at The Sweet Life of Third Grade is having a fabulous 500 follower giveaway.  There are 36 chances to win.  You have a chance to win my new Owl Classroom Decor Pack!!!!

Freebie Owl Classroom Clip Chart- Something to Hoot about!

 Classroom management is a bit of an art form in my eyes.  Some teachers just have it "going on" in that department and others struggle not to pull their hair out by the end of each day.  I think after 5 years of teaching I kind of fell somewhere in the middle.  I have always had really strong procedures and transitions and all of that but I was still tweaking my system each year.  Last summer I stumbled upon this FREE ebook and thought it sounded like exactly what I needed to try in 3rd grade.  I love how everyone has an opportunity to move up the chart by making good choices.  I feel like so much time is spent on the students who don't make great choices and sometimes those babies that always do the "right" thing are not acknowledged the way they should be.  So my clip chart last year was Superhero theme (click here) to see the earlier post.  Everyone started on "Ready to Fly" and had the chance to move up to "Superhero" or move down to the dreaded "Kryptonite".  At the end of each day my behavior recorder (one of my classroom jobs) would go around and record a number on each kiddo's discipline calendar. Easy Peasy!

 I just used a 3 drawer Sterilite cart to hold the rewards.  I had stickers in the bottom drawer, bookmarks, pencils, and erasers in the middle drawer, and the coveted top drawer held toys (think little party favor type, nothing major).  I would just call out Superheroes and they would go choose their reward.  Then those students that were on Sidekick or Soaring would go grab theirs.  Yes they did this each day and Yes that was a lot of rewards, however I put them on my wishlist at the beginning of the year as well as included them on my weekly newsletter when we ran low.  Parents were glad to donate because it was super easy for them to grab something we needed from the dollar bins at Walmart or Target.  The clip chart worked like magic for my thirdsters.  They were so proud to move up and be recognized for making the right choices.  They loved the rewards but hands down their favorite was getting a little bling (just a rhinestone sticker) added to their clip when they reached Superhero Status.  Even my boys loved the bling.
The clip chart has been the easiest and I feel most beneficial behavior management system I have used so needless to say you will find one hanging in my classroom this next year for sure. Of course it has to be "owly" and so here is what I came up with.

Here's where the real hoot comes in...it's FREE!  You can click HERE and download it in my TPT store.  I think it's going to look fab in my owl classroom.  Toodles for now! 

A Little Facelift

Ok, so I have been updating some of the things I created last summer.  I plan on using all of my "owl stuff" in my own classroom this year as I posted a couple of days ago.  I decided to give my Owl Cafe signs a little facelift so that they would coordinate better with my Daily 5 update.  I think they turned out pretty cute.  I hope you like them!  You can check them out in my TPT store by clicking HERE!

Up next is my Owl behavior clip chart!  Toodles friends!

Definitely a Hoot!

Well I have finished my first year as a 3rd grade teacher and it was definitely a HOOT.  3rd grade is nothing short of a marvelous challenge. I have not had a chance to even breathe let alone blog since January.  We managed to have a fabulously adventurous year jam packed with learning together as we prepared for the mysterious new STAAR test.   I am thrilled to pieces to be past that hurdle and am so ready for a relaxing summer of blogging, creating, and sharing. 

Every May it hits me!  I become obsessed with redoing my classroom.  This year was no exception.  Since my blog is owl themed it seems only fitting that my classroom follows suit.  So... I have been feverishly working on this Owl Classroom Decor pack.  I included an adorable welcome banner (just add ribbon), table numbers, locker tags (or desk plates), subject headers, calendar numbers and months. 





I got some  bright tissue paper poms from Party City and attached the table numbers to them with fancy ribbon.  Hung them from the ceiling and voila! Not a new concept but I love it!

I revamped my Word Wall and Owl Daily 5 signs as well.   I can't wait to put it all together!    Of course I had to create a freebie print for y'all.  In keeping with my mantra from last year I had to do another Keep Calm for you to frame!

Click HERE to grab your free print.
I also have some name tags for you HERE.