DIY Table Centerpieces

If you're like me, you want your room to be cutesie without the expense... What that usually means is making stuff yourself! What a fun way to explore your creativity! I was thinking about the tables in my room - specifically the four tables that my kids sit at. Generally, I call the tables by a number or by a color (Table 1 or Blue Table). Sometimes I have the kids create a team name. Regardless, I usually have something on their table that distinguishes their table from the next. In our school, that can be represented by a flag, a shape, or simple a strip of paper on the table. This year, I wanted to create something fun and adorable to put on the tables that would be something that no other teacher had.

I toyed with the idea of buying fake flowers and putting them in a vase; however, after I saw how much fake flowers were, I quickly axed that idea. So, as I was walking aimlessly around Hobby Lobby, my best friend pointed out a great idea - use two gift bows back-to-back to create one big, round bow. In that same aisle, I found these cheap, glittery mini buckets. I got some cheap floral foam and small sticks and I was in business! I got enough to make four centerpieces - one for each table - and my total came out to less than $20 for everything... plus I have a ton of extra floral foam and sticks in the event that one breaks. And while we're on that topic, my fiance seems to think that I'm going this work for nothing since my kiddos are going to break them.  I always say, set expectations and enforce them and you wont have a problem. Even if you do have that one crazy kiddo who decides to go after your centerpieces, you have extra sticks (probably the one thing that might break) to fix it! So, here it goes! Hope you like them!

DIY Table Centerpieces

Time: Less than 5 minutes per piece

Materials:
- 2 large gift bows (same color)
- a base for the piece (I used glittery mini buckets)
- floral foam (cut to fit in the base)
- small stick (I got them in the wood aisle at the craft store in a package of 20)
- tape
- scissors
- pencil
- matching colored paper
- hot glue gun
- hot glue sticks

Directions:
1. Trim the stick to the about what height you will want the centerpieces to be.
2. Take the backing off of the bows to reveal the sticky side.
3. Place the stick in the middle. Chances are it wont stick on there, so use some tape to tape it down.
4. Put the backing of the other bow flat over the first backing with the stick. Use some tape to stick them together (I wrapped a piece of tape around each side of the backing).
5. Shove the stick in the floral foam.
6. Hot glue the floral foam in the bottom of the base. (If the weight of your bows is heavier than the base, now is the time to add marbles or something to weigh it down.)
7. Use your colored paper to cover the top of the base so you can hide the floral foam. (I measured the size by tracing the top of the buckets on the paper and cut it out, cut a slit down the middle and slid it on.)
8. Hot glue the paper on the floral foam.

*You can paint the sticks if you want to match, but I'm not going to. If something is going to break on these it's probably going to be the sticks, which are easily replaceable. However, if you are using this as a formal centerpiece for something else, I would paint the stick.

(I have heard from a few people that loved this idea and are going to be using similar ideas for centerpieces at formal events - baby showers, parties, etc.)

Great Resource for Reproductibles

WOW! My first product review... Yay! Let me start off that it takes a lot for me to actually buy something teacher related and not make it. Us teachers don't get paid very much and cut corners on a lot of things to make ends meet; however, I saw this at the store and instantly bought it. I can't wait to use it!

Now, if you're like me, you see these books full of reproductibles and think it's so awesome and only end up using one or two pages from it... And they usually cost 10-20 bucks for a small book.  First of all, if you find a book you do like, search it in Amazon or Ebay... they'll most likely have it cheaper.... Anyways, back to my review. I was doing some grocery shopping at Walmart and just happened to pass by the school supply aisle (I always check for discounted markers, pens, etc.). I saw this book and saw the price and HAD to have it.

 

Now, don't let the title fool you... I know it says 'preschool,' but it meets a TON of the Common Core Standards for Kindergarten. I took a picture of some of the pages so you can see what it includes. This book comes with 320 pages of awesomeness. Honestly, I really only found a few pages that I might not use.  

 

It's got a ton of coloring activities, finding colors in the environment, mixing colors, etc.

 I love what it has for shapes... Finding shapes in the environment, drawing shapes, etc. I think it's great because it in the triangle and rectangle section it has the shapes turned all different ways.

 This book has several pages of getting ready to write activities... Tracing, going left to right, etc. I think these will be awesome for those first couple of days before you start letters.

 Of course, it has plenty of letter activities

 It also has many language activities, including beginning, middle, ending sounds, rhyming, syllables, etc.

 It has measurement, more and less, number activities, counting, patterns, sorting, same and different, and basically every math concept that they'll learn in Kinder for common core (minus addition and subtraction).

It even has science and social studies activities!

I wanted to post so many more pictures, but I'm sure I would be violating some sort of copyright law... even though I'm promoting their product. 

Now, by no means am I saying let these reproductibles take the place of good, hands-on teaching. However, if you are looking for homework activities or time fillers when a lesson ends early, etc... I definitely recommend this. You can use this as independent practice for your existing lessons, as well. 

Oh yeaH, this fabulous resource with over 320 great pages was only $6.00!! Yeah, I was a bit in shock at this price, as well... Considering I saw almost the same thing at Costco for $10 (and it didn't have as much or as many useful ones), I threw it in my cart right away! I found it at Walmart in the school supply section in the small area where they have other teaching resources (BTW I looked through most of them and this is the only one I really felt was worth the $$). 

Hope this review was helpful! If you have any other books you recommend, feel free to post! THANKS!

Never "Shhh!" Again!

I pride myself on my classroom management. I always get compliments on how well-behaved my class is and how under control I have them. First off, I attribute that to setting expectations from day one. And, more important than that, FOLLOWING through on those expectations (imagine that!). I will occasionally share some tips I have to keep your crazy kinder kiddos under control and manageable. After all, why spend most of your time trying to maintain a workable class, when you should be spending your time teaching them!

OK, so for today I wanted to share some of my tips on how to keep your class quiet and how to get their attention. I've never really been a "1-2-3, eyes on me" teacher (something about that saying makes me cringe) and I definitely never use that magic phonogram "Sh!" with my kiddos (haven't you noticed if you say it, the kids think it's ok if they say it, then you have a whole room of kids trying to "sh" their friends and it just turns into a big disaster). Here are some ideas that I've gained over the years. I'll throw in some traditional ones, as well. We all know what works with one class may not work with another, so it's nice to have a lot of ideas under your toolbelt.

- Stop light: Use this to keep your working level at an acceptable range. Keep a stop light posted in your room. When the kids are allowed to talk to their friends, move a clothespin to the green light. When the kids may whisper to their friends, move it to the yellow light. When talking is not OK for the task, move it to the red light.

- Stop sign: Similar to the stop light... When talking is not OK for the task, show the side of the stop sign that says "STOP." When the kids are allowed to talk, flip the stop sign over (on the other side you can have a happy face, or even paint it green with the word "GO" on it).

- Bubbles: When you want to get the kids attention, blow some bubbles. The kids have to be totally quiet or ready for the next activity by the time the last bubble pops. You never know how fast the bubbles will pop so the kids like to move fast. Sometimes the last bubbles lasts FOREVER, but the kids are in such awe watching it float away until it finally pops.

- Light switch: Oldie, but a goodie. Turn off the lights, kids freeze. Now you have their attention!

- Counting Down: Hold up 5 fingers, and count out loud backwards to zero. By the time you get to zero kids are to be quiet or be ready for the next activity.

- STOP: You say: "S-T-O-P" (spelling it out), Kids say: "STOP!" and freeze.

- Freeze: You say, "Freeze!" and freeze in a funny pose. The kids are to copy your pose and freeze quietly.

- **Class, Class: Had to star this one because it's my favorite! It has worked, without fail, for every class. Even parents have commented on how amazed they are that it works! You say, "Class, Class." Kids stop what they're doing, look at you, and say "Yes, Yes." You can mix it up and sing "Class, Class" in a funny way, and the kids mimic the song when they say "Yes, Yes."  You can even change the wording a little bit. For example, if you say "Classity-Class-Class," they say, "Yessity-yes-yes." It works like a charm!

- 1-2-3: You say: "1-2-3, eyes on me." Kids say, "1-2, eyes on you."

- Counting to move: When you say "1," kids stand up. When you say "2," kids push in their chairs. When you say "3," they complete whatever task you give them (line up, put your paper away, etc.).

- Your Majesty: This one is so cute and I think it's hilarious, but so simple! I put on my fake British accent and say, "Childreeeen!" and the kids turn to you and (in their fake British accents) say "Yes, your majesty?" Sometimes they like to say,  "Yes, my queen." It's funny because sometimes they will call me your majesty instead of Miss Jacobson.

- Bell: Oldie but a goodie. Simply ding a bell and the kids go quiet.

- Class clap: Teach your class your class clap. When you perform the class clap, they stop what they are doing and repeat it. Keep their attention (or wait for stragglers) by continuing different clapping patterns and have them repeat.


- If you can hear me: Loud voice: "If you can hear me touch your nose." Softer voice: "If you can hear me touch your ears." Softer voice: "If you can hear me touch your stomach." Whisper: "If you can hear me (state task)." Usually, by the whisper you have their attention.

- Are you listening?: You sing (to the tune of "Are you sleeping?"), "Are you listening? Are you listening?" Kids say, "Yes we are. Yes we are." Then you can tell them what you need them to do (by saying it or continuing the song).

- Still talking? More time-out: I had to use this with one of my classes that just would NOT shut up! I would tell them to come to the carpet and they would talk, talk, talk, talk, talk!! I would tell them that I'm going to keep track of how long it takes them to get quiet. I'm going to add up the time and at the end of the day, that's how much time the class spends with their head down. In the beginning, my class had anywhere from 5-8 minutes of time-out. Within a couple weeks they realize what they need to do and our time-outs died down to 2-3 minutes. A month later and we didn't have any time-outs.

- Fish out of Water!: I have yet to try this in my classroom, but I think I'm going to this year. You say, "Fish out of water!" Then the kids have to take a big gulp of air and hold their breath (after all, fish cannot breathe out of water). When the kids are holding their breath (or pretending to, at least) quickly give directions. When they let out their air, they can complete the task.

- Silent Countdown: Hold up 10 fingers. Slowly take one finger away. The kids will look at you and catch on. By the time you get to zero, your class should be quiet.

I hope you will be able to use some of those with your classroom. If you have any other ideas, feel free to post them in the comments! I would love to learn more strategies.

Here's my kiddos working with caterpillars/cocoons/butterflies a couple years back. They always kept their caterpillars on their tables and also their plant cup, but we never had any issues with a child not working! SET EXPECTATIONS AND FOLLOW THROUGH!

4s Line

I found this idea from this website. I thought it was creative because it gives kiddos something visual to look at when you are going over line procedures. Plus, I like the addition of the 'smiling' rule because it makes walking in line a fun thing (instead of the 'I'm walking in line in the hallway, I'm going through torture' look that most kids have on their face when walking). I plan on hanging this on the inside of the door so we can go over the rules before leaving the classroom. Of course, I made it to match my classroom (pink and green), and I took my time to make it nice. Remember, spend your time to make it nice, laminate it, and never make it again.

There are two ways you can do this: the easy way and the hard way. I discovered the easy way only after I started doing it the hard way and it was taking WAY too long. The thing that will take you the longest is cutting out the 's's. If you don't want to do that, just hand draw them with nice markers. Otherwise, use colored computer paper and use a word processor (i.e.; Microsoft Word) to print your 's' outlines for you to cut out.

4s Line

Materials:
- 1/2 poster board
- Different color construction or computer paper (I used two colors to match my room theme)
- Scissors
- Black marker
- Black colored pencil
- Ruler
- Glue stick

Time: 
- Easy way: 45 min
- Hard way: 60 min

Directions:

Easy Way:
1. Create '4' and 's' outlines on your computer using a word processor software. I used Microsoft Word and used the 'word art' feature to create my outlines.
2. Print your outlines onto your colored computer paper
3. Cut out your 's's and '4' (this is what is going to take you forever).

Hard Way:
1. Create templates for your '4' and your 's's.
2. Trace your '4' and 's's onto your different color construction or computer paper (this step is made much easier if you do it the easy way and use your computer to help you).
3. Cut out your 's's and '4' (this is what is going to take you forever).

4. Lay out your 's's to get your spacing correct.
5. Use your black marker to write your title: "Are you in a 4s(this will be glued on) line?"
6. Glue on all of your 's's and your '4'.
7. Use your ruler to draw your black lines for each letter.
8. Use your black marker to complete the 4 's' words: silent, still, straight, smiling :)
9. Use your black marker and black colored pencil to draw on the shadows on the '4' and the 's's (don't even attempt to use black construction paper to create the shadows. I tried. I failed. Move on and make it easier on yourself. No one is going to care if your shadows aren't perfect.).
10. Draw an outline (optional... just wanted to make it fancy).

Finished Product:

Coloring Rubric

It's not often we have too many kindergarten-friendly rubrics; however, we all know that our kiddos are going to be hounded by rubrics their entire school career... So, why not ease them into the process with a coloring rubric?

I have a history of having kiddos just want to rush through their work. They don't take pride in it because they just want to 'win' and be the first one finished. This rubric gives them something to strive for. No longer is it important to be done first, it is important to do your personal best and take pride in producing quality work. Yeah, I know it's just coloring... but it's a start!

I got the idea from this website. Now, me... being the picky person I am, decided to type it up. After all, if I'm going to make it, I'm going to make it nice looking, I'm going to laminate it, and I'm going to make it ONCE and ONCE ONLY. Might as well make it how you want it so you never have to do it again.

Coloring Rubric

Materials:
- 1 poster board
- black marker
- ruler
- crayons
- title/descriptions (if you want to type them)
- Glue stick

Time:
- 30-45 minutes (depending on how long it takes you to color)

Directions:
1. First off, decide whether you want to handwrite, or type, your title and descriptions.
2. Do it. :o)
3. Glue on title and descriptions to poster board.
4. Use ruler to draw black divider lines.
5. Use black marker to draw sad faces, okay faces, and happy faces.
6. Use black marker to draw pictures.
7. Use crayons to color (be careful not to color too thick and don't leave any 'crayon crumbs' behind - they will smear when laminating).
8. Laminate when done.

Finished product:

Teacher Toolbox

Hi all! This is my first post to this blog, so forgive me... Just getting started! I'm not allowed back into my classroom for a few more weeks, but am already getting started preparing stuff at home. I've been at home now for 3 months and am getting fairly bored when my daughter is sleeping. I've recently gotten addicted to Pinterest and am finding SOOOO many things I want to use in my classroom! I'm going to spend my spare time during my summer break to get stuff ready. So, until I can get into my classroom, you guys can see what I'm making so I'll be prepared!

Each blog will be about something I'm trying in my classroom. If it's an idea I got from Pinterest, I will tell you (I'm not here to steal other people's sunshine!) and try to post a link to their page.  I will also post pictures, links, and documents for you to use in your classroom. Please feel free to ask any questions for clarification!

OK - so for my first blog I wanted to share something to help organize your desk. Yes... your desk! If your desk is anything like mine, it's a disaster. Pens, paper clips, post-its, tape... you name it... it's on my desk. As 'organized' as I like to say it is, it's a mess. I came across this post on Pinterest, and decided to change it to fit my classroom design. Make this teacher toolbox for your classroom, and I guarantee your desk will be in ship-shape! And, best of all, you'll actually be able to find things!

Teacher Toolbox

Materials:
- 2 different color papers or cardstock to match the theme of your room (my room is mainly pink and green, I got colored printer paper from Hobby Lobby)
- embellishments (I used zebra stripes to match my room)
- 14 labels (H1.38" x W2.00")
- 8 labels (H2.12" x W4.25")
- scotch tape
- Storage Cabinet from Lowe's

Time:
- 30 min (unless you want to make your own labels)

Directions:
1. Print out your labels on your colored paper or cardstock (feel free to download the premade labels here)
2. Cut out labels
3. Use scotch tape to tape labels inside drawers

Before: 

After: