End of the Year Gift Idea

I've had some great parent helpers this year, as I do every year. I wanted to get them a gift that I knew they could use this summer. As I shopped around I got a little carried away, but I found some good bargains and was able to come up with this summer beach bag idea. It of course could be varied depending on how much you want to spend and what kinds of deals you can find. 

Here is a list of some of the things that I included: beach ball, sun screen, water bottle, towel, visor, beach bag, tote bag, bathing suit bag. 

This is a fun and practical gift. It not only makes a good gift for parent helpers; it would also make a good thank you gift for a teacher.  

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Alphabet Sound Cards

I created Alphabet Sound Cards to provide my students with practice of letter names and sounds. I like having different ways for students to practice, so I use either the actual cards or the Power Point/video. I have made the video available on YouTube if you are interested in checking it out.

Alphabet Sound Cards - YouTube Link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXSZo4jhXGU&list=UUY5DiWYDOU7armTlBtAHX7g

The actual Alphabet Sound Cards packet is available at my teacher's store. It includes a set of 26 letter cards and an accompanying Power Point with audio. I'm not always able to access YouTube in my classroom, so it is handy to have it as a Power Point as well. Using the Power Point while doing attendance or just getting my morning started gives me a few extra minutes. My students are involved in meaningful learning instead of just waiting for me.  

This is also a good resource for supporting struggling students. Since I teach first grade, I don't usually need these cards for the whole class for more than the first month or two of school and mainly as a review, but it is really handy for students who don't yet have their letters and sounds. I usually move the rest of my class on to my Phonics Sound Cards at that point, while my struggling students continue to get the review they need. 

TpT Store 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Sound-Cards-wPower-Point-1244594

or

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http://www.teachersnotebook.com/product/anavarre/alphabet-sound-cards-with-power-point

Watermelon Math Plates

As I was doing some spring cleaning I found my Watermelon Math Plates.These are plates that I like using as we get closer to summer and the end of the year. I have had these plates for several years and have used them in different ways.

When I taught kindergarten I mainly used them for number recognition and counting. I provided students with number cards. Then they  placed the correct number of black beans on each watermelon plate to correspond with that number.

When I moved to first grade I still used the plates for some number recognition and counting of higher numbers, but it is really too many beans. I normally use the watermelon plates for addition and subtraction practice. I give students equations and they solve the problem using the beans to show their work. They enjoy the novelty of it.

The Watermelon Math Plates are easy to make. I just cut a paper plate in half and paint it with red and green tempra paint. I have about 20 plates. I place them at my math center, with black beans, and the cards that I want students working on. This is a very easy, fun, and inexpensive math center idea. I hope that you enjoy it.

Warning: Your class will probably be asking for a Watermelon Day!

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Mother's Day Gift

I needed a Mother's Day project for my class this year, so I decided on this project. Our class went to the Flower Fields, which was a perfect spot for pictures. The hand prints were done pretty easily. Even assembling the pictures wasn't too bad. The tricky part was finding 30 picture frames at a bargain of a price. Thank God for the 99 Cent Store. The frames may not hold up long, but parents can always change the frame if they choose.

Please feel free to visit my teacher's store to view K-2 teaching resources.

Anna Navarre's TpT Store

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or 

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