Text Formats

I am absolutely sure I have found the reason Oklahoma scores low on Research and information. It has to be an evil plan! JK
Seriously there was not a whole lot out there for text formats but what I did find was fabulous!
I found this amazing anchor chart and had to do my own!

Multiplication Math Facts

It's me again Margaret! I have finally had time to get on here and do something! I have had so much going on but finally I have help! I just love my new partner teacher!

I have had to teach  a new grade in a new building since September, all by myself and try to cover 2 classes. It just didn't work guys. I was in over my head and drowning! I have had almost 7 weeks with a partner now and am starting to realize there is still life out here!!

So, my new teaching partner (TP) is professional, smart, and a big blessing to me! I will not share her so don't try and steal her! LOL

I have a confession. I have not started multiplication drills with my kiddos and am just getting started so we, yes my TP and I, have looked all over Pinterest and TPT for help. I found many wonderful things, but not exactly what I was looking for. So, I quickly created a something I will try and wanted to share it with anyone interested. It is completely editable so feel free to edit away!

Math Fact Log

Day to Day

Bloggers help! I am wanting to know how you teach Common Core Standards day to day. I see everyone's amazing cutesy thematic lessons for holidays, special occasions, and seasons. But, I was wondering what CCSS look like daily. You know like are you still using a phonics program? Is the basal completely gone? 
Being new to Kinder I have so many options but find myself going back to what was familiar. Is there anyone out there who is reading this blog that can help? 
Am I the only one still confused with CCSS? I hope I am being clear, I know TPT has lots of cute things, I have created some myself:). And Pinterest, wow! Lots of cute ideas. I am just wondering about the day to day happenings. I know that your classroom can be completely TPT and Pinterest filled, but how are you teaching the letter sounds not center activities but what does a letter activity look like with CCSS?
I am dying here and driving my hubs crazy! Imagine that!

IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE IN BLOGGER WORLD?? who is listening to me? 

Look What I found!

 

You have got to check out Simply Kinder's Rafflecopter giveaway! I just happened upon it and am so hoping to win!

This is short as I find more I will add them here!

RTI Resource Binder

Hello y'all!Hello everyone I just wanted to show a simple binder that I put together. I have a ton of resources, tracking sheets, etc. So, today I decided to put them nicely in a binder. I use the file box for my RTI toolkit and will pull what I need from my RTI resource binder. It is not cutesy, but I hope it will be functional because using my file cabinet drives me crazy. I can never find what I am looking for. Hmmm. Next project? Maybe clean out the file cabinets. LOL!

I started with a huge 3 ring binder

Not cute now, but I can change that later:)

I used plain manila folders to divide the sections. I thought I could also maybe add sticky notes if needed on these.

I just love sheet protectors! They keep everything so clean and perfect! LOL

So, I have sections for Phonological Awareness, Phonics, HFW, and Fluency. Just thought I would share:) Have a nice night!

kindergarten

Ok, everyone now I am back...from outer-space...you should've changed that stupid lock....you should've made me loose the key,...

I am not sure if updating this blog is best, or if deleting it and starting a new one is the way I should go?!! Help, Please comment and tell me!

Here is what has been going on in my class and life!

I went to my first Cowboy's game!

Here we are at organized chaos time differentiated instruction!

Even with their dots on their face you can tell the are all engaged!

I have to say, I am lovin' Kindergarten!!! And this is a really great group of kiddos! I have 17 amazing students and an awesome classroom with plenty of storage!

moving

 anyone still out there? Ok so I have moved to a new house, which I love,  New School, which I love, and new assignment, Kindergarten!

 scared but exciting! I am having to start everything almost completely over and when am I going to have the time to learn everything with all the packing and unpacking?
And what is the deal with CCSS? I mean is it in or out?
And no more Tulsa model now I'm learning Marzano. I have reading assignment before school starts.
Still I must say I am very happy with all these changes!

Gone too long!!

Hello bloggers!!! I have been MIA for way too long!!! I so miss blogging and keeping p with all of yo! I had so much going on! I have had a second grand-baby born! I have caught the flu twice!!!
I will be posting a few more things later this week. Just wanted to stop by and say hello to everyone!

Compound Words

Hello fellow bloggers! It does not feel like winter in my neck of the woods, and to be honest I am glad! I like the idea of winter, but not the feel of it LOL! My firsties this year have really struggled with compound words, so I created a packet to help them out. I am doing Mid testing this week(fun), and I am double testing Dibles and Lit. First so it takes awhile with 22 healthy and active children.
This is available at my TPT Store check it out!

Compound word packet

Here is a math freebie for you!

Winter Math

and 2 people who comment and leave their email will get it free! :P

Have a great night!

Thanksgiving is over...

Hey everyone! I have been wanting to post these awesome turkeys forever! I am sure many of you do something similar. This year I really made it a family project, and boy did my families get into it! I wanted to share with you some of their creativity! Here they are, enjoy!

We also had a Turkey on My Plate poem to go with these awesome turkeys. We had lots of fun!

Liebster Blog

Hello all! I have been gone for such a long time! I have to say this break was well needed and I used it as a mini- vacation! We went to my Aunt's in Chickasha, then headed to Tulsa for more family visiting. We went to Norman Saturday and watched OU/OSU bedlam! It was great! Then back to Tulsa, and home tonight; where I found I had been nominated for the Liebster! I don't know how to do it for more than one nominations, but I will try. Correct me gently if I did this wrong!
The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to up-and-coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.  It is to show new bloggers that they are appreciated and to help spread the word about new blogs. 

Blogs that nominated me:

Kimberly, from Live, Laugh I love kindergarten  Please check her out!

Colleen, from Fun and Fearless in First stop by and see her!

Corinna, from O"Fish"ally a First Grader please visit her!

Dawn, from Adventures in First with Mrs. Key she is very new check her out!

The rules:

- You must post 11 random things about yourself.

- Answer the questions that the nominator set for you.

- Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.

- Choose 11 blogs you love (with less than 200 followers) and link them in your post.

- No tag back (but please leave me a comment on this post with the URL to your Liebster post so I can learn more about you)!

Random facts about ME:

1. I used to want to work in an office with lots of windows. (What was I thinking?)

2. I am trying to become a foster parent.

3.  I am bossy.

4.  I love the colors pink and green.

5.  My favorite drink is Lipton Green Tea w/honey.

6.  I have a dog, Coco, that I treat like a human baby, and it annoys my husband to no end.

7.  I would love to be a forensic scientist!

8.  I am loving being a cheer coach! How weird is that?!

9.  I have 3 girls 20,18,15 and a grandbaby!

10.  My favorite store every is Kohls!

11.  I am on the National Holocaust Educators List, and I am really interested in all things Jewish.

Questions to me from Kimberly @ Live, Laugh, I LOVE Kindergarten
1.  If you didn't teach the grade you do now, which grade would you want to teach? Pre-K
2.  What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving!
3.  Where would you want live if you didn't live where you currently live? Israel
4.  What is your favorite hobby, besides blogging?;) Crochet
5.  What is your favorite sports team? Patriots
6.  Are you a risk taker? Oh Yeah!
7.  Are you a Black Friday shopper? NO!
8.  Favorite place to visit? San Antonio
9.  Favorite season and why? Spring, I love the weather and all the new life.
10.  What was your first ever job? A waitress
11.  What is your favorite teaching memory? Teaching my 6th graders about the Holocaust and taking a field trip to Tulsa to the museum. 


11 Questions for my nominees:
1.   What is your favorite subject to teach?
2.    Did you always want to teach?
3.    What is your favorite hobby?
4.    What is the best workshop you have ever attended? 
5.     Where would you like to go if you could go anywhere?
6.      Do you like sports, and if so which ones?
7.     Do you shop Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
8.    How many recipes do you actually make that you pin on pinterest?
9.    What is the best motivator that you use in your classroom?
10. What is your favorite game to play with your class?
11.   What is your favorite quote?


Blogs I am Nominating:
1. Fashion Craze Learning Days
2. First Grade Journal
3. A Journey in First!
4. Apple Blossoms
5. First Grade Critter Cafe
6. First Grade Fairy Magic
7. Frogs and First Graders
8. I'm Not your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
9. Owl Inspire You
10. The Wise Owl
11. The Fabulous First Grade

11 Questions from Colleen

1.  What is your favorite subject to teach? Reading

2.  Favorite holiday tradition? Rosh Hashanna

3.  Favorite book to read to your class? I Ain't Gonna Paint No More

4.  Favorite guilty pleasure reality show? Teen Mom

5.  Favorite movie? Pretty Woman

6.  What is your best childhood memory? Every memory when my momma was alive

7.  What is your least favorite household chore? Folding laundry

8.  What are you afraid of? Snakes!

9.  Salty or sweet? Sweet

10.  Where is your ideal vacation spot? I really want to go to Israel!

11.  What sparked your interest in blogging? I wanted to join a community of motivated and dedicated teachers, and thought this would be a great way to share my ideas and learn!

Here are 11 questions from Corrinna

1.  What do you think your main strength is as a teacher? The ability to teach to a variety of levels.

2.  What do you think your weakness is as a teacher? My heart.

3.  How do you balance work and family? Balance? LOL! Work sadly gets the best of me.

4.  If you could have any talent (that you don't have), what would it be? To sing

5.  How long have you been blogging? Just started in August:)

6.  What made you decide to start blogging? I wanted to share my ideas and grow as a teacher:)

7.  How many hours, on average, do you spend each day devoted to your job? at least 85

8.  Do you have a hobby or what do you do to relax? Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Crochet

9.  What is your favorite word work activity? The pom poms that You posted on your blog!

10.How do you use technology in the classroom? I use the smart board mostly, I need more work in this area.

11.How often do you cook during the week? twice

Questions from Dawn:

1. Why did you become a teacher? This is what I was born to do:)
2. If you weren't a teacher, what profession would you have choosen? Once I wanted to work in an office, I sometimes think about forensics

3. How long have you been teaching? 7 years

4. What has been your favorite thing about blogging? Meeting all the awesome teachers!

5. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving

6. If you had more time in a day, what would you do with that time? Create more things for my classroom.

7. If you had any amount of money, what would you buy for your clasroom? I would buy a subscrition to Reading Eggs for my classroom.

9. Where do you like to shop? Kohls

10. What is your favorite travel destination? San Antonio

11. Do you have a favorite shoe to teach in? My black comfy ones!

Ok, folks that was so much fun! Thank you everyone!

 

Sight Word Strategies Linky

Hello everyone! I know I already posted about my new sight words game, but then I came across this awesome linky party. And well, since I am always a day late...I just re-posted. Is this against blogging rules? I am not wanting to be turned in to the blogger police, or have any instructional criticism. LOL!
Did I ever tell you I ramble? Meanwhile back at the linky...

Teacher to the Core

I introduce 5 new words every week. I have index card cut in half and hole punched. Each child gets 5 cards. We write our new words together and place them on a ring. Each child has their own set. Oh, I forgot we number these cards, and during random times carefully planned times, I say get out your word rings and I call out a number. The students race to find that number and the first one that finds the number stands up. I call on the student who must read the word correctly. The kids love this. This is just one of the many things I do with our sight word rings.Here is a glimplse of the sight words "I have. Who has?" game I have at my store.

Ok, that's all folks!

Don't forget to check out Teacher to the Core! Have a great night!

Election Day, Literacy First Freebie

Hi everyone! I was gone at a STAR meeting on Tuesday, so my kiddos had to wait for my return to vote. we had an awesome time! I used the book Duck for President by Doreen Cronin and an awesome packet that I purchased from
 
You have to check her out she is amazing! Here are a few pics of my kiddos and the rest of elementary. Yes, we invited K-6 and they came! We then announced the winner the next day during Rise and Shine. It was so much fun.

Now, don't laugh too hard at my ceilings, or dungeon like classroom. It is very old  historic, and crammed full of common core curriculum, and I am learning how to make the best of it!

Character Traits

Awesome graphs from packet!

2nd Grade

Our booths

Kindergarten Voted

Are you still reading? LOL! I also have been working on sight word cards for Literacy First List A and B. I am at a Dibels school, but Dibels doesn't teach sight words, and I love Lit.First. So, I made the I have___, who has___?cards. Anyone out there teach Literacy first and need List A and B? If so visit my store and get them! And as always, the first 2 to comment and leave their email can have them for free! 

Visit my store

It's Currently Time!

It's Currently time! I am always excited about Currently! I almost have the thing down, almost. As you can see by my currently, I still need some work. LOL
 she is fabulous to always have this fun monthly get together! Check her out! Here is my currently!

I am laying around, and loving it! I can hear the wind chimes blowing, and it reminds me of when I was a little girl staying the night at  my granny's house. What memories! I love the sound. And I don't have those little bitty cute ones, oh no! I have a set my great grandpa made from leftover welding stuff! I will have to post a pic, some of you might get a kick out of them.:)

I really need a real vacation. Not just a day off, ya know? A real one, where I can have fun and cast all my worries away for 1-2 weeks. Is there such a vacation? I would really love to visit Israel...maybe someday.

Last time, I wanted a personal secretary (I noticed Farley wanted one this time;)). I am not loving my dirty messy cluttered house. There are only 3 of us here (my daughter and grandbaby moved, tear...) and we are never here, but somehow the house gets messy. Maybe it's my 12 year old dog, Coco

 does she look guilty to you?

So, again I am really needing/wanting a clean house, but never have the time because I am so busy. My hubby thinks I could give up: stalking blogging, gossiping facebook, shopping pinterest, and you get the picutre. but he jusst doesn't get it! Gotta love him! For songs, right now we are in the God Bless the USA fix. My kids and I sing it like we are in concert. They are so cute!

Enjoy! Don't forget to link up and remember the rule of 3:)

Spelling Centers Freebies! 20 followers!

Last night I was working hard on finding things for my math centers, and well. I just found the cutest things for my spelling centers. Hmm. How did that happen? I think of it as a blessing. I can use more of everything anyways:)
So anyways... I found a Word Worth activity for word work, and I thought hmmm, this really goes with my whole behavior management. We can do this! So I grabbed the free Word Worth document that was posted on
(or you can get it here)and then created a spelling page recording sheet. Now, I am going to be honest- I have not tried this yet, but I think it's gonna work. Then I was like, what else can they do? So, I decided that they could count the number of letters and tally them. Pretty basic compared to the Word Worth, but still this will keep them engaged just a tad longer. So I created a recording sheet for that. I was on a roll! I found an awesome already made Secret Code Spelling! You can get it by visiting Mrs. Gilchrist's Class. (I tried to grab her button, but it wouldn't let me:( )So, then you guessed it, I made my own recording sheet. I did try this today, and it was a huge hit! The kids worked hard and kept telling me, wow! spelling was fun today:) So, I am giving you all 3 recording sheets, to celebrate having 20 followers! Thank you all so much!

Spelling Tallies

 Fonts are by ccteachfirst.blogspot, and owl graphics are by Graphics From the Pond http://frompond.blogspot.com

Indicator 9

I am totally really in to working on my portfolio! I hope it lasts for 19 more indicators! Here is how I am documenting the use of Bloom's. Now, I do so much more than just this one small visual. But how oh how do I document everything? I needed a starting place and well. This was my first venture. I hope someone will chime in and give my nice friendly blog world criticism. I would rather hear from here first!

So this is the cover for indicator 9

And this is what it looks like when you turn the page :)

The pic doesn't show so I added it for you to see:)

This is just one example of how I use Bloom's questioning techniques in my class. This is for the story The Big Circle in our Reading Street. I know we are all using strategies and questions, but man oh man when it come to proving it! Wow. 'Nuff said! 

Good night all!

Portfolio

Hello everyone!
The Oklahoma Teach & Leader Effectiveness evaluation system does make provisions for teachers! Yay! It is not mandatory, just if you need  want to document how you are reaching the indicators, because you have worked so very hard at what you create in the classroom and are proud of it.

Ok, really. I need to get over it. This is just part of my growing. This is a good thing. Look at what it has inspired me to do. OK, I do feel better. This is going to be positive, even though I am up at 11:30 on fall break working on this. At least it will be done!

I went to wally world and got this cute little binder!
Then I created these cute little performance indicators cover pages (just like in college)

Now, I am adding artifacts and justification statements. Not sure if I need to justify. I am doing this online at oktle.org as well. But, you know us teachers-we are trained to document! If you live in Oklahoma, and are paranoid like me interested. You can get them at My TPT store!
Have a great night!
I also, just figured how to add pics from my camera, give me time I am overworked! LOL!

I have been Boo'd, and I am so excited!!!

Boo'd

 A few days ago one of my idols (Kathy) from First Grade a la Carte  posted on her blog about this fun linky party sponsored by Cynthia from the 2nd Grade Pad! So, I was thinking awwe! How fun. I sure hope next year I have enough blog friends to play. It looks so fun! Last night I did not have time to check out anything, so today when I signed on to start creeping on all my fellow bloggers--I was so happily surprised to see that  Mrs. Kim Ziliak from Literacy Sundae with Common Core on Top Boo'd me!
So I was saying I got Boo'd!
hubby: by who honey
me: my friend Kim Ziliak (remember I am in first grade we are friends as soon as we meet)
hubby: baby, I don't remember her. What happened? Why is she mad at you?
me:
Well really I didn't bother explaining, I just said it's a good thing and he just zoned back into the rain delay ballgame. I love my hubby. But he just doesn't get it...
Meanwhile back at the ranch..
  You just have to check out Kim's blog. She is just getting started but, wow she is amazing! Her room is amazing, and the sport's theme is amazing! I want to be in her class! 
I would love for you all to check out Debbie at

She is absolutely wonderful. I have one of her books and it is wonderful! I like the word "wonderful" tonight:)

 It was super hard to find any of my followers that has about the same number of followers as me, because I have been blessed with awesome blog friends that have several followers! So, I chose Evelyn from
and I have no followers with less than me, so I chose my newest follower who has an amazing blog, Heather

Please check out these ladies, they are the sweetest and friendliest ladies. And they are my new friends. 
Good night All! Thanks so much for visiting!
Oh! And Congrats to

 on reaching 100 followers! She is hosting an awesome giveaway celebration!